~ Bibliophile's Retreat ~ » Review

Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin – My Review

Melissa — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:03:58 +0000

Center Street (April 3, 2012)
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, though I’ve heard good things about him for quite awhile. His writing style is different than my usual reading choices and although I quickly became attached to the characters and found myself engrossed in the story, I also found that by about 60 pages from the end I was not pleased with the direction the story seemed to be headed. This doesn’t necessarily mean it didn’t end the way I’d like it too or the way other readers would but that is something you’ll have to decide if you want to find out for yourselves by reading the book.

Regardless of what I found that I didn’t enjoy there was a good message to this book as well as many other things to recommend it as worthy of reading. Martin is an accomplished writer who brings to life the landscape and life of ranching and law enforcement in Texas. Though many might think of it as a dry barren area Martin quickly corrects this misunderstanding of a unique and beautiful ecosystem of our country. He also presents some very valuable lessons about our own personalities and self-protection mechanisms as they effect our relationships and influence future paths of our lives through the medium of fiction in a very effective fashion. The message doesn’t subtract from the story yet is relatable and practical for the average person. I feel the positive definitely outweigh the negative of the direction the story took that I didn’t care for towards the end. (ISBN#9781455503988, 368pp, $21.99)

Codicil:
Visit Charles’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. Thanks to Center Street for a review copy.

Mornings with Jesus 2012 compiled by Guideposts – My Review

Melissa — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:57:25 +0000

[Guideposts (October 1, 2011) Though I've only had time to scratch the surface of what this collection has to offer I knew when I saw Tricia Goyer, Sharon Hinck, and Camy Tang's name among the authors Guidepost had chosen for this devotional compilation I'd be in for a treat. Three of my favorite novelists under one cover who wouldn't be happy as a clam. Ok so one page devotions are a far cry from 3 and 400 page books but their writing is superb and has spoken to me more often than not. I knew the wisdom they brought to the pages of this devotional offering would be no different and my confidence in the enlightenment and encouragement God would speak with their words and His so far was beyond justified.

Guideposts as always brought together an exceptional group of writers in this case 7 women, 3 of whom I already mentioned the remainder are Gwen Ford Faulkenberry, Judy Baer, Keri Wyatt Kent, and Erin Keeley Marshall.

Here are a few excerpts I found particularly inspiring:

pg8 Psalm 19:21 Camy Tang-Relinquish control and be flexible.

pg56 Colossians 2:7 Erin Keeley Marshall-Look at all the dreams God has answered. Refocus my roots. I will never truly feel at home until I am with Jesus.

pg232 Hebrews 1:3 Sharon Hinck-God's glory is all around, I need the radiance of Jesus to illuminate it for me.

pg283 John 15:1-3 Keri Wyatt Kent-My job is to cling always to Jesus and trust.

pg302 Job 13:15 Gwen Ford Faulkenberry-Whatever God gives, receive as a blessing. Believe He knows best and is in control.

pg157 Psalm 27:14 Tricia Goyer-I can't expect things to always turn out the way I desire. Though I know when I turn to Jesus He will be there to see me through.

(ISBN#9780824945***, 384pp, $16.96)

Codicil:
[Note-The only hardcopy ISBN I could find is for a hardcover edition which ends in "046", the edition on Guideposts' site that is linked and pictured here which I received for review is paperback hence I replaced the final 3 digits of the ISBN above with stars as all the available editions I've seen have the same initial 10 digits.] Drop by Blog Tour Central at the Litfuse site for more reviews and Giveaways. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. See Guidepost’s Customer Review page for this book. Check out my Giveaway and be sure to enter. Thanks to Litfuse and Guideposts for a review copy.

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher – My Review

Melissa — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:56:52 +0000

Revell (January 2, 2012)
In a genre that some might consider boring or flooded by the same stories redone, Suzanne always manages to bring something new to table. In her fifth Amish fiction offering, an itinerant Beekeeper and a young Amishwoman with a twice broken engagement certainly lend that unusual twist to a society of otherwise relatively sedentary and certain people. Though the author returns us to Lancaster County, the characters many remember from her previous series are not central to this book. It appears Stoney Ridge Seasons will be its own new series separate from Lancaster County Secrets. They do share commonalities however besides the locality. Fisher’s unique writing style, characters that entrance the reader early in the book, and a plot that draws you in and keeps you turning pages till the end. I’m already waiting for The Haven which won’t release till much later this year and The Lesson which isn’t coming out till 2013 sometime. (ISBN#9780800719876, 320pp, $14.99)

Codicil:
Visit Suzanne’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. See what other Litfuse Bloggers are saying. Thanks to Revell and Litfuse for a review copy.

Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh – My Review

Melissa — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:09:01 +0000

Revell (September 1, 2011)
We all have regrets from our past but what we do with them determines our paths going forward. Rick finds this out the hard way in Walsh’s holiday offering. However the holidays also find Rick accepting the past for what is and seeing the present more clearly so that he can move forward into a future of healing and reconciliation as well. You’ll have to read the book to find out how he finds his way back. Along the way you’ll meet Walsh’s engaging characters and find yourself drawn into a story you’ll be reticent to lay down before reaching the last page. Once you find yourself at that last page you’ll be protesting that this story ends much too soon. I’m hoping there will soon be a chance to revisit Seabreeze via Walsh’s books. (ISBN#9780800719791, 272pp, $15.99)

Codicil:
Visit Dan’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. Thanks to Revell for a review copy.

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson – My Review

Melissa — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:55:37 +0000

Revell (September 1, 2011)
A heartwarming must read holiday story. Many might say it’s a bit sappy but it’s Christmas time and Melody gives us sappy with quirks just in time for the holidays. We all need a little bit of sappiness for the holidays after all when else will we get it especially in this day and age. Matilda’s unique Shoppe turns Parrish Springs upside “right” even though it has the neighboring shop keepers up at arms over holiday profits down the drain. By the time she disappears as mysteriously as she appeared without fanfare the air of the historic shopfront she borrowed for a few weeks for His purposes has changed dramatically simply through her reflection of His character subsequently reflected in the lives she’s touched. Carlson weaves a magical tale of love, redemption, faith, and the change wrought by even a minor investment in lives surrounding us. The perfect match for your holiday reading or gift list. (ISBN#9780800719265, 168pp, $15.99)

Codicil:
Visit Melody’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. Thanks to Revell for a review copy.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander – My Review

Melissa — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:18:04 +0000

Bethany House (November 1, 2011)
Whether you’ve got a soft spot in your heart for all things French, an artistic streak, a romantic bent, or simply enjoy escaping to previous eras or the lure of adventure nearly any reader will find something to draw them in Alexander’s recent series opener introducing the Belmont Mansion. Though set just after the close of the Civil War we find two very strong independent female figures at the helm of this plot. Claire and Mrs. Acklen both take the reins of their lives with little hesitation over the propriety of doing and saying what they see fit regardless of the standards others might place upon them provided it doesn’t offend their own moral sensibilities. However sometimes we are trapped into betraying even our own sense of morality for the sake of someone we love if we see no other options. Even though I haven’t betrayed my convictions I have often been in circumstances out of my control to the point that I felt trapped by them. I think those particular experiences in my own life made Claire’s situation that much easier for me to relate to and her feeling of being trapped something I could identify with. Alexander’s plot keeps moving at a rapid clip while the pages are rife with artful renderings of personae, locales, and era that whisked me off to another reality. With the art forgery ring the author masterfully weaves a thread of suspense throughout this plot which kept me wanting to know more and despite my early suspicions she still threw in a very unexpected but effective twist to this particular piece of the story near the end. Though it will be over a year in coming I look forward to the next Belmont novel from Alexander’s pen. (ISBN#9780764206221, 432pp, $14.99)

Codicil:
Visit Tamera’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. See what other LitFuse Reviewers are saying. Thanks to Bethany House and LitFuse Public Relations for a review copy.

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist – My Review

Melissa — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:00:23 +0000

Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Although I haven’t read much Deeanne Gist before this book, I’ve heard lots about her and wanted to read her books. Now that I finally managed to get to one I was definitely not disappointed!

Luke shows up in Brenham to be the new troubleman for the local telephone company, collect phone bills, keep the books, and sell a few phones or so the town and Georgie think. Georgie is the bird loving switchboard girl with a feisty independent streak who has been doing most of the running of Brenham’s telephone operation short of climbing poles, running wire and repairing phones on her own while there wasn’t any troubleman around to do the man’s work. What Georgie and the rest of the area doesn’t know is that Luke is really a Texas Ranger sent to find Frank Comer and his gang rumored to be holed up somewhere nearby before they mastermind another robbery. What Luke doesn’t count on is Georgie getting caught up in Comer’s gang’s machinations to get to him. Neither of them even considers the possibility that feelings could get tied up in the mess too since Rangering keeps Luke from settling down with a family and Georgie thinks she is too independent for marriage.

Gist brings romance, comedy, adventure, and action together with well rounded characters in this novel. The plot is constantly buzzing along keeping readers turning pages. My one regret was that there weren’t a few more chapters to Luke and Georgie’s story especially with the cliff hanger ending Gist left this book on. Perhaps she was setting us up for a sequel? Readers who fell in love with these characters can at least hope so. (ISBN#9780764204098, 368pp, $14.99)

Codicil:
Visit Deeanne’s website. See what other LitFuse bloggers have to say.Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Thanks to Bethany House and LitFuse Public Relations for a review copy.

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes – My Review

Melissa — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:00:15 +0000

Revell (October 1, 2011)
No one is who they say or who they seem. Even Lady Gale doesn’t know what her late husband was really doing or who the man his dying request for her to rescue is beyond the name she was given. As she gets deeper into the midst of the ongoing French and British conflict not knowing what side she has taken or what side anyone else is on so the plots around her deepen as well. Her position in society makes her a pawn valuable to both sides in their seeking information.

The time period and setting of Eakes novel inclined me to want to read it as well as the description of the story premise. Though this was my first book by Eakes it has enticed me to read more of her work. She deftly includes thorough descriptions without, bogging down the pace and intertwines a healthy dose of suspense with the romance and history to keep readers turning pages. Both Christophe and Lydia are characters I look forward to revisiting in the next Bainbridge Novel even if only as secondary characters. (ISBN#9780800734664, 352pp, $14.99)

Codicil:
Visit Laurie’s website. Click the cover for more info and to purchase a copy. Read an excerpt. Thanks to Revell for a review copy.

Women of Faith Over the Top Sacramento – My Thoughts

Melissa — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:41:05 +0000

Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze program hooked me up with tickets for the conference this year in return for blogging about my experience. As a book blogger this wasn’t too difficult a stretch for me. If you didn’t read my pre-conference post take a quick hop over there too.

This particular venue featured Andy Andrews, Patsy Clairmont, Lisa Whelchel (whom some of you will remember as Blair from the TV show Facts of Life), Marilyn Meberg, Mandisa, the WOF Worship Team, Sandi Patty, special music from Selah, and dramas written by Nicole Johnson performed by Katharine Everett.

As per my few past experiences in another venue the content and experience was amazing though draining. One plus of this venue over my past experiences was a much tighter adherence to schedule. They even wrapped up Saturday’s sessions a little early compared to running a half hour or so behind schedule at the venue I’d attended in the past.

The seats weren’t the greatest location since the camera stand happened to be right in front of me but I ended up making some new friends who had some spare room across the way and sat with them most of the time which eliminated that little issue quite handily. That also fixed the problem of being right beneath an AC vent as well and freezing despite a sweater on in my assigned seat.

As for the conference itself there were so many wonderful speakers and thoughts it’s hard to share just a few highlights but I’ll try and put at least a little bit in for those that can’t or didn’t attend a WOF conference this season.

Patsy reminded us that not only is it necessary to say “No” sometimes even to good things but that we sometimes let other people’s expectations take over our lives instead of taking care of ourselves. That “No” is taking care of yourself even if others might interpret it otherwise.

Patsy also helped us remember that change can be a good thing which has always been hard for me to swallow. I tend to dig in my heels and scream “NO” where change is concerned. Fighting tooth and nail instead of going ahead even when the change is inevitable. You’d think after a few times around the same scenario with various situations I’d learn to just deal with it rather than fight when I know what’s coming and it’s out of my control. Besides shouldn’t I also know by now that God knows what He’s doing??? Probably!!!!

Lisa talked about healthy friendships and reminded us to be authentic (who we are) with others and look for safe friends (people that are trustworthy) to let into our lives.

Sandi shared that not only is God enough for us but we are enough for Him.

Marilyn talked about our search for “more….” and experimenting to find that more we all crave. An adrenalin rush for some, intellectual stimulation for others, but in the end all those “more”s are temporary. God is the only “more” that will fully satisfy those cravings we have without leaving a residual emptiness in the end.

I’m looking forward to the next opportunity I have to attend a WOF event whether that be next year or sometime later down the road. They are always a good experience even if I come home ready to collapse from exhaustion afterward.

The “What’s For Dinner?” Solution by Kathi Lipp – Guest Review

Melissa — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:03:37 +0000

This review is from my mom Louise. She loves cooking and does most of it at my folks’ place so when I saw a “cookbook” come up for tour I showed her the info on it and she said she’d love to take a look. The rest as they say is history. Without further ado I’ll let her tell you about the book from a cook’s perspective.

Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2011)
This book is a tremendous find! Not only does it have tons of yummy sounding recipes, but it also lays out a solution to the dilemma of being ready to fix dinner every night. I love to cook, and love to create. However Kathi’s book takes me one step further with her preparation, organizing, shopping and cooking plans.

Wait until you read about Kathi’s “Magic List”, it’s one of the best grocery list ideas I’ve ever heard. You’ll love it, too.

Have you ever thought of clearing your counter by only having things on the counter that have “earned the right to be there”? Kathi clearly outlines a plan to decide what has earned the right to be on the counter and what hasn’t – even if some items “keep trying to sneak their way in.”

Diligently committing to grocery shopping only once a week and getting everything you need seems a daunting idea. But with Kathi’s help it can become manageable. That in and of itself, is going to give me more time every week to do things I’d rather do than grocery shop.

Then it’s time to “Get Cooking” with freezer meals, the slow cooker, Leftover on Purpose (LOOP) meals, plus more. This section is packed with recipes that I’m sure will become favorites at our house.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the two or three page list of ideas for making dinnertime special, enjoyable and important as a place for conversation and connection.

While I don’t ever dread dinner preparation, I do wish for more variety and having the ingredients I need to implement that variety. This book goes way beyond that and whatever my expectations were, they are met and more with Kathi’s book.(ISBN#9780736938372, 208pp, $12.99)

Codicil:
Click the bookcover for more info or to purchase a copy. Look for other FIRST Wildcard member posts and opinions also. Don’t forget to visit Kathi’s website. Read an excerpt. Thanks to Harvest House for a review copy.