Book Nook Club: Christian

Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts

March 1, 2013

The Tutor's Daughter

I recieved The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen from Bethany House Pulishers for review through their blogger review program.

This book takes place in a seaside manor in England during the 1800's. The manor is owned by the Weston family. The father has four sons: two elder brothers from a first marriage and two younger ones with the current Mrs. Weston. The story revolves around Emma Smallwood whose father has been hired to be the live-in tutor of the two younger Weston brothers. She has grown up in a boys' academy and is used to pranks, but life in the Westons' manor is getting out of hand. Pranks, secrets, and betrayal all come into play with Emma growing and learning through it all. I am sure this book was marketed as a Christian historical romance, but I found it a very refreshing mystery. I enjoyed the fact that the mystery does not revolve around a murder. Instead the family's secret is the main plot path. Julie Klassen adds plenty of twists and suspense to keep you guessing.

There is, of course, a romance in the book as well. The two elder Weston brothers are well know to Emma from their days at the academy. She admires one and is wary of the other. Throughout the book, Emma must learn to deal with the men they have become and leave behind the boys they were.

One of the morals of this story is to live life to the fullest today and not wait for "someday". Another moral is to be willing to take a risk to achieve your goals. Both of these concepts change Emma's life and it was very fun to see her change into a better person because of them.

I would really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and/or historical fiction.
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December 31, 2012

Mended by Angie Smith

As the familiar saying goes, “Nobody’s perfect.” While this is certainly true, it can be easy to misinterpret this to mean that I am hopeless, a lost cause. If I’m already a failure and nothing I do can help me, what use is there in trying? Of course not one of us walking on the earth today is perfect and we are all, in fact, broken. We struggle with shame, shortcomings, vices, and a pile of other sins that leave us feeling like a shattered vessel. It is this image that Angie Smith uses in her devotional book Mended to represent the life of the believer who comes to Jesus feeling destroyed, useless, and disappointing.

Smith begins her book by describing a bit about her experience of smashing a pitcher and then painstakingly reconstructing it piece by piece. When the glue had dried and its previous form achieved, Smith realized that each of us is like the broken pitcher, imperfect and flawed but re-created in Christ into something new. He doesn’t magically morph us into an earthly version of perfection, but instead meets us when the pieces are scattered and helps us rebuild a life where his grace can be seen through our weakness. The image of the shattered pitcher becomes a metaphor that Smith returns to again and again through the chapters of her book.

Each chapter is derived from Smith’s writings on her blog, Bring the Rain. She revises the entries into a more devotional-friendly style so the reader isn’t left feeling like they are just scrolling through a website. Her writing is detailed and personal, frequently challenging the reader to thinking critically about their heart, their struggles, their fears, and their questions. She doesn’t pull any punches, to be sure.

Smith clearly experiences her Savior and her faith in a very physical way. In the chapter entitled The Scarlet Cord, the author describes how she refocuses on Christ by imagining him right in front of her and in her mind’s eye she reaches out and touches his face, the thorns on his head, the terrible wounds that cover his body that he endured for our sake. Moments like this were very powerful for me to read, but difficult for me to relate to, not because it was written poorly (quite the opposite!), but because I just don’t experience my faith in that way. On the other hand, I love the way that Smith pulls out events from the Bible such as Rahab in Jericho, Lot’s wife, and Peter stepping out of the boat to help the reader identify with the people who appear in God’s Word. Smith also uses several anecdotes from her own journey, from her painful experience of losing her infant daughter to her ability to learn a truth about God from pulling weeds in her lawn.

Angie Smith truly has a gift for writing to women. She connects with them with Jesus in a way that not many can. I underlined a lot of passages and made several notes in the margin to re-read when I’m feeling insufficient, undeserving, and too broken for God to fix. I enjoyed this book very much and I definitely recommend reading it slowly and purposefully, with a journal and a Bible at the ready because Smith provides several opportunities for deeper study and meditation.

As a devotional book that helps encourage a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus, I

would give this book 3 stars. I like it a lot, but I think it was more a stylistic disconnect that keeps me from giving it 4 stars. My learning personality just didn't jive perfectly with the way Smith teaches, but her principles are sound and her personal approach is nothing short of endearing.
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October 7, 2012

Unleash! by Perry Noble

Perry Noble, senior pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina, challenges readers to Unleash! the life that God has in store for them and to put their past to rest.

Within his book, he explains how God's desire is to have us live our best life now by walking in His path and by letting go of a past that enslaves us. He compares all of our challenges with the story of David from the Bible. Now, most of us would dare say we have absolutely nothing in common with the same David that found favor with God. The same David that was anointed as a child, brought down a giant and became one of the most revered kings in history. But Perry specifically outlines how his struggles and ours are not so different.

Just as God chose David to be anointed, God chooses us to be His children. Just as David had to fight Goliath, the giant, so we have to fight metaphorical "giants" in our lives. God is not looking for someone who is perfect… David was far from perfect. David was a poor shepherd boy who no one ever suspected would become king. And then once king, he became an adulterer and a murderer. And yet… God found favor with him.

In his book, Perry offers hilarious and gritty stories about his life and how he's learned these lessons. He speaks about how coming to know the Lord and Jesus has changed him and in doing so he offers hope to everyone who reads his book. Perry does not beat around the bush… he is dead set on Biblical teachings and does not care if he makes people uncomfortable about it. He wants everyone to know that the ONLY truth is Jesus. But he also wants everyone to know that God is not sitting on His throne in Heaven waiting to smite all of the sinners… He wants people to know that God is loving, compassionate and fatherly. "God is not after or begrudging submission. He is after our joy" (pg.9)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who just can't seem to let go of their past. To anyone who thinks that God can't possibly forgive them for what they've done. To anyone who thinks that their problems are too big. To anyone who feels hopeless. Within these pages you'll learn about a Savior who's love knows no limits and who can't wait to call you His own.

I had the privilege of being a member of NewSpring church for the 3 years that I lived in South Carolina and I have never seen a pastor more captivatingly true, real and passionate about his call to ministry and Jesus. He is doing some truly incredible things across the state of South Carolina and reaching throughout the world to impact churches and people in need. You can listen to his sermons by downloading the FREE NewSpring App or by visiting www.NewSpring.cc

And don't forget to pick up a copy of his book. You'll be so glad you did!

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July 4, 2012

Echoes From the Academy by Jeffrey Mann

Sid is sitting in his car with a bottle of vodka between his thighs and a pistol in his hand. As he looks back at the last year of his life, he can't believe how he had gotten there. How had he strayed so far? His life was alright... but now, it was a complete disaster. There's only one way out.

Sid is a good kid. He's sometimes misunderstood and misrepresented but all in all, he's a decent teenaged boy. He comes from a great family... a father that's a provider and loves his family, a mother who loves God and always listens to her children and a sister who is wicked cool and even hooks him up with her pretty friends. Life was good. But his life takes a turn when he gets kicked out of school for allegedly selling drugs... a complete misunderstanding. With few options remaining, he decided he wanted to try military school. He was ready and eager to become a man.

His father reluctantly agreed, under the condition that he would attend for an entire year, no matter what. Even if it got hard, he would have to stay for a full school year. Sid accepted under those turns and was ready to start a new chapter. But when Sid got to military school, it wasn't quite what he expected. And it wasn't the strict discipline that brought him down, but he was actually fearful for his life! The events that took place within those walls were more frightening than his worse nightmares. The only thing that brought him through that tortuous year were two best friends that he made there. But even they could only help so much...

As he finds himself in that car, sorting through the details of the life he once had and the life he now had, he thinks there's only one choice now. As he remembers the pain and abuse from the past year, he thinks there's a sure way to forever forget. What will Sid choose? How will he ever get out of this mess?

Surprisingly, this is a 100% true story... not "based on a true story", but actually true. Some of the events seem so extraordinary or extreme and that's why it's so surprising and exciting to hear that it's all true! The book offers a great deal of hope for any young person coping with depression or struggling with their identity. The writing is easy flowing and fast moving... great for a YA crowd. Beware of some violent content, so lean towards the more mature side of YA.

4 Stars

Now available on Amazon!

I received a complementary copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion.

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May 22, 2012

The Mother Road, by Jennifer Allee

The Mother Road tells the story of Natalie, who has just discovered her husband is leaving her for another woman with whom he's fathered a child. At the same time, Natalie's father is pressuring her to visit her ailing mother, who is battling Alzheimer's.

Natalie escapes the problems in her marriage by dragging her sister Lindsay on a road trip across Route 66 to visit home. Lindsay has her own set of personal issues that cloud the trip as both sisters prepare to encounter a past they've avoided for years.

Plot: I've been interested in taking a Route 66 road trip for some time, so that initially hooked me. The scenery was a good choice by the author as it makes a nice backdrop for the sisterly reunion that is the focus of the book. I enjoyed the interplay of the sisters during their trip, and the plot moved quickly, allowing me to get to know the sisters as well as their back stories. I felt the end of the book was pretty predictable, though the author did throw one curve ball that I wasn't expecting.

Characters: I actually found my favorite character was Lindsay. Of the two sisters, she was the most real, and I also felt her evolution throughout the book was the most visible. I found Natalie to be a frustrating narrator at times when her judgmental nature got the better of her. Sure, she underwent her own changes as she came to terms with her divorce, but I didn't feel this evolution was as well described by the author to warrant her overly righteous attitude through 90 percent of the book.

Overall, the book had a nice message and interesting characters with a bit of depth. 3.5 stars.

** I received a free copy of the book for the purposes of this review, but my opinions are my own.**
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March 28, 2012

Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Dayna is a successful executive with a beautiful home, a loving fiance, and a lot of baggage she believes she's left behind. One day she opens the door to find her ex-husband standing there with a bouquet of roses, wanting to apologize for having cheated on and divorced her years before. He's dying of terminal cancer, and wants her to help him and his wife, the very woman he's cheated with and left her for, establish a foundation to leave a legacy after his death. Can Dayna put aside her anger and allow Brent to find peace in his final days?

This is a novel of forgiveness in the face of ultimate betrayal. Adams bravely constructed a powerful scenario all women can relate to in one way or another. How many of us have been betrayed by a good friend or a love interest at one point and wondered how we could ever truly forgive them?

I enjoyed Adams' writing. She keeps unnecessary description to a minimum while somehow giving the reader a vivid picture of what is happening. The story never lags, there is always something happening. And while I normally care nothing for material trappings, she made me want a designer handbag and better hair and wardrobe with her characters' thoughts on such things. It takes a talented writer to create such desires in a reader.

There are only two negatives I can find in this book. First, Dayna's boyfriend, Warren, struck me as a jerk. I could tell I was supposed to like him, but he just wasn't likeable. Second, there are way too many details about phone calls. I can appreciate that there is realism in this, especially in our age of constant communication, but I found myself gritting my teeth every time Dayna is about to do something but gets a gossipy phone call. Perhaps because I hate it when I'm about to do something and am interrupted by a gossipy phone call. I think Adams was demonstrating Dayna's ties of friendships and the ways in which we are all influenced by and depend upon our friends, but it irritated me anyway.

Overall I enjoyed this book and appreciated its powerful message and the package Adams wrapped it in for us.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

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March 26, 2012

River's Call by Melody Carlson

Last summer I enjoyed reviewing River's Song by Melody Carlson, so I was glad to have the opportunity to review the sequel, River's Call. The The Inn at Shining Waters series began when Anna returned to her family home on the Siuslaw River and got in touch with her Native American roots, began converting the home to an inn, and met and married her husband, Clark. She had to contend with a controlling ex-mother-in-law and a spoiled teenaged daughter while finding herself again after years of mistreatment.

River's Call finds us back at the inn with Anna and Clark, right where River's Song left off. This time Anna's daughter Lauren is pregnant, and Anna wants to help her make good choices. But Lauren is still spoiled, and ex-mother-in-law Eunice is still attempting to rule the family with an iron fist. While River's Song covered only a few months of Anna's life with a bit of backstory, River's Call covers nearly two decades while Lauren's daughter Sarah grows up. Lauren continues to behave like a spoiled teenager, unable to care for her child without a nanny and housekeeper at her beck and call. She turns to alcohol and prescription drugs to battle her depression. Sarah is a smart and mature girl left to her own devices for the most part, spending summers at the inn with her grandmother. As Eunice ages, she begins to question the way she has treated the people around her and craves forgiveness. And Lauren must make the ultimate decision to continue on her destructive path or to answer the call of the river.

I did not find this book as enjoyable as its prequel. The things I enjoyed most about River's Song were almost completely absent in River's Call. As it rushes through the sixties and seventies the reader is left feeling displaced in time, whereas in River's Song one is comfortably settled into the fashion, language, and society of the fifties. Anna is no longer relatable, and her personality is non-existent; she's become a cookie-cutter perfect person, as has Clark. Clarkson seems to have stepped back to allow Lauren take center stage, but most everything the reader learns of her is learned secondhand from the other characters.

Overall this is a bland read, but it was nice to follow up and learn what was next in store for Anna's family. The ending promised more drama in the book to come, but to say more would spoil it.

I was given a copy of this book for he purpose of review.

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March 12, 2012

The Priest and the Peaches, by Larry Peterson

The Priest and the Peaches is the story of the Peach family, immediately following the death of their patriarch. There are five kids, led by Teddy and Joanie, only 18 and 17 respectively. As they bury their father, they contend with what he left behind -- unpaid bills, debt, unsatisfactory living conditions, but also a whole cast of characters ready to pitch in and help.

Plot: I was intrigued by the plot when I picked it up. And I feel like the premise was there. But, in the end, the book was just too simplistic for me. It only spans two weeks, and while a lot happens in that time, you know that there's so much more to the story. These five kids are only at the beginning of an entirely new life and I felt it was a bit of a disservice to only focus on the immediate aftermath.

The book also has a strong Christian message, which I'm not opposed to, but I often find that Christian literature often takes the opportunity to hit you over the head with its intended message. I like a story with a message, but I don't like it when communicating the message means that everything is wrapped up perfectly with a bow on top. Throughout the book, there were "miracles" - the kids magically found money to pay bills when they were down to their last dime and there were people who magically appeared to save the day. Don't get me wrong, I believe miracles happen, but when you added everything up, it felt trite. In the real world, their struggle would have been just that -- a struggle -- even with God and good people on their side. Thus, there had to be a way to get the message across while also communicating the reality of the situation.

Characters: I think the characters were great, but again, I would have liked to see them further developed. Also, the younger Peach had nicknames and that really annoyed me.

Overall, I felt it had potential, but just didn't live up to what I'd hoped. 2 stars.

I received an electronic copy of this book for the purpose of my review. My thoughts are my own, though!

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March 9, 2012

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

It's 1887 and Lucy's just been let go from her job and gotten news that she is being evicted from the home she's known for ten years. And she's being followed by a strange man she's never seen.

All she's ever wanted to do was take care of her 3-year sister Eileen and 12-year old brother Jeb, especially since their father died a few months ago. But now it looks like she's running out of options until Henry knocks on her door and says that he's a friend of her father's and feels like he was sent by God to find her to be a wife to his son. In any other circumstances Lucy would have sent him away without a second though but with the danger and no way to take care of her siblings, she takes his offer and moves to Texas where she meets her new husband, Nate, who is very surprised and annoyed to hear that his father married him off without his consent.

What follows is the story of Lucy and Nate learning how to adjust to their new "family," how to trust one another, and how to protect their little family in the face of both physical and moral danger. I read this book in one night and I really enjoyed it. I loved all of the main characters and especially the connection and relationship between Lucy and Nate as they learned that marriage isn't about changing to earn someone's love but rather about learning to love someone for who they are.

I've never read a book by Colleen Coble but after this heartfelt and well written one, I will definitely be picking up another one. My only complaint about the book has nothing to do with the content, but that the copy I got had a number of pages that were bound out of order, which was really annoying since it was at an important point in the book and kept breaking my concentration as I tried to find the correct page. Other than that, great read and highly recommended. 4.5 stars.

Want a copy of Blue Moon Promise for yourself? Buy it here. How about a new Kindle Fire? See below for details on how to win great prizes as part of a Blue Moon Promise chat party.

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble is the first book in her new series, Under Texas Stars! To CELEBRATE, Colleen is hosting a fabulous "Blue Moon Promise" Author Chat Party and giving away a Kindle Fire and a fun Texas sized gift basket! Click for details and don’t miss the fun. Prizes, chat with Colleen, sneak peek at the next book in the series, and so much more! Don't miss a moment of the fun. Come chat w/ @colleencoble at a Blue Moon Promise FB Party – u could win a Kindle Fire and more! RSVP here!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. This is it.
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February 27, 2012

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Sweeter Than Birdsong takes place in a small Ohio town in 1855. Slavery was still widely acceptable, the Civil War had not yet broken out and abolition efforts were kept very quiet.

Kate Winter, although one of the only young ladies allowed into Otterbein College, has a major stumbling block. She can not speak in public. Her shyness is so extreem that it hinders her social appearance as well as her collegiate studies. But even still, her beauty, soft demeanor and kindness has brought forth two suitors, Frederick Jones and Ben Hanby.

Frederick Jones seems the likely choice. He's well established with plans on becoming a lawyer. His family is prominent within the town and he is extremely charming.

On the other hand, Ben Hanby is kind, convicted and passion for music. His plans are less for prosperity, as he intends to become a minister, just like his father. He is convicted in the cause for freedom for slaves and he uses his love for music to help change the hearts of many.

When Ben and his mother, working for the underground railroad, go on a mission to free a few Kentucky slaves, Kate somehow gets involved as well. And her heart is moved... for the abolition movement and for Ben. But with Kate's overbearing mother, a true courtship with Ben seems impossible.

Will Ben and Kate ever find favor together? Will Kate find her true voice and overcome her gripping fears? Will all of their efforts be in vain?

This book is amazing... The kind of book you can't wait to get back to. It is beautifully written and the content is deep, thrilling and moving. You go on a roller coaster ride along with the characters... adventure, dispair, hopelessness, exhaustion, fear, love, forgiveness. It is a beautiful story. I felt tense coming up to the end, thinking there was NO way it would be able to tie up... there weren't enough pages left! But Elliott did a brilliant job of pulling it all together nicely. There was only one loose end that I was left curious about... but really, it makes no difference. I can not express to you how much I loved this book. Definitely the best book I've read so far in 2012!

And it's partially true! In this historical fiction, it seems there is more history than fiction!

5 Stars!!!

I received a complementary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion. This is it.

But wait... There's MORE!

Win an iPod Nano and Downtown Abbey from Rosslyn Elliott! Enter 2/9-2/28!

In this second in the award-winning Saddler's Legacy series, Rosslyn Elliott has written a stirring novel of hope and faith inspired by real historical people and events. With Ben Hanby, a genius composer, Kate Winter, one of the first female college graduates in America, and John Parker, an ex-slave who risked his life time and again to help fugitive slaves, Sweeter than Birdsong is full of real heroes to inspire us. "I hope readers will find a renewed sense of strength in their own lives," says Elliott, "knowing that change is possible, and our efforts matter. I want them to remember these unique, brave people in history who left us a shining example of what it means to live out one's beliefs with passion and commitment."

So to celebrate the music in all of us, Rosslyn and Thomas Nelson are hosting this "sweet giveaway".

One fortunate winner will receive:

A Brand new iPod Nano (Winner's choice of color!)
Fairer than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott
Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on February 28th. Winner will be announced at Sweeter than Birdsong Author Chat Facebook Party on 2/28. Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, sharing a sneak peek of the next book in the series, hosting a trivia contest, and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, season 1 of DowntownAbbey, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Rosslyn.)

So grab your copy of Sweeter than Birdsong and join Rosslyn and friends on the evening of the 28th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!

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February 15, 2012

Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks

Bo Peace is a freed black living in 1830 Virginia. He is an educated and Godly man who uses his standing and means to purchase slaves in order to free them. God leads him to choose Ruth, a breeding slave with a strong will who would face more unbearable abuse by her master if not for Bo. Bo walks her through the transition into freedom and in the process realizes he has moved past his wife’s death and is now falling in love with Ruth. He not only teaches her how to speak properly, read, and let go of her dark past but also how to love and be loved. Things would have progressed smoothly if not for nearby slave catchers who begin to terrorize the town. At this time a slave preacher named Nat Turner was traveling around the area riling up anyone he could to a revolution that would require killing and dying for the cause of freeing slaves. Bo has a hard time seeing this is as God’s way and is ostracized by some of his own friends for his stand. What will become of Bo, Ruth, their community, and way of life if and when the dust settles?

The book is beautifully written, giving deep insight into the characters and the world around them. It’s not an action packed book, but has enough emotion and history to fully satisfy the reader. It’s a hopeful book, without dismissing the truth and misery. I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, and stories about hope, growth, and love.

On a side note, I understand this is an ARC and not the final edition but the book needs some major editing! The further I got into the book the worse the errors got. Some almost got in the way of the story: the way certain characters spoke changed from one sentence to the next; missing words/misspelled words; a character’s name had 3 different spellings within one page. Those were just the main things that made me pause during my reading. Otherwise a fantastic book.

4 stars

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February 2, 2012

The Other Side of Suffering- by John Ramsey

Almost every person knows the story of JonBenét Ramsey’s murder on Christmas day of 1996. The tragic, brutal murder of such a beautiful, vivacious six-year-old girl captivated the entire nation and for years the suspicion would lay on her parents, Patricia and John Ramsey. After the media painted the portrait of these two parents, it was hard to see the truth, and the facts became muddled as the case went cold. In “The Other Side of Suffering” John Ramsey tells his side of the story for the first time, allowing readers to glimpse into his own personal Hell, full of grief, tears, and anger.

As John Ramsey courageously recounts the events that led up to this disaster, the reader is compelled by his details. While the beginning of the novel focuses on the loss of his young child, the majority of the book discusses John Ramsey’s faith in God. As a Christian, he wavers in faith after JonBenét’s death, a natural reaction as blame shifts from killer to self to God. A fellow sufferer, John Ramsey takes the reader on his journey to accepting his life after the murder of his daughter. Packed with emotion, unanswered questions, and a strong connection to God, this novel transcends every expectation in a delightful way.

Each individual in the world has experienced some sort of loss, whether it be a breakup, the death of a loved pet, or the death of a family member. The reader connects to John’s grief, not being able to understand how this man and his family overcame the evil and destruction that lay before them at the end of 1996. John claims, “tragedy doesn’t have to damage our souls” and I believe he proves this statement over and over again through his memoir. Inspiring all Christians to pray and proving the power of God, John Ramsey creates a book that all human beings can relate to. In the midst of suffering, everyone must find his or her way over the hill. Inspiring others to hang on to life and seek aid from friends, Ramsey creates a hopeful narrative on how to overcome life’s injustices, disappointments, and obstacles. Armed with his faith in God, Ramsey motivates all readers to believe that the best is yet to come.

5 stars

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will not be released until March 2012.

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February 1, 2012

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team is the first in a new series by husband and wife team Stephanie and Derrick Moore about a boy named Alec London struggling to balance school, friends, sports, self, and faith. Stephanie has authored many such series for children and teens, and her husband Derrick is a former NFL football player who serves as chaplain for Georgia Tech's football program.

Alec is a fourth grade boy who lives in a troubled but loving family. His mother is torn between family and pursuing her dream, his father struggles with employment and playing Mr. Mom while his wife is away, his big brother bullies him, and his grandmother sometimes says things she shouldn't. When his father gets a new job as principal at Alec's school, Alec is mortified and doesn't know how he will survive the school year. On top of that his peers can't seem to get over his past bullying, which makes staying out of trouble more difficult than ever. Amidst all his problems, he tends to isolate himself at the expense of his friends, who only want to help. Alec must learn to be a team player, but how can he with everything working against him?

The main thing that sets this series apart (and another series for girls I will be reviewing in a few weeks), is that in addition to the story, the books introduce vocabulary words in context, and offer fun activities at the end of each chapter to practice them. There are also other educational helps throughout the book. For example, Alec helps his brother study math, and his explanations and tips will likely help young readers understand their math as well. It 's also illustrated that good study habits are important and will always be rewarded one way or another.

What I appreciate most about this book is the multi-faceted characterization of adults. Most children's books seem to paint adults as two dimensional Stepford figures, or even eliminate them altogether. The Moores' adults have problems and dreams and personalities, and do the best they can with what they've got to work with.

Even though this book was geared toward young boys, I found it enjoyable. I want to know what will happen next, if Alec's mother will be able to follow her dream and what that will mean to her family, and how Alec's personal growth will effect him and those around him.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.
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March 1, 2013

The Tutor's Daughter

December 31, 2012

Mended by Angie Smith

October 7, 2012

Unleash! by Perry Noble

July 4, 2012

Echoes From the Academy by Jeffrey Mann

May 22, 2012

The Mother Road, by Jennifer Allee

March 28, 2012

Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams

March 26, 2012

River's Call by Melody Carlson

March 12, 2012

The Priest and the Peaches, by Larry Peterson

March 9, 2012

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

February 27, 2012

Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

February 15, 2012

Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks

February 2, 2012

The Other Side of Suffering- by John Ramsey

February 1, 2012

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

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