Tag Archive for Revell Books

Summer of Promise Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on February 4, 2012
in Books, Review

The next book up is Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot and thankfully not a predictable romance! It is romance with a little intrigue thrown in. I really enjoy Amanda Cabot’s books.

Summer of Promise is set during the summer of 1885, and Abigail Harding travels from her home in Vermont to the high plains of Wyoming to visit her sister.

I liked that this novel, while based at a Fort, focused on life inside not outside on a battle field. I have never really thought much about the kind of life soldiers lead while living at a fort. This story reveals the stark contrast between the service men on the battle field and those living at the fort.

It has it’s humorousre parts. On the spiritual side, the lesson that stood out to me throughout the story was the fact that knowing God’s will and following are two very different things. Patience is needed to wait for God’s leading, so this book was a very good reminder, especially as it relates to my businesses and other things going on in our life right now.

Sisterly love and devotion is another theme that was presented. I am looking forward to the second book in the series! Two thumbs up from me!



“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Chasing Mona Lisa: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on January 15, 2012
in Books

Just finished Chasing Mona Lisa over Christmas weekend.  Yes, our Christmas was that low key!  I started reading it the week before Christmas during my nursing sessions with my 16 month old and was able to get it done. I have obviously heard of the Mona Lisa, but I had not heard of its theft as mentioned in the book. It is quite the interesting tale.

This book is set in WWII. The year 1944. A member of the French resistance and two Swiss agents are tangled in a web of honor and deceit as they try to protect the Mona Lisa from Nazis and keep her in France.

The story line held me in suspense, as I kept waiting and waiting for the plot to get to chasing the Mona Lisa. I had to wait until chapter nine to find out that the hunt was about to begin! While waiting the plot was just thickening in preparation for the chase!

There seemed to be more characters than usual, for a paperback book like this one, so my mind worked hard to place everyone in their appropriate scenes and relationships. This actually created a bit more intrigue as I tried to figure out who was where, doing what, with whom…you know what I mean?

Chasing Mona Lisa is very mild in terms of the events occurring through out the story, especially considering all the heinous crimes committed during that time. Nevertheless, the authors conveyed these things through the hatred displayed by certain characters. The blood they shed and crimes committed by both sides because murder was committed by so called good people but usually in self-defense.

While Romance was hinted at throughout this book, this was not a gushy romance novel, it was a historical fiction filled with adventure. It was filled with secrets, bravery, espionage, loyalty and a love of art. A great change of pace! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters. The way it ended left me thinking there wouldn’t be another book, yet the story line left me wondering about a couple of characters that I truly hope there is another book in the works!

I admired the loyalty, courage and commitment to the cause, which was liberating Paris and restoring the country’s extensive art collection. I was held in suspense with the twist on the art smuggling and sales. Chasing the Mona Lisa created a desire to learn more about the Mona Lisa and Paris. I also want to write the first book of this sequel, The Swiss Courier as it is based upon one of the characters in this book! Might have to spend some of my Christmas money on a copy! (Scratch that, my daughter bought it for me!)

This was a great read and I highly recommend it! A word of warning though, if you are looking for a book with a spiritual theme, you will not find it in Chasing the Mona Lisa. If you are looking for a clean plot about history, fiction and adventure, then this is your book.

“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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The Keeper: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on January 14, 2012
in Books

As you may have noticed, life is busy here in our home and reading is something that I do just to relax and zone out. It helps me take a break from all the things pressing for my attention and allows me to escape only to have a better focus on what needs to be done.  I certainly have more time to read during the colder months of the year than I do during the warmer months, as is evidenced by an almost weekly supply of book reviews lately! ;-)

This next book review is by an author I have come to love. I get excited when I see Suzanne Woods Fisher’s name on an upcoming blog tour list! It is a contemporary romance but what I like about Suzanne’s books is the relationships and life lessons God is teaching her characters. There is always something for everyone in her books. Whether you are grieving, holding on to something that it has become an idol or plain need to slow down and take it easy The Keeper will teach you something.

I loved the Lapp’s family dynamics. Their love and care for one another is as it should be within a family unit. I loved how the character Fern seemed to know just how to bring out the best in each of the family members. I loved the sweetness and innocence of Menno, may we all have child-like faith and love like his.

I grappled with the heart transplant issue as I have never really come to a decision on what I believe about it. And I truly wonder what the Amish think about it all. I know all the finer points and the benefits of organ donors and transplants, but there is a fine line there in harvesting them and truly knowing the heart of God in a matter like this one. This is a whole can of worms, I know, but I am just being honest here.

Suzanne had me laughing and thoroughly amused through most of the book. Then towards the end I was crying. My oldest said, “You always cry in her books.” I snapped, “You would too if…….” Sorry I didn’t want to reveal a spoiler! You’ll just have to read the book yourself.

Two thumbs up from me!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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That’s My Girl: A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on January 7, 2012
in Books, Family Stuff, Parenting, Review

That’s My Girl is a book written parenting expert Rick Johnson, founder of “Better Dads”. This book maps out how dads can develop a healthy, closer relationship with their daughters, and gives moms insight into the important role a father plays in the life of their girls, including her relationship to her father.

The father-daughter relationship is very important in a girls life. According to Mr. Johnson, this is the one relationship that determines how she feels about herself, what kinds of men she is attracted to and how she expects to be treated by other men. I know as I read the pages of this book, I couldn’t help thinking about my relationship with my Dad, who passed away 6 years ago. He was a good provider, active in our lives as little girls (I have 3 younger sisters) but once we hit preteen and teen year he became much more distant.

I agreed with some of the things Mr. Johnson shared, but other things I didn’t. There are always exceptions to the rule and there is the God factor. I believe certain areas of my life could have been disastrous, were not because of God having my back so to speak.
I loved the stories he shared about his teenager daughter. She was a character!

Mr. Johnson does a thorough job of showing Dads how to help map their daughters future. Overall I believe this book is a good resource for fathers especially, but mothers will benefit as well.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Remembering Christmas – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on November 19, 2011
in Books, Holidays, Review

It is hard to believe we are nearly through the month of November. We have had a beautiful fall here in Chicagoland. Now the holidays are upon us. First Thanksgiving next week and then Christmas within a month. Our family loves the Christmas season and Christmas stories. Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is one of those books that is all about family and what it means to be a part of one. It is a book to be read over and over again as a reminder of being a devoted son or daughter.

Remembering Christmas is not your typical, predictable romance. It does contain a few well placed twists and turns. What I liked about it is that a wealthy, successful, yet selfish son, Rick, comes back to his hometown during his mother’s time of need. He begrudgingly puts all his needs and wants on the back burner to be there for her. I admire his devotion to his mother.

I also liked that Rick’s trip home forced him to face his old hurts and repair broken relationships that should never have been broken in the first place. It is through the healing process he finds unexpected love and devotion of another kind.

This is a lovely story about relationships. Everyone could learn something from this book. It gets a two thumbs up from me!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Deeply Devoted – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on September 29, 2011
in Books, Review

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan will resonate with those who have trust issues. I bawled my eyes out (no news there, I know!) in places as I felt the pain of Catharine’s past and her inability to fully trust in the present.

This book is set in the west during the era of mail order brides. I have always admired the strength and courage these women must have had to present themselves as brides to complete strangers. Catharine was no different.

I also admired the trust that Catharine and Peter had in God, as farmers, He was in control over whether their crops failed or made a profit for their livelihood. Farming is hard work as it is without considering the weather factor.

Maggie Brendan’s first book in her Blue Willow Brides series was a very enjoyable read for relaxation. It had all the good read qualities since it made me laugh, cry and feel the pain and hurt of the characters.

Two thumbs up from me!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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A Lancaster County Christmas – Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on September 24, 2011
in Books

As most of you know, the Amish lifestyle and community intrigue me. There is much to learn from them, imho (in my humble opinion). I love Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books. Not only are they entertaining but they appeal to the heart and A Lancaster County Christmas is no different.

Two young couples providentially meet just before Christmas. Outwardly their lives are world apart, but inwardly they have more in common than they would care to admit. During a “chance” snowstorm, these two couples have the opportunity to learn from each other – abandonment, grief, anger, bitterness, lack of trust and unhappiness rage through some troubled souls deep in Lancaster County.

I loved how Suzanne revealed the perception (or misconception) between the Amish and English. I loved the tenderness between the couples as they sorted through their difficult circumstances. What I enjoyed most was the portrayal of God’s love and adoption of us into HIS family in the relationship between Zach and the Riehls. What amazing love He has for us!

The anger Mattie and Jaime experienced in their relationship with God was something I could relate to as I, too, have faced difficult circumstances that made me blame God, rather than accepting them as a “gift” (or bump in the road of life). God’s love for us is all encompassing though and He never leaves us through those situations which test our faith. The friendship that blossomed between these two very different women was very endearing.

Misunderstandings and lack of trust are often hard to work through and this book shows us how two couples do just that during one of the most festive seasons of the year.

As usual, I cried in this book too. It was another heart warming story from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Giveaway!

Enter 9/7-9/26!

Click the button above to go to the site hosting Suzanne’s giveaway. This giveaway ends on Monday, September 26, so enter now before it’s too late!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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The Colonel’s Lady – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on August 30, 2011
in Books, Review

 

This summer I have not had much time for reading other than what I can do online, so it was a treat to participate in Revell’s Blog Tour of The Colonel’s Lady, even though I read the book quickly, I forgot to post my review! (The admission of a very worn out mama, who is juggling many balls right now…)

The Colonel’s Lady is a historical romance written by Laura Franz. It is set during the 1700′s on the Kentucky Frontier. Franz writes from a little different perspective than what most might consider normal in a “Christian” historical romance book.

I liked the perspective that she presented even though it meant revisiting some sad memories from my childhood. As much as alcohol is a part of our culture and society, I will never, ever consider it a part of my life. Thankfully, my husband is of the same mind.

Too many hurting people turn to alcohol to help them through hard times and this is the spin that Franz shares in The Colonel’s Lady. The soldiers during that time were dealing with many difficult situations, especially the higher ranking officers, therefore, some would turn to “the drink.”

Franz also delved where most Christian writers might dance around and that is the loneliness the soldiers experienced; and just how that loneliness was curbed – with loose women (or what would have been considered loose back then).

Let’s just say that when I read about the hardships of others, even those in a fictional work, it strikes a cord within me and makes me grateful that God spared me from such a life.

I really liked this book. It was entertaining and tickled all the right emotions, as a good book should. I liked the suspense, I liked the surprise element of discovering who was leaking information to the opposition.

Overall, I recommend this book. Great reading for this fall and winter!

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Chasing Sunsets

Posted by Theresa, Owner on June 13, 2011
in Books

This weekend has been catch-up-on-book- review weekend with all of us being sick, well, most of the children are nearly well now. It’s my husband and I who have felt the worst, and baby has a touch of it. Lots of time nursing.

Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson is about life after divorce, but more than that, about letting go of control, family secrets and the grace to cover them. Not to mention a sweet romance of finding your first love again. After all, who ever thinks that will happen?

Now, I don’t know much about having my spouse leave me or divorcing me, but my heart went out to Kimberly, the main character in this book, as she maneuvers through a life that she did not count on experiencing. I can relate to living a life that is quite different from what I expected though.

I also understood Kimberly’s desire to control her life circumstances as I have that tendency – whether I like that trait in myself or not. I am a thinker and a fixer. If a problem comes about, I want to solve it. That’s good and bad because where is my trust in God if I am trying to figure everything out myself?

I enjoyed the story of Chasing Sunsets, but hated the cliffhanger of the second book excerpt the publishers included at the end of this book because now I have to wait to find out what happens! I think any woman who has experienced an altered life will appreciate and relate to the story within Chasing Sunsets.

“Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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A Killer Among Us – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by Theresa, Owner on May 24, 2011
in Books

I have really enjoyed Lynette Eason’s mystery/thriller books. A Killer Among Us kept me guessing as to who the killer was, but I will admit that early on it briefly crossed my mind, “Could……be?” However, the way Lynette wove the story together I was suspecting someone within seconds.

It’s amazing how life events shape us. Kit Kenyon was a strong, talented negotiator who worked for the Police Department. Nevertheless, she was a character who could have been any one of us. Due to a recent revelation in her life, her relationship with God was on the rocks. She was angry because of decisions that were made that were beyond her control, yet God ultimately could have changed them  had He wanted to. Sound familiar? Ah-huh, me too.

Thankfully, Kit had some amazing people in her life to lead her back to God. Her family and her new partner, whose background had influenced the man he became as an adult. He was a man on a mission for God. His love for God was evident and made me reflect again on our ability to influence or hinder the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Killer Among Us receives two thumbs up from me!

“Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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