Category: Book Reviews

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ Shadows of the Past by Patricia Bradley

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she is stalking the truth about the past, someone is stalking her.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. With his estranged brother the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.”

My Review:

I love mystery novels to get me away from sappy romances when I get tired of those type of novels. This book was no exception! It was very well written and kept me engaged all the way through. I loved all of the characters and how they interacted with each other. Nick and Taylor reminded me of Castle and Beckett from the show Castle on ABC. I loved the twist and turns throughout the book and that it kept me on my toes. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my review from Revell Reads.

Bethany House, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Prepared for a Purpose” by Antoinette Tuff

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

True Story of Courage and Compassion in a School Under Siege
As 870 children waited in fear, their elementary school rushed into lockdown mode. As the nation faced yet another Sandy Hook story of tragedy, one woman rewrote the ending.
Yet the story doesn’t start with those first steps Michael Hill took into that Atlanta elementary school. It starts with Antoinette Tuff, a woman who faced her own pain, hurt, and rejection, yet held onto grace, faith, and hope. A hope that anchored her in the most high stakes of moments, a grace that allowed her to empathize with a hurting young man, and a faith that gave her the courage to love him back from the brink.
This is more than just the amazing account of tragedy averted. It’s the evidence of what we can do when we allow ourselves to be used by God. And it’s a story of how God uses “all “of our life experiences–the good and the bad–to prepare us for our own moment of divine purpose.

My Review:

I love reading inspiring non fiction books and this one was no disappointment! Antoinette Tuff’s story about her life and the shooting is inspiring none the less. I could not put this book down! I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for her to be in a situation like she was and not panic! I believe that God was with her throughout the whole situation! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “With Autumn’s Return” by Amanda Cabot

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to establish her medical practice thanks to the wooing of her two older sisters who extolled the beauty of the land. She’s certain she’ll have a line of patients eager for her expertise and gentle bedside manner. However, she soon discovers the town and its older doctor may not welcome a new physician. Even more frustrating, the handsome young attorney next door may not be ready for the idea of a woman doctor. For his part, Jason Nordling has nothing against women, but he’s promised himself that the woman he marries will be a full-time mother.

Despite their firm principles, Elizabeth and Jason find that mutual attraction–and disdain from the community–is drawing them ever closer. And when the two find themselves working to save the life and tattered reputation of a local woman, they’ll have to decide how far they’re willing to go to find justice–and true love.”

My Review:

I read the back of this book and immediately thought that it was somewhat along the lines of “Dr Quinn Medicine Woman”, which of course is one of my all time favorite television shows. Elizabeth is similar to Michaela in that they were both women doctors who had schooling but that no one took them seriously as a doctor. Everyone is against them! I loved the interaction between Elizabeth and Jason. You could tell there were sparks from the beginning. I also loved the theme of a woman trying to decide between her career and a family. This relates to so many women in the world today. I loved this book and I give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:
She’s a sassy socialite burned by love. He’s a jaded cop burned by the upper class. When sparks fly…will love catch fire again?

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she’s no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison’s cared for? Or is he the one who will let her dare to love again?

My Review:
So I LOVED this book! The wittiness and sassiness of this book just captured me! Alison McClare made me laugh from the beginning and Nick Barone, with a long e, was just breathtaking! I could have fallen in love with him too if he was always around! I am wanting to read more of this series about the McClares because they are a great family and Julie Lessman makes you feel like you are right there with the characters! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Tyndale

~Book Review~ “The Redcoats are Coming” my Marianne Hering and Nancy I. Sanders

Jenna Evans

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“The Redcoats are Coming!” is about 2 kids that Whit sends on an adventure to the 1700s through the imagination station. They are to learn about history and deliver a letter that Mr. Whittaker has to Paul Revere. There are bumps along the way to get their mission done and Patrick and Beth are excited about what they are getting to experience! It is a history lesson on a whole different level!

Let’s just say that I LOVE Adventures in Odyssey! I grew up listening to it on Saturday mornings on the radio and I have the cassette tapes! I still love to listen to Chris as she takes us on another Adventure in Odyssey! When I seen this book, it looked good but I didn’t know it was Adventures in Odyssey until it came to my house! That being said, the kid came out in me and I couldn’t wait to read this book! I wasn’t let down! Although it is just a little under my reading level (well about 15 reading levels), but I loved it anyhow. The characters were well developed and there was lots of action. I love the way the history was incorporated into the book so kids can read something educational and fun at the same time! I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

I received this book courtesy of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review!

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ The Big Book of Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids: A 3-In-1 Collection by Rob Elliott

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Now everyone’s favorite joke books from Rob Elliott can be found in one economical volume! Combining his bestselling “Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids,” “Zoolarious Animal Jokes for Kids,” and “Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids,” Elliott will have kids of all ages laughing with the gut-bustingest, knee-slappingest, guffaw-inducingest, funniest collection of clean jokes you can find.
Great on car rides, at the dinner table, on the playground, and anywhere in between, this collection of hilarity will make you and those around you smile every day.”

 

My Review:

I was really excited to read this book or more likely tell the jokes in this book. These jokes, though, are REALLY corny and I mean really corny. Its supposed to be for kids so that is a good thing, but I think that these are meant for younger kids. My 11 year old sister thought that some of these were weird. One thing I didn’t like was that some of the jokes were in the previous book which is understandable being that they were 3 books put together. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “The Calling” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“Twenty-year-old Bethany Schrock is restless. Her love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending the incredibly hot summer days wading through a lifetime’s accumulation of junk at the home of five ancient Amish sisters. About the only thing that holds her interest is the spirited and dangerously handsome Jimmy Fisher–and he seems bent on irritating her to no end.
When the sly old sisters and a guest at the Inn get Bethany involved in running the local soup kitchen and starting a community garden, she suddenly finds herself wondering, Shootfire! How did that happen? Despite her newfound purposefulness, a gnawing emptiness about a childhood mystery continues to plague her. Encouraged by Jimmy Fisher, she will seek out the answers she craves–and uncover a shocking secret that will break her heart, heal it, and point her to love.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the deceptively quiet community of Stoney Ridge.”

 

My Review:

I really loved this book. Suzanne Woods Fisher was able to take just a simple Amish story and make it into something with mystery and suspense. I loved the character’s Bethany and Jimmy. Their connection was noticeable and strong from the very start. Jake just made me want to punch him! The author took the character and made him so believable that I truly wanted to punch him because he was hurting people that were good. It made me not want to put the book down! I give this book a five out of five stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

Book Reviews, Revell Reads

~Book Review~ “Everyday Confetti” by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer

Jenna Evans

 

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Goodreads Synopsis:

When a busy woman looks at her calendar and sees a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, she has the best intentions for bringing joy to her family and creating lasting memories. Then reality hits. Amidst demanding responsibilities and an overloaded schedule, when is she ever going to have time to plan the perfect celebration or find the creativity to make it special?
In this go-to guide, Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer give women the ideas and the motivation they need to make such occasions less daunting. They provide creative ideas and menu plans for
– Holidays
– Birthdays
– Special Events
– Everyday Occasions
Readers will even find suggestions for reaching out to others throughout the year through celebrations that are simple, doable, and stress-free.

My Review:

I thought this book was neat because it was all about Holidays which I love! Holidays are the best because you have a reason to have a party to celebrate. A chance to get with your family and have a great time. This book is great because there are many ideas to help with family gathering. There were a lot of recipes that went with each holiday. I liked reading all of the different stories from the authors about the traditions in their families. This book was great and I give it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Revell Reads.

 

 

Bethany House, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Sex and the Single Christian Girl” by Marian Jordan Ellis

Jenna Evans

Single Christian

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

“True love waits”–but what exactly are you waiting for? After all, we’re constantly bombarded with Hollywood’s idea of romance–that sex is no big deal, that everyone is doing it, that it’s the only path to a happy ending. Maybe you’ve even begun to wonder, What am I missing? Is the wait really worth it?
Marian Jordan Ellis has been there. She knows the pitfalls of giving in to temptation–but also the blessings of God’s best found in waiting after she committed herself to Christ and to sexual purity. Now, from one Christian woman to another, she hopes to spare you from the heartache of sexual sin and instead point you toward God’s best. Marian offers lots of practical advice, backed by biblical truth, to equip you with the tools to overcome past mistakes and future temptations.

You are cherished. Whether you are happily single, casually dating, or have found “the one,” your purity is worth fighting for.

 

My Review:

When I first seen the title of this book, I thought why would there be a book with this title. Shouldn’t the inside cover be blank? Then I realized that Marian Jordan Ellis was trying to explain her struggles and how Christian girls still have struggles when it comes to Purity. With every media outlet pushing sexual desires at our generation no wonder many Christian girls don’t have more problems than they actually have. I loved how the author put quotes from popular movies into the book to show girls that there are actually good quotes that come from the movies, but that you should be careful what you watch. Living in today’s world is hard and I think that every girl and mother should read this book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House Publishing.

Bethany House, Book Reviews

~Book Review~ “Blessings for the Evening” by Susie Larson

Jenna Evans

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Be Blessed Tonight
Feel the concerns of your day fade away through the reassuring promises of God. These blessings offer refreshment to your soul and a biblical perspective to your thoughts.
Borne from Susie Larson’s own bouts with nighttime worries, each blessing and related Scripture is a daily, soothing reminder of God’s love and mercy.
“May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”

My Review:

Blessings for the Evening was a great book! Every night I have read one of the “blessings” that are in the book. Each and everyone of them spoke to my heart when I read them. Susie Larson definitely is great at taking Bible verses and putting a devotion with them that helps with everyday life. I looked forward to reading each of the blessings every night with my daily bible reading before I went to bed. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers.