Tag: Book Reviews

KJV Know the Word Study Bible | Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
I was interested in this as a three-way approach to studying the Bible. I would love to find a study Bible that I can hand to a young Christian that would teach them how to study God’s Word for themselves. It was my hope that this may be one of those Bibles. Each book begins with a summary and how-to-study-this-book. As you read through the individual book, segments are highlighted and explained historically. This suits the book-by-book study advertised. 
When it comes to verse-by-verse, I guess I was expecting it to explain how to take a verse and study the definitions of the words. Instead, I think the highlighted segments are supposed to be the “verse-by-verse” study. It may just be me, but it didn’t seem to fit very well. 
Topic-by-topic is a little wanting. I realize that one needs a completely separate concordance to thoroughly study topically, but I suppose I was expecting more than 21 chosen topics. The topics seem to do well for a young Christian who has no basic knowledge of the Bible and they cover solid, doctrinal issues (like the Bible, the Trinity, sanctification, purpose, etc.), but what about digging even deeper?
So, in conclusion, maybe my expectations of a study Bible were slightly too high. I was hoping that it would be something that would teach someone how to study. Rather, it just hands the reader the information. I do appreciate it; I will likely be using it for a little more background on the history of events and such. I just wished for something slightly deeper.
*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers and happily provided my honest review of the product*

God Gave us Family | FLF and Blog Hop

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

It’s another Friday with sharing first lines!!

Remember, you can visit Hoarding Books to see all of the lovely first lines being shared today AND if you’re a blogger, you can join in on the fun!
For me, I’m sharing from a children’s book again. It’s perfect timing, because my first nephew was born last Friday!! Talk about love at first sight! ❤ It's a wonderful thing, being an aunt!

Review

Cute illustrations are coupled with a dialogue-themed story to explain how God fits everyone into the family that He chooses. It goes from some families having only one child to other families having several to children raised by grandparents to extended being a part of extended family. The little wolf learns that the cousins he thought were annoying one year were great fun the next year. It’s a pretty thorough little book, explaining all aspects of family and love, and how our earthly family is like being a part of a spiritual family.
Part of the thoroughness was that some mamas and papas couldn’t be a part of raising their family (divorce). I doubt the author intended to make it sound this way, but it could almost come across that God makes some families divided, because of the quote, “God gives us family in lots of different ways…look at Graham the Goose. His mama is raising all of those goslings by herself.” I realize this is me being nit-picky, but considering the children I’d read it to, it would bring up questions about “So is God the one who pulls a family apart?” (which, I’ll admit, would lead to a great discussion about man’s choice)
All in all, though, this book was very cute and had a good message of being content in the family you’re in.
*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

Deadly Proof | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments

Happy Friday! We get a suspense read for today!! One that I really, really liked!! You can see all of the why’s later in my review. For now… here’s the first line!

Have you read this one yet?
What is your favorite suspense author (preferably Christian)?

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This week, First Line Fridays is changing format! I’m blogging with a group of other wonderful bookish people who blog their first lines today. To see all of their posts for today, head over to
Hoarding Books Blog

My Review

I enjoy a hint of suspense, but when I realized that this book was set at a law firm and the storyline was primarily legal, I wasn’t so sure I would enjoy it. I am happy to say that I was dead wrong (as my rating hints). I thoroughly enjoyed this read! It was very educational without making me feel like I was reading something completely out of my element. I actually enjoyed everything with the court cases and found the information very creatively woven throughout the entire story.

Kate was a character to just fall in love with. She was sincere, honest, and above reproach. She was a Christian who lived what she believed and wasn’t ashamed of her faith and prayer life. Her character made this book sing “Christian”–something that the publishing world is seriously lacking.

I was curious how things would end up with Landon. He had a dark past and it was glorified, but neither was it too open. Ms. Dylan dealt with his past in a very discreet fashion. Also, the theme with, “I’ve lost interest in God, He deserted me” kind of had me wrinkling my nose. It seems to be a common theme in today’s fiction, but I really appreciated how it was handled in this book.

So, just discussing these two characters, I don’t even have to make it a point to discuss the spiritual aspect of this book. Very well done.

The romance, also, wasn’t too overbearing. Because so much of the book was wrapped around the case, there was just hints of romance sprinkled throughout the book. The one “main kiss” mentioned was about half a page, but other than that, it was over-the-top with emotions and feelings.

In conclusion, I finished this book with a “wow.” It was engaging, thrilling, clean, and totally satisfying.

*I received this book from Bethany House and happily provided my honest review* 

Understanding Color in Photography | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Since photography is one of my hobbies, I like to grab up photography books as they come up for review. I have found Bryan Peterson to be a helpful photographer author, so when I saw this book coming up, I grabbed the opportunity!
This was the easiest to read of Bryan Peterson’s books that I’ve read so far–possibly because it is relevant to any photographer (whereas other books, like his flash book, requires a little more advanced knowledge of equipment knowledge). It is easy to read, also, because there are so many images–which, for a photographer and visual learner, is a fantastic thing. I also found this to be helpful for me as a graphics designer. My favorite section was when Peterson and Schellenberg took each color of the color wheel and gave examples of photographing that color–as well as some handy tips on how to get the most vibrant color. Now I’m ready to go out and shoot some colors!
Quick disclaimer: there was one page of nude photography, so conservative photographers, be forewarned.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review.*

Where Dandelions Grow | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
Today, I’m happy to feature a release by an Indie author. It was a cute story, an easy, short read.


What first line do you have for this week?

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Be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.

Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Iola – Iola Golton
Anna – Cross Romance
Alicia – A Brighter Destiny




My Review

I fell in love with Swallow Ridge–first by its name, and second, by its people. It was a sweet town, which fit right along with the sweet story of cousins being reunited.

I would hand this book over to any child with good conscience, seeing as there is no romance, suggested scenes, or questionable content.

The Christianity in this was slightly confusing. From what it appeared, Destiny was not a Christian, did not accept Christ, yet was able to “take the high road” and make changes apart from Christ (I could have missed something, but this is what my impressions were). When it came to the cousins and “Grams,” they had a solid faith and gave credit to God for their ability to live differently. Also, the church service… it was more of an inspirational, “do better” speech than a sermon (there were great points, just no Scripture and very little mention of God besides “putting God first”). It was definitely a Christian book, just some things weren’t quite clear to me.

This author is showing promise in her writing and I look forward to seeing how she grows in this talent.

*The author gave me a free copy of this book and I happily gave my honest review*

If you want to connect with the author…
Find her blog, Amazon, Goodreads

Interview with Lydia

Me: Did the idea for Where Dandelions Grow come as a punching idea of, “Hey, I’m a story you need to write, and here’s what I’m about” or more of a subtle suggestion?

Lydia: The idea of writing a book about cousins was very much of “punching idea” complete with names that wouldn’t let me go. Kamryn, Lexie, Destiny, and Teal swam around in my mind nonstop until the rest of the story eventually followed.  

Me:  What was your favorite part of writing Where Dandelions Grow?
Lydia: Having a story all about the bonds cousins have thrilled me because I really love my cousins. In addition to that, Where Dandelions Grow was my first young adult book, and I so0on discovered that it’s my favorite genre to write. 

Me: If you could sit across the table from any author and pick their brain about any subject in the world, who would it be, and what is the subject you’d most like to discuss?


Lydia: Ohh! Goodness, this is such a good question! I’d have a hard time picking between Brother Andrew and Patrica St. John. Since Miss Patrica is no longer alive though, I’ll go with Brother Andrew. He wrote the book “God’s Smuggler” (among other books), which talks about his life as a follower of God and a smuggler of Bibles behind the Iron Curtin. Sitting down and asking him for more stories about his life and how he’s seen God work would be utterly amazing. 

The Christmas Blessing | First Line Friday

Published on by Amanda Tero10 Comments
Merry Christmas in September! Seriously, for me, it’s not too early to be pulling out the Christmas stuff. 😉 I haven’t read many Christmas books, so this was a new thing for me. Overall… well, just read my review to see my full thoughts!
What’s your favorite Christmas book?
Do you have a first line for today?
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Be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Iola – Iola Golton
Anna – Cross Romance
Alicia – A Brighter Destiny
My Review
If you want a feel-good, happily-ever-after story with a Christmas flavor, this fits the bill perfectly. Amelia’s story is a gutter-to-glory story of a girl whose life is shrouded by clouds of darkness.

The one element in this story that I would have preferred to be dealt with a little better was the fact that Amelia and James had a baby out of wedlock. It’s mentioned that it was a mistake, but “they were going to get married anyway” and I just don’t agree with that thought. According to the Bible, there are no exceptions to “the bed undefiled is honorable.” So the fact that this story was about a single mom whose baby was born out of wedlock kind of put a damper on my enjoyment of it. Though I will say, though that was the element of the story, it was not at all detailed and spelled out. Just mentioned; I can appreciate that.

There were mentions of God’s will, praying to God, following God, and Him having the perfect plan. It did still feel like the spiritual aspect was a little weak. I realize there is only so much one can put into a novella, but for me it was lacking.

The romance was very little in this book. It is more mentioned that things happened than detailing of emotions. So in essence, this wasn’t really a romance book.

I greatly liked the doctor. He was just full of kindness and goodness and the perfect father figure. Amelia was a sweet girl too. She just didn’t make all of the best choices.

Like I said, if you want just a sweet, short read, this is a good book for that. But I kind of can’t overlook how the aspect of a baby from wedlock was kind of brushed over.

*I received this book from Revell and happily provided my honest review*

Bringing Maggie Home | First Line Fridays

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
Today’s book…
*happy sigh*
*like really happy sigh*

I have liked every book that I’ve read by Kim Vogel Sawyer and this one was no different. I wasn’t sure that I would like it, seeing as I’d only read her historical fiction, and this one is modern. That, and THEN it flips back and forth from present-day to past…and I’m not a huge fan of backstory. But this book…It was so beautifully written! I really like it. I really do. I’m so keeping this book on my shelf!!
Oh yeah.
First line.
Sorry guys. I had to endorse it first. 😉

The first line isn’t one of those “gripping” and “what happens next” lines, but this story… yeah… you just need to read it. 😉 It’s super sweet and etc. (I have a review at the end of the post)

Do you like back-story? Books that flip from present-day to past?

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Be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca – It’s Storytime with Van Danniker!
Iola – Iola Golton
Nicole – Christian Fiction Girl
Anna – Cross Romance
Alicia – A Brighter Destiny

My Review

A hint of mystery. A hint of intrigue. A hint of bitterness. A hint of romance. This seemed to be the perfect balance of all of that. What is best is that there was way more than a hint of faith and Christianity. From the first few chapters, characters with strong faith in God crossed the pages. It was truly a blessing to have it unashamedly crossing the pages. Sean. Hazel. Oh my, those characters were amazing! There was no doubt about how they viewed God and the Bible.

Now for the actual story. The whole relationship between Hazel, her daughter, and granddaughter, was amazingly real and a study of human nature and how one’s past, left unresolved, will affect their decisions—even when they do not realize it.

As I mentioned, the faith content was five-star. The Gospel was clearly presented, living by the Spirit clearly shown—yet there were also portions that were true such as a church being judgmental and turning people away from the church. So many things were covered in this book and were Biblically sound.

The romance was truly just a hint, and not at all emotionally driven. There was one scene of past events that I wouldn’t recommend younger readers reading (one of the characters had gotten pregnant out of wedlock and it highlights that a little yet doesn’t become explicit).

In conclusion, I enjoyed this read and happily place another Kim Vogel Sawyer book on my shelf.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books and happily provided my honest review*

First Line Fridays, Review | Beneath Copper Falls

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
This Friday, I’m featuring a suspense novel. I think I’ve figured out that I’m not as much for suspense as I thought I was. I just don’t care for dwelling on that which is dark–on the sick cruelty of humanity when separated from God. Yeah… have any of you read this book? Did you like it?

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca – It’s Storytime with Van Danniker!
Iola – Iola Golton
Nicole – Christian Fiction Girl
My Review
I’ll be honest up front: this is probably the hardest book review I’ve had to write. As far as writing style and ability, I admire Coble. Her writing style is enjoyable and well-rounded.

Content… since I’m given permission for my honest review, that is what I’ll stick with. I know other readers who enjoy suspense may like this book, but it was not for me. So, for you readers who are debating whether or not to read this book, here are my thoughts.


The back cover did not shed light about how dark the content would be. There was no mention of a serial killer (much less one who drowned women), which may have better prepared me for the contents. It’s not just that it was a serial killer, but how closely connected the characters were to people who were being killed. And… who the serial killer was. I figured it out about halfway and continued in horror of, “Please be wrong.” (I wasn’t wrong)


For me, it was too dark without a good balance of light. God was mentioned, as was prayer, but it was more of, “I’ll pray for you” and “God has His good will for your life.” I found it to be somewhat shallow, and the characters in their everyday lives didn’t think much about God.


Another aspect I didn’t care for was the romance. I could have read it wrong, but it appeared that one couple lived together before marriage (which is Biblically wrong to do). The romance was more surface-centered and a few things took place that made me cringe (mentions of going too far, being too close, that type of thing).


So, coming from a conservative Christian viewpoint, this is not the type of book I’d like to read again.


*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*

First Line Fridays and Review | The Wisdom of God

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments

Happy Friday! I get to feature one of my new favorite books today!! As with other similar books, I didn’t go with first line, but a favorite quote.

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca – It’s Storytime with Van Danniker!
Iola – Iola Golton
Nicole – Christian Fiction Girl
Anna – Cross Romance

My Review

What is wisdom? This book is divided into 23 chapters exploring Biblical wisdom vs. worldly knowledge. It begins with the history of how the Jews perceived wisdom, to how Jesus Christ personified wisdom, to how we are to apply wisdom today.

This was a powerful and convicting read. From all I could tell, it was Biblically accurate, quoted many Scripture verses, and even used some hymns to expound on Biblical truths. There was a strong emphasis on humility, repentance, and salvation.

There are many quotes I appreciated. Here are a few:

“Would the man filled with wisdom and spiritual understanding write cheap poetry? I would certainly hope not!”

“David could sin, but he could also repent.” 

“We should not only memorize the Word, which is an excellent thing to do, but also know the difference between truth and error in applying the Word faithfully.”

“Obviously there is enticement from sinners. It does not say in Proverbs 1:10, ‘If sin entices thee.’ It says ‘If sinners entice thee.'”

“If that person stands between you and Jesus Christ, that person is not a friend.”

*I received this book from Bethany House Publishers and happily provided my honest review*

You may get the book here.

First Line Friday and Giveaway | Out of the Ashes

Published on by Amanda Tero21 Comments

Hi all! If you remember, a few weeks back, I already featured the first line from Out of the Ashes. So… today I’ll give you the first lines for all three in the series! 🙂

If you like good, solid fiction–and the Civil War, I highly recommend this whole series! Today, I’m specifically focusing on Out of the Ashes in a review, but before I do so… be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Please note that I may not fully endorse all of the books that these bloggers read or the content in these blogs.
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly
Trisha – Joy of Reading
Jeanette – CJane Read
Rebecca – It’s Storytime with Van Danniker!
Iola – Iola Golton
Nicole – Christian Fiction Girl

Share a first line — from one of your favorite series! 🙂

Now, for Ashes stuff…
About the Book

Sometimes peace is won through battle. 

Haunted by the memories he can’t escape, Ralph Williams wants to be left alone to lick his wounds. He doesn’t understand why he’s forced into the company of the one woman he least desires. Can God bring him healing through such uncomfortable circumstances?


Frank Harper thought he had left the war and its turmoil behind, but the home to which he has returned is anything but peaceful. When racial tensions arise in Maple Grove, Frank finds himself on a battlefield once more. He’s desperate for peace, but at what cost?


When George Chandler heads off to wed his beloved bride, things don’t go as expected. Just as George starts to get comfortable with what he believes is God’s new plan for his life, history threatens to repeat itself. Will he fight for the woman he’s come to love, or will he let her go?


The War Between the States has destroyed more than just a nation. In four years, it has damaged bodies and wounded souls until the people think that nothing is left. Will they find the healing they so desperately need from the God that loves them?


My Review
This was one of my most-anticipated 2017 reads. It’s a post-Civil War book (my current history fascination), the continuation of two books I greatly enjoyed, and by an author I knew I could trust. Those three all sum up to make a pretty solid read, in my humble opinion. 😉

What I loved most… continuing the stories of all of the characters in the former two Ancient Words books was amazing. I loved these characters, wanted to know what had become of them, and was sufficiently satisfied. Ralph’s story was probably my favorite. But I really think that he was just my favorite character overall.

The Christian element was very strong and woven throughout the story very well. I love it when I’m reading a story and suddenly the characters turn the conversation into something Biblical. Loved that! This one definitely gets a five-star on the spiritual content.

Romance… well, I know A.M. Heath. She’s a romantic at heart. However, I found that her writing wasn’t too overly-focused on the emotional side of romance. There was a lot about real love not just emotional love. There were some scenes that, because a couple was married, things were mentioned that is better for an older audience. But overall, I didn’t find that lines were crossed in what is appropriate.

I would say that the main down-side of this story was that it took me a little while to get into it and to remember all of the characters–the latter I will blame on my poor memory. It’s been 1 1/2 years since I’ve read books 1-2, and sometimes I finish a book and can’t even remember the MC’s name. So, I’ll just leave it at… if it’s been a while since you’ve read books 1-2, you may want to refresh your memory a little. Also, don’t read this as a stand-alone. It means so much more read as a series.

*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*
GIVEAWAY!!
Be sure to enter here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b7851a908/?
And… in case you don’t win, you can buy the books on Amazon!
Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3
About the Author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AMHeathfanpage/
Blog: https://amheathblog.wordpress.com/
Blog Stops
July 31: Karen Hadley @ Karen Sue Hadley : Book Review
Aug. 1: Krista Noorman @ by Krista : Book Review
Aug. 2: Becky Dempsey @ Blossoms and Blessings : Book Review
Aug. 4: Alicia Ruggieri @ A Brighter Destiny : Book Review and Interview
Aug. 7: Dana Kamstra @ D.L. Kamstra  : Book Review
Aug. 9: Laura Wilson @ Blue Eye Books : Book Review
Aug. 11: Amanda Tero @ With a Joyful Noise : Book Review
Aug. 14: Deana Dick @ Texas Book-aholic  : Book Review
Aug. 15: Virginia Winfield @  Bigreadersite : Book Review
Aug. 16: Raechel Lenore @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae : Spotlight
Aug. 18: Debbie Curto @ Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations  : Book Review and Interview