Tag: Book Reviews

The Sea Before Us | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero6 Comments
When I think of WWII fiction, the name Sarah Sundin comes to mind. I’ve only read a few of her books, but she has capture WWII perfectly. I am completely transported back in time!

First Line:
Wyatt Paxton never realized coming home 
could be so bittersweet as leaving.

My Review
Wyatt had me from page one. He was more of the quieter hero, the one who made terrible mistakes, was overly-protective… YET… he learned. He was a hero with flaws, but not without progress. He understood forgiveness, but still had to learn it on other levels. He understood the importance of God’s love more than human love. I totally liked Wyatt.
But this story was only half of him. The other half was Dorothy. She made me want to both knock sense into her and kindly point her in the right direction. Her character was very well done. She was naïve in some points, but believably so.
So when you combine two amazing characters like Wyatt and Dorothy into a story, you’ve got a pretty good start. And then, there was WWII. Sundin does such a fantastic job at capturing the inner workings of various groups in the WWII. I find that very intriguing.
The spiritual side of the story was very solid. Wyatt was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and he honestly desired for others to follow Him too. In fact, I was impressed, because Wyatt yearned more for Dorothy to have a right relationship with God than for them to be together as a couple.
At the same time, there were a lot of kisses and romance was kind of a strong thread in the story. Unlike some of Sundin’s other books, there wasn’t detail on compromising moral situations. There was a rather shocking revelation of a side character, but it didn’t go into detail and was portrayed as the heartache that it was.
I’d recommend this for conservative readers above twenty.
*I received this book from Revell Books and happily provided my honest review*

Purchase on Amazon
Connect with Sarah online

                                                                 



 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


He Hideth My Soul | First Line Friday, Book Review, and Blog Tour

Published on by Amanda Tero10 Comments



Once again, I’m happy to join Faith and the release of another of her books! If you like clean Christian westerns, Faith Blum is an author you may want to check out.

Before I continue with the tour, though, here’s the first line!

Dear future wife,

These letters are my way of trying to keep from going deep into despondency again. At least that is my hope. In them, you will learn more about me than anyone has ever known before.


Ooh… yes, a book that begins with letters to a future wife! 😉
Share a first line, and enjoy my little portion of the tour! 🙂


 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


~*~*~


Have you ever had a hard time loving someone? I think everyone probably has at one time in their life. But what would your life be like if you’ve never had the courage to love anyone? Faith Blum explores that idea in her new book, He Hideth My Soul. 

About the Book


He’s never had the courage to love anyone…

The only thing Otis Miller has ever wanted to be is a doctor and he wants to be the best. A surprise talk with his Aunt Eleanor days before his twenty-first birthday leads to a visit from his grandfather’s lawyer and the discovery that he is the heir to a large fortune. With all the papers signed, Otis heads to Chicago to follow his dream.

After graduating from Jenner Medical School, Otis goes to the mine he owns in Colorado to see how things are and to provide medical care for everyone in town. He finds horrible working conditions and learns to make difficult decisions that will be best for all

Will Otis learn to let God cover him in the depths of His love? Can Otis hide in God’s presence whenever he doesn’t know where to go next?

Note: 50% of my income from this series will go to the World Orphans organization.

About the Author

Faith Blum is a 20-something author of multiple books in various genres. She loves to write, read, play piano, knit, crochet, sew, watch movies, and spend time with her husband.  She lives in Wisconsin in a small town with her husband and cat where she can write to her heart’s content during the day. Faith’s goal in her writing is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ.

Giveaway


Faith is giving away three prizes! The grand prize is a paperback of her new book. First and second prizes are both an eBook of He Hideth My Soul. Enter here for the chance to win!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review

Continuing Otis’s story from “Lily of the Valley” was a treat for me. He was a troubled kid who grew up into an uncertain adult—yet one whose faith was firm in the Lord. This is a sweet story about his life from about age 21-25, the surprises and sorrows, troubles and triumphs.

His marriage was one of convenience yet was so sweet! There really wasn’t a ton of extreme romance, though, which I appreciate. There were couples who fell in love and married, but the inner emotion wasn’t highlighted or dramatized.

There was a definite godly message with a clear salvation message. A lot about trusting God and clinging to His promises.

I’d recommend this to conservative readers 16 and up, maybe slightly younger.

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

Tour Schedule

February 20
Bookish Orchestrations – Introduction Post
Creating Romance – Book Spotlight
Rachel Rossano’s Words – Book Spotlight

February 21
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Book Spotlight
Rebekah Lyn Books – Book Spotlight

February 22
Ruth’s Real Life – Book Spotlight
Kandi J Wyatt, Where Fantasy and Reality Meet – Book Spotlight

February 23
With a Joyful Noise – Review
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae – Book Spotlight

February 24
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections – Post from the author

February 26
Bookish Orchestration – Giveaway winner post

 

How to Break Up With Your Phone | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
I’ll admit, the title sold me on the book. In this technical age, most of us are phone-addicts, and most of us admit it. We realize we need to spend less time sucked into our phones and more time with real people around us, but do we change it? Usually not.
The material in this book was very thorough. For me as a conservative Christian, it had a very strong secular viewpoint with meditation, yoga, and some language that I’d prefer not to read. The information was good, though. It just did have a few other things in there.
This book covers the good, bad, and ugly of the phone. It gives principles to apply and plenty of flexibility for individual scheduling and needs. For someone who uses their phone as a pocket workspace, some suggestions like “demoting to a dumbphone” are not practical. Yet, the author still covers points to consider no matter what level we truly need to use our phones.
For the book to reach its fullest potential, the reader ought to actually do the 30-day plan in the latter half. It is a very small-step plan with easy-to-utilize suggestions.
Overall, a very practical book for today’s techies. I would hesitate to hand it to a teen because of the constant reference to phone addiction being like drug addiction (and several different types of drugs mentioned) as well as a few other words or references.
Some quotes:
“Our phones are like digital Trojan horses.”

“Americans [spend] an estimated average of more than four hours a day on their phones. If you spend four hours a day doing anything, you’re going to get pretty good at it….it’s well worth investigating what skills the hours we’re spending on our phones each day might be training us to develop—and at what cost.”

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

Phoebe’s Light | FLF, Blog Tour, Review, Giveaway

Published on by Amanda Tero12 Comments

Who likes seafaring journeys and tales of whaling? I definitely do! I also like trying new-to-me authors, which is Suzanne Woods Fisher. So I was excited to get my hands on this book. This book ended up not being in line with my tastes, but some of you may enjoy it!


First Line:
Phoebe Starbuck flung back the worn quilt, 
leapt out of bed, and hurried to the windows.

There are some fun things with this blog tour, so keep reading!
But first!
Comment with a first line from your current read!
Have you read Suzanne Woods Fisher? If so, which of her books is your favorite?



 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


About the Book

Title: Phoebe’s Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical romance

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she’s doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a “minder” on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Marcy, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary’s journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe’s shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way—just in time.

In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.

Click here to purchase your copy!


My Review
This was my first time to read Suzanne Woods Fisher. The era and setting intrigued me: whale-hunters in 1776? Definite yes! In ways, this book made me think of Elizabeth George Speare’s “Witch of Blackbird Pond”—likely because it hinted a lot about the superstitions and injustices done toward the Quakers in the 1600’s.
While most of the story was written from Phoebe’s perspective in 1776, she received her great-grandmother’s journal from 1658 and beyond. At the closure of each chapter, a portion of Mary’s journal was shared. I found her story to be quite intriguing.
The mystery in these pages was also interesting. I like a good mystery, and though at times you didn’t realize there was actually a mystery abroad in the community, as the pieces began falling together, I enjoyed it!
I really tried my hardest to like this book. I’ll admit I was a bit turned off on the first page when the main character used “Drat!” in her thoughts. Not only did this phrase not emerge until the 1800’s, a strict Quaker lass would not have used such a strong euphemism (if it had been used in her time). But, I seriously tried to push that away and enjoy the book… but so many cliché phrases kept bringing me back to the 1900’s, and my history brain just has a hard time with that.
There were also a lot of unanswered questions, but I realize it could just be my over-curious mind. Questions such as: if great-grandmother Mary wasn’t Quaker (and was suspicious of them) and was persuaded by other Christians to be baptized (Anabaptist), then how is it that Phoebe is strict Quaker? When in the family line did that major switch happen?
I suppose if you really like romance stories, this might appeal to you. Most people know I’m not a huge romance fan, but I can tolerate a good bit of it. The part that was just “okay” for me was Mary’s journal, where she is in love with and pining after one man while keeping company with and nourishing a friendship with another (though it is resolved that she didn’t mean anything by the friendship, the whole “I want this man and I will get him, but I don’t know how” really bothered me). But what I really had a hard time with was this book’s love triangle. I don’t dislike a love triangle, but when it is between a married couple and a third person…yeah, no. Sorry. Once a person is married, they shouldn’t be pining after their first love. The married girl shouldn’t be falling in love again with her jilted childhood love—or realizing that she never stopped loving him—while she’s married and her husband is still alive.
 *SPOILER*
There were two scenes in which the captain began undressing or started undressing Phoebe and talking of the marriage rights. A little too suggestive for my tastes. And back to the love triangle, wonderfully for Phoebe, the captain is killed, so now she can marry the man she loved since childhood. Oh, and also, the captain was already married to another woman and Phoebe is his second wife, which she discovers mid-book. I just have a problem with all of the above. I realize terrible situations happen in real life, but this is not the type of stuff I find pure and righteous for entertainment purposes.
*END OF SPOILER*
 The spiritual side of this book was really confusing. Given that it’s Quakers and Anabaptists and an era in which they were at each others’ throats and stuck on rules rather than following God, I suppose it should make sense. But it was all very vague. “Follow the Light” and “the Light is within you.” There was a casual mention of Scripture, but it was more the “wisdom of Great Mary” that was followed rather than the wisdom of God’s Word.
Like I said, I did give this book an honest go. I was prepared to like it, and I did try to. But it just wasn’t really for me.

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


About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing, The Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.



Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e0


Blog Stops

Aryn The Libraryan, February 15
With a Joyful Noise, February 16
A Greater Yes, February 16
ASC Book Reviews, February 17
Book by Book, February 17
Texas Book-aholic, February 18
The Power of Words, February 18
Splashes of Joy, February 18
A Reader’s Brain, February 19
Karen Sue Hadley, February 19
All of a kind Mom, February 20
Baker Kella, February 21
Mommynificent, February 21
Lighthouse Academy, February 22
Readers cozy corner, February 22
Mary Hake, February 22
Pause for Tales, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Among the Reads, February 24
Carpe Diem, February 24
By The Book, February 26
Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Guest post from Mindy)
Maureen’s Musings, February 27
Bigreadersite, February 27
Bibliophile Reviews, February 28
Pursuing Stacie, February 28

A Place at our Table | FLF and Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero9 Comments
Who is a fan of Amish fiction? I’ve read several Beverly Lewis books, but so far, she has been the extent of my Amish fiction reading. So, when I saw Amy Clipston up for review (and heard several other reader friends who read her), I decided to give her a try!
Who is your favorite Amish fiction author?
First Line:
A long, shrill tone blared through the loud speaker, 
jarring Jamie Riehl from sleep.

This definitely began with excitement! I enjoy books that grip me from line one. 😉

Share a first line from the book you’re reading!

My Review
Amish fiction intrigues me. I realize it’s a super popular genre, which is probably why I’ve been hesitant to read it. I enjoy reading about life, not a romanticized version of life. And I do think that Amy Clipston captured this well in her novel. Her characters felt very real, and were definitely all very human with their ups and downs.
There didn’t seem to be a lot of Amish doctrine in here—Amish life, yes, but it didn’t go a ton into what they believe apart from everyday conversation about having faith in God, God’s will being done, and praying to him. Those were all a very strong thread. There wasn’t anything about the Gospel or salvation, but that’s not to say it didn’t have a message threaded through the pages. If anything, the message that stood out strongest to me was how to accept heartache and cling to God in grief.
I’d consider this book primarily a romance. There were, of course, other things that happened, but the primary plot and characters’ goals were obviously romance. And, as I must always put as a disclaimer, I’m just not a huge romance fan. It’s probably just my perspective but I thought that Kayla was kind of a selfish jerk. There was a ton about her hurt… and though her change of heart kind of was mentioned in the epilogue, I guess I just didn’t find it satisfying—which, could be me being just nit-picky. She pretty much just regretted her actions because of what she would lose (which, for me, is selfish). I’ll stop before I beat her up more, it just was maybe a little shallow there for me?
Back to the romance in general, while there were a lot of thoughts about getting married and finding a wife/husband, a lot of family teasing to “grab them before they slip by,” it really didn’t go into more than emotions with the romance. A couple of quick kisses were mentioned, but the presentation of the romance was fairly chaste (just… threading through the entire book, which isn’t my preference, but is what many people enjoy).
There was a ton of drama and loss—for some people, this one will be a real tear-jerker. All in all, it wasn’t a disappointing read.
*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review*



 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


A Song Unheard | FLF

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments
Finally! It has been a long time since I have anticipated a book coming in my mail as much as I anticipated A Song Unheard. Especially as it seemed like ALL of my Facebook, Instagram, and Blogger friends had it in and were devouring it. 

I may or may not have been extra-excited to stage my own picture, because honestly, this cover is so gorgeous! And it’s music. Okay… I’ll get on with my review.



But first… the first line!

The music seeped into her soul like fog over the Thames.


I mean, a first line like that!!!
Okay, I said I was getting to my review. Warning: the rave continues. I tried to be cohesive. It just didn’t quite come out that way. My apologies (not really).

My Review

There were so many aspects of this book that I loved. The thief family (yeah, I do like them even though they’re unlawful…the family aspect is wonderfully sweet!). The music (oh my, the music! Yeah, the music really sold me on this book.) The WWI era. The characters. The math. I think this just may be my favorite of Roseanna’s books (maybe it’s the music… it just may be the music…).


Okay, now for cohesiveness.
Willa was me written all over the pages. She’s a violinist, very confident, not so much into the romance, doesn’t appreciate change, etc. She wasn’t all me, though, because she starts out in the book pretty much doubting God’s existence—which was a fun journey to read. I am always interested to know how Christian authors will lead their main characters into salvation. Willa’s story was a powerful one, with a clear gospel message.
Lukas was a very good character, as far as character development goes. At the start of the book, he wasn’t especially a moral character (references to him thinking nothing of lovely ladies slipping him their room key—though I will note that that was pretty much the extent given, no details added). But he had a very clear turning point.
And Margot! I loved pretty much every portion of Margot’s POV. Her mathematical mind was crazy but super interesting. And the German officer in her story…I’ll not give spoilers, but there are times when I like my assumptions to be correct, and his story was one instance of that.
The music. I just have to make a mention of the music. Because, obviously, this book was very much into the musical side (have I mentioned that already?). I really liked how Roseanna wove music into many of the pages of this story. Being a musician, I’m always a little wary about music in books—I don’t see it often, and sometimes when I do, it doesn’t feel real. But I applaud Roseanna on her inclusion of musical phraseology and expression. It added such a deep richness to this story! At the same time, it made the various characters really stand out, because I noticed their various personalities reflected in how they viewed life (Margot with mathematics, Lukas and Willa with music). The writer in me loved this story.
Romance was in this book, for sure. Usually, Roseanna has a lot more romance than I particularly care for. This book was not over-the-top for me. Like I already mentioned, Lukas’ former loose morals are mentioned and there are a few allusions to immoral activity, but it was very minimal compared to Roseanna’s other books.
As always, there was a strong spiritual thread through this book and a clear Gospel message. Some people may fault that not all of the Christians were not evangelical (there were priests and mass as well as Methodist), but Roseanna seemed to make it a point to bring out the salvation message according to the Bible, which I definitely cannot fault her for.
Sometimes, Roseanna’s books are a little dark with the lack of good morality of her characters (which gives it a very real-world sense, it’s just a little dark for me). I finished this book and realized that I didn’t notice that same timbre running through the story—which, for me, is a definite plus.
I’m going to give this a 5 star review and am holding my breath until Barclay’s story. After this book, he so needs his own story!
*I received this book from Bethany House and happily provided my honest review* 
Comment with a first line from your current read!
How many of you have read this book?!
Have you read a book that explores your area of expertise? Which book and subject was it?



 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


Sonrise Stable | First Lines and Author Interview!

Published on by Amanda Tero10 Comments
Last fall, I virtually met author Vicki Watson. Since then, I’ve been able to read and review her entire Sonrise Stable series. I’m in my mid-twenties, but I still love reading a good, solid Christian children’s series. And that is exactly what the Sonrise Stable books were for me. I loved that I could hand them over to my younger sisters without any worries about a bad influence coming across the pages.
All of that being said, I’ve got a whole herd of first lines for y’all today, as we’re going to flip open the first pages of each book in this series!! 🙂 But don’t stop there. Continue reading for a thoughtful interview with Vicki!

“There’s Grandma’s house!” Rosie’s mother was the 
only other person in the car,
 so there was no need for this announcement.

Add book one to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.
Get your own eBook for free here!


As the pickup truck traveled down the freeway, 
Carrie turned and searched for Bandit’s 
head through the small window in 
the stock trailer behind them.

Add book two to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.


“Eohippus was the first horse. He lived 
sixty million years ago.” Emily paused and 
smiled broadly as she pointed to a small 
creature on her 4-H poster.

Add book three to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.
Note for those concerned: this book features discussions about evolution and refuting its common claims.

The straw felt soft beneath me as I lay 
on my side and stretched my legs.

Add book four to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.

Rosie beamed with pride as she led her 
brown-and-white foal out of the back of the trailer.

Add book five to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.

“Help! He’s running away with me!” 
Rosie’s arms flapped wildly.
Add book six to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.

Rosie leaned over the side of the bed 
and pressed one hand against the hardwood floor.
Add book seven to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.
“How about this one?” Rosie led the way 
to the next pen at the livestock auction barn.

Add book eight to your Goodreads here. Find my review here.

I encourage you all to keep reading through Vicki’s testimony. It blessed me to read her answers!
Before I share the interview though, wanted to slip in a mention of the lovely other bloggers I do First Line Fridays with over at Hoarding Books! Hop over and connect with your first line!

Also, feel free to comment here!
What is your favorite animal to see featured in a book?
What is a first line from your current read (or the book closest to you)?
How do you identify with Vicki?




Interview with Vicki
(follow Vicki on Goodreads!)


Me: When did you decide to write the Sonrise Stable books?
Vicki: When my mother died in 2006, I began to contemplate what kind of long-term impact our lives have – whether anything we do lives on after us – here or in eternity. At that time, I was approaching fifty. Suddenly, the brevity of life filled me with a sense of urgency to accomplish something worthwhile. I wasn’t sure what that “something” might be. It had never been a life-long dream to write a book. 

An idea came to me one day about a girl and her pony, and how I could use a story about them to make the Gospel message real to kids. I immediately rejected it, reasoning that I didn’t know how to write a book, and even if I did write the story, no one would read it. The problem was, the idea would not leave me alone! For months, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Finally, to relieve myself of that mental torment, I sat down and wrote what I thought would be a short story for a picture book. The funny thing was, after writing those thoughts, I got another idea, and then another. It quickly turned into a chapter book, which became Rosie and Scamper, the first in the Sonrise Stable series.

Me: What was your inspiration for this series?
I homeschooled my daughters through high school. One of my most satisfying experiences was teaching them each how to read. As they became voracious readers, it was important to me to monitor what they were putting into their hearts and minds. I scrutinized the books they selected and was often dismayed at the content, even sometimes from Christian publishers. What I found particularly troublesome was the increasingly child-centric focus that often depicted children as smarter than the parents and able to function relatively independently from them. The books frequently had one or both parents missing, children disrespecting their elders, and siblings not getting along with each other. I really wasn’t interested in having my daughters read such warped representations of family life.

I guess that was a negative inspiration, however, once I started writing, I was determined not to write books that followed that trend. I’ve often thought of my books as a mixture of Black Beauty, The Waltons, and a bit of Grandma’s Attic, with me being the grandmother. God set up the family structure for a reason. I think kids today would be comforted in knowing that they don’t have to solve all their problems on their own. That doesn’t mean that adults dominate the Sonrise Stable series. The main characters are children, but they manage to get along with their siblings and respect their parents and grandmother – at least most of the time – as did my own daughters.

Me: Which Sonrise Stable book is closest to your heart? Why?
Vicki: There are parts of each book that stick out to me, but if I had to pick one, it would be Operation Christmas Spirit. Although there are many picture books about Christmas, there are few chapter books, and not many of those have a spiritual focus. After resolving to write a Christmas book, I felt a terrible weight descend on me. To write a meaningful and accurate story about the birth of our Savior seemed like such a daunting task, that my mind went blank for a long time. Then one day I read a short story by Pearl S. Buck, Christmas Day in the Morning. I cried at the emotions it stirred in me. And with that as a jumpstart, I began to write. 

Me: I loved how you included so many details in the family’s life–like ASL, horse rescue, and camp life. When (and how) did you decide to add these into your series?
Vicki: As I look back, it’s interesting to see how God prepared me over the years to write these books. I was painfully shy when I was younger. I did a lot of thinking and very little talking. I had extensive conversations in my head, with me coming up with the words everyone said. Not surprisingly, dialog is one of the easiest things for me to write!

As a horse lover from as far back as I can remember, horses have been an important part of my life. Some of my happiest childhood memories involved horses. My daughters and I share many memories of 4-H, county fairs, horse shows, and trail rides together. Many of those experiences found their way into the books. My oldest daughter is in fact a nurse. And my middle daughter is an ASL interpreter. My youngest, who was only about thirteen when the first book was written, did stay involved with horses longer than the other two. She did not become a horse trainer – however she would make a good one. She is currently studying engineering in college and still owns the horse Scamper was based on.

Years ago, I attended a Sermon on the Mount presentation by horse trainer and counselor, Lew Sterrett. He demonstrated how the relationship between a horse and its master is similar to our relationship with God. That opened my eyes to seeing spiritual lessons in my own dealings with horses. Sterrett’s presentations was aimed at an adult audience. I realized that I could use my own experiences with horses to bring similar lessons down to a level that young people could understand. At that time, writing a book hadn’t occurred to me, but my daughters and I started the Christian Cowgirl Club, a day camp for neighborhood girls.  In those camps, the girls learned to ride and take care of horses, and I passed on some of the spiritual lessons connected to horses, that I was learning myself.

Me: I’d love for my readers to “get to know you” a little better. What are three of your favorite things to do?
Vicki: I am down to one pony, Toby, which my eight-year-old foster daughter and I purchased at an Amish auction this summer. We enjoy driving him around in the pony cart. I enjoy having children over to help take care of the pony and learn how to harness him for driving.

I used to be a jogger, but now enjoy walking, hiking, and biking. I work as a freelance web designer and computer programmer. I love that combination of logic and creativity, and it allows me to work from home on my own schedule. I wouldn’t call myself a nerd though. I definitely view the computer as a creative tool rather than an entertainment device. My mind is like an idea factory. Sometimes I feel bombarded with all the ideas I have for projects – more than I’ll ever be able to accomplish in this lifetime.

Me: Would you please share your salvation testimony with us?
Vicki: I grew up in the 70’s, when the women’s liberation movement was really taking off. It all sounded great to me at the time. In a class of about one hundred at the public high school I attended, there was only one student that I would have identified as a Christian. She never witnessed to me, but the fact that she was willing to be different stuck in my mind. It was an atmosphere where what was wrong was made to seem good, and what was good was made to seem wrong.

I attended a liberal, mainline denominational church – because my mom made me, but the gospel was never clearly or strongly presented. I didn’t see anything different in the lives of the people who attended there. I went through the membership class at age eleven or twelve because that was the thing to do in that church. I thought I would feel something different after joining the church, but I didn’t. If anyone had asked whether I was a Christian, I would have said yes, but there was no certainty. That experience left me feeling empty and confused. Was that all there was to Christianity? 

Ironically, the few people in my life who I was reasonably sure were Christians, never spoke to me about it. Outwardly, I was a kind, sensitive person, so I guess they equated that with Christianity. Inside, however, I felt lost and unloved. I floundered my way through my early to mid-twenties, half-heartedly seeking God, but never fully committing to him. Looking back, I realize that God had His hand on me from a young age, and it was His steering and nudging that kept me from going too far astray. 

At twenty-seven, I was married and expecting my first child. In the months before her birth, I resolved to read all the way through the Bible, for the first time in my life. I didn’t understand most of it, but I made it all the way through Revelation before she arrived. God used that baby girl to finally break down the barrier that surrounded my heart. That might sound strange, but it makes sense. After all, He showed His love for all of us in a similar way – by sending a baby Boy to Bethlehem. 

Suddenly, my whole world was different. Things that had seemed right to me before, I knew were wrong. I had a fire and passion for God and His word. I began reading my Bible, not because of some resolution I had made, but because I wanted to – and it was beginning to make sense!

Soon after that, I went back to the church I’d grown up in, excited to tell those people that there was more to Christianity. I begged the pastor to start a Bible study, but he refused. He actually told me that my experience was just emotion and it would pass. Thirty years later, that fire for God and His word has only grown stronger.

I’ve often wondered why no one witnessed to me when I was younger. I was a lost and lonely girl, seeking a true relationship with God. If someone had reached out to me then, it might have kept me from making some costly mistakes in my life. That’s part of the reason why the books in the Sonrise Stable series have explicitly Christian messages. As a young person, I was aching to know truth, and no one would share it with me. I don’t want to make that same mistake. As an author, I don’t have anything better to offer young readers than the eternal truths found in God’s word.

Me: Who is your favorite author to read?
Vicki: After I became a Christian, since I attended a church that oddly enough, didn’t have Bible studies, I began studying on my own. For the next fifteen years, I devoured commentary after commentary. During that time, I read very little fiction, other than what I read to my daughters. I remember, in particular, reading  The Genesis Record by Henry Morris. That book opened my eyes to the truth of creation versus evolution. 

After fifteen years, I finally commentaried myself out. The problem then was that I couldn’t find many good Christian fiction writers. I think there’s a huge need in this area. I remember scaring myself silly, late one night, reading Frank Peretti’s, This Present Darkness. Many people criticize the Left Behind series, however those books were a huge influence on me. They may or may not be correct in their interpretation of end-time events, and their literary quality can be debated, however the series filled me with a sense of urgency to witness to people.

These days my reading consists primarily of weighty tomes on php, javascript, html, css, and other equally exciting topics!

Me: Thank you so much, Vicki! I loved reading the answers to your questions and get to know you better! Your books have been a blessing, and I pray that God will continue to use them in the lives of many young readers!

Until We Find Home | First Line Friday, Review

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments

When I saw a book by Cathy Gohlke come up for review, I grabbed it! I really liked how she incorporated history in her book, Promise me This. I liked this book even better! If you like WWII, this is another book to add to your shelves!

First line:
Lightning crackled, splitting the night sky over Paris, illuminating letters painted on the bookstore window across the street: La Maison des Amis des Livres.




Share a first line from a book you’re currently reading (or the book that’s closest to you!!
What is your favorite WWII book? 
 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


My Review
Refugee children in WWII and the acceptance that they faced was truly heart-felt in this story. Not only did the children have obstacles to face, but their guardian had her own challenges. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book—though I’d have to say the doctor was likely my favorite.


Having C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter featured in this book was a charming element. Me being a writer, I definitely loved all of the writerly threads portrayed.

There was relatively little romance in this book. Claire had hopes of romance from page one, but the way everything progressed with her romantic life was not ultra emotional and roller-coaster. I enjoyed the romance aspect of this.
The spiritual thread was definitely there. There were more quotes from Christian authors of the time than the Bible, and if I read it correctly, it appeared that one of the characters was saved when she was dreaming. That, to me, was a little odd, as I don’t see examples of that in the Bible. 
In short, I enjoyed this book more than the other Cathy Gohlke book that I’d read.
*I received this book from Tyndale Publicity Team and happily provided my honest review*
About the Book
For American Claire Stewart, joining the French Resistance sounded as romantic as the storylines she hopes will one day grace the novels she wants to write. But when she finds herself stranded on English shores, with five French Jewish children she smuggled across the channel before Nazis stormed Paris, reality feels more akin to fear.

With nowhere to go, Claire throws herself on the mercy of an estranged aunt, begging Lady Miranda Langford to take the children into her magnificent estate. Heavily weighted with grief of her own, Miranda reluctantly agrees . . . if Claire will stay to help. Though desperate to return to France and the man she loves, Claire has few options. But her tumultuous upbringing—spent in the refuge of novels with fictional friends—has ill-prepared her for the daily dramas of raising children, or for the way David Campbell, a fellow American boarder, challenges her notions of love. Nor could she foresee how the tentacles of war will invade their quiet haven, threatening all who have come to call Bluebell Wood home and risking the only family she’s ever known.

Set in England’s lush and storied Lake District in the early days of World War II, and featuring cameos from beloved literary icons Beatrix Potter and C. S. Lewis, Until We Find Home is an unforgettable portrait of life on the British home front, challenging us to remember that bravery and family come in many forms.
Extras
  • Read a Q&A with the author here! What inspired her to write this book? Why did she choose this location?
  • Find this book on Amazon
  • Add to your Goodreads “to read” list
  • Visit Cathy’s website

With Love, from Me to You | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Oopsie, this didn’t post yesterday, so it’s a day late!
It’s not the month that we think of as “the love month,” but this little book I’m featuring fits perfectly for any season of the year!

A red heart sends a message

that says “I so love you,”

but we can send those same words

in what we say and do.

What book are you currently reading?
Share a first line!!

Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!

My Review
What is the true message of love that we wish to impart to our children? This book does an excellent job of explaining how love is not just words, but actions and sharing God’s love to others. It goes beyond to expound that love also isn’t giving gifts, but helping, forgiving, and sharing. There is so much sound, Biblical explanation given in this children’s book! It is written in nice poetic form in words that are easy for children to understand.
The art in this book is colorful and cheerful, depicting a polar bear postman on a train. How much cuter can you get?
This is a book I’m more than happy to have on my shelves, and I intend to share it with many children in my life.
*I received this book from Book Look Bloggers and happily provided my honest review* 

Beneath a Prairie Moon | First Line Friday, Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
Happy New Year! This is the first “First Line Friday” of the year! 🙂 And I’ve got a fantastic book for the first one! Beneath a Prairie Moon doesn’t release until March, but you will definitely want to get it on your list to read! I know that I say this with every new release Kim Vogel Sawyer publishes, but… I think this may be my absolute favorite of hers!! Just re-reading the first line makes me want to stop and read the whole things once more. But I haven’t time for that. So, here’s just the first line…

“When’re you goinna have your letter ready, Mack?”

What’s the first line of one of your favorite books?
(or any other one, if you’d like)
Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!

My Review

Be prepared for gushing.

Because I love, love, loooooved this book! So a cohesive review may not be possible.


This is probably my favorite of Sawyer’s so far. I did NOT want it to end and when I passed it along to my sister, she said the same thing. I just wanted to stay with Abigail and Mack and Helena and Bill and Spiveyville. They were all so real and believable. They each had their struggles, their strong points, and their weak points.


And the men of Spiveyville. Oh wow. I mean, two women of prestigious, Eastern training coming into a town to train sixteen westerners who want mail-order brides? That is such an amazing idea and Sawyer executed it very well! I loved seeing the growth of the various characters, the vastness of their personalities. Yeah… I just loved the characters here!


As always, Sawyer portrayed strong, Christian characters (when applicable) or young Christians who needed room to grow. There wasn’t a ton of preaching in this book because the characters lived out their Christian lives. That was so very refreshing to see!


The setting was completely amazing! I loved the many etiquette tips woven throughout the book and in Abigail’s personality. It made it feel true to its era.


I forgot at times that the basis of this book was “mail order bride.” There really wasn’t much romance until the end. It was more of solid friendships being formed and developing into a relationship. There were a few hints of things, but nothing portrayed at all.


This really was just one of the sweetest, most exciting, and un-put-down-able books I’ve read this year!


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