For Such A Time ~ Book Review

For Such A Time, by Kate Breslin

For Such A Time has moved me like no other. A heart-wrenching, soul-pricking, life changing read.

This story showcases the cruelties of WWII and the Nazis brutality, hatred and lack of compassion toward the Jews. It also illustrates how faith, love, and perseverance can overcome hardships that seem insurmountable.

What I loved about this book:

*The story. It was inspired by Esther’s story in the Bible. Just as Esther was chosen to save her people, Hadassah must find the courage and faith to do the same. Her plight is a difficult one, and her journey became my own.

*The emotions. I felt a myriad of emotions. My jaw clenched in anger, my heart wrenched in agony, and I wept for the atrocities that were carried out. I smelled the fear, and felt the passions as well as punishments.

*The characters. They are all flawed, some more than others. I sympathized with Hadassah’s (Stella’s) conflicting feelings. Her responsibilities and struggles were nearly unbearable. Aric is even more complex and conflicting. I fell in love with Hadassah’s uncle, and the others she grew to love. And other characters put such a palpable distaste in my mouth I wanted to spew them out.

*The impact. This book transported me to a horrific place in history, where compassion, empathy and faith were difficult treasures to unearth. Kate Breslin, the author, has taken threads of differing textures: love/hate, empathy/cruelty, acceptance/denial, belief/doubt, and somehow woven them into a tapestry of beauty, love, and acceptance.

What I didn’t love about this book:

*Only that it ended. I’ll miss these characters and the journey we traveled together.

I don’t know how anyone could read this book without being forever changed. Though this story is fictional, there were over a million men, women, and children who experienced similar atrocities.

A book should make us FEEL—whether angry, proud, sad, disgusted, or happy—and this book succeeded.

First Lines: The stench was unmistakable. Seeping through the walls of the two-story chalet, turning pungent from the warmth of an oil furnace, the insidious odor drifted upstairs to where Stella lay asleep on a window seat.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Whistling Past the Graveyard - Book Review

A coming-of-age Southern fiction story.

Whistling Past the Graveyard is a fictional tale, yet depicts an authentic display of the harsh realities of the 1960s Civil Rights era. As she runs from her troubles, young Starla Claudelle is forced to face greater trials and fears than she ever thought possible.  

I loved the relationship between Starla and Eula. Their skin color, hardships, and outlooks on life are completely different, but they're bonded by their compassionate and steadfast hearts.

Pros: The characters are developed beautifully, the struggles and hardships of the Civil Rights movement are realistic, and I was instantly drawn in by the voice and flavor of little Starla's narration. 

Cons: None.

Overall: Whistling Past the Graveyard took me back in time and journeyed me through history, teaching me many lessons along the way. The only time I put this book down was when I had to go to sleep, and when I finished it. I love an engrossing southern read! 

Cover: Love it

Title: Love it

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 320

Pace: Some parts are fast paced, some are steady.

First Line: My grandmother said she prays for me every day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the NetGalley book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Heaven Changes Everything
by Todd & Sandra Burpo
A Devotional

I highly recommend reading Heaven Is For Real before reading Heaven Changes Everything.

I’m presenting my review of the first book (Heaven Is For Real) before the review for Heaven Changes Everything, because I think it might be helpful.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL:

A four-year-old’s explanation of heaven without the obstacles of adult influences or expectations.

This story captured me from the beginning. I love little Colton and his heartwarming, enlightening story – told through his father, Todd Burpo. Yes, the media is full of been there, done that stories concerning out-of-body experiences and seeing the light (I’m in no way discounting them, or making light of those) but few accounts are given from such an innocent and fresh perspective.

I found this book informative, entertaining and uplifting. I didn’t find anything in the story to be sensationalized or exaggerated. There was no need too, because this child experienced things of this world (and out of this world) with an unsullied and a pure heart.  This book will surely bless you – and perhaps (if you aren’t already) make you a believer.

This book can be read in one sitting. Photos are inserted in the middle, that add to the already fabulous imagery of the story. Highly recommended.

HEAVEN CHANGES EVERYTHING:

At the beginning of each of the 42 chapters is an excerpt from the first book, Heaven Is For Real. Each quote is then followed by an essay, explaining how the circumstances changed the Burpos’ lives or outlooks. Then ends with a question and Bible verse, showing important applications.

I think this is a nice ‘expansion pack’ so to speak, but I wasn’t totally engrossed in this book like I was the first. It serves very nicely as a devotional book.

In Leah's Wake

In Leah's Wake
by Terri Giuliano Long
A Novel

Description from Goodreads:

The Tylers have a perfect life--beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine, more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years, just wants her sister's approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly together kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life...until Leah meets Todd, a former roadie for a rock band.

 As Leah's parents fight to save their daughter from a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties, their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage. Meanwhile, twelve-year-old Justine observes her sister's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family-leaving her to question whether anyone loves her and if God even knows she exists.

Can this family survive in Leah's wake? What happens when love just isn't enough?

In Leah’s Wake is a story about family, relationships, finding your true self, forgiveness, and taking action. It’s also a cautionary tale of how the small choices we make today can have immense costs tomorrow.

Pros – The biggest pro of reading this book is getting to know the characters. They are so nicely developed and full of depth. Even through their faults (and boy do they have them!) they are likeable, sympathetic and easy to relate to.

Leah – She’s not unlike many teens. She follows a path of destruction that is (unfortunately) common in today’s world.

Justine - Leah’s younger sister adds softness to the story. Her personality fits the little sister role very nicely.

Zoe & Will – These parents have completely different strategies of how to keep their marriage and family afloat.

Todd – No comment. (I don’t want to spoil anything for you.)

The plot is believable and kept me interested throughout. There were no lagging chapters or far-fetched scenes. Terri Giuliano Long did a fabulous job of allowing the severity of Leah’s mishaps and changes to develop as the story moved forward. (A major pro!) The progressing troubles and consequences give it a realistic, dynamic feel.

Cons – The use of character’s names was distracting at times. The flow would be smoother if the author used she and he (in place of names) throughout—especially the beginning. Perhaps because I was so wrapped up in the characters as I advanced through the story, I didn’t notice it as much later on. This is the only con that comes to mind though, and certainly not a reason to set the book aside.

Overall – I loved it! I recommend reading In Leah’s Wake. It is powerful, raw, and matter-of-fact. A story where relationships are strained, perceptions are distorted, and each character deals with their own unique internal struggles. Filled with angst, anger, resentment, fear, betrayal, love and underlying hope, In Leah’s Wake is an emotional read sure to leave you changed.

First Lines: Zoe and Will Tyler sat at their dining room table playing poker. The table, a nineteenth century, hand-carved mahogany, faced the bay window overlooking their sprawling front yard.

Take This Regret

Take This Regret

by Amy Lichtenhan

Contemporary Fiction

Elizabeth and Christian are college sweethearts. Their love is going strong until an unexpected life sends them into a tailspin that threatens to blow them both off course.

Elizabeth announces she is pregnant, expecting Christian to accept the surprise thrown their way, but he doesn’t want the baby. Christian rashly declares they should have it ‘taken care of’ to avoid rearranging their life, school and career plans. Their sudden and painful split takes them on a lengthy journey of heartbreak and regret.

After five years, Elizabeth and Christian meet again at a crossroads, striving to find a way to make their separate paths meld—for the sake of their child. Elizabeth has major trust issues (understandably) and Christian regrets his selfish decisions of the past and struggles to overcome them and make things right.

Pros: This story portrays honest emotions that aren’t overdone or exaggerated for ‘dramatic effect.’ The characters feel real, and aren’t predictable. The decisions made are understandable, the heartbreak palpable, and the story memorable.

Cons: There are a few grammatical issues throughout.

Overall: I love a book that makes me feel a myriad of emotions and this one did that incredibly well. The author’s writing style is velvety smooth—seeping into my psyche and absorbing me into each page. The characters (even the supporting cast) are nicely developed, the imagery is vivid, and the story will stay with me for quite some time.

Cover: Like it

Title: Like it

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop

Pages: 224

Pace: Smooth and Steady

First line(s): “Christian, let go!” Elizabeth struggled to untangle herself from the arms wrapped around her waist.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the LibraryThing Early Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Smitten - Book Review

Smitten

by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, & Diann Hunt

A Christian Romance

When the logging mill shuts down in Smitten, Vermont, the townsfolk fear their community will never recover, but four women are determined they can change Smitten for the better. With a name like Smitten, why not make the town a romantic, honeymoon getaway?

Some of the local men think turning their mill town into a romance capital is a hair-brained idea. But, not only are they swayed by the women’s well thought out business plans, but they’re soon swept up in romantic notions of their own!

This is such a fun read. The characters are interesting and diverse and the town of Smitten is vivid. I feel like I know these characters, and if I were in Smitten, I’d certainly be friends with them.

What a whirlwind of dreams and romance. I love the way the girls band together to make Smitten a fabulous, romantic spot. Their efforts put them on the map, and inadvertently put romance into their own lives.

You don’t only get one fabulous romance in this book—but four! Each woman has her own section of the book. What a unique and exciting read. I finished this book with a smile on my face. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Don't Breathe A Word - Book Review

Don’t Breathe a Word, by Jennifer McMahon.

I loved this book. It wasn’t anything like I expected. This isn’t an average fairy story.

You are better off without any preconceived notions about this story, so I’ll be brief on its description.

A 12 year old girl, Lisa, tells her brother that she has found a door into another world and is leaving to meet the King of the Fairies. She goes to Reliance, a mysterious abandoned town of the past within the woods behind her home, and disappears. Nobody seems to know what exactly happened to her.

Years later, Phoebe becomes involved with Sam, Lisa’s brother, and questions Lisa’s disappearance, the fairies, and Reliance. Her quest for the truth leads to so many twists and turns I couldn’t begin to describe them all.

The characters in this book are so real. I soon forgot there are no such things as fairies…or are there?

The character descriptions and imagery are strong. An imaginative tale that kept me glued. A creepy and entertaining read.

Heaven is for Real - Book Review

Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo.

A four-year-old’s explanation of heaven without the obstacles of adult influences or expectations.

This story captured me from the beginning. I love little Colton and his heartwarming, enlightening story – told through his father, Todd Burpo. Yes, the media is full of been there, done that stories concerning out-of-body experiences and seeing the light (I’m in no way discounting them, or making light of those) but few accounts are given from such an innocent and fresh perspective.

I found this book informative, entertaining and uplifting. I didn’t find anything in the story to be sensationalized or exaggerated. There was no need too, because this child experienced things of this world (and out of this world) with an unsullied and a pure heart.  This book will surely bless you – and perhaps (if you aren’t already) make you a believer.

This book can be read in one sitting. Photos are inserted in the middle, that add to the already fabulous imagery of the story. Highly recommended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogsneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255