Butterfly and the Violin

This story has two stories that meet together: one from the past and one from present day. The past is about a promising violinist that helped smuggle Jews during the Holocaust and she too is taken to a prison camp. The other, is about a woman who is in the search of a rare painting of this promising violinist. 

The Butterfly and the Violin, is the first book in Kristy Cambron’s debut series "A Hidden Masterpiece". This book is about the story the painting tells, and the impact the story has on Sera James.

The book switches between both time periods with ease. I was never confused as to which era I was in. Kristy Cambron writes with a clarity and authority on her subject matter. Even though this book is classified as Historical Christian Romance, anyone, regardless of their reading preference, will certainly love this story. I am looking forward to the second book in the series when it releases.

**NOTE** I received this book for free in return for my honest review from BookLook Bloggers

Passion

I will never forget the first time I ever heard Louie talk. It was on the Indescribable Tour with Chris Tomlin. His message still lingers in my soul, reminding how small I truly am in this vast universe, but how much more I am loved by this great God of the universe.

I've always wanted to go to Passion Confreneces. Every year I told myself I would go. I had a friend that went every year. The only thing holding me back was money: traveling to GA seemed like a bit of a stretch for me when I was having barely any money to live and pay bills as it was.

I've listened to all the Passion artists from Chris Tomlin to Christy Nockels. I have been involved. It was great to see that they streamed this years conference I think that I know of for the first time. It had so many wonderful artists and speakers. One of my favorites: Beth Moore.

Now she is one of the speakers that are included in this book. When I first got it, I didn't realize it was going to be a bunch of different speaker/artists talking about the passion movement for younger generations. While I'm an "older" younger generation, I was still moved by what these stories had to say. It gave me inspiration on how to involve the generations to come. These people have really made an impact for Christ in younger hearts and I want to be one of those people too.

The Daniel Plan

Without God’s power in your life, you are just running on your own energy. God never meant for you to do that. It’s like having a laptop that’s unplugged; the battery will eventually drain and shut down the computer. Why would you live like that when God created you for so much more?

This is an excerpt from the book "The Daniel Plan" by RickWarren, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman. I have read "The Purpose Driven Life" and "40 Days in the Word" by Rick, so I was looking forward to reading this.

For the most part, it's very similar to other healthy "plan" books. The exercises and diet regulations and advice are all very similar to so many other books out there. But it adds another element: God. God created us, God created food we eat. He did not create all the trash that most American's put in their bodies. So having this parallel with a lifestyle plan helps. I liked some the recipes that were in the book and I'm looking forward to trying it. The plan seems overall pretty easy to follow.

Andi Unexpected

This was a cute book. Very short read for me. I was able to read this in one night.

I know I'm an adult, and this is a children's novel, but sometimes, you just have to let the brain rest. And this was just what I needed.

Andi and her sister Bethany move in with their aunt. Andi (or Andora as we find out) is named after someone in her family. While living with her aunt, her new friend, Collin, and her spend time together cleaning out her aunt's attic to make room for Andi's new room up there. They end up going on an adventure after finding an old box. What's in it? Why is her name on it?

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new book for their child to read. It's a wonderful little tale. One that I could even see being made into a movie.

Lovology

What does love really mean?

"Love is a noun and a verb."
"'Love' is a junk drawer we dump all sorts of ideas into, just because we don't have anywhere else to put them. Example, I 'love' God, I 'love' fish tacos. See the problem?"

John Mark Comer has a way to reach the human heart and mind. Some might find some of the things he says as crass (example would be when talking about the desire for porn he says "jacking off"), but honestly, he is using lingo that many people use in every day talk.

He helps us see what love is. From God coming to Earth as a human, to gay relationships. And everything else in between during a relationship about a man and his wife. They are your friend, partner, and lover.

I love when "Christian" authors aren't afraid to talk about sex and marriage and how they are so important and entwined. GOD MADE IT. It's NOT a taboo. After all, Song of Songs is a love poem dedicated to a man and a woman and their romance and desire for each other. I grew up in a home where sex was NOT talked about and was told how 'bad' it really is. I have a very open relationship with a man that has become my best friend and we have a long distance relationship. While we may not have the physical implication between us, we do have very intimate talks about sex. He is the only one that I have felt safe talking about things like that. I don't feel embarrassed. I think that is what God wants for us when we find our mate.

Also, I love how John Mark talks about singleness as being a gift. I remember for the longest time wanting to get married and have children. I still do, but at the same time, that intense waiting was the WORST! But, the waiting brought a very special man in my life as well a stronger relationship with God.

This book is for everyone: single, engaged, married, gay/straight. We are all in need of love. And this book reminds us what it is to love and be loved.

On the down note, the only thing that I had a hard time with was the pink pages with white writing. once my eyes adjusted to it, it was a shock to switch from the pink to a plain page! But over all, this was a very quick read and suggest it to everyone.

Doon

Scootish Moors, fancy dresses, medieval like town, fantasy, tales, mystery.

A boy in a kilt.

Everything your heart could want in a fantasy-like setting....

I'm a sucker for Young Adult collections...however, I'm starting to realize my obsession has gotten a little crazy and it's taken over my reading time a little too much. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

While I thought that the book was going to be based solely on Veronica, Makenna's best friend, I was glad to see that it wasn't just about her. The book is broken up in to chapters for each girl and I had to remind myself that the POV was from one of the two girls.

Makenna inherits her Aunt Gracie's estate in Scotland and she takes Veronica with her. Veronica, on the other hand, has been seeing a mysterious boy in a kilt, and thinks she's gone mad. ENTER: a trip to Scotland with Makenna to see her Aunt's house. They find Gracie's journal about stories that Makenna had grown up listening to and it all goes on from there.

I don't want to say too much considering it will give stuff away. I think this would be a great movie (MUCH BETTER THAN TWILIGHT!!!!!) I think it's kind of funny that it's labeled as "Christian" young adult, only due to some minor language and some more intimate relationship settings. Other than that, I can totally see the two girls talking. The use of "teen" language is heavy through the book and you can feel the teenage atmostphere. Which is fine for me, because teenagers are an interesting species. :)

Now...of to find me MY boy in a kilt....(my boyfriend is of Scottish/Irish ancestry, and he's HOT in a kilt!!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers 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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Samson

I'm not normally one to read books on the Holocaust, or boxing, or anything that sound remotely like a "guy's" kind of read. However, something drew me to this book.

Based on true events, Shawn Hoffman weaves a wonderful tale about a man named Samson and what he must do to save his family. He is found out that he was a previous boxing champion and is ordered to box for entertainment of those that run the concentration camp he is in. However, there's a catch. Winner gets extra rations, loser gets death in the gas chamber. An unlikely friendship between Samson and a Polish Catholic priest begins to blossom. Samson is down on his faith and wonders where is God when he needs him the most.

This is a great story. A part of history is being retold and you can't help but feel like you are part of the story. Shawn did an excellent job at having the story unfold. It's a tough story to read, but worth every minute.

Dear Mr. Knightley

I've always been a Jane Austen fan. There was always something about her writing that intrigued me. Maybe it was because I was always in love with times gone past and am a romantic at heart.

When I first read the book, I was hoping it was going to be something like the book "Austenland" (which is actually mentioned in the storyline a few times, along with other Jane Austen tales and classics of the time). The story is written in a series of letters to a man named Mr. Knightley. It took me a little bit to get into it, but as the story started to develop, I found it easier to follow along. I was almost ready to throw the towel in. Then...Alex came along. And it was much better from there. A little slow starting (for me at least) but over all a good read.

Dark Halo

I have been waiting for this book! I read the first two and I fell in love. When I saw that this book was finally available for review (a part of me actually forgot all about it....SILLY ME!!!) I was super excited.

WHen I first got Angel Eyes, I was a little concerned because I thought it would be another Twilight. It seems a lot of teen drama/romances are similar to that. However, I was very happy when I started reading it. THen came Broken Wings. And I finished that book in two days. So I couldn't wait for this book to come.

I was happy and sad when it finally was avaiable. I was happy because I could continue on with the story. I was sad becuase it's the final book in the story. I fell in love with the good characters, hated the bad characters. I "talked" to the book as things happened, talked to Brielle as she was going through stuff like I was her friend. I was so involved with this book. And sad that it has ended. I definitely recommend you read the first two. Even though there is a brief summary in this book, I recommend getting involved from the very beginning. I loved this series and will definitely read it again!

City on Fire

I don't know what's gotten in to me reading more historical fiction, other than my Amish novels I've read. I guess there's something intriguing about the characters of times gone before. I love seeing how people lived and how they interacted and if they are anything different than us in today's time.

When I read "City on Fire", I was captivated by the characters in the first few chapters of the book. It was almost like I was watching a movie in my head. I saw, I felt, I smelled....It was like I was almost there even. The characters are well developed and you really feel like you are part of their story. I had never read anything from Tracy Higley before, but I will definitely be picking up another book soon. I like finding new authors and adventures to go on. I will be reading this again in the future.

31 Days...

I started reading this book at the beginning of October, (so, two days ago.) and I've only read the first couple chapters. Maybe this book wasn't for me. Maybe I didn't try hard enough to try to "get" something from it. Maybe it just wasn't my style of writing that was in it. I don't know. But I wasn't captured by it. That's just me personally. Others may find this book to be fascinating. Hence the reason God created us all with different views. Life would be pretty boring if we all thought the same. I hope that my review doesn't deter you from reading. It might be something you might be interested it. As for me, I just didn't click with it.

Once Upon a Prince...

I love fairy tales. I'm a Disney geek through and through and always have dreamed about meeting my Prince Charming. I think most girls have that dream of waltzing around in a big poofy gown in the arms of their beloved and gazing longingly into his eyes.

I also love movies like The Prince and Me and The Princess Diaries. Oh to be a small town girl and be whisked away by a prince or be told that you are the princess of a country. Now, I'm not saying that I want to run a country...I can barely keep my own household afloat!

I'm also a sucker for romance novels. C'mon...you can't tell me after a long day of stress you wouldn't want to curl up with a book with a cheesy romantic aire and just lose yourself in the world of royalty, love, and romance. I know I do. Maybe that's what helps keep me "sane". Not sure, but I will choose to believe it for the moment.

"Once Upon a Prince" had a lot of the same similar ideas as the movie the Prince and Me: Royalty travels to foreign country, falls for a common girl, hides who he is, problems arise, becomes King, and so forth. The story was also fairly predictable throughout. But that didn't bother me at all. After reading books where you are trying to figure out the end, or remembering 500 characters and the storyline is so complex you need a Cliffs Notes and diagram to figure it out, it's nice to have an easy predictable read. I think the characters were easily distinguishable, relatable, and easy to understand. Even though I knew what was going to happen at the end, I still teared up. I guess I felt like I was Susanna, and was waiting for love to come along.

This is also a great story to show that you do not have control of your own life. You may have a "plan" as Susanna did, and like the beginnign shows, she was more in lvoe with the plan than the man she thought she loved for 12 years. Susanna had to let go and give plan over to God. And He obviously had more in store for her than she could have ever dreamed...far more grand, more full of love and passion than she probably ever let her heart desire.

I would recommend this book to those that love romance, predictable or non, those looking for love, those searching for a reason for their life. God's got it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bread & Wine

When a small group from my church decided they wanted to read this for this month, and create some of the recipes from the book, I was really happy that when I saw that Thomas Nelson was having this books a BookSneeze selection. I was giddy with excitement as I got my package in the mail.

When I was flipping through it, though, it wasn't what I expected it to be. 

"My prayer is that you'll read these pages first curled up on your couch or in bed or in the bathtub, and then after that you'll bring it to the kitchen with you, turning corners of pages, breaking the spine, spilling red wine on it and splashing vinegar across the pages, that it will become battered and stained as you cook and chop and play, music loud and kitchen messy" Shauna writes on the back cover of the book. Even though in the book she says this is not a cook book, it is more of an collection of stories of her life. 

I was hoping for more recipes that are in here. This is not a book that I would bring into the kitchen with me. Some other people might, but that is not for me. My cookbooks are loaded with leftover food, stuck and curled pages. This book would never make it in my kitchen. 

I did find the book pleasing to read, and I will (try) to make some of the recipes in the book. And it will be interesting to hear what the ladies in the small group at church thought about the book too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers 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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Letters to Katie

It's been some time since I've read an Amish inspired book. I think it probably was one of Beverly Lewis' ones. When I read the description for "Letters to Katie" it sounded interesting and I decided to give it a go. This is a sweet story centered around Katie. It took some time to get in to where the "letters" were going to be part of the story, but when it was finally revealed, it made sense. I quickly fell in love with the characters. This is an easy, quick read and I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a wholesome love story, this is a good choice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers 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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Simply Delicious Amish

ONE WORD: YUMMO.

I LOVE Amish food and growing up we had Amish that lived in the area in Northeast Wisconsin (Still do and they drive past my parent's house all the time). It was always like a little slice of heaven when I would buy some cookies or fresh baked bread (Yeah....bread was something that I could NEVER master...so I would cheat and use my bread machine or go Amish). 

So when I saw the book Simply Delicious Amish Cooking: Recipes and Stories from the Amish of Sarasota, Florida by Sherry Gore, I was so excited. I flipped through the book and I can't WAIT to try  these recipes. I really enjoyed the Introduction and reading the stories through the book. And the pictures? Made me drool. I turn to mush when looking through cookbooks regardless. Glancing at the recipes, I was surprised to see some "special" ingredients (mashed potatoes in Cinnamon Rolls???!!!). Very excited to play. I love cooking, and this book just made my day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers 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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Accidental Pharisees

My pastor read this book and presented it to our congregation. He said this was a challenging book. This is coming from a pastor who has read lots of different types of material. So I was happy to see that this was a BookSneeze selection. 

I agree with Pastor. It was a challenging read. It got right to the heart of things and dug in deep. Deep into scripture, deep into your heart, deep into your soul and really made you think about things. I liked the Discussion sections at the end of the each Part. This is a real eye-opening book and if you are ready to take a deep breath, jump off the cliff and learn more about God, yourself, your faith...then I suggest reading this. If you are ready to look in the mirror and acknowledge who you are, then this is the book for you. No turning back. 

Broken Wings

I have to admit. I'm a sucker for sugary, sappy teen romance novels. I devoured the Twilight series when each book came out. I know Harry Potter isn't a 'romance' but, yet again....devour. I just wish so many of the romance novels on the adult market weren't so trashy. Honestly...you mean you can't have a love story without sex or vulgarity? Oh, publishers....I do believe you can. But once again, we are catering to the world's desires.

When I first picked up Broken Wings, I didn't realize that it was part of a trilogy. So, I had to go and read the first book. Then I read the second book. (and now....I patiently wait for the third book.....). I love Jake. Can I just admit that? I fell in love with Jake so quickly. All the characters come to life on the page and I feel like I get to know each of them, but Jake.....sigh. (See.....teen romance...got to love it). I felt like I was actually in Stratus with all the characters. I love Shannon's depiction of the angels. When I pictured them, I felt safe and protected. 

I don't know if Broken Wings was really meant just for teenagers or not. But as a thirty-one year old woman, I enjoyed reading it. Guess every now and then a little light reading is good for the soul, no matter what your age. I would recommend this book to anyone that has read any teen romance series. I think you will enjoy it. 

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dirty God

Grace.

Dirty God from Johnnie Moore is a story of grace and how Jesus came to be one of us. I love how real he gets with the story and how relatable he makes the Scripture. This is an easy read in the sense that there are no difficult understandings to try to follow. But it is also a hard read emotionally and spiritually. This book really digs down into the soul and makes Jesus a person. A real person that you can confide in, understand, and talk to. He is not some historical figure that seems unattainable. He is real. And Johnnie does a wonderful job explaining how much God really does loves us and what he sacrificed for us. Grace. No matter how horrible we think we are, it's grace that covers us. 

Unexpected Love

Imagine for a moment living in Biblical times. Imagine even further yet being a Disciple walking with Jesus. Go even further yet to living in the time of Jesus and His Disciples as a WOMAN. What might you expect? Women weren't so revered back in the day. But Jesus had a different view of women. 

In Unexpected Love, the stories of Jesus and women come alive. What a wonderful way to experience nine different stories in which Jesus associated with women of his time. We are not talking royals or socialites of our day. We are talking poor, unacknowledged, and even messed up women. We get to take side seat with Jesus and spend some time with these women learning more about them and digging deeper into the mind of Jesus and what He could have been thinking. 

In closing, we bring it back to us, and how seeing these stories of these women can relate to us. None of these women were perfect. None of these women were "special" in the eyes of their world. But they were CHOSEN. Just as we are. And God loves them, just as He loves us. What a wonderful story.

It's time to grab a cup of coffe or tea, and have a conversation with Jesus and the women in His life.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Respect Dare

I may not be married, but I think as a woman and as a Christian woman as well, it is very important to learn how and understand the respect it takes in a relationship. Whether it be marriage or in a friendship or family relationship. I think so many people have forgotten what it means to be respectful to others, myself included. We are so concerned about our needs that we forget about others feelings and putting their needs above ourselves. After all, isn't that what it means to serve?

The Respect Dare is about what works. It is based off many relationships of what works and what doesn't. Nina makes a few suggestions to help soak in what you will read about and learn in this book:

*Take one day at a time.

*Have no expectations of your spouses behavior, or you will experience discouragement and resentment.

*Measure your progress in terms of spiritual growth. 

*Keep a journal.

*Remember that this is a journey.

*Do the book with a few friends, and meet once a week to encourage each other.

The journaling comes in handy with the questions of meditation and thought at the end of each section. Now, I'm a journaler and I love to keep record of my thoughts so I can go back and see how I've grown or not grown and where I can improve. I think journaling is a very important part of learning and growing and I would highly recommend it as well, just like Nina did. This book covers a lot of subjects and supplies a lot of thought provoking questions. 

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”