The Friends of Jesus

Six very different people. Yet all had an encounter with one man who would change their lives forever. They would be the same in some aspects but vastly different because of that one encounter and in many cases a continued relationship as being friends of Jesus.

In the book, The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury, we get an up close and personal look at the very lives of six people who were forever changed in remarkable ways by those who encountered Jesus. From Simon, once a man of political power and influence, brought low and left abandoned by his family and friends when he became a leper. It was only through his faith in Jesus Christ, that would offer him a new life and a new faith. Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, was one of Jesus' closest friends, who would have her own faith challenged and tested when her brother dies while waiting for Jesus. She learns what the meaning of belief truly is. Jarius, a man who had one of the highest places of authority in the council of the high priests. As they are making preparations to arrest Jesus, he learns his daughter is dying. He has to make a decision to be with his daughter during her final hours, or trust and hope that the Jesus they have been debating truly has the power to heal.

Mary Magdalene, is probably one of the most notable women from the Bible, aside from Mary, Jesus' mother. Hers was a life spent looking for answers in all the wrong places for happiness until she was seized by the power of seven demons. Her life would have remained an internal prison if not for the love and compassion from Jesus to dedicate the rest of her life to serving Him. Peter, the rock on whom Jesus would ultimately build His church upon is finding redemption and meaning to his life even after following Him for three years and would deny him three different times. For John, often called the one Jesus loved, learns how the first in the kingdom of God, will be the least and learn a life of what serving Jesus will truly mean.

I received The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, outside of a free copy of this book and the opinions are my own personal. For anyone who loves a connection between the people who encountered Jesus in the Bible, you will absolutely love how Karen, deligates a separate chapter for each of these characters and how they seem to link together in the ways Jesus worked not only in their lives from an external perspective but a lasting internal one as well. For me the biggest eye opener was the statement from Gamaliel, one of the oldest Pharisees on deciding the fate of Jesus claimed, "Leave Jesus alone! Let Him go! For if His purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from the Father, you will not be able to stop Him. You will only find yourselves fighting against God." This is evident in the life of Christianity, it has never stopped, no matter what they threaten and the message is a timeless now as it was then. Well worth 5 out of 5 stars. Discussion questions are included at the end which would make for a great personal Bible study or for book clubs.

For more information about The Friends of Jesus, Karen Kingsbury or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury

You can find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on The Friends of Jesus, please visit Howard Book's website. 

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

I absolutely love it when an author so richly describes a novel, especially one that cross back the historical timeline in such detail, that you aren't reading a book, but you are really there as part of the story, merely watching it unfold before your eyes. Melanie Dobson is one such talented author. In her latest novel, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, the reader is taken between two generations of family members as it toggles back and forth from present day to 1954 in England to uncover a long buried mystery from the past that is now unfolding the answers in present day.

In 1954, we are thrust back in time to the life of Maggie Emerson who sits waiting to the man she loves and who has promised to marry her once he returns from the sea just in time for Christmas. Only this time, she has to make some important decisions. She has found herself pregnant and with not only her reputation on the line, but those of her foster family. She finds Walter Doyle, on the eve of planning to throw herself and her unborn child into the sea, a man who has proposed many times to her with a regrettable no each time. She realizes that if she plays it right, she might just have the answer to her problem if she can keep it a secret. But like all great secrets, some day they find their way to the light and in the process ruin the lives of those they promised to keep safe.

Present day, moves us through Heather Toulson who is returning to her father's cottage in England in hopes of settling his belongings after his death. Along with her daughter Ella, she is reminded of a childhood and love she once hoped would offer something more, but now it something she wants to keep buried. As fate would have it however, Heather runs into her old love, Christopher and discovers that the family she once thought she knew was far from what they seem. This may be the one thing that time won't be able to mend and at the heart of this lies the murder of a young boy from the past.

I received Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions contained here are strictly my own. Sometimes the best part about novels like this is the ability to weave together to very different stories from two time periods and be able to blend them so well, you forget that they are so different. They work so well that it appears seamless as they begin to merge almost like ghosts from the past. For fans of a great mystery and a love of historical England complete with old wealthy manors complete with secret gardens, thatched cottages and cobblestone paths, will absolutely be drawn to this novel. Well worth a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, Melanie Dobson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

You can find Melanie Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

American Wife

If you're like most Americans, you've probably heard of Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL who killed more people in war to save lives than ever before in history. He served three tours as a Navy SEAL while his wife Taya and their kids supported him from home. After each tour they believed he would come home and settle into a life with his family, but at his heart, he knew he was saving more lives by being there. For those of you that remember, Chris Kyle's life was memoralized in the novel American Sniper, which would later blow out box office records with the story of a man who truly served his country, sadly a movie he would never see come to fruition as he was killed trying to help a man here in the United States that was suffered from what some believed was PTSD. But that was Chris, always willing to help others, his was a life well served.

But behind the scenes like in most cases was Taya, his wife of more than 10 years, who had to piece together a life without the man she dreamed she would share it with. In American Wife, by Taya Kyle and Jim DeFelice, they share not only the story from Taya's perspective in what it was like being the wife of a soon-to-be infamous SEAL sniper, but also how she held it all together when facing the unknown whenever he left on another tour. Would he make it home this time?

It is the most incredible story of not only unconditional love, but how her faith saw her through the times she needed to move forward despite her feelings regarding Chris' death. It shows how war takes its toil on the family as well who live in a state of hoping that next phone call or doorbell isn't the fore bearer of bad news about Chris. It also shows what happens after the movie American Sniper ends and how Taya and the kids Bubba and Angel are finding a new life against insurmountable odds, not only with the recent lawsuit from Jesse Ventura but also in a business collaboration Chris co-owned with another man. It would soon play out after Chris' death that there are those who would benefit and profit in the most deployable ways just to make a point and take what they truly believe to be theirs in their own eyes.

I received American Wife by Taya Kyle and Jim DeFelice compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. There is a depth in this book that I can't put into words that most never understand or see. How a family copes in light of war, what happens when things go south, how do you pick up the pieces and go on, but I love that we get to see another side of the love the Kyle's embraced, through emails Taya shares as well as some personal photos of the family. While it is never easy to move through grief, I believe Taya does it with grace and honor, and in the face of the adversity that still continues to this day, she holds fast to the support of family and friends and her faith in God. Well worth a full 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about American Wife, Taya Kyle, Jim DeFelice, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

American Wife by Taya Kyle and Jim DeFelice

You can find Taya Kyle on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest efforts to support the service men and women through Chris Kyles Frog Foundation.

For more reviews on American Wife, please visit William Morrow's website. 

A Pattern of Lies

I don't know what the draw if for mystery's and perhaps it is that we love to feel like we are contributing to solving the unknown. Set against the backdrop of WWI, as readers immerse themselves into the nursing duties of Bess Crawford. It is a time where nursing was just beginning to grow their grassroots and it wasn't a pretty way to get involved for women to help in the war effort. It is a time of unsanitary conditions, amid the begins of medical procedures while bombs and shells are going off all around. Where sleep and a good meal are the blessings one can hope for.

An explosion at the Ashton Powder Mill in Kent has claimed the lives of a hundred men, and like everyone involved they want answers to what happened. As time presses on, this is written off as simply an accident from war efforts and soon it is swept under the rug. But rumors don't like to lie in the dark, and soon hints at murder rock the Ashton family and it seems the only one who can help provide the answers has been dispatched to the frontlines. Will Bess be able to help unravel the pattern of lies to help end the persecution of the Ashton family or will she become the next target of the killer at large?

I received Pattern of Lies by Charles Todd compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Aside from a complimentary copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own. I am a huge fan of anything pertaining to WWI and love that once again readers find themselves back in the thick of things with Nurse Bess Crawford. I love her character because besides being a strong female nurse, she is not afraid to shatter the stereotypes we might have as a heroine solving mysteries while the war rages around her. It isn't easy being sleep deprived and moving from place to place where she is needed the most and always has her allies watching her back when it counts. I can't wait for more future novels from Charles Todd because it is such a breath of fresh air to see strong willed female characters that stand firm in the face of adversity and thus the reason for my 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is the 7th novel in the Bess Crawford Mystery series.

For more information about Pattern of Lies, Charles Todd or where to preorder a copy of this book that debuts in August of 2015, please click on the links below:

Pattern of Lies by Charles Todd 

You can find Charles Todd on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Pattern of Lies, please visit William Morrow's website. 

The Broken Blade

The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer is Book 3 and final book of The Knight of Eldaran Series.

The epic final battle between the Master and King

Eamon Goodman is now the Master’s Right Hand. But despite being the second-in-command to the ruler of the River Realm, Eamon becomes the victim of vengeful plots engineered by the other Quarter Hands. Eamon finds himself powerless to stop them and the people he cares for are under threat. Eamon then discovers that the Nightholt―the book he long ago delivered to the Master’s Hands―holds the key to the Master’s power, which will become absolute upon the death of the King. Thus the stage for the final battle is set. Eamon rides out at the head of the Master’s army and must finally decide where his true allegiance lies. His choice will determine the fate of the River Realm. 

This final book is the culmination of who Eamon is and how his past and present plays out in the final battle between good and evil within the River Realm and the Town of Dunthruik. I was absolutely hooked and could not wait to see where the story would unfold and who would be the ultimate conqueror, The King, or The Master. I cannot get into specifics as it would ruin the ending, but suffice to say that the book and series were well worth the wait. Eamon and his close people who he has put in certain places around him have been beaten, killed, tortured and he has had to deal with the pain and suffering of not being able to confide in anyone around him about his true service. Please read and see for yourself how the book progresses and comes to the final battle.

I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 for its character development and story line that turns and twist with danger lurking at every turn. I received The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions found here are strictly my own personal. This is a must read series for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis!For more information about The Broken Blade, Anna Thayer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Broken Blade by Anna Thayer

 You can find Anna Thayer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels. 

 To read more reviews on The Broken Blade, please visit Kregel Publications' website.

Beyond The Ashes

In evolution of the medical field has always fascinated me and I love how we can see just how far we have come from such times as the early 1900s when a cure for cancer was still being sought after in a variety of ways. In the Golden Gate Chronicles by Karen Barnett, Beyond the Ashes is the second novel to debut in this series.

Dr. Gerald Larkspur is working diligently with Robert King to find a way to save those who are succumbing to the effects of cancer. Trying their hand at the merits of radiation, they have had some success are the prolonging of their patients lives, but unfortunately not saving them without the barbaric practice of limb and organ removal in an attempt to save them. Now they face the challenge of either proving their successes or risk losing the funding the hospital board has been providing.

Robert is engaged to Abby, Gerald's cousin and while preparing for their upcoming wedding, he has invited his sister Ruby Marshall to come stay with them. While still undergoing to rebuilding efforts since the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco has many places they can use Ruby's nursing skills including working at the hospital with them. She is still recovering for the loss of her husband who faced an accident with a horse and automobile that took his life before they could start a family of their own. Now looking for a potential fresh start, she is hoping a change of location might do her so good as well as reuniting with her brother in San Francisco. She is not looking to lose her heart again.

I received Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a free copy of the novel and the opinions contained here are my strictly my own personal opinions. I absolutely loved being back in San Francisco during the rebuilding of the city's massive earthquake. The sense of realism you gain from Karen's research is amazing, from the unsanitary conditions from the evacuation camps that are prevalent within the city, to the rarely understood effects of using X-rays to combat cancer treatments. For me, this took me back to the BBC series, London Hospital, where you can see the early stages of medical treatments, as the impact of those experimenting with radiation and perfecting X-Ray usage. I absolutely love when a novel can take you back in time, and not only enjoy an amazing story but learn a bit about history at the same time and thus the reason for my 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for the sequel, Through The Shadows which readers get a sneak peek at in this novel as well as Discussion Guide questions, perfect for book clubs!

For more information about Beyond the Ashes, Karen Barnett or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

You can find Karen Barnett on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Beyond the Ashes, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The King's Hand

 

 

The Kings Hand

 

Written by Anna Thayer

 

Book Review:

 

This is Book 2 of The Knight of Eldaran Series.

 

Summary of Main Character Eamon Goodman from where it leads off in the first book called the Traitors Heir where hundreds of years ago Eamon’s bloodline turned traitor and helped the one who is now called The Master usurp and Kill The King of Eldaran. The Master has reigned over the River Realm for 532 years now using a powerful book called The NightHolt that helps The Master Control his people and reign his terrible wrath over his Kingdom. Eamon has been Sworn to The Master by way of a Mark that he pledged an Oath of Loyalty to with a mark upon his palms that has hidden powers and secrets kept from him. All who take an Oath of Loyalty receive the mark upon their hands.

 

Little does Eamon know that there is another man who’s Blood Line comes from the Original King and that Eamon knew of him when they played together as childhood friends. Eamon now has also pledged his alliance to the New King and his Bloodline. There is another Book that holds supreme authority stating that The land and all of the River Realm were given to and protected by the King and hid Bloodline. When Eamon swears allegiance to the new King he also realizes that he is now protected by The Kings Grace and has a mysterious Blue Light that occurs when he tries to help heal and protect others. Will Eamon swear to uphold The Kings Grace and defend the new King and all his glory? Or will he woefully be forced to serve The Master by his Oath that secretly controls his own thoughts and evokes fear and evil into his very soul! This book is Eamon’s fight for his very soul while he is promoted through the ranks of the Gauntlet and becomes a Quarter Hand to The Master.

 

This book is very suspenseful and the reader must be vigilant in focusing on the story as it can turn and twist with every page. The character development and plot twists are so often filled with extreme cunning and tension that with every move Eamon makes could be a move that gets himself or anyone of his friends or family killed at any moment. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 Stars and Cant wait to review the 3rd Installment which I just finished call the Broken Blade. Thank you for such a wonderful, powerful, action packed and soulful ride that this book brings when you read each chapter.

 

I received The Kings Hand by Anna Thayer compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the second book in the Knights of Elderan series!

 

For more information about The King's Hand, Anna Thayer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below: 

 

The King's Hand by Anna Thayer

 

You can find Anna Thayer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels. 

 

For more reviews on The King's Hand, please visit Kregel Publications.