Wonderful Volunteers!

At the end of the year and again at the end of the school year, we give prizes for those who attend the book club at the children's home regularly. We decided to make some of the prizes this year, so last week we invited the volunteers to come and help us make some fun things for the kids. As you can see, we had a fun time while doing it!

Then this week, it was time to pack the presents, and again we got the volunteers to come and help out with this. Packing 40 different prizes - 22 for girls, 18 for boys and making sure that they are mostly the same is not an easy task, but again we had fun!

As you can see, we have lots of wonderful volunteers, who love helping out with the kids as well as with other things on the side! 

Book Review | Twilight at Blueberry Barrens

I have already reviewed 6 of Colleen Coble's books, including The Inn at the Ocean's Edge, and Mermaid Moon which are the first two books in the Sunset Cove series. So when I saw the third one for review, I grabbed it and once again I really enjoyed the book. The nice thing is that you don't have to have read the first two books to get into "Twilight at Blueberry Barrens"  as they are completely separate stories. It is lovely that there are familiar characters from "The Inn at Ocean's Edge" and "Mermaid Moon", but the stories can be read independently.

Kate Mason lives and works on her family's blueberry barrens. When they stop producing fruit she has to try and make money in another way. Renting out a house on the property to Drake Newham leads to a job babysitting his two lovely girls and so much more... 

The book has strong main characters, a beautiful setting - Maine's secluded coastline - and described to perfection by the author. It also has a story-line that keeps you thinking and guessing, and wanting to read to the end... I love reading books from this author.

Lots of suspense, some romance, real life faith mixed with a lovely touch of family and realism as well. It is a book that drags you in, keeps you interested and brings everything to a wonderful conclusion. Highly recommended!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | The Longing in Me

Sheila Walsh, a well known Christian singer and former 700 Club co-host, takes us through a journey of self-discovery in this book, where she shares candidly about many of the parts of her journey, including divorce and bankruptcy. Using the story of King David's she takes us through longings that ultimately won't fulfill us and those that will.

Longing to be chosen, to be protected, to have control and be happy are all things that we long for that will never help us be fulfilled. The only longings that will fulfill us are longing for God's grace and for Him alone. She also shares that all of our longings are actually longing after God, but our longing for God could never exceed God's longing for us.

I really enjoyed this mix of bible study and personal experience as well as practical advice on how to find the best way to fulfill the longings in my heart.

If you are interested, there is also a 6 week small group bible study which goes along with this book. You can see the first session on Youtube. I would recommend it for anyone who is looking for a way to follow after God's own heart, just as King David did.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | If I run

Having read and loved Terri Blackstock's Cape Refuge series, when I saw this book up for review, I jumped at the chance. I wasn't disappointed as it was fast paced mystery, with a splash of romance and with lovely biblical principles interwoven throughout.

Casey finds her friend Brent dead and in trying to help him tracks her footprints and fingerprints all over the scene. Thinking that the people who did this to him would come for her and also fearing the police would think she killed him (which they do) she runs...

The story continues as she finds her way to new surroundings while back home, former soldier, Dylan, is hired by Brent's family to try and find Casey. The story continues to unfold and the mystery of Brent's death deepens...

The only thing that I didn't like was the ending. I thought it was a stand alone book and thought as I drew towards to the end that it would actually end. But unfortunately, as I got to the end it becomes clear that this is the first in a series and so there is no clear conclusion. But I will probably read the next in the series as the characters are well developed and I will enjoy seeing where they go from here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | The Newsmakers

I have read (and also reviewed) many books by Lis Wiehl, so when I saw this book available for review, I grabbed it. I read while travelling to the UK and it made the trip go by very fast!
The story took me in, and shook me up, turned me around and surprised me at the end - just the way I like it!

Erica Sparks takes a new job with GNN, even leaving her 7-year-old daughter with her ex-husband for the opportunity. When she is in the right place at the right time to get an exclusive of a ferry accident and then a couple of days later another right-time-right-place exclusive and her career takes off... Now is it just coincidence, or is something else taking place???

I love the fact that the story isn't just suspenseful with a touch of romance, but also weaves in redemption principles within the stories. It makes you think deeper about the meaning of life and isn't just a good read.

All that to say, it was a good read, but it wasn't the best book I have read by Lis Wiehl. I found some of the plot twists a little bit too far-fetched, but went with them for the sake of the book. Also I didn't really like the main character all that much, but near the end she did redeem herself through her actions. I would still recommend it to anyone as a good holiday or travel read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book review: Mermaid Moon

I have already reviewed 5 of Colleen Coble's books, including The Inn at the Ocean's Edge, which is the first one in the Sunset Cove series, so when I saw this up for review, I grabbed it and once again I really enjoyed the book. The nice thing is that you don't have to have read the first book to get into "Mermaid Moon" as they are completely separate stories, although there are familiar characters from "The Inn at Ocean's Edge".

Set in Maine, the story focuses on Mallory Davis who is from Mermaid Point originally, but she left long ago. She receives a last call from her dad who then turns up dead, she realises she needs to come back to figure out the mystery of that last call. Her father said "find... mother" and her mother passed away 15 years before... she realises he must be talking about her birth mother and goes on a search for her... and that is when the real fun begins! 

Lots of suspense, some romance, real life faith mixed with the colourful backdrop of Maine, and with a lovely touch of family and realism as well. It is a book that drags you in, keeps you interested and brings everything to a wonderful conclusion. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | The Brontë Plot

Before I went on vacation to Canada, I decided to get a book to read while I was travelling and chose this one from the ones available. Set at first in Chicago, but quickly moving to London and classic places like Haworth where the Brontë's lived and wrote and also the Lake district, this story was a great one to read while travelling myself!

The settings are beautifully described, and the characters are well developed, and the story-line keeps you wanting more - my kind of book!  The main character, rare-book dealer Lucy, has made mistakes in the past, and these catch up with her and ruin her relationship with her Prince Charming, James. She realises that things have to change and in comes James' gran who whisks her along to England on a buying trip, but she also has other motives which surprisingly have nothing to do with James...

As the story unfolded, I was drawn along by wanting to know what was going to happen, and really enjoyed seeing the changes the main characters made in their lives.

I would recommended this story especially to those who enjoy classics from the Brontë's to Austen, and want a good solid read that makes you think about your life and how you can also improve.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | The Bones will speak

When forensic artist Gwen Marcey is presented with a human skull by her dog who then leads her to shallow grave, and more bodies, she uses her artistic skills to reconstruct the face of the victims. She realises with shock that the face of all of the victims resemble that of her 14-year-old daughter and that they are being targeted by a serial killer.

The story starts strong and carries on going through twists and turns and unexpected blind alleys which all keep you guessing until the end of the book...

I really enjoyed the book which was intriguing from beginning to end and was an easy enough read with some interesting details to keep me entertained. 

I didn't realise that this was a part of a series until reading other reviews after reading it. It can be a stand alone book, and I do look forward to reading other books in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | Center of Gravity

I don't think I would have picked this book up in a library or bookstore as it didn't seem to be the kind of book I usually enjoy. However, I am really glad that it was one of the books up for review on booklook.com as I was completely wrong - I loved it!

A thriller with heart is how I would describe this fast read of a book which gets you from the first page and won't let you go. At first glance it is about a family that is falling apart - the husband wanting to get away from his wife, taking the child from his first marriage with them... but as the story unfolds, the deeper, more ugly truth is revealed.

The story plotline twisted and turned and just when I thought I had it all figured out, another corner was turned revealing yet another mystery to be solved. I really enjoyed this romping ride of a tale, and if you like to be surprised or to keep reading a book until the end to figure everything out, then this is the book for you too! Now I will be looking for more from Laura McNeill!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review | The Inn at Ocean's Edge

This is my fourth review of a Colleen Coble book. I have reviewed Tidewater Inn, Silent Night and Seagrass Pier. I really enjoy her flavour of romantic suspense with Christian values sewn into the story, so when I saw this opportunity to review this book, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed. I read it in one day while I was on holiday in Portugal (one of the 9 books I read then) and it was such a wonderful way to spend the day - lovely exciting romantic book, while lying by the pool with the sea in the background. I really believe that God was looking down and smiling at me, doing a few things that I love - reading a good book and listening to the sounds of the sea, and from time to time jumping into the pool to cool off...my idea of heaven!

Ok, back to the book - strong main characters, a beautiful setting, described to perfection and most importantly a story-line that keeps you thinking and guessing, and wanting to read to the end... I can't wait to read more of her books from this author.

So, as you can tell - I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romantic suspense book, and wants to be swept up into the story and taken away from this earth for a little while...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booklook review: Lethal Beauty

"Lethal Beauty" is another Mia Quinn mystery by Lis Wiehl (with April Henry). Having reviewed the first in the series "A Matter of Trust", I grabbed the chance to read this one. It is a free standing book, so you don't have to have read any of the other books in the series to be able to enjoy it, but the characters are the same as in previous books, which helps you to enjoy it more if you have read any of the other books. Besides Mia Quinn, who is a Seattle prosecutor, this story once again includes the cute detective, Charlie Carlson... and her son, Gabe.

Trying to find justice for Dandan Yee, a Chinese prostitute killed in Seattle, while of course dealing with the murder and mystery, the book also explores the quite dark themes of prostitution and human trafficking and really makes one think about some horrible realities of this world.

As with her other books, the story draws you in from the beginning and the plot twists and turns keep you reading until you get to the end. I love books that you cannot put down, or read late into the night, and warning: this is one of those!!

I also love the fact that this is Christian fiction, but without being overpoweringly sweet and sickly. Down-to-earth and really living the Christian life in the real world. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a good holiday or travel read, especially Christian women who like to read wholesome fiction about uplifting women characters.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booklook review: A Thing of Beauty

I just finished reading "A Thing of Beauty" by Lisa Samson and even though I really did enjoy reading it, I didn't feel like it had much of a point. The story kept my attention and was interesting, but I kept thinking "where is this going?" or "I hope this is going somewhere" and the ending didn't really get there for me.

The story is about former child star Fiona Hume who left show-business a decade ago. She left because of a drug problem and after leaving rehab, she retreated to Baltimore and bought an old downtown mansion with the idea of restoring it into a masterpiece and possibly creating an artist's studio for herself.

She has filled the mansion with loads of projects and accumulated things to make something out of, but not actually finishing any of those projects... just slowly becoming a hoarder. She realises that she is running out of money and so gets a boarder, Josiah, who is supposed to stay completely out of her life... but doesn't!

You will have to read the rest of the story to find out what happens, and maybe it will speak more to you than it did to me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Merry (Orthodox) Christmas

Yes, today Christmas is being celebrated throughout the Orthodox Christian world. You can read more about Orthodox Christmas in my post from 2010. I am in South Africa right now, having travelled here after "my" Christmas to spend two months having a bit of a break and a catch up with my family, friends and Church here in Cape Town.

Around the December Christmas, I read this wonderful Christmas themed book called "Forever Christmas" by Robert Tate Miller. I love to read and watch Christmas films around Christmastime, as it helps me get into the spirit of Christmas and remember why we celebrate. I read the book through the booklook bloggers program, and needed to give a review of it in exchange for getting the book for free. Things were really busy at the end of my stay in Bosnia, and even more so when I first got to South Africa, so I haven't had a chance to put "pen to paper" so to speak and put the review on my blog... but I decided with today being Orthodox Christmas, that it is a good a time as any to review a Christmas themed book!

This story is not just about Christmas, but also about second chances. Andrew and his high school sweetheart, Beth are going through some problems in their marriage - mostly caused by Andrew's over-dedication to his job. Just before Christmas a tragedy occurs and Andrew is forced to realise that his priorities were completely out of whack. Luckily he is given a chance to make things right and in doing so finds out what is important in life.

I really enjoyed the book, because even though the story was really feel-good, it was not predictable, with a couple of twists near the end that definitely kept me guessing. And the ending just made the whole story worthwhile.

I would recommend this story all year round, but especially as a wonderful pick-me-up Christmas read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booklook review | NIV Streams in the Desert Bible

I love L.B. Cowman's "Streams in the Desert". It is a something that helps me get God's perspective when things are difficult. Written originally in the early 20th century, by a pioneer missionary to China and Japan, it is still as relevant today as it was at that time.

So, when the chance came up to review the Streams in the Desert NIV Bible, I grabbed the chance to be able to have this great resource on my kindle. It is something that you can use to do the daily reading. Or if you want to read your favourite book of the bible and the reading that goes along with the verses you are reading. Or if you want to find something on a specific topic that is bugging you. These are all things that can be done with this Bible.

I have enjoyed using it for the past month or so in my daily devotions, and every now and again for a longer session. It reminds that even when things look bleak and that nothing will ever change... that God is still the same, yesterday, today and forever, wherever you may be, whatever you may be doing - He remains the same and He is able!

I would recommend this for anyone who wants a way to draw closer to God. This would be a great gift for a missionary, or someone living cross-culturally. It is a great gift for anyone who has a heart after the one who sends the streams through the desert... 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

BookLook review | Seagrass Pier

I have already reviewed 2 of Colleen Coble's books for BookLook - The Tidewater Inn and her Christmas book Silent Night. I also over this summer borrowed three of her books to read while on holiday as I really enjoy her writing. So, it was a no-brainer when I saw this book come up for review on BookLook... and I was not disappointed.

Elin Summerall had a heart transplant after a heart infection meant she needed a new heart. Besides suddenly having her tastes for certain things change, Elin realises that something has changed in her when she starts remembering details of her death...

The new heart belonged to someone who had been murdered, and Elin quickly realises that the memories belong to the heart! In order to remain safe until the police figure out who the killer is, she relocates to the remote Hope Island where she hopes to be safe... unfortunately that is not the case!

Although this is the third book in the Hope Beach series, I didn't realise it was part of a series at all until I started reading other reviews, so it really works as a stand-along book as well. Although that said, I have read the first in the series, Tidewater Inn, but now I also want to read the middle one too!!

As usual for Colleen Coble, the book has a bit of romance thrown in amongst the suspense, and it was a highly relaxing read from beginning to end.

Highly recommended!!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Booklook review | The Confession

Having read and enjoyed other Robert Whitlow books, (some of which I have reviewed here and here) I grabbed the chance to read and review "The Confession" for booklookbloggers.com

The story focuses on Holt Douglas, an assistant D.A in Ashley County, Georgia who has a secret which he has hidden since he was a teenager. As he prosecutes people for all the things they do wrong, he has forgotten that he is actually in the same boat as them, having made a horrendous mistake which should have him in jail as well. It really reminded me of the need to take the plank out of my own eye before taking the speck out of my neighbour's.

Another main character, Deputy Trish Carmichael, is wrapped in unforgiveness and bitterness over the accident that took her father and paralysed her mother. Through how the two story lines connect, Robert Whitlow not only shows how secrets can keep us imprisoned in the past, but also how bitterness does the same as well.

"The Confession" is not just a wonderful keep-you-guessing legal thriller, it also has levels of love interest which keeps you guessing as well! I would recommend it highly to anyone who wants a fulfilling read for the soul, as well as light entertainment for the mind.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booklook review - Life behind the wall

"Life behind the wall" by Robert Elmer is actually 3 books in one anthology, all dealing with different generations of 13-year-olds living in the shadow of the Berlin wall, but at three different times in its history.

The first novel "Candy Bombers" is set in 1948, "Hidden Bunkers" in 1961 and "Smuggler's Treasure" in 1989. Each story tackles a different aspect of living with the wall: in its beginning stages, in the middle and when it finally comes down.

Although this set is meant for younger readers (it is marketed for 8-12 years), I really enjoyed reading it as well. It was a great way to actually get inside the history books and experience what it must have actually been like to live through those different eras. The characters are engaging, the plot keeps you thinking and all in all, this is a really good read.

I would recommend it immensely for the intended age-group, as it really is a great way for them to learn about what happened in Germany during the communist era, especially about the Wall and what it meant for the people living at that time. I would also recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good engaging and yet educational read.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booklook review: Critical Condition

Having already read and enjoyed many of Richard L. Mabry books, (including another one "Stress test" for booksneeze - which is what is now booklook). This one started off off with a bang with a murder on the front lawn of the main character, Dr. Shannon Frasier, and in the story she is taken through a wild roller coaster ride of action not only through the murder investigation(s) but also in her personal life as well.

I love the way Richard manages to weave in realistic faith dilemmas which make one think about one's faith while reading, and not just about the wonderful mystery that is unfolding before you. And once again the mystery is completely unpredictable right up to the end (and I am usually quite good at figuring things out, but his stories always leave me going "wow, that was unexpected"!)

I really do recommend his writing - so if you have a penchant for murder mysteries, but also want to be intellectually and spiritually challenged by more than just a mystery story, then I would recommend this story to you - as well as any from the same author. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

being sick does have a good side...

I have been doing a lot of reading lately as I have been flat on my back with a really nasty flu bug - I usually have sympathy for people who are sick, but now I realise that I don't have enough... this was nasty. PTL I am mostly through it (just a nagging cough left and still-oh-so-tired), so will soon be getting back to real life...

But because of the sickness, I managed to finish off two of my "book review" books and figure if I don't get the reviews up on my blog now, who knows when I will get the chance. I was reading them all this time in parallel and decided that they have enough in common to put them together on my blog...

The first book is "GREATER" by Steven Furtick:

He is a pastor of a church called Elevation and his book has a lot of resources that go along with it (found on this website: http://greaterbook.com The book tells some of his story of how he started the church and focuses on ways that he has worked out that God uses to help us be greater. It isn't about being "great", but about being "greater"!

His main focus throughout each of the chapters is actually on the story of Elisha - the prophet that followed the more well known prophet Elijah. I appreciated this look into Elisha's story as it isn't one that I am that familiar with. He also masterfully extracts points from the story that really made me think and examine the way I treat God's work in my life.

The main message is about dreaming bigger, but then starting smaller - making sure we are following what God has for us and not out own pride. He tells us to use what we have "think inside the box" and God will multiply that, just as the woman gathered up all the jars from the neighbours and God miraculously filled them with oil... we need to use what we have and God will do the rest.

He is also realistic, acknowledging that sometimes the "greater life" leaves us worse off than before - God has his way of doing things and we need to keep believing even through the hard times that He will come and make things greater out of this situation.

We need to remember that Jesus said about us: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12) and step out to do greater things!

At the same time that I was reading this book, I was also being encouraged by another of Max Lucado's books "You'll get through this: Hope and Help for your Turbulent Times". I love Max's use of great stories, amazing insights and just beautiful writing to help me see things that God wants me to see.

In this book, he focuses on the story of Joseph and in each chapter takes a look at another aspect of the story of how God got Joseph through the various adventures he was put through in his amazingly turbulent life. We are also reminded that although things looked horrible for Joseph at times, in the end God was weaving it all together into his eternal story of love and redemption for the people of Israel. It isn't always just about us, but about the bigger picture which only God can see.

However, I do believe the authors differ in their treatment of the people reading the book. Steven is trying to encourage those who feel like they aren't able to do it, to get out there and get onto God's bandwagon. Whereas Max's emphasis is more on helping those who are feeling a bit battle-weary realise that there is more to the story, and they can trust God to move them forward.

I enjoyed these books immensely and would highly recommend them to a Christian seeking either to do greater things for God, or one who is maybe feeling a bit downtrodden and need of encouragement. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these books free from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Booksneeze review: The Organic God

I so enjoyed Margeret Feinberg's "The Organic God" that I have actually gone back to re-read it more slowly. Her writing style is easy to read, and her ideas so thought-provoking, that it is definitely a book that I will read again and again.

She talks about stripping down my relationship with God and just getting back to the basics, trying to see the realness of God and how He wants to be a part of my life. And how we can journey with Him in this life.

With a good balance of her own story weaved in with scripture and other examples, it is a book which shows us how to see God's presence in our lives: showing us how to look for different aspects of His character, His love, His kindness, His beauty...

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to see how to deepen their relationship with God and see Him in new ways.

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.