Book review | Becoming the Talbot sisters

I first must confess that I decided to get this book to review through Netgalley as Rachel is a good friend, and I even helped with some of the words in Serbian in the book. I also remember her telling me enthusiastically about some of the different parts she was writing, which made reading the book even more fun. I loved her first book Ascension of Larks and so was looking forward to reading this one and so grabbed the chance to review it before it even came out!!

And I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN! The characters are so well written and the plot so gripping, that I just kept on reading and reading... and it was a problem as I was supposed to be doing other things!!!

Some of the book is set in my part of the world (Central Europe) and deals with the terror that is human trafficking, but the deeper story of the two sisters and the in-depth look into their lives as individuals and how they interact as sisters made me reminisce about my relationship with my sister and brother and made me realise I could be doing better...

And that is the point of the book. It isn't just a good novel or a gripping read, but makes one think more about the wider world as well as one's own relationship circles. Knowing Rachel, I know this was done delibrately. This is the kind of book you read for distraction, but also to make you think. She really got the balance right. And of course her writing is amazing and throughout the book I am imagining myself in those places and with the characters involved.

The book is coming out in May, so don't delay, get your copy while you can!!

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 | Perfect Timing

I took this book with me to read on my vacation and spent a lovely afternoon absorbed in Roy Jones' life story as he shared how God got him into missions and continues to lead and guide him and his wife Shirley.

It was a short read, but it was definitely a book I will be reading again and again for the insights into how to live a life of faith full out. His insights into trusting God with finances, and how to seek the Lord's will in everything is definitely something that is worth being reminded about again and again.

Sharing frankly about his struggles, and how God has brought them through as a family, it is an encouragement that God will use you if you are willing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for more insight into what being a missionary is all about and also for those in missions to be reminded about why we do what we do!

Book Review | Together at the table

Having read and LOVED the first two books ("A Table by the Window" and "Reservations for Two") in the series by Hillary Manton Lodge, I jumped at the chance to review the final installment!

I decided to wait for my vacation and then go back and read the first two books again before getting into the third book "Together at the Table" and it was WONDERFUL! I loved the first two stories as much as I did the first time, and then I got lost in the third book completely. I must admit I even bored my vacation companions with stories from the books, as the characters are so alive and full bodied, it felt like I was talking about real people.

Once again the author keeps the suspense in the relationships of the two main characters going: "will they, won't they?" She also brings a wonderful and completely unexpected ending to the story of her grandmother which started in the first book.

I don't want to give anything away, but I cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVED this series and can recommend it as a wonderful read for foodies, travel lovers, romance suspense fans, history buffs, pretty much anyone who loves a good read about "real" people which makes you smile and want more...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Bloggers <http://www.bloggingforbooks.org> 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 | Meet the New You

I took a long time to get through this book (even though it says 21 day plan), I started reading it in January, and only finished it in June. But, mostly because I wanted to get the most out of it. It was chock full of good ideas of how to really take stock of your life and move forward into good new habits. I spent a lot of time on each chapter, thinking and praying about how to implement it into my life.

Elisa Pulliam is a life coach and mentor, so she uses a lot of those kinds of techniques, but also wraps them up with sound biblical principles and also gives readers questions to dig deeper after each chapter. This is definitely a book I will be reading again and again!

If you are looking for a good book to read as part of your daily quiet time, or as I did, during a weekly "going deeper" session with God, then this is the book for you.

I can highly recommend this book for those women who have a need to see how to grow into the destiny that God has for them, making mostly small (and maybe big) changes to try and change into true Women of God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books <http://www.bloggingforbooks.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 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 | The Peace Garden

I read Fiona Veitch Smith's "The Peace Garden" when it first came out 2 years ago. I liked it so much I decided to reread it again, and when Fiona offered me a free signed copy (I had read it on my kindle) in exchange for a review, I jumped at the chance. I love the kindle, but there is just something about having the actual book in my hand...and I definitely enjoyed it better in actual book format! 

The book is written from the perspective of a young girl, Natalie, who is a lively character and completely true to life. The story, which covers 10 years of Natalie's life, begins while she is staying for the summer of 1990 with her grandmother in Northumberland in northeast England. She starts investigating the theft of some plants from her grandmother and her neighbour's gardens. During her investigation she gets to know a neighbour who is from South Africa, and who came to England to escape apartheid. In the course of the relationship with him and his son, we learn a lot about apartheid and South Africa. 

The story leads us on a wonderful exploration of character, history, romance and throws in page-turning suspense that makes this book a wonderful read for a wide audience! If you want to find out about South Africa's history while enjoying a good book, then this is for you. If you like suspense-there is enough of that... Romantic back-stories? Yes! And all wrapped up in a very fascinating story with well-drawn and engaging characters! 

If you are looking for a good read which will keep you engaged and entertained, I highly recommend this book as one to go for!!

Disclosure of Material connection: As already mentioned, I did receive a free copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own true opinion of the book. 

Book Review | The Jazz Files

When my wonderful friend Fiona started talking about writing a crime novel set in the 1920s, I really looked forward to reading it. So, when she offered to send a signed copy to read and review on my blog, I was very happy to oblige! And I am so glad that I had a chance to read this amazing book - it really was a page turner, and also filled with wonderful history factoids. I love books that keep me reading, but also inform me about another era or time or place, and this book certainly does that.

The Jazz Files is the first in the series of novels featuring the novice reporter/crime fighter, Poppy Denby. Poppy has an aunt, Dorothy, who was in the suffragette movement, and Fiona skillfully weaves the history of these courageous women into the story. Along with snippets from WWI, and references to the Spanish flu which also played a bit part in the post-war period.

Working as a novice reporter, Poppy is drawn into a fascinating mystery which takes many twists and turns. She is also enamoured with a photographer/love interest, Daniel, and helped by her new friend/actress Delilah.

I am really looking forward to the next one in the series, and as Fiona is promising a decade long series of books about Poppy, I am going to be a happy girl for a long time methinks!

Book Review | Reservations for two

I read Hillary Manton Lodge's "A table by the window" and loved it sooooo much that when I saw that "Reservations for two" which is the sequel was up for review, I had to get my hands on it! The only thing that I didn't like about both books is that I didn't realise either were part of a series until it didn't end at the end. So the first book surprised me with a sequel and so did the second... luckily the 3rd book is supposed to be the end of the Two Blue Door series so am looking forward to reading that and getting the closer I need on these wonderfully developed characters.

Once again the main character is Juliette D'Alisa and starts with her searching out her roots in Provence and Tuscany. The romantic storyline with Neil from Memphis is kept on-again-off-again because of long distance, especially when she is back in Portland and running a new restaurant. The characters are developed further and the intrigue continues as she seeks answers to a family mystery. Interspaced throughout with letters from her grandmother during WWII Paris and wonderful recipes which are mentioned in the story, this strong story kept me reading until the end...

I cannot recommend this series highly enough and can hardly wait until the last in the series comes out! Armchair travellers, foodies, history buffs will all love this book - and if you like romance and intrigue all wrapped up in one, then this is the book for you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Bloggers <http://www.bloggingforbooks.org> 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

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.

Newspaper column...

A few weeks ago when I was looking for more volunteers for the book club that I run at the local children's home, we were featured in quite a few newspapers (and I was interviewed on TV). So when they were looking for a contributor for a column on children's books, they remembered me...

And so, today I was featured in a local newspaper sharing what books I read when I was small and also what books I would recommend for children today...

I took it as an opportunity to share about getting children to read (which is not so emphasised here!) and how important it is in life... :)

They did rearrange the text that I sent them, but the gist is the same (and it is easier to translate the original than the one in the newspaper...) Thanks also to Ljilja for the lovely photo :)

When I was a child I really loved to read, mostly mysteries and adventures that are intended for children. I was born and raised in South Africa, but I mostly read book swritten by American and English writers, such as Richard Scarry and Laura Lee Hope. My favorite writer was Enid Blyton.

For 5 years I have led a book club with children from the Children's Home "Rada Vranješević" in collaboration with the children's library in Borik. In the library they have translations of the adventures for kids "The Famous 5" from my favorite author "Enid Blyton." These books are good and instructive for 8-12 year old children, and I know that kids from our club really like them.

There is a similar series of books that are very good for small or young children about the character Geronimo Stilton. I recommend them because I know that children in our club love them and also because through them, children learn useful and instructive things while reading and travelling through the adventures contained in these books.

When I was little, I loved a book called "The Little House" by Virginia Lee. The story was about a little house in the countryside and then the town began to be built and developed around it. And they were building up more and more around it and it became increasingly unhappy as it looked at what people were doing around it. At the end they again moved the little house to the countryside where it was very happy. Because of that little book I started to think how we humans affect the environment and things around us. You can see it on youtube 

I know from experience that it is very important for children to read, because they learn more from books than from TV or computer games. This is one of the reasons I like to do the book club with children from the Children's Home. 

From very early on my parents read to my brother, sister and I before bed. Now I cannot go to sleep before I read something. I think that children from an early age should get used to books, and then that habit will remain forever. It's really not expensive to buy a few books or to join the library, and begin an adventure that will last a lifetime ...

Blogging for books review | Heart wide open

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson's "Heart Wide Open" is an invitation to live a more intimate friendship relationship with Jesus. To not settle for anything less that a close deep relationship with the one who calls you to spend more time with Him with your heart wide open to all that He has for you in your life.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, and it has a lot of good advice, but a lot of it was nothing new to me. Also, it is really for an American audience and I felt like some of the stories and ideas were going over my head a bit.

That said, I would recommend it to anyone who is wanting to seek fresh new ways to revitalise their relationship with the living God and who lives in North America!

I received this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for books <http://www.bloggingforbooks.org> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.