Friday, August 31, 2012

Review of "Draven's Defiance" by Paul McCusker

It's 1979, and Scott Graham and his friends decide to check out a railroad tunnel.  He hits his head and comes back out of the tunnel to find that everything has changed.  Odyssey is gone, and in it's place is a very strange land where time seems to have stopped.  Completely.

Scott (Elisha) meets Draven (Elijah) and quickly figures out that Draven is the mortal enemy of Supreme Commander Mobeck and his wife Skalaw (King Ahab & Queen Jezebel).  Mobeck & Skalaw, along with their advisers, come up with many reasons why time (literally) has stopped, but in reality only the Unseen One can make it start again.  He does, in a huge way, and afterwards Draven confronts Mobeck & Skalaw.  However, things don't go as he expected and he retreats, completely undone.

This one is different from the rest of the Passages books, in that Scott never returns to Odyssey.  His parents always knew that God had called him to something special.  Also, back in Odyssey, Whit & Jack are talking with James Curtis and he asks them if they believe...when they express that they aren't sure, his disappointment is evident and they don't speak again.  We learn in book 6 that James has "disappeared' from Hillingdale Haven.  Could he be permanently in Marus as he wished?

This retelling of the story of Elijah & Elisha was one of my favorites of this series - I really enjoy the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. As with the other books, this was a wonderful way of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story. I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Seal of God" by Chad Williams

Chad Williams is an aimless kid - always on to the 'next' thing.  Successful one minute and making horrible decisions the next.  Going all out - and then burning out.  He has excelled in a number of pursuits, but always moves on to something else....so when he tells his parents he is going to be a Navy SEAL, you can imagine their reaction.  His dad finds someone to train him (US Navy SEAL Scott Helvenston), and Chad so respects their relationship that he takes the workouts very seriously and subsequently begins to change.

Just before Chad is scheduled to begin basic training he turns on the television (to begin his workout!) and sees a newsflash that his mentor and friend has been brutally murdered - ambushed - in Iraq.  Now more than ever, Chad is determined to become a SEAL and make Scott proud.

Chad details the super-crazy-extreme-hard-really hard-life changing things one must go through to become a SEAL.  He also shares his own complete life 180, committing to follow Christ which transforms him in so many other important ways.

I loved reading Chad's life story.  This is a world I don't have much experience in and I just found it fascinating, as well as inspirational.  Please read this book!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Unplanned" by Abby Johnson

Wow, this was such an interesting book to me.  I really respect the transparency the author shows and appreciate that she decided -and had the courage!- to share her story.

Abby Johnson, an idealistic-about-certain-things college student, is recruited to volunteer at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Texas.  Her goals, that she believes align with Planned Parenthood's, are to serve women in crisis, help prevent pregnancies, and therefore make abortions rare.  She graduates with her degree and begins working for Planned Parenthood, eventually becoming the Clinic Director.  She is an excellent employee, being named her affiliate's 2008 Employee of the Year.

Throughout the course of her tenure, she repeatedly interacts with a group called the Coalition for Life; those on the 'opposite side of the fence'.  Although she disagrees with them on many topics, she has a growing respect for how they treat others and watches them closely.  One day she is asked to assist with an ultrasound abortion, and the course of her life is forever changed.

No matter what you believe about this topic, her story is compelling.  I definitely recommend this book.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Review of "Problems in Plymouth" by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger


In book six of the Imagination Station series, Mr. Whittaker has a lead on when/where Hugh is, as well as an idea of how to get him back to 1450.

So cousins Beth & Patrick, armed with a mystery brown leather pouch and a beautiful golden hand mirror with an eagle carved on the back, arrive in Plymouth - it's 1621.  They find Hugh right away, but he tells them he doesn't want to go back, because he knows he will be thrown into the tower.  They meet Indians, and are kidnapped; already captive is John Billington Jr., a Pilgrim boy.  Some of the Pilgrim leaders come to the Indians to trade for the children, and the Indians are very impressed with the hand mirror!

Hugh starts a rumor that Squanto has been kidnapped, and then in the confusion steals a musket - all of which almost starts a battle.  Eventually his ruse is discovered and the Indians realize that the Pilgrims have honored the treaty.  They decide to hold a feast to celebrate - yep, it's the first Thanksgiving!
Since everyone is preoccupied with the feast, Beth & Patrick begin to be concerned that Hugh is up to something, and he is.  He lures them to the storehouse, and in the confrontation/confusion, Hugh thinks he has Mr. Whittaker's ring...but it's really Albert's, and he's sent straight back to 1450, where he is captured and yes, sent to the tower!  Finally!  (Hugh has been a troublemaker for six books now.)

I recommend these books for your early reader!

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Review of "Attack at the Arena" by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

In their second adventure, cousins Beth & Patrick must travel to ancient Rome to find a silver cup (chalice).  Upon their arrival, they are almost eaten by a tiger in the arena!  They are startled by the disregard for life in Rome.  Beth is essentially captured by an overzealous guard who thinks she is a runaway Roman slave for Emperor Honorius, who she finds to be very young and a little crazy.  Patrick meets monk Telemachus, and through a wild series of events, both Beth & Patrick end up at the arena again, where Beth is assisting the emperor with his birds and Patrick is being escorted into the arena to fight to the death!  The entire adventure allows them to assist Telemachus in helping to end the Roman games once and for all.

There were many such dramatic moments in this book, and again history and fantasy are combined to entertain as well as teach a lesson.

I think these are great books for an earlier reader.  I recommend this series!

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Review of "Voyage with the Vikings" by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

Beth & Patrick are cousins in Odyssey who, after meeting Mr. Whittaker and taking a peek at the Imagination Station, are surprised to find out that *they* can make it work - and travel in time!  

It is the year 1000, and their mission is to find a Viking sunstone.  When they arrive, they discover that Vikings are pretty fierce, and they don't shake hands.  They meet Erik the Red and his son, Leif, who is a Christian (his dad doesn't approve).  They also get to see the Northern Lights and teach the King about kindness and loving your enemies.

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader. The combination of history and fantasy (they are able to take their knowledge of historical events and make educated decisions on how to behave, etc.), really adds to the story.  I recommend this series!

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Review of "Strange Journey Back" by Paul McCusker



This four books in one compilation has us visiting Odyssey, this time with new kid in town Mark Prescott.  He is there because his mom & dad are separated - temporarily, he hopes, but in the meantime he just plain wants to be back at home in Washington DC.

He quickly learns there are lots of things to love about Odyssey, Mr. Whittaker, the Imagination Station, a local "gang" that only does good, a new friend-who-is-a-girl Patti (you can be friends with girls, who knew?) and lots of mystery as well as life changing lessons.

I really enjoyed this compilation of books about Mark & Odyssey.  I especially appreciated the author's choice to not always have things solved quickly and easily.  I think this is a great series/book compilation for kids and I can easily recommend it.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Review of "Night of the Living Dead Christian" by Matt Mikalatos

So. For the first 50 pages, I didn't get it at all.   So confused.  For the next 50, things got a little clearer.  And then....I was totally on track with the crazy (but so worthwhile) writings of Matt Mikalatos.

Matt, the newly self appointed king of the neighborhood watch, finds that his 'hood is overrun with zombies (blindly following 'Christians'), vampires (super-selfish), and werewolves (those lacking self control with possible anger issues).  He meets Luther, who has a very interesting background - don't we all - and who has also recently started to abuse his wife.  He also has pastor dad issues; but above it all, is still seeking to figure out who he is and who Jesus really is, too.  Along for the ride to crazy are the Hibbs 3000 android/robot, mad scientist Dr. Culbetron, and former high school classmate turned neighbor (also former vampire), Lara.

As mentioned, I had a difficult time getting into this book at first.  This is my second Matt Mikalatos book, and I have to say, he might be an acquired taste....but it's a worth it taste.  Read this book as well as his first, "Imaginary Jesus" - you will be glad you did.  And you will have lots to think about like I do.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Review of "Arin's Judgment" by Paul McCusker


This one was a little tougher for me.  I didn't dislike it, just can't say I loved it as much as the others I've read.

Wade Mullins is a pretty smart schoolkid in the 1940's just post WWII.  He and his best friend Bobby are fascinated by airplanes, bombers, and bombs.  Bobby's cousin Lee has just sent him some drawings that are top secret, as they are related to the creation of the atomic bomb.  Through a series of events Wade ends up with the drawings and is attempting to burn them when he is transported from his basement in Odyssey to Marus. Interestingly in many ways, Marus is quite technologically advanced, using solar for everything - but it has led them to begin to worship the sun instead of the Unseen One.

Wade is quickly taken as a "guest" of Tyran and Tyran's top sidekick, Dr. Liszt.  He shares with Dr. Liszt the atomic bomb drawings and the information is quickly used for evil and not for good.  Also, the flu Wade had before arriving in Marus has far-reaching consequences....

This is a retelling of the story of Noah, but at times I wondered if Hitler was in there somehow (Tyran was awfully similar in his attempts to take over the world). All in all, I am still enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Fendar's Legacy" by Paul McCusker


Brothers Danny, Wayne, and their cousin Michelle are spying on a hippie party in the summer of 1968 when they fall into Trickle Lake.  They are shocked (to say the least) when they come out of the water and discover they are in a fountain - and they're not in Odyssey anymore.

What the children don't know is that their arrival has been foretold and has great meaning....and not everyone views their appearance the same.  Michelle chooses to stay in the palace with the King (Pharaoh), while Danny & Wayne help Fendar (Moses).

This retelling of the story of Moses & Pharaoh and the quest for Pharaoh to let God's people go, was great!  I continue to enjoy the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. The truth is well told and the story is compelling.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Showdown With the Shepherd" by Brock Eastman & Marianne Hering


Cousins Beth & Patrick are again, off on a great adventure, traveling to the Holy Land, 1000 BC.  They are still in pursuit of Hugh to get Mr. Whittaker's ring.  They don their costumes, get into the Imagination Station and off they go! They find Hugh shortly thereafter, and surprise, he is hanging out with the Philistines and using his knowledge of 1450's England to attempt to change history.  Beth & Patrick get to spend time with David the shepherd as he confronts the giant Goliath.  As always, there seems to be a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, too....

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader.  The combination of history and fantasy (in this case Beth & Patrick are entering a real-life Bible story), adds a layer of concern - they wonder if the timeline could change if Hugh is successful.  They are brave and learn a lot.  Your early reader will, too!

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Review of "The Great Mogul Diamond" by G.P. Taylor

Some time has passed since we last saw identical twin sisters Sadie & Saskia Dopple, and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger.  The sisters have been adopted by Muzz Elliott and Erik is living with Lord Gervez and assisting Dorcas Potts, who has just opened a detective agency.  We begin with Muzz Elliott being blackmailed, and she decides to take a 'vacation' to Cannes, via train and boat.  On the trip a few mysterious things occur and the mystery deepens.  Meanwhile, the twins have managed to contact Erik & Dorcas who follow a different route and meet up with some less than savory characters along the way.  Someone is re-enacting scenes from some of Muzz Elliott's books, with eerie, real-life consequences.

I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new (Illustra-Novella). I still think these books require (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some 'adult-who-has-read-it-too' discussion. Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Glennall's Betrayal" by Paul McCusker

More clues to solving the mystery that is the land of Marus....in this manuscript, James Curtis is an orphan living with his Aunt.  He is running away (for the millionth time) when he finds himself transported to another world, the world of Marus and Palatia.  He meets Glennall, and helps to rescue him from the mine his brothers have thrown him in.  Glennall and James' futures are quickly entertwined and together, with guidance from the Unseen One, change the course of history.

This retelling of the story of Joseph was great!  Again, I am really enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review of "The Cause Within You" by Matthew Barnett



I.Loved.This.Book.  What a wonderful composite of real life story, inspiration, hard truths; a great example of someone who is willing to back up the cashing of every check his mouth writes with real action.

Matthew Barnett is the son of megachurch pastor Tommy Barnett.  At 20, he began pastoring in Los Angeles and shortly after became very discouraged.  The church was in a challenging neighborhood, people weren't coming, and the plans he had made weren't coming to fruition.  One night he felt very impressed to go to Echo Park and there he specifically heard God tell him that he must build the people, and God would build the church.  This was a big turnaround to how he perceived he was supposed to handle things....but it was exactly what he needed to do.  Fast forward about 15 years and Matthew Barnett has seen God do amazing things both in his life and the lives of those around him.

I especially appreciated the obvious humility Mr. Barnett displays throughout the telling of stories in this book.  He is a real person following his God-given cause to change people's lives through serving.  We can all take serious notes both from his example and the service-driven approach to finding your personal cause.

Please, go buy this book. Then read it.  You will be glad you did, and proceeds go to assist the work they are doing at the Dream Center LA....then go find someone to serve.  It will change your life.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Winning Balance" by Shawn Johnson


I was so excited to get to read this book - I received it around the 2012 Olympics, and as someone who pays close attention to gymnastics, especially at Olympics time! -I was super excited to hear Shawn's story.

Being an elite gymnast is not a simple or carefree lifestyle, and I loved that Shawn's parents were determined from the beginning that she choose it - she would not be forced - and that it stay fun and she have as typical a life as possible.  Shawn has a fun sense of humor and it's clear she doesn't take herself too seriously, but she is definitely a hard worker and clearly loves the sport.

I loved Shawn's openness in sharing her thought process regarding both her struggles and victories; I loved the 'Lesson I've Learned' feature at the end of every chapter; I appreciated her transparency in sharing her poetry in the book....all in all this was a special book and I can highly recommend it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Secret of Indigo Moon" by G.P. Taylor


Again as stated in my review of the first book in this series, I was really interested in this concept - and it took some getting used to - but I do like it. I think it mixes things up a bit and will definitely catch the interest of those who may not describe themselves as "big readers".

Identical twin sisters Sadie and Saskia Dopple and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger just can't seem to stay out of trouble - mysteries just surround them, begging to be solved.  In this book we meet several new characters (as well as one or two from the first book) and are introduced to a number of secret passageways that are hiding some important information about the Isambard Dunstan School for Wayward Children and it's staff, past and present.  Throw in a antiquities theft ring, an investigative reporter with interesting relatives and some more freedom for our main characters, and I am eager to get to book #3.  This fast-paced novel was less 'dark' than the first and I appreciated that, as I had concerns the first one seemed to have less hope.

Again, I am starting on book 3 now and the characters are growing on me. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new! I still think these books require (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some 'adult-who-has-read-it-too' discussion. Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The First Escape" by G.P. Taylor



I was really interested in this concept - and I'll be frank, it took some getting used to - but now I have to say I like it.  I think it mixes things up a bit and will definitely catch the interest of those who may not describe themselves as "big readers".

Isambard Dunstan's School for Wayward Children is the setting for this first book in the Dopple Ganger Chronicles.  Identical twin sisters Sadie and Saskia Dopple were left at the school by their mother (an actress), and as of yet she hasn't returned for them.  They tend to get into a bit of trouble and gain too much notice from the headmistress.  One day, a well to do author (who appears to be a sponsor of sorts to the school) 'adopts' Saskia - but not Sadie.  They have never been separated before and are definitely not ok with this turn of events.

Sadie and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger escape the school to find Saskia, but not before stirring up enough trouble to chase them to the mansion that Saskia is now living.  While there, they discover a horrible plot and can't decide who is telling the truth - and it may just cost them their lives.

Compared to C.S. Lewis and Harry Potter and set in the UK, at first read this novel seemed pretty dark to me.  However, I am starting on book 3 now and I've since changed my mind. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new!  I do think it requires (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some adult-who-has-read-it-too discussion.  Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Review of "Horse Dreams" by Dandi Daley Mackall


Ellie James dreams *and* day dreams about her very own horse - a black stallion to show!  She can't stop thinking of, praying, and begging for one, but she doesn't have one yet.  It seems like everywhere she goes she sees this horse of her dreams - until one day while in school, she looks out the window and sees a 'backyard horse', a pinto who has been severely mistreated and is literally running around town after escaping from the rescue farm it was brought to.

Ellie's family is awesome - her mom is a super volunteer, her dad works for a marketing company, and her younger brother Ethan, is a super athlete who happens to be deaf, so Ellie and her best friend Cole know sign language and communicate throughout the story with it.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this great series!!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Betrayal" by Jerry B. Jenkins


We ended "The Brotherhood" with Chicago Police officer Boone Drake being shot and seriously wounded during the transfer of gang kingpin Pascual Candelario.  PC as he is known, has undergone a spiritual conversion and is becoming an informant in one of the biggest stories to hit Chicago in decades.

It is quickly determined that the transfer was exposed - and the entire takedown is at risk - due to a traitor, and Gang Enforcement department secretary Haeley Lamonica (also Boone's new girlfriend) is being framed...but is she responsible?  As Boone investigates he is hard pressed to know who he can trust, as the coverup seems to go to the highest levels in the CPD.

I am really enjoying these books - I read #1 and this one immediately thereafter - and am impressed with both.  I can't wait to see the conclusion to this great series!  Highly recommended.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Review of "Peril in the Palace" by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker


Cousins Beth & Patrick are on a great adventure, traveling to find Kublai Khan in 1271 - all they need is one of his golden tablets, to save Mr. Whittaker's relative Albert.  They get into the Imagination Station (a time machine of sorts), packing some gifts Mr. Whittaker knows they will need, and off they go!  When they arrive in China they make several (cultural) mistakes almost immediately, but are quickly saved by Marco Polo (yes, *that* Marco Polo).  They travel with Marco and his family to the palace of Kublai Khan.  Eventually they meet his granddaughter, Beki, who loves Jesus!  It turns out that the gifts that Mr. Whittaker sent are timely and perfect, and they get the tablet they need.  There's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, too....

I am looking forward to seeing more in this series, it was fun!  I love the combination of history and fantasy.  Well done!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Last Sacrifice" by Hank Hanegraaf & Sigmund Brouwer

Helius, Nero's right hand man holds onto a lot of hate for Vitas, and has conspired to have him sent to the arena.  We begin 'The Last Sacrifice' with "Vitas" being in the arena (but it's not him! someone has taken his place), and the real Vitas is smuggled onto a ship with John.  Later, Helius discovers the switch and is desperate to have Vitas found and killed before Nero discovers his failure.  He also figures out that Sophia, who was invited to suicide by Nero, has actually faked her demise and escaped as well.  More plotting.  Nero's madness increases.  Vitas' brother Damian continues to follow the clues to find his brother.  Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the rebellion increases and we catch up with Valeria, Quintus, and Maglorious again.  Annas the Younger is as evil as ever and is making moves to regain his position as high priest.  John & Vitas arrive in Patmos and the plot thickens.

This book was so complicated to me.  I had a hard time keeping all the plotlines straight.  Some obscure storylines from the first book appear - and sometimes for a few pages only - in this one.  I know this won't be a popular opinion -and maybe I was just mentally tired- but trying to keep up with it all, and keeping straight who was plotting against who was exhausting.  I can't say it wasn't interesting, just challenging.  I felt like this book was a transition to get us to the final book in this series.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review of "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn

"Real Gold Fears No Fire."  This book was tough to read for me - but in the best way.  It was enlightening, eye opening, moving....

Ben Fielding and Li Quan were roommates at Harvard back in the day.  Following Ben's example, Li Quan becomes a Christ follower and eventually returns to China.  Ben gets married and has kids, drifts away from God, becomes very successful in business - then gets divorced and is generally disillusioned in life but just can't figure out why.

Li Quan goes back to China, marries, and has his one 'allowed' child.  He continues his relationship with Christ and in fact risks his life and livelihood to participate in the underground church in China.  Ben is required to travel on business to China and asks if he can stay with Li Quan and his family, for research.  He quickly discovers that after 20 years things are very different than what he expected, and the longer he stays the stronger his convictions that things in China need to change.

I strongly recommend this book.  Especially if you live in the US, your eyes will be opened to the differences and lack of freedoms that many other countries experience.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Review of "The Atonement Child" by Francine Rivers



I read this book some years ago, and not to be terribly dramatic, but it actually changed my life.  It really encouraged me to look at some beliefs I had held for years, from a slightly different angle.  I am grateful that Francine Rivers was willing to write what she did, because I imagine she took a few hits for the stand she chose.  When I re-read it this week, I was reminded once again that this is still a thought provoking book.

Dynah Carey is a college student at a small private Christian school in the midwest.  An only child, her parents live in San Francisco where she grew up.  They encouraged her to 'spread her wings' and she met her fiancee there.  One fateful night, her car in the shop, she takes the bus back to campus and is going to walk the last blocks.  She is attacked and finds out later that she is pregnant.  Everyone is horrified, some for all the wrong reasons - and no one seems to understand what she needs to hear.

This begins a journey through which Dynah learns that only God can be her source and He can ultimately turn something unspeakably terrible into something for good.

I recommend this book - no matter what you believe about abortion, it may make you think.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.




Friday, August 10, 2012

Review of "Bees in the Butterfly Garden" by Maureen Lang


Set in the Gilded Age, Meg Davenport is a young woman about to come of age who finds out - after his passing - that her father was not the rich businessman who had no time for her as she had long believed - but is, in fact, a thief.  A very good one, but a thief nonetheless.  His protege, Ian Maguire, about the same age as Meg, intends to take over as leader of the "family" business he left behind, and so does Brewster (a thief with no scruples and a bent towards violence); and a power play begins.

To establish her right to be her father's daughter, Meg offers up the Pemberton family (extremely wealthy, and former classmates at Madame Marisse's, from whom she has an invitation to spend the summer and design their garden) and therefore potential access to their rumored gold.  She proposes that she summer with them and discover what she can about the gold and then pass that information along.

Will Meg be able to live successfully in both worlds?  Will she and Ian find love?  Will anyone do the right thing?

I loved the quotes from both Madame Marisse's Handbook for Young Ladies as well as from thieves that begin each chapter.  I loved the Pemberton family dynamic and their love and respect for each other (grace, mercy, or justice?) as well as their staff and friends.  I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!

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Review of "Darien's Rise" by Paul McCusker

It's the summer of 1958 and Kyle and his sister Anna couldn't be more bored.  They are staying for a month this summer with their grandparents in Odyssey and are looking for a little adventure.  Their uncle tells them of an old house in the woods and they decide to find it.  When they do, what first appears a decaying, abandoned house actually is a portal to another world - the world of Marus, where kings and generals and swords are the norm.  Soon both Anna & Kyle discover their calling - she the 'voice' and he the 'protector'; and their lives, both in Marus and Odyssey, will never be the same.

This retelling of the story of David, Saul, and Samuel was wonderfully done, and I love the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Annison's Risk" by Paul McCusker


It is the 1920's and 'Dreamy Madina', or Maddy as she is known, has come with her family to America from Russia to escape the Russian Revolution.  She now lives in Odyssey and often has dreams of a fairy tale princess who asks for her help.  She loves to read and has many fanciful ideas.  While playing hide and seek with a neighbor boy she is transported to a palace in Marus - where she sees the princess from her dreams.  She can only jump into this real life fairy tale with her whole heart, and she just might learn something - and help save the kingdom.

This retelling of the story of Esther was wonderfully done, and I am really enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey.  In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Review of "The Scarlet Thread" by Francine Anderson



Sierra Madrid has spent much of her life getting her way.  When her husband Alex has the job opportunity of a lifetime (that he has been dreaming about for years) he jumps on it - and then informs her of  his decision, even though the transition requires them to move.  She is not consulted, she is brokenhearted - and she spends the next few years being angry.  And we are off on the journey of a marriage with communication gone seriously wrong.

I'm celebrating my 15th anniversary today.  It has not always been easy; it's not always been hard, either.  :)  But I know from experience, the miscommunications people have in marriage can really lead to major heartache, and Sierra and Alex's story is a perfect example of this.  Francine Rivers writes a moving tale of heartbreak and ultimately renewal that is not only a great read, but a lesson everyone can learn from.

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