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A Trail of Ink

Posted by html404 on March 9, 2011
in Books

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

It has been a while since I have read a medieval tale. A Trail of Ink penned by Mel Starr was not what I would call a “candy” book. By candy I mean a book that you pick up and speed read through it. It had more substance to it than candy. After all the language of the 14th century England was very different than how we speak today. This is a good thing because it actually makes our brains think. Here is a list of words, see if you can guess what they mean without Googling them:

Candlemas

Coney

Egg leaches

Kirtle

Prebend

Anyways, A Trail of Ink is about the mystery surrounding missing books, a murder, with a love interest thrown in. Sir Hugh de Singleton is a Baliff for a Lord, as well as a surgeon. He is very cunning when it comes to solving mysteries so he is asked to solve the mystery. His love interest has a keen eye for seeing clues too. I found it rather slow in parts, but when it picked up it picked up and I was anxious to see where the next clue led the story. One of my favorite parts was when the Sheriff found Sir Hugh hanging a knight out a window!

I found the feudal system intriguing and wondered how the people lived as they did when certain ones thought them better than others with a higher station in life. At first my thoughts focused on how glad I was that this is not how it is today. However, the more I thought on it I realized that this does happen today in some respects, which is unfortunate. After all, who wants to live feeling beneath another person due wallet or land size? None of us.

While this was not my favorite book, I enjoyed reading of the time period and following the mystery.

About Mel Starr
Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren. www.melstarr.org

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Angel Sister – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on February 24, 2011
in Books

Angel Sister is a sweet story set in 1936, the Depression era, and is about the Merritt family. This family is struggling with some serious issues. Then along comes Lorena Birdsong, a little girl abandoned on the steps of a church in the Merritt’s hometown. Lorena’s mother told her to sit and wait for an angel to rescue her.

This book is about family, about life during a difficult time but no matter the time warp it can resonate a powerful message to all of us. When the going gets tough, families stick together. A worn torn war veteran, an alcoholic, a struggling marriage, estranged parents, children and grandparents, quarreling siblings, power hungry men and dictators are all a part of this story. Who among us does not know someone in one of these situations?

Then along comes a god-fearing angel with childlike faith to live out scripture and capture the hearts of many. This endearing story will make you cry. I know because I did. Love, forgiveness and perseverance are once again popular themes.

“Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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A Lady in the Mist – A Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on February 19, 2011
in Books

I have been interested in birth since my first child was born. My interest in midwifery and home birth probably began at about the same time. However, the journey took several years to lead to my husband and I to experience our first home birth, and that was after having five children in the hospital and three miscarriages. So when the announcement of another Revell blog tour arrived, Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes, I was definitely interested. As the first book in The Midwives series, this historical novel explores themes of identity, misperception and love’s discovery.

I really liked Lady in the Mist, but it was more about Tabitha, the midwife, her losses, relationship with God and her love life. Not about birth and midwifery, per se. The book did deal with the lifestyle of a midwife, how the community in that time period viewed a midwife (early 1800s) and a bit of history of Tabitha Eckles’ family with its legacy of women serving as midwives.

What I took most from the book was Tabitha’s struggle with God. After the losses she faced, she turned her back on God and stopped attending church. She was deeply hurt and unsure of how to go on with her life other than serving as a midwife. Not only did Tabitha struggle with her relationship with God but so did two other characters. Each of them were on their way back to Him, but it greatly depended upon the people, the circumstances of their lives and how each of them responded to the way God was dealing with them individually; that determined what role God ended up playing in their lives.

Lady in the Mist is filled with understanding of the human heart, intrigue and romance at a time in history when war was nearly imminent each day of these characters’ lives.

“Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Book Review ~ Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load

Posted by Professor on January 11, 2011
in Books

Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten Your Mother Load

This is a great devotional sure to “Lighten your Mother Load”. I found encouragement in this book, as it adds humor and faith to everyday goings and doings! One of the things I like is that the chapters are short (one 2-3 pages). If you do not think you have time to sit down and read the entire book…do not worry you do not have to ~ sit down and read it as it was intended as a devotional, read only one chapter per day and you will feel quite blessed and fulfilled! Believe me, I am a busy mom and I found that reading this a bit everyday was not only a good way to read the book but a good way to reflect on what the chapter was trying to tell me, and focus on that tidbit throughout the day! The messages of grace and encouragement in this book are endless, so if you get a chance I highly recommend picking up a copy!

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First Things First by Kurt & Brenda Warner

Posted by html404 on December 1, 2010
in Books

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

You know, it’s sad to admit but I don’t think I have ever heard of Kurt Warner (if you don’t know either, he’s a quarterback for the Phoenix Cardinals) until I was browsing through the Tyndale House website. Then again, I am not much of a football fan so how would I know him? What attracted my eye about this book was the fact that he and his wife, Brenda, have seven children. I am always interested in large families, especially Christian families. I enjoy learning about their family, how they do things and look forward to what I can glean from them.

The Warners appear to be a pretty normal family, considering Kurt is a celebrity and all. As a couple, they know what it is like to struggle financially and do their best not to take their current income for granted. They are all about their faith, their marriage, their family and others – in that order.

I love how their oldest son has been such a source of inspiration for so many of their ministry opportunities. I enjoyed how frank and openly they shared their lives with those of us who would read their book.

Kurt and Brenda really seem to have some great ideas about parenting. It is evident how much they love each other and their kids. Something they do that we do, but we didn’t even think to take it as far as they have is when their children are fighting they have to hold hands. We do that too, but we require our children to sing Barney’s “I love you” song (You all remember Barney the dinosaur and his opening song, don’t you? Thought so. ;-)). However, the Warners require them to hold hands and if they still don’t get along to go cheek to cheek, and if they still don’t get along lips to lips! 🙂 Loved that! The thing is our children are usually playing by the time they are done the “I love you” song because they have to give each other the hug and a kiss the song talks about, “with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, won’t you say you love me too!” So I guess in a way we are requiring a pretty similar thing to the Warners. It’s nice to hear of others implementing similar things that we do. Gives us hope for some reason.

And that is one of the Warners desires in sharing their thoughts in First Things First, that we might be encouraged and perhaps take something about their family and be able to implement it or change it to suit our own family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Warners life. They do get pretty candid, but nothing that offended me and I’ll let our older girls read it too.

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Code Triage

Posted by html404 on October 13, 2010
in Books

Dr. Leigh Stathos is an ER doctor who loves her work – “Treat ’em and street ’em” – without any emotional attachments. The hard knocks of life had taught her that nothing lasts forever, including her marriage to San Francisco police officer, Nick Stathos. Time is running out for the young couple’s marriage when an act of violence forces Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into a lockdown. As the Stathos manuever their way through the maze of events that rock their world, will their marriage survive Leigh’s confrontation with “the other woman”?

Code Triage is another one of those books that make you take a good look at your marriage and cause you to wonder just what it can survive. This book not only me made go through all the emotions Dr. Leigh Stathos went through, but also those of her husband, sister and patients. The whole gammit and the whole range of emotions of a broken heart.

Candance Calvert kept me on the edge of my seat as I read her book waiting for the whole story to unfold. I loved the faith Nick Stathos exhibited and empathized with him as he struggled to hang onto his marriage. I hurt with Leigh as she struggled through a wounded heart. It was really difficult for me to embrace “the other woman” who seemed bent on being a destructive force in more than just two lives.

If you like hospital drama and police action intertwined with romance then you’ll like Code Triage.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

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The Waiting – Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on October 12, 2010
in Books

Jorie King has been waiting for her beau, Benjamin Zook, to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. But when news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more.

I bawled my eyes out while reading this book and I cannot even blame it on pregnancy hormones! There were humorous moments too, as both humor and tears is what makes a great book in my humble opinion. This story was filled with many of life’s complexities and reveals that the Amish are not immune to suffering and hardships. What it does reveal is their fortitude in life’s trials.

I love reading about the Amish. Their lifestyle, community and family life intrigue me.

The Waiting is one of those books that makes the Amish people’s faith, community and willingness to forgive stand out above what I am use to experiencing. Because the Amish possess these traits they are better able to withstand life’s troubles when they come their way. Grant it, this book is a work of fiction, but it is based on who the Amish are in real life.

Personally, I long for what the Amish have – a close knit community on which to depend through thick and thin. The ability to forgive and be forgiven freely and to love completely without brick walls of emotional barriers being in the way of trusting, godly friendships is a rare gift. A gift The Waiting shows is possible with endurance, more forgiveness and love we are capable of in and of ourselves. It is our relationship with God that makes or breaks our relationships with others.

This was a wonderful story that I recommend as a good read. Thanks, Suzanne!

“Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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The House on Malcolm Street – Revell Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on October 9, 2010
in Books

The House on Malcolm Street is a novel. It isn’t so much a romance novel, although there is a little of that included, just not with the main character so much. Leisha Kelly has written an endearing story of a woman, Leah Breckenridge, her losses, her relationships and her healing.

Leah learns the value of relationships through a godly aunt who takes her invites Leah to visit. Not only that but she heals as she faces her “demons” and starts trusting again.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was a great story. So often life’s tragedies are exactly what teaches us the value of relationships. It is easy to go through life with severed relationships, sometimes that is the healthiest and safest in certain cases, but the majority of the time relationships can and should be mended. Carrying bitterness or anger around is very unhealthy for all involved – spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. With God’s help, we heal ourselves when we heal a broken relationship with a family member, friend or with God Himself.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Under A Maui Moon

Posted by html404 on October 6, 2010
in Books

Under A Maui Moon is a book about a woman who has strayed from her relationship with God, facing marital difficulties amidst other life struggles. Robin Jones Gunn deals with some tough situations that many women face.

I wasn’t sure what the book would be like, but had read a couple of Robin’s first books years ago so thought I’d read this one. Even my daughter said, “What kind of book is this?” when she read the back of it.

Sometimes we don’t like to admit when we hit a valley in our marriage, but that is a pride thing. All of us at one point or another will face marital challenges, the important thing is what we do about them. Will we give hang in there, keeping our vows and our commitment to the one we’ve pledged to love, honor and cherish for the rest of our lives? Will we give in to the temptation to flee or maybe even “play around” and possibly even leave our spouse? It is harder to hang in there because it hurts and it’s hard, but face it, the best thing and the biblical way of dealing with the challenges is to stick it out (unless of course physical or substance abuse calls for a time of separation or even divorce if these issues cannot be worked out). Divorce hurts and doesn’t solve the problems. The problems just get carried into the next relationship. What a vicious cycle.

My husband and I are blessed to have a legacy of in tack marriages in our families for the past three generations that we know of, it could be more, and we desire to be the same example our children that our parents, grandparents and great grandparents were to us – All of whom faced their own kind of troubles and difficulties but remained married to the one they committed their lives to. What a testimony of God’s faithfulness to us!

Ultimately I enjoyed the story and was rooting for the main character as she manuevered her way through the difficulties thrown in her path. This isn’t really the typical Christian Romance that I am use to, but I think it made me think about how’d I’d respond to what Carissa faced in her marriage. I think it helps to see things in a different light and try to prepare for how we will respond should we find ourselves facing life’s tough questions like Carissa did as she visited the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Review Copy Provided by Wynn Wynn Media

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A Friend in the Storm – Litefuse Blog Tour

Posted by html404 on September 23, 2010
in Books

A Friend in the Storm is a ninety-six page book which contains poetry with powerful quotes and Scripture verses to speak to the heart and soul of anyone going through tough times. The beautiful fabric binding with foil stamping makes this the perfect gift for anyone seeking comfort. It includes a satin ribbon enabling readers to read this little book at their leisure and mark their place or go back to a page that was particularly meaningful to them.

I loved this little book. It had encouraging snippets that I could read (and can read again and again) and think about applying to my life. I didn’t completely rush through the book, but tried to take my time to read it. I enjoyed it so much that once I was done I bought a copy for friends who are going through some difficult ups and downs. It is my hope and prayer that they find comfort and encouragement that ultimately leads them to the loving God behind so many of the thoughts and scripture contained within it.

This is a great little gift-book to consider for the holidays coming up. With so many struggling during these economically challenging times you are sure to know of at least one person or family who would benefit with a gift like this.

Book Trailer: (view the video below or visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsK0v67VHLo)

About Cheryl Ricker: Cheryl Ricker has a degree in creative writing and has written columns and articles for various magazines and newspapers. She’s been writing poetry all her life and her poems have won awards in fine arts and literary magazines. Cheryl lives with her husband and two sons in Rochester, Minnesota

Please check out Cheryl’s amazing website for more information. www.cherylricker.com

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Friend-Storm-Cheryl-Ricker/dp/0310519934/ref=sprightly-20

Litfuse Publicity Group

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