And the band played on

The Band that Played On: The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the Titanic 

I requested this book to review because I've always found the Titanic and its tragic story to be intriguing. Everyone who's seen the movie or studied the story knows that the band played on while the ship sank. They provided entertainment and solace for those who knew that the end was coming.

The author, Steve Turner, researched this phenomenal group and wrote this book about a them. They are a group that could have been pushed to the side as "just part of the help", but with this story and the factual accounts that ensue; one learns the harsh reality that was theirs.

There are moments of extreme tediousness when the facts seem to interfere with the structure of the story. They tend to make the book a tad boring in places. I generally just skipped over those parts and read the chapters I was most interested in. Each band member is given a section along with their employers. Turner also speculates on the cause of the sinking of the Titanic. I believe that if  you enjoy this story and like factual accounts, you will enjoy this book.

interesting story

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner tells the story of Lauren, a young women from a wealthy family who desires to be free from the restrictions money places on her; and of Mercy, a young woman whose life takes a tragic turn--her story told through a diary that Lauren is transcribing for Mercy's distant relative, Abigail.

One finds themselves falling in love with Mercy and drawn into her story as she writes poignantly about the dark days during the Salem witch trials of which she becomes a victim. This book, like others of Meissners, takes the reader on a journey from present to past and back again, but without the confusion that some authors create. The tales are interwoven and yet parallel as each present day character learns lessons about themselves.

It's a great read, and I would definitely recommend that you find the time to read it!

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

lady in waiting

I have never read any of Susan Meissner's books, so when I saw this one on Waterbrook's Blogging for Books page, I chose it. I had heard good things, and boy were they right!
A Lady in Waiting tells the story of two Janes. One in modern day and one during the reign of the Tudors. They are intertwined when modern day Jane, an antiques dealer, finds a ring and is determined to get the history behind it. Her husband has left her and she is alone for the first time which allows her the freedom to search out the true owner of the ring, and she finds much more instead.

I loved how Susan intertwined the two stories without confusion. I am not generally a fan of this style, but her ability to keep me interested in both at the same time was excellent. Both stories are told from the heart of the characters involved giving the reader a glimpse into the heartache of each. The stories are seamless, and soar to the end with grace and clarity. I loved it!!

Invasion

I originally picked  the book Invasion because it looked from the cover like something my teenage son would enjoy. He reads non-stop, and I thought this would be a good chance for him to find a new author that he could enjoy. This was in no way a book that I thought I would enjoy since sci-fi is not my idea of a good read. However, the book is not that interesting for a mom, but it is obviously written for boys; and as a librarian, I commend that!

The book is about Colt, a teenage boy who tragically loses his parents in a car accident. He is determined to find the truth about his parents' death, and finds himself involved in a battle against way more that just a corporation. Colt is a comic book fan, and his fantasies become a reality as he deals with flying motorcycles, jet packs, and mind control. He embarks on a journey that takes him places he could have only imagined to be real.

Overall, the book is packed with action. I would highly recommend it to preteen/tween boys who love to read or for parents of those boys who don't necessarily like to read but who could get into this kind of action.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson for review.

the pirate queen--a review

Sephora is a nurturing character who stayed far too long with a philandering husband. When she finally begins to leave, she is given news that rocks her. Her husband is dying, and he wants her with him. This is a story that deals with many "hot" topics of today and how she deals with them. It is also the story of her family and neighbors and how they begin to explore who God really is.

This book will keep you guessing until the very last page. It is engaging and page-turning. It is emotional and thought-provoking which is a good thing because a great story should keep you thinking long after it is over. I had never read any books by Patricia Hickman, but will going forward. I love finding an author that can keep my attention with an intriguing storyline.

disclaimer: This book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books program. I was not compensated for this review nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review.

faithful

I originally went to booksneeze.com to order one of the new Max Lucado books that they had sent an email to me about because, you know, I love Max. However, when I got there, intent on getting his newest children's book to review, I saw that Lo! and Behold! there was actually a christian fiction book available although not by Max.

I ordered it straight away, and I am so glad that I did. In today's christian literary world, with books like, Radical by David Platt; Crazy Love by Frances Chan; and Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado I would have never thought that I would stumble across a book that preaches faith the way this little book did. And, oh boy was it GOOD!

I couldn't put it down....which these days is saying something since I literally have no time to read! (I know, I know...weird for a librarian!) This book, Faithful by Kim Cash Tate focuses on marriage and relationships while remaining faithful to God and His widsom during the rough times. And, there were some rough times. I loved all of the characters and hated when the book was over and I had to say good-bye. I need me a sequel, y'all! It was THAT good.

This book deals with real-life issues in a way that will have you laughing and crying all in the same chapter. The picture on the cover of the book depicts various colors of roses which is used very prominently in the book to show the progression of courtship and marriage and God's great design for that. The book is powerful, with a great message, and is an asset to the genre.

shades of morning

Book and coffee shop owner Marnie Wittier lives on the opposite end of the country from where she grew up; she needs that much distance from her past. But her past won't stay away; her estranged sister, Rose, dies and Marnie is named guardian of Rose's 15-year-old son, Emmit, who has Down syndrome. Another complication: Rose's attorney is Taylor Cole, whom Marnie once loved. The complicated family history unreels in the narrative, alternating with Marnie's learning to cope with the sweet and very challenging Emmit.



I recently read Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky for which a synopsis is given above. I was drawn to the characters almost immediately. Each character has depth and holds his or her own within the storyline.

However, the story takes some unpredictable turns that cause confusion for the reader. I cannot say too much without giving the entire plot away, but suffice it to say that the ending is a huge surprise, and left me feeling a bit cheated mostly because while the plot is true enough to life, the ending gets a bit bizarre.

Reading this book will cause you to think about how you deal with regrets, forgiveness, and relationships. There are many, many great moments in the book when characters have revelations that are life-changing and profound. I know that I reevaluated some of my own feelings about some things after and while I read.

I would highly recommend this book for those who like Christian fiction....there are many, many wonderful references to how our relationship with Jesus correlates with our relationships with others.....and also for those who just like to read a book for the entertainment value. It is, certainly, entertaining even with the disconcerting ending.

I received a copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my review.

book review

Radio personality, Jim Fate, dies when a fatal gas is sent to him through a package in the mail. The "triple threat club" consisting of Nicole, Allison, and Cassidy each with a unique perspective and job are on the case! Hand of Fate by Lis Wiehl is a craftily written book. From the first page to the last, I was captivated with the plot and couldn't wait to get to the end to find out who the killer was, and boy was I surprised!

The book reminds the reader of the consequences that come from within our own country when we ignore issues and social problems. I cannot say more than that without giving it away, but suffice it to say that it may require you to rethink some of your political positions.

I did keep looking for clues that I was reading "christian fiction". I wouldn't classify is as such, and had to keep reminding myself that Thomas Nelson was the publisher. There was nothing overtly wrong with the book--no language or other issues--but the book could certainly be classified as simply, realistic fiction. I would recommend this book.

Thomas Nelson provided this book for my review.

The Last Christian

The Last Christian by David Gregory is the story of a young missionary woman who emerges in the year 2088 from living in the jungles. She has lived through the tragedy of her entire village dying out. She makes her way to America where Christianity is no more. Her mission, she realizes is to re-introduce Christ to a dying nation.

I don't usually like science fiction. I picked this book up and put it back down several times before actually taking the time to get into the story. I liked the premise, and I liked Abigail and the development of her character. This book, however, is not for the faint of heart or those wanting a light summer read. It is deep, and it requires thinking. To that end, it wasn't my favorite, but that doesn't mean that the book is not good. It is well-written and thought-provoking. The reader needs to be prepared to delve intellectually into the storyline because time and effort are necessary to get the book's complete message.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook-Multnomah.

review

I read a book when I was a teenager that impacted my life in a big way. I believe that Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson could be that book for today's generation of teenagers and young adults. This book tells Kristen's story of how, as a depressed teen, she attempted to commit suicide but survived. She shouldn't have lived, but God had plans that she was unaware of! His plans to use her and her incredible story were something that she could not comprehend.

Today, when you look at her picture and read her story you are amazed at how full of life and joy she is. She exudes confidence and an appreciation for life that she had not experienced before. She is very real when talking about the struggles that God brought her through. I truly believe that everyone who reads this book will be touched and their lives will be changed for the better!


This book was provided for review by Waterbrookmultnomah.com

indivisible

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann was better than I expected it to be much to my delight. The story starts off slow with Police Chief Jonah Westfall and Tia Manning having a rift between them that rivals the Grand Canyon. However, after the first few chapters the story begins to warm up and so do the characters. The plot is far from anything that I expected, and the ending surprising.
Heitzmann did a good job making the characters believable and the reader sympathetic to them....even the one that ended up being the "bad guy". I was swept up into their lives and problems and wanted to know what was going to happen which kept me reading until the end when the mysteries are revealed.
This book is an easy read and would be a good accompaniment to your trip to the beach this summer.

The Right To Lead by John Maxwell

I like John Maxwell. It is very obvious that he has a powerful ability to get across thoughts in a cohesive and engaging way so that the reader feels like the information is entirely new and certainly relevant. This newest book, The Right to Lead, is not a disappointment. It is a small, gift-sized book that while great for a gift, is also wonderful for anyone who chooses to purchase and read it for himself. John uses leaders that we are familiar with to make his points and get across the correct way to lead others.
This little book is one that would be useful to people in all areas of leadership. I gave my copy to my husband, a pastor, who is also a Maxwell fan. There are many politicians who could benefit from reading this one. I plan to purchase another couple to give to some school leaders who might benefit from some encouragement as well.

forget me not

Do you like a mystery? I do. I love being caught up in it the moment I open a book and having the tale spun around like a thread on a spool. Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze is like that. The story begins with someone being strangled by someone unnamed. It continues throughout with characters interwoven into each other's lives without the reader being able to discern who belongs to whom. It does come apart a little in the middle, but the author is able to draw it together again rather quickly for the dramatic conclusion.

The story revolves around Crossroads Crisis Center where Benjamin Brandt along with his staff works. His wife and son have been murdered, and all of a sudden a look-a-like springs forth with an unfolding drama of her own. There are connections between the two women, and the situation soon becomes deadly as they begin to piece together the puzzle. Lives need to be saved and hearts need to heal. Can all of this happen before the killer gets too close?

I had never read anything by Vicki before. I rapidly became a fan! Her writing style and voice created for me a story that was both believable and engrossing. Vicki Hinze has written 23 novels, 3 non-fiction books, and hundreds of articles. I think we can find something by her to read!

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah. If you would like to purchase a copy, go to randomhouse.com.

a review

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Mark Elliott is a sweet reminder that prayer is important no matter what age you are. We need to teach our children to pray, and using this book makes the process seem easy no matter how young they are. The illustrations are beautiful with great colors. They make the words on the page come alive. Using this little book will remind us all that God does indeed answer the prayers of His people. I would highly recommend this one!

Want a copy to read to your little one? Just leave any comment and one winner will be chosen at random. Want to purchase a copy? Check out randomhouse.com

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

here burns my candle

I am generally a big fan of historical fiction. So, it was with great anticipation that I started to read Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs. Unfortunately, I did not keep the midnight candles burning to read this one. For me, this book started off slowly and never really took off. It combines the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi with the characters of this story, Lady Elisabeth Kerr and Lady Marjory. This is a story set in eighteenth-century Scotland that contains a lot of historic detail with Scottish dialogue (including a glossary at the end of the book was a great idea) which didn't seem to help me much with getting through the book.

Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of twenty-seven books with three million copies in print. That tells you that she is a great writer. I guess, for me, the authenticity of the dialogue was a little too much, taking away from the story she wanted to tell.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah where you can purchase all of your fiction (and other types of reading) needs!

fiction reviews

I have two great books from WaterbrookMutlnomah to review this week.

The first one, Yesterday's Promise, by Linda Lee Chaikin is the story of Rogan Chantry who has won his independence from Sir Julien Bley in South Africa. He begins on a journey of to find a deposit of gold, but is challenged by the impending colonization of South Africa by the British. Back at home, his love, Evy Varley is faced with her own challenges as she stands off against the man who murdered Rogan's uncle. Can they find their way back to one another safely?

This book grabbed me at the beginning. I was intrigued as I went through the story to find out what would happen next. It's an easy, enjoyable read. I had not read the first book that set up the love story between Evy and Rogan, and I wish that I had. I intend to purchase it so that I can get the whole story and be ready for book 3. If you like historical fiction, then you will like this one.


The second book is Faithful Heart by Al Lacy. To be honest, this book had me at the prologue. After reading that, I was so sad that I had missed the other series that dealt with these characters. The love story between Breanna and John is very sweet. I was intrigued with the inward struggles that Jerrod seemed to have with himself, and really felt for Dottie as she tried to deal with him. As I began to read, I got that little tingle inside that I actually haven't felt in a while when I know I'm reading something I won't be able to put down, and this book did not disappoint! Another great historical fiction piece.

The themes in this book are difficult to deal with.....war, post-traumatic stress disorder, child abuse, spousal abuse.......be prepared to deal with your own emotions about these issues.

These two books were provided to me for review by Waterbrook Mutlnomah.

Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner

Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost by Matthew Paul Turner is a look inside the mind of a young man who grew up in a fundamentalist baptist household where salvation was all about "fire insurance". The series of stories told are smart, poignant, and funny with a degree of compassion for those still living with that belief thrown in. He uses his music industry experience to tell the story of how music touched his life showing him that Jesus is more than a "good thought" to be put upon a pedestal and dusted off once in awhile.

I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, laughing out loud at the absurdity and honesty of the stories that were told. I highlighted passages that made me think about the way church people "do" church and how it must appear to the outsider looking in.

While there are some parts with which I disagree, there are many more statements made that need to be shouted from rooftops to anyone who will listen. One of my favorites was, "Anyone was welcome to join us for worship on Sundays, as long as they never emotionally pooped on the carpet." Wow! MPT reminds us that we, being the church, need to get over ourselves and remember that being "real" means people feel welcome regardless of the emotional baggage they carry.

If you love music, you will really enjoy this book. Turner's accounts of his dealings with Sandi Patty and Amy Grant are akin to my own feelings about the music they have created throughout their careers. They have the ability to touch the lives of many, and obviously transform one's beliefs as they did with Turner.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

If you are interested in purchasing this book or reading more about it, please visit:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074723

the long way home by andrew klavan

The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan is the second in the The Homelanders series. It tells the story of Charlie West who has been convicted of murdering his best friend. Charlie doesn't remember what has happened, only knows that someone is hunting him; and he and his friends want to know why! They attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan when it arrived in the mail. I love picture books, but don't always find young adult fiction to be that riveting. I found this book to be okay. I liked the storyline, and the way it peaked my interest; but wasn't so sure about the "language" because, while I did find it to be authentic, I didn't find it to very engaging. I think it is an excellent choice for young adults who like to read. I'm especially taken with the fact that it will appeal to the older set of teenage readers whose choices thus far have been far too juvenile. I do plan to order the first book so that I can read these in a series as intended, and then get the third on in November when it becomes available. They are worth a shot!

A Beautiful Mess The Story of Diamond Rio

If you like country music or Diamond Rio, then this book will suit you fine. I found the book to be muddled sometimes and hard to get through especially in the beginning. However, I was unfamiliar with the characters. Fans of the group will find this book gives them some of the answers they may have been searching for when wondering what prompted them to turn to christian music. The stories, told from the points of view of each band member, give varying perspectives on the inside makings of the group and the decisions they made. It gives some insider information that fans may not have been aware of, and allows the fan to travel the bus with them.

Some of the stories are more forthcoming than others. It reads as though not all members of the group were completely on-board with this particular project. I think some of them were uncomfortable sharing all of their story, but I thought they did a good job sharing those parts that they felt were most pertinent because not everything needs to be spoken about in public. I like the pictures, because they gave me, as the reader, the opportunity to feel a part of the story. The later part of the book was the most enjoyable for me as it gave updates on the group now. To tell the story of their past is fine, but I like knowing what they've learned and where they're going from here. All-in-all not a bad read, you just have to keep plugging if you want to get to the good stuff!

redefining beautiful by jenna lucado

Beautiful: what God sees when God sees you

This wonderful book by the daughter of acclaimed author, Max Lucado, is a true winner. Jenna Lucado brings to life what a girl's perspective of herself through God's eyes should be. Although written with the teenage-girl in mind, it is certainly appropriate for any aged woman who struggles to see the beauty God wrote into her life. The book deals with issues from social networking to how to choose a prince through God's relationship with us.

Redefining Beautiful is written as a conversation piece, and I did feel as though Jenna and I were friends just talking around my kitchen table. She portrays relational qualities that any girl will find endearing, and uses language that is familiar to today's young woman. The book provides space for each young woman to write her thoughts in a journal-type atmosphere to be used as a tool in day-to-day learning. This is a book that I will share with both my 18 and 25 year old daughters in the hopes that they will see how much more God treasures them; even more than their earthly dad who adores them!