Melody Carlson's The Jerk Magnet ~ Reviewed

THE JERK MAGNET
By Melody Carlson
Published by Revell (Jan 1, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0800719623
Paperback: 218 pages


Book Blurb: When Chelsea Martin's future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it's the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She's attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they're jerks. And stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn't endear her to the girls either.


Chelsea finally finds a true friend in Janelle Parker, and a non-jerk, Nicholas, catches her eye. Janelle keeps telling her to be herself, but Nicholas is the only guy around who doesn't give her a second look. Can Chelsea and Janelle come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will Chelsea's new image ruin everything?


Teen favorite and bestselling author Melody Carlson helps girls uncover the real source of beauty in this true-to-life story of young love, friendship, and being yourself.


REVIEW:


I love Melody Carlson’s writing no matter who her audience is, in this case it’s for the youth. Chelsea Martin has just found out her dad has a girlfriend and it’s serious. Surprise to her.


Chelsea was still dealing with her mother being dead, ok, it had been 5 years but she wasn't ready to move on to having a step-mother. Chelsea doesn’t have much time to process the news before her dad hits her with another boom, they are moving. She’s loosing her dad and the only home she’s ever known in the same year.


Chelsea meets Kate, her dad’s girlfriend and sees how well put together she is, she’s nice too. Kate offers to help Chelsea with her clothes, hair and make-up. Her Dad's new bride to be has some bonding time with Chelsea as they talk about beauty. It reminded me of when Julie Andrews talked to Mia about how she dressed, wore her hair and have good table manners. They were grooming her to be the princess and she had to have a certain look in the Princess Diaries movies.


Kate says back, “I think the exterior is hurting the interior – I see you becoming as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. Just think of it, you’ll be going to a new school this fall, and who knows how great your last two years of high school might be.”


Before they start Chelsea says, “I don’t see the point in all this you can dress me differently but I’m still the same on the inside!”


Kate then talks to Chelsea about her interior dialogue, “You need to change your interior dialogue Chelsea.” What you think about yourself shows on the outside.


Chelsea resisted in her head the things Kate had told her to think, “I am an attractive, intelligent girl. I have a lot to offer other people. People want to get to know me.”


But when Kate gets Chelsea all dolled up to perfection - male heads turn and she gets attention she never had before. Is this what she wants? All this attention may not be a good thing.


Had Kate gone too far with Chelsea’s new look? She thinks so when a friend says to her, “Look at yourself. Just like Dalton said, you look like a hot babe, and to a jerk like him, a hot babe is like dangling raw meat in front of a hungry bear. Or in other words, a jerk magnet.” (The guy will say and do anything to be with you – not in a good way)


Chelsea was baffled. Her friend went on, “In the same way you attract guys who are jerks, you repel the guys who aren’t- at lease the ones who are trying not to be jerks,”


Chelsea and Janelle try an experiment at the youth group retreat and get surprising results. Chelsea then starts to think about whom she is dressed up to be and who she really is and/or wants to be. Great stuff!


I enjoy Melody Carlson books. I was so thankful for the review copy of such a fun and honest book about the pressures girls have in high school. That's what my daughter and I loved most about the Diary of a Teenage Girl series by Melody, we could read them separately and talk about the content. We can talk about the book and characters and not have to bring up specifics about our lives. Melody's books open up a dialogue between your daughter and yourself that is safe.


She also puts things in the book you're glad your child heard from someone else because maybe, just maybe they might listen to it. In the teen years it's hard to listen to your parents when you are trying to figure out this whole big world and where you fit in.


I liked how the author dealt with the subject of beauty. Chelsea was hot and the guys were all over her but is that what she really wanted to be known for? Is this the attention she wanted to be known for her body and looks alone? There are so many feelings and situations to deal with in High School, I like the way Melody shows how Chelsea navigates through her transition from one school to another.


I enjoyed this book very much. I highly recommend it for any age group, but especially the middle schooler/early high school age. It's a keeper!!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network

Kelly Irvin's To Love and To Cherish ~ Reviewed

To Love And To Cherish (The Bliss Creek Amish)
Kelly Irvin
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736943714




Description:


In author Kelly Irvin’s first installment in the Bliss Creek Amish series, readers will find a charming, romantic story of how God works even in the darkest moments.


It’s been four years since Carl left. Four years since he left the safety of the small Amish community for the Englisch world. And in four years, Emma’s heart has only begun to heal.


Now, with the unexpected death of her parents, Emma is plunged back into a world of despair and confusion. It’s a confusion only compounded by Carl’s return. She’s supposed to be in love with him...so why can’t she keep her mind off Thomas, the strong, quiet widower who always seems to be underfoot? Could the man she only knew as a friend be the one to help her to heal?


In a world that seems to be changing no matter how tightly she clings to the past, this one woman must see beyond her pain and open her heart to trust once again.




Review:


To Love and to Cherish revolved around a young woman named Emma. When her parents are killed in a tragic buggy accident, her brother and sister in law, and their family, move in with Emma and remaining siblings to keep the family together. In the meantime, Emma’s long ago love, who left the Amish community, returns, trying to win her heart. At the same time, Thomas, a widower and family friend, begins to pursue Emma. Between the loss of her parents and the struggle with her heart, Emma is not sure what to do.


This book really focused on forgiveness, and not letting bitterness take over your life. While Emma’s family was able to forgive, Emma found she was unable to do so, and in turn, began to have a bitter attitude towards the Lord. It was interesting to see her character evolve and soften towards the Lord as she began to let Him lead.


Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Roxanne Hughs Parkham, Hannah Parkman and Mark Lohman's Inspired Design ~ Reviewed

Inspired Design
By Roxanne Hughs Parkham and Hannah Parkham
Mark Lohman Photographer
Publisher Inspired Design Publications, Inc.
ISBN# 978-0984456307
150 Pages


Book Blurb: Drawing from the highly-published designs she's created for hundreds of clients, Packham will inspire you to create a home that touches the souls of those within. Amid Stunning photography, stories of treasured family traditions and poignant observations by 16 year old daughter Hannah, she shares ideas that will help you create beauty, warmth and passion in your home, and make it an inspired design


Written by Grand daughter of Allan Adler, noted American silversmith, and Great Granddaughter of Porter George Blanchard, also known as "silversmith to the stars", Packham's history and knowledge of silver and flair for table settings prove to be a winning combo.


Ideas for Sentimental Parties, and occasions’ for teenage girls, and mothers & others, Celebrating friends & friendship. Inspirational for incorporating family history, talents, and passions into the design of the family home.


REVIEW:


Decorating! So many things come to mind when you say that word. Overwhelming is the word that hits me most when I hear it mention. I’m very thankful to have received a review copy of Inspired Design, a book that breaks down the process of decorating a house to make it a home, stress free and creatively.


Roxanne Packham is an acclaimed interior designer whose classic designs grace 100’s of California homes from San Francisco to San Diego. Roxanne and her daughter Hannah have blended their talents together to create a book that will inspire you to create “a feeling of warmth and love that touches the soul of those within, as well as all who walk through your doors….Beautiful heart-beautiful home.”


Roxanne shares her family traditions and how they have been in the design business for generations. Hannah shares her feelings about how setting a table for special events has meant so much to her and many guests they’ve entertained.


Mark Lohman does an amazing job of illustrating and taking pictures of houses and tables Roxanne has designed. The book is filled with ideas to create beauty, warmth and passion in your home. She also goes into detail about how to have your home fit your personality, radiate who you are and make it uniquely yours.


Both Hannah and Roxanne have said, “ Do not underestimate the power of your home, nor the ability to change lives…A welcoming smile, a cup of hot tea and a hour in a cozy nook spent listening to a friend can be life altering.” So, true.


I liked how they view life, “when you find what you love in life, it’s more enjoyable.” You can tell these ladies love design, family and creating.


This book is about design and so much more. Roxanne takes the time to explain the value of things we can’t buy that make people feel welcome and loved. This is so important. We are in an age where it seems everyone is plugged into a computer, ipad, Iphone or some other electronic devise playing in their virtual world not noticing the beautify around them. People have lost the art of face to face interaction or never new it in the first place.


Roxanne hits on something very simple and powerful when she says, “Touching all of the 5 senses sends the message that you have eagerly awaited your guest’s arrival and that they are truly welcome in your home.” She describes some basic things everyone can do and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. Her motto is “Keep it Simple.”


This helped me not feel overwhelmed with the topic of decorating when Hannah said, “Designing and decorating a home is not an overnight project. Textured layering is the process.”


Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it so well, “The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it!”


While creating this book together this mother/daughter team started a ministry called Inspired 31. This ministry inspires teenage girls and their mom’s to find and follow God’s path for their life.


Not only is this book beautiful to look at its very inspirational for the mind and the soul. We live life on high speed and don’t often take the time to enjoy the little things. Roxanne and Hannah show you how to create a gorgeous home, keep it simple and how to cherish time with family and friends. I’m inspired to create a home that is beautiful and a home filled with warmth and beauty I can’t buy.


I highly recommend this book as an inspiring gift book and also to someone who wants ideas for decorating. ALL the proceeds of this book go to an organization near and dear to the authors’ hearts! The ministry is in Romania, and it’s called Heart of Hope Ministry. This group helps orphans and the area food pantries in Romania. This is a book you’ll be sharing with friends and family. I’m sure. I know I will!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network

Ginny Yttrup's Lost and Found ~ Reviewed

Lost and Found: A Novel

Ginny L Yttrup

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: B&H Books; Original edition (February 15, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1433671719

Description:

It appears Jenna Bouvier is losing everything: beauty, family, and wealth. When her controlling and emotionally abusive mother-in-law accuses Jenna of an affair with her spiritual director and threatens to expose them, Jenna also risks losing her reputation as a woman of faith. Will she capitulate to her mother-in-law’s wishes again or fight for what she holds dear? As Jenna loses her life, will she find it?

Andee Bell has found exactly what she wanted: fame, fortune, and respect. There’s also a special man in her life—Jenna’s brother. Despite her success, a secret quells Andee’s contentment. As memories torment, will she find peace in a relationship with God, or will she sabotage herself while also taking down the only person she cares about? As Andee finds her life, will she lose it?

Moving between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Jenna and Andee form an unlikely relationship that leads them to a crossroad. They can follow familiar inclinations, or risk it all and walk in faith.

Review:

I’ve not read Ginny Yttrup before. Her book, Words, ended up on a lot of favorite lists and I looked forward to what I would find in Lost and Found.

Lost and Found revolves around two wine families and a financial guru, Andee, connected to those families. Jenna's brother dates Andee, Jenna connected both families when she married the much older son of the Bouvier family. It had been an easy marriage as Jenna had adopted her future mother-in-law as a substitute mother figure after her own mother died. Unfortunately, the adopted mother figure was a rigid controller who set her eyes on Jenna to groom her into her position. Jenna’s father was too grief stricken to notice the damage being done to his young daughter. In Jenna’s youthful innocence she followed her future mother-in-law’s plan beautifully.

The story opens years later with Jenna fighting a chronic infection, struggling with her faith, facing infertility, and trying to please her domineering mother-in-law. The novel is a late-bloomer coming of age story as Jenna’s unhappiness forces her to face growth. But her weakness, and her mother-in-law fight her every step of the way.

Yttrup's strengths are many. Her writing is solid and full of senses. The book is a page turner, full of tension and unfurling plotlines that demand that the reader keep going, just one more chapter. Lost and Found Is written in several points of view, three first person and third person perspectives, which Yttrup juggled impressively. Each of the characters come alive and are a decent mix of brokenness and hopeful expectation. The subject matter is dealt with honestly and with respect for the process of letting go and letting God take control of lives and relationships. Emotional abuse and rigid control plays out in this novel. I found myself wanting to shake the abusive character who’s motivation was anything but love. Other elements play out as well, a buried horrific abuse in a character’s past is revealed, drinking and alcoholism become issues as does the emptiness of materialism and chasing after money.

I struggled and grew frustrated with some of the characters. But that said, they were definitely three dimensional. I also didn’t love the summary ending. After immersion into the characters’ lives during some heavy trials, the ending takes place after some dust has settled months after an explosion point. This isn’t a light read and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is sensitive to rawness and intense emotion and the reality that people are a mess. There is a heavier spirituality that may ruffle a few feathers for readers who love a simple salvation plan. And those who don’t want God in their fiction will want to avoid it, because He is a key character.

I will read Yttrup again.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Lillian Duncan's Pursued ~ Reviewed

Pursued

By Lillian Duncan

Published by White Rose Publishing

ISBN#978-1-6116-092-5

259 Pages

Book Blurb:

Big-city Lawyer. Country Farmer. In the normal course of events, their lives would never intersect... But some accidents aren't meant to be avoided. When attorney Reggie Meyers crashes into Dylan Monroe on the freeway, it makes a bad day even worse-or so she thinks until she discovers she's the prey in the deadly hunt of an unknown killer. Now, trusting this man she hardly knows is Reggie's best chance for survival. The problem? Reggie doesn't trust anyone. When Dylan catches a glimpse of Reggie's ransacked apartment, his protective instincts kick in. He wants to help her, but she's not inclined to believe a simple country farmer has what it takes. Reggie doesn't realize Dylan knows a lot about hunting-and being hunted. He's up for the task of trapping a killer, keeping Reggie safe, and winning her heart-if she'll let him.

Review:

Reggie Meyers, big-city lawyer runs into Dylan Monroe – literally – in the middle of her horrible no good very bad day! She has no idea how bad her day was about to get.

It’s late; Reggie is hungry, tired and is not quite herself. Dylan offers to give her a ride home. She looks at the copy on the scene who tells her he can’t give her a ride home because it’s out of his county, besides if anything happened to her he was an eye witness and had Dylan’s contact information. He also had no speeding tickets unlike her record!

She smiled and said that none of those tickets were her fault. The cop shakes his head and grins. Dylan says, “Reggie, Reggie, don’t you know a stranger’s just a friend you haven’t met yet?”

“What century are you living in, Dylan? People don’t do things like this anymore.”

He winked, “They do where I come from.”

She agrees to go with Dylan but fights him when he insists on taking her luggage out of the car and up the stairs. He tells her this is what gentlemen do, again not in her world. Dylan has her bags and is at her door before she could really complain. He signals Reggie to stay back, and then pushes the door a little more. It was already open.

Dylan’s Marine training kicks in as he assesses the destroyed apartment. Reggie was glad she let him take her bags, who would do this to her? She begins to see this cowboy through different eyes. There was more to this guy than she ever imagined.

I’m thankful for the review copy of such a fun and suspenseful book. This was a fast paces story with heart and well timed humor. I liked the authors pacing and unexpected twists. I also enjoyed the relationship between Dylan and Reggie. I liked how Dylan accepted Reggie right where she was, protected her and when she started to ask questions about his faith he answered her without being preachy. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, it won’t be the last.

Reviewed: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Camy Tang's Protection for Hire ~ Reviewed

PROTECTION FOR HIRE
By Camy Tang
Published by Zondervan
ISBN#978-0-310-32033-2
335 Pages






Back Cover:


Tessa Lancaster's skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa's abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there's a problem or two ... or three ....


There's Elizabeth's abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There's Uncle Teruo, who doesn't understand why Tessa's new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there's Elizabeth's lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn't know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch. Factor in both Tessa's and Charles's families and you've got some wild dynamics---and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.




Review:


I received a review copy of this book which reminded me of a Jackie Chan movie made overseas. Jackie Chan movies show traditions and code that is clear. The action is fast and the audience knows who the good and bad guys are. Jackie Chan is usually trying to do the right and honorable thing; even when it seems impossible for him to do so.


The author quickly plunges the reader into a murder cover-up plot that is messy and ends with a few questions and surprises for the reader to ponder. So much happens in the prologue before readers get a chance to know any of the characters. Chapter one sever years have passed since the prologue. Tessa (who reminds me of a female Jackie Chan) is released from prison and finds it very difficult to get a job that’s legitimate.


Tessa Lancaster’s ability and talent had landed her a job as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo’s Japanese mafia gang in San Francisco. She soon developed a reputation and the mention of her name had made others tremble with fear. Her life changed in prison. She hoped to remove the fear she evoked in people. Would people believe she’s really changed now that she was out on the street?


Then as luck would have it Tessa has an opportunity to become Elizabeth St. Amant’s body guard. Tessa meets with Elizabeth’s lawyer to learn what her client’s situation is and what to watch out for. She meets lawyer Charles Britton, who knows more about her and her prison record than Tessa realizes.


Just like in a Jackie Chan movie this book is filled with action, adventure and a little romance. If you like rooting for the underdog, learning about the Japanese culture and watching a former Japanese enforcer for the mafia learn to surrender her heart and life to Jesus and His will for her new life, you’ll love this story!


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network

Margaret Daley's Saving Hope ~ Reviewed

Saving Hope: Men of the Texas Rangers Book 1
Margaret Daley
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press Fiction (March 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426714289


Book Description:


When a teenager goes missing from the Beacon of Hope School, Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan and school director Kate Winslow are forced into a dangerous struggle against a human trafficking organization. But the battle brings dire consequences as Wyatt's daughter is terrorized and Kate is kidnapped.


Now it's personal, and Wyatt finds both his faith and investigative skills challenged as he fights to discover the mastermind behind the ring before evil destroys everyone he loves.




Review: Saving Hope revolves around a young woman named Kate Winslow, who has started a school called Beacon of Hope for teenage girls that have been forced into prostitution and need help adjusting to a normal life. When one of her girls goes missing, and another one is found murdered, Texas Ranger, Wyatt Sheridan gets involved. In the midst of trying to find those in charge of the human trafficking, Kate and Wyatt develop feelings for each other, but before anything can come of that, they have to face down the evil men who are terrorizing their lives.


I thought this was a good book. It was filled with some suspense, and it was hard to put down, as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. Child prostitution rings are more prevalent in this world than people realize, and I like that the author brought this topic to our attention. I do wish there would have been more of a focus on the Lord. God was talked about once and a while, as well as trust in Him, but nothing was ever said about the saving Grace we have in Jesus, and that was a bit disappointing. Other than that, I enjoyed it.


Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Bonus Review:

Margaret Daley pens a story of hope and makes the reader aware of the sex trafficking in America.  Kate Winslow comes from a wealthy family who has high hopes for her life. Running and directing Beacon of Hope School to reach girls on the street stuck in prostitution is not one of their dreams for her. But Kate can’t stand by and watch these innocent girls be kidnapped and forced into a life where they are abused and forced to perform sexual acts where someone gets rich off their bodies.

Wyatt Sheridan becomes aware of Beacon of Hope School when a teenager form the house is missing. Wyatt and Kate work together to discover who is behind this sex ring.

Wyatt has a young daughter who is mom is helping to raise offer the death of his wife. Katie will do anything to protect her girls and to cut their ties to the evil master minds.

I enjoyed this novel, which is the first book in the men of the Texas Ranger series. I was surprised at what lengths these human trafficking businesses will go through to kidnap innocent beautiful young girls and how quickly they set these girls up as a product to be used. It’s sickening. Thanks to Margaret Daley for the review copy of this book. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network CEO

Michael Snyder's A Stand-Up Guy ~ Reviewed

A Stand-Up Guy: A Novel

Michael Snyder

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (August 9, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 031032193X

Description:

In his third novel, author Michael Snyder delivers another honest, authentic, and intriguing plot carried along by quirky characters whose actions and reactions still manage to look and sound like the rest of us. It is often said that every good joke contains some basic truth. In A Stand-Up Guy, aspiring comedian Oliver Miles puts that axiom to the test when he revamps his comedy act by filling it with darkly personal truths about friends and family. But, as the edgy humor begins to attract more attention, the young comic's personal life gets more complicated. When he realizes he has managed to turn the two women he cares about most into props for his act, he wonders if his honesty on-stage is making him dishonest in life. Despite the sobering reality of his world off stage, the laughter and the success is intoxicating, even for a stand-up guy. A Stand-Up Guy is a real story about real people struggling with life's rights and wrongs. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys a uniquely-woven relational drama threaded with a little mystery and delivered with a lot of humor and insight.

Review:

Michael Snyder writes characters I’d like to hang out with. His anti-heroes, and I use the term to mean messed-up but good-hearted, tug at my maternal heart strings. Every one of his books has a male lead who is beaten down by life but who retains a charming spark of hope and sense of humor.

Oliver Miles fits this category. Oliver needs to be funny. And he needs to be recognized as such by the few people who will not give him that satisfaction. His father figure runs a comedy club so exclusive that Oliver had one shot as a teen and he blew it. Oliver’s mom disappeared into her self a long time ago. Not only will she not tell him he’s funny, she can’t remember who he is. Growing up is hard to do, especially when you don’t have a clue what that even means.

Oliver spends his nights as a security guard at a quirky character-filled hotel and his days trying to figure out life and sort out his dreams. It doesn’t help that the new night auditor disarms him with her charm and her mystery. And speaking of mystery, there are a few to untangle. The apparition that shows up now and again, and a few missing valuables from guest's rooms to be exact. Will Oliver find the thief before the night auditor loses her job? Will Oliver find himself before he loses the night auditor?

If you love quirky characters or stories this is a great one to add to your collection. Snyder's books are so rich with character and spot on pacing that I recommend them to any writers who struggle with writing likeable characters. I have yet to read one of his books without plenty of smiles and satisfied sighs.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Bonus Review: 

Oliver Miles feels it’s his destiny to be a stand-up Comedian. He works the night shift as a security guard so he can seek his big break. He realizes there are no over-night success stories, just guys that are persistent in becoming better at what they do to make people laugh.

Oliver is an underdog character you find yourself rooting for. He’s nice, innocent and reminded me of the security guard character Ben Stiller played in the movie Night at the Museum. The tongue and cheek humor in this novel is like that of the movie..

Things start getting a little out of hand when Oliver decides to put truth in his act. He decides to use his own life experiences as material to make people laugh instead of borrowing one liners’ from other peoples acts. He recites this prayer to himself.

“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot make funny; Courage to use things I can (in my act); and wisdom to know the difference.”

He told the truth and people laughed! But how far should he go for a laugh and a chance at fame? Would what he shared be worth the price in the end?

I like the honesty of these characters and how most of them struggled with the direction God would have them go. The decision is up to us to walk this faith journey out one day at a time. All is not lost when Oliver is in the middle of his darkness. The author does show hope shining through some dark places in this story. Just like the Ben Stiller character in Meet the Falkner’s, Oliver learns his way around strange people and an even more colorful mother. Everyone has their life story to tell, will we take the time to listen and learn before we judge people on what we see on the outside?

This novel may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it because I have a husband who has tried his hand at stand-up comedy. It is unreal and crazy what guys go through to get their big break and make people to laugh.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

M.C.Pearson's F.A.I.R.I.E.S. ~ Reviewed

F.A.I.R.I.E.S.

By M.C. Pearson

Published by First Wild Card Press

Back Cover:

Unwittingly chosen to join an army of fairies, who fight for the Light of the One, a teenaged girl learns about spiritual warfare as she attends a military academy with fantastical beings.

Review:

Have you seen the movie Tooth Fairy or The S.A.N.T.A. Clause? Read the book Hinds Feet in High Places? F.A.I.R.I.E.S. reminded me of parts of these movies and book. I’m thankful to have received a review copy of such an imaginative book. This author combines fantasy with reality like the two movies I mentioned and is an allegory like the book Hinds Feet in High Places. Mellie is the only human in the story. She is surrounded with mystical characters like Lord of the Rings has with fairies, elves, gnomes, gremlins, dragons, dwarfs just to name a few and she’s trying to make sense of this new world she has just entered, like Lucy in C.S. Lewis’s book Narnia.

M.C. Pearsons is not only the author of this youth fantasy but she is the illustrator as well. Her pictures are scattered throughout the book. They illustrate for the reader her imaginative characters

Mellie is a disgruntled human who wishes to escape the home life she has with her dreadful sisters. “Just once she wanted to do something that would make her sisters see that she wasn’t stupid, awkward, ugly, and a little baby.” She wanted to live in a family where she was loved and accepted. Maybe she could runaway and find a better place to live.

Suddenly Mellis finds herself deep into the forest unsure of where to go next, then she runs into the strangest sight, a walking stick that talks.

Is this a dream she wonders? Then suddenly the walking stick ushers her into the labyrinth of the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. She doesn’t know what to think. Everything was quite magical. Just like in the Santa Clause and Tooth Fairy movies she sees everyone working together as a team for a common goal, she’ll learn later.

The walking stick finally introduces himself to her, his name is Regnans. He says, Welcome to the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. it stands for

F – Fantastical

A – Aerial

I – International

R- Reasonably

I- Inconspicuous

E- Emancipation

S – Squads

They have accepted her into their organization. Regnans goes on to tell she has been “chosen” by the One. He tells her, “You made a choice to run away from a miserable life and asked to be set free?..... Right? You asked – we answered – you are accepted.”

Mellie is surprised and says, “But I don’t believe in fairies….”

“Follow-Me. I’ll enroll you for training. We are at war.” Move quickly.

She replies, “I’m not at war with anyone”

Regnan says, “You are at war. The darone wants to stamp out the light.”

This is where the story reminded me of the Tooth Fairy and how he goes into training. He

learns all he can and then makes the mission his own.

Mellie embarks on a magical adventure as “chosen” by the One to be trained as a soldier of the light to fight the shadow whose set on fighting humans.

She also is in search of the One who truly loves and accepts her for who she is and was created to be.

I enjoyed this journey into the F.A.I.R.I.E.S. training and beyond!! It was fun, entertaining and yet there was a depth to this story I enjoyed. I also like the surprising twists and turns Mellie takes in her search to find the One and her mission in life.

Are you looking for a story that will whisk you into a magical land and help you not think about the worries of this world; at the same time bring comfort and joy to your soul? Then search no more F.A.I.R.I.E.S. is the book for you and the young people in your life. It will spark great conversation for you and any book clubs that would like to read it.

Reviewed by:Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Brandilyn Collin's Gone to Ground ~ Reviewed

Gone to Ground

By Brandilyn Collins

Publisher: B&H Books (March 1, 2012)

Paperback: 352 pages

ISBN-10: 1433671638

ISBN-13: 978-1433671630

Back Cover:

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.

Review:

Gone to Ground certainly starts with an intriguing premise. A small, everyone-knows-your-name town is plagued by a serial killer. The tension is heightened when we are introduced to three women who believe they know the killer personally. One suspects her boss, another her husband, and the third, her misfit brother. All three are placed on precarious footing as they long for answers, while hoping for secrecy.

Character number one, Chery Mae, isn’t a busy-body nor one to poke through other people’s business. But being a housekeeper does make her privy to private, even scandalous information. If nothing else, the job has taught her people aren’t who they seem. After all her years of mucking through other people’s dirty laundry, Chery Mae’s learned to keep secrets where they belong—stored away in her head. But when she finds a piece of jewelry belonging to the victim among her boss’s things, her mind begins to spin. The mayor is anything but a saint, but a killer?

Then there’s Tully. She married the man of her dreams, only to find him less than dreamy. So less than, in fact, she thinks he may be the serial killer. Which wouldn’t be such a far stretch—him killing other women, because he beats her. He’s moody and suddenly acting like he’s got something to hide—more than the scandalous photos she saw.

Finally, there’s Deena, a sassy hairdresser who hates the police and vehemently protects her brother…who she thinks might be the killer. To most, her brother’s a downtrodden social outcast, but she’s seen a different side, and the rage that simmers.

Three women, three suspects, five murders, and climbing.

Although this novel wasn’t as suspenseful as I’d expect from Brandilyn Collins, I enjoyed the unique women she crafted and her flawless writing. I easily visualized the setting and the characters and had no problem following the story-line. There were times I found the novel repetitive when the same information was presented either through one of the three women or through one of the frequent news articles sprinkled between them, but the characters were appealing enough to compensate for this.

I found the inclusion of numerous articles unique; however, I think it would have been stronger if I’d been offered snippets from them instead of the entire articles themselves. It was an enjoyable read with a unique plot and a colorful cast.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

Eileen Rife's Second Chance ~ Reviewed

Second Chance
By Eileen Rife
Published by Oak Tara
February, 2012
ISBN-10: 1602903182




Back Cover:


Mave wants the life back in her marriage. Dareece just wants a life. Could they be the answer to each other's dream? Mave Robertson, a recent empty nester, wants the fire back in her marriage, but her husband, Jerry, remains aloof. Is he having an affair? A midlife crisis? When a neighbor suggests she "get a life," Mave accepts the challenge and volunteers at an inner-city teen ministry where she is thrown into a culture of drugs, gangs, and unwed teen moms. She soon discovers someone she can help, but might he also be the cure for both her stale marriage and her crumbling relationship with her father? Dareece Jackson, a teen from the projects, wants something in Mave's purse...and he'll stop at nothing to get it.


Review:


Mave Robertson spent her life “doing” for everyone else, so much so, she’s forgotten who she is outside of motherhood. When her daughter leaves for college, Mave flounders in despair. Her friend suggests retail therapy, which leads to a comical interchange between them, but not a solution. With new duds, she returns to a lifeless marriage, feeling as empty as before.


Meanwhile, Dareece Jackson, son of a felon gang-member, fights to stay on the straight and narrow while helping his mom with the kids and bills. Although gang life might offer quick cash, he knows where it leads and determines not to follow in his father’s footsteps. Unfortunately, the local gang members don’t share Dareece’s resolve and soon pressure Dareece into selling drugs.


During a festival for a local youth ministry, these two desperate lives converge at Second Chance Ministries, a place offering hope, purpose, and what they hope to be a new beginning.


Eileen Rife has a unique voice that combines witty sarcasm with colorful analogies perfectly suited to the characters that speak them. I loved each character she crafted, from Mave, the middle-aged heroine struggling to find purpose during the empty-nest stage, to the feisty Mrs. Jackson with her swollen ankles and shrill voice. With organic dialogue a vibrantly authentic setting, Second Chance is a strong novel of hope, purpose, and forgiveness.


Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

L.L.Samson's The Enchanted Attic ~ Reviewed

The Enchanted Attic - Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame
L. L. Samson
Paperback: 141 pages
Publisher: ZonderKidz (May 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-72795-8


Description:

A hidden attic. A classic story. A very unexpected twist. Twin twelve-year-old bookworms Ophelia and Linus Easterday discover a hidden attic that once belonged to a mad scientist. While relaxing in the attic and enjoying her latest book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ophelia dozes off, and within moments finds herself facing a fully alive and completely bewildered Quasimodo. Ophelia and Linus team up with a clever neighbor, a hippy priest, and a college custodian, learning Quasimodo's story while searching for some way to get him back home---if he can survive long enough in the modern world.


Review:


Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame is an excellent first book to a new children's series. While older readers (say 13 and up) will find a few of the characters a bit off, younger readers probably won't notice a thing (than again, what do I know about people under 12?) The combination of self sufficient twins, a street smart London transfer student, and an enchanted attic create the perfect environment for a magical summer vacation. As an added bonus, the book mentions classic literature such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Moby Dick.

Scattered throughout the writing one can also find new vocabulary words accompanied by a definition by the local university's janitor (I learned a few new words too). This could make the book a hidden English lesson (or a visible one), but whether used that way or not it should find it's way onto any child’s reading list.

Reviewed by: Jayshua Nelson

Lynette Eason's When the Smoke Clears ~ Reviewed

When the Smoke Clears: A Novel (Deadly Reunions)

Lynette Eason

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800720075

About the Book:

After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson--and a handsome detective.

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she struggles to accept and forgive her family's past, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension you've come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

Review:

You know, I forgot how good Lynette Eason’s suspense stories can be! Short, intense chapters keep you reading at a frantic pace, and before you know it, you are at the end of the book wanting more! Now that’s not a bad problem to have if you’re Lynette Eason – especially when she is introducing a new series – Deadly Reunions – with When the Smoke Clears.

I’m hard pressed to decide what aspect of the story is most intriguing – the character’s struggles with their past and the conflicts that find them in the present – the unexpected touch of romance that Alexia Allen finds when she moves back to the town where she grew up – or the murdered body of a high school friend she finds in her mom’s basement! This story has something for everyone, and you don’t need to miss this exciting series!! Seriously! It’s really good! Read it soon! I dare you!

Reviewed by: Kim Ford

Mary Ellis's An Amish Family Reunion ~ Reviewed

An Amish Family Reunion

Mary Ellis

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0736944877

Description:

During a rumschpringe visit to Niagara Falls, Phoebe Miller meets Eli Riehl, a young man who charms her—and everyone else—with his exceptional storytelling ability. When Phoebe sketches scenes to illustrate one of his tales, Eli encourages her incredible talent, and together they embark on a lofty and unlikely business venture for two young Amish people—writing and illustrating a children’s book.

Eli’s kindness and appeal extend beyond his knack for words to reach inside Phoebe’s heart. But he is an only son with five sisters, and when his father suffers a heart attack, Eli gives up his writing to assume responsibility on the farm. Though willing to abandon his dream of becoming an author, he won’t give up his beloved Phoebe.

Can their love for a good story develop into something that lasts forever, or will Phoebe’s deep-seated fear of desertion stand in their way?

Review:

An Amish Family Reunion is basically about just that: a reunion! I’m assuming there is a series that is the basis for this book, which I haven’t read, and I wish I had, as I believe I would have been able to keep up with the characters better. The story, however, centers around Phoebe Miller, a young Amish girl who has a love of painting and drawing. She meets a young Amish man named Eli Riehl, who has a love for telling stories. They decide to team up to write a children’s book together, and throughout the process, end up discovering they have feelings for each other. Throughout the story, we are introduced to Phoebe’s uncle and aunt and their children, who are scattered about. We learn about their lives and struggles, and get to see them come together as a family towards the end.

This was a very good book, however, as I said in the beginning, I wish I had read the books leading up to it, as there were times I had a hard time following all of the characters. But it was fun, and I would recommend it to others!

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Tracey Bateman's Tandem ~ Reviewed

TANDEM

By Tracey Bateman

Published by Waterbrook

ISBN# 978-0-307-45717-2

312 Pages

Book Blurb:

As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauren from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?

REVIEW:

I’m thankful for the review copy of Tandem, I had read Thirsty and looked forward to reading the sequel. I also enjoyed that this second book had the same setting as the first book. The town had been peaceful for a few years but now Ozark has had some gruesome killings, the community was on high alert.. Bloody animal and human bodies have been discovered. This small town remembers all to well what happened the last time bloodied bodies like this were found. Fear runs ram pet through the community. They all hope the nightmare isn’t starting again.

Tandem has a few more characters in it than Thirsty, and brought more of the vampire element into the story line. The author grabbed my attention from the start but along the way I became disturbed by the segments where the author dealt with a women being tortured. Those parts became difficult for me to read. I was fearful this book would become too graphic for me to read. I’m a chicken at heart and don’t normally read books like this. I like Tracey Bateman and the books she’s written in the past very much. I wanted to read this series because I was curious to see what she’d do with a vampire topic.

I’m not a vampire book reader. I’ve read four in all. This series hasn’t made me rush out and read more vampire stories. My conclusion is I’m not a vampire fan. Good news is that I am a Tracy Bateman fan and will continue to read her books. I like the authors writing but not the subject matter of this book.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

The Book Club Network

Yvonne Anderson's The Story in the Stars ~ Reviewed

The Story in the Stars

Yvonne Anderson

Paperback: 282 pages

Publisher: Risen Books (June 30, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1936835045

Description:

The inhabitants of the planet Gannah are known as bloodthirsty savages who once tried to conquer the galaxy. Now a plague has ravaged the planet and only one survivor remains, a young woman named Dassa. Pik, the doctor from the League of Planets assigned to her case, hates everything Gannahan and wishes every last one of its people had died. Bereft of everything she's ever known, Dassa clings to her God and the story he has written in the stars. He has given her an assignment: to return to Gannah and replenish it with a new race of people. But she must first overcome the prejudice of the entire galaxy and recruit her de facto enemy, Pik, to help her.

Review:

I'm not a sci-fi fan, but I'm loving The Story in the Stars! The characters are realistic, they're three-dimensional, and relatable. The story is so good, I couldn't put it down. Yvonne Anderson writes with skill and emotion, bringing this new world to life for the reader. And that's amazing for a non-sci-fi aficionado. I highly recommend it! It's a "must read."

Reviewed by: Ane Mulligan

Bonus Review:

Mix together a deadly plague with a snarky hero--one sporting abnormally large ears. Then throw in an independent heroine who's lost everything, and you've got a blue-ribbon recipe for a winning debut novel. The Story in the Stars is sci-fi at it's best with plenty of action, unbelievable landscapes, and a message that is hard hitting. Don't miss Yvonne Anderson's first installment in the Gateway to Gannah series.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep

Dale Cramer's The Captive Heart ~ Reviewed

Captive Heart, The (The Daughters of Caleb Bender)

Dale Cramer

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 076420839X

Description:

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

Review:

I’ve been so excited for The Captive Heart, book two in The Daughter’s of Caleb Bender. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to find out what happened in the second one! It picks up right where book one left off, with more Amish families joining the Bender family in Paradise Valley, Mexico. The threats of bandits increase in this book, and the Amish families are face with difficulties they never dreamed of before. In the meantime, Miriam, who developed feelings for Domingo, they’re Mexican ally, is trying to decide whether to follow her heart express her feelings for Domingo, or to keep quiet so as not to be a disappointment to her family by leaving her Amish faith.

This is such a wonderful book! You are kept in suspense the whole time with various situations. It’s very interesting to me, too, that it’s based on actual events. It was wonderful following Miriam’s character, and the conclusion she comes to at the end of the book. I’m hoping Mr. Cramer is planning on following up with another book, because I’m very anxious to see what will happen next!

Reviewed by: Sarah Porter

Marlene Banks's Ruth's Redemption ~ Reviewed

Ruth’s Redemption
By Marlene Banks
Published by Lift Every Voice; New Edition edition
ISBN# 978-0-8024-0217-2
304 Pages


Book Description:


Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom. Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth.


Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed. A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption.


Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.


REVIEW:


Freedom. The dictionary defines FREE as: not under the control or power of another; independent, able to move in any direction; to release from bondage or power. Freedom is the reason people left their homeland and sailed to America. They wanted freedom to worship and live the way they wanted. They were tired of being controlled by the government.


This book talks of another Freedom. Freedom to be who God created you to be. Not a slave to man. While reading this incredible and disturbing account of Ruth, a breeder slave, I realized just how much I take my freedom for granted and how much I didn’t know about slavery. This author gives you a peek into what it’s like to a slave of the worst kind for a woman. She also shows that there is hope even in the most horrible of situations.


Marlene Banks takes the reader into the life of a breeder and also the life of Bo Peace a free black man. Ruth finds herself sold to Bo, who claims to be free. This didn’t give Ruth hope or joy. ALL men were alike. They forced themselves on her. They didn’t care for her, no one did.


Bo Peace was given land by his former Master. He lived on the land with other freed slaves, working and making a living. Bo tries to explain this to Ruth, “We’re a village in our own right. Your free to stay here or go as you please…It’s what God meant for me to do with this blessing – to build a village of African men and women who love the Lord and live with dignity being examples of God’s freedom.”


“Freedom?” Ruth shouts. Hope fo’ what? Mo hard work and whippins?”


“Hope for freedom. Hope in Christ for enough grace to endure slavery and for an eternal life as free men and women, where no man will take a whip to them. …I don’t set you free Ruth, God does. You were legally free the moment I paid the price Harvey wanted.” But you can also be free inside of the pain, worry and fear that can also hold you in bondage. How was he to get her to understand all that?


A friend reminds Bo, “Dontcha see? She wounded. Ya know how wounded creatures be. We was wounded befo’ or did ya forgit? We had time ta heal, en all she needs is time ta heal. She mo’ wounded den we ever was. She was used inside and out. Bein’ used for breedin’ leaves a hole in the soul. Give her time.”


Bo realizes the friend is right. Ruth was hollow inside and filled with pain. She was the most complicated women he’d ever encountered also the most abused. The Lord helps him show her she can be healed of the pain of the past. That she can be made whole in her heart, mind and soul, but it isn’t easy.


Who was this Bo? Ruth wonders. He talks like a preacher. If God was so great why did we suffer? Why the pain? Why all the killings? But there was something about what Bo was saying that struck her heart and made her listen. All this talk of freedom inside and out, easy for him to say. She was also fascinated about this gentle man. “How was it Bo could make her feel so cherished when he knew her past?”


The author showed the struggle and strong emotion not only in the community of slaves’ but that of the whites as well. One white woman argues with another.


“Ownership of another human being for monetary procurement is an atrocity, no exceptions.”


The slave owner responds, “But our slaves are happy!”


“I beg to differ. How can an imprisoned subservient man or woman possibly be happy under such conditions? Would you be happy as a slave? The idea is absurd. You people tell yourself that to justify what you’re doing but you should know better.”


This author helps the reader see all sides to this mess. It wasn’t easy to read in parts but she doesn’t get so graphic I couldn’t continue reading. Marlene did show how God worked in everyone’s life as they struggled to make sense of it all. Bad things happen to good and faithful people. Can the faithful still believe and not turn their back on God?


This novel is an eye opener to the reader that is unfamiliar as to how slaves were treated in America in the 1800’s and also an eye opener to how God was at work in slaves lives and that of their owners, as the battle raged on around them. God’s ways are not our ways. He is faithful to be with us no matter what comes our way. He never promised that there would be no trouble, but what he did promise was to be with us always. This is a story of hope, love and redemption. It’s also a beautifully touching love story between Bo and Ruth and of God’s love for us. I highly recommend it.


Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network