A Beautiful Expository Study Bible! --"Alexander Maclaren Study Bible"--Review and Giveaway

 

Alexander Maclaren Study Bible

Uplifting, Clear, and Christ-Centered Insights from the “Prince of Expositors”

Few preachers in the nineteenth century rivaled Alexander Maclaren. Called the “Prince of Expositors,” Maclaren was considered one of the best preachers of his era, acclaimed for offering remarkable biblical insights in a poetic style.

The Alexander Maclaren Study Bible invites you to learn from his powerful insights as you explore the Scriptures. Study notes drawn from his more than 1,500 published sermons illuminate every chapter of the Bible. Passage outlines based on his sermons guide you in systematic study of key texts. Short notes encourage you to apply the Bible to your life and see Christ’s relevance to all Scripture.

Features include:

• Book introductions exploring each book’s background and key themes with insights from Maclaren’s work
• 1,400 study notes that cover every chapter of the Bible
• 380 Christ Connection notes showing the relevance of Christ to all Scripture
• 380 Life Application notes to help you live out the Bible’s principles
• 209 Passage Outlines based on Maclaren’s sermon outlines
• 8 essays addressing major doctrines of Scripture, personal devotion to Christ, and how to properly apply the Bible to your life
• Comprehensive concordance and index of features
• Bottom of page study notes
• Center-column cross-references

Who was Alexander Maclaren?

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on February 11, 1826, Alexander Maclaren was the pastor of Union Chapel in Manchester England from 1858–1903. Heralded as the “Prince of Expositors,” he is considered by many to be one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century, The popularity of Maclaren’s published sermons rivaled that of Charles Spurgeon, helping him develop global acclaim for remarkable biblical insights delivered in a poetic style. Maclaren’s works continue to be read and studied due to their timeless relevance, verbal beauty, and profound freshness.

My Review: I am so excited to talk about the most important book of all with you today—the Bible. I am sharing about this gorgeous Expository Study Bible. It is an Alexander Maclaren Study Bible and has a beautiful leather cover. Alexander Maclaren is heralded as the “Prince of Expositors” and was one of the best preachers of the nineteenth century (a contemporary of Spurgeon) who provides Biblical insights in a poetic style. Being a former student of a Bible college with a degree in Biblical studies, it is important to me to have a good, theologically sound study Bible when studying and reading Scripture. This is such a great tool for someone who just wants to read their Bible for devotions or someone looking for more theological insights to lead a class or Bible study. It is a New King James Version and there is an introduction to each book of the Bible by Maclaren, talking about the author, key verse, time, and themes. I appreciate that throughout this edition there are mini “Christ Connections,” which show the relevance of Christ to all Scripture, and “Life Applications,” which help apply the words of Scripture to our daily life. In every chapter of each book are study notes from Maclaren’s sermons which helped me dig deeper and learn more about my faith. I found that the study notes are a great companion to Scripture reading during my prayer and quiet time. In the back are a helpful index, concordance, and maps. There are several more features that are listed above. I highly recommend this uplifting, clear, and Christ-centered Bible to any Christian!

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Purchase your copy of the Alexander Maclaren Study Bible today on Amazon!

Link to purchase: here

Thomas Nelson Page: here

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Beautiful "Ugly Duckling" Retelling--"Castle of Refuge" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

 

My Review

"Castle of Refuge" by Melanie Dickerson is the second book in the “Dericott Tales” series. This is a young adult “Ugly Duckling” retelling. I was very excited to read more about one of my favorite side characters in the first book of the series, Edwin.  

Audrey and Edwin are the main characters of this story. I really appreciated that this tale includes someone with scars (Audrey has a deformity), someone physically disabled (Edwin lost one arm) and someone who struggles with a mental disability (Audrey’s sister).  It is wonderful to follow along with Edwin and Audrey and see how they grieve and learn to live with their scars and deformities.  One does not see a lot of main characters with disabilities.

Besides overcoming hardships, the characters also encounter adventure, danger and romance.  I love the faith aspects in Dickerson’s books and how the characters truly rely on and grow in their faith.  The lessons are always so beautiful.  Edwin wrestles with blaming and being angry with God for the bad things that happened to him.  He realizes God does not cause evil, but may have plans to use it in ways we cannot understand.  God brings the beautiful from the ugly.  Audrey learns scars are what make her beautiful--the things she has overcome and how she stayed gentle and kind despite it all. 

As with all Melanie’s books, I think readers of middle grade and young adult novels will love this newest addition. It’s a fun, clean, faith-filled and heartwarming adventure!

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are:  there is an emotionally and physically abusive and mentally ill sister; people drink ale; a girl was physically abused in the past; mention of the devil and of being possessed by a demon; mention of a large-busted woman; mention of other masters taking advantage of their servants; mention of a concubine.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

A Promising New Series by Beloved Author--"Court of Swans" by Melanie Dickerson---Review

 

My Review

“Court of Swans” by Melanie Dickerson is the first installment in her new fairy tale retelling series called “The Dericott Tales.”  This book is a retelling of “The Wild Swans.”  You do not need to be familiar with the tale to enjoy this sweet story.  

This story seems to be aimed mostly for the middle grade and young adult audience, but I also enjoyed it as an adult.  It is a plot-driven, quest type tale.  Our main character, Delia, must rescue her falsely accused brothers before they are killed.  I love the focus on the sibling relationships in this story and how much Delia will do for the love of her brothers.  Delia is very brave as she faces many obstacles.  She learns to be strong and courageous and to rely on God.  In the treacherous palace, she must find out who is her friend and who is her foe.  Who can she trust?  Both Delia and the other main character, Sir Geoffrey, are brave and put themselves in danger to do what is right and just.  They also pray and wrestle with the question of why God allows injustice.  I found the pacing of the story to be a little slow at times, but it is still a great read.

I love the lessons that can be taken away from this fun, wholesome read.  A big lesson the characters must learn is that sometimes God does not take away trials, but that He does walk with us through them.  Delia and Geoffrey learn about not judging others, justice, and that God is the ultimate authority.  They must learn that they have a choice as to how they respond to unfair things in life.  I love how Ms. Dickerson incorporates faith and lessons into her stories.  

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of paramours and of a man who violated a woman; some men are drunk; mention of alcohol; a man accosts a woman with the intent of raping her but is not successful and nothing really happens; someone curses, but the words are not actually written.

 

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

"The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd (Review) Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY!

 

THE LIGHT AT WYNDCLIFF
BY SARAH E. LADD

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages

Series: The Cornwall Novels, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency/Christian

 

 

Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

My Review

"The Light at Wyndcliff" by Sarah E. Ladd is the perfect fall read!  I could not believe how much I enjoyed it and how quickly I read it.  It is the third book in Ms. Ladd’s “Cornwall” series but can easily be read as a standalone.  After reading this book, I am eager to pick up the other two!

Be transported to the haunting, windswept moors and breathtaking views of Cornwall’s coast.  Picture an out of the way manor house with many mysteries in a sleepy little village that does not easily give up its secrets.  There are dangerous shipwrecks and possible illegal activity.  This book is the epitome of atmospheric.  The setting itself is like a character in the story, as is often the case in Gothic novels.  I love all the ways Ms. Ladd subtly incorporates light and the absence of light in the story and the setting.  It is obviously a major theme.  This book has been said to be a mix of “Poldark,” Austen and Daphne du Maurier.  I would also add Bronte to the list.  

I love the mystery surrounding this story.  There is an underlying current of danger.  Shipwrecks, and all that comes along with them, play a major part in the story.  I was fascinated to learn how people would deal with these tragedies.  The author’s description had me there on the beach amid the chaos.  

I love the main characters, William and Evelyn.  William finds himself in over his head with his new life, with illegal activity possibly going on right on his own property.  He must discover the plans before it is too late.  Evelyn learns about forging her own path, to welcome what comes and even embrace it (even the challenges).

If you want a good fall read to cozy up with, this is the one!  

Content: I would give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: men are in a taproom and there is mention of alcohol and tobacco; men are drunk; there is reference to a woman’s buxom figure; reference to gambling; a person swears, but the words aren’t actually written.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Sarah E. Ladd, Thomas Nelson and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 13
Review at Hallie Reads
Feature at Momfluenster

Wednesday, October 14
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Probably at the Library

Thursday, October 15
Review at Jessica Belmont

Friday, October 16
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Sunday, October 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, October 19
Review at Book Bustle

Tuesday, October 20
Review at Books and Zebras
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, October 21
Review at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, October 22
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, October 23
Review at Lu Reviews Books

Saturday, October 24
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie

Monday, October 26
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, October 27
Review at Captivated Reading

Wednesday, October 28
Review at Heidi Reads

Thursday, October 29
Review at YA, it’s Lit

Friday, October 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of The Light at Wyndcliff! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/8zsbJ/the-light-at-wyndcliff

A Sweet "Cinderella" Story (Reversed)--"The Peasant's Dream" by Melanie Dickerson—Review

My Review

"The Peasant's Dream" by Melanie Dickerson is the eleventh and final book in the “Hagenheim” series.  It is a sweet, gentle, reverse “Cinderella” story, telling the story of Adela, the youngest daughter of Duke Wilhelm.  It can be read as a standalone.

I love the diversity of Melanie’s characters and their personalities.  In this series, there is a hero and heroine to suit everyone.  There are kick-butt heroines and valiant knights.  In this installment, the hero and heroine are both gentle, kind and artistic.  Adela loves to paint, and Frederick loves to carve wood.  I love how they bond over their passion for art and creating things with their hands.  Frederick, especially, is very masculine, but also kind and gentle.  I love how he looks out for others; one example being how he is kind to his prison guard and even prays for him.  Adela grapples with the reality that she may have a hard time going from the privileged life of a Duke’s daughter, to the poor wife of a woodcarver and farmer.  I find it very refreshing to see a character not jumping headlong into a new life without really considering the ramifications.  I admit, some parts of this story were a little slow for me.  But the end picked up and it was one of my favorite Dickerson endings!  I loved not only seeing the conclusion of Adela and Frederick’s love story, but the love story of Frederick’s mother pan out.  And the family reunion and updates on characters from the other books in the series were so satisfying to read.  I am sad to see the end of this wonderful series!  I cannot wait to see what Ms. Dickerson writes next!

Content: I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: a man drinks a lot of alcohol and is verbally and physically abusive; a woman is pregnant out of wedlock; some of the more “uncomfortable” Bible stories are mentioned; it’s said that men curse, but the words aren’t actually written.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

For All the Lovers of Gothic Romance! --"Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" by Abigail Wilson—Review

My Review

Do you love curling up with a book on a stormy night?  If so, "Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" by Abigail Wilson is the perfect book for you!  Ms. Wilson’s book can be described as a Gothic Romance where everything is not as it seems.

Ms. Wilson excels in describing her settings and giving them the perfect Gothic touch.  Her descriptions are so beautiful, that sometimes I just stopped reading to soak it in.  My favorite part of the book is how atmospheric it is.  It reminds me a bit of Daphne du Maurier and her novel “Rebecca” (especially a certain character and scene).  It’s a perfect mix of Bronte and Austen.

The story itself is wonderful.  I love the mystery and not knowing who you can trust.  Our heroine, Elizabeth, is smart, independent and brave (move over Sherlock!).  She is no simpering miss, even though she’s possibly living under the same roof as a murderer.  Besides sleuthing, Elizabeth also learns about forgiveness and the power of the truth. 

I love "Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" and would recommend it to fans of the Regency period, historical fiction, clean romances and Gothic Literature.  We need more books like this!

Content:  I give this book a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: talk of mistresses and ravishing someone; a child is born out of wedlock; a woman is called wanton and a trollop; men are drunk and utter curses, which are not written.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Abigail Wilson, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.




About the Author 

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com

To purchase the book click here

Ms. Dickerson Nails it Again with this Fairy-Tale Retelling--"The Piper's Pursuit" by Melanie Dickerson--Review

My Review

"The Piper's Pursuit" by Melanie Dickerson is the tenth book in Ms. Dickerson’s “Hagenheim” series.  This is a series of fairy-tale retellings set in a non-magical medieval world.  This story is a loose retelling of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin.”  

There are so many things to love about Ms. Dickerson’s books.  I love that this quest-like story involves a mystery as well.  Who is the mysterious beast and why are children disappearing from Hamlin?  

Our main characters, Katerina and Steffan, work together to fight evil and figure out the mystery.  I love both characters and their personalities and I think they have a great chemistry.  Each grows personally throughout the story.  Ms. Dickerson gives these characters some great dialogue and quips that had me smiling as I read.  As in a lot of Dickerson’s novels, the characters pray when in danger.  They learn about finding their worth in Christ and not by the things they do.  There are some heavier subjects in this novel than in some of the past books of the series.  Katerina has a stepfather who is abusive to herself and her mother.  Dickerson deals with this topic with great care and sensitivity.

I love this story and can’t wait for the next book!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating due to the topic of abuse.  Some examples of the content are: gruesome descriptions of victims of the beast; there is a controlling and emotionally and physically abusive husband and father; allusions to alcoholism in a character’s past; child slavery; a man suggests having his way with a girl.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

Blood, Bullets, Royals and Intrigue!--"Romanov" by Nadine Brandes--Review

My Review:

This isn’t your typical Disney princess story–it’s even better!  “Romanov” by Nadine Brandes breathes life and magic into a tragic period of history (the period of the Romanov’s captivity).  Just like the matryoshka doll in the story, this tale has many layers.  It’s beautiful, heart breaking, magical and inspiring.

This beautiful tale of the time the Romanovs spent in captivity is based on historical facts, but Ms. Brandes infuses it with her own flair; and of course, some magic!  It is full of Russian culture, which I loved learning about.  There are so many inspiring themes such as friendship, family, forgiveness and purpose.  

The Romanov family has such a strong bond with one another and they seek to be kind and show forgiveness to their captors (which is based on fact).  The story is not all flowers and bunny rabbits.  It’s a very hard time for Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov and her family.  What I love is that these characters laugh, play jokes, pray together (and maybe even experience romance).  Anastasia is a good picture of someone who has lost almost everything, yet has strength and fortitude.

Right up to the pulse pounding, heartbreaking climax, Romanov will grip readers and have them thinking of it long after the last page is reluctantly closed.  The world needs more young adult fiction dealing with such important themes and that leave the reader with hope and strength for their own battles!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of cigarettes and smoking; references to a woman’s bosom; a man is drunk; mentions of alcohol; some gruesome scenes; a man contemplates suicide.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Fantasy; Young Adult; Historical Fiction; Christian; Romance; Retelling

I want to thank NetGalley, Nadine Brandes and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author:

I wrote the Out of Time Series. I think it’s kind of cool.

I’m an adventurer.

I’m a Harry Potter super-nerd who has been known to eat an entire package of Oreos (family-size) by herself.

I watch Fiddler on the Roof at least once a year. (Wait…you don’t?)

Oh yeah, I’M AN AUTHOR! (Der…) I write about other worlds soaked in imagination.

I love the word bumbershoot.

I learned to write using a fountain pen. They are the magic behind avoiding hand cramps. For reals.

I hate peanut butter, but I like brussel sprouts. (Sorry if you just gasped and gagged at the same time.)

I’ve driven a dogsled, eaten a raw potato, walked a tightwire, and waded through a cattail marsh all for the sake of book research.

I’ve been journaling since I was 7-years-old.

 

To visit the author's website click here

To purchase the book click here

An Homage to Strong Women of Faith--"Castle on the Rise" by Kristy Cambron--Review

 

Castle on the Rise

By Kristy Cambron
Published by Thomas Nelson 

“Castle on the Rise” by Kristy Cambron is the second book in the “Lost Castle” series.  It ties in with the first book in the series, ”The Lost Castle,” but can easily be read as a standalone.  “Castle on the Rise” takes place mostly in Ireland and involves three separate stories in three different time periods, all centering around one castle.  The time periods are the revolutionary late 1700s, the 1916 Easter Rising and present day.  Ms. Cambron weaves stories of faith, love, family and women rising amidst hard times into a cohesive tale.

My o my!  I barely even took notes for this review because I was so caught up in Ms. Cambron’s beautiful and at times heart-breaking story!  She sweeps readers to the streets of Dublin, to the cozy pubs and the windswept shores of a castle’s ruins and an estate in the Wicklow Mountains!  She is the queen of setting and now I want to visit Ireland.  She also did her research well and I learned a lot about Ireland’s history and its fight for freedom.  It’s so amazing how she can connect such different periods in time so well.  I admit I was a little confused with the events surrounding the Easter Rising in 1916, just because I really knew nothing about it, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. 

Ms. Cambron’s stories are so moving and poignant.  Each story features families that are broken in some way; by war, prejudice or the past.  These families must move from hatred to acceptance and forgiveness.  I love especially how the women from each story must pull from a strength they didn’t know they had and rise up amidst very difficult and seemingly impossible situations to establish peace.  They can only do this through faith.  I must warn you to keep a tissue box handy.  This is a story that will resonate with you long after you read it and might even help you in your own story.

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating.  Some examples of the content are: a woman is pregnant without being married and has been raped; a man is drunk; mentions of alcohol and pubs.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Romance

I want to thank Kristy Cambron, Thomas Nelson and BookLook Bloggers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author:

KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. She's a Women's Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews' Best Books, RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

To purchase the book click here
To visits the author's website click here

An Adventure the Whole Family Will Love!--"The Warrior Maiden" by Melanie Dickerson--Review

“The Warrior Maiden” by Melanie Dickerson has it all!  Action, adventure, romance, faith and girl power!  This is a Mulan retelling that takes place primarily in medieval Lithuania and Poland.  I love this time period and Ms. Dickerson does a wonderful job incorporating the culture of the time into her story. 

I really love the main character in this story, Mulan.  She is a kick-butt heroine, but she’s also not obnoxious and in your face.  I love how she grows personally throughout the story and in her relationship with God.  She learns that God can indeed be trusted.  Mulan gives credit to God for her abilities and victories and knows that God made her brave and fierce for a purpose.  I also love the romance with Wolfgang. 

During this time period, it is seen as witchcraft when a woman fights or dresses as a man.  This story stresses seeing women as an equal.  I love all the ways Mulan is able to prove herself and show that she is often just as capable as a man.

Mulan’s story really touched me, because as Christians, God calls us to be warriors for Him.  Sometimes we have to do brave and hard things.  It really inspired me to step out and trust that God will help me.

This is a wonderful book that is appropriate and entertaining for the whole family! 

Content: This is a clean read with some minor content.  I give it a PG rating.  Some examples of the content are: mention of alcohol and a person being drunk; allusion to a woman’s chest; a child is born out of wedlock and a man has a mistress; mention of the devil; innuendos.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

Genre: Christian fiction; Fairy tale retelling; Romance

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.






About the Author:

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

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