Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Top Ten Books At The Top Of My Summer TBR List

2013-06-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books At The Top Of My Summer TBR List

The King (The Patrick Bowers Files #7) by Steven James

The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Safe in His Arms (Under Texas Stars #2) by Colleen Coble

The Remains by Vincent Zandri

Relentless Pursuit: A Novel (Secrets of Roux River Bayou #3) by Kathy Herman

Wounds by Alton Gansky

A Lasting Impression (Belmont Mansion #1) by Tamera Alexander

The Unexpected Bride (Bowen #1) by Debra Ullrick

A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction #1) by Jen Turano

That's my top ten. What's yours?

CFBA: Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes

2013-06-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Fear Has a Name David C. Cook (June 1, 2013) by Creston Mapes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From popular suspense author Creston Mapes comes another faith-building thriller, a tale that follows journalist Jack Crittendon as he fights to protect his family from a stalker's terrifying schemes, investigates a pastor's mysterious disappearance, and struggles to keep his faith amidst unthinkable fear.

With his family's safety on the line, Crittendon realizes there are secrets behind "Christian" walls--secrets with painful, deadly implications. He must find the faith to trust a God who allows inconceivable trials, and the courage to guard his family, with danger exploding at every turn.

Through it all--the sharp, character-driven writing for which Mapes is known--takes fans and new readers on an edge-of-your-seat journey that explores the harsh, far-reaching consequences of bullying and the Christian response to fear.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fear Has a Name, go HERE.

Weekend Wrap-Up & Book Blogger Hop (June 14th)

2013-06-14T13:17:00.000-05:00

Weekend Wrap-up is where I share what I read this past week, am currently reading, and hope to read this coming week, and (when applicable) the current giveaways/giveaway winners. Occasionally I'll post some other stuff as well.

Feel free to join along and post your own Weekend Wrap-up on your blog/site (if you do, please leave the link in a comment so I can stop by) or, in a comment, share what you've accomplished (reading-wise) this past week. :)

What I've read this week:

What I'm currently reading:

Fiction:

Hoping to finish The Aristocrat's Lady today. :)

Nonfiction:

What I hope to read next week:

Reviews posted this week:

The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Reasons for Belief by Norman L. Geisler & Patty Tunnicliffe

Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Current Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of All the Blue of Heaven by Virginia Carmichael! Virginia is giving away two copies - one print and one Kindle. Giveaway is open Internationally, but only a US winner can win the print copy. Ends 6/25. Here's the link to the post.

Giveaway Winners:

The winner is...

Charii (chariiskee23@...)+

The winners are...

Michelle (inspiremichelle@...)*

Bill (billd3@...)*

Kelly (kptx64@...)*

Tina (eaglesforjack@...)*

Jennifer (jennydtipton@...)*

+Winner has claimed their prize.

*Winner has been contacted and emailed their prize

Friday Meme:

This week's question:

What is your favorite genre? (genre that you read the most) - Recommend a book!

My answer:

My favorite genre is suspense (thillers, romantic suspense, mysteries, etc.), but I also read a lot of historical romance books and love that genre. It's hard to just recommend one book, so I'll recommend a recent read of mine - "Ring of Secrets" by Roseanna M. White. It's kind of a mix of my two favorite genres and was SO good! :)

There you have it, that is what I'm reading and my answer to this week's question! What about you?

Review: Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2013-06-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Bethany House / 2011

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret.

Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans.

The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Girl in the Gatehouse was a very good regency romance novel that I think fans of this genre will definitely enjoy!

While Girl in the Gatehouse isn't my favorite of the Julie Klassen books I've read so far (that would be The Maid of Fairbourne Hall), it's a close second. The characters were so different and special. It's hard for me to try to pick one favorite and I don't think I can - all of the main ones were great!

I loved the redemption story in Girl in the Gatehouse. It was really moving and showed the strength/power of forgiveness and second chances.

There were some nice twists/surprises in Girl in the Gatehouse which was great! I love when books keep me guessing. =)

Overall, I really enjoyed Girl in the Gatehouse and was really close to giving it 5 stars. I recommend it if you tend to like regency or historical romance novels.

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review: Reasons for Belief by Norman L. Geisler & Patty Tunnicliffe

2013-06-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Reasons for Belief: Easy-To-Understand Answers to 10 Essential Questions by Norman L. Geisler & Patty Tunnicliffe

Bethany House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

How can you know God exists? Why should you trust the Bible? How can you be sure Jesus is the Son of God?

Do you know what you believe...and why? Regardless of your age or experience, if you're looking for clear, easy-to-understand answers to these important questions, you've come to the right place.

Trusted theologian and bestselling author Norman Geisler teams up with teacher/speaker Patty Tunnicliffe to provide concrete, step-by-step reasons for why Christians believe what they do. Organized around the most basic questions of faith, Reasons for Belief offers clear evidence for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, Jesus' resurrection, and more.

Whether you're a curious skeptic or a believer wanting to learn how to defend your faith, Reasons for Belief will give you the answers you're looking for.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Reasons for Belief was a really good apologetics book. I thought it presented the facts and evidence well and it wasn't hard to read/understand.

I pretty much liked all of the chapters in Reasons for Belief, but two of my favorites were chapter 7: The New Testament and chapter 13: How Should the Truth Impact My Life - both gave me a lot of insight and were memorable to me.

One of my favorite quotes:

The same thing is true of our beliefs: If my premises are wrong, my conclusion will be wrong too. If my beliefs about Jesus are wrong, I'll reach the wrong conclusion about who he is. If I reach the wrong conclusion about who Jesus is, it won't matter how "sincere" I am, how "good" I am, or how "hard" I've tried. I will have erred tragically and inevitably regardless. - Page 197

While I didn't completely agree with everything in Reasons for Belief, it was still a great read and I recommend it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Interview & Giveaway! Virginia Carmichael ~ Author of All the Blue of Heaven!

2013-06-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Virginia! What is your book, All The Blue of Heaven, about?

Eight years ago, Allie Hathaway scandalized the wealthy elite of Chicago when she ran away to San Francisco. Now a world-renowned portrait painter, her life is filled with laughter and friendship, including being a mother to her orphaned niece. Life is perfect, so why can’t she forget her first love?

Thomas Bradford has come a long way from being the Hathaway family’s carriage boy. A veterinary degree, ambition and hard work have made him one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. If only he could forget those stolen moments with Allie, Thomas might be able to enjoy his success.

The Great Quake of 1906 stuns the nation and Allie’s art studio burns to the ground, destroying years of valuable work. She’s forced to return to Chicago with little Janey, the only spark of hope in a life reduced to ashes. Her faith is crushed by her tragic reversal of fortune.

Thomas knows better than to fall for the beautiful young painter again, but he’s never been very wise around Allie Hathaway.

The carriage man’s son is all grown up and Allie doesn’t expect a second chance at a love that was refused eight years ago. Her life is in shambles and she has a child to support, so why won’t her heart accept the truth?

Once their love was torn apart by circumstance, but Thomas and Allie must decide whether to forge a future of hope together.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I have six kids under 13 and our house is a ZOO!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always loved to read, but around 2009 I got an idea for a story and just had to write it out.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?

I'm finishing my 7th and my favorite is always the one I JUST WROTE. :D But I do love 'Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits'. It's my ugly baby nobody loved.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hm. Writing quirk? I write in the wee smalls because I have to have silence. So I usually write between midnight and 3.

Where do you like to write?

At my desk. I don't like change. Every now and then I go to the library but it feels odd.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

Best? I get to tell my story! Worst? I don't really have co-workers to bring me chocolate cake on my birthday!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I really love to paint, refurbish old furniture, and read, read, read.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?

I read everything, truly. But I gravitate toward books with romance and history. A story just doesn't feel complete to me without a bit of romance. I think historicals appeal to me because I always learn something new.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

Oh boy! many, many places! I'd love to see Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, the fjords of Norway. Hm, those all sound very cold. But I know a warmer climate means BUGS and I don't really care for large insects.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

I have a few but one I love is
Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

I love historicals, like Mrs. Gaskells North and South. I think I must have watched that movie twenty times!

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas! You can't help but love Christmas.

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Call or Text? hm. I don't like either one. maybe e-mail?
Early-bird or Night-owl? night owl
Facebook or Twitter? I still don't get twitter. Where is the rest of it??

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

yes! the second book of the Colors of Faith series will be out this fall, called 'Pockets Full of Gold'. It's titled after this poem, I'd Love To Be a Fairy's Child by Robert Graves:

Children born of fairy stock
Never need for shirt or frock,
Never want for food or fire,
Always get their heart's desire:
Jingle pockets full of gold,
Marry when they're seven years old.
Every fairy child may keep
Two strong ponies and ten sheep;
All have houses, each his own,
Built of brick or granite stone;
They live on cherries, they run wild—
I'd love to be a Fairy's child.

The heroine of this story has grown up without much materially and emotionally, so she's really starting out from a place of dreams and impossible wishes. Of course, she has to become strong enough to take charge of her own life, rather than just wish it better. God's grace gets her there, but it's a painful road. Our hero has had everything he ever wanted, but never felt at home after his parents died and he went to live with distant relatives. These two find their way, together.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you for having me! I love this blog! Readers can find me at my author page https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaCarmichaelAuthor?ref=hl or at my contemporary series page https://www.facebook.com/PridePrejudiceAndCheeseGrits?ref=hl or at our cyber cooking blog at http://yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com/ on Wednesdays!

Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of All the Blue of Heaven by Virginia Carmichael! Virginia is giving away two copies - one print and one Kindle. Giveaway is open Internationally, but only a US winner can win the print copy. Ends 6/25.

To enter, be sure to sign into the Rafflecopter form and click “enter” on each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

2013-06-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Port Aster Secrets Series: Book One:

Revell / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Deadly Devotion was a really good mystery novel. I had thought for a long time I knew who was behind it all, but my first guess was totally off! One thing I loved was how everything clicked and made sense in the end.

The characters in Deadly Devotion were nice and I liked them, but it annoyed me slightly that the characters in the book kept jumping to conclusions and switching their opinions on who they thought was guilty.

The ending definitely makes me want to read the next book in the Port Aster Secrets series - it sounds really good! I'm excited to see where Kate and Tom's relationship goes.

Overall, while not my favorite of Sandra Orchard's books, it was still a good read that I enjoyed. If you enjoy mystery novels with some romance, I definitely think you'll like Deadly Devotion.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

*Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review: The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin

2013-06-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin

Zondervan / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

The Truth About Sex and Waiting ... Uncovered Purity. Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers. Is there something wrong with me if I don't kiss a boy after a date? Or am I doomed if I DID? What if waiting is just a one-way trip to life as a crazy cat woman? And what if I tend to, um, think about a certain boy in a certain way? It seems that the lady at church and your friends have two very different opinions on the subject. And 'Your Budding Womanhood: Staying a Beautiful Flower for Jesus' just isn't cutting it. Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare Naked Truth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest, naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see the bare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk.

My rating:

My thoughts:

The Bare Naked Truth was a great book on purity and waiting. Straightforward and, at times, blunt, it sheds light on the lies surrounding purity and sex. I loved how the book was written - Bekah's humor throughout The Bare Naked Truth was refreshing in the midst of the serious topics. The stories (both Bekah's and other's) were very interesting and made the book more personal.

It usually takes me a while to finish a nonfiction book, but The Bare Naked Truth grabbed my attention right away and I finished it in under a week!

A favorite quote of mine from The Bare Naked Truth:

There is no such thing as a perfect virgin. We all struggle with our thoughts, if not our actions. - Page 93

Overall, I loved reading The Bare Naked Truth. It made me think a lot and was just a really great read. I recommend it for older/mature teens and adults as the book was quite blunt at times.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

~

Debut Author Bekah Hamrick Martin is celebrating the release of her book, The Bare Naked Truth, with a $150 Visa Cash Card giveaway and "Bare Naked Truth" Facebook party! Save the date for 6/20!

One winner will receive:

A $150 Visa Cash Card
Five copies of The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin
A live Skype small group chat with Bekah

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Bare Naked Truth" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 20th. Connect with Bekah for an evening of frank and encouraging chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Bekah will also be giving away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Bare Naked Truth and join Bekah on the evening of June 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Check out the complete Litfuse tour for The Bare Naked Truth by clicking here.

Weekend Wrap-Up & Book Blogger Hop (June 7th)

2013-06-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

What I've read this week:

What I'm currently reading:

Fiction:

Nonfiction:

What I hope to read next week:

Reviews posted this week:

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Praying God's Word For Your Life by Kathi Lipp

Current Giveaways!

Enter to win a copy of Captives by Jill Williamson! US only. Ends 6/10

Enter to win one of five PDF copies of Fire Storm by Mackenzie Dare! Giveaway is open Internationally. Ends 6/11

Friday Meme:

This week's question:

What is your favorite trilogy (series)?

My answer:

Two trilogies come to mind right away. Daughters of Fortune by Susan May Warren and Deadly Reunions by Lynette Eason. I've read and enjoyed a lot of trilogies, but I think those two are my favorites.

There you have it, that is what I'm reading and my answer to this week's question! What about you?

Review: Praying God's Word For Your Life by Kathi Lipp

2013-06-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Praying God's Word For Your Life by Kathi Lipp
Revell / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

You pray for others-but are you forgetting to pray for yourself?

Many of us find it easy to pray for the concerns and well-being of others. But when it comes to praying for ourselves, we may wonder, Should I pray for my own needs? Are any prayers too big or too small? Are my prayers selfish? Does praying really make a difference?

Praying God's Word for Your Life gives women the direction and Scripture we need to bring purpose and power to our prayers. In her warm, approachable style, Kathi Lipp shares more than one hundred specific prayers for our lives, relationships, worries, mistakes, faith, and more. The simple strategies Kathi reveals will help each of us create a habit of praying with renewed boldness, consistency, and expectation.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Praying God's Word For Your Life was a good devotional-type book. It was easy to read and had some helpful points throughout. I especially liked the first couple chapters.

The stories from different women in Praying God's Word For Your Life were interesting and added a more personal feel to the book. I really liked the "Praying God's Word..." parts in the book.

I did skim a few chapters in Praying God's Word For Your Life because they weren't applicable to me and where I am in life right now (i.e. Chapter 7: Your Marriage, Chapter 8: Parenthood).

Overall, I really liked Praying God's Word For Your Life and am glad I had the chance to read it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

*Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!!