Saturday, December 10, 2011

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

A Lasting Impression, the latest book by Tamera Alexander, is an excellent book. It takes you back in time to the days shortly after the Civil War.

Claire Laurent arrives in Nashville, desperate to get away from her past. She wants to be able to take pride in her paintings, not have to copy famous works of art and mark them with the artist's name. Forced to work as a forger for many years, all she wants now is freedom.

Upon her arrival in Nashville, circumstances leave her with no place to stay, and she spends the night in a church she finds unlocked. The next morning she is discovered by Sutton Monroe, a prominent Nashville attorney. He kindly introduces her to the pastor of the church, who along with his wife, aid Claire in finding a job.

Her job search leads her to apply for a position at Belmont Mansion, an actual historic mansion that inspired the story. Claire is pleasantly surprised when she is hired on trial as liaison to Adelicia Acklen, owner of the grand estate. But the task she is required to complete in order to be hired permanently soon turns out to be harder than expected. Sutton Monroe's presence at Belmont and her feelings for him complicate the situation even more. Will either of them be able to find true happiness? And will Claire truly be able to escape from her past?

This beautiful work of fiction is a fascinating read. I have always loved books that take place in historical settings. The plot gently but insistently draws you in, until you find yourself holding your breath and hoping that all turns out well. The emotions of the characters make them seem like real flesh-and-blood friends who you really come to know. Next time you find yourself looking for a good read, try A Lasting Impression.


I received this book free from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Veiled Rose is a fantasy adventure. But it's one I can't quite figure out. In one way, it has the feel of a children's story, written in the language you usually find in kid's books. Yet it is complex enough a story to confuse me. There are things that seem unexplained to me. When I requested the book, I didn't realize it is book two in a series. Though book one apparently deals with entirely different characters (I haven't read it), I wonder if maybe it set up the background for this story and the world that both take place in. That would explain the details that are never explained, as though the reader is assumed to already have a foreknowledge of some things.

That said, if you start with book one of the "Tales of Goldstone Wood" series, Heartless, you will enjoy this book even more than I did. For I did enjoy it. I love fantasy stories.

Leo is stuck at Hill House for the summer. He is a boy who is tired of the indoors and the company of his boring cousin. When tales of a monster begin circulating, that's all the motivation he needs. He sets off into the forest with his beanpole-weapon in hand. He doesn't realize that what he will find there will alter the course of his life.

Rose Red is a girl who hides in the forest, guarding a secret. Her friends are an imaginary friend and a goat. But her life is changed when she meets Leo. Together they have adventures and hunt the monster. But how far will their quests lead them?

I don't want to tell you more for fear of giving something away. Let me just say: read Veiled Rose!

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

J.R.R. Tolkien by Mark Horne

J.R.R. Tolkien by Mark Horne is a Christian Encounters biography. It gives an overview of Tolkien's life, faith, and writings and how they are all tied together.

Only a few of the things you will learn when you read this book are:

Tolkien was born in South Africa and lived there until he was 3 years old. But this childhood in Africa did not influence his writing as much as you would think. Instead, it was the beautiful English countryside to which his family moved that left an enduring impression on him. This can be seen in the description of Shire found in his Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Tolkien's mother's faith and his own played a crucial role in his growing-up years and influenced the rest of his life as well.

Who were the Inklings? What was their original name? And what impact did they have on each other's lives?

Read J.R.R. Tolkien to find out! You'll be glad you did.

I was really excited to have the opportunity to review this book. Tolkien is one of my favorite authors, and I am always interested in learning more about him. One of the things I appreciated most in this biography was the amount of material it presented. While most biographies are long and include every possible necessary and unnecessary detail about the person's life, this biography is short, concise, and interesting. Tolkien led a fascinating life, and this book does not bury the interesting details in heaps of boring facts.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, July 4, 2011

The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner


If you're looking for a summer read that will keep you guessing, read The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner. It is a fascinating work of apocalyptic fiction. Using intriguing symbolism and based on the four horseman of the apocalypse, this is a unique read.

The year is 2048, his name is Paul Binder, he is a historian, and he lives in Virginia. He has lived a normal life. Then he receives a mysterious note beckoning him to London to examine a newly discovered ancient manuscript. When the manuscript is found to contain a prophecy which mentions Paul by name and calls him to take up the work that he is meant to do, his world suddenly feels like it is spinning out of control. As he and manuscript specialist Angela begin following mysterious clues, Paul finds out that his life has far more significance than he ever thought possible.

At the same time, catastrophic events begin occurring all over the earth. Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis. Parts of the world are disappearing or being reshaped. It soon becomes evident that Earth is nearing its end. The sun slowly is growing hotter, getting larger, and becoming unstable.

In a race against time, Paul must find and bring together four people in order to bring into being the good new heavens and new earth. The problem: to each good person there is an evil counterpart. And if the evil come together first, then all is lost.

As Paul and Angela work to complete their strange quest, they find a few things along the way: faith and love.

I would like to remind you all that this is a work of fiction and not to be taken as prophetic truth. Even Christ does not know the day or the hour that the end of the world will come, so how could human beings know?

I also want to mention that several things about this book really disappointed me. What I am about to tell you may be spoilers, but I think you need to know it before you pick up this book. First, I did not like the idea that God had left it up to man to determine by the coming together of the four good or the four evil persons whether the new heavens and the new earth would be good or evil. I find that completely un-Biblical. And second, in the book, when the world ends, Christ does not return, nor is anyone judged. What happens to the bad people, I don't know. But the good  simply move on into a renewed world. But it is not the new earth described in the Bible. The first thing one of the characters does when she reaches the new earth is cry tears of sorrow. Isn't this supposed to be a world without sin? If so, how can there be sadness? As I said, that spoils part of the ending. But I believe that everyone deserves fair warning.

If you are interested in this book, visit the product page here: The Seraph Seal Product Page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Time has been flying!

Just looked at my blog and discovered that the last time I posted anything was in May! Yikes! My apologies. I have been so busy lately with not much time for blogging. I solemnly promise to post a book review within the next few days. And I will make my best effort to post the last of the summer reading lists before the summer is over. Thanks for your patience!

Friday, May 27, 2011

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen


The Girl in the Gatehouse is the latest stunning novel from author Julie Klassen. As the story opens, we meet Mariah Aubrey and her companion, Miss Dixon. Mariah is being sent away from her home for reasons hinted at but unmentioned until later in the story. She and Miss Dixon take up residence in the gatehouse on the estate of a distant relative. With barely enough money to live on, Mariah begins to write novels in secret as means of supporting herself and Miss Dixon.

With secrets and plot twists, The Girl in the Gatehouse is an intriguing story. A poorhouse with a mysterious resident on the roof. The lease of the estate to Captain Matthew Bryant. A party which brings old acquaintances back into Mariah's life. All of these fit together to bring the story to its climax. Is there still a chance for love for Mariah, and maybe even for dear old Miss Dixon?

I found this book a difficult one to put down. The story never plods, but instead moves along at a rapid pace. As with any work of romantic fiction that I read, I always observe how much Christian content it contains. The works of Julie Klassen do not contain as much obvious Christian content, but it is still definitely there, running in an undercurrent beneath the words.

I would recommend The Girl in the Gatehouse to any reader of historical, romantic fiction, but especially to those lovers of Jane Austen's books.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Nick of Time by Tim Downs


            Nick of Time by Tim Downs is the sixth book in the Bug Man series of books. Nick Polchak is a forensic entomologist...and rather a strange character. He has finally found someone to marry: Alena Savard, a dog trainer who is almost as eccentric as he. Their wedding is scheduled for Saturday, but Nick has disappeared. Alena wonders, is he in danger? Or has he run away from her?
            Although this is the sixth book in the series, it is easy to start here. A good enough description is given to make it possible to get to know the characters. And some of their back history is given as well. Nick and Alena are likeable, though so eccentric as to be difficult to relate to.
            A forensic entomologist is someone who studies the insects drawn to dead bodies. Nick uses his knowledge to solve murders. I must warn you, this makes some parts of the book somewhat gruesome.
            I enjoyed the story. I like a mystery that you can't predict. But I am not sure that I am going to go back and read the other Bug Man novels. Once I have jumped into the middle of a series, I have a hard time reading the books that came before.
            The plot is woven skillfully and you have no way of guessing what is going on and who the bad guys and good guys really are. You just have to keep reading until the very end. And let me tell you, when all is revealed, it will blow your mind!

For more information about Nick of Time, click this link: Nick of Time Product Page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Amish Prayers compiled by Beverly Lewis

Amish Prayers is a collection of prayers from the centuries-old Amish prayer book. They have been translated into English from the original German for the first time. This little volume is one to treasure for years to come.

Die Ernsthafte Christenpficht has been treasured by Amish and Mennonite hearts for over 300 years. Amish Prayers, compiled and introduced by Beverly Lewis, pairs these beautiful prayers with Scripture verses and lovely drawings. There are prayers for a new day, for divine guidance, prayers of gratitude and of repentance, for comfort, of praise, prayers for strength, purity of heart, and unity, prayers of humility and of submission, and prayers in the evening.

Whether you use this book by yourself or with a group, I feel that the prayers will strengthen your faith and will help your relationship with God to deepen. As I have read Amish Prayers, it has come to be an important part of my daily devotions.

One of the prayers reads as follows:

Holy Spirit, capture our hearts with your loving strength. Fill them with heavenly comfort and joy so that we may always rest assured in God and face our concerns with joy and contentment, and so as children of God overcome this evil world. Praise be to you forever and ever, Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and the Son! Amen.


I was given this book for free by the publisher as part of the blogger book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Sorry

Sorry for the delay on posting the next list. College finals have been catching up with me and eating up my time. I will be posting just as soon as I can.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Feedback Wanted! Let your voice be heard!

Okay, now I would like some feedback. I love writing stories. And this is, after all, a blog dedicated to reading. What I would like to know is this: If I were to post some of my stories on this blog, would you be interested in reading them? I would post a short section of the story probably once or twice a week.

Leave me a comment to let me know if you would want to read them. If I get enough positive feedback, I will probably start posting my stories sometime in the next couple months.

P.S. The next summer reading list is coming up soon: Historical and Biblical Fiction!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Fantasy and Science Fiction


Books 21 to 30: Fantasy and Science Fiction

This category is my favorite. I love to lose myself in a book that will take me somewhere beyond the world I live in.

21. The Lord of the Rings  The epic fantasy classic from J.R.R. Tolkien.
            The Fellowship of the Ring introduces you to hobbit Frodo Baggins and the Ring and sees him start on his perilous quest with his nine companions.
            The Two Towers finds the fellowship broken and moving in separate directions. But the actions of each will influence the fate of the others, as will the unexpected companions they gain along the way.
            In The Return of the King, Frodo and Sam move closer to the end of their journey every day. Will hope and light conquer the darkness which so swiftly is moving to conquer all lands?

22. The Hobbit  The official account of how the infamous Ring was discovered by Bilbo Baggins. Learn why Bilbo had such dangerous treasure to give to Frodo. This book expands on a tale only hinted at in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

23. The Children of Hurin  While in some ways dark and sad, this book is one that will keep you interested until the last page. It ends in a way that is completely unexpected. The two children of Hurin, a son and a daughter, are separated when they are very young. When their paths cross later in life, they will become intertwined in a way that neither ever expected.

24. The Circle Series I consider this series to be Ted Dekker's finest work.
            In Black, Thomas Hunter is knocked unconscious while running from thugs down a dark alley. When he wakes, he is in a strange colored forest populated by strangely perfect people and white bats. While there, he learns something that will effect Earth in a very short time...and he is the only one who can stop it from happening.
            In Red, Thomas is till hurtling down the same path he was in Black, shifting back and forth between realities and trying desperately to save the world. But some of the rules have changed now, and Thomas is struggling to defeat his enemies in both worlds...before it's too late.
            White  Time is running out. Thomas Hunter now holds the fate of both worlds in his hands. This story is filled with danger, enemies, and forbidden love. And in the end, will there truly be a way to save even one world, let alone both?
            Green  Published five years after White, Green is book zero. What does that mean? That you can read it either first or last. I personally prefer reading it last. The thing I always loved about the Circle Series was the fact that I never had any idea what would happen next. If you read Green first, you find out everything that has already happened and then read the rest of the series to find out exactly how it happened. Supposedly Green makes the series into a perfect circle. But I will leave that for you to decide.

25. A Wrinkle in Time  By Madeleine L'Engle. This book introduces Meg Murray and her family. The classic story about time travel that taught us to believe that there is such a thing as a tesseract
.
26. Last Light  What would you do if everything electronic stopped working-- at the exact same moment? If your car stalled and your cell phone died and you saw planes falling from the sky? In a single moment, everything has changed. Or has it? Follow along with the Branning family as they discover the one part of life that will never change-- God.

27. Out of the Silent Planet  The first book in C.S. Lewis's epic space trilogy. Although not as well-known as the Chronicles of Narnia, the Space trilogy is a work of genius. It was written as part of an agreement with J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis would write a space travel series and Tolkien would write a time travel series. Tolkien never got to keep his end of the bargain, but we have Lewis's masterpiece with us today.

28. Tuck Everlasting  All Winnie Foster ever wanted was to go outside her fence. And finally, she does. While walking in the woods, she meets the Tucks, a strange, reclusive family. Why are they hiding in the woods? What is their secret, and how powerful is it? When Winnie learns the answers to these questions, her life will change forever.

29. Inkheart  Meggie's father has never read to her from any book. Ever. And she doesn't know why. But circumstances force him to reveal his reason, and Meggie's boring life suddenly becomes just like something out of a book...literally.

30. Till We Have Faces Have you ever heard of this book by C.S. Lewis? I never had, up until about a year ago. Taking an old legend and turning it into something new, Lewis weaves a complex tale that cannot be fully understood until the final paragraphs. And then you want to read it the whole book all over again, because suddenly everything makes sense.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Coming Monday: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Check back Monday for the next list: Fantasy and Science Fiction.

Have a blessed Easter!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Mysteries and Suspense

Books 11 to 20: Mysteries and Suspense

If you like an adrenaline rush when you read, or just like to not be able to figure out what's coming next, these are for you!

11. Kiss  Shauna wakes up from a car accident with six months of her memory missing. What caused it? And how is it possible that she can access other people's memories? An adrenaline-pumping story from Ted Dekker and Erin Healy.

12. Cape Refuge  The first book in a series of four by Terri Blackstock. The books take you deep into the lives and emotions of the main characters, and by the last book, you won't want the series to end. Plot twists and suspense keep the pace fast as the characters race to solve the murders and other crimes.

13. The Book of Hours  A National Treasure type of story, complete with clues, history, suspense, and an ancient treasure! "Brian thought he had no future. Now he has the chance to start over...if he can solve the mysteries of the past found inside Castle Keep."

14. The Mermaid in the Basement  Meet Lady Serafina Trent, the widow of a viscount in 1857 London. When her brother is accused of murder, Serafina is determined to clear her brother's name by uncovering the real murderer. She gains a few unlikely allies, including an actor named Dylan Tremayne. The first book in the Lady Trent mystery series by Gilbert Morris.

15. A Conspiracy of Ravens  Serafina finds herself in the middle of another mystery when she offers to help her neighbors--the Haydens--find out who the true heir of their estate is. A murder raises the stakes dangerously high even as Serafina finds her attraction to Dylan Tremayne growing. Lady Trent Mysteries book 2.

16. Sonnet to a Dead Contessa  As women of British nobility are murdered with an alarming frequency, Lady Serafina Trent is called upon by Scotland Yard to try to solve the mystery. Meanwhile, her relationship with Dylan Tremayne takes an unexpected turn. Then all clues suddenly point to Serafina as the next victim... Lady Trent Mysteries book 3, the final book in the series.

17. Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles  The classic mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This is the only full-length Sherlock Holmes novel. Holmes is called to moors to solve the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, who seems to have been killed by an enormous hound.

18. The Edge of Recall  Tessa Young's mind is haunted by an event she can't even recall. She is fascinated with labyrinths and building them is her career. While rebuilding a Colonial-era labyrinth, suddenly Tessa's nightmares come to life.

19. Freefall  When she wanders out of the Hanalei Mountains on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, she knows nothing about herself, not even her name. Now known as Jade, she must accept the help of an unlikely ally to find out who she is, and what she was doing in Hawaii.

20. Blink of an Eye  What if you could see the future? Or all possible futures and how to make them happen? Seth suddenly finds himself the possessor of this gift, at the same time that a Saudi princess collides with his peaceful existence. It is up to him to save her life.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

For The Young at Heart

Books 1 to 10: For the young at heart

Although these books were supposedly written for "younger readers," I feel that they can be enjoyed by readers of any age. They are, in fact, some of my favorites.

1. Ella Enchanted  A retelling of the story of Cinderella-- in a way that the story makes more sense than Disney's version. A charming, realistic look at the way love really happens.

2. The Two Princesses of Bamarre  A tale of two sisters living in a medieval kingdom. Their peaceful existence is shattered by the coming of the Grey Death-- and true love.

3. Here There Be Dragons: The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica  An incredible fantasy story. It is made even better by a mind-blowing surprise at the end that will make you want to go back and read it all over again.

4. The Healer's Apprentice  A retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty. Once again, the story makes a lot more sense than the unrealistic Disney version. It is a sweet, wistful romance.

5. Elsie Dinsmore  This classic story is the first in a series about a girl growing up in the south before the civil war.

6. Redwall  Travel to Redwall Abbey, a medieval place inhabited by mice, moles, and other woodland creatures! This is the first book in an extensive, addictive series.

7. House of Dark Shadows  Definitely not recommended for younger readers. This science fiction book had me scared half out of my wits. Nice family moves into old house that is not at all what it seems.

8. Mandie and the Secret Tunnel  The first in the long series of Mandie mysteries. A teen girl growing up in the early 1900s has a knack for landing in the middle of a mystery-- and solving it!

9. Meet the Austins, The Moon By Night, and A Ring of Endless Light  This series about the Austin family, and especially teenage Vicky Austin is by the author of A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L'Engle. About a typical American family, these books are worth reading and rereading.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia  This list would not be complete without these classics by C.S. Lewis. Can be read by any age, since the stories only get better with age.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Starting tomorrow-- my list of top 50 recommended reads for summer!

Yes, it's time to start gearing up for the summer reading season. And there's nothing more frustrating than not being able to come up with a good book to read. So I decided to make a few recommendations.

Beginning tomorrow, I will start posting lists and short descriptions of what I consider to be the books most worth your time. My all-time favorite, tear-jerker, laugh-out-loud, fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, and everything else books!

So, sit back and relax. No need to spend your days trying to find a good read. I have already done all the work for you. Now all you have to do is pick one.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Coming soon-- Recommended Reading

The end of the spring college semester is almost upon us. And you know what that means: more time to read! I will be posting soon my recommended summer reading list. No matter what kind of books you like to read, I think you will find something you like.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

How to be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

            How to be God's Little Princess, Royal Tips on Manners and Etiquette for Girls is by Sheila Walsh, the author of the "Gigi, God's Little Princess" series. What little girl doesn't want to learn how to be a princess? The pretty dresses, the crowns, it's all so exciting! But what's even more exciting? Being God's little princess. For every little girl who wants to know exactly how to be that princess, there is Sheila Walsh's book.
            This little pink book is chock full of activities and crafts that girls will love to do, as well as fun quizzes to take. The illustrations are wonderful and illustrate the many "how-to" topics.
            But most of all, this is a quality book in another way. It is not focused on making little girls grow up too soon. In our culture, I think that girls are forced to grow up faster and faster, and that's just not right. But How to be God's Little Princess is a book that lets little girls be their own age and love it.
            This is a book for any age. An older girl can enjoy reading it on her own. For younger girls, the book is best shared with mom. Together they can do the activities, make the crafts, take the quizzes, and learn all about what it means to be God's little princess!

For more information, click HERE: How to be God's Little Princess product page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, March 4, 2011

Book Review of Seek Me With All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman

            Seek Me With All Your Heart is a gem of a novel by Beth Wiseman. Whether you love Amish fiction or not, I think you will enjoy this book. It is a heartfelt and heartstring-tugging story that takes place in the brand new Amish settlement in Canaan, Colorado. Emily Detweiler and her family are trying to escape from the memory of a tragedy that took place in their old hometown in Ohio. David Stoltzfus and his family have also moved to Canaan for a fresh start, though David would much rather be back home in Paradise, Pennsylvania. What will happen if these two hurting souls can move past their own pain and find friendship? Well, that's for you to find out when you read this book!
            I have found that most of the time when I read stories about the Amish, I cannot connect with the characters in the story. Their lives are just too different and too perfect. But Seek Me With All Your Heart is so much different-- and better. The characters are human and face struggles in their daily lives and in their faith. You find yourself being drawn deep into the story (and reading late into the night).
            As David and Emily's story progresses, their faith is strengthened and they make new friends along the way. But this is not just the story of David and Emily. You will also meet and follow their families.
            I would highly recommend this inspirational journey to Canaan. But be warned! When you reach the end, you will be longing for the next book in the series. Please hurry, Beth Wiseman, and write another story about Canaan, Colorado!

If you're interested in this story, click here to learn more: Seek Me With All Your Heart Product Page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Update!

I've been reading some awesome books lately, and I can't wait to tell you all about them! New reviews coming soon!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Then Sings My Soul book review


           I have just finished reading Then Sings My Soul, Special Edition, by Robert Morgan, and I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I enjoyed a nonfiction book so much! The book contains 150 favorite hymns and the stories behind them.
            Whatever your favorite hymn, it can probably be found in this delightful book. From "Amazing Grace" to "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" and everything in between, Then Sings My Soul has it all. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "I'll Fly Away," "Faith of Our Fathers," "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing"-- they are all there! Two pages are devoted to each hymn. One has the complete hymn exactly as it would appear in a hymnal, so that you can also sing the hymn directly from this book. The other page is devoted to a story about the author or the circumstances of the hymn's writing.
            I don't know about you, but when I like something, I want to find out everything I can about it. And so for me, Then Sings My Soul was a delight. I've been reading the hymn-writers' names in the hymnal every week since I was a little girl, and I always wondered who these mysterious people were who could write such beautiful songs. And now, at last, I know!  I also found Then Sings My Soul to be great for use during my devotions time.  

If you would like to learn more, click here: Then Sings My Soul Special Edition

I received this book free from the publisher through the <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : "Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."