Wings of the Wind book review.

I've always loved history, and I credit this in large part to historical fiction. Placing a fictional character into a historical setting brings the history alive. And that is exactly what Connilyn Cossette did in her latest book, Wings of the Wind, a historical fiction story that takes place in Biblical times. Although it is the third book in the "Out from Egypt" series (which I didn't realize when I requested my review copy, and I haven't read the first two books in the series), it is able to stand alone very nicely. I believe that each book in the series focuses on different characters, so you can dive into the series anywhere without feeling lost.

The story centers around fictional characters Alanah and Tobiah. Alanah is a Canaanite woman, alone in the world and feeling like her life has no purpose. Tobiah is a Hebrew warrior, one of many who have been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and who are eager to enter and conquer Canaan. When God brings them together through incredible circumstances, neither of their lives will ever be the same.

The seamless way that Cossette wove these fictional characters' lives into the historical context was amazing. She imagined what it must have been like during those 40 years in the wilderness, a period of time that the Bible is mainly silent about. I won't give anything away, but my favorite part was a few chapters from the end, when a plot twist developed that made my history-loving heart very happy! The story is definitely worth a read, and I think I will be going back and reading the first two books in the series as well!

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.

Longing For More book review

Longing For More, daily reflections on finding God in the rhythms of life. As soon as I read the title of this book by Timothy Willard, I wanted to read it. And I was not disappointed. It contains 52 short chapters, one for every week of the year. Each one focuses on a topic, such as love, silence, leadership, forgiveness, and strength, and contains a reading for each day that week. Readings are prayers, thoughts by the author, quotes from Christian theologians, and Scripture passages.

What I liked most about this book is that unlike so many devotionals, the daily readings are small, bite-sized chunks. They can be used along with your current devotional routine, and they don't take up too much time if you have a busy schedule. But those small readings dive in deep, and I often found myself reading several days' worth at a time. All in all, this was one of the best devotionals I have read in a long time.

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.

Review of Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior

I really wanted to like Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior. I had been introduced to Hannah More in the movie Amazing Grace, and was interested and excited to learn about her as a person and about her contributions to society. But sadly, the story of Hannah's life is buried in detailed descriptions of society, opinions, and life in her day and age. I believe that at least some of that is necessary to set the stage and make the life story understandable. But there is such a thing as too much.

Hannah More was an extraordinary lady and a woman of deep faith. And someone that I believe everyone should know about. So do some research, and maybe even read this book. Maybe I just haven't read enough biographies and this is typical for how one goes. But I still feel that even a biography should draw you in and entice you to keep reading.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.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."

Storm Siren by Mary Weber

In a world where her kind is looked on with suspicion and distrust, where they were hunted nearly to extinction, where females of her kind aren't even supposed to exist, Nymia's greatest struggle is within herself. She has been bought and sold by numerous owners, one after the other. But what eats her alive is the things she has been made to do with her power. She is an Elemental, able to bring down the power of the storm clouds and use it against human beings. Some owners have tried to use her and ended up being injured by her power instead. You see, she has no control over it. But now she has been sold to her 15th owner, and things may be about to change. She has been offered the chance to receive training and become a weapon that may turn the tide of the war now rampaging her homeland.

At first, it was the title of Storm Siren that caught my attention. But as I read deeper and deeper into the intricate fantasy world created by Mary Weber, I became more and more impressed. Every detail was masterfully described, and the characters breathed with life and emotion and personality. The story, with its twists and turns and secrets kept me turning pages. And I am already looking forward to Ms. Weber's next release. Part science fiction, part fantasy, all wonderfulness, Storm Siren is a book I would place high on my recommended reading list. So grab a copy, find a cozy spot to curl up, and dive deep into the world of Elementals!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.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."

Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

I am a history buff. World War II is one of my favorite periods of history, and because of that I love fiction set during that period. Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma is a book that I just couldn't put down. Very historically accurate and bursting with fascinating characters, this book brings World War II era Germany to life.

The story begins in Heiligenbeil, East Prussia, as the Russians are marching steadily towards the little town where Gisela Cramer lives with her grandfather, her cousin, and her cousin's two little girls. Forced to leave her home, Gisela suddenly becomes the caretaker of the two girls. As she makes her way toward Berlin where she hopes to find her mother, an unlikely little band forms around her: a couple of forgetful elderly ladies, some British prisoners of war recently escaped from the prison camp, a German soldier, and a would-be actress. As alliances form and danger increases for some members of the odd little party, unlikely attractions emerge and Gisela finds herself being fought over by one of the British soldiers and the German officer.

For more information or to purchase the book, you can visit the Thomas Nelson product page here: Daisies are Forever




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.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."

Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover

While reading through the list of books available for review through the BookLook Blogger program, the synopsis of Firstborn by Lorie Ann Grover caught my eye. Tiadone is a firstborn daughter in a land where her people, the R'tan, are ruled over by the Madronians. And Madronian law is that no firstborn female shall live. The parents of newborn girls have a choice: either declare their infant a male or sentence her to death by exposure on a harsh mountainside. All those years ago Tiadone was declared male and grew up as a boy. Now that she is reaching maturity, feminine traits are beginning to show up, confusing her, and she must decide what to do about it.

One of the first things I noticed when I opened the book was that it was written in first person, present tense (if you've read the Hunger Games books, you know what I mean). With that writing style, a book can be a little hard to get into, at least for me. Also, Tiadone's culture is a somewhat primitive one, and since the book is written in her words, the words chosen are often somewhat primitive and simple. But once you get used to it, it only adds to the feel of story.

I would not recommend this story to a young teen audience. Some of the descriptions of things, the words used, and events that take place are not fully in line with Christian morals, are a little more explicit than I would desire for a young audience, and are not what I would want my young teens reading. If you are a parents considering giving this book to your child, I would recommend reading through first yourself. Other than that, it is a great story for a mature enough audience.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com http://booklookbloggers.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."

Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples

Anorexia is a topic that I don't see too much in fiction. Few authors, at least Christian authors, are bold enough to approach it. Which is why I really appreciate Running Lean. Diana L. Sharples shows the issue from both sides: that of the anorexic person and that of someone close to her. And I believe it to be a very honest depiction.

Stacey is obsessed with dieting. She's been chubby since she was a child and is determined to change that. Sure, she's lost some weight, but it's not enough. She needs to be a few sizes smaller, weigh a few more pounds less. And she will do whatever it takes to get there. But would she say her methods are extreme? Not at all.

Calvin is her devoted boyfriend. He becomes concerned when Stacey keeps feeling dizzy and passing out. She always has a good excuse, but he's not convinced. He observes her more closely and expresses concerns, which annoys her. But what he sees only serves to convince him that his worst fears are true.

Stacey's eating disorder slowly eats away not only at her health and weight, but also at their relationship, and Calvin begins to fear that they may not be able to make it through this together.

I really recommend this to all young women. It might not be a true story, but it speaks a truth about a harsh reality.



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."