Review: Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale

Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Many Christians question their faith from time to time. But when a pastor questions his faith in front of the entire congregation during a service, things will never be the same for either the pastor or the church. This book is about just such a crisis of faith, and what the pastor does to reclaim his faith in himself and his faith in God.

I found this to be an exceptionally interesting, if not a fast read. I felt the need to stop and reflect now and then upon what I was reading or had just read. I like books like this - books that make me think about how my life relates to what I am reading. Chase's journey to discover whether he still believes in God is simple, yet takes some complicated twists and turns. I had hoped for a different conclusion, but it is what I was expecting.

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. I was not required to give a good review; the opinions expressed herein are my own.



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Review: Rock Harbor Search and Rescue

Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Colleen Coble

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was a quick read - likely because it is geared towards upper elementary/middle school aged readers. I think it was good for this age group; it definitely gives the story from the perspective of a middle-schooler.

My biggest complaint was with Emily's father's attitude towards the situation. His daughter, who is nearly fourteen and has never lied to him, suddenly is someone he does not trust? Yes, the situation as described did make Emily look guilty, but if your teen has proven herself trustworthy, suddenly treating her as if she is a liar is not something most parents would do. Even my father, who I felt was exceptionally hard on me when I was a young teen, would not have treated me this way in this situation. I very much enjoyed his apology to his daughter, but his attitude grated on my nerves for most of the book.

Overall, this is a good book for kids who enjoy mysteries, dogs, or both!



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Review: Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life: A Fable of Self-Discovery

 At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book.  It seems geared towards those in management/business, and since that does not apply to me, I wasn't sure I'd be able to relate.
However, it didn't take me long to get into the story.  I enjoyed how the characteristics of each animal were used to illustrate the things that help people to succeed in life, not just in their business ventures.
I still feel that this book is most appropriate for those in business, but it was an enjoyable read.

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.”

Review: The Maiden's Hand

The Maiden's Hand by Susan Wiggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Having read the third book prior to books one & two, some of the suspense was removed for me. I knew that Lark and Oliver would end up happy in their marriage, and I knew that their baby would be a daughter named Phillipa. However, there was still much that was a surprise. The source of Phillipa's name, for instance, was a touching moment not far from the end of the book. The whys and wherefores of Oliver and Lark coming together as a couple, and Oliver learning to be an adult rather than continuing to act the spoiled adolescent - both fun to read throughout the book.

I must say (and call me a prude if you wish) but I really like that there is not much sex outside of marriage in these books, and that which is mentioned is indicated as something that really is not appropriate and there are no details. Granted, there are some steamy sex scenes in these books, but every single one of them takes place within a marriage. With all of the flippant attitudes towards sex these days, it's nice to see something with a little more of an "old-fashioned" tune.



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Review: At the Queen's Summons

At the Queen's Summons by Susan Wiggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had the misfortune of not being able to tell where this book fell in the series before reading it, so I ended up reading this one first, despite its being the last book in the trilogy. For what it's worth - I did not feel as though I had missed anything by not reading the previous books. This would have worked just fine as a stand-alone novel, and I am hoping that the other two books in the trilogy are equally as enjoyable.



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Review: Waiting for Daisy: A Tale of Two Continents, Three Religions, Five Infertility Doctors, an Oscar, an Atomic Bomb, a Romantic Night, and One Woman's Quest to Become a Mother

Waiting for Daisy: A Tale of Two Continents, Three Religions, Five Infertility Doctors, an Oscar, an Atomic Bomb, a Romantic Night, and One Woman's Quest to Become a Mother by Peggy Orenstein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Even though the circumstances that led us to infertility are very different, the fact remains that I, like Peggy, am coming into my late 30s and trying to conceive a child. This book voiced many of the concerns I have - am I too old? Will this ever work? Should I just give up? Financial considerations aside, each couple has their own emotional limits, and each family can only stand so much heartache.

I enjoyed the matter-of-fact way that Peggy presented her experiences with infertility treatments. It was also interesting for me to see someone else's perspective on the roller coaster that is infertility.



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Review: Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects: Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy

Knits for Nerds: 30 Projects: Science Fiction, Comic Books, Fantasy by Joan of Dark a.k.a Toni Carr

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



So many fun project ideas, so little time!! There are many projects in this book I would love to create.



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