Teaser Tuesday (23)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and the author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser this week comes from, Freedom's Call by John Walker page, 68.

"I know one thing. The speech and the shower made me feel good. Younger somehow. I had only spoken what I felt. There can't be any harm in that, I thought.

Review: The Wolf Next Door

My Synopsis:

The Wolf Next Door (The Westfield Wolves series - Book 3) by Lydia Dare

(For review from Sourcebooks)

This is the third book in Lydia Dare's debut trilogy about the three Westfield brothers, Simon, Benjamin and William. This book is Will's story. Will Westfield and Prisca Hawthorne have been neighbors for their entire lives. After a failed engagement Prisca and Will antagonize and snipe at each other on a constant basis, though they still love each other very much. Prisca just can't seem to trust Will because of all of his scandalous past. But, when a rival wolf vies for Prisca's hand, Will decides he cannot live with Prisca.

Prisca's brothers believe that Will is the only man for Prisca and they hatch a plan to get the two of them together, even as Will is forming a plan of his own. After Prisca is lost in the woods, Will finds her takes care of her through the night, attempting to compromise her and assuring that she would have to marry him. Prisca is less than thrilled because she wanted Will to marry her for love. Will Prisca and Will forget their differences and find love? Who is the mysterious golden wolf? What will Prisca do when she finds out that Will is more than just your average man?

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed this series. The Westfield brothers and their wives have been wonderful characters. This third book in the series was excellent. I had been waiting for Will's story from the beginning. He was just a great character. Trying to hide his love for Prisca by turning to other women and gambling, you can see that he is miserable without Prisca. She is a fiery spitfire of a girl. Unconventional and very headstrong, Prisca is what I might consider a strong woman. She has her own opinions and isn't afraid to voice them.

One of my favorite parts was the interaction between the brothers in this book. Will is always the brother who gives advice about women to both Simon and Benjamin, but he can't seem to get his own love life to go in the right direction. Simon and Benjamin are constantly at each other in a brotherly sort of way. I like the interaction of the wives also. This series is as much about the Westfield women as it is the men.

Please check out my reviews of the other two books in the series, A Certain Wolfish Charm and Tall Dark and Wolfish. Look for a new book from Lydia Dare in November of 2010, this book is called The Taming of the Wolf and picks up the story of Caitrin and Dashel.

The Wolf Next Door is available now from your favorite bookseller!

One of my favorites of the year. I give this one 5 out of 5 apples and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a paranormal twist.

Simply Marvelous Monday (24)

Sheliam at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, gets all the credit for this one....

On Simply Marvelous Monday's at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know... What are you reading???

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

The Wolf Next Door (The Westfield Wolves series - Book 3) by Lydia Dare (For review from Sourcebooks)

Never Let You Go by Erin Healy (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

Well I generally have a goal of finishing at least two books a week. I've met that goal, though I had a much bigger list. Unfortunately, several of the books I had on my list had close to 500 pages each and I am close to finishing at least two of those. I'm not under an extremely tight deadline on those, so I'm still O.K on my schedule. I hope to read a lot more than two this week though, if it works out. I am generally reading a print book, an e-book and listing to an audio book. My e-books and audio books don't take as much president as my print books. Just because I start it one week doesn't mean I'll finish it, as this week clearly shows... LOL! My goal is at least two books a week.

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

The Gamble (Loss of Certainty series - Book 2) by T.P. Jones (For review from Phenix & Phenix)

Captain Bonny Morgan: The Cassandra Prophesy by Robert "Doc" Gowdy (For review from Pump Up Your Book Promotions)

Freedom's Call by John Walker (For review from Phenix & Phenix)

Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic (For review from Revell)

Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson (For review from Hachette Book Group)

Sweet Misfortune by Kevin Alan Milne (For review from Hachette Book Group)

Baodicea's Legacy (Baodicea series - Book 3) by Traci E. Hall (E-book for review from Medallion Press)

Outlander (Outlander series - Book 1) by Diana Gabaldon (E-book from the Library)

Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series - Book 1) by Laurell K. Hamilton (Audio book from the Library)

Biggest list I have ever put up on here. I don't expect to finish most of it, but I'm getting started on it. The first three I am almost done with. Momology is not a very long book. Backseat Saints and Sweet Misfortune both look excellent. I look forward to those two. Baodicea's Legacy doesn't have a deadline. Outlander and Guilty Pleasures are for pleasure, so no hurry on those. The last two will be definitely be an ongoing process. So this list is a lot of possibilities. Let's see what happens!

UP NEXT:

Stay by Allie Larkin (For review from Penguin)

Hard to put up an up next selection after that big list, LOL!

Review: The Accidental Spy

My Synopsis:

The Accidental Spy by J.R. Lindermuth

(For review from the author)

Dandy Dan McCracken, charlatan, con-man, and all around rogue during the American Revolution, goes about the countryside making his own way. Dan would do just about anything for money, even impersonating a man of the cloth in order to pull off a scam. But, his life changes when he is wounded and is nursed back to health by a young woman. Unfortunately, the young woman, a ward of General Schilling, is married and her husband is off fighting, leaving her and her daughter in the General's care. Dan's affection for her continues to deepen until her husband unexpectedly returns and Dan flee's instead of trying to win her for himself.

Dan is thrown in with some people who are sympathetic to the crown and go about trying to circumvent the actions of the patriots. Anything from passing counterfeit money, to counting troops and guns, to even passing covert messages. Dan is not really a Tory and not really a rebel, doing only what he see's that will benefit himself. But, he begins to realize that his love for the young woman won't go away as he tries to free her from her terrible husband. He switches sides to protect her and becomes an accidental hero.

My Thoughts:

The Accidental Spy by J.R. Lindermuth is a novel set during the Revolutionary War. Being a big history buff, I was really interested to see how this would play out. Dan McCracken was an interesting character. A thief, a charlatan, a con-man who is eventually turned around by the love of a woman and becomes a hero in the process. Dan was a man with his wits about him, he was a man who loved having fancy clothes and things, but when he meets the love of his life he is so changed that he forgets to think of himself and thinks only of protecting and taking care of her and her child. I liked how the character developed throughout the book.

The Accidental Spy is not a long book and doesn't require the reader to think deeply about the subject. It is a great light read, set in an interesting time period. The author did a lot research to bring the story to life. The characters were interesting and it was easy to see the loyalty to the cause on both sides of the conflict. I enjoyed this book and recommend my readers, who are history enthusiasts, check it out.

The Accidental Spy by J.R. Lindermuth is available now from Amazon!

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Reminder: May Comment Giveaway

This is just a reminder, to let you know you only have one more day to enter the comment giveaway for the month of May. You can look about half way down the page on my sidebar and find where it says 2010 Challenge Progress Book Lists and find a master list of the reviews I have finished for this year. Thank-You for participating!

Video Series: The Pearls of the Stone Man

Today, I want to introduce you to a novel by, Edward Mooney Jr., called The Pearls of the Stone Man. I'm going to do this one a little bit differently. There are five video's based on the novel and the town it is written about, Pine Mountain, California. I will be posting one video every Saturday. When we have completed the video series, I will post my review of the novel and have a giveaway for three copies of the book provided by the publisher.

Here is a summary of the book, courtesy of Flipkart.com :

A Promise made.
A Love that will Last Forever.

If you've ever loved someone to the depth of your being, someone who for one reason or other needed to move on, you know the power of a parting wish. The story of Joseph and Anne, his wife of fifty-three years, is the story of just such a wish-one that only true love could try to achieve. And for Joseph the strength to build the stone wall-a special reminder from Anne's childhood-will take him places he never expected and that you will never forget.

The Pearls of the Stone Man takes us beyond generations and our own stone walls to the very humanity that unites us all-and shows us the incredible power of one couple's love to last beyond parting and forever change the lives of those they touched.

"Mooney writes such a compelling story that it must be read word for word all the way to the end."
-Antelope Valley Press

"It's a very gentle tale, but it has an extraordinary power."
-S. Rubin, Fast Carrier Pictures

What Readers are Saying:

"This is by far one of the best books that I have ever read."

"Mooney is a masterful storyteller."

"Mooney creates a beautiful portrait of a relationship. 5 stars."

"A simple and profound message."

"After you start reading this book, just try to put it down "

Here is some more information about the author, Edward Mooney Jr.

Edward Mooney, Jr., was born in Massachusetts and raised in Tustin, California. After receiving degrees from Montana State University and the University of California at Riverside he worked as a computer analyst until becoming a high school teacher in 1988. Edward currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Carrie, and their five children.

The first episode in our video series is called, The Letter

Review: The Chase

My Synopsis:

The Chase (Isaac Bell series - Book 1) by Clive Cussler

(Audio book from the Library)

In 1950 a rusty locomotive is raised from the depths of a Montana Lake. But how did it get there?

In 1906, Isaac Bell, a detective with the Van Dorn detective agency, was charged with finding the elusive, Butcher Bandit. The Bandit had been robbing banks and killing any witnesses to the crimes for over two years. Though, Bell is one of Van Dorn's best agents he is up against his worst foe. The Bandit is cunning and ruthless. He plans each robbery with precision and cold calculation. Blending in with the townspeople and then disappearing as if he was never there. Leaving no witnesses to identify himself, he feels invincible.

Bell and his cronies find clues that others have left behind. He soon finds out that the bandit is missing a finger and probably has red hair. He meets a mysterious woman, who appears to be a spy and is eventually led to San Francisco in search of the bandit. Meanwhile the bandit continues to rob and murder as if he is oblivious to the attention of the agents. How is the bandit escaping so easily? Who is the mysterious woman? Where will he strike next? Bell must figure out this and a lot more if he intends to catch the Butcher Bandit.

My Thoughts:

This was my first experience with Clive Cussler, though I had often heard of him. Being a history buff a book set around the great San Francisco earthquake and fire, was very interesting to me. This book was fast paced and really kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It was definitely what I would call an historical thriller adventure with fast cars and fast trains, beautiful women, a little romance and whole lot of crime solving. I was enthralled from the first chapter.

Cussler's attention to detail was phenomenal. He was able to set the scene so perfectly you almost felt like you were there when the trains were racing across the country, or inside the ornate ballroom where Bell danced with Margret Cromwell. I found the main character, Isaac Bell a really interesting sort. He was a man of means, and did not need a job to support himself, but he loved to solve crimes and put criminals behind bars. A gentleman, with a touch of rogue in him. The villain was interesting as well. Even though he eventually got all the money he needed, he continued to rob and kill because of the thrill it gave him to outwit those trying to capture him.

The Chase is available now from your favorite bookseller!

I really enjoyed this audio book and I will give it 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is some more information about the author, Clive Cussler.

Author, Adventurer, Car Collector Extraordinaire

Clive Cussler, the Grand Master of the American action adventure novel, grew up in Alhambra, California. He later attended Pasadena City College for two years, but then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War where he served as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer in the Military Air Transport Service. Upon his discharge, he became a copywriter and later creative director for two of the nation's leading ad agencies. At that time, he wrote and produced radio and television commercials that won numerous international awards one at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Cussler began writing in 1965 and published his first novel featuring Dirk Pitt® in 1973. His first non-fiction work, THE SEA HUNTERS, was released in 1996. Because of this work the Board of Governors of the Maritime College, State University of New York considered THE SEA HUNTERS in lieu of a Ph.D. thesis and awarded Cussler a Doctor of Letters degree in May of 1997. It was the first time since the College was founded in 1874 that such a degree was bestowed.

As THE SEA HUNTERS and THE SEA HUNTERS II relate, Cussler is the founder the National Underwater & Marine Agency, (NUMA) a 501C3 non-profit organization that dedicates itself to American maritime and naval history. Cussler and his crew of marine experts and NUMA volunteers have discovered over 60 historically significant underwater wreck sites. After verifying their finds, NUMA turns the rights to the artifacts over to non-profits, universities, or government entities all over the world. Some of these finds include the C.S.S. Hunley, best known as the first submarine to sink a ship in battle; the Housatonic, the ship the Hunley sank; the U-20, the U-boat that sank the Lusitania; the Cumberland, sunk by the famous ironclad, Merrimack; the Confederate raider Florida; the Navy airship, Akron; the Republic of Texas Navy warship, Zavala, found under a parking lot in Galveston, Texas; and the remains of the Carpathia, the valiant ship that braved icebergs to rescue the survivor's of the Titanic. In addition to being Chairman of NUMA, Cussler is a fellow in both the Explorers Club of New York and the Royal Geographic Society in London. He has also been honored with the Lowell Thomas Award for outstanding underwater exploration.

A noted collector of classic automobiles, Cussler owns 85 of the finest examples of custom coachwork and 50's convertibles to be found anywhere. They are garaged near Golden, Colorado. Today, Cussler divides his time between the mountains of Colorado and the deserts of Arizona.

Cussler's books are published in more than 40 languages in more than 100 countries with a readership of more than 125 million avid fans.

Giveaway: The Last Christian

I have one copy of, The Last Christian by David Gregory to give away to one winner. The rules are pretty simple!

1.) You must be a follower of this blog.

2.) You must leave a comment on this post.

3.) You must leave your e-mail address in your comment.

4.) The deadline for this giveaway is midnight, June 12th (EST.)

5.) This giveaway is for U.S. addresses only!

Anyone how has won a giveaway lately from Debbie's Book Bag, please be patient you will receive your books. Money has been a bit of an issue lately, but not to worry, things are looking up!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.) +5 for following me on twitter @justpeachy36

2.) +5 for being an old follower

3.) +3 for being a new follower

4.) +5 for commenting on my review here.

5.) +5 for adding the giveaway to your sidebar

6.) +10 for getting the word out about this giveaway, on either twitter, Facebook or a post on your blog.

Please leave ALL of your entries in one comment and leave links to places you have announced the giveaway.

Review: The Last Christian

My Synopsis:

The Last Christian by David Gregory

(For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

Abigail Caldwell has lived all of her life in a remote jungle area of Papua, New Guinea. Her parents were missionaries to the Inisi tribe, when the government decided that the Inisi would be cut off from the outside world in order to preserve their way of life. For 34 years, Abigail has had no contact with her other family in the United States. Due, to a freak disease, Abigail is forced to leave the jungle in search of help for her dying village, but what she finds when she emerges from the jungle will shock and amaze her.

During her absence from civilization, the United States has completely turned away from God and is no longer a Christian nation. After hearing a message from her grandfather, one of the top neuroscientists in the country, urging Abigail that she may be the last hope for reintroducing Christianity to the U.S., Abigail embarks on a quest to re-establish Christianity. When she meets a young professor, Creighten Daniels who is searching for answers about his fathers suicide, they realize that new artificial brains being developed has something to do with the mystery of Creighten's father as well as the demise of Christianity. Will Abigail be able to find the secret of her grandfather's cryptic message? Will she and Creighten find love despite their differing views? Will Abby be able to re-introduce Christianity or will she be, The Last Christian?

My Thoughts:

The Last Christian was a very interesting book. It's kind of Christian Fiction meets Science Fiction. Not only did you have issues of faith and carrying out the great commission as a theme for this book, but there was artificial intelligence and political intrigue mixed in. It was a very interesting premise and one that makes a lot of sense. With some many advancements in technology the idea of an "artificial brain" is not that far off base. It has always been a goal of the human mind to find the "fountain of youth" or ways to prolong life, this book takes it one step further to being able to sustain life indefinitely.

One of the things that I found really interesting was the lecture that Creighten gave his students about the reasons for the fall of Christianity. I think David Gregory really hit in on the head with these ideas. It was like looking into the future and seeing the direction that our country is going in, eerie and scary kind of stuff. It was a great book and I recommend it to readers of Christian Fiction as well as Science Fiction. I liked it a lot.

I will be posting a giveaway for one copy of The Last Christian later this evening!

If you'd like to try out, The Last Christian here is an excerpt from Chapter One.

The Last Christian is available now from Random House.

Here is a copy of the book trailer for, The Last Christian.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 4 apples from my book bag!

Review: What Happened To My Life?

My Synopsis:

What Happened to My Life? Finding New Passion, Purpose, and Joy by Danna Demetre

(For review from Revell)

What Happened to My Life? is two books rolled into one. Part 1 of the book, written by speaker and life coach, Danna Demetre, allows the reader a chance to look inside themselves and see what's going on. Are you miserable and don't know why? You'll find out what your misery factor is and what may be causing it. Are you having trouble balancing everything in your life? Demetre will help you understand that you can't give and give and give and not take time for yourself and your relationship with God. Do you have habits that are sabotaging your life? Bad habits may be hard to break, but if you put good things into your life, you'll get good things out of it. Are you discontent? Do you just want something different? Is what you have not enough? This section will open your eyes into how your mind is working and what is causing your discontentment.

Part 2 of the book lets readers in on the secret of contentment. In one section it gives the stories of six women who have faced many different things in their lives and have still learned to be content within those circumstances. From, being childless, to being single, to starting over after a divorce, these women have learned to be content even in the midst of turmoil. Part 3 of the book is a 40-day journey where Demetre helps the reader to slow down and make good choices, to have realistic expectations, to choose good things to put into your mind and heart and pursue God.

My Thoughts:

I was somewhat skeptical about this book when I first got it. I have been a Christian for 25 years and I felt that I had a lot of knowledge about the Bible and what was in it. But, I've learned lately that God is always trying to teach me new things and this book was no different. God used it to bring some things into focus for me. I want a life that is has joy and passion and purpose. I don't want to be discontent in my Christian life. I even talked to my oldest daughter about some of the things in this book. She is 12 and we talked a lot about what kinds of things we allow into our lives, through television, radio, video games etc. and how some of this stuff probably isn't good for us.

I felt like I really learned something by reading this book. It was not a book you could read quickly, it's one of those that takes a bit of digesting. I did a lot of thinking about what I was reading, but if a book makes a difference in your life in any way, it's worth the time. I was moved by the book and believe that other readers will be too. The 40-day devotional portion of the book is wonderful. If you take this journey you will be changed by the end of it.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is some more information about the author, Danna Demetre.

Self-described as a continuous “work in progress”, Danna has learned how to find deep satisfaction by putting first things first in each area of her life. A survivor of marital infidelity, the heartbreak of rebellious children, the paralysis of unrelenting panic attacks and prolonged bondage to food, she has personally discovered that God’s Word is truly “living and active and more powerful than a two-edged sword.” In fact, that “sword” is much like a precision surgical knife that when turned on ourselves excises the lies we believe and replaces them with truth.

A popular international conference and retreat speaker, Danna has a passion for encouraging others with these life-changing truths. It is her desire to help them dig beneath the surface to find greater balance and purpose in all the dimensions of their lives. Years of mentoring and teaching have earned her the reputation of being the “Christian Woman’s Total Life Coach”.

In 1996, in response to her desire for unchurched and unsaved women to hear about Christ, Danna founded a ministry called “Women of Purpose”. This dynamic outreach ministry has produced over 55 events at local hotels to provide an opportunity for Christian women to share their faith with friends, family and co-workers in a “non-church” setting. Danna loves partnering with women’s ministry leaders to host outreach events in their own churches using the very effective model of Women of Purpose.

Simply Marvelous Monday (23)

Shelia, at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's here at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know... What are you reading???

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

What Happened to My Life? Finding New Passion, Purpose and Joy by Danna Demetre (For review from Revell)

The Last Christian by David Gregory (For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

The Chase (Isaac Bell series - Book 1) by Clive Cussler (Audio book from the Library)

The Accidental Spy by J.R. Lindermuth (E-book for review from the Author)

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country (Zan-Gah series - Book 2) by Allan Richard Shickman (For review from Earthshaker Books)

It was a good week this week for reading. I finished most of what I wanted to accomplish this week. I will be starting a new E-book and Audio book probably next week. Since this week is pretty full with review books. I hope to have a very good reading week. I've got a big list!

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

The Gamble (Loss of Certainty series - Book 2) by T.P. Jones (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity

The Wolf Next Door (The Westfield Wolves series - Book 3) by Lydia Dare (For review from Sourcebooks)

Freedom's Call by John Walker (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

Captain Bonny Morgan: The Cassandra Prophecy by Robert "Doc" Gowdy (For review from Pump Up Your Book Promotions)

Never Let You Go by Erin Healy (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

I know it's a big list, but lately that's been working out for me. If I am careful and get a certain amount done every day I can finish them all on time. We'll see how it goes. Next week I will pick out a new E-book and Audio book to begin.

UP NEXT:

Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson (For review from Hachette Book Group)

I usually only choose one up next selection because I'm never sure which ones will be next.

Review: Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

My Synopsis:

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country (Zan-Gah series - Book 2) by All Richard Shickman

(For review from Earthshaker Books)

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country picks up some time after the first book ends. Zan-Gah has married the grand-daughter of Aniah, a great man within the Ba-Coro tribe. His brother, Dael is still suffering from the effects of his captivity with the Noi people. He has married the healer, Lissa-Na, and she is able to keep him calm for a time. When she dies during child birth. Dael loses both his wife and child and is plunged deeper into depression and dark thoughts.

Dael convinces Zan-Gah and his wife Pax, along with some other friends to try to find the source of the river Nobla, something he has always been fascinated by. But, as he nears the land of occupied by their enemies the Wasp People, Dael becomes more and more adamant about seeing what the Wasp people are up to. Zan-Gah is hesitant but finally goes along with Dael, knowing he isn't exactly in his right mind. They are stunned to find that the Wasp people have succumbed to disease and have died out, except for one woman.

Zan-Gah encourages the rest of the Ba-Coro tribe to make the long arduous journey to the country of the Wasp people which Zan-Gah calls the Beautiful Country, because of it's abundance of food and grasses. It is just what his people need to have an easier existence. But, will Dael's condition cause problems for the Ba-Coro? Will Zan-Gah's hidden love for the deceased Lissa-Na threaten his marriage to Pax? Will Dael finally recover from his mental anguish?

My Thoughts:

This is the second adventure of Zan-Gah. It is a great YA adventure that appeals to adults as well. It may be more suited to boys than girls, since it is an adventure story, but I think it will definitely draw in both. In this book we Zan-Gah becoming a man of importance within the tribe he was able to unite in the first book. They listen to him when suggests a big move and follow his guidance. Dael is still a very big influence in his life and it is hard for him to choose between protecting his brother or his tribe.

We also see him struggle in his marriage as he decides where his loyalties lie. Dael continues to plague Zan-Gah at every turn. He has even gone so far as to distinguish himself physically from Zan-Gah. This book basically continued the same themes from the first book, but delved a bit more into maturity and making hard decisions.

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Review: Bible Jumbles For Kids

My Synopsis:

Bible Jumbles for Kids by Christopher Hudson

(For review from Tyndale)

There are many kinds of jumble puzzles. Christopher Hudson has put together a remarkable assortment of jumbles for kids ages 8 and over, that are based on the Bible. With over 200 puzzles, this book will have your kids not only having fun, but learning more about the Bible in the process. There are six different types of puzzles in the book:

• Traditional Jumbles
• Mystery Person Jumbles
• Jumble Detective
• Jumble Criss-Cross
• Find the Jumbles
• Bible Passage Jumbles

Each Jumble relates to a specific passage of the Bible, which is noted at the top of the puzzle page. Kids can read the passage indicated and get a better understanding of a great Bible story as well as getting clues to finding the answers to the jumble they are working on. Hudson has taken the idea of teaching through fun activities to another level with this collection of puzzles.

My Thoughts:

This isn't normally the type of book that review for my blog, but my daughters ages 10 and 12 love Jumbles. This collection of Bible Jumbles had a two fold purpose in my opinion. Not only were they having fun trying to figure out the clues, but they were getting some instruction from the Bible at the same time. I am a great supporter of things that keep the mind focused on things it should be focused on and not mischief, LOL!

I completed several of the puzzles from each section of the book and felt like they were definitely age appropriate. They were not super easy, which is a benefit. I want my girls to have to think a little bit and use their minds. The most enjoyable ones for me were the Mystery Person Jumbles, but my daughters liked the Traditional Jumbles best. All in all it was great book of puzzles with a great theme.

Bible Jumbles for Kids is available NOW!

I will give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! Top notch as far as puzzle books go!

Giveaway: Life, In Spite of Me

I have one copy of, Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson to give away to one winner. The rules are pretty simple!

1.) You must be a follower of this blog.

2.) You must leave a comment on this post.

3.) You must leave your e-mail address in your comment.

4.) The deadline for this giveaway is midnight on June 5th.

5.) This giveaway is for U.S addresses only! (sorry, money is an issue sometimes)

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1.) +5 for following me on twitter @justpeachy36

2.) +5 for being an old follower

3.) +3 for being a new follower

4.) +5 for commenting on my review here.

5.) +5 for adding the giveaway to your sidebar

6.) +10 for getting the word out about this giveaway, on either twitter, Facebook or a post on your blog.

Please leave ALL of your entries in one comment and leave links to places you have announced the giveaway.

This is a great book with a very inspiring story about Life after you've made some pretty awful mistakes.

Review: Life, In Spite of Me

My Synopsis:

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer

(For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

Kristen Anderson grew up in an average home, on an average street in an average town. But, she wasn't an average girl. She had the picture perfect life it seemed to people on the outside, but inside she was screaming for help. The death of her grandmother and the suicide of a close friend, weigh heavily on her mind and heart. She is raped at a party and cannot even bring herself to tell her friends or her parents. Everything seems out of control, but when she doesn't come one night, her parents are frantic to try to do something about her behavior and decide to ground her indefinitely.

Kristen is so distraught from all of heartache she has suffered that she makes a choice that will change her life forever. She decides to take her own life by lying down on the railroad track in front of an oncoming train. 38- freight cars running at over 55 mph run over Kristen and still she lived to tell the story. Both of her legs were severed and she had to re-evaluate everything in her life. Still fighting bouts with depression and suicidal thoughts Kristen finds God and starts to make over her life. She realizes that she has been focused on herself when she should have been focused on him. Kristen uses her story to teach young adults, teens and even adults about suicide and how to prevent it. What to look for, how to find more in life than just the pain.

My Thoughts:

Kristen's story is dramatic and gripping. She writes from that honest place inside herself that wants to help people who may be suffering what she went through. God chose to let Kristen live because He had a greater plan for her life even though it took her awhile to find it. He was always right there waiting. One of my favorite parts of the book talked about how she had to find a way to let God, be her best friend. That really struck a cord in me. We tell our best friends everything, we lean on them when we need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. We ask their advice and we listen. Thats how I want my relationship to be with God. I want him to be my best friend.

She also talked about she how she had been focusing so much on herself, because she felt like that's what she needed to do to get better, when in reality she needed to be focused on something else. In this case that something else was God. She surrounded herself with a good church family and people who were putting God first in their lives and she began to see great changes in her own life. Kristen's website "Reaching You Ministries" has helped numerous people who suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. She is a brilliant speaker and a great writer.

Here are a few other interesting things from Kristen Anderson and Waterbrook Multnomah.

Here is a link to the video trailer for Life, In Spite of Me!

And here is a link to download an excerpt from Life, In Spite of Me.

This book was very moving. It's the kind of story that you don't forget about when you put the book down.

Life, In Spite of Me is available NOW from Waterbrook Multnomah.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag! Check back later in the day, for your chance to win a copy of Life, In Spite of Me, by Kristen Anderson.

Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 1

My Synopsis & Thoughts:

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 1: Sunrise in the West by Edith Pargeter

(For review for the Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club)

I am privileged to be able to take part in the Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club. During this summer we will be reading and reviewing, The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter. This is a lengthy novel at over 800 pages, which is divided into four parts. Each month between May and August several different bloggers will review the same section of the book and post their reviews.

There will also be a chat about that section of the book on a specific blog each month. This month's chat for the first section of The Brothers of Gwynedd, "Sunrise in the West" will take place on Monday, May 24th, from 7pm-9pm at Passages to the Past and will be hosted by Amy. If you have read this section of the book or want to become more informed about it, please join us for the chat. I will be posting the schedule of reviews for the first section, "Sunrise in the West" following my review. Please feel free to visit the other blogs and see what they thought of this part of the book.

"Sunrise in the West" is the first part of The Brothers of Gwynedd and focuses on setting the scene for the book and introducing us to the characters. This section is told through the eyes of, Samson a young boy who comes to manhood in the service of four brothers, Owen Goch, Llewelyn, Rhodri and David. This is a dramatic time in the history of Wales. The country of Wales is at war with itself as well as the English crown.

With their father and oldest brother, Owen Goch imprisoned, brothers Rhodri and David flee with their mother, Lady Senena into the protection of the English king Henry III. Llewelyn, the second brother refuses to join them and comes to adulthood in Wales with his Uncle. Llewelyn has a dream of seeing a united Wales under one prince, who can withstand the English. As the book progresses we not only follow the story of the history of Wales, but a story within a story about the life of Samson and his great loyalty to Llewelyn and his cause.

For me, this was one of the best parts of the book. I am a history buff and studied history in college and was very impressed at how Edith Pargeter used the history and legend of the first prince of Wales as a backdrop for a very well written novel. Samson's story for some reason reminded me a lot of Ken Follett's, Pillars of the Earth, just the feel of the story and the style of writing. It is very informative and deeply rooted in history which allows the reader to not only be entertained, but educated as well.

"Sunrise in the West" follows the four brothers as Owen Goch returns to Wales and with Llewelyn rules over Gwynedd. When Rhodri and David return to Wales they are given substantial holdings within Gwynedd but not to the extent of the first two brothers. This eventually causes strife and dissension between the brothers and before they can take on Henry III they must fight each other. With Wales finally united under Llewelyn, it was time to take back what the English had taken from them.

In the final scenes of part one, Llewelyn is crowned the prince of Wales and the English are vanquished for a time. David the younger brother is still not completely in Llewelyn's corner and we sense that trouble is still to come between them. Owen Goch is locked away by Llewelyn to prevent any more betrayals. Rhodri seems to be only a minor character at this point. Samson has gone through many changes, finds the love of his life and loses her, finds out who his family is but is unable to approach them. Buries both his mother and his step father and has stayed true to Llewelyn and his dream.

I look forward to part two, "Dragon at Noonday," in order to see what will happen next to Wales and to the brothers and Samson. This is a very well researched novel and very well written, though is does take time to read. It is not a light read and is chalk full of history. If you are a history buff, a person interested in Wales or a fan of books that are written in the style of , Pillars of the Earth you will love this book.

I give this one a definite 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is the schedule of reviews and other blogs that are participating in the Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club:

May 17th reviews: (Direct link to The Brothers of Gwynedd reviews)

The Burton Review

The Bibliophilic Book Blog

Rundpinne

A Reader's Respite

History Undressed

Linda Blanche Blog

A Hoyden's Look at Literature

Renee's Reads

May 18th reviews: (Direct link to The Brothers of Gwynedd reviews)

Between The Pages

The Broken Teepee

Books and Coffee

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff (main page)

Passages to the Past

The Book Faery

A Girl Walks into a Bookstore

Martha's Bookshelf

May 19th reviews: (Check out these blogs after the review posts)

Beth Fish Reads

Book Tumbling

Debbie's Book Bag

A Work in Progress

Stiletto Storytime

Queen of Happy Endings

May 20th reviews: (Check out these blogs after the review posts)

The Literate Housewife

Reading Adventures

Books Like Breathing

Kailana's Written World

Confessions of a Muse in the Fog

Wendy's Minding Spot

Mrs. Q Book Addict

The Life and Lies of an Inanimate Flying Object

Starting Fresh

May 21st reviews: (Check out these blogs after the review posts)

Loving Heart Mommy

Peeking Between the Pages

Celtic Lady's Ramblings

Bookfoolery

One Literature Nut

The Book Tree

My Reading Room

May 23rd reviews: (Check out these blogs after the review posts)

Carla Nayland's Blog

Review: This Fine Life

My Synopsis:

This Fine Life by Eva Everson

(For review from Revell)

Mariette Puttnam had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. Her parents had everything planned out for her. Her mother wanted her marry a wealthy man and her father wanted her to go to college, but in the summer of 1955 Mariette finds her own answer. When she unexpectedly meets a young man named, Thayne Scott, Mariette, begins to feel the stirring of first love. Though her parents forbid her to continue to see Thayne, they cannot stay apart for long and end up eloping.

Marriette was brought up in church but had never had a personal relationship with God. Her best friend Missy and now her husband, Thayne both seem to have something that she cannot understand. When Thayne announces that he called to preach and will attend seminary, Mariette is shaken and continues to feel like she is on the outside looking in at faith. Mariette isn't much of a cook, and she isn't what most people expect for a preacher's wife. When Thayne's first assignment lands them in an out of the way town, Mariette soon learns what it means to be watched by everyone. Will Mariette find out what faith in God is all about? Will she ever become what people expect from a preacher's wife? Will she ever find out if she has a fine life?

My Thoughts:

In this coming of age novel, Eva Everson does a wonderful job of showing her readers what it was like to grow up in the South during this time period. One of the things that I truly enjoyed about the book was how the author was able to make you feel like you had gone back in time to the old diner's with soda jerks and slices of pie. When living in a small town meant you knew everyone and they all knew you. You couldn't get away with anything back in those days, someone inevitably would call your parents and rat you out, LOL...

Mariette is a character that I can identify with. She matures so much throughout the book. When we first meet her is just out of boarding school and not at all certain what she wants to do with her life. When she meets Thayne, a mail clerk in her father's factory, it isn't a match her parents would have chosen. But, their love for each wins out. We see first love, and how the first years of marriage are such an eye opener. We go with Mariette and Thayne as the get their first apartment and struggle with money. We see everything that they go through as they become mature adults and find out what a fine life is really all about. The author uses many themes in this novel including, the expectations that others have for us and finding your own faith that is not based on other people.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I enjoy the book very much and give it 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is some more information about the author, Eva Everson.

Eva Marie Everson grew up in rural Georgia just outside of Savannah and currently lives in Central Florida. She taught Old Testament theology for six years at Life Training Center in Longwood, Florida and has written numerous articles for Crosswalk.com (including the acclaimed Falling Into The Bible), and has had articles featured in Christian Bride Magazine, Christian Retailing Magazine, The Godly BusinessWoman and Marriage Partnership magazines. Eva Marie has been interviewed by a number of media outlets including radio, television, newspaper, magazines, and the Internet. In 2002 Eva Marie was one of six Christian journalists sent to Israel for a special ten-day press tour. She was forever changed.

Eva Marie's work includes award winning books such as: Shadow of Dreams, The Potluck Club, and Sex, Lies, and the Media. She has over 20 titles to her credit. Eva Marie is a graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary. She won AWSAs very first Member of the Year Award in 2002. She is the past president of Word Weavers, one of the fastest growing Christian writers groups in the US. She is a graduate of CLASS and a member of several writer's organizations. Both an international and national speaker, her passion is helping others to hear the heartbeat of God.

Teaser Tuesday (22)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser this week comes from, What Happened to My Life? Finding New Passion, Purpose and Joy, page 83.

"Before you can cultivate the habit of walking in the Spirit, you must make an important decision. Do you want to live to glorify God or gratify yourself? I guess I've asked the same question three or more ways in this chapter. The reality is, we need to address it each new day because born-again believers continually struggle with the choice to serve God or to serve self."

Review: Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure

My Synopsis:

Zan-Gah (Zan-Gah series - Book 1) by Allan Richard Shickman

(For review from Earthshaker Books)

Zan, a young prehistoric boy gets respect from his clan when he kills a lion that attacks him. But, his spirit is troubled because of the disappearance of his twin brother, Dael. The two boys could not have been more different. Zan, the serious, quiet brother, while Dael was boisterous and happy all the time. Zan embarks on a quest to find his missing brother, who he somehow knows is still alive. Zan encounters other clans of his own people who they are constantly fighting and learns information that may help him.

Zan travels great distances and must face many obstacles in his search for Dael. He learns to make weapons of his own and becomes a man. When he finds Dael, is it not what he expects. Dael, is much changed due to his captivity. His spirit seems to have been almost destroyed and Zan is unsure how to help him. A young healer, Lissa-Na helps them to escape back to their home and it is obvious that she may be the only help to restore Dael's peace. After their return home, Zan must try to unite his homeland clans against a common enemy and become one clan and one nation instead of fighting amongst themselves. Will Dael find peace? Will the clans unite? Will Zan's love for Lissa-Na remain a secret?

My Thoughts:

Zan-Gah is a prehistoric adventure for pre-teens and teens. It is a short book that is easy to read and has a great story line. I think this is the type of book that would appeal to not only the YA audience but also to adults. When we first meet Zan he is a young boy, but as the story unfolds we see him grow and mature into a man. He has a great spirit about him, strong and intelligent, as he learns to fashion weapons for himself and find shelter and food, during his search for his brother.

Zan seems to understand that the tribes and clans of his own people would survive better together against common enemies than fighting amongst themselves. He gains a lot of respect from the lion hunt and from his rescue of Dael and is able to lead his people into becoming a new and united people under a new name and with a new purpose.

This book deals with several themes, one of them being the bonds between twins, which we see in Zan and Dael's relationship. Another theme would be putting aside your differences for the common good, seen in how the clans must come together to fight the wasp people.

I believe this book could easily be used by reading groups in schools or as an advanced reading book for middle and high schoolers. But, I think the best benefit would just be pleasure and getting kids interested in reading through adventure. Zan-Gah is definitely a book my daughters (ages 10 and 12) would enjoy. The author, Allan Richard Shickman has done a great job of creating a story that will appeal to all ages.

Look for my review of Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country later in the week. Both books in the series are available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is some more information about the author, Allan Richard Shickman.

ZAN-GAH author Allan Richard Shickman conceived Zan's adventure after thousands of miles of travel through mountains, deserts and forest land. The idea for this exciting story was born in a cave deep beneath the earth— in the company of hundreds of bats.

Allan is an artist, teacher, actor, author, historian, gardener, and former Boy Scout. He has published articles in The Art Bulletin, Art History, English Literary Renaissance, Studies in English Literature: 1500-1900, Notes and Queries, andColby Quarterly. He was also Art and Music Bibliographer for Shakespeare Quarterly. He has had many letters in various newspapers, including a dozen inThe New York Times. Allan taught the history of art at the University of Northern Iowa for three decades. He now lives and writes in St. Louis.

Simply Marvelous Monday (22)

Shelia at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's here at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know... What are you reading???

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

This Fine Life by Eva Everson (For review from Revell)

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristin Jane Anderson (For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 1: Sunrise in the West by Edith Pargeter (For review from Sourcebooks) (Part of the Sourcebooks Summer Reading Club)

Brighid's Quest (Partholon series - Book 2) by P.C. Cast (For review from Harlequin Teen)

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure (Zan-Gah series - Book 1) by Allan Richard Shickman (For review from Earthshaker Books)

I had a good reading week and felt like a accomplished quite a bit. Updating you my progress with the e-book and audio book. I finished Brighid's Quest and I'll get to start a new e-book this week. My audio book is The Chase (Isaac Bell series - Book 1) by Clive Cussler and I made some progress on that this week. I am now on chapter 15, so I'm moving right along on that one as well. I'm looking forward to posting my first review from, The Brothers of Gwynedd and I really enjoyed Brighid's Quest, my first book by P.C. Cast.

I'm usually always reading a print book, an e-book and listening to an audio book. But, just because I start one this week, doesn't mean I'll finish it. However, I will keep you up to date on my progress. Audio books are usually just for pleasure for me, so they take a backseat to books I have for review. My goal is to finish at least two books a week.

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

What Happened to My Life?: Finding New Passion, Purpose and Joy by Danna Demetre (For review from Revell)

The Last Christian by David Gregory (For review from Waterbrook Multnomah)

The Wolf Next Door (The Westfield Wolves series - Book 3) by Lydia Dare (For review from Sourcebooks)

The Chase (Isaac Bell series - Book 1) by Clive Cussler (Audio book from the Library)

The Accidental Spy by J.R. Lindermuth (E-book for reivew from the author)

Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country (Zan-Gah series - Book 2) by Allan Richard Shickman (For review from Earthshaker Books)

I know, I know that looks like a really auspicious list... but The Chase, is just for pleasure and I doubt I will finish it this week, maybe next. Zan-Gah is not very long and I'm almost done with it now. The Accidental Spy doesn't have a time limit on when the review posts, so I'm Okay there. The top three are ones I need to definitely finish this week. We'll see how it goes!

UP NEXT:

The Gamble (The Loss of Certainty series - Book 2) by T.P. Jones (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

I usually choose only one up next selection as I never really know which one I'll read next!