Sunday, June 30, 2013

FORSAKEN DREAMS:Escape to Paradise Book 1 By MaryLu Tyndall

I received this book from MaryLu Tyndall for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?


My Thoughts: 

Forsaken Dreams is the first book for MaryLu Tyndall's I have had the pleasure of reviewing. Forsaken Dreams is a look at life in America after the Civil War. MaryLu Tyndall writes of the struggles and hardships caused by the war and also about the faith some had that was  so strong, even the hardships of leaving behind everything for a new life could stand up to.  Everyone aboard this ship are looking for a new life.  The passengers are a mix of different people: black and white, rich and poor, male and female. Everyone of them is trying to leave behind their old lives, old secrets, and old wounds.  On this journey, strange tragedies strike the crew and passengers. During these incidents some secrets come out about one of the passengers and they decide they are being "punished" because she is with them.  


Forsaken Dreams is an awesome story that I could not put down. From start to finish I found myself submerged in this story. The characters are well written and I found myself being able to relate to at least a few of them. MaryLu Tyndall writes with authority about the Civil War, sailing, pirates, and all the places our characters are from and going to.  As I read this story I felt like I was there watching the story happen. Forsaken Dreams has a little bit of everything: suspense, romance, heartbreak, and faith. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Afloat By Erin Healy

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Dark waters are rising. Who will stay afloat?
Architect Vance Nolan has crafted a marvel—shining apartments floating in the peaceful cove of a winding river. The project is partially occupied and about to make investors rich when a sinkhole gives way.
Torrential rains quickly flood the cove, leaving a handful of builders, investors, and residents cut off from the rest of the world.
The motley group is bitterly divided over how to survive.
Vance insists they wait for rescue. Developer Tony Dean wants to strike out into the darkness. And single-mom Danielle Clement, obligated to each man and desperate to protect her young son, Simeon, isn’t sure which one is wiser.
Power failure, an unnatural daytime darkness, explosions, and a murder expose hidden intentions and dark histories. Then Simeon spots something strange underwater—beautiful, shifting lights in the dark depths.
In this watery world, everyone’s secrets will eventually come to light. And deliverance may mean more than just getting out alive.
Another stunning exploration of the human spirit and supernatural possibilities from best-selling author Erin Healy.


My Thoughts

Afloat is one of the many books by Erin Healy I have had the pleasure of reading and each one gets better as she goes. In this recent story, Vance Nolan has built a one of a kind living situation, apartments floating in the water.  Intended to be housing for the poor/homeless but when money runs out and investors aren't interested his dream has to be adjusted.  Tony Dean, a developer, has interest but he wants them to be luxury apartments.  As they are finishing up work one afternoon, a sinkhole gives way and the area begins to flood.  The residents that live there are stuck there and doesn't seem to be a way out.  

Afloat is an awesome story. The story is very deep and there is so much more there than meets the eye. Erin Healy weaves a tale of redemption, forgiveness, love, loss, and the supernatural powers around us.  The characters are well written and very deep.  Erin Healy paints a vivid picture of the days this group is trapped together and the different ways people react to these circumstances.  As I read this story I truly felt like I was there with them experiencing this world. Afloat is another novel that really grabbed me and stuck with me after I finished it.  I am a huge fan of Erin Healy and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. This novel will not disappoint. I can't wait to read more from Erin Healy!
I give this novel 5 Stars! 

 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood:A Proven Game Plan For Raising Sons By John Croyle

I received this book from Shelton Interactive for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

 If you are the parent of a teenager, you are coming down to what former All-American and one of today's most respected child advocates John Croyle calls the two-minute drill. In football the last two minutes are crucial; the whole game builds to those moments that can determine the final outcome.

The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood is John's game plan that will help moms and dads make sure their sons are ready for authentic manhood. Based on Croyle's life and experience parenting more than 1,800 abused and neglected children on the Big Oak Ranch for Boys and Girls, as well as parenting his two biological children, he drills down into seven actionable life principles drawn from the word "manhood" itself:
M – Master
A – Ask and Listen
N – Never Compromise
H – Handle Responsibility
O – One Purpose
O – One Body
D – Don’t Ever, Ever, Ever Give Up
 
 
My Thoughts:
 
The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood is the first book by John Croyle I have had the pleasure to read. John Croyle writes with authority on raising sons to be men in today's society using teaching from the Bible.  Using an acronym with the letters in Manhood, he lays out 7 principles for our sons. As the mother of a boy this book truly convicted me in many things about raising my son to be a man.  I am hoping my husband will also read this wonderful book to help us bring our son through the fast approaching teenage years and beyond.  I highly recommend this book for anyone raising boys, moms or dads, Mother's Day or Father's Day.  I am reading this book a second time to help reinforce these seven principles and to make sure there isn't anything I missed.  Such a wonderful book.

The Condor's Song

I am currently reading this awesome novel "The Condor's Song" By Darryl Nyznyk. I am half way through it and WOW!

Darryl Nyznyk is also doing a promotion:
For every copy of the book purchased from Amazon on JULY 1st, Darryl will donate $1 to The Sierra Club.

Please check this out! An awesome book and an awesome cause!




                                           A Tale of Conservation, Betrayal and Murder

Lawyer-turned-author captivates readers with environmental legal thriller 

LOS ANGELES – Lawyers, and killers, and endangered birds? Oh my. This unusual combination sets the stage for a riveting legal thriller by best-selling author and former attorney, Darryl Nyznyk.
Guided by his experience in the legal arena and inspired by the 1960s and 70s Sierra Club battle with Walt Disney over a proposed ski resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nyznyk brings captivating realism to his newest novel, The Condor Song (June 2013).
Described as “The Verdict”, starring Paul Newman, meets John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, the book follows Sean Donovan, a new partner in a major law firm who lost everything when he took a costly ethical stand. Wifeless, jobless, and betrayed by his closest friend, Sean spends 13 years trying to find his way back.
Barely eking out a living on small cases, Sean’s redemption comes with the death of renowned environmentalist, Buck Anderson. When the dead man’s niece requests Sean’s help in resolving Buck’s last case with the Sierra Club, Sean happily accepts, but learns too late the opposition is his former law firm and the partner who betrayed him. He may have just signed his own death warrant.
Is Atticus Golden, the Disney-like developer against whose project Buck was working, connected to the Mexican Mafia and groups that would go to any lengths to protect their investments? As Sean gathers evidence against “Uncle Atti,” all signs lead to Buck’s murder. A battle to save a precious environmental resource turns into a classic struggle of good versus evil where a national treasure - and a man’s soul – is at stake.
The Condor Song is a gripping thriller that appeals to suspense lovers and environmentalists alike
“Writing this book, I was able to play with the things that I had been fascinated with for years: Disney, real estate development, the law, the Sierra Club and the environmental movement,” Nyznyk says.
DARRYL NYZNYK lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his wife, Loretta. After practicing law for 20 years, Nyznyk became a full-time writer and teacher. He is also the author of the holiday novel, Mary’s Son; A Tale of Christmas. For more information, please visit www.crossdovepublishing.com.

The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...