Review and Giveaway of Daughter Of Jerusalem By Joan Wolf

I received this book from Worthy Publishing free in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

She was a widow, a businesswoman, an adulteress.

In her lifetime, she knew murder, prejudice, and faith. She transformed from a Jewish girl longing for family to one of the closest friends of Jesus of Nazareth -- the Son of God.

HER NAME WAS MARY MAGDALENE.

In this fictionalized story of one of the Bible's most compelling women, New York Times best-selling author Joan Wolf beautifully recreates the history, romance, and tradition of Mary's world. Daughter of Jerusalem follows Mary's life from her first love through her loveless marriage, to the moment she heard of a miracle worker in her own town -- and ultimately to the moment she saw Him risen from the dead.

As this inspiring chronicle reminds us, Mary was the first to witness history's greatest moment. She was a woman who sought forgiveness for her sins, and a follower of God who yearned for a deeper faith. She was Jesus' beloved disciple. Read Mary Magdalene's story and find yourself in this remarkable woman's journey to discover the Kingdom of God.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Daughter of Jerusalem is the first book by Joan Wolf that I have had the opportunity to read.  Daughter of Jerusalem is a fictional story of Mary Magdalene's life from childhood until Jesus' death.  Joan Wolf writes a wonderful story of Mary Magdalene and her life.  From her childhood, Mary's life was a rough one. She was sent to live with her deceased Mother's sister and her family because of conflict with her stepmother. Mary had to leave her step siblings Martha and Lazarus.  Mary falls in love and is set to wed one of the men in her home until her Uncle decides to marry her off to a rich Jewish Man because of money.  Mary moves to live with him in Sepphoris, a place more Roman than Jewish.  Mary finds herself becoming Roman and very popular in the Roman circles. She becomes educated and finds herself in making decisions against her beliefs.  When tragedy strikes, Mary finds herself  heading back home to Bethany, to her step siblings. From there Mary finds her calling.

 

I really enjoyed this book. The story of Mary,Martha and Lazarus in the Bible have always been my favorite.  Joan Wolf writes this beautiful story that gives Mary this life that takes many twists and turns.  I found myself unable to put this book down once I started it.  I found myself filled with much emotion as I read this story.  The story Joan Wolf tells truly had me spellbound.  As I read this story I felt like I was right there watching everything unfold including Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection. As I read the story from the point of his arrest it reminded me of The Stations of The Cross. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! You will not be disappointed. I have found a new author for my Must Read List! I give this book 5 Stars

 

Giveaway!!

I have been given an extra copy of Daughter of Jerusalem to giveaway to someone. So to be entered into the giveaway I am asking for everyone to post a comment on here about their favorite story from the Bible or their favorite person from the Bible. I will draw a name randomly on Monday July 22,2013 in the evening. Please include your email address so I can contact you! Thank you for checking out my blog and my review!

Yesterday's Tomorrow By Catherine West

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:

She's after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He's determined to keep his secrets to himself.

Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they're forced to work together.

Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.



My Thoughts:

Yesterday's Tomorrow is the first book by Catherine West that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is also her debut book that won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader's Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards.  Kristin Taylor lost her father at the age of 12 when he was in Vietnam covering stories there.  As an adult, Kristin decides to head to Vietnam to cover the war, honor her father's memory, and hopefully find her brother, Teddy, who enlists.  Sparks fly when Kristin and Luke Maddox meet. They do not like one another from the start but they find themselves thrown together and eventually working together. As they work together, they learn more about one another and start to fall in love. 

Yesterday's Tomorrow is a fast paced, beautiful and haunting story that stays with the reader long after you finish it.  Catherine West puts readers right in the middle of the Vietnam War and the effects it had overseas and at home.  I could NOT put this book down. I found myself unable to pull myself out of this book or put it down. Catherine West writes with authority about Vietnam, the war, overseas correspondents, the soldiers, PTSD, and the aftermath.  The characters are very well written and I found myself invested in their lives.  I laughed and cried through this book. The emotions of the characters touched me deeply and the events in this book stayed with me long after I finished it.  Yesterday's Tomorrow is a wonderful story that pulls the reader in and holds on to them.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. I cannot wait to read more by Catherine West. I have found another new author for my list of must read authors.

 I give this book 5 Stars. 

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.

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! 

 

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 1^st, 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.

Domination: Book #3 in The C.H.O.A.S. Trilogy By Jon S. Lewis

I received this book from Booksneeze.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are solely mine.



Book Description:

Domination is book #3 in the C.H.A.O.S trilogy. Please note that certain plot points and characters might be a continuation from the prior books in the series.


Their goal is simple: total domination.
With six arms and jaws that can snap a man in two, the warmongering race of aliens known as the Thule has conquered every planet they’ve attacked.
And now their invasion of Earth has begun.
Humanity’s only hope springs from a mysterious Thule legend about a Betrayer, who they believe will rise up and destroy their people. The American government tried to manufacture their own Betrayer by injecting children with Thule blood but time after time the experiment failed . . . until Colt McAlister.
A decade later, Colt is a 16-year-old cadet at the CHAOS Military Academy where he’s training to defend mankind. But he’s afraid that the alien blood may be turning him into a Thule—and he’s beginning to suspect that fulfilling his role as the Betrayer may cost him everything.
Experience a cosmic battle filled with high-tech gear, gateways to other planets, and ultimate stakes. Not everyone will survive. But heroes will rise up and step into their destiny in this earth-shaking conclusion to the C.H.A.O.S trilogy.


My Thoughts:

Domination is Jon S. Lewiss third and final book in his C.H.O.A.S Series. I have had the joy of reading all three of these books, so it is bittersweet that this wraps up the series. Domination picks up where the second book, Invasion, leaves readers.  The earth is being invaded by aliens, Thules to be exact.  These six armed creatures are killing machines and they have spent years conquering other planets and now its Earth they have set their sights on. Colt McAlister is said to be "The Betrayer", who will rise up and destroy all the Thule. The government injected Cole and other children with Thule alien blood, hoping to create the legendary Betrayer, he fears that he might be turning more Thule than human. Cole's destiny as The Betrayer may cost him more than just his life - it could very well cost him his identity and his soul.  Colt is a 16 year old boy who lost both is parents and is living with his grandfather, the Original Phantom Flyer, a comic book character, who in real life did all the things the comics stated.  Colt has been asked to step into this Grandfather's shoes as the Phantom Flyer and save humanity. 


The C.H.O.A.S. Trilogy is a young adult science fiction dystopian series that follows CHAOS Military Cadet and teenage hero Colt McAlister as he continues to help fight the alien race that threatens to eradicate the Earth and wipe out humanity. Jon Lewis writes an action packed, suspenseful ending to this trilogy.  I could not put it down once I started reading.  The intense physical and emotional  action keeps you on your toes.  I do recommend reading the books in order, because there is a lot that is missed if you read them stand alone.  Jon Lewis does a good job to help readers not feel lost if they haven't read the others. It was great to follow up with old friends and meet new friends in this book and to see how they all turn out.  I truly enjoyed this series, even though it is not my typical reading material but from the beginning I was hooked.  If you enjoy Christian Fiction/Science Fiction, I highly recommend them.  They may be labeled young adult but don't let that dissuade you. I look forward to seeing what Jon S. Lewis has in store for us readers next.  I give this book 4 Stars.