Thursday, September 4, 2014

Where Courage Calls

We are introduced to Beth Thatcher in "Where Courage Calls".  Beth has lived her whole life in a safe place and has been well-provided for by her family.  She wanted for nothing.

A teaching opportunity arises in Coal Valley.  Coal Valley is a mining town where most of the men died in a mining accident.  The women and children left behind are grieving and struggle daily for their daily needs.  Beth finds ways to not only teach the children in the town, but to reach beyond herself and find ways to help the people in the town.   One thing is very apparent, Beth has a huge heart.

Beth also finds herself in deep thought about two different men.  One she has known her whole life, the other she met in her new journey.  They are both very respectable men.  What will Beth decide?

This is the first book that I have read authored by both Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan.  I found the tone of the book brought back the same warm feeling that accompanied Janette Oke's earlier books.  If you are a fan of Janette Oke... don't miss this great book.

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House Publishers.  This review is strictly my own opinions and views.  I was not paid for this review.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Death By The Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery)

Death By The Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) by Julianna Deering definitely kept my attention.  In this book, we are brought back into the world of Drew Farthering.  After the experience of the murders on his land, Drew was happy to finally have things settle down and hopefully announce his engagement.

Things did not go as Drew expected... another murder takes place.  It seems that despite his best efforts, Drew is drawn into helping solve the murders that take place.

What I loved about this book is that it kept me guessing.  Typically, I can figure out the plot of a book fairly quickly.  That was not the case with this book and it was amazing to be kept in suspense!  However, as much as I loved this book, I was not fond of the ending.  I felt like the author couldn't figure out how to end and just rushed the ending.  With that being said, I would still want to read the next book in this series!

I received Death By The Book (A Drew Farthering Mystery) complimentary from Baker Publishing Group. This review is strictly my views.

Get Your Teenager Talking

"Get Your Teenager Talking" by Jonathan McKee is a great book! It gives parents 180 Conversation Starters. I love how just asking one of these questions can lead to much more dialogue. I have a 13 year old and 11 year old. I think it will be perfect for them. The Conversation Starters can be adapted to fit your family and whatever ages your children are. You can always omit some questions, or add additional ones.

If you are like me, it is almost impossible to get a DETAILED answer to questions. Sometimes I long to have dialogue with my often closed-off son. I can see that these questions will be so beneficial. It is asking his OPINION on topics. If your kids are anything like mine, they won't mind giving their opinion at all. I have had to learn that it's ok for my children to have different opinions on me on world topics. I can't wait to start this book with my two tonight!

I was sent a complimentary of this book by Bethany House Publishers. I was in no way paid for this review. This review reflects my own opinions.