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Becs (244 KP) rated Foundations Of Faith in Books

Oct 2, 2019

Foundations Of Faith

Michael Chrobak | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Style: Light

Point of view: Third person

Difficulty reading: It was as easy as singing the ABC’s!

Promise: Foundations of Faith promises a compelling religious read that will have you answering questions about your own faith.

Quality: All around good read, wasn’t what I was expecting but would definitely reread again.

Insights: Usually when it comes to Fantasy style of books, I always think powers (spells), mythical creatures, places that don’t exist, etc. etc. Foundations of Faith didn’t really have the typical Fantasy aspect to it. Theresa and Thomas have ‘powers’ but they aren’t magical powers like a witch or wizard would have. But it was still a great read that will end up being reread a couple more times.

Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. One scene did come pretty darn close though. This scene: Thomas returns back from the retreat and finds out his mother is in the hospital and his father is in jail for putting his mother in the hospital. It’s never revealed how Thomas’s mother was hurt, and I would have definitely loved if that was explained better but then again this isn’t a Thriller so it’s also okay.

Favorite quote: “She shared how she had finally found God, not in the back of a church with hands held in prayer, but in the back of a police car with hands held in cuffs.” – I feel like this is a huge reason why most end up finding religion/ God. Something terrible or even life-threatening happens to them and they just start praying, see some signs and boom they now believe.

“As he walked, he felt the darkness behind him, following him. He swore he heard it whisper, “Run!” – Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping. And the vision that was planted in my brain still remains, within the sound of silence. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself 🙂

Aesthetics: I reallyyyyy dig the cover! It gives it that mystery horror feel even though there isn’t really any horror in Foundations of Faith. The chapter headings, awesome font. Great read. But that cover is just so aesthetically pleasing. 🙂

“The deeper the feelings of unworthiness dug into his heart, the darker the room became. It spread from the outside in, growing darker and more ominous with each new thought. He feared it would swallow him whole.”

Kudos

Sue (5 KP) rated Blessed Be the Wicked (Abish Taylor Mystery #1) in Books

Aug 13, 2018

Abish “Abbie” Taylor has been away from Utah and the quiet Mormon community she grew up in. After the passing of her husband, she has decided to the job of detective and come back home to reconnect with the family and community she left behind.

When the community is shaken by a death with the trademarks of sacred Mormon ritual dating back decades, Abbie is put on the case. She is faced with pressures from her father, the police chief, and others within the Church to keep to case quiet from the media. While trying to uncover the mystery, she also discovers that the power leaders within the Church would rather bury the truth then have it come to light.

Abbie is a strong character that is faced with finding the truth, but at the same time trying not to sacrifice her relationship with her family. She believes in her job and finding justice, but at what costs?
Having grown up in a different faith, I was fascinated by the author’s knowledgeable insight into the Mormon faith and teachings. I did not find the book preachy in any way and appreciated the conflict that she gave to the main character of Abbie.

Kudos

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated As Love Blooms (The Gregory Sisters, #3) in Books

Jan 2, 2019

Love blooms in Saint Paul's Como Park. But will the roots grow deep enough to survive life's challenges?

Tessa Gregory's dream of becoming a gardener seems impossible in 1913 at Como Park. She will go to any length to impress the superintendent of her abilities. When the handsome gardener Reese King offers to help her, will she risk it all, including her heart to win the favor she so desires?

I deeply enjoy reading Lorna Seilstad's books. They are so full of life and humor, but also deep with truths. As Love Blooms has all of these wonderful elements. The bond and strength of family being in the forefront of this book. We are also reminded that faith is not something that we have to try and muster up ourselves, but to have the faith to rely on God to take care of us. I enjoyed Tessa's adventurous spirit! She reminded me a great deal of Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. You will be on the edge of your seat as you read this remarkable story of love and life.

I received a free copy of As Love Blooms from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.