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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Orient in Books
Mar 15, 2018
There are some books that manage to transcend their genres to become something else altogether, and while "Orient" is ostensibly a mystery, it is also one of the finer literary works likely to be published this year. It follows Mills Chevern, a foster kid who has bounced in and out of several families on his way from Modesto, California to the titular town of Orient on New York's Long Island. While a handful of the townspeople feel sympathetic to him and try to help him adjust to the community's somewhat insular nature, most are suspicious of anyone new. Shortly after his arrival, strange creatures begin washing up onshore and residents being dying. Mills and recently returned native Beth begin to search for answers in places that the locals, who are all to happy to point the finger at the new and unfamiliar resident, refuse to look, and in the process learn about the dark secrets hiding beneath the veneer of the seemingly idyllic coastal community. There are more than enough twists and surprises to keep fans of the mystery and suspense genres happy, but there is so much more here. It goes into tremendous detail about the lives of its characters, really giving you a sense of the town, and really making you care for the people you're reading about. The prose itself flows beautifully and contains countless quotable moments. This is a gorgeously entertaining read that is very likely to wind up on more than a few year-end best lists.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Exploring the Bible A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray is a wonderful resource for families to use to engage their children in studying the Bible. This book is an interactive guide for children to explore the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in one year. The overall focus is to discover key points throughout scripture that show how the books of the Bible are connected and tell the story of a loving and gracious God.
The devotional starts with an expedition. Each week is a map of where we are headed and chapters we are ready to explore. You will need a bible, as each day you will be required to look up scripture and with each scripture a question to challenge your heart and to direct you to God's redemptive plan. Along with scripture, you will have prayer points. The need of prayer is important with any study and to do this as family is the beginning of discipleship. Snapshots are memory verses to learn and to bring the point to your heart even more. A daily log follows that which encourages you to write what you learn and to apply. It also encourages every Sunday to journal Sunday's message at your church and to explore with others as family to share what has been learned and the insight each family member might have.
I give this devotional 4/5 stars.
I received this ARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The devotional starts with an expedition. Each week is a map of where we are headed and chapters we are ready to explore. You will need a bible, as each day you will be required to look up scripture and with each scripture a question to challenge your heart and to direct you to God's redemptive plan. Along with scripture, you will have prayer points. The need of prayer is important with any study and to do this as family is the beginning of discipleship. Snapshots are memory verses to learn and to bring the point to your heart even more. A daily log follows that which encourages you to write what you learn and to apply. It also encourages every Sunday to journal Sunday's message at your church and to explore with others as family to share what has been learned and the insight each family member might have.
I give this devotional 4/5 stars.
I received this ARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What Happened to Daddy's Body? by Elke Barber, Alex Barber is a children's nonfiction book about death of a loved one. It talks about cremation and burial. It is a simple and easy to understand, which makes it great for kids who have experienced death of a family member or loved one.
The main character is Alex who is 4 years old and lives with his sister and mother. His father has died and Alex wonders what happened to his father's physical body. His mother explains after his father died he was put into a coffin and was cremated. I liked how the writers broke the story down and explained cremation in a way a 4 year old would understand death and what happens after death.
I was not a fan of the artwork, which I felt took away from the story. A little issue I had with the story was that there was a step-family introduced so quickly to the end of the story. I did not see how it fit in with the timeline and the story. The issue of a new parent and siblings seems a bit too much overload on a child when they are trying to get over one hurdle and not increase anxiety. I would have saved John and his five kids for a later books on step-families.
I give this book 3/4 stars.
I received this book from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The main character is Alex who is 4 years old and lives with his sister and mother. His father has died and Alex wonders what happened to his father's physical body. His mother explains after his father died he was put into a coffin and was cremated. I liked how the writers broke the story down and explained cremation in a way a 4 year old would understand death and what happens after death.
I was not a fan of the artwork, which I felt took away from the story. A little issue I had with the story was that there was a step-family introduced so quickly to the end of the story. I did not see how it fit in with the timeline and the story. The issue of a new parent and siblings seems a bit too much overload on a child when they are trying to get over one hurdle and not increase anxiety. I would have saved John and his five kids for a later books on step-families.
I give this book 3/4 stars.
I received this book from Jessica Kingsley Publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Not That I Could Tell in Books
May 29, 2018
Where the $#%#% is Kristen!?!?!
This book will take you up and down, and back around again just trying to answer that question. I really enjoyed the suspense that builds up throughout this - and it's a fun, easy read as well. A bit "Big Little Lies" -esque, this story follows a group of neighbors (mostly moms), who let their hair down one night with some wine, and stories, and some neighborly bonding while their children and families sleep unaware of the mystery they will wake up to Monday morning - Kristen, has disappeared.
You wonder throughout the WHOLE BOOK where she went. You think it's one thing, then you think it's another (I wish there was more of this though - I didn't question many characters, and wished there were more angles to point fingers) but ultimately the end is satisfying, yet a little predictable, and then WHAM! Total surprise! I loooooved the end of this book!
I have read a few books in the past that each chapter is dedicated to a character. I find this a bit hard to keep track when its three or more characters. This book primarily follows two, Clara and Izzy, who are very likeable although troubled. I loved this technique of just following two people and watching all the drama in this entire neighborhood unfold.
The writing is smart, and clever and progresses very smoothly. This story of how well you really know the people around you, flows really well, and is definitley a page-turner, and I'm glad I read this.
This book will take you up and down, and back around again just trying to answer that question. I really enjoyed the suspense that builds up throughout this - and it's a fun, easy read as well. A bit "Big Little Lies" -esque, this story follows a group of neighbors (mostly moms), who let their hair down one night with some wine, and stories, and some neighborly bonding while their children and families sleep unaware of the mystery they will wake up to Monday morning - Kristen, has disappeared.
You wonder throughout the WHOLE BOOK where she went. You think it's one thing, then you think it's another (I wish there was more of this though - I didn't question many characters, and wished there were more angles to point fingers) but ultimately the end is satisfying, yet a little predictable, and then WHAM! Total surprise! I loooooved the end of this book!
I have read a few books in the past that each chapter is dedicated to a character. I find this a bit hard to keep track when its three or more characters. This book primarily follows two, Clara and Izzy, who are very likeable although troubled. I loved this technique of just following two people and watching all the drama in this entire neighborhood unfold.
The writing is smart, and clever and progresses very smoothly. This story of how well you really know the people around you, flows really well, and is definitley a page-turner, and I'm glad I read this.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Catching Jordan in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Catching Jordan is the first book in the series Hundred Oaks. Before reading this book I read Breathe, Annie, Breathe which is book #5 in the series. (Here is my review for the book).
I love this book. I love the writing style. I love that it's about football. I love the relationships. I love that it's genuine.
The story has twists that keep you guessing on where the story is going to go next. I love that Jordan is the QB of a high school football team, which is not normal but could absolutely be reality. It shows that girls can have a leadership role in a sport typically deemed for guys. I enjoy sports and having a book about football and a love story made it that much more enjoyable.
The chemistry in Catching Jordan is phenomenal. There is a connection between the characters that is deeply felt. The connection is between the team, the friends, the families. It's all well-written with charisma floating off the pages that you'll see these people come alive. You will feel that you have been friends with Jordan, Ty and Henry for years.
Catching Jordan is not simply a love story. It's so so so much more; It's about going for your dreams, overcoming obstacles and never giving up believing they will happen. You will undoubtedly finish this book with a smile on your face
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports stories and love who love having a female role model.
Catching Jordan is the first book in the series Hundred Oaks. Before reading this book I read Breathe, Annie, Breathe which is book #5 in the series. (Here is my review for the book).
I love this book. I love the writing style. I love that it's about football. I love the relationships. I love that it's genuine.
The story has twists that keep you guessing on where the story is going to go next. I love that Jordan is the QB of a high school football team, which is not normal but could absolutely be reality. It shows that girls can have a leadership role in a sport typically deemed for guys. I enjoy sports and having a book about football and a love story made it that much more enjoyable.
The chemistry in Catching Jordan is phenomenal. There is a connection between the characters that is deeply felt. The connection is between the team, the friends, the families. It's all well-written with charisma floating off the pages that you'll see these people come alive. You will feel that you have been friends with Jordan, Ty and Henry for years.
Catching Jordan is not simply a love story. It's so so so much more; It's about going for your dreams, overcoming obstacles and never giving up believing they will happen. You will undoubtedly finish this book with a smile on your face
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sports stories and love who love having a female role model.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Killed on Blueberry Hill in Books
Nov 6, 2018
Death Leaves Marlee Blue
Summer may be winding down, but Oriole Point, Michigan, is getting in one more berry inspired festival to bring in the tourists. The Blueberry Blow Out Festival includes carnival games, booths, and friendly competition between the various berry growers in the area. At least it is supposed to be friendly. Marlee Jacobs is shocked when she witnesses a fight between her fiance, Ryan Zeller, and Porter Gale, the owner of one of the biggest blueberry farms in the country. Yes, there is bad blood between the two families, but this went much further than a rivalry normally would. When Porter dies a few hours later, people think it is complications from his diabetes. However, the police believe it is something more, and they are looking at Ryan as a suspect. Can Marlee clear him?
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated The Gun Also Rises in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Hunt for Hemingway Treasure
Sarah Winston has been hired to organize a book sale for Mrs. Belle Winthrop Granville, III, focusing on Belle's massive mystery collection. But sandwiched in between the Trixie Belden, Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, and Ann Cleeves books, she finds what appears to be the Hemingway manuscripts that went miss from a train in Paris in the 1920's. Belle is just as shocked to see them as Sarah is. But a couple of hours later, Belle has been attacked, the manuscripts are missing, and someone is dead. What has Sarah stumbled into this time?
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
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