The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt

Title: The Sisters of Corinth
Author: Angela Hunt
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-4157-4

“I would rather die than allow love for a man to overshadow my love for Yeshua,” Mariana conveys in Angela Hunt’s novel, The Sisters of Corinth.

~ What ~
The second book in the Emissaries series, this three-hundred-and-eighty-five-page paperback targets those interested in Biblical fiction during the Apostle Paul’s missions. With no profanity, topics of blood sacrifices, sorcery, fighting, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, twelve reading group discussion questions, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

This story involves two stepsisters who are at odds with each other as one becomes betrothed to the son of Corinth’s provincial governor. With Prima being outgoing, outspoken, and craving her father’s attention, younger Mariana is meek, timid, and a follower of Paulos (the apostle Paul) and his teachings of Yeshua. As the two clash regarding the belief in many gods versus the One True God, their status and positions in life are challenged and threatened.

~ Why ~
I love reading Biblical fiction, especially if it lines up with the Word of God. Having been a fan of Hunt’s novels, this one shows how trusting and loving the Lord is pertinent and vital to everyday life. I enjoyed the dual first person chapters by each sister and how they took different paths throughout the story. While the tale includes worshipping and sacrificing to pagan gods and gory gladiators fighting, it does offer the eternal plan of salvation.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of God’s power and love for His own. While Paul, Luke, Aquilla, and Priscilla from the Bible are mentioned, it should be noted the sisters are not listed in Scripture, so the story is fictional. Others may not like the addition that Paul wrote a letter to Mariana, but its content mimics one of his epistles.

~ Wish ~
I wish every pronoun of God were capitalized for reverence. It would be thoughtful to include a map like the first book in the series did.

~ Want ~
If you want to read another one of Hunt’s books about how we are to trust God over man, no matter what the cost, this is an excellent read that takes place during New Testament times, and it will not disappoint.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

#BethanyHouse #InterviewsandReviews #Interviews&Reviews #AngelHunt #TheEmissariesSeries #TheSistersofCorinth

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/4a9zVpi

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano

Title: The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4297-3

“I was an actress, a professional storyteller, here at the holding cell of a condemned man, armed with naught but a story,” Lily admits in Joanna Davidson Politano’s novel, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple.

~ What ~
At four hundred pages, this paperback targets those interested in a historical romance in England in the early-nineteenth century involving the life of a silent-film actress and fairy tales. With no profanity, the topics of lying, theft, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, an excerpt for another book by the writer, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this story, Lily Temple is an actress who manipulates others both on and off stage through her storytelling and sleight-of-hand. The mesmerizing woman meets Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator, who is hired to find an exquisite gem which some say have healing properties. As the two try to protect those wrongfully punished, Lily seeks the real Truth that sets her free.

~ Why ~
Having read and enjoyed other books by this author, I was looking forward to this read about the cine-cinema. I found the chapters written in first person by the protagonist well described and engaging as she searched and unveiled the truth about her past. There are plenty of interesting, dynamic characters involved who help Lily find herself.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God may not appreciate this story that correlates to the Almighty being the Gardener who tends to our lives. Since I do not care for fairy tales, I felt the read bogged down and sometimes displaced, veering off topic at times. I struggled getting through the book because it jumped around too much.

~ Wish ~
While I like tales that interject the Creator into the storyline, even if they are fairy tales, I wish this somehow mentioned Jesus Christ being the only way to eternal salvation as any religion could reference their god into the book’s dialogue. I prefer all pronouns of Deity capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a story that involves a woman hiding from her true self as she animates fairy tales on film and in her life, this one comes full circle to completion. Although it didn’t hold my interest due to the many fables, those who appreciate them might enjoy it.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

#InterviewsandReviews #Interviews&Reviews #Revell #JoannaDavidsonPolitano #TheElusiveTruthofLilyTemple

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/4d3BXKn

Let’s Be One by Joan C. Benson & Marjorie Wingert

Title: Let’s Be One
Authors: Joan C. Benson & Marjorie Wingert
Illustrator: Holly Pallett
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
ISBN: 978-8-89134-099-2

“God’s love is forever, so strong and so true, He never gives up–not on me or on you!” ends Joan C Benson’s and Marjorie Wingert’s children’s book, Let’s Be One: God’s Human Race.

~ What ~
The second in the Cornerstone series, this thirty-eight-page oversized paperback targets children four to eight years old who like learning about being one with God and each other. Containing no scary scenes, it has a dedication at the beginning of the book, while the ending includes the authors’ and illustrator’s biographies along with resources and an object lesson with application. Colorful, simplistic illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read font

Told in rhyme format, this story explains how we each have similar characteristics yet are different because God made us special. Often using parts of the body, it shows how unique we all are as we make up a part of the whole, which is God’s human race. The ending mentions Jesus and His love that heals our past sins as He never gives up on us.

~Why ~
Those who want to stress how important God’s love is will appreciate this children’s book that focuses on how different and special everyone is. I like the reflection of Christ throughout the pages and how He created us differently. I appreciate the added verses at the ending that may help adults explain the topic to young ones. Having the tiny ladybug on almost all the pages makes it engaging for little kids to search for it.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that promotes Biblical truths. Some may have no interest in a book that explains being a part of God. The clever flower object lesson is great, but it doesn’t coincide with the illustrations in the rest of the book.

~ Wish ~
I wish the artwork correlated with flowers, showing how they are different, just like we are. It would be thoughtful if the plan of eternal salvation were somehow added and that all pronouns of God were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you want to build confidence in your child, this read reiterates how God made us different yet special while we all are part of the human race.

Thanks to CIPA, Elk Lake Publishing, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#CIPA #ChristianIndiePublishersAssociation #ElkLakePublishing #JoanCBenson #MarjorieWingert #HollyPallett #LetsBeOne #CornerstoneSeries

This book is available at https://amzn.to/447FhA8

Searching for Evidence by Carol J. Post

Title: Searching for Evidence
Author: Carol J. Post
Publisher: Love Inspired
ISBN: 978-1-335-59814-1

“If this man was after Kassie, she was in more danger than she realized,” Jared concludes in Carol J. Post’s inspirational romance, Searching for Evidence.

~ What ~
A Love Inspired Suspense, this first book in the Canine Defense series is a two-hundred-and-thirty-three-page paperback that targets those who like suspenseful romance fiction involving search dogs. With no profanity but topics of abuse, murder, and death, it may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note and advertisements.

In this quick read based in Florida, Kassie has her hands full running a salon and helping with her father’s charter business. But when her father is missing and she is accosted on his boat, K-9 Officer Jared and his trusted dog Justice help protect her as they search for the truth. As those who demand answers get more determined, the protagonists are challenged to let their guards down personally.

~ Why ~
This is a fast-paced story that keeps the reader running to keep up with the action while Kassie and Jared try to uncover what’s important and what’s not. I liked the realistic relationship between the two as they dealt with family dynamics and their pasts. 

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like tales of dysfunctional families or sibling rivalries. Others may not care for the faith-based prayers, but there are only a few.

~ Wish ~
Without knowing what denomination the writer is, it would be thoughtful to include the eternal plan of salvation that Jesus Christ died on the cross, shed His blood for all sin, and rose the third day 

~ Want ~
If you like a quick chase with a detective, his trained canine, and a daughter searching for evidence, this one is a fast page turner.

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

#LoveInspiredSuspense #InspirationalRomance #CarolJPost #SearchingforEvidence #CanineDefenseSeries

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/49GcoMi

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

Title: Just for the Summer
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4471-7

“Hopefully Hotel Jackson would run more efficiently and seamlessly that Grandpa’s Podunk fishing lodge,” Jacqueline wonders in Melody Carson’s novel, Just for the Summer.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-eighty-eight-page paperback targets those who enjoy a clean contemporary romance involving swapping jobs and lifestyles. Using the word darn, the topics of verbal abuse, injury, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s biography, a teaser for another book by the writer, and advertisements.

In this tale set in a high-end posh boutique in Seattle and an old fishing lodge in Idaho Falls, Ginny and Jacqueline are opposites who are looking for satisfaction in their lives, especially in their vocation of hotel managers. When they agree to swap jobs, Ginny finds the slower life in Idaho soothing to her soul while Jacqueline learns her city dreams need refining. As the two get used to different experiences, will they find love, too?

~ Why ~
I appreciate learning when I read, it was nice this one included the behind-the-scenes of hotel management, both at high to low end environments. I liked how some of the relationships panned out and were well described.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like a tale that has vain, whiney characters may want to skip this one as two of them can be grating on the nerves. The expected ending is rather rushed and stereotypical. With God and prayer referenced lightly, some may wish there were more trust in God and the eternal plan of salvation included.

~ Wish ~
Since this is supposedly a Christian read, I wish it had more than one person mentioning a couple of prayers and one Bible verse.

~ Want ~
If you like a quick read about women who are unhappy at their jobs and looking for a change, this is a nice escape.

Thanks to Revell, Interviews & Reviews, and the author for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

#InterviewsandReviews #Interviews&Reviews #Revell #JustfortheSummer #MelodyCarlson #SwappingJobsNovel #ContemporaryRomanceRead

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/49jyu7m

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title: These Tangled Threads
Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-4201-4

“To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame,” states the back cover in Sarah Loudin Thomas’s novel, These Tangled Threads.

~ What ~
A novel of Biltmore, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page advanced reader copy targets those who like Southern fiction based in the 1920s that focuses on weaving and woodworking, surrounded by the famous estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Containing slang words such as darn and heckuva, topics regarding alcoholism, brothels, abandonment, deformity, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, an excerpt from another book, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

In this tale spanning roughly seven years, weaver Lorna is commissioned to create an original woven design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding. With no inspiration for something different and unique, she questions using others’ drafts for the design. With the help of a long-time friend and a carefree young teen, she is challenged to do the right thing and learn what forgiveness encompasses.

~ Why ~
This story based in the Appalachians covers friendships that are tested and tattered due to guilt and secrets. I enjoyed learning about the Biltmore, weaving, and woodcarving. The uncertainty of the three protagonists is engaging and well-written.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not approve of the fraud, potential lies, and deceit that is sewn throughout the story. Others may not care about the Biltmore, regarding its owners or opulence. I found Gentry to be whiney, obnoxious, and immature, while Arthur was timid and weak. The book’s chapters jump back and forth from different years, making it harder to comprehend.

~ Wish ~
With the publisher being considered a Christian company, this read lacks the spiritual content expected of it. Having more Bible verses and prayers would be welcomed. I would prefer no slang words if this is truly a Christian-based book.

~ Want ~
If you like Southern fiction involving the weaving of three broken individuals as they are tied together by love with scraps of forgiveness, this is a nice story.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

#BethanyHouse #Interviews&Reviews #InterviewsandReviews #SarahLoudinThomas #TheseTangledThreads #ANovelofBiltmore #SouthernFiction

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3TTpVvF

Fatal Domain by Steven James

Title: Fatal Domain
Author: Steven James
Publisher: Tyndale
ISBN: 978-1-4964-7335-6

“With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs,” the back jacket states in Steven James’s novel, Fatal Domain.

~ What ~
The second book in A Travis Brock Thriller series, this three-hundred-and-ninety-six-page advanced-reader paperback targets those who like a Christian contemporary thriller about espionage and intrigue involving the U.S. government. Containing the word Hell being used as a swear word, topics of injury, torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.

Thirty-seven-year-old Travis Brock’s photographic memory has always been an asset to him, but now it is more so to America’s Department of Defense, where he is a redactor trying to locate Janice Daniels, a billionaire convinced she is able to change the world for the better. With his team of a highly trained sharpshooter who wants to be a romance novelist and an ex-Secret Service agent developing feelings for him, Travis must step out of his comfort zone to uncover his past relationships to stop Janice. By learning what forgiveness truly is, Travis hones in on what is important to his mission.

~ Why ~
Having not read the first book in the series, I found this one engaging from the get-go without knowing its backstory. Although there were multiple narrators, Travis’s first person explanations were interesting and showed his character, fears, and frustrations. I appreciated the handling of the protagonists’ insecurities and how the team dealt with their pasts, each other, and hunting down their targets. The added Bible verses were not overdone or preachy.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a series involving espionage and terrorism, but scenes were not too graphic in content. Those who do not care for the ins and outs of the military and accessing personal data and information may find it intrusive.

~ Wish ~
There is no mention that Jesus is our one and only savior, who died and shed His blood on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like a fast-paced series about terrorism that involves a team having to work together while it deals with day-to-day life, this is a thriller about forgiveness that begs you to race to its ending.

Thanks to Tyndale and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

#Tyndale #Interviews&Reviews #InterviewsandReviews #SteveJames #FatalDomain #ATravisBrockThriller

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3PBBMM5

LovesTown Wood Stacking Burger Toy

WOODEN FOOD PUZZLE FOR TODDLERS

~ What ~
Made of brightly colored cut-out wood, this 19-piece food set that becomes a stacked burger with 10 activity cards. The completed stack that measures 3 by 3.5 inches, the 8 food pieces that include the bun, lettuce, beef, onion, cheese, tomatoes, and egg can be arranged within or without its base. The 2.8 by 3.5 inch activity cards show ways to stack the food in different orders. It arrives in a gift box, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
Our 4-year-old granddaughter loves playing restaurant and taking things apart, so this STEM project is ideal for improving her dexterity and cognitive skills while having fun. I like that the wood pieces are brightly colored and easy to load on the spindled base. The cards can provide instruction and a game to see who can stack the burger the fastest in the proper order.

~ Why Not ~
Some may prefer larger toys to assemble and disassemble or may not like burgers, but a sandwhich option is also available. Others may be concerned about the safety of the product, but the paint is non-toxic.

~ Wish ~
It would be nice if this toy was a little larger as it is on the small size.

~ Want ~
If your young one loves to play house or restaurant and enjoys stacking items in specific orders, this set will keep them hungry for an education in putting things together.

Thanks to LovesTown for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsoredbysally #LovesTown #StackingWoodToy #StackingToyBurger #WoodHamburgerGame

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/43vJUn1

LovesTown 4 Pieces Large White Balloons

4 36-INCH BALLOONS

~ What ~
This set includes 4 over-sized white balloons that can be blown up and used for decorating or special events. Made of latex, they expand to almost 36 inches when fully blown up. They arrive in a cellophane bag without instructions

 ~ Why ~
I love having fun things to do when we visit our grandkids, and these are perfect to pack in a suitcase and blow up for them to play with. I like that they are sturdy enough to use with helium or air. The white color is not see-through, so they make nice party decorations or can be painted with markers on them.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like blowing up balloons as some can be hard. Others may wish they were available in more colors than white.

~ Wish ~
I wish an air pump and how-to manual were included.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for oversized white balloons, these are ideal.

Thanks to LovesTown for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsoredbyshenglili #LovesTown #LargeWhiteBalloons #OversizedWhiteBalloons

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/4cgcKM9

A Love Discovered by Tracie Peterson

Title: A Love Discovered
Author: Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-4701-9

“She was married to a man, but wasn’t a wife. She cared for a child, but wasn’t a mother,” Marybeth realizes in Tracie Peterson’s novel, A Love Discovered.

~ What ~
The first book in The Heart of Cheyenne series, this three-hundred-and-four-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance about a young couple trying to find their way in their marriage while living in the wild west. With no profanity, topics involving illness, physical abuse, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending has a teaser of the next book in the series, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

Set in 1867, twenty-year-old Marybeth is at a loss when her father dies and she promised to raise her two-year-old half-sister, especially when the local pastor wants her to give up the child. Yet her dear friend, Edward, who has lost his wife and son, devises a unique solution to marry only for convenience, benefiting both of them. When they move to rural Cheyenne, Wyoming, the two must rely on God and each other to get over their fears.

~ Why ~
Living in the American frontier during the building of the railroad had its many challenges, and this book covers the lawlessness and fear as well as friendship and trust in others. I love that the author includes Bible verses, prayers, and that eternal salvation does not involve works. The growing love between the struggling protagonists is well written.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of learning to trust God while dealing with fear and anger. Others may not care for the repetition sometimes found in the story. The story is predictable.

~ Wish ~
Since this is a series, it may be helpful to include a map of Cheyenne and a list of characters.

~ Want ~
If you like a historical romance about the expansion of Cheyenne while two people learn to shed their fear and anger and join in a wholesome marriage, this is a great start.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

#BethanyHouse #InterviewsandReviews #Interviews&Reviews #TraciePeterson #ALoveDiscovered #TheHeartofCheyenneSeries #WesternChristianRomance

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3IvUIYG