Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: Honor’s Refuge
Author: Hallee Bridgeman
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4022-1

“He just wanted to quit fighting, to quit resenting how the failures in his life, the decisions he’d made, and the loss of his leg made him feel,” Phil realizes in Hallee Bridgeman’s novel, Honor’s Refuge.

~ What ~
The third book in the Love & Honor series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in romantic suspense involving moving on in life despite its challenges and heartbreaks. With no profanity, topics of drug addiction, physical abuse, drug cartels, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning includes reviews, a list of the author’s written books, and a dedication while the ending has a dozen discussion questions, food recipes, a biography, and advertisements.

In this tale, it has been two years since Phil Osbourne lost his leg in a Special Forces mission, and he still has been having trouble accepting his new identity as a man. But Melissa Braxton, a woman who runs a domestic abuse shelter, has had him in her sights, begging for his attention and love. When Phil and his friends find Melissa’s missing sister is the wife of a Columbian cartel teniente, the couple works together to keep her only family safe, even during a hurricane.

~ Why ~
This is a quick read that follows one of the military members in the previous books in the series. It is detailed and descriptive regarding what mainly women go through when they are abused in the home and how they fear retaliation when they have escaped. I like that Phil’s insecurities and inadequacies were realistic and honest.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not care for the prayers to God or Biblical references. Others who are not interested in stories about domestic abuse may avoid the book. While I appreciated Melissa’s often confrontational manner, I found her a bit pushy, demanding, and always right.

~ Wish ~
Although the protagonists included God in their daily lives, it would be encouraging if the read added the plan of eternal salvation.

~ Want ~
If you enjoyed the other two books in the Love & Honor series, this one focuses on one couple’s love during hardship and offers grace and redemption in dealing with feeling unworthy and unimportant.

Thanks to Revell for furnishing this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Honor’sRefuge #HnonorsRefuge #Love&HonorSeries #LoveandHonorSeries #Revell #HalleeBridgeman #ChristianRomanceMilitarySuspense

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3TWbF2O

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Sundown by Susan May Warren

Title: Sundown
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3983-6

“We’re both driven by our hope to matter. To save lives,” Tae is told in Susan May Warren’s novel, Sundown.

~ What ~
The third and final book in the Sky King Ranch series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those who like a Christian contemporary romance about saving the world and finding true love. Containing no profanity, topics of insecurity, illness, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes acknowledgments, a teaser from another book by the writer, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

Continuing the tale of three brothers who are dealing and healing from their pasts, this one has Colt, a former Delta operative, keeping a careful eye on the beautiful Tae, who seems to have dark secrets that include why Russian thugs seem to be trailing her. When the truth is discovered, both of them take it to task to save the world while they learn to rely on God and each other.

~ Why ~
This story ties all three brothers and their significant others together in a group effort to keep America safe. I liked the humanity of some of the characters and how Colt dealt with feeling unworthy while Tae insisted on going it alone to initially deal with her problems. The hope and joy one finds when trusting in God and each other were well orchestrated.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a tale that includes the possibility of a worldwide catastrophe. Others may tire of the machoness and bravado interspersed with gawking at the opposite sex and descriptive kissing. While I loved the first book in the series and liked the second one, this one was more frustrating in some of its scenes being unfeasible, especially due to medical reasons.

~ Wish ~
Having the protagonists calling out to God for guidance and protection, the read missed the opportunity to explain 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 have read the other two books in the series, this one ties up the loose ends as the Sky Ranch family deals with hope, redemption, forgiveness, and putting the past behind them.

Thanks to Revell and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #SusanMayWarren #Sundown #SkyKingRanch

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3Wj5w2i

The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry

Title: The Story of Christmas
Author: Patricia A. Pingry
Illustrator: Alice Buckingham
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0233-8

“Do you know why we give gifts at Christmas? We give presents because it is Jesus’s birthday,” Patricia A. Pingry begins her children’s book, The Story of Christmas.

~ What ~
This twenty-two-page board book with rounded corners targets children ages one to four years old. With no scary scenes, it is the story of the Nativity. Colorful, engaging illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read font size.

Beginning and ending with a family of four celebrating Christmas, this includes the story of Mary being visited by an angel, Jesus being born in Bethlehem, shepherds worshipping Him, and the wise men bringing Him presents.

~Why ~
This is a wonderful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas being about Jesus’s birth. I appreciate it is Biblical instead of secular regarding the holiday so that young ones can learn about our Saviour. There is enough activity in the pictures to keep a child interested while listening to the story.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a book that explains the real meaning of Christmas. It does not discuss the eternal plan of salvation, but that may be due to the targeted age group. There are many complicated words that young ones may not understand or comprehend, but they could be explained by the reader. The book may be too hard for beginner readers.

~ Wish ~
I wish all pronouns of Jesus were capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a Christmas book for toddlers that promotes Jesus’s birthday, this would be a nice present that will be loved.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #TheStoryofChristmas #PatriciaAPingry #AliceBuckingham

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3DfKCt7

Joy to the World by VeggieTales

Title: Joy to the World
Author: Pamela Kennedy
Illustrator: Lisa Reed
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0285-7

“Then all the Veggies gathered round to clap and shout and cheer … and sing of joy that Jesus brings at Christmas and all year!” Pamela Kennedy ends in the VeggieTales children’s book, Joy to the World.

~ What ~
This twenty-page board book with rounded corners targets children two to five years old who like celebrating the true reason for Christmas. With no scary scenes, it contains simplistic illustrations of playful vegetables that keep the attention of little ones. An easy-to-read font covers the pages.

Part of the VeggieTales series, this one told in rhyme focuses on all the characters participating in the Veggie Christmas show. Including Pa Grape, Peas, Larry, Junior, Laura, Petunia, Madame Blue, and others, the story shows how they perform a Christmas reenactment of Jesus’s birth, complete with shepherds, angels, and a manger.

~Why ~
This is a cute way to combine vegetables with big eyes as friends who want to share their love for Jesus. I appreciated its teaching that we should welcome Christ to live within our hearts. The colors are vibrant and engaging.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like a book that mentions God sending Jesus to show His love to people everywhere may not approve of this read. Others may not like scenes of veggies celebrating Christmas, but it is iconic in the VeggieTales’ series. Due to some of the two- and three-syllable words, it may be hard for beginner readers.

~ Wish ~
Since this book is part of the VeggieTales franchise, adding their website link would be helpful for parents who want to know more about their videos, movies, television shows, and other merchandise. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you want a book that helps little ones learn about Jesus being the real Joy to the world, this is a keeper, especially if the child likes anything related to VeggieTales.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and VeggieTales for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #VeggieTales #JoytotheWorldVeggieTales #PamelaKennedy #LisaReed

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3sf7qD0

Solomon’s Porch by Janet Morris Grimes

Title: Solomon’s Porch
Author: Janet Morris Grimes
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-649493392

“Drop by anytime. I’m usually here on my porch. My heart is always ready to listen,” Solly tells Harper in Janet Morris Grimes debut novel, Solomon’s Porch.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-ten-page paperback targets those who enjoy an emotional read about resolving broken relationships through love and redemption. Containing no profanity, its topics of unexpected pregnancies, injuries, illnesses, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. With endorsements, dedication, and acknowledgments at the beginning of the book, the ending has the author’s biography.

In this tale set in the rundown military town of Ginger Ridge, Georgia, old man Solomon has spent decades keeping his demons at bay by compassionately trying to help everyone he meets to be the best that they can be. When he becomes the victim of a hit-and-run accident and is in a coma where he is identified as Grandpa Doe, those around him rally together to find out who he is, not realizing how much of an influence he had on their lives.

~Why ~
Since we all deal with hurt and pain throughout life, this novel is a loving reminder of how we are running out of time fixing strained relationships, and we should reach out and help those around us. I loved how the author created strong bonds between her characters as the old man was lying listless, ready to die. The single-mom case worker, burnt-out addicted policeman, divorced interim pastor, and illegal alien father were only a few of the many people who dealt with misery while learning about passion.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that promotes Bible verses and praying. Some may want to avoid a story about life’s complications with others as it may touch home too closely. Others may be overwhelmed by the plethora of characters.

~ Wish ~
With so many different characters involved, it would be helpful to include a list of them at the beginning. I wish the plan of eternal salvation were added to the story and that there were discussion questions at the end. A few punctuation issues could be resolved.

~ Want ~
If you enjoy a tender, heart-wrenching read of how a sweet but tormented man impacted the lives of many in a small town, this one will be savored, not wanting it to end.

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

#CIPA #ChristianIndiePublishersAssociation #ElkLakePublishing #SolomonsPorch #JanetMorrisGrimes

This book is available at https://amzn.to/3MaHDFj

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

Title: Body of Evidence
Author: Irene Hannon
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3619-4

“But he wasn’t a quitter–and from what he knew about Grace, she wasn’t, either. Between the two of them, they’d solve this case and bring BK to justice,” Nate concludes in Irene Hannon’s novel, Body of Evidence.

~ What ~
The third book in the Triple Threat series, this three-hundred-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those interested in a romantic suspense about finding a killer who is targeting the elderly. With slang words such as dang, drat, and heck, the topics of harassment, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. While the beginning has praises and a list of other books written by the author, the ending includes an excerpt for another book series, the author’s note and biography, and advertisements.

In this ongoing current-day story about three sisters, thirty-year-old forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has been living in a rural Missouri town where elderly people are dying of natural causes, yet she believes there is a pattern developing with their deaths. When Sheriff Nate Cox gets involved, the two have to work around the clock to find the killer while they flirt through their budding relationship.

~ Why ~
If you like a series about siblings with a deep bond who are community-driven, this one is about the youngest sister and her attraction to Sheriff Nate Cox as they piece together to find out why so many older residents in their county are dying. I liked the medical details of the autopsies, although some were gross and graphic.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not understand the importance of prayer. Others may not like the references to body parts doing an autopsy or small-town living where everyone knows everyone else’s business.

~ Wish ~
Although the tale briefly mentioned praying to God, it lacked relying on Christ during day-to-day challenges and did not have the eternal plan of salvation. I figured out who the killer was about halfway into the read so found the romance became more of the focal point. I prefer no slang in Christian reads.

~ Want ~
If you like a romantic suspense about a couple finding love between searching for a killer of the elderly and doing autopsies at the morgue, this may interest you, but I found it lackluster on the suspense and heavy on the romance.

Thanks to Revell for furnishing this complimentary book to read and review.

#Revell #BodyofEvidence #IreneHannon #TripleThreatSeries

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/3C4b2wj

Word of Honor

Title: Word of Honor
Author: Hallee Bridgeman
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4021-4

“Right now, I’m mission focused. I have other things to deal with than a December morning ten years ago,” Bill firmly tells Lynda in Hallee Bridgeman’s novel, Word of Honor.

~ What ~
The second book in the Love & Honor series, this three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets those interested in romantic suspense involving the military. With no profanity, topics of physical abuse, terrorism, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning includes reviews, a list of the author’s written books, and a glossary of military terms and acronyms while the ending has a dozen discussion questions, food recipes, a teaser of the finale in the series, a biography, and advertisements.

In this active read, it has been ten years since FBI Special Agent Lynda Culter and Army Weapons Specialist Bill Sanders broke off their college romance. But when Lynda is taken captive and her partner is killed, she is the only one who can identify the murderer. With Bill and his team trying to capture those behind worldwide oil pipe bombings, both he and Lynda have to put their emotional past behind them to find the mastermind behind the terrorist group involved in the vicious attacks.

~ Why ~
This is an engaging read if you like military ops, working as a team, and learning to understand the past when it comes to relationships. I liked the references to praying, even when Bill and Lynda had to pretend to be a married couple or when deciding what to do next about the mission and their broken relationship. The details of the U.S. military tactical operations were realistic.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not care for the prayers to God or Biblical references. Others who are not interested in military stories about the struggles in personal relationships may avoid the book. While there is an unexpected twist in the plot, some of the scenarios involving sub-characters seem unbelievable.

~ Wish ~
Although I appreciated the many times the protagonists looked to God first and foremost, I would have liked to have added the plan of eternal salvation.

~ Want ~
If you enjoy a military read of rekindling a past romance while tracking down the head of a terrorist group, this will keep you engaged.

Thanks to Revell for furnishing this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#WordofHonor #Love&HonorSeries #LoveandHonorSeries #Revell #HalleeBridgeman #ChristianRomanceMilitarySuspense

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

God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Girls

Title: God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Girls
Author: VeggieTales
Illustrator: Lisa Reed
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0288-8

“When you put a smile on your face, happy feelings follow!” states one of the Thoughts of the Day in the VeggieTales children’s book, God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Girls.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets young female children four to eight years old who like short daily Biblical devotions. With its iconic vegetable characters, it contains devotions that cover a full year plus prayers and Bible verses. Using mainly the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the NKJV, NIV, NIVR, TLB, NCV, CEB, NASB, HCSB, CSB, ESV, MSG, GNT, CEV, ICB, and AMP are also referenced.

Part of the VeggieTales series, this book of devotions for girls begins with an ownership page and note to parents and grandparents followed by one-page devotions for each day of the year. Using only the day (not date) of a year, each devotion has a title with a written-out Bible verse or two. One to three short paragraphs cover the topic and end with a thought of the day and prayer. Eleven pages of Bible verses are added for memorization.

~Why ~
This is a fun way to combine vegetables with big eyes while learning about God and Jesus. I like the short and simple devotions that a young one can relate to such as kindness, love, faith, joy, smiling, helpfulness, laughing, peace, and courage. I appreciate the prayers are short yet meaningful.

One of my favorite devos is Day 182 titled Surprise Them! with I Peter 3:9A NLT written out. The two paragraphs remind us to be kind to others, even if they are unkind to us. God tells us to surprise them with gentleness instead of anger. The Thought of the Day is: Maybe someone just needs help being kind. You can lead the way! The Pray Today is: Dear God, please show me how to surprise others with blessings today. Amen.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that promotes daily devotion to Him. Others may not correlate vegetables to the Word of God, but the book is iconic to the VeggieTales’ series. Some young children may not comprehend the devotions’ contents

~ Wish ~
While this book is geared toward girls and there is one for boys also, I could not tell the difference in the topics but only in the female versus male illustrations and red/blue coloring. I wish only the KJV version was used instead.

~ Want ~
With so many children’s books available that include superheroes, sorcery, and witchcraft, this is a fresh breath of reading Biblical devotions every day that will help grow your daughter or granddaughter in the Lord, especially if the child likes anything related to VeggieTales.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and VeggieTales for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #VeggieTales #GodsWordforMe #365DailyDevosforGirls #LisaReed

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3fpfb6t

God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Boys

Title: God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Boys
Author: VeggieTales
Illustrator: Lisa Reed
Publisher: WorthyKids
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0290-1

“When you put a smile on your face, happy feelings follow!” states one of the Thoughts of the Day in the VeggieTales children’s book, God’s Word for Me: 365 Daily Devos for Boys.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets young male children four to eight years old who like short daily Biblical devotions. With its iconic vegetable characters, it contains devotions that cover a full year plus prayers and Bible verses. Using mainly the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the NKJV, NIV, NIVR, TLB, NCV, CEB, NASB, HCSB, CSB, ESV, MSG, GNT, CEV, ICB, and AMP are also referenced.

Part of the VeggieTales series, this book of devotions for boys begins with an ownership page and note to parents and grandparents followed by one-page devotions for each day of the year. Using only the day (not date) of a year, each devotion has a title with a written-out Bible verse or two. One to three short paragraphs cover the topic and end with a thought of the day and prayer. Eleven pages of Bible verses are added for memorization.

~Why ~
This is a fun way to combine vegetables with big eyes while learning about God and Jesus. I like the short and simple devotions that a young one can relate to such as love, forgiveness, obedience, kindness, friendship, giving, trusting, and loyalty. I appreciate the prayers are short yet meaningful.

One of my favorite devos is Day 152 titled Making Choices. After Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV is written out, the two paragraphs remind the reader to ask God and pray to Him to show us the right thing to do when faced with a difficult decision. The Thought of the Day is: Next time you have to make a tough choice, talk to God first. He loves to help! The Pray Today is: Dear God, every day is filled with choices. Will You please help me make good ones? Amen.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that promotes daily devotion to Him. Others may not correlate vegetables to the Word of God, but the book is iconic to the VeggieTales’ series. Some young children may not comprehend the devotions’ contents

~ Wish ~
While this book is geared toward boys and there is one for girls also, I could not tell the difference in the topics but only in the male versus female illustrations and blue/red coloring. I wish only the KJV version was used instead.

~ Want ~
With so many children’s books available that include superheroes, sorcery, and witchcraft, this is a fresh breath of reading Biblical devotions every day that will help grow your son or grandson in the Lord, especially if the child likes anything related to VeggieTales.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and VeggieTales for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Hachette #WorthyKids #VeggieTales #GodsWordforMe #365DailyDevosforBoys #LisaReed

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

Review: Dangerous Beauty

Title: Dangerous Beauty
Author: Melissa Koslin
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4017-7

“She refused to think of herself like that, as a victim. She was a fighter. Even if she lost sometimes, needed help sometimes, she would never stop fighting,” determines Liliana in Melissa Koslin’s novel, Dangerous Beauty.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those who like romantic suspense involving escaping human trafficking. Without any profanity, topics of abduction, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a sneak peek at another novel by the author, her biography, and advertisements.

In this current-day tale, gorgeous Liliana Vera has been kidnapped from her murdered family and is to be sold when she escapes with the help of Meric Toledan, a rich single guy who shies away from the public and press. To remain in the States under his protection, the woman agrees to marry one of America’s most wanted bachelors but finds he has his own agenda and reasons for sheltering her. As they uncover who wants to desperately own her, both protagonists must deal with their pasts to know if they can become more than friends.

~ Why ~
Although the main theme of this book is heartbreaking as it relates to women being abducted and sold, the tale shows how Liliana avoids those who want to recapture her while she comes to the aid of Meric and others who need her help. The tragedy of trafficking is well documented, explaining how one can heal and grow after experiencing it.

~ Why Not ~
Those who prefer not to read books about the kidnapping and abuse of women may want to avoid this one, but it does not go into too much physical detail about what really happens. Others who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not understand how trusting in Him is pertinent to surviving life. I found several of the scenarios unrealistic and the two main characters rather disconnected, even though they both were determined and stubborn.

~ Wish
Writing about human trafficking is a hard topic, especially when there is a potential for romance between the hero and heroine; I wish the way the story was presented did not remind me in a strange way of Pretty Woman with a twist. With the few references to God and prayer, it would have been thoughtful to include the plan of eternal salvation. I prefer all pronouns of the Almighty capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you like reading a Cinderella story where a beautiful woman is taken advantage of and fights back plus a wealthy man wants to protect her and others due to his past, this may be a good book for you, but it often did not seem like a feasible storyline to me.

Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#Revell #DangeousBeauty #MelissaKoslin #FightingBackHumanTrafficking

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