Review + Giveaway: Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal

Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

If Only the Walls of the Old House Could Talk. . .

Tutoring an eleven-year-old for the summer seemed like the perfect college service project for Abby Thomas. But that was before she found herself in a dilapidated old house in Nowhereville, trying to teach Merrideth—a sullen girl who doesn’t want her help. All she has is a pile of useless, musty old books, and Merrideth’s definitely not interested.

But who says the only way to teach is with books? When they discover a freaky program on their new computer, history comes alive in ways that Abby and Merrideth could never expect. But is this program only the creative genius of some computer nerd—or are they really seeing Charlotte Miles, the girl who lived in their house 160 years before?

Their friends just laugh when they try to explain. But if it really is Charlotte, Abby and Merrideth must find a way to warn her about the danger waiting in the woods behind their house.

Time and Again: Charlotte at Miles Station is a story told in the past and in the present. A story of three girls—their perspectives, their relationships, and their journey of self-discovery and faith.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Time and Again was a very intriguing novel, that at times I thought was really good, but other times just okay. The characters weren't that gripping to me and I found myself slightly annoyed by Abby during parts of the story (she seemed like a know-it-all).

I thought the whole thing about the computer game, that might have gone back in time to show you what had happened in Charlotte's life, was very interesting! I think those scenes with Charlotte might have been my favorites in Time and Again!

At times, the writing was a little hard for me to follow, but it doesn't seem like any other reviewers had that problem, so I may be alone there. :) The "N" word was said a couple times in this book, and even though it was during the back-in-time scenes, I didn't like it.

I really liked all of the history in Time and Again! There was a lot about Lincoln and the State of Illinois. Overall, I think Time and Again was a good one-time read that young readers especially, but also adults, who like books with some time-travel-ness, might enjoy. I plan on reading the sequel, Unclaimed Legacy, because I'm interested in finding out what happens next. :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Links to learn more about the author and series:

About Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station ~ The History behind Miles Station

About Unclaimed Legacy, the second book in the series ~ The History behind Unclaimed Legacy

 About the Author: Website: http://www.deborahheal.com, Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHeal

Where to buy the books: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

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Review: Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Harvest House / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Kelsey Tate comes from sturdy stock. Her great-grandmother Adele endured the sinking of Titanic and made it safely to America, where she not only survived but thrived. Generations later, Kelsey works for the firm Adele founded nearly 100 years ago. 

Now facing a hostile takeover, the firm’s origins are challenged when new facts emerge about Adele’s actions on the night Titanic sank. Kelsey tries to defend the company and the great-grandmother she has long admired, but the stakes are raised when Kelsey’s boss is murdered and her own life threatened. 

Forced to seek help from Cole Thornton, a man Kelsey once loved—and lost, thanks to her success-at-all-costs mentality—she pursues mysteries both past and present. Aided by Cole and strengthened by the faith she’d all but forgotten in her climb up the corporate ladder, Kelsey races the clock to defend her family legacy, her livelihood, and ultimately her life.

My rating:

My thoughts:


I have read many of Mindy Starns Clark's suspense books and loved most of them, but unfortunately, Echoes of Titanic wasn't that great to me. I found myself easily bored throughout most of the novel (although it did get better later on in the story) and sometimes thought there were too many details.

I did like the mystery, though, of who really survived from the sinking of the Titanic (whether Adele or Jocelyn posing as Adele). There were other things that happened present day that added suspense/mystery, too, which I also enjoyed. I was surprised when it was made known what had happened regarding the person who was found dead - I wasn't expecting it.

Overall, I liked Echoes of Titanic, but because it was somewhat boring at times, I'm giving it 2.5 stars. Even though this book isn't one of my favorites, if it sounds like something you might like (and you like books dealing with the Titanic), you might want to try it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Story by Steven James

Story by Steven James

Revell / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Stories are an integral part of the human condition, the way we have passed on history and information and inspiration for millenia. Using the power of imagery and the drama of narrative, bestselling author and professional storyteller Steven James leads readers through a journey into the greatest story ever told. From creation to Christ's birth, from his first miracle to eternity and everything in between, readers will see familiar scenes from the Bible like they never have before. These stories, retold as only Steven James can, will wake readers spiritually, re-inspire their faith journey, and jolt them into action. 

Now repackaged, this well-received book is poised for renewed impact in the lives of believers.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Story by Steven James was an okay read. I didn't particularly care for a lot of things in the book - especially how many times it made it seem like God said something, that isn't in the Bible, so how are we to know if He actually said it? That is one of my pet-peeves with books, it is like putting words in God's mouth and that isn't right.

A few examples:

"Thanks," said Jesus. He took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. Everyone nodded and stepped to the side to let the young rabbi dance with the bride.
"I love weddings," he whispered to me.
And we began to dance. - Page 91

"Okay," said the Creator. "Then I'll tell a new story. One that includes a detour through an empty tomb." - Page 81 

Also, with that second quote, doesn't it make it seem like the Gospel was plan B? That God didn't know Adam and Eve were going to sin. When the fall and Jesus dying on the Cross and resurrecting from the dead was in God's plan from the beginning.

There were a few chapters in this book I really liked, but, while I did learn a few things from Story, overall there was just too much in this book that I didn't like/agree with - so I don't recommend this book. Steven James is still one of my favorite authors, though, just with fiction books instead.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Review: The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Haven by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Stoney Ridge Seasons Series: Book 2

Revell / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook

About the book:

Spring brings new life, young love, and second chances to Stoney Ridge. 

On a warm spring day, Sadie Lapp returns home to her quiet, unassertive life in Stoney Ridge after spending the winter in Ohio. 

Gideon Smucker, an awkward schoolteacher, has been in love with Sadie since childhood and eagerly awaits her return. But does Sadie feel the same about him? 

Will Stoltz, a charming and impetuous college student, has been banished for a semester and sent to babysit endangered peregrine falcons nesting at the Lapp farm. He'd rather be anywhere else . . . until he befriends Sadie. 

As the hopes and ambitions of these three young people converge, life in Stoney Ridge may never be the same. 

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love in this captivating series.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I loved book one in the "Stoney Ridge Seasons" series, The Keeper, and I had hoped I would enjoy The Haven just as much (if not more) than that book. Unfortunately that wasn't the case.

The story was good throughout, but it wasn't that gripping and I could have probably set it aside easily. I didn't like how on page 200 Sadie hears God whisper to her - to me that is putting words in God's mouth. I also didn't particularly care for the ending (that is all I'm going to say about that).

I liked the characters - especially Gid and Will - and found some of the surprises in The Haven intriguing. The Haven was very easy to read and I think fans of Amish fiction will enjoy it - especially if they have read The Keeper.

All in all, I liked The Haven and think it was a good one time read. I do plan on reading future books in this series to find out what happens with these characters.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

“Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Review: Prism by Rachel Moschell

Prism by Rachel Moschell

2010

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

He wanted to bring light to the world, but knew that along with it would come darkness... 

Alejo is a leader in the Prism, a Muslim organization bent on fighting social injustice in his native Bolivia. His passion for God's justice has always led him far away from the church and its dark secrets he has seen with his own eyes. 

Until now. 

  Wara Cadogan's friends think she's the ideal missionary in Bolivia, but they don't know the truth: she betrayed her values, and it's tearing her apart. When Wara and her best friend Noah collide with the Prism, she believes Noah is dead and Alejo is to blame. 

She should hate him.

He's a killer. Who took everything from her.

What is she supposed to do when he gives up everything to save her?

My rating:

My thoughts:

I was hoping to enjoy this book more than I did. It took me a while to get into the story (despite the interesting prologue) and I found myself kinda bored with the first third of Prism.

However, once I finally started getting more interested in the story, I found myself really caring about the characters and what they were going through. About that time is when something so horrible happens (not saying what) that made me really mad at the book... okay, maybe not mad, but really sad. :(

I did love the story of forgiveness and grace that was throughout - parts were really touching and even sweet. :) There was a little romance, but not much (in my opinion).

I also felt that at times it was a little too wordy and that made it hard for me to get into the book. So, all in all, I liked Prism, but there were a few things that I didn't like, so I'm giving it 2.5 stars.

I will say, though, there are a lot of people who seemed to have loved this book, so if Prism sounds interesting to you, you might want to try it.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.


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