THE QUEEN by Steven James - BOOK REVIEW

The Queen, by Steven James, is the 5th title in his series. All the books have titles based on chess, beginning with The Pawn, followed by The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop. These books get better and better. More are to follow.

The story centres on Patrick Brower, FBI Special Agent. Full of intrigue, plot twists and suspense, James keeps the reader on the edge  of his seat as the story unfolds. It is hard to put down. James has me hooked from page one. Thankfully, the chapters are short, allowing the reader to keep up with the changing points of view. James has a masterful way of manoevering around the intricately woven twists in the plot. The story is full of technical details, and is obviously well-researched.

Steven James is indeed a master storyteller. In addition to writing, James has also taught writing and creative storytelling on three continents.

The best endorsement I can give this series is the fact that my husband, a non-reader, is now engrossed in his 4th book, and will be reading The Queen next!

Keep up the great work, Steven. We can hardly wait to see what will come next.

For more information on the author, go to his website, http://www.patrickbowers.com/ and http://www.stevenjames.net/.



"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".




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Review of THEO, a new DVD-based curriculum for children.

THEO, a presentation of Whitestone Media, is a brand-new DVD-based curriculum. It is designed to present biblical truth to children in a fun and interesting way. THEO is a loving older British gent, who cummunicates truth via his relationship with two mice, Luther and Belfry. The cartoons are upbeat  and colorful, and the mice are delightful.

Topics include: Saving Faith, Loving Obedience, Forgiveness, and Good News.
Scriptures taught include the story of Abraham's faith, Jonah's disobedience, and the unforgiving servant.

To learn more about the curriculum and its creators, go to http://www.theopresents.com/.

I showed the introductory DAD to our grandchild, ages 6 and 8. They loved it, and couldn't take their eyes off it. They were asked if they thought it would be good for children who know God as well as for those who don't, and they felt they would. One asked where they could see more, when were they coming out. They listened very attentively to the story, and found the cartoons with the mice funny.

What a great idea!

THEO curriculum is available through the website. The first is available now, with others to follow.

I received a review copy from
 http://www.alarryross.com/.

A LANCASTER COUNTY CHRISTMAS by Suzanne Woods Fisher - Book Review

About the book:

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.

My review: If you enjoy Amish fiction in a Christmas setting, if you love a sweet story, filled with family values, this book is perfect! As I am reviewing this, the weather is still warm, but I can imagine curling up around the fire, sitting in my favourite chair, cuddled in a cozy blanket or quilt, and thorougly enjoying this story.The story connects the lives of individuals, especially two women, who are brought together, and discover there is much to learn from each other.

Suzanne Woods is well qualified to write such a book. She has already written a series of three books based on Amish culture, as well as a number of books about the Amish. She also hosts a radio show, Amish Wisdom. I look forward to more books from Suzanne in the future.

Enter to win your very own iPad Prize Package in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s “Christmas in September” Giveaway! Enter at the link below and then be sure check out the blog tour – many of bloggers are giving away a copy of A Lancaster County Christmas! http://www.litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13425768 Winner of the iPad will be announced on 9/27 during Suzanne’s Facebook Party!

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

The book may be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/

Connect with Suzanne on-line at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/

I received a copy of the book for review purposes from Suzanne' publisher, Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group (http://www.litfusegroup.com/)
Follow the blog tour here. http://www.litfusegroup.com/blogs

STUCK by Jennie Allen - A new DVD Bible study curriculum for a new generation of women seeking God

From promotional copy:
We are often so stuck in invisible struggles in our hearts and minds, we barely have space for God.

These deep struggles, these stuck places, are familiar to every one of us: brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, and sadness. Stuck takes on these struggles within us so that we can encounter God. Because until we recognize that we are stuck and in need of God, we will miss what He has for us.

Jennie Allen's Bible studies are designed to draw women close to God and to each other. These shorter studies dig deep quickly, creating experiential conversations and allowing women to wrestle with Scripture in a deep and authentic way throughout the week.

My review:
This study, STUCK, the places we get stuck and the God who sets us free, is a refreshing new study, the first in a series by Jennie Allen. Allen addresses such themes as broken, mad, discontent, scared, overwhelmed, sad, and unstuck. We've all been there, and so can relate to what she shares, deeply and from her heart. The accompanying study guide emphasizes Biblical truth, and we are given various suggestions for applying it personally. I love Jennie's openess and sweet manner, as well as her honesty. This study is a breath of fresh air!
Jennie's material features 8 sessions on DVD, a study guide and leader's guide, as well as conversation cards for spontaneous and authentic discussion.

"Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson".  

A Letter From Sheila Walsh

Angels have always fascinated me. As a young girl, I would gaze in wonder at illustrations of their airy magnificence, soak up each and every story from the Bible about these specifically created beings and would imagine that my very own guardian angel was behind me each step of the way.

Fast forward to 2011 and I am still fascinated by these heavenly creatures. Yet now as a grown woman and mother, I find myself amazed and a little perplexed by what fascinates today’s modern little girl. Monsters,vampires and wizards, oh my! It seems these fictitious other worldly beings are now captivating their young minds and enveloping their young worlds. As a parent, I wanted to create a new children’s book series that would put the spotlight on a subject truly worthy of fascination....angels.

So I set out to develop a new character that young readers would embrace and delight in, and out from my pen and from my heart poured a new series, Gabby, God’s Little Angel. Gabby is an adorable guardian angel in training who finds that she has so much to learn about taking care of God’schildren. Introducing your little ones to the very real truth that, “He will put his angels in charge of you...they will watch over you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:11 ICB); this delightful new series was written to teach this comforting message in a way easy for them to understand.

I am so passionate about teaching the little angels in your own lives just how much God loves them. I pray that through my new little friend, Gabby,they will discover this truth and rest assured that He is always watching over them!

BLUE SKIES TOMORROW by Sarah Sundin - Book Review

About Blue Skies Tomorrow

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?



About Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II.

Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit with Sarah online at www.sarahsundin.com.,www.facebook.com/SarahSundinAuthor

Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in Sarah Sundin's Wings of Glory series. It is obvious that Sarah is a lover of history, the WWII era in particular. She has thoroughly researched the details. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII, and Sarah has toured a B-17.

I love how the three books tie together the stories of three brothers. Sarah alternately narrates from the point of view of those overseas and those on the home front. Blue Skies Tomorrow is my favorite of the three. It goes beyond the immediate, and delves deeper into the lives of the main characters. I found  myself really caring about the characters, and becoming engrossed in their stories. Sarah deals with real issues. This story is full of suspense, drama, and romance, and is a very satisfying read. It is a page-turner, from beginning to end. Well done, Sarah!

This book would be perfect for a book club, since it includes discussion questions.

I look forward to Sarah's next series.

http://www.litfusegroup.com/ has provided a copy of the book for review purposes.

Sarah's books may be purchased through http://www.amazon.com/ and other fine retailers. It is publishe by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont - Book Review

In her newest book, Patsy Clairmont compares people to stained glass windows. Patsy explains God's power to redeem our brokkeness. Patsy has 'been there', and so is able to share God's purpose in her own inimitable way.
Patsy, a recovering agorophobic, helps us to look at our lives through a new lens. The book is replete with Scripture and other quotes, and gives concrete examples of ways in which we can look through another lens. Patsy uses examples of art, poetry, and music to help us see life from a broken perspective.

Patsy's quick wit and depth of biblical knowledge combine in a powerful pint-size package. As a result of her appearances at Women of Faith...Patsy addresses tens of thousands of women each month. She has written more than twenty-five books in addition to contributing to numerous Women of Faith multiauthor books. Patsy and her husband Les of 49 years live in Tennessee. (From the cover jacket)

I found this book to be deeply thoughtful and challenging. Patsy's writing takes us to unexpected places, such as gardens and art museums, and causes us to think in a fresh way concerning God's healing touch.

To find out more about Patsy, check out her webpage. http://www.patsyclairmont.com/

The book is available through http://www.womenoffaith.com/ , http://www.amazon.co/ and other fine bookstores.
I am thankful to the publisher, http://www.thomasnelson.com/ for providing a copy for review as part of their Booksneeze program.