Finding God in the Hobbit by Jim Ware

Just as some have said that The Chronicles of Narnia shows C. S. Lewis’ faith, so does The Lord of the Rings.  However, the one book that explains it all, The Hobbit, is many times overlooked when it comes to this.  Jim Ware saw this also and wrote Finding God in the Hobbit to show us where God come through in Tolkien’s writing once again.

I originally picked up the book because I have read The Hobbit and I was curious about the author’s perception on the book.  Also, not too long ago I read Finding God in the Land of Narnia, another book in the same series.  I must say, while I enjoyed some of the chapters of Finding God in the Hobbit, sometimes I felt that the idea of God was stretched out a little, “like butter spread over too much bread.”  Jim Ware did a nice job in many places of pulling out things that could be applied to life, but sometimes I wasn’t really able to see the connection, especially how they related to The Hobbit.  The one thing I did like about the book (and the whole Finding God series in general) was the reflections at the end of each chapter.  They reminded me of a fable because they had big ideas to bring home and think about.  It was hard for me to get into the book, but I am mainly a fiction reader and I only picked up this book because I knew I had liked the previous one in the series that I read.  I would, however, recommend this book to anyone who has read The Hobbit or is planning to read it and who wants to delve further into the meaning behind Tolkien’s works.

I was provided with a free copy of this book by Tyndale Blogging Network in exchange for my review.

Isle of Shadows by Tracy L. Higley

Tessa of Delos is a sought-after hetaera.  She is beautiful.  She is cunning.  She is a marble Athena.  After years of trying to block out her own pain and suppress her past, she has had enough.  She seeks to release herself from her captivity by taking her own life.  However, when her master dies in a freak accident, she finds herself in a position where she has never been before: with hope.  She, along with Simeon, a Jewish slave in the same household, and Nikos, a mysterious dock worker who arrives on their doorstep one day, embark on a dangerous game where she tries to keep the death a secret long enough to escape to freedom.  

Unfortunately, she is not the only one with something to hide-- Spiro, a power-hungry politician, plans something sinister that only Tessa, Nikos, and Simeon know of.  Before long, Tessa is thrown into a masquerade where she must struggle to uncover the plot and keep her own secret simultaneously.  She looks to the god Helios for help, not realizing that God has the freedom and hope that she has always desired.  The question is, will she see past her own intentions to do what He wants for her?

I have slightly mixed feelings on the book.  I began reading it and immediately was thrown into the plot, which was exciting and fast-paced from the start.  However, having read Tracy L. Higley’s other book, Garden of Madness, only a short time ago, I saw very similar parallels between the two stories, which made Isle of Shadows easy to predict.  I was very impressed with the former book, and looked to the latter to be just as good.  I wasn’t entirely mistaken, for I enjoyed this book very much.  However, I feel like the plot was just a little bit too unrealistic and predictable for what I was hoping for.  I feel that the ending was a bit rushed, and that certain events could have been expounded upon further.  One other thing that I couldn’t help but think about the whole time I was reading was that the entire story only spanned a time of about seven days, but the characters developed at a pace that would have taken months in real life.  I do realize that this minor detail was absolutely necessary because of the time constraints that Higley incorporated into the book, and it didn’t bother me too much since it felt like longer when I was actually reading the story.

On the positive side, the book had a very entertaining plot line that was easy to follow and not confusing in the slightest.  I was actually reminded quite a bit of Francine Rivers when I first started reading the book, as it seemed similar to something she would write.  I found myself comparing Tessa to Rivers’ characters as I read, which made me smile inside because I am a huge fan of the Mark of the Lion series.  I would recommend Isle of Shadows to those who like historical fiction, especially ancient historical fiction, and those who want a quick, easy read.  (I found that I couldn’t put the book down.)  I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Higley’s books, especially those in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World series, and I have high hopes for what they hold.

Thank you to Booksneeze.com who provided me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.

The Choice by Robert Whitlow

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ageless woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could...and has lived with the consequences.

More than thirty years later, a pregnant teen has come into her life, and Sandy's long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her choice bring life...or death?

The Choice by Robert Whitlow has a great message. The conflict in the book deals with two sides and their opinion on the value of life. While I enjoyed the content, the plot line was very predictable. The author spent much of the time developing the main character and her life. Halfway through the book, her life is fast forwarded to 33 years later. I felt as if the first half was written well, with suspense and great character development while the later half was severely lacking in depth. The outcome was too pretty and perfect. The ending that was prophesied earlier in the book did not really tie together in the end. It was a far stretch from what could have been developed.

I would recommend this book for a light easy read. If you like happy endings, you will like this book. Spiritually, the book has a light faith base to it but the main conviction was the aspect of choosing life over abortion. There was no mention of Jesus or the main characters forgiveness for sin committed earlier. Robert Whitlow could have used more prayer and more insight into the faith of the main character. He also could have used his expertise to create an awesome trial in the end. This was my least favorite book of Robert Whitlow’s books.  I was provided with a free copy of the book by Booksneeze.com in exchange for a review.

Starring Me by Krista McGee

All Kara McKormick has ever wanted is to act.  She’s performed in plays and productions locally, but she really wants to be famous and make it big.  She got her foot in the door when she was on the show The Book of Love, but she didn’t win that competition.  However, a new show is coming, and she is selected to audition for the role of co-star.  When she gets the call, she is thrilled.  She moves down to Orlando for a month-long audition and lives in a house with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother.  Getting through auditions is tough, but what Kara doesn’t know is that God has an even bigger plan for her than acting--and it’s even better than what she expected.

This was a really good book.  I was hoping that because it continues the story started in First Date it would do the other book justice.  I needn’t have worried, though.  Starring Me was in some ways even better than First Date (although I do highly recommend reading both!).  I really loved the fact that the story was told mainly from the perspective of Kara, who was a spunky, fun character.  It showed her journey through the auditions and portrayed very well the horrors of being in the show business with teenagers.  I found myself rooting for Kara as she dealt with the bratty other girls, and I was pleased with the ending and how the book resolved.  I would recommend this book to anyone who’s tweenage and above.  Children could read it (there’s nothing inappropriate), but I just don’t think a younger person would really appreciate the book’s message or understand the trials Kara went through.  If you have read Krista McGee’s other book, First Date, and enjoyed that, then you will also like Starring Me.  I look forward to reading the other books the author has to offer, and I wouldn’t hesitate to lend this particular book to a friend.

Thanks to BookSneeze.com for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

The year is 1876.  Sophia Makinoff is a french teacher at the college of Vassar.  She is sure her life will be an influential one when a US congressman finally proposes to her.  She is sorely mistaken, however, when he instead asks her roommate to marry him.  Sophia wants to escape the humiliation, so she signs up to be a missionary.  She hopes she can be assigned to China, where she may be able to move back to Russia after her term is complete.  However, God has other plans.  He moves her into Dakota Territory, to teach school to the Ponca Indian tribe there.  She wonders how she could set an example as a missionary when her sights are not set on God.  However, one day something changes in her and she comes to love the Ponca people and wants to help them through their struggles.  This passion is shared by the village carpenter, Willoughby Dunn.  Together they try desperately to save the Ponca’s homeland as they are uprooted by the government and sent to live in Indian Territory.  They must wade through rushing water to help the people they love.

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond was an excellent book.  I wanted to read it because of the potential to learn about Native American culture and their struggles as the West was settled in America.  I wasn’t disappointed.  The author gave a nice taste of history dashed through with a pinch of romance and a healthy dosage of a missionary’s experience.  I loved Sophia’s character, and in so many instances the other people made me laugh with their dialogue and quirks.  I also appreciated the way in which she presented God.  Obviously He would be prevalent because of the missionaries, but it didn’t stop there.  Sophia grew in her faith through the story, and that one piece of advice I will remember always: "Ignore the rushing water. Ignore everything that tries to pull you under or knock your feet out, or obscures your view. Plant your feet on solid rock.”  Not only was the book a good read, but it had something to be gained from it as well.  I think anyone who likes to read books about Early American/Native American history would like this book.

Also, thanks to BookSneeze.com for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for this review.

Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley

Garden of Madness by Tracy L. Higley tells the story of Tiamat, the daughter of King Nebuchadnezzar during his seven years of madness.  Princess Tia has anything she could ever hope for: she is rich and has luxuries coming out her ears.  Her husband has just recently died, and she revels in her newfound freedom.  She runs wild in the palace, driving her mother crazy with her “silly, childish exploits.”  Fed up, her mother, the queen, plans to wed her to another prince, which Tiamat despises.  But all is not well in the palace.  A body turns up one day in the Hanging Gardens where her mad father lurks, and Tia is determined to find the killer.  However, in her quest to find truth and answers for herself, she ends up learning a greater Truth than she could ever have imagined.  It takes the help of her family, the king’s friend Daniel, and her late husband’s brother Pedaiah for Tiamat to make the ultimate decision that will result in risking everything she’s ever known for Yahweh, the One True God.


I picked up this book because I am practically in love with historical fiction, especially when it tells of ancient cultures.  I didn’t get around to reading it for a while, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down.  It took me only the weekend to finish it.  The story moved along at a frantic pace, and the characters developed so much from the beginning to the end.  However, my favorite part about it was that the author did a splendid job of weaving multiple plot lines together without losing the reader.  I was gripping my seat in anticipation of the resolution, and it was well worth the wait.  I found myself disappointed the story was over, but pleased with the conclusion.  I would recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction, mystery, romance (yes, there was a touch of this), or anyone who just loves a good story.  I definitely look forward to reading future novels from this author, and will hopefully enjoy them as much as I did this first one.


Thanks to Booksneeze.com for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

The story Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur is about an 11-year-old girl who has survived a tragic accident.  She is alone with as many SpaghettiOs as she could eat and her pet fish, Sammy.  Aubrey is perfectly happy, but then her loving grandmother intervenes. She must take the steps that will help her heal, and at the moment, only writing letters feels right.  She learns that even in tragedy, we can learn to start over with baby steps and loyal friends that are always there for us.


I picked up the book at a book fair last Friday and finished it on Sunday.  It is a quick, easy read, but worth the while.  For some reason, the story that Aubrey tells profoundly affected me.  There were many parts that made me want to cry and give her a hug as she endured on.  The story moved along at a good pace, and although it wasn’t an action-packed read, it had enough of a storyline to make me want to keep reading page after page.  The characters were surprisingly well developed, and they had depth to them unlike those in many other books that I have read.  I would recommend the book to anyone who wants a short read that is a little bit of a sad story, but has a satisfying ending.  It’s age appropriate for elementary schoolers, so anyone that age and above could read it.  I definitely enjoyed reading Love, Aubrey and look forward to letting other people read it as well.

Blood Red Horse by K. M. Grant

Two boys.  One girl.  The adventure of a lifetime.  Blood Red Horse by K. M. Grant is a historical fiction novel starring the de Granville brothers Gavin and William, a fair maiden called Ellie, and a red horse named Hosanna.  King Richard calls for a crusade to retake the Holy Land, and Gavin and Will go with their father to fight the Saracens.  They all have dreamed of glory and a chance to prove themselves in battle.  This is their chance.  However, the road to victory is paved with trials, and the de Granvilles must face more than just death in order to bring honor for their king.

I first picked up this book after it was recommended to me by a friend, and I must say that it is now on my list of favorite books.  It seemed like something up my alley: Medieval fiction with a bit of adventure, romance, and an intriguing horse story thrown into the mix.  By the fourth chapter I was hooked.  I couldn’t put it down.  It had a similar effect on me that The Hunger Games did.  I wanted to keep reading to follow the adventures as the characters risked life and limb for what they believed in.  

Along with its romping good plot, I appreciate the book for its historical content as well.  The author did a splendid job of researching the time period (which happened to be the Third Crusade in 1191) and she presented it in such a way that the reader couldn’t help but want to know more.  I look up to authors who are able to do this.  The characters she created are as real and alive as if they are in the room with you.  They have real-life emotions and real-life reactions to real-life problems.  I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.

I would recommend the book to pretty much anyone.  If you like historical fiction, if you like a fast paced adventure, if you love horses (I fit into this category), then Blood Red Horse would appeal to you.  It’s age appropriate for anyone in upper elementary and on through the retirement homes.  Don’t miss the chance to get hooked on a true work of literary genius.

Also, don't miss the second book in the series, Green Jasper!

Toes by Tor Seidler

The story starts out with a mother cat who has her kittens to a loving family of five.  The children are delighted, and they care for them well.  A month after the kittens are born, however, the mother cat dies and leaves them alone.  Socks, Spots, Ferdinand, and Toes get along without her just fine, at least, that's what it seems.  Toes is shunned by his brothers because, as his apt name suggests, he has seven toes on each foot, although her proves to be the smartest of the bunch.  He ends up running away to find a better life, and he lands among the boxes and crates in a violinist's basement on Halloween night.  Toes lives in the basement for months until he is forced to request the assistance of the violinist for food.  The person, Sebastian, takes to Toes immediately and accepts him into his home.  Sebastian needs help though, and it's up to Toes to do something.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end.  The plot and characters all work together in a seamless fashion and the ending has a feel-good way about it.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes cats or fiction or even just a good book.  Any age could read it; it's a thin, easy read written for elementary schoolers, but adults shouldn't shy away because of that.  It's worth a second look at least on the library shelf.

Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz

Ally Green is a sixty year old woman from Virginia who can’t stay put in life. She travels all over the world searching and running away from her past. When her father dies, she is forced to return to Molasses Creek, a place that holds painful memories for her and lost love. She dreads going back and seeing everything changed. She doesn’t want to remember everything that’s happened to her.

Sunila is a Nepali stone carver. All she has ever known is a life of slavery and depression, being of the Dalit caste. No one spares her a second glance. One day, she finds The Book of the Gods, a mysterious sketchbook that she has carved pictures out of all her life. Now, she is determined to find out how this book connects her to a past she never knew.

The two women’s paths cross in a very unlikely way, helping them both find the true meaning of love, family, and a sense of belonging.

I enjoyed the book. It took me a bit longer to read than I would have liked, but this fact was due mainly to the amount of other work piling up around me at home. I was pleased that the author interwove a bit of the Nepali culture into the book. Being a history buff, I always enjoy learning something new from my reading. The book moved along at a good pace, although it did get a bit slow at times. Overall I was pleased. However, the one thing I could not get past was how shallow the main character, Ally, was. I felt that her narration showed how naive she was and it really irritated me how she viewed certain things. I wouldn’t let this small fact deter anyone from reading the book, though. It was just a minor oversight. I feel the connection to God was a bit vague. After finishing, I can see where the author was going and what they were trying to do, but I feel it could have been done differently. But what do I know?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light, easy “airplane” book to read every now and then. It wasn’t too difficult, just a little sad. I don’t think I would read it again, but I enjoyed it the first time around.

Also, thanks to BookSneeze.com for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for this review.

First Date by Krista McGee

First Date by Krista McGee starts out by introducing Addy Davidson, a shy, quiet introvert who would rather read and study than go to the mall with friends. She spends her days golfing and happily preparing to get into an Ivy League college until one day she is called to the Principal's Office for an unknown reason. She soon finds out she has been entered into a new reality TV show called the Book of Love where the prize is a date with the president’s son. She tries her hardest to get eliminated from the show from the start because she would rather be back in her quiet, uneventful life. Soon, however, she realizes that God has a different plan for her...
I originally picked up this book because it reminded me in a roundabout way of The Hunger Games (a series of which I am very fond): lots of live and televised action, a reluctant main character, a “fight to the death” of the contestants. It wasn’t until later that I realized the book was actually a modern-day retelling of the story of Esther. As soon as I figured that out, I began to immediately make connections to where the story might be headed, but my enjoyment wasn’t compromised because of it. I was greatly pleased with the way the author made the story real, if not somewhat fantastical, and didn’t get caught up with following Esther’s plot too closely, but enough to make her point.
I would recommend this book to readers of all ages, for it isn’t a difficult read. I was pleased at how Addy grew in her faith over the course of the book and I was right along side her. I was able to relate to her because she wasn’t a “larger than life” character, and I think many other people may find themselves in a boat similar to hers. Five stars to you, Krista McGee. And thanks to BookSneeze.com for giving me a free copy of the book to review.