Book Review: Coming Day

Age group: 13+ For scary situations, and mild violence

Description: It has been two years since the last battle between the rebels of Pravik and the ruling Empire, and while they have been peaceful, they have also brought a new threat with them: Terrified of the supernatural powers evident in Pravik’s people and unwilling to be branded as traitors themselves, the surrounding communities will not trade with Pravik, dooming the city to a slow, starving death within its own walls. 
When emissaries arrive from the emperor, inviting the Ploughman to form an alliance with him, he has no choice but to go. But in doing so, he ignores the vision of the blind seer Virginia Ramsey, who has seen deadly consequences at the end of the Ploughman’s journey.
Desperate for help from another source, Virginia sets out on a journey of her own, accompanied by the Darkworld priestess Rehtse — a journey to find the King and bring him to Pravik’s aid.
Their parallel journeys will at last open the way to the worlds unseen, bringing in powers, terrors, beauties, and a final confrontation no one could imagine. Central to the fate of their world are the Gifted: the Singer, Seer, Healer, Listener, Warrior, and Voice.

After finished Burning Light, I started Coming Day as soon as I could. I really, really wanted to know what was going to happen to all the characters I had come to love, as well as see the end of this epic fantasy trilogy. It was nothing, absolutely nothing like I expected. It was far better.

This story opens at a very low point. The hope and the energy that the last two books have built on has waned. People are discouraged and weary, a feeling that touched me deeply, because I have been there. I have been at a point where I wondered if anything good would ever happen again. Rachel was able to pull on my emotions and make me feel what the characters were feeling.

As I said before, Rachel’s writing style is nothing short of lyrical. I reread many portions and read some of them aloud, just because they sounded amazing. I can see this as a wonderful book to read aloud as a family.

The most exciting part of this book was that you see all the threads you have been following pulling together. All the stories are pulling together, and so are The Gifted.

The bad guys, as in the first two books, were pretty dark. There were also several intense parts, but I still really enjoyed the book a lot.

The ending was nothing like what I expected it to be. It was so much better. Rachel again showed herself in the top tier of writers for her imaginative story- telling that took this allegory beyond the norm.

I recommend this book for those whole loved the first two, love fantasy, adventure, and allegories.

You can buy this book on Amazon, Barns and Noble, andSmashwords

Book Review: The Jeweler's Apprentice

Age Appropriate For: All Ages

Description: Fia Brithin is beginning an adventure. On her first visit to King Hanor's palace, 16 year old Fia Brithin stumbles into court intrigue. To keep the secret safe, the Chancelor sends her off as apprentice to a famous, and reclusive, high mountain jeweler ... and straight into adventure. Discovering gems with deep secrets and new friends with the same, Fia learns a whole lot more than just modeling wax. When to trust a stranger, and when not to; why not to try stealing from gem thieves; what heroism is, what royalty ought to be, and that the mountains themselves can sometimes be the greatest danger of all.

I met Elizabeth online not too long after I started Homeschool Authors. I have had her book on my Kindle waiting to read, but something always kept me from it. When her next book comes out, nothing will keep me from it. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

This is Elizabeth’s first book, and at points it shows. There were a couple of weak spots where I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. However, those were few and far between and did little to detract from the delightful story found within the pages of The Jeweler's Apprentice.

This was the kind of book I was wanted to read as a child: Full of adventure, daring yet feminine maidens, and good morals as the foundation of the story. It is so hard to find these kinds of books these days, although it seems the homeschool authors are working hard to fill the void.

As others have pointed out, Elizabeth has a great gift for word building. She built her non-magical fantasy world and culture very well.

I really loved how Fia loves her family, even when they are far apart. So many books have siblings that fight all the time or don’t like each other, but this book was different. I also enjoyed the peek into Jewelry making.

I highly recommend this book for children, youth, or anyone who likes adventure, clean fun, and non-magical fantasy.

Buy the book today on Amazon

Book Review: Burning Light

Age group: 13+ For scary situations, and mild violence

Book Description: After five hundred years of oppression, the Seventh World is beginning to wake to the realities of the unseen world behind their own. The rise of the Gifted, young men and women with uncommon abilities, portends the coming of the King of ancient days - but evil is also waking. Aware that their control is beginning to slip, the Order of the Spider sets out to convert the Gifted or destroy them.

Among those caught in the conflict are Nicolas Fisher, a young Gypsy running from the past, and Maggie Sheffield, driven underground in the city of Pravik. Others also stand against the Blackness: the young chieftain Michael O'Roarke, the mysterious healer called Miracle, and the indomitable rebels of Pravik. Together, they will unearth a terrible plot and stand against the greatest evil their world has ever known.

As the world takes sides, their lives will play an integral role in the coming of light, or the triumph of darkness.

After reading the first book, I immediately bought the sequel. I had to know what was going to happen next, and was I in for more excitement than I thought.

There were only two things that I didn’t like about this book. 1. Sometimes the bad guys were a little too dark for my liking (although good ultimately always triumphs over evil) 2. There wasn’t a lot about Maggie. Although Maggie is part of the story, she doesn’t have as big of a role.

As I said before, Rachel’s writing style is nothing short of lyrical. I reread many portions and read some of them aloud, just because they sounded amazing. I can see this as a wonderful book to read aloud as a family.

Even though I didn’t like the fact that Maggie wasn’t as much in this book as she was the last book, Rachel introduced some wonderful characters to make up for it. Miracle was my favorite of the new characters. She was so sweet as well as wise; I couldn’t help but love her. I also loved how she cares for even the bad guys.

Rachel already established that she was a good world builder in the first book, but in this book she established herself as one of the best world builders ever in my mind. She introduced a culture that lives below the ground and has for many years. The Darkworlders were a culture unlike any other, and she did them well.

I recommend this book for those whole loved the first one, love fantasy, adventure, and allegories.

You can buy this book on Amazon, Barns and Noble, Smashwords, iTunes, and Kobo

Announcement Saturday: Christmas is Coming!

News

I'm busy trying to finish my Christmas shopping. However, I have bought one gift that was very important; I bought a Homeschool Authored book for one of my siblings. Support homeschool authors this Christmas and buy a homeschool authored book for one person on you list!

Authors Added

Rebekah Jones 

Nicole Sager

Jessica Greyson

Books Added

A Year with the Potters by Rebekah Jones 

The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager

The Fate of Arcrea by Nicole Sager

The Father Christmas Confessions: A Christmas Comedy by Emily Ann Benedict

(Coming Soon) Annabeth's War by Jessica Greyson

Book Review: Worlds Unseen

Age group: 12+ For scary situations, and mild violence

Description: The Council for Exploration Into Worlds Unseen believed there was more to the world and its history than the empire had taught them. Treating ancient legends as history, they came a little too close to the truth. Betrayed by one of their own, the Council was torn apart before they could finish their work.

Forty years later, Maggie Sheffield just wants to leave the past behind. Memories of the Orphan House where she grew up are fading; memories of her guardians' murder are harder to shake. When a dying friend shows up on her doorstep bearing the truth about the Seventh World -- in the form of a written covenant with evil -- Maggie is sent on a journey that will change her forever. Along with the Gifted gypsy Nicolas Fisher, who hears things no one else can, Maggie joins with the last surviving members of the Council and a group of eastern rebels led by a ploughman and a princess to discover the truth.

It won't be easy. The Seventh World has long been controlled by the Blackness, and its monstrous forces are already on Maggie's trail.

I normally do not read fantasy, but this year it seems I have stumbled into a rare breed of fantasy that I like; non-magical fantasy.  After reading Truth and The Tiphereth Trilogy, I decided I was willing to try Rachel Thomson’s Seventh World Trilogy. I was not disappointed.

This whole series is nothing like I expected it to be. Although an allegory, Rachel went beyond the typical to make an extraordinary tale that not only was captivating, but gave some deeper insight into our faith. Without giving too much away, the allegory focused more on the beginning of the Bible.

The only thing that kept me from giving it five stars on Goodreads was that there were some pretty intense and dark moments in the book. The dark didn’t overshadow the good, and Rachel did well at not making it too dark, but it was very intense at points.

Rachel’s writing style is nothing short of lyrical. I reread many portions and read some of them aloud, just because they sounded amazing. I can see this as wonderful book to read aloud as a family. Rachel has what many traditionally published others struggle to obtain -- a unique and compelling writing style.

The story itself kept me on the edge of my seat. In fact I read the whole series in a little over a week while I was sick. It is a real page-turner and took many unexpected twists. The relationships that develop were nothing like what I expected in the beginning. It was so refreshing to read a book that didn’t turn out like I thought it would at the beginning.

I highly recommend this whole series those who love non-magical fantasy, allegories, adventure stories, and those looking for a book that is anything but normal.

You can get a free e-book or buy a paperback copy at Amazon, Barns and Noble, Smashwords, iTunes, and Kobo

Book Review: To Birmingham Castle: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure

Age Group: 13+ for reading level

Description: The time is the Middle Ages, a time of clashing arms, valiant knights, and intriguing castles. Join Robert Fitz Hasseltine, a young nobleman of unchallenged character and the heir to his uncle's vast earldom. Valiant, yet merciful, Robert's steadfast determination to aid the weak brings him face to face with several individuals who urgently need his protective care --individuals who must throw themselves upon his compassion and rely on his strength to overcome their pasts and lead successful lives.

Yet the days are volatile, and danger lurks on the horizon. There are dangerous enemies who hate Robert's steadfast character and ever-present mercy -- enemies who would do anything to vanquish his compassion and shower their malice upon his cause. A thrilling adventure commences, coupling victory, peril, friendship, and rivalry. During his eventful journey from squire to knight to earl, Robert's courage is strongly tested and his strength challenged. Will he be able to overcome the enemies that beset him and proclaim himself the undisputed lord of his shire? And, above all, will he abide true to his resolve and prove to be a kind, considerate master?

Books set in the Middle Ages are some of my favorite. Ever since I was eleven I have had a great interest in this time period. When Alicia offered me a copy of her book, I was very excited about getting to read a book set in the Middle Ages by a homeschooler.

This book is a little harder to read for a very impressive reason-- Alicia not only writes about the Middle Ages, she wrote it in an older English style. However, those who read the KJV, or a lot of G.A. Henty will have no trouble at all.

The story itself was wonderful and exactly the kind I like, adventurous with good Christian morals without being too preachy. Even though it was a long book, I never found myself bored. Alicia kept the story moving and didn’t let it drag, like so many long books do.

One of my favorite things about this book is how true to medieval life it was. Alicia is not like so many authors that ascribe modern thinking and ideas to all of her characters. I especially loved the way that she had Robert (the main character) be kind and caring for those of lower station, yet still manage to somehow give the feeling that Robert knows they are a station lower them him.

The friendship between Strephon and Robert was by far my favorite part. The close friendship of these two was wonderful as well as believable. I would think that boys and parents of sons will find their friendship and loyalty a refreshing change from the normal male fictional friendships.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, adventure, stories with wonderful principles, and stories of strong friendships.

Buy it today on Amazon, Barns and Noble, CrossBooks, LifeWay, and iTunes

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled

Age group: All Ages

Recommend for: Homeschoolers, families, all ages, big families, those looking for a humorous read

Description: What do you get when you throw 20 children, four parents, several cross-country trips, and a sense of humor between the covers of one book? Lots and lots of big family fun that will tickle the funny bones and warm the hearts of your entire clan. Rachel Starr Thomson is the oldest of twelve children. Carolyn Currey, her second cousin, is the oldest of eight. Not only are their families huge, they also homeschool Drawing on some of their favorite memories, Rachel and Carolyn have written a book of essays that will make you laugh, think, and thank God for family.

I was sick and couldn’t sleep, so I pulled out a book that I had gotten off one of my favorite sites, PaperBackSwap. I kept my sister Rose up with my laughter. I couldn’t help it! This book kept me in stitches. Until I finished it about three hours later and was finally able to go to sleep.

This book by Rachel Thompson and Carolyn Curry was an excellent collection of real life humor of a large, homeschooling family like my own. Many of the stories ended with moral or lesson being taught, but wasn’t preachy. This book is at the top of my great-gift-book list. Yes, some of my friends might get a copy for their birthday or Christmas.

What I liked about the book: I love reading stories from real life. Humorous stories are some of my favorite to read. The stories were told in such a real, relatable way that I felt like I was in the living room with these two girls, listening to them recount these stories.

This was a very easy and quick read. I was able to read it in two or three hours, but it didn’t feel too short.

I encourage you to buy this book and sit down and read it someday when you need a good laugh.

Book Review: Beyond Waiting

Age group: Girls 13 and up

Description: You are a complete person with thoughts and dreams and your own, unique personality, but it can be hard to hold onto yourself in a world that tells you to just keep waiting until the right guy comes along. Is this really the purpose of your single years? In Beyond Waiting, you'll discover the true meaning of the word wait and learn why life can be so discouraging if all you're doing is pursuing that ever-elusive Prince Charming. A fresh spin on the fairytales you grew up with will have you yearning for more than happily ever after as you dare to step into the journey that lies within your once upon a time. You were meant for so much more than merely waiting. So brace yourself for the most beautiful fairytale ever written-yours. Study Guide is included. "Beyond Waiting is exactly the book that single Christian girls and women need to read. Rebekah Snyder powerfully weaves truth together in a way that is inspiring and motivating. Every woman should realize the thrilling adventure of following God into the unknown paths He has for her whether or not a man is involved. Rebekah teaches us how to do just that. This book is a must read. It will change your life " Shannon Primicerio, author of ten books including The Divine Dance Rebekah Snyder is a writer, dreamer, and lover of fairytales who is living her journey of once upon a time in the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Beyond Waiting is the first of what she hopes will be many books to come.

Most books I have read on purity have been let-downs. Although by people I personally admire, and people with good intentions, they left me feeling like my life didn’t matter until I got married. It took me a few weeks after reading those books to feel normal again. Rebakah Snyder’s book was different. It made me want to send it to all my girlfriends and say: "This is how it is supposed to be."

Beyond Waiting is not a book on how to survive your waiting years or a manual on how to treat guys. Beyond waiting deals with the heart of the problem; our value. The reason many girls toss purity out the window or lose it is because they think their value comes from a man. This book will remind girls of an often forgotten fact: God did not make you as half a person. You are whole and complete as you are. I guy is not going to make you any more then you already are.

I highly recommend this book to every unmarried girl. I hope that the pages of this little gem will encourage you as much as it did me.

Buy it today on Amazon and Barns and Noble

Book Review: The Beauty of the Lilies

Age group: All Ages

Description: Once upon a time, there lived a painter. He dreamed, he painted, and he was troubled by only one thing, the great interruption of his life – the vast Empire among the stars. For, you see, he was emperor. As emperor he did nothing, and as long as nothing happened, all was well.
And then, unexpectedly and all at once, something happened.
In The Beauty of the Lilies, Shannon McDermott tells the story of the painting emperor. With vivid characters, with tenderness and humor, Beauty of the Lilies is an evocative novella.

This was the first story I have read by Shannon McDermott and I enjoyed it immensely. The story of a absent minded, but good king who is faced with a great pulled me in from the beginning. When I finished the story, I wanted to read more. I plan to read Shannon’s other book as soon as I can.

What I liked about the story: I loved the well devolved characters. Some books of large size struggle with well devolved characters, but even in the short pages of this book, Shannon was able to bring her characters to life.

Shannon also has a great gift for description. Places, colors, and people leapt off the page into living images with her words. She has a talent that takes many authors many years and books grasp.

Lastly, I loved the morals and lessons in the story. It is rare to find a book that is so full of good lessons without being overly preachy.

What I didn’t like about it: I did get the feeling I would better understand the world in which this story took place if I had read Shannon’s other book. Although the story made since and I didn’t feel lost, I couldn’t help but feel I was missing something.

My main complaint however is that I didn’t want the story to end so soon. I had already grown attached to the painter emperor and the rest. I wanted to read more.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes short stories with rich characters, enjoys mild science-fiction stories, and/or is looking for clean, wholesome fiction.

You can buy it on Shannon's website.

Book Review: Red Rain

Recommend for: All ages, mild sci-fi lovers, those looking for a short read, those wanting to support homeschool authors.

Can I be honest? I don’t read a lot of Sci-Fi because I don’t like most of it that is out there. I know, this is hard to believe coming from a science fiction writer, but it’s true. Red Rain was a resounding exception.
One day, while working on Homeschool Authors, I found out about Aubrey Hanson. When I stumbled on her website, I saw that there was a free audio book. One day while I was busy mindlessly entering data into the computer at work, I put on my head phones and started listening to the book. I was hooked from the first few sentences. In fact, I stayed up late when I got home (even though I had to get up early the next morning) to finish the book.

A week or so later I bought the Kindle book and thrust the Kindle at my twelve-year-old sister, telling her she would love this book (my twelve-year-old sister is one of the few people in the family that will sit and watch corny old sci-fi movies with me). She brought the Kindle back to me the next day declaring that the book had been too short. “It was such a good book! Why didn’t you make it longer?”

What I loved about it:
First off; Grace Pennington, the girl who read the book, has an amazing voice. If I ever had an audio book done of my books, she would be the one I would choose to do it.

The suspense was excellent and made me frustrated when the downloader didn’t buffer fast enough to keep up. I loved the faith displayed in this book. Without giving anything away, in the end they make a decision that goes against what many Christians would have chosen. It is the hard, much less traveled road of doing what is right, even if sets you back personally. I applaud Aubrey for the courage she showed in her writing.
One of the best things about this book is you felt you were in a real place. You could see the place where Philadelphia lived. You good feel the cold, hard walls of the star base. It all seemed so real, so believable.

What I didn’t like:
Does too-short and wish-there-was-more count?


I encourage you to listen to it for yourself and then, if you like it, show your support and buy the book.

Buy it on Amazon and on her Website

Book Review: The Tiphereth Trilogy

From the back cover: An epic battle to decide to whom the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong...

Enemy forces are advancing on Basileia. The Kingdom is also at peril from within. The cities are warring against each other, and the families are not following in the ways of the High King. All hope will be lost...unless young Prince Aramoth can lead his people not only to victory, but to repentance.

There were a few down sides to this book that I want to talk about before I get to what I liked about it. The Tiphereth Trilogy could have used some revisions, especially the first two or three chapters. Katie drops you into an exciting adventure without really explaining who the characters are.

This tale is an allegory, and parts are well done, while others are a little preachy. Most of the parts that I found preachy I have to admit were, at the same time, faith building moments, so isn’t all bad. I think the moments that I had the biggest trouble with were the parts where she took on slang and TV. However, especially as a family read, I can see this opening up some great discussions.

With all that said, there were some very positive parts of this book. It is a great adventure book. Boys and girls will love the battles and non-stop action. Young people battle evil alongside the adults. Even the female characters get in on the action while maintaining their femininity.

This book was an allegory about our lives and times, and reclaiming it for God. I thought Katie did a good job of portraying that. There is no doubt that family values and high standards are under attack in this day in age. This book serves as a reminder to stand firm and to fight for what you believe in.

If you are looking for non-magical fantasy, a book the supports your conservative Christian beliefs, a fun as well as faith building read, or a safe book to give to an avid reader, The Tiphereth Trilogy is for you.

You can buy it on the her website.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Land of Calais

Description: Inspired by the epic tales of The Scarlet Pimpernel, the well-known character created by Baroness Emma Orczy, The Land of Calais is an adventure featuring many of the original beloved characters intermixed in a new and exciting tale you're sure to love!

Jeanne Andole is one of hundreds rescued by the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel almost daily. Yet only a promise from him that her family will also escape the dreaded death so common these days--Madame la Guillotine--induces her to reluctantly go to the safety of England before they do.

As soon as she has arrived, however, trouble is already brewing. Living guiltily in luxurious England, Jeanne is aroused by a startling truth which cannot go unheeded, and which sends her back willingly into the clutches of Revolutionary France to recover her endangered family. Is her family safe with the Scarlet Pimpernel? Will Jeanne trust God to bring them all safely back to England?

This book by Melody Grubb, a young Christian home-schooler, is encouraging and faith building. She has a wonderful way of capturing the time period with her wonderful descriptions of clothes and settings.

For those of you, like me, that have enjoyed the story The Scarlet Pimpernel, this is a wonderful continuation of the story we all loved. It is full of adventure, excitement, with lessons and faith that make it all the better.
Although I enjoyed the story, I kept wishing that is was longer so that there was time to develop the characters better. Although Jeanne learns some good lessons and has faith, the shortness of the book caused much telling and not a slow unfolding which I enjoy.

If you are looking for a nice adventurous story that is faith building, Land of Calais by Melody Grubb is a wonderful choice

You can buy it on Lulu and from Literary Maidens Publishing

Book Review: Torn Heart

From back cover: A rebellion is rising… The peasants of Sierr have dealt with Queen Livia’s cruel hand long enough. Sixteen-year-old Jacha Simyrna, who has spent her whole life stealing food and places to sleep in the queen’s castle, finds herself trapped between the two sides. The clink of promised gold echoes in Jacha’s ears as she sets out to do what the queen asks of her, but she finds life with the peasants different than she had ever thought it would be. Will Jacha yield herself to the powers of money, or the powers of friendship?

I started reading this book on the heels of a self-published book that made me cringe. Once you have a bad experience, you wonder if you have read all the good self-published books. This book proved that self-published books are, many times, wonderful. It restored my faith in the self-publishing community. Thank you Ellyn!

This book started out as a nice story and an enjoyable one, but about a third of the way through it took a twist and became a totally awesome book! I felt it was a unique story with unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ellyn has a wonderful way with description and characters. The only weak part of her book that I found was that were a couple of references to things that seemed out of place in a medieval/fantasy world. However, I only think that there were two or three places where that happened.

Jacha was a very real, relatable character. Her internal struggle between the two sides is believable and takes unexpected turns. It was by far my favorite part of the book, and what made me want to keep turning those pages.

For those who try to avoid romance, you are in luck with this book. There is only a hint of romance for the main character. More of a maybe-when-we’re-older-but-for-now-we’re-just-friends type of romance which begs for a sequel. As for age range I think that even though there is some violence (what would a book about a rebellion be without a battle) that any child can read it.

I highly recommend Torn Heart for people looking for a non-magical, adventure book.

You can buy the book on Amazon and Creatspace


I received this book from Ellyn Gibbs in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: War Memorial

Description: At the bottom of an old trinket-box lies a misshapen bit of lead—a bullet from the Civil War, an old family keepsake preserved, but mostly forgotten, by later generations. And behind it lies a story—the story of a young girl’s experiences in the days surrounding the fateful battle of Gettysburg, which force her to examine her own heart and show her the face of war in a way she could not have understood before.

When Elisabeth Foley offered to allow me to review her latest short story, I jumped at the chance. I love historical fiction and, being from the deep south, the Civil War has always held special interest for me.

I don’t read many short stories, because they are just that, short. I like to find myself immersed in a story and learning about a character. I found myself enjoying this story, despite the fact that it was short.

War Memorial is a delightful as well as thought provoking story set during the Civil War, told by a father to his children on a stormy night. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, so I will just say that two people from opposite sides of the war meet, and it changes their lives.

I can imagine this being a perfect family night reading. But I suggest to get the full effect, you wait until it starts raining; turn off all the lights except one oil lamp for your dad to read by. I recommend this book for family read-aloud, for those interested in history, and/or those looking for a well written, short read.

I received this story from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: Truth

From the back cover: “What are we living for? Just to live? What is the point? Don’t you think there should be a purpose?”

Trapped in a village no one is allowed to leave, Makilien yearns for the answers to her questions about life and the world outside the village walls. Yet no one but her closest friend seems to understand or share her desire. Despite her family’s fears and warnings of the consequences, she is determined to find answers.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger, and the knowledge he possesses, drives Makilien to drastic action. Confronted with a world she knows nothing about, she must choose carefully who to trust as both good and evil lurk in all places. As a battle looms, one in which will be determined the fate of all, she must decide whether to believe in the One who is truth or fall prey to the lies of the enemy.

The adventure begins here . . .

I don’t normally read fantasy.  Most ‘Christian’ fantasy seems to be me just to be an excuse for witchcraft, and other things that I hate. Truth is a wonderful exception to the norm.   Reading it was like breathing a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world.

I bought this book because the plot sounded compelling, and I was trying to find some fantasy that my siblings might like.  I was totally unprepared for what I found, a fantasy series that I can’t wait to finish; A book that at times took my breath away with its poignant words.

What I loved about this book.

There was absolutely no witchcraft or magic of any kind!  I was so pleased!

One of the things I hate about most fantasy books is the allegories of faith.  Molly Evangeline didn’t make God to be a king or something in her books, even though there is an allegory.  God is a deity, not anything else.

I loved Makilien.  Her search for purpose and meaning in life echo the hearts cry of so many people. This message is so easy to relate to, I am sure it will bless many who read it.  Makilien was a well-developed character, I feel like I know her.

Things you might want to know.

Although I feel like this book is appropriate for all ages, some might find some of the creatures disturbing.  Molly doesn’t go into too much detail (or so I felt) but there are some evil creatures.

For my friends who don’t like romance books, you are in luck!  This book had no romance.  I get the feeling that Makilien might have some romance in a future book, but if it is anything like Molly’s other books, it will be God honoring.

If you are looking for a great fantasy book that is clean and wholesome, I recommend Truth.

“I don't think I have the faith to believe in Elohim."

"But He Always believes in you.”  ~ From Truth by Molly Evangeline

Quote used with permission.

Buy it today on Amazon of from Molly's Website

Book Review: Ever Tear

From the Back Cover: Aside from the nagging and sometimes troubling memories and questions of his past, life for Will over the last year has been truly blessed. His relationship with Skye grows daily as he plans and prepares a future life for them. However, all he envisioned is endangered by an unexpected stranger with a shocking identity. Suddenly, Will learns more about his past than he thought he'd ever know, but it comes at a steep price when he and everyone closest to him are thrown into the middle of a dangerous plot that threatens all their lives. Every Tear, the moving sequel to The Pirate Daughter's Promise, is an example of how God never leaves our side, even in our most troubling and sorrowful moments, taking every tear into account.

After reading The Pirate Daughter’s Promise, I looked forward to reading the next book in the Pirates and Faith series. It took me a while to get around to it as I had a lot of other things on my reading list. So it was with great anticipation that I sat down and finally read Every Tear.

What I didn’t like:  My biggest complaint about this book was that it was too long for the story it contained. Toward the middle, I found myself wanting to skip pages. The story seemed to be moving to slow. I also felt like some of the story was just a repeat of The Pirate Daughter’s Promise in a different setting.

What I loved about it: I loved seeing the characters I loved from the last book continue in this on. Will and Sky being my two favorite. I loved what Molly did with their relationship. She handled everything in such a godly way, it made me wish for more books like it. I also liked that this was an adventure story. There are too few adventure stories out there and those are my favorite kind.

Overall, I think those that liked the first book will be pleased with the squeal, even with its minor flaws. I recommend Every Tear to those who liked The Pirate Daughter’s Promise and/or adventure stories.

You can buy it on Amazon and Amazon Kindle

Announcement Saturday; More Gift Guides

Authors Added

Tessa Hall

Heather Titus

Books Added

(Coming Soon) Purple Moon by Tessa Hall

Avenir Eclectia (Volume 1) by Heather Titus

(Coming Soon) Born to Deliver  by Natalie Wickham

 (Coming Soon) The Prodigal Pup by Sarah Brown

New Gift Guides

Non-Fiction

Historical Fiction

Genral Fiction

Book Review: The Pirate Daughter's Promise

How far would you go to keep a promise? Skyler McHenry is faced with this question in the thrilling high seas adventure by Molly Evangline.

When Molly agreed to do an interview for homeschool authors, I went to her website to do some research. When I saw that The Pirate Daughter’s Promise was only 99 cents, I decided to buy it. I am so glad I did.

From the gripping opening to the final, touching page, I was enthralled with Skyler's story. Orphaned and with only two friends in the world, Skyler leads a hard life. She keeps a secret her father had made her promise not to reveal until she finds someone who loves her and she trusts completely. A secret concerning a hidden pirate treasure.

I was skeptical when I began this book, as I have never really liked pirate stories. As a lover of history, I had learned too much about pirates to ever think of them as good guys in films or books. I was delightfully surprised at this book. This was not about a “Christian” pirate, nor was piracy shown as acceptable. The good captain and his crew hunt pirates and return the stolen goods.

I loved the faith and morals displayed in The Pirate Daughter’s Promise. Prayer not only is a normal part of life, it works. The romance will stand up to the highest moral standards. This book is very wholesome and refreshing.

If you are looking for a book full of adventure that is faith building, The Pirate Daughter’s Promise is a wonderful choice.

You can by signed copies on Molly Evangeline's website and regular copies on Amazon  

Book Review: Interrupted: Life Beyond Words

By Sarah Holman

Recommend for: Those who like YA fiction, well written book seekers, those looking for a thought provoking read, clean fiction lovers

I was very excited about receiving this book to do a review on. This was my first ARC, my first review book, as well as my first traditionally published book by a homeschooler. This book had a lot to live up to, and it did not disappoint.

Rachel Coker has an engaging style of writing, one that lets you feel what the character feels. Even though Allie and I are nothing alike, Rachel made me feel what she was feeling. Not only that, but I also knew what Allie was like as a person. She was so real, her character was so deep, and she will go on my list of unforgettable characters.

I was challenged by this story in a way I hadn’t been since Sophia’s Heart (by Lori Wick). I was challenged to look at the people around me in a new light. Maybe the angry people I met were like Allie, dealing with a past that I could only begin to imagine. This book made me want to reach out to hurting people, and show those who might be the love of Christ. Just about any book that challenges you to do that, in my opinion, is worth reading.

What I loved:
Although this book deals with some hard subjects such as mental illness, a parent leaving, Christians not acting as they should, the death of a parent, etc.; it was not depressing. Rachel Coker manages to throw in humor where needed.

I loved the poetry at the beginning of each chapter. For someone who has a hard time sitting down and just reading poetry, this was a wonderful way to be exposed to a great poet.

What I didn’t like:
That Rachel doesn’t have another book out yet. After reading this book, I can’t wait to get my hands on her next work. However, I might have to wait a while. Look for my name toward the top of the pre-order list when she does come out with one.

I highly recommend this book as a thought provoking as well as an enjoyable read. You can buy it on Amazon today!


I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Book Review: The Rainbow Promise

From the Back Cover: Is what Vanessa saying really true? Is there really a treasure hidden at Glacier National Park?

Young author Becky Dan takes readers through a maze of discoveries and adventures to reveal the true meaning of a Christian life. In The Rainbow Promise, two young, adventurous teenage girls learn more about God through an unexpected treasure quest. Megan finds it hard to believe Vanessa's treasure claim, but how can she make Vanessa understand that the treasure is just a childish dream when she is so intent on finding it? Will they be able to find the treasure without any concrete clues? Is the treasure just a story or something existent? As they search for answers, 16-year-old Megan and 15-year-old Vanessa learn how to bring everything to God in prayer and rely on His promises. They learn the value of faith, forgiveness and teamwork. Through The Rainbow Promise, readers learn that God's Word is far more valuable than treasures.

One Sunday I went to my shelf of to-read book looking for a quick, light read. The Rainbow Promise not only fit the bill, but had a very inviting cover. So, I sat down on the window seat in our living room and read this delightful story.

This book was well written, and engaging, especially for younger readers. Although not a thriller, or hard core mystery, those who enjoy books like Mandie, and the Boxcar Children will like this style.
The faith elements in this book are strong and a couple of times got close to being too overwhelming, but they didn’t. Becky, has a way with characters quoting scriptures that doesn’t make it feel out of place like so many authors do. I look forward to her next book.

I recommend this book for younger readers (although adults might enjoy it as well), those looking for a light read, and those who enjoy faith building stories. You can by it today on Amazon!

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.