After having read the bestselling and fantastic book one in the Alaska Courage Series entitled "Submerged," I was eagerly awaiting the release of book two, "Shattered." And I was definitely far from disappointed.
With enough twists and turns to satisfy the most die-hard suspense lover, plenty of Christian faith woven in without coming across as trying too hard, and just the right addition of real-life romance, "Shattered" is certain to become a fast favorite. It's the perfect blend!
To be entirely honest, I had started to grow disinterested in some of the Christian fiction genre, simply because it all started to seem redundant. Boy meets girl, boy cannot commit, girl wants to commit, something happens in the meantime to keep them apart, then suddenly they see the light and are ready to commit to being married and all ends well. Not saying I don't love a good old-fashioned, simple, happy love story such as that. But on an ever greater level I like suspense, complications, mysteries, something more similar to the loop life can through most of us! And "Shattered" seems to fit that bill.
This book focuses in on Reef, a sibling of Cole, one of the main characters in the first book. Upon his return to Yancey, Alaska, the "prodigal" Reef finds himself arrested for murder and the evidence piling up against him makes his chances of gaining freedom slim to none. But his close-knit siblings are not about to let Reef spend the rest of his life behind bars, and thus the excitement begins as they do their best to investigate and question with the help of the local deputy (a long-time friend of the family), Landon Grainger.
The main characters in this book are Landon and one of the McKenna siblings, Piper, the girl who has always been like his little sister. Except now, Landon and Piper are facing feelings for each other that have suddenly evolved into something more than friends . . . and this journey of new and uncertain feelings is where the romance in the story enters! Right into the mix of trying to find out who really murdered the poor young woman who was visiting Yancey as part of a snow sport professional circuit.
What I loved about this book: I loved how the author seems to never run out of creative twists and turns in the plot that still seem realistic. Also appreciated is the depth and genuineness of all the characters, especially the couple she chooses to use as the main characters (in this novel, Landon and Piper).
What I didn't like so much: It is very difficult for me to find anything I don't like about the Alaskan Courage series thus far. So honestly, I'm going to leave this section blank.
My rating: I would definitely give this Christian "fictional romantic suspense" a 5/5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who would like a fresh type of Christian fiction, one that will keep you on the very edge of your seat even while leaving you feeling quite satisfied you read the whole book when done!
Thank you to Bethany House for a copy of this book in order to procure my honest review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
First Day of Spring!
Hello Friends!
It seems like it's been a rather long time since I last made a post that was not a book review. Looking back, it actually has been two months! Crazy.
Life is rolling along in this neck of the woods. Of course I began my graduate classes yet again for another semester on January 7th and since then, it's been even more busy. I also began nannying -- two infants simultaneously, one of which stays with me all day long 4 days a week and the other for a few hours or half days Mon-Fri! Usually they are here at the same time, did I mention that? And they are young: they started with me when just 2.5 months old and 6 months old. Nannying out of my home has kept me on my toes! Two infants at once is a challenge on more days than not. But there are rewards. I like the smiles and happy coos and giggles. I am not a fan of the screaming and crying too often sprinkled throughout my day, it can frazzle my nerves.....but hey, I deal with it! I do appreciate the chance to earn a little supplemental income, and the babies are really very sweet. It's fun to have little ones around here.
Thus, it's been busy. Did I mention it's been busy? Okay I guess I have. ;-) Anyway, in between studying and reading and writing for graduate classes, and tending to two little babies and a still very young puppy, I try to get in some "fun" reading. That's how I have so many reviews on my blog recently! Leisurely reading provides a good means of "escape" for me, a type of R&R that is often needed. I am a bookworm through and through, this much is true, and yes I planned to make that rhyme! ;-) I have enjoyed my leisurely reading. Before too long I ought to have another couple reviews posted, so I hope you all are enjoying them and that they prove helpful.
Every day I find I pray more. Most of the time the prayers are centered on helping me to stay calm, to focus, to have the energy I need and most often don't have enough of to begin with. Sometimes the prayers are for others, and I know that's good because I need to pray for others. It is satisfying and important to pray for others. Sometimes I pray just because I'd like to acknowledge how good God is to me, and how I have faith He will provide for my needs. Below you will see a scripture or two that have helped me a lot in re-focusing and also calming down in the recent weeks.
That's about all the news on my end right now. Happy First Day of Spring! Please stop in a say hello . . . . I feel as if my little blog has been lonely lately, there haven't been any comments left in some time! And I love comments! :-)
Have a pleasant day!
It seems like it's been a rather long time since I last made a post that was not a book review. Looking back, it actually has been two months! Crazy.
Life is rolling along in this neck of the woods. Of course I began my graduate classes yet again for another semester on January 7th and since then, it's been even more busy. I also began nannying -- two infants simultaneously, one of which stays with me all day long 4 days a week and the other for a few hours or half days Mon-Fri! Usually they are here at the same time, did I mention that? And they are young: they started with me when just 2.5 months old and 6 months old. Nannying out of my home has kept me on my toes! Two infants at once is a challenge on more days than not. But there are rewards. I like the smiles and happy coos and giggles. I am not a fan of the screaming and crying too often sprinkled throughout my day, it can frazzle my nerves.....but hey, I deal with it! I do appreciate the chance to earn a little supplemental income, and the babies are really very sweet. It's fun to have little ones around here.
Thus, it's been busy. Did I mention it's been busy? Okay I guess I have. ;-) Anyway, in between studying and reading and writing for graduate classes, and tending to two little babies and a still very young puppy, I try to get in some "fun" reading. That's how I have so many reviews on my blog recently! Leisurely reading provides a good means of "escape" for me, a type of R&R that is often needed. I am a bookworm through and through, this much is true, and yes I planned to make that rhyme! ;-) I have enjoyed my leisurely reading. Before too long I ought to have another couple reviews posted, so I hope you all are enjoying them and that they prove helpful.
Every day I find I pray more. Most of the time the prayers are centered on helping me to stay calm, to focus, to have the energy I need and most often don't have enough of to begin with. Sometimes the prayers are for others, and I know that's good because I need to pray for others. It is satisfying and important to pray for others. Sometimes I pray just because I'd like to acknowledge how good God is to me, and how I have faith He will provide for my needs. Below you will see a scripture or two that have helped me a lot in re-focusing and also calming down in the recent weeks.
That's about all the news on my end right now. Happy First Day of Spring! Please stop in a say hello . . . . I feel as if my little blog has been lonely lately, there haven't been any comments left in some time! And I love comments! :-)
Have a pleasant day!
“As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.For who is God besides the Lord?
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.For who is God besides the Lord?
32 And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength[h]
and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights."
It is God who arms me with strength[h]
and keeps my way secure.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights."
II Samuel 22:31-33
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A Review of Tough Guys and Drama Queens: How Not to Get Blindsided by Your Child's Teen Years
The title of this book caught my eye. Although at this point I can assume that I'm relatively far from parenting a teenager, if we were to ever adopt a child I might be that much closer. And either way, our future children will eventually be teenagers!
Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregston is a well-written, down to earth, sensible and practical book. Gregston works through Heartlight Ministries, a residential counseling center for teenagers, and his experience working with teenagers is extensive through this. One theme I noticed ran through the book was relationships: how important it is to fight to keep a healthy, strong relationship with your teenager. And how various parenting attempts -- even those done with good intentions -- can sabotage that precious relationship. Ways to improve upon your relationship are given, even while helping you learn how to be the counter-culture that your teenager needs to successfully navigate the crazy world in which we live without coming out jaded on the other side. Gregston acknowledges that teenagers are often overexposed in our culture to so many things they shouldn't be and as such, can end up quite confused without their parents influence to help them find their way. He also believes that parents can make the mistake of giving their teenagers everything rather than instilling a good sense of independence and self-sufficiency over time (through the teenage years, instead of all at once or never at all), and gives tips on how to avoid this common snare.
Some parenting practices to avoid include "Perfection is Impossible," and "Authority Cannot be Forced" (authoritarian parenting versus more of an authoritative parenting style with emphasis on relationship). Some parenting practices that work include "Relating is More Important than Winning," "Stop Controlling and Start Trusting," "Add Clear Boundaries and Subtract Strictness" and more.
I would definitely recommend this book. Even if you decided you didn't agree on every single point, Gregston has made a strong argument for the parenting he promotes for teenagers. We all know teenagers are both wonderful and intimidating to raise . . . . the teen years are not quite childhood but not yet adulthood, either. This book could help you navigate raising teens who will turn into well-adjusted, confident, responsible young adults! I give the book 4/5 stars.
Thanks to Booksneeze for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Tough Guys and Drama Queens by Mark Gregston is a well-written, down to earth, sensible and practical book. Gregston works through Heartlight Ministries, a residential counseling center for teenagers, and his experience working with teenagers is extensive through this. One theme I noticed ran through the book was relationships: how important it is to fight to keep a healthy, strong relationship with your teenager. And how various parenting attempts -- even those done with good intentions -- can sabotage that precious relationship. Ways to improve upon your relationship are given, even while helping you learn how to be the counter-culture that your teenager needs to successfully navigate the crazy world in which we live without coming out jaded on the other side. Gregston acknowledges that teenagers are often overexposed in our culture to so many things they shouldn't be and as such, can end up quite confused without their parents influence to help them find their way. He also believes that parents can make the mistake of giving their teenagers everything rather than instilling a good sense of independence and self-sufficiency over time (through the teenage years, instead of all at once or never at all), and gives tips on how to avoid this common snare.
Some parenting practices to avoid include "Perfection is Impossible," and "Authority Cannot be Forced" (authoritarian parenting versus more of an authoritative parenting style with emphasis on relationship). Some parenting practices that work include "Relating is More Important than Winning," "Stop Controlling and Start Trusting," "Add Clear Boundaries and Subtract Strictness" and more.
I would definitely recommend this book. Even if you decided you didn't agree on every single point, Gregston has made a strong argument for the parenting he promotes for teenagers. We all know teenagers are both wonderful and intimidating to raise . . . . the teen years are not quite childhood but not yet adulthood, either. This book could help you navigate raising teens who will turn into well-adjusted, confident, responsible young adults! I give the book 4/5 stars.
Thanks to Booksneeze for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Dandelions on the Wind
"She knew what it was like to set off for the unknown, albeit on a ship rather than in a covered wagon, and the feeling was no doubt the same -- that of a dandelion on the wind." (Dandelions on the Wind)
Maren immigrated to America from Denmark with the promise to bring her family to America, and dreams of marrying a man she thought would love her for who she was and not for her quickly failing eyesight. She finds a semblance of family and "home" with an old widow and the widow's very young granddaughter on a farm in rural Missouri. She works and in exchange, receives room and board and the chance to be a mother figure for the little girl whose mother died in childbirth and whose father disappeared with one of the Indian wars in Arizona shortly after the Civil War ended.
All the while, Maren misses her family back in Denmark almost more than she can bear and constantly thinks of how she might procure a paying job to save enough to move back to her home country. There is nothing for her in America when she feels guilty for having to leave her mother and siblings behind. Then one day, a man named "Wooley" shows up at the rural Missouri homestead, and everything changes.
Will Maren find all she seeks? Will someone love her in spite of her rapidly encroaching blindness? Will she at last discover peace in a family life that she has always dreamed of having? How will the old widow, her granddaughter and the mysterious and intriguing Wooley factor in to Maren's future, or will they not?
This novella was well written and highly engaging, with characters that seemed both realistic and deep. I definitely sided with the protagonist, Maren and with bated breath read through the novella very quickly as I desperately wanted to see what would happen next! I am anticipating the rest of the novellas in this series by Mona Hodgson. The first book I had read by Hodgson, and I'm far from disappointed! I give this novella 5/5 stars!
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for providing me with a free ebook copy of this novella, in exchange for my honest review. Please note that my review is solely my opinion. If you'd care to rate my review on this novella or on many other books I have reviewed, please click this link and search for my name, Rachel Rudin. Thank you!
Maren immigrated to America from Denmark with the promise to bring her family to America, and dreams of marrying a man she thought would love her for who she was and not for her quickly failing eyesight. She finds a semblance of family and "home" with an old widow and the widow's very young granddaughter on a farm in rural Missouri. She works and in exchange, receives room and board and the chance to be a mother figure for the little girl whose mother died in childbirth and whose father disappeared with one of the Indian wars in Arizona shortly after the Civil War ended.
All the while, Maren misses her family back in Denmark almost more than she can bear and constantly thinks of how she might procure a paying job to save enough to move back to her home country. There is nothing for her in America when she feels guilty for having to leave her mother and siblings behind. Then one day, a man named "Wooley" shows up at the rural Missouri homestead, and everything changes.
Will Maren find all she seeks? Will someone love her in spite of her rapidly encroaching blindness? Will she at last discover peace in a family life that she has always dreamed of having? How will the old widow, her granddaughter and the mysterious and intriguing Wooley factor in to Maren's future, or will they not?
This novella was well written and highly engaging, with characters that seemed both realistic and deep. I definitely sided with the protagonist, Maren and with bated breath read through the novella very quickly as I desperately wanted to see what would happen next! I am anticipating the rest of the novellas in this series by Mona Hodgson. The first book I had read by Hodgson, and I'm far from disappointed! I give this novella 5/5 stars!
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for providing me with a free ebook copy of this novella, in exchange for my honest review. Please note that my review is solely my opinion. If you'd care to rate my review on this novella or on many other books I have reviewed, please click this link and search for my name, Rachel Rudin. Thank you!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Secrets
"'Funny thing about hearts. They can be as big as the ocean. But there's only room in them to either be open or to harbor secrets." (Secrets)
Jessica moves to Glenbrooke with a heart full of secrets. Her guard is up toward everyone, even the kindest people she makes acquaintance with and those who repeatedly choose to attempt to befriend her. None of them know she is even hiding anything at first. Then, things start to unravel for Jessica, even as some parts of her life start to become inexplicably better and better. She finds herself receiving things she thought only she knew she wanted, and experiencing feelings that she would rather shove down deep inside and never work through.
I chose to review this book in ebook form from the Christian novelist, Robin Jones Gunn, entitled "Secrets," the first book in her Glenbrooke series. I was intrigued by the description that mentioned the main character was moving to a small town to "start over" in her life, to run from a lifestyle or past she could not bear any longer. I thought, haven't we all reached a point in our lives where we wanted to just run away from whatever burden we felt we could not bear any longer?
What will happen for Jessica? Will she finally choose to face the life she has run from? Will she decide to return love and trust toward the people of Glenbrooke who have tried so hard to befriend her? Will this story have a truly happy ending? Read "Secrets" to find out!! I say you should, because you'll be glad you did! I give this book 5/5 stars!
Thanks to the Blogging for Books program for a free ebook copy of this novel in return for my review! Please note that all opinions expressed are my own. If you'd like to take just a moment to rate my review of this novel or of any others I've reviewed, please click this link to visit the Blogging for Books site and look for my profile under Rachel Rudin! Thank you!
Jessica moves to Glenbrooke with a heart full of secrets. Her guard is up toward everyone, even the kindest people she makes acquaintance with and those who repeatedly choose to attempt to befriend her. None of them know she is even hiding anything at first. Then, things start to unravel for Jessica, even as some parts of her life start to become inexplicably better and better. She finds herself receiving things she thought only she knew she wanted, and experiencing feelings that she would rather shove down deep inside and never work through.
I chose to review this book in ebook form from the Christian novelist, Robin Jones Gunn, entitled "Secrets," the first book in her Glenbrooke series. I was intrigued by the description that mentioned the main character was moving to a small town to "start over" in her life, to run from a lifestyle or past she could not bear any longer. I thought, haven't we all reached a point in our lives where we wanted to just run away from whatever burden we felt we could not bear any longer?
What will happen for Jessica? Will she finally choose to face the life she has run from? Will she decide to return love and trust toward the people of Glenbrooke who have tried so hard to befriend her? Will this story have a truly happy ending? Read "Secrets" to find out!! I say you should, because you'll be glad you did! I give this book 5/5 stars!
Thanks to the Blogging for Books program for a free ebook copy of this novel in return for my review! Please note that all opinions expressed are my own. If you'd like to take just a moment to rate my review of this novel or of any others I've reviewed, please click this link to visit the Blogging for Books site and look for my profile under Rachel Rudin! Thank you!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Widow of Saunders Creek
I was intrigued by the description I read of this book when it became available for review, and had actually planned to buy it at some point to read if I was never given the chance to review it for free! Well, it came available again in ebook form so I snatched up the chance and was so glad I did!
Tracy Bateman's book, "The Widow of Saunders Creek," is described by the publisher, "A grief that knows no boundary, a love without any limit, a need that doesn't end at death." The protagonist, Corrie, has lost her husband of seven years in the contemporary Iraqi war. It's been seven months since his unexpected death, and she has decided to move back to the Missouri Ozarks and live in the 150 year old farmhouse that she inherited through her deceased husband, who inherited it from his family.
Corrie believes that moving into the farmhouse where her husband spent his summers and much of his childhood will somehow draw her closer to the man she loved . . . . but all is not as it seems, and very soon Corrie finds herself facing what she believes could be a ghost, but what her husband's preacher cousin firmly states is anything but.
Apparently this is considered something of a "paranormal romance" genre of Christian fiction. Let me say that the paranormal is dealt with well without being overboard, and appropriately from a Christian standpoint as well, I felt. This book makes for a great read, it was just riveting enough to keep the pages turning but was also not shallow. The characters are deep enough to be well appreciated!
I would give this book 5/5 stars! That's how much I enjoyed it. I read half of it in just a couple hours!
If you would care to rate this review of mine, please visit this link. I would greatly appreciate your ratings! They help me as a blogger with Blogging for Books.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for the complimentary ebook copy of "The Widow of Saunders Creek" in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Tracy Bateman's book, "The Widow of Saunders Creek," is described by the publisher, "A grief that knows no boundary, a love without any limit, a need that doesn't end at death." The protagonist, Corrie, has lost her husband of seven years in the contemporary Iraqi war. It's been seven months since his unexpected death, and she has decided to move back to the Missouri Ozarks and live in the 150 year old farmhouse that she inherited through her deceased husband, who inherited it from his family.
Corrie believes that moving into the farmhouse where her husband spent his summers and much of his childhood will somehow draw her closer to the man she loved . . . . but all is not as it seems, and very soon Corrie finds herself facing what she believes could be a ghost, but what her husband's preacher cousin firmly states is anything but.
Apparently this is considered something of a "paranormal romance" genre of Christian fiction. Let me say that the paranormal is dealt with well without being overboard, and appropriately from a Christian standpoint as well, I felt. This book makes for a great read, it was just riveting enough to keep the pages turning but was also not shallow. The characters are deep enough to be well appreciated!
I would give this book 5/5 stars! That's how much I enjoyed it. I read half of it in just a couple hours!
If you would care to rate this review of mine, please visit this link. I would greatly appreciate your ratings! They help me as a blogger with Blogging for Books.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for the complimentary ebook copy of "The Widow of Saunders Creek" in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Girl in the Glass
The knowledge that I would be reading a book that involved Italy and the city of Florence, Italy in particular was what originally drew me to this book, The Girl in the Glass by Susan Meissner. The synopsis sounded interesting, too, but truly it was about location, location! And I can say I was not disappointed.
I also found myself really liking several of the characters, including the protagonist. They seemed real and engaging.
The plot itself was definitely good, with just enough suspense to keep you wanting to read more, without being a bonafide suspense or thriller! There were some very quotable phrases. I dogeared them to return and read them again!
I had never had the pleasure of reading anything written by Susan Meissner. But this book was a splendid introduction to her works! I highly recommend it, I give it a 5/5 stars!
I would deeply appreciate it if you'd click on this link and rate my review of "The Girl in the Glass" on Blogging for Books' site! If the link doesn't work, simply search for me by my full name under "Bloggers" on the right hand side. It's fast an easy and I'd deeply appreciate it! :) Feel free to also rate any of the other reviews of mine you see listed beneath my name, there are several.
Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the free advanced reader copy I received. Please note that all opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively by the fact that I was given a book for free in order to obtain my review.
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