Tuesday, March 29, 2016

If you loved C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, you will definitely enjoy The Bernovem Chronicles!



The Shard by Victoria Simcox 
ISBN:  978-1495260124
Buy the book: Softcover | Kindle

Blurb: The Shard, Victoria Simcox’s fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly and her schoolmates back to Bernovem … and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure.

Kristina’s stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it’s all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester’s cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it’s actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can’t refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends … and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn’t get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the “Black Shard”, Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it’s in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.


Victoria Simcox is a new author that has captured my interest. This is the very first series that I have ever read by her and all I can say is wow. The story is fantastic! I shall have to wait patiently for the next book in this series as I definitely want to know how The Bernovem Chronicles ends. The Shard in a way reminds me of the book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I must say, Victoria's writing style captured my attention right away as she drew me into the story.

This is the second book in the series and it just keeps getting better and better. The Shard starts out with the main character, Kristina, going off to summer camp with a girl who she doesn't even like. Sounds like a summer of disaster, right? You will be pleasantly surprised by the events that take place. You will, however, have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens.

This book is well written and the author captivates the reader from the very beginning. Her descriptive style allows you (the reader) to picture in your mind the things taking place in the book. This is one series that I will definitely be reading until the very end. I recommend this book for anyone no matter their age that loves a good story.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I gave this 5 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Muddy Face by Rachel McGrath
ISBN: 978-1519745460
Purchase the Book: Softcover | Kindle

Blurb: Meet Gus!
** This is the bedtime version of MUD on your FACE for younger children **

Gus is seven years old and he has eight brothers and sisters. With such a big family he wonders what it would be like if he was an only child. Suddenly he finds himself lost in the woods and a strange adventure starts.
Be careful what you wish for . . .
A wonderfully illustrated
bedtime story which reinforces family values.


What a cute book! So whimsical and funny. Loved the illustrations that are included in the story. This book is sure to capture the interest of little ones who are being read to but also to older kids in the kindergarten to second grade range. While a lot of the book is funny, it addresses some of the problems children face in every day life and how to deal with it. The book is well written and the words chosen are easy for young ones to understand. I recommend this book for anyone who would enjoy a good story. Good job, Ms. McGrath.

I gave this book a total of  4 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Rhonda Patton's New Children's Book


Ted and Raymond's Christmas Tree 2: (Frog Books for children...The birth of Jesus) by Rhonda Patton
ASIN: B00CNUSYXU
Purchase the book: Kindle

Blurb:
Ted and Raymond go hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree. Raymond learns more about Christmas than just the tree. He learns about Jesus birth.

What a cute story! This would make a good bedtime story to be read to a child or have the child read it to you. I love the way she instilled the true meaning of Christmas into the story. The book is well written and the words simple enough for young ones to understand. I liked the idea of frogs being the people instead of humans as it will capture the imaginative minds of children. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good story with good values for the child.

I gave this a total of 5 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Melanie Dickerson's The Golden Braid

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson
ISBN: 978-0718026264
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Purchase the book: Hardcover | Kindle

 Blurb: Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

“The Golden Braid is a delightful, page-turning retelling of the story of Rapunzel. Dickerson brings this familiar fairy tale to life with a fresh and unique plot that is full of complex characters, a sweet romance, and danger at every turn. Rapunzel’s search to understand her place in the medieval world is a timeless identity struggle that modern readers will relate to. Her growing courage and faith are inspirational and will have readers cheering her on and sad to see the story come to an end.”

—Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of An Uncertain Choice

Oh my! The Golden Braid is another outstanding book written by Melanie Dickerson. Beautifully designed book cover. I love how the author captures your mind from the very first paragraph of the story and keeps it until you begrudgingly turn the very last page. Her writing style is simply amazing. The story leaps off the page and into your imagination as though you are watching a movie. The Golden Braid is a refreshing new twist on the old story of Rapunzel. Parts of the book had me cheering for Rapunzel yet fussing at Gothel. I mean how can one woman be so evil? But the part I loved the most was Gerek and Rapunzel's courtship. So sweet.

The only thing that I did not like about the book was that the story was over too soon. I hope Miss Dickerson has more in store for the characters of this book. It would make an amazing series. Another job well done! I highly recommend not only this book but all of the books by Miss Dickerson. She is the James Patterson of fairy tales.

I gave this a rating of 5 stars out of a total of 5 stars.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Yes! A Great Review.

Five Star Review By Sallyanne Cole
 
      I loved this little book and illustrations are fantastic!! Hunting season is on its way and the Turkeys really didn't want to be hunted this year. They find a hideout, but some hunters take it upon themselves to start a day earlier, which sends most the Turkeys into a panic. Pete says the good Lord will look after them, Wilbur leads the flock to the cabin to confront the ladies giving out the passes. They actually said why not relocate your family in the hunting season. Wilbur hadn't thought of that, but the Turkeys start to hit the ladies with the flowers they had picked from the meadow. Fighting does not resolve anything cried Peter and stopped Wilbur from hitting the ladies and believe in the good Lord. There is a lot that goes on in this little book but at the end of the day Pete believes the good Lord will help them and he does! This book is full of lessons and done in a way that is such fun. A fantastic children's book.
 
 Purchase the book here: Softcover | Kindle 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

The Turkeys are Coming by Pam Funke

The Turkeys are Coming by Pam Funke
For God's Glory Publishing
ISBN: 978-1530464357
140 pages
Purchase the book here: Softcover | Kindle 

Blurb:
 
Five ladies. One angry turkey. One adventure that's sure to leave you laughing.

It's turkey hunting season and the turkeys have had enough. Wilbur, the alpha male, blames the workers of the hunting lodge for the hunting of his fellow turkeys. He gathers together a band of turkeys to enact his revenge against the lodge. Will they succeed in their mission against the hunting lodge? What will the workers do? 




About the Author


 Pam Funke is the grand-daughter of a Pastor and was brought up in the church. Her love of reading led her to write for the enjoyment of others. She is the author of the Best-selling Apocalypse series. She lives in Hinesville, Georgia  with her son and daughter.

Be sure to follow this amazing Christian author on Amazon and her blog for more great novels!