Book Review: Keepers of the Covenant {Bethany House Publishers}

Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

ISBN: 9780764208997

Paperback, 480 pages

Publisher: Bethany House

Retail: $15.99

About the book: In their darkest hour, where would hope be found?

In on life-changing moment, the lives of the exiles in Babylon are thrown into despair when a decree from the king's palace calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire in less than one year.

Ezra, a quiet but brilliant scholar, soon finds himself called upon to become the leader of his people. Forced to rally an army when all his training has been in the Torah, he struggles to bring hope in a time of utter despair, when dreams of the future- of family and love- seem impossible.

In Keepers of the Covenant, acclaimed novelist Lynn Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

About the author: Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and convention. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live in Michigan. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org

My thoughts:
Another great novel by Austin. I purposely waited to read this until I had the time available to do nothing else. When I start a novel by Austin, it is the only thing I want to do!

Austin develops the characters of her stories in such a way that the reader comes to know them. They might not be able to pick them out if they were given a picture in real-life, but nonetheless, they can tell their personalities. The reader begins to become friends, or enemies, with these characters because they are presented so well. 

I especially appreciate Austin's ability to create scenes in the story. She doesn't dwell overly much on the details but one can get a sense of what it is like in the scene. Also, because she has chosen to write from history, she weaves her fiction into what we know from the Bible. Reading through this particular novel, although the Scriptures are all in New International Version translation, I can recall reading it in the Bible. It brings it more to life. These were real events! Austin's inclusion of other characters that are not mentioned in the Bible does not detract at all from the story; it only builds it more and makes it feel real.

I have only one complaint that I don't know if I had never noticed in her other books or are simply not present in the others. Some times the words she uses do not fit the time or circumstance. They are words that are overused {imho} in Christian circles today but they would not have been used in the past, in the part of the world that she writes about. Surprisingly, it doesn't make the writing jagged or halting, but it was just a little thing I caught this time.

So far I have not read an Austin novel I didn't like. This is no exception. Very good book.

Read an excerpt- you'll get hooked! Click here.

***Disclaimer: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.

Book Review: City on Fire {Booksneeze}

City on Fire: A Novel of Pompeii by Tracy L. Higley {affiliate link}
ASIN: B00C5QA6H4
Ebook, 386 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: September 17, 2013

About the book (from booksneeze):

As Vesuvius churns, a slave girl-turned-gladiator joins forces with an unlikely source to seek justice.

In the coastal town of Pompeii, a new gladiator prepares to fight. But this gladiator hides a deadly secret: she’s a runaway Jewish slave girl named Ariella, disguised as a young boy. A savvy fighter, Ariella determines to triumph in the arena, knowing her life will be forfeit should anyone uncover the truth.

Cato, a wealthy politician, moved to Pompeii after tiring of the corruption in Rome. But he soon learns that Pompeii is just as corrupt, and if he doesn’t play the game, his family could pay the price. Determined to bring about justice for the citizens of Pompeii, Cato searches for allies. But what he discovers instead is a confounding group of Christians . . . and a young female gladiator whose fame is growing daily.

Political unrest reaches a boiling point as Christians are jailed and executed, and the mountain in the distance threatens to destroy the city with its river of fire. Cato and Ariella must act quickly and courageously to save their loved ones before all is lost.

My thoughts:

I really like historical fiction. In the recent years I've started reading Christian historical fiction and am enjoying them as well. As can be understood from the book summary above, the setting is primarily Pompeii. The start of the book gives a glimpse of Jerusalem, in 70 AD, at the time of the destruction of the Temple.  Next we see Rome, just a glimpse. Only one chapter each, they set the stage for the rest of the book.

The main character, Ariella, is one of only two to survive of her family of five. She is separated from her brother and sold into slavery. For nine years she is a slave of Valerius- a disgusting man who revels in idolatry and evil deeds. The book is very very discreet on the rituals that Valerius and those like him participate in and I am so grateful. I don't see the need for books to be graphic with filth. Higley does well to paint the picture without sordid details. One night Ariella has had enough of the life she's lived and runs away to become a gladiator. Women aren't gladiators, of course, so she disguises herself as a man. The men she travels with are too dull to figure out her secret!

Meanwhile, in Pompeii the other main character, Cato, had just started his new life with his mother and younger sister. Another sister, Portia, had been living in the city for a few years prior with her husband. We get the idea that Cato was actually running from his political past. Either I skimmed too quickly or the details were sketchy, but I don't know exactly what went wrong in his career in Rome that caused him to leave. We are just given the impression that it didn't turn out so well and he's trying to start fresh. 

One thing about Cato, though, is he's different. He is not a Christian at the start of this book {oh, did I give something away there?} but he is good. He avoids, for the most part, vile deeds and debauchery. He doesn't enjoy things that other Romans are particular to; he chooses not to. He does however seem to have an unhealthy fascination with the gladiator games. Anyway, it is his determination to be good that makes him seek out justice; just the thing that is lacking in Pompeii when he arrives. The city is controlled by Maius, a despicable specimen of a human! 

And that is where I will leave off with telling about the book because I don't want to give too much away. If the person reading the book has any knowledge of the behavior of people in cities such as Rome and Pompeii during this time, they will understand many of the references, without needing much in the way of details. Most know of the pagan practices of these cities so I think that readers will understand what's going on although I didn't feel Higley gave much detail in the practices. Thankfully!

I did feel that the characters were well developed and I got a sense of 'who' they were. Later in the book we are introduced to Jeremiah, Europa, Seneca, Nigidia (Maius' daughter), and others. Each one we can get a sense of their personality and such by the picture Higley paints of them. The Christian aspect of it was woven throughout almost seamlessly. There are times when characters are angry with God, bewildered and confused, and other times on their knees searching for Him and asking for guidance. It is true with real life!

The one thing I did not particularly care for was there are a few instances where the plot (?) just goes back and forth, back and forth. I almost skimmed a few sections because of the repetitive back and forth. I think those parts could have been done somewhat better. Near the end I about went crazy with this problem (Ariella and Cato are rushing to save people in Pompeii- but they have to make multiple trips to the same places; it just drove me batty). 

The beginning of the book has a word bank. If you have this book on Kindle, you won't need the list most of the time. Just highlight a word and the dictionary will tell you the meaning. There are a couple that it doesn't have a definition for and then that word list comes in handy. The back of the book has "The Story Behind the Story..and Beyond" which I thought was interesting. Many of the character names are ones that were truly in Pompeii! Tracy Higley's website has images of her travels to Pompeii, and other places. After the behind the story chapter is a Reading Group Guide that contains 16 questions that are good and some deeper than I expected. 

I enjoyed this book and would like to read more of Tracy Higley's works. I really appreciated the scenes she painted with what I consider historical accuracy (as best I can from my limited knowledge) as well as her tact in covering sensitive topics. There is 'romance' in this book but it's not mooshy. It's old fashioned. There are a few kisses on cheeks and hands, and more than few very subtle references to other acts but none we are given any real details about. Given the time period and subject matter, I felt it very well done. 

***Disclaimer: I received this book from Booksneeze for free for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. No compensation was given. This post does contain affiliate links. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers from Christian Liberty Press {Schoolhouse Review Crew}

The first time I ever homeschooled, way back in 2001, Christian Liberty Press was one of the publishers I chose to go to for some of our material. Originally, Christian Liberty Press was begun to “provide school materials for our own home education and Christian school programs. Since then,

we have expanded the reach of our ministry to deliver excellent educational products at a great value to home schools and Christian schools across the United States and throughout the world. We are dedicated to finding, evaluating, and producing curriculum materials that are rooted in the Word of God and express a biblical worldview.” (from website)

Through the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I was able to receive and review the following book.

Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers by Douglas Bond
ISBN: 978-1-935796-75-6
ebook: 242 pages; print: paperback, 242 pages
Publisher: Christian Liberty Press
Retail: $10.99- find it at CLP ebook: $8.79; print: $9.89
Suggested Grade Level: 7th–10th

“This first book in the series by Douglas Bond tells the story of two teens who, while on vacation in England, are befriended by an elderly English gentlemen called Mr. Pipes. Through this relationship they learn about famous British hymn writers. They also learn about the value of traditional worship and praise." (from the website)

This book talks about the following hymn makers, some more in-depth than others:

• Thomas Ken
• Isaac Watts
• Charles Wesley
• William Williams
• John Newton
• William Cowper
• Augustus Toplady
• Thomas Kelly
• Henry Francis Lyte
• James Montgomery
• Horatius Bonar
• Reginald Heber
• William Walsham How
• Samuel Stone
• Anna Waring
• Cecil Francis Alexander
• Francis Ridley Havergal
• John Bunyan

You can see a Google preview of this book at the Christian Liberty Press website. I had this book in print already but was graciously given an ebook copy for this review.

This isn’t a book with just facts of the hymn writers’ lives. It follows Annie and Drew during their summer spent in an old English village. They start out thinking it will be a boring and terrible time. We meet Mr. Pipes, Dr. Dudley, and other people in the small village. It is also their journey to find their place in God’s plan. Mr. Pipes shares about these individuals and their lives through frequent fishing trips and picnics. The kids, Mr. Pipes and sometimes other friends, also go on hikes or other outings; while we read about historical individuals such as Thomas Kelly, we are also being taken through a fun story. There were so many people mentioned that I’d never heard of before reading this book but many of the hymns I’d heard.

I read this through myself and haven’t used it in our school yet. After reading it, I do plan to include it as a read-aloud for our hymn and folk song studies. I would consider this a good living book that goes along well with our Charlotte Mason approach to learning. It is interesting while giving the readers something more than just a ‘good story’. It has a Christian message throughout. The story takes us through the changes that Annie and Drew go through by spending time with Mr. Pipes and learning about the lives of Christians who wrote many of the hymns that are sung in many churches even today, and Mr. Pipes' life. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. I think it could be used for music study and/or history. 

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew also reviewed this book. Read what they felt about this book by clicking on the image below.

There are four books in this series: Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers, Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, Mr. Pipes Comes to America, and The Accidental Voyage- Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries. These are available individually or as a set from Christian Liberty Press. Check the website for current prices.

Christian Liberty Press offers many other resources for homeschooling including textbooks, readers, curriculum kits, etc.

Contact:
Christian Liberty Press
502 West Euclid Ave
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Website: http://www.shopchristianliberty.com
E-mail Address: custserv@christianlibertypress.com
Phone Orders: 800-348-0899, press 6
Catalog Request: 800-348-0899, press 1
Fax Number: 847-259-2941

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***Disclaimer: I received the above book free from Christian Liberty Press via the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren- LitFuse Blog Tour

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren
ISBN: 9781-434764300
Paperback, 413 pages (with “after words”)
Publisher: David C. Cook
Retail: $14.99

From the back cover:
Cora is about to discover who she truly is.
It’s the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s  life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

One fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past…a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a trip intended to finish a person’s education and solidify an understanding of refinement and ancient culture. As she travels from England to France with kin she’s never known, Core encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes there are far greater challenges ahead…

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take you on a journey of cultural refinement –but, moreover, on an inner journey of self-discovery.

About Lisa T. Bergren:

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.
For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website.

My thoughts on the book:

Let me just start by saying, “thank goodness this is series!” I ended the book not happy! I say that because it ended with a “to be continued…” feel. It doesn’t say that at the end. Perhaps it should.

Throughout the book I was surprised. I was surprised by the characters (some were more in depth than others but that would probably have something to do with their role in the story) and their actions. Also, Cora was irrational at times but incredibly sensible at others. Emotions make us do crazy things, eh?

I did like this book but when I started it I was a little annoyed with Cora’s behavior. She’s so cold when I personally couldn’t see the need for it. Under her circumstances, however, who am I to say that I’d do better. But I do think that Bergren has developed some good characters in this story.

I really really loved the details of some the stops along the way. I’m a big history fan and when I read a book like this, those are possibly my favorite parts.

I’m looking for the next one. I want to know what happens!

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I’m very sad that I missed the actual blog tour for this book! You can see others posts and more about the book here.

Thank you LitFuse and Lisa T. Bergren for sending me this book, free, in exchange for a review and participation in the blog tour (I missed it but I’m still linking up!).  No compensation was given. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon- LitFuse Blog Tour & A Giveaway!

Follow the blog tour by visiting this link: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13465890/triciagoyertitanic

About the book:

Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change. Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

Watch the trailer for the book below.

About the author:

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired (http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired) and www.triciagoyer.com.

You can purchase the book from your choice of book retailer. It retails for $12.99, is 320 pages in length and a paperback.

My Thoughts:

I was excited when I was chosen to review this book. I love historical fiction and really enjoyed Goyer’s Chasing Mona Lisa. In terms of historical fiction, it is great. The descriptions are well done (I’m sure I got ‘lost’ on the Titanic while reading *wink*). The only thing I really did not like were the wishy-washy attitudes of the characters in (just a few) spots. It doesn’t happen often, thank goodness, but I found myself rolling my eyes when I came to those parts. But then again, that’s a good writer when they can get you engaged with the characters .

I appreciated the way Amelia could see the difference in status from 2nd class to 1st class. I would love to have read her going to 3rd class- those scenes could have been quite wonderful. Goyer places real people on the Titanic with Amelia- people who were truly there. I believe she captures the atmosphere of excitement that those aboard, and those seeing the travelers off, quite well.

I do not like romance books- the less the better. This one has just a tinge of romance, it’s more of a love story than a romance. I enjoyed that the focus was not on the ‘romance’ of the characters rather it was a part of the whole. It was very tastefully done. Cannot wait to read more of Goyer’s books!

I received this book free from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour. No compensation was given. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.

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Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!

Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.

One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!
So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!