YBC Book Review - Gabby Care by B.A. Coots

My recent reading time was spent with a cute fun mystery

"Gabby Care" by B.A, Coots.

Gabby Rendon is the director of her church's after school program, and a truly sweet, and naive person.  Struggling with the demons of her past, she is trying hard to find love.  But what she finds is one serious problem after another.  Before she knows it, she is being framed for a crime she didn't commit.  But don't let that fool you, this is a fun story, while still being suspenseful.

Surrounded by her quirky friends, Gabby plays sleuth to try and clear her own name, but just gets in deeper and deeper.  It was hard to believe that one person could have so much bad luck.

But in the end, and with help, Gabby clears her name and enjoys a bright future.

I highly recommend this book for your fun and light summer reading list.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a copy of this novel from BookLookBloggers for my honest review.*

YBC Book Review - "The Returning" by Rachelle Dekker

"It's in the forgetting that we remember."

"Life is a cycle of forgetting and remembering."

This is what I feel is the main theme of The Seer Series by Rachelle Dekker.

And "The Returning" is the exceptional end to an amazing story.

The Returning

The story starts 20 years after Elise had been kidnapped from Remko and Carrington Brant while they were fighting the darkness enveloping The Authority City.  A lot had happened in those 20 years, and since Elise was just a baby when she was taken, she has lots of questions of her past, but no answers.  But, there is a light in her, that has always been in her.  Just as it is always in each one of us.  The light of the Father that loves us and created us, and has a destiny for each of us.

That's why the theme, forgetting to remember, is so important.  We must forget what we think we are to remember what He knows we are, forget what others call us and remember what He calls us.  And we need to forget what we tell ourselves, and remember to hear His voice amongst the clamor of our lives.  I don't want to give away details, because this story is so worth savoring, but I can tell you that just like the first 2 books, this is full of love, action, romance, fear, and a calling to us, the reader, from our Father.  Just listen and remember.

Here's a few facts about the author, Rachelle Dekker.  If the name sounds familiar it's because she is the uniquely talented daughter of Ted Dekker.  I say uniquely because while you can see traces of her dad in her writing, Rachelle is a talent all her own.

Let's look at some answers that Rachelle provided for this book review tour.

What themes are explored in this book?

Identity is something I am always exploring, so that’s no different in The Returning. But in this

novel I took a really hard look at forgiveness and how that relates to our journey of discovering

who we really are.

How have Carrington and Remko developed as characters throughout this series?

Well, we meet them as young adults, just out of their teen years, and we find them middle-aged in

book three. So we’ve journeyed quite a bit of life with them. They have grown and changed, as

people do, and even in this last novel they struggle with remembering their true identities. I

believe life is always stretching us and showing us different ways to love, so their growth reflects that.

You talk about the power of belief in the book. What is the purpose of faith, and what

makes faith so powerful in people’s lives?

Belief and faith are everything. We form our own realities. We make judgments based on the past

and what we think the future will bring; then we shape our idea of what we are capable of around

those beliefs. Imagine if we truly believed we were infinite sons and daughters of the creator. How 

different would the world look then? When we believe and have faith in who the Father calls us, then the world looks pretty different.

How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?

I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and

that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I

capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of

identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s

how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same.

I resoundingly give this novel 5 thumbs up....5 stars....and and enthusiastic yahoo.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House for my honest and original review,*

YBC Book Review - "The Witnesses" by Robert Whitlow

I've done a lot of reading lately, so here's my next review.

"The Witnesses" by Robert Whitlow.

I requested this book from BookLookBloggers as a change of pace of my normal genre of novels.  And I was glad I did.

And if you enjoy historical based fiction, you will enjoy this book too.

Parker House is an up and coming lawyer who shares a "gift" with his grandfather, Franz Haus, who was an officer in the German army during WWII.  The gift is the ability to see snatches of future situations.

Franz runs away from the war, changes his name, and ends up in North Carolina.  The years go by, and one day, Franz's history runs smack dab back into his life, and Parker's life.  The ending was very good, and tied up the loose ends wonderfully.

If you enjoy history and suspense, and even romance, you'll enjoy this book.

Be blessed,
Debbi

*I received a free copy of this ebook from Book Look Bloggers for my honest review.*

YBC Book Review - The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

It's that time again.  Time for another Yankee Burrow Creations book review.

Today I just finished Rachelle Dekker's "The Calling".  It's the second book in her Seer Novel series.

I read the first book "The Choosing" last May for Tyndale House, (you can read that review here),  and enjoyed it so much, that I actually purchased "The Calling".  Money well spent!

Here's a quick recap...in "The Choosing" Carrington had lost her place in the new society that had been set up by The Authority, and lived the hard life of a lint.  A society worker.  She met a security guard named Remko, but according the The Authority, they were not allowed to be together.  Then she was chosen to be the wife of an Authority leader.   The man was a serial killer, and crazy.  

After twists and turns, Remko managed to rescue Carrington, and they slipped out of the city and ran away to join The Seers.  A group of people who were following the teachings of Aaron.

Teachings of peace, love, and freedom.

(Sound familiar?)

"The Calling" opens up with Remko and Carrington married, and the parents of an infant.  Remko is the defacto leader of a small band of seers, and he leads missions into the city to rescue others that are answering the call of The Father.  The story line has great twists and turns, enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat, and enough emotions to make you feel connected to the characters.  And the end of the book is a great cliff hanger, and makes me glad that I had already ordered book 3 from Tyndale House for review.

The quality of this story in not surprising, considering that Rachelle is the daughter of famed author Ted Dekker.  But don't be fooled, while there are similarities in genre, Rachelle is an author with her own style.  Complicated yet simple.  Exciting yet soft.  And easy to read, because the story lines just flow.  You get pulled in, feel a connection with the characters, and forget all about the rest of the world.  If you haven't checked out Rachelle's talent, get going!

You can meet up with her on FaceBook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Now I'm off to devour "The Returning".

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - All But Normal by Shawn Thornton with Joel Kilpatrick

This review is waaaaaaay overdue, but I have had some health issues lately that have put me behind in EVERYTHING.  So, with no further ado, here is my review on the book 

"All But Normal" by Shawn Thornton.

This is a story about Shawn's childhood.  A childhood overshadowed by a mother unlike most every other mother.  Violent outbursts and excessive mood swings was his mother's "normal".  Due to a TBI (traumatic brain injury) she received from a car accident, Beverly was never the same.  Yet her fiance loved her and married her.  Over the course of their long marriage, and despite the unstability of Beverly's behavior, they raised 2 boys together.  And this is that story.

Shawn shares stories of his childhood, playing with his friends, and watching the violence in his home.  Despite the outbursts, Shawn is able to portray his mother as not only unstable, but loving.  Loving her husband, loving her kids, and most of all, loving God.

While I did enjoy the stories of his childhood, I do wish Shawn had gone into more depth of his parents love for each other, and how God worked in their lives, and through their lives, to touch others.  It almost felt like after he reached high school age...nothing happened until he turned his life over to God, became a pastor, and reconciled with his father.  I feel that there is so much there, left unsaid.  Hopefully he'll write a second book.  Until then, I'll donate this book to my local library.

Here are some links where you can learn some more about Shawn Thornton.

 Promo/Main Site: http://www.pastorshawn.com/            
·         “All Things New” Blog: http://www.pastorshawn.com/blog/                  
·         Radio: http://www.pastorshawn.com/radio/
·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allthingsnewmedia/            
·         Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/shawnthornton/        
·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorshawn/
·         Videos of Pastor Shawn Preaching: http://www.pastorshawn.com/video/

Until next time.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review.*

YBC Book Review - Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

I recently finished reading my first e-book, "Sister Dear" by Laura McNeill, and I really enjoyed it.

I have been pushing against the tide of Kindles and e-books and computerized reading, but I really wanted to review this book and it was only available in the e-format.  So I gave it whirl.

First my review of the book.

Incarcerated for a crime she didn't commit, the story line starts with Allie Marshall's release from prison, and moves along at a smooth even pace on how she manages to get her life back.  Allie was a young single mother with a very bright future, but then a scandal came to her small town, and she was not afraid to confront it.  But that ended up with a murder, her arrest, a trial, and 10 years of her life gone.  Now she's back home, trying to reconnect with her teenage daughter and clear her name.  There is not much left for me to tell you without giving out the ending, but it is an interesting story with lots of twists and clues to help you along.

Laura McNeill gives you lots of clues during the story, so the truth at the end is not really much of a surprise, but she does a good job keeping it interesting and juggling all the different plot lines for the different characters.  I found the book easy to put down when real life needed my attention, and it was easy enough to pick up the story and get involved again, even after a few days.

 I give the story a 4 thumbs ups.

Here is some information about the author, Laura McNeill.

Laura was a tv news anchor for CBS News affiliates in NY and Alabama, and is right now completing a PhD in Instructional Leadership at the University of Alabama.  She is also a mother, and enjoys running, yoga, and being a beach bum.  She has a second book coming out titled "Center of Gravity" and in the preview it looks very good.

Now for my feelings of e-books.  While my tablet was set to adjust the lighting on the pages to make it easier on the eyes, and I did find it easy to carry the tablet around instead of a book,  I still prefer "real" books.  There is just something about the feel of real paper in your hands, finding a good bookmark, and not having to worry about losing my $200 tablet since I like to read during my work travel time.  :-)

Until next time,

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers for my impartial review.*

YBC Book Review - "Modern Printmaking" by Sylvie Covey

Today's review is brought to you by my daughter Amanda Haskin.  You may remember her from years ago, she was my partner when we started this business, and this blog.  When I saw this book available through Blogging for Books, I thought it would be great to have Amanda review it, since she does has a masters degree in Graphic Design and has a dream to own her very own printing press and graphic business.  So, here we go....

“Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” – Sylvie Covey

Through her book, “Modern Printmaking: A Guide To Traditional & Digital Technologies” by Sylvie Covey, we are taken on a historical journey on techniques and applications of printmaking. From the basics of relief printing all the way to digital transfers, each process is meticulously outlined with historical reference and step by step instructions on how to properly achieve the specific style outlined in each chapter. Each style of printmaking outlined showcases one or two artists renowned for their respective process, giving credit to the innovators of the printing style period. From student to professional, this book is accommodating informationally no matter the expertise level. It reads much like a history book, but not so much that the content is unbearable to read through. With that said, I advise the reader start on a chapter that interests them the most. The book is written with a solid template for each chapter to where jumping around is easy, slightly predictable, and not confusing. I would categorize this piece as a solid reference book worthy of an artist’s bookshelf.

Now for some background on the author.  

"SYLVIE COVEY was born in France and studied graphic arts at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. She has taught digital and photo techniques in printmaking at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York since 2001 and has been an instructor at the Art Students League of New York since 1995. Her work has been exhibited throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America and has been acquired by major museums and institutions. She lives in New York City."

You can purchase this book by following this link to Penguin Random House Publishing.  At $35.00, that's a great price for a hardcover reference book that you will use for many years.

Until tomorrow (I promise)

Have a blessed day,

Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

YBC Book Review - "More" by Todd Wilson

Do you ever wonder why?

Why are you here?

What are you supposed to be doing?

Is there more?

Than maybe this book is for you.

Todd Wilson asks, and answers, these questions, and many others in his book, "More".

More is full of scriptures and ideas for those who are looking for their place in God's world.  How to be an effective witness.  How to bloom where you're planted.  And how to find your personal calling from God.  We all have one, but many of us don't know what it is or how to look for it.

More not only describes what a calling is, but helps us to ask ourselves questions to find our own.

The main questions of our lives is BE - DO - GO, and these represent the core dimensions of our personal callings.  Not everyone is called to the mission field, or to the pulpit, but we are all called to be His Hands and Feet wherever we are in life.

Personally,  I found this book a bit dry, but then again I am not questioning my calling anymore.  I have read and studied and applied many books on that subject already.

But this book would be great for new christians, and as a group study, or school curriculum.  You can purchase this book (and request an exam copy) direct from Zondervan here.

So, until next time,

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a free copy of this book for my honest review from Zondervan and BookLookBloggers.*

YBC Book Review - "After The Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller

Have you ever moved?  Or have you ever felt alone and outside the circle?

I just finished Susan Miller's book, "After The Boxes Are Unpacked"

for Tyndale Publishing.

I requested this book because we are working at selling our house and then move back home to NY. (No, not New York City....there is a whole state that is much nicer than that city. lol)

I thought that this book would have more actual packing and moving tips, but it didn't.

It was about letting go of your past lives (and homes and communities) and learning how to fit in with the people in your new communities.  And how to learn to lean on God in the process.

Back in the early 80's, my ex-husband moved us from New York to Texas...and I was miserable.

I was a new Christian, just discovered I was pregnant with our 3rd child, and in an unhappy marriage.

I could have used this book.  It probably would not have saved my marriage, but it might have helped me to enjoy the communities where we lived.

This book is full of encouragement, and scriptures, and comment sense suggestions on how to remember your "old" life without too many tears, and how to start your "new" life in new surroundings and make new friends.  Even though I am moving back to my hometown, I will still be able to use the suggestions in this book, and we look for a new church, a home in a new area of town, and to help my kids find new friends.

After her last move across the country, Susan was led to start a support group in her church for newcomers.  Out of that came this book, and Susan has also started the Just Moved ministry, a non-profit organization to help everyone, weather you need a group, or would like to start one.

I give this book 2 thumbs up.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is 100% my own opinion.

YBC Book Review - "Dangerous Love" by Ray Norman

The world around us today is filled with uncertainty and fear.  From local crime, to violent protests, to threats from ISIS, it's enough to cause a body to stay in their home and lock the doors.

But, that is not what God called us to do.

We are called to be a light to the world.  And in this story, you will see how the Norman family (and us) are just that...a light.

And that brings us to today's book review...

Dangerous Love by Ray Norman

"Ray Norman spent most of his life living in far-flung corners of the globe, working on long-term development projects and living out his calling as a Christian professional. By the time he arrived in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania around the turn of the millennium, he was veteran of life as an expat, at home in countries and cultures not his own. But in 2001, the world was about to change—and so was Ray’s life.

In the aftermath of 9/11—a time when tensions between Muslim and Western culture were peaking—Ray and his daughter, Hannah, made the short drive from their home to the Mauritanian beach. But instead of spending the afternoon enjoying the waves and the water, father and daughter found themselves hurtling back to the city, each with a bullet-hole pumping blood into the floorboards of their jeep.

Dangerous Love is an account of the Normans’ brush with violent extremism—and of the family’s unexpected return to Mauritania in the face of terrifying risks. This is the story of a call that could not be denied and of a family’s refusal to give up on love."

I found the beginning of this book somewhat hard to follow, but once it got going, the story was good.  There were different times in the story that it kind of dragged, but overall, I found it to be very well written.  Ray uses great imagery to make you feel what they felt as far as living in Africa.  The heat, the sand, and the people.  But it was the stories of the family's emotional struggles that kept me reading.  It always amazes me, and it probably shouldn't, how God uses EVERY situation and EVERY person and EVERY season in our lives, not just for us, but for the peoples whose lives we touch, EVERY day.  We can not extend His forgiveness, or His Love, without Him living inside of us.  And it is His life inside of us that is THE witness we need to show the world.

I'm not going to spoil the story by telling you what happened, but I do recommend you get this book for yourself.  And then share it with others.

Until next time,

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review.

YBC Book Review - The Daniel Fast for Weight Loss by Susan Gregory

Are you looking to get closer to God, and lose weight?  Then look no farther than 

The Daniel Fast for weight loss by Susan Gregory.

I have tried diet after diet, with little to no success.  I've used apps on my phone to track calories, and steps.  I've cut whole food groups from my menu.  And still....that little arrow on the scale just keeps moving on up.  So I decided to quit dieting and just be happy with my size.  But I'm not.  

Now I have fasted before, several times, but not to lose weight but to walk closer to my Lord and Savior.  So when I saw this book available from Tyndale House for review, I grabbed it.

And I am impressed.

This is NOT a diet book.  This is a lifestyle book, and heaven knows, I need to change my lifestyle if I plan to change my shape.  And I have received a lot of hope from reading this book.

Susan wrote this book in an easy to read format, with lots of scripture and encouragement right from page 1.  Now I am not a vegetable person.  I will buy peppers and cucumbers and stuff, because I know I should, but then they just die a slow, lonely death in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator because I don't have a clue what to do with them.  Susan to the rescue......there are so many easy to follow recipes and menus included, along with a 21 day devotional to feed your spiritual side while you feed your physical side.

I like to highlight books, and this is one of my favorite sentences...

"You will begin to experience a greater division between the worldly-led part of you and the spirit-led part of you."  

And basically, that's what I want...to not have food control me anymore.

Susan also includes a website to help us in our journey to health.

Choose-Life-Now.com

I can't wait to start this new era in my life.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.*

YBC Book Review - The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson

I decided to relax this week with a good fiction book, and so I cracked open "The Gap of Time" by Jeanette Winterson.  I should have left it closed.

 I was excited about it because I do love Shakespeare.

 And this book is based upon one of his later works, "The Winter's Tale". 

"The Winter's Tale" is about 2 kings, Polixenes and Leontes who are good friends, until Leontes believes, incorrectly, that his wife, Hermione, is having an affair with Polixenes. Leontes tries to kill Polixenes, who finds out and runs away with Hermione. Hermione gives birth to Leontes child, and is killed. The child is raised by a shepherd, unbeknownst to Leontes. After some more drama and tragedy, the child grows up, falls in love with Polixenes child, and everyone reunites. Hermione comes back to life, and it's happily every after.

Maybe it was because I am a lover of Shakespeare that I had such high hopes for this story, because it is suppose to be a modern take on the Shakespeare tale. I thought it would be great to see how Jeanette translates the ancient tale to a new love story, but I was woefully disappointed. I couldn't even finish the book. In fact, I barely made it to the 3rd chapter. Mostly because the author depended too heavily on sex to try and tell the story. The first 2 chapters go into unneeded  graphic detail of Leo's (Leontes) and Xeno (Polixenes) childhood friendship and homosexual relationship. After growing up Leo is married to MiMi (Hermione) who is pregnant with his child. But the author chooses to describe, in graphic detail, another story of Leo's sexual encounter with a prostitute, which is also unneeded, in my opinion, to develop the story. By chapter 3, which started with mostly cussing, I was so disgusted I closed the book. As I've said before, I am not a prude, but I do not understand the need for modern writers (and I use that term lightly) to rely on sex and vulgarity to tell a story.   And I will not waste my time reading it. 

Jeanette Winterson lives in England and is an accomplished author with many novels under her belt.

As I looked over a list of her works, I realized that I would probably not enjoy any of them.

Now back to "The Gap of Time", I will not share this book, or recommend it to anyone.

I'm only giving it one star, and this warning....if your looking for a wonderfully written story to take your imagination on a ride, you won't find one between the covers of "The Gap of Time" by Jeanette Winterson.

Be blessed,

Debbi

 ** While I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review, the opinions are wholly and honestly mine. **

YBC Book Review - "Last Act, the final years and emerging legacy of Ronald Reagan" by Craig Shirley

I was recently reading a book, "Last Act, the final years and emerging legacy of Ronald Reagan" by Craig Shirley, and I have to say....it was a struggle.  So this will probably be a short and to the point review.

I was excited to receive this book from BookLookBloggers, because even though I was just a young adult during his presidency (and even considered myself a liberal for a while), I always looked up to Ronald Reagan.

His quiet determination, and love for this country made him a man almost larger than life.

And that's why I was so extremely disappointed in this book.  It was full of facts, but written in a way that was very dull.  I was hoping for actual stories about Ronald Reagan after he left office, but it was just stories about his funeral.  Craig Shirley did a lot of name dropping (I had no idea who the vast majority of people were that he talked about), and what felt like a lot of blaming and finger pointing at other politicians, parties, and the media.

While I'm normally a quick reader, it took me almost a month to read just the first half of this book.

Then I quit.

I'm sorry, but I can only recommend this book to someone looking for dry details and not inspiring stories.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - America the Strong, Conservative Ideas to Spark the Next Generation, by William . Bennett

I requested the book

"America the Strong, Conservative Ideas to Spark the Next Generation"

by William J. Bennett from Tyndale House for use as part of the homeschool curriculum for Hannah

I love the way it is set up....it starts with an explanation of conservatism, along with a brief history.  Then it is broken up into 5 easy sections.

Free Enterprise.

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

National Defense

Traditional Values.

This book does not explore the views of just one type of conservative, but all of them.  Did you know there was more than one type?  I discovered that being a conservative is many things to many people.

This book now has many highlighted areas...both from me and my daughter.  And I took it one step farther and created questionnaires for each chapter.  

The author, William J. Bennett is the former U.S. Secretary of Education (which is why this was an easy book to turn into a school subject) and is the current host of the 7th-ranked nationally syndicated radio program "Morning in America." 

One of my favorite quotes is "liberal ideals often appeal to the passions and enthusiasm of youth, but wisdom and experience eventually lead people to become more conservative."  I have found that to be true in my own life.  And now my youngest daughter is mostly following in my footsteps, unlike my older children who I raised when I was still very much a liberal myself.  But as they grow, and their children grow, I can already see the tide turning in their opinions.

So, I give this book 4 stars and will use it for the next few years in our homeschool curriculum.

Be blessed,

Debbi

- Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

YBC Book Review - Counting On A Cowboy by Debra Clopton

Y'all know I love to read, and I enjoy most every genre.  Even fictional romance.  And Debra Clopton's latest book in her Four of Hearts Ranch Romance series did not totally disappoint.

"Counting on a Cowboy" is sort of a continuation of the first book "Betting on Hope".  (You can read my review on that book here.)  

Counting on a Cowboy is about Bo Monahan, the middle brother on the Four of Hearts Ranch family.  Abby Knightly moves to the small town of Wishing Springs to hopefully start a new life after a great tragedy almost destroys her life.  In this book, you'll once again meet all the interesting characters that make up the town of Wishing Springs, and this time Debra has expanded on their lives also, so there is more to keep your attention.  I don't want to spoil the story so I'll leave it for you to discover yourself.  But I can tell you it follows the normal romance novel script...

girl is in crisis,

boy meets girl,

boy chases girl,

girl fall for boy,

then they both ride off into the sunset.

I do have to say that I will probably not read the 3rd book of this series, but mostly because I find romance novels too light reading.  It took me longer than normal to read this book, not because it wasn't good, but because it was predictable.  No cliff hangers.  No big drama.  Nothing that kept me up at night wondering what was coming next.  

With that being said, I still give this 4 stars, because while I may not read it again, doesn't mean that you won't like it.  My sister loved Harlequin Romance novels....she devoured them.  And I know that she would have totally enjoyed this book.

Until next time, pick up a book and run away to another world.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

YBC Book Review - The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan

I finished reading "The Gracekeepers" by Kirsty Logan, but I have to tell you, this story is never really  finished for me.  I enjoyed it so much, the story just wrapped itself around my heart.  It is one of those stories that just lives inside you, evoking emotions and making it hard to put down.

The story is captivating and inspired in part by Scottish myths and fairy tales, but it could also be about our world. In Gracekeepers, there are two worlds, two peoples, those who live on land, and those who live on the oceans, with hints of those who may live in the oceans. Callendish lives on a small island, alone, overseeing funerals, when she meets North who works on a circus boat. And once their lives meet, their worlds change. You feel that their paths were destined to cross from even before their birth.  I don't want to spill the beans, but I do highly highly recommend this book for all those who love fantasy.

Kirsty Logan's writing style is ethereal, and misty, perfect for this story. You don't just read this book, you feel it. And when you're done...the story stays with you.  I was amazed when I discovered that this is her debut novel, she is truly a talented storyteller.  She has definitely become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her next novel.  

I so enjoyed this book, I know I will be reading it again. And again.

I give this book 5+++ stars.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest review.*

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Tank Man's Son by Mark Bouman

I enjoy meeting new people and learning how God can, and does, change them.

And that's what I found from my latest book,

"The Tank Man's Son" by Mark Bouman.

This book was totally engrossing, and I found it hard to put the book down.  I really enjoyed Mark's style of writing, it made me feel for him, and his whole family.

The beginning of the book gives you the back story of his parents lives before they met, which gives a good foundation to help you somewhat understand the behavior of his Dad.  And his Mom.  And Mark does not just tell of the dark parts of his life, but also pulls you in with the lighter side, and the fun, every child can find in difficult situations.

The story wraps up with Mark as an adult, and how God turned his life around, and helped Mark not only forgive his father, but to reconcile with him.  The only down side to this story is I would have loved to learn more about Mark's life as an adult, his college years and the struggles he faced himself as an adult.  It almost seemed like the part of his life where God was working was just an afterthought in this book.  He could have gone more into depth, and even if it made it a larger longer book, it would have been worth it.

Mark Bouman and his family served as missionaries to Cambodia for more than 20 years.  

Here's a video trailer for the book.  

watch on tyndale.com

I give this book 5 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Miracle In The Middle, Finding God's Voice In The Void by Carlotte Gambill

I've "discovered" another good book to help you get through the tough times.

"The Miracle In The Middle" by Charlotte Gambill

We have ALL had times in our lives when it feels like we are getting nowhere...fast.  When we first make that choice to follow Christ, we are all excited and ready to move out and do anything God asks us to do.  And God lets us know where to go and when because as babies, we need that moment by moment guidance.  But then the growing pains start.  All of a sudden the road looks long, and hard, and lonely.  And then you begin to doubt, and question, and whine.  Yes, whine.

But with lots of scripture and stories, Charlotte helps us to look around us, and in us, during these times in our lives, and to see that we are not as lost as we feel.

I turned my life over to God waaaaay back in 1982, and during the past 33 years, I have spent too much of my time lost and whining...all because I jumped ahead of God, or totally chose a detour from what He told me in the beginning.  So I had plenty of growing time, learning to trust my faith, my God, and myself.  And it's during these "God, why aren't you talking to me" times that our faith grows.

Charlotte is the pastor (with her husband Steve) of the Life Church in England, and has written this book with not just stories, but also with study helps at the end of each chapter.  I enjoyed this book, and will be keeping (or sharing) it.

Here's part of the description from the back cover...

"Where most beginnings start with energy and expectation for all that is ahead, and endings bring the joy of completion as you arrive at your desired destination, the middle is very different. This midpoint can too quickly become a low point, as energy is lacking and enthusiasm wanes. Yet how well you handle the middle reveals what is in the middle of you.

The disciples found-in the middle of a lake-a revelation of Jesus that they had never seen on the shore. In the middle is where new navigational skills are found. It's also where some of the most significant lessons are learned."

I give this book 4 stars.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - "Miracles From Heaven" by Christy Wilson Beam

Do you believe in miracles?

I do, but if I didn't, this book

"Miracles From Heaven" by Christy Wilson Beam would make me think twice.

This is the incredible real-life story of a young girl with a big health problem, Pseudo-Obstruction Motility Disorder.  But Anna and her family were not about to let this disease define their lives.  I was encouraged by how this family depended on God and each other to get through every struggle and challenge put before them.  And this book would have been complete with just that story.

But God...

God had other plans for Anna's life.  And He used a big hollow tree and another crisis to bring about His plan.  Without giving away too much of the story, little Anna found herself in a difficult position, and it was during this time that she visited heaven.  And after her rescue, began the real story of her miracle, her healing.  I especially love how her parents, Christy and Kevin, didn't let this miracle take over their lives.  It would have been so easy for them to jump on the publicity bandwagon, but they didn't, they took their time before they even called Anna's improved health a healing, a miracle.

As you read this you'll also meet Anna's sisters and extended family.  What a wonderful bunch of believers.  Every one should have friends and family like that.

And the buzz is that T.D.Jakes will be making a movie from this story and will be released Spring of 2016.  So go now and get this book and read it.  You'll love it too.

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Book Review - The Marauders by Tom Cooper

I like to read, and I like music, and I love most genres (except horror...and rap).  So while most of my reading is faith based, I do enjoy trying new things,   That's why I picked "The Marauders" by Tom Cooper.  Boy, was that a mistake. :0(

Here's what I read about the book and why I ordered it...

"When the BP oil spill devastates the Gulf coast, those who made a living by shrimping find themselves in dire straits. For the oddballs and lowlifes who inhabit the sleepy, working class bayou town of Jeannette,  these desperate circumstances serve as the catalyst that pushes them to enact whatever risky schemes they can dream up to reverse their fortunes. At the center of it all is Gus Lindquist, a pill-addicted, one armed treasure hunter obsessed with finding the lost treasure of pirate Jean Lafitte. His quest brings him into contact with a wide array of memorable characters, ranging from a couple of small time criminal potheads prone to hysterical banter, to the smooth-talking Oil company middleman out to bamboozle his own mother, to some drug smuggling psychopath twins, to a young man estranged from his father since his mother died in Hurricane Katrina. As the story progresses, these characters find themselves on a collision course with each other, and as the tension and action ramp up, it becomes clear that not all of them will survive these events."

And what I got was....more cuss words and un-funny situations then you would find on an active navel vessel!  Seriously...it was that bad.  I was only able to get through the first four chapters, and still looking for anything even remotely funny.  Nothing.  And with EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER using toilet vocabulary in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE....well, all I could do was close the book and move on to another one.  I tried several times to read this book, and I even skimmed through the middle and the end, but it was still the same...f*** this and f*** that...ugh.

While I am a faithful child of God, I am certainly not a prude, this book was just distasteful.  As a writer myself, I totally understand creating and filling out characters and settings and maybe needing a word or two for gritty effect, but the excessive use of this language was simply laziness on the part of Tom Cooper.  The story line may have gotten better, but the repeated use of simple cuss phrases took away any interest in the story.  I have spent time in Louisiana, and have meet kind and funny people, who had a better grasp on the use of the English language.  The people of Louisiana should be insulted to be portrayed this way!

And to close up this review, let me just say that while I usually keep or give away the books I receive for my reviews, this one I burned.  I don't have any enemies that I dislike enough to share this book with them. lol

Have you ever read, or tried to read, a book that just was not worth your time?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."