Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Still Life by Christa Parrish

About the Book:

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Adah spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Adah was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Adah is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life errupts into chaos. She begins travelling-with Julian's camera for a companion-searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of why she gave up her seat-to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Adah's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them.
My Review:
3.5 Stars
I am not sure what I really think about this book. It is very complex story in a way but the character development was so weak. I loved Christa Parrish's last book, The Air We Breath, but in the end I felt like this book did not live up to be as great to me. I really did like Julian and Adah but never really could connect with them. With every chapter I was hoping to learn more about Adah's past and more of her relationship with Julian before the cast. 
I am sure some will really love this book, but in the end it just wasn't my favorite. I do look forward to reading more from Christa Parrish!
*I received this book through Book Look Bloggers for the purpose of this review. Thank You.

Friday, February 20, 2015

The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

About the Book:

Genre: Contemporary

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”

Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

My Review:

4.5 Stars

This is the first book I have read from Kathryn Springer but it sure won't be the last. From the first page to the last I just loved this story. Christian Contemporary books are my favorite and this is one of the best I have read lately.

I really loved all the characters and how the story had almost two story lines going on it, one with the teens and one with the adults. This just brought a different dynamic to the book. This book also brought a great reminder that God can turn broken into something beautiful and amazing if you just trust in Him and let Him guide you.

Fans of contemporary novels will just love this book! 

*I received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Easter Stories and Prayers Children's Book

About the Book:

Celebrate the real meaning of Easter with your kids. This special edition of Little Blessings books includes four books in one: Who is Jesus, Why is there a Cross, What about Heaven, and What is Prayer.

Each title is designed to help kids learn more about Jesus and his sacrifice for us. This volume includes a special note from author Kathleen Bostrom on how to help kids understand the meaning of Easter and the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.

Full-color art of the adorable characters draws kids in and makes them want to hear the stories over and over again. Scripture references support each answer to the questions so parents can study more.

Make Easter about Jesus this season

My Review:

4 Stars

Four previously published books make up this book and they all focus on the meaning of Easter. Each page is beautifully illustrated. I really love how sweet the pictures are. I love the rhythmic nature of the stories because it makes reading out loud so much easier. There is scripture on the top of every other page which is a nice way to introduce where it comes from in the Bible and a great tool for older kids too. My biggest complaint on the book is that the pages are thin and I worry they will rip easily especially with kids that like to turn the page and flip through books on their own.

This is a great book for any young child's library. I just love multi-volume books, they take up less space and its nice to grab one book and have the option of many stories in it. Overall great book!

*I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network for the purpose of this review. My honest opinion was all that was requested.