Novel Knowledge

Riveting, Inspiring, Angelic!

2012-02-03T04:51:00.000-08:00

Breath of Angel,by Karyn Henley is the first in a series of what I am sure will turn out to bea riveting epic. I am a big fan of books that are in series, especially fantasy novels, and this one didnot disappoint. The series is called the AngelaeonCircle.

Melaia, a priestess becomes witness to a murder that drags her intothe often-times dangerous lives of angels, malevolent, and shape shifters.Melaia must relinquish what she thought would be a quiet life in order tofollow her destiny. Along the way, she must find out who she really is, who shecan trust, and decide where she will stand.

Breath of Angel isrichly detailed and well thought out. This fantasy saga is one that I could notput down, and I eagerly anticipate the release of the second book in the serieslater this spring. I highly recommend this book to my friends who enjoy fantasy.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, click this link: Buy Now

This book was provided to me for free fromWaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Perfectly Plain

2011-09-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

God works in so many ways as is evident in Cindy Woodsmall's latest addition to her Ada's House series, Harvest of Grace. While there are many different relationships and stories at play in this book, Ms. Woodsmall mainly focuses on the one taking place between Sylvia Fisher and Aaron Blank. Sylvia is not your typical Amish woman. In fact, she is downright wierd, even by Englisher standards, but that is what draws Aaron Blank to her. Sylvia has escaped from her home where she was terribly betrayed and finds herself working on the Blank farm. At first, Aaron, a recovering alcoholic with a lot of baggage of his own, is not at all happy to see her, but again, God works in some pretty strange ways.

This book, like others I have read by Cindy Woodsmall, was another one I could hardly put down. I felt drawn into the story and really felt for the characters she created. Ms. Woodsmall seamlessy tells her story which is filled with the hominess of Amish culture. This is the third in this series called Ada's House Novels, but most of the other character's stories are explained enough that it can be read and understood as a "stand alone" novel. However, I am very interested in reading the other two. I highly recommend this book to my fellow fiction lovers out there, especially those who love the Amish stories.

Thanks Waterbrook for giving me this wonderful book to read and review. I truly enjoyed it.

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley

2011-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Andy Stanley's "Enemies of the Heart" can be summed up in one word - convicting! I have heard Mr. Stanley speak via DVD sessions, and when I saw this book, I really wanted to read it. He is an amazing speaker, and I had no doubt this book would be engaging as well. "Enemies of the Heart" tackles four evils of the heart: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy that ensnare us and keep us from being free in the way God intended. Andy points out that these four evils will make our hearts sick, and without even realizing it, we are destroying relationships around us rather than building them up in God's love. He also gives us ways to deal with these four "illnesses of the heart." Mr. Stanley cuts right to the "heart" of the problem with his engaging manner, relational stories, and good advice based on his own years of study and counseling as he has helped many with "heart" problems.

As I said earlier, this book is convicting. I could not read it without seeing myself in each of these areas in some way, some more than others. However, I was happy to read on about the ways to deal with these four "heart" problems, ways that are Biblical, sound, and refreshing.

I would recommend this book to any individual, or even better, a small group as there is a small group study guide included. Very convicting. Very good!

I received this book for review by Waterbrook Multnomah.

Deliciously Indelible

2011-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Indelible, by Kristen Heitzman, is the first novel I have read by this particular author. The experience has been delicious to say the least. The book takes you into the lives of Trevor McDaniel, a former professional athlete and current search and rescue team member, and Natalie Reeve, a sculptor with eidetic site. Natalie and Trevor are thrown together when Trevor rescues Natalie's nephew from the jaws of a cougar on a hiking trail. Trevor finds himself drawn to Natalie, but cannot tell if his feelings are genuine or just the need to "rescue" someone who seems to need it. Meanwhile, evil beyond comprehension stalks Trevor and his community putting Natalie in danger. He must find out what it is before it is too late.

Indelible is told in short chapters alternating between the thoughts of the different characters including the evil. Heitzman expertly weaves the tale of the lost soul struggling towards a rescuer all the while knowing that rescue for him is undeserved. Does this sound familiar to you? The characters repeatedly turn to God for questions like "why" and "what do I do now?" ultimately trusting in His divine guidance.

This story is definitely entertaining, engaging, mysterious, inspiring, and engaging on all levels right from the beginning. I am not familiar with other novels by this author, but I believe that this is just one among many as some of the characters in this book seem to have stories that have already been explored and resolved. It makes me curious to read their tales too. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and book lovers alike.

A big THANK YOU to Waterbrook Publishers for providing me with this book for review.

Praise for "The Chocolate Diaries" by Karen Scalf Linamen

2011-05-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

This book was fabulous, and not just because I am a certified chocoholic. It is full of inspiration from women just like us who have traveled rough roads, bounced over rocky terrain, and survived by relying on God, and of course, consuming a lot of chocolate! Ms. Linamen is an engaging storyteller. She uses her talent to bring you into her life, but she does not stop there. She brings us into the lives of many women who have a thing or two to share about past experiences, suffering, coping strategies, and growing close to God. This book is a collection of humorous stories, tips on helping yourself feel better, growing in a relationship to God, and quite a few delicious chocolate recipes that are mostly quick and easy.

Ms. Linamen also gives us, at the end of each chapter, some really great questions in her "Food For Thought" section that help you to dive into a deeper understanding if this is an issue that you may be struggling with. There are also tips given by others who have travelled through rocky roads included throughout the book.

In all, this is a really funny, inspirational, and delicious book. I definitely recommend it to all the women out there. It has something for everyone, and even if your life is a smooth road, you are bound to enjoy the chocolate recipes.

I received this book for review from Waterbrook Publishers.

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

2011-04-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

This book is the third in a the Mercy Falls series by Colleen Coble. It is the beginning of a new century, and Olivia Stewart is in financial distress. She has a title, but needs to marry to keep up her family's high standard of living. She must marry Harrison Bennett, a man whom she has never met who was supposed to marry her sister, Eleanor. Eleanor, however, died tragically, and now Olivia must take her place. However, Olivia is not sure she can trust Harrison. Her sister's death seems suspicious. Olivia decides to travel to Mercy Falls under the disguise of her title, Lady Devonworth, to look into the events surrounding her sister's death and find out if she truly wants to be married to Harrison Bennet.

What she finds in Mercy Falls is a mystery that draws her in, and as she meets new friends and unlocks the clues that surround Eleanor's death, the danger to herself becomes more apparent. Olivia must sift through the puzzle pieces and put them together. In the process, Olivia discovers that the God she has been raised to revere is much more personal than she ever imagined, and He has much in store for her.

This novel was well written with a captivating plot. The characters are engaging, and the story of God's love is expressed through the lives of more than one of them. There is an interesting twist to this mystery that, although a bit transparent, it was fun to read. This would be a great addition to the library of anyone who loves historical Christian romance. It made me want to get and read the other two novels in this series.

I received this book complimentary from Booksneeze for review. I was not required to write a favorable review.

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer

2011-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Inventive, mysterious, challenging, fast paced, intriguing. These are all words I would use to describe The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer. Crockett Grey just wants to mourn the anniversary of his daughter's death. However, the arrival of one of his students, Jaimie Piper, to his home marks the beginning of a week that has him wondering if he will ever have a normal life again. Thrown into controversy and the secret life of the Papacy, Crockett struggles to find a way to clear his name and at the same time, save a young girl from the Evil that stalks her. Sigmund Brouwer plummets us into the world of conspiracy involving the election of a new Pope, Satanism, and the stigmas that have plagued the Catholic church for centuries.

The Canary List is well written with short chapters. It is a definite page turner. The plight of Crockett and Jaimie keep you rooting for them all the way through, but at the same time, wondering how resolution is even possible. Crockett needs resolution of the whole mystery to clear his name, and Jaimie needs it to find out how she can be rid of the Evil that seems to hunt her.

I truly enjoyed reading this book; however, if you are looking for a book that shows you what the true light of Christ can do in the lives of the lost, this book does not quite get you there. It is more of a story about the struggle of good versus evil, God versus Satan, and the intricate evils that manifest themselves in the world in which we live, most of which we as everyday people know nothing about. It is quite a thriller without being gory.

I reviewed this book as an Advanced Reading Copy.

Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long

2011-03-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

This book was very refreshing to me. I have spent a lot of time reading many different kinds of books lately from self help to biographies to thriller fiction, but this book, Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long, was like a breath of fresh air. It was light, yet compelling to read. I found myself wanting to see the ins and outs of Lilly's Amish lifestyle and see the characters that were colorfully represented within the pages. Although the book is a good size, I read it in less than two days. Very good read.

Lilly is an Amish woman who, through a tangled web of circumstances, finds herself married to a man, Jacob, who makes her heart melt. However, Jacob is still in love with a woman who can never be his. Lily also struggles to understand the extremely depressed woman who is her mother. Lily and Jacob must learn to accept what God has given them. It was really a joy to see how they discover what it means to be married and that sometimes happiness starts with contentment. God has a plan for us, and it is not always the way we would have imagined it. I thoroughly recommend this book.

I received my complimentary copy of this book through booksneeze.com, and I was not required to give a positive review.

Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson

2011-03-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Life in Spite of Me, by Kristen Anderson blew me away. I am amazed at the way God has worked in this woman's life and brought such hope into the lives of many through her. I finished this book two days after it arrived; it was that good! It is one of those stories that you just cannot put down. I felt myself really pulled into the tragic story of Kristen's depression, the choices she made, and how God turned her life around and used her for His glory.

This book is so nicely written that it seems seamless although the reader is traveling through different times of Kristen's life and insight. I especially like how she spoke to the reader through personal messages directed right to the reader. It serves to increase the intimacy with which Kristen shares her story with us.

I am most generally a fiction reader. That is where my interests really lie. However, this book is one I definitely recommend not only for its extremely good message that we need to turn to God through all our troubles because He created us each one special and with a purpose, but also because it is an intriguing read in and of itself. I definitely recommend this book to others.

This Is Your Brain In Love

2011-03-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

"This is Your Brain in Love," by Dr. Earl Henslin is a unique way of looking at the chemical reactions our brains undergo when we are in love. In the same way that the very popular "The Five Love Languages" books look at appealing to the different ways we show and perceive love, this book focuses on the ways our brains are wired and the five different love styles. As you read through, Dr. Henslin addresses the following styles: The Scattered Love, The Overfocused Lover, The Blue Mood Lover, The Agitated Lover, and the Anxious Lover. There are even five tests to take and see which category(s) you might fall into.

Dr. Henslin leaned a lot about brain function and brains scans, called SPECT brain scans, from Dr. Daniel G. Amen and his research through the Amen Clinic. Dr. Henslin has applied what he has learned about brain over/underactivity and its effects on how we perceived and treat others whom we love.

This book is full of different things you or your loved one can to to help you if you fall into one of the categories above. It is also a useful and informative book for those of us who simply desire to deepen an already wonderful marriage relationship.

Although this book is full of great information and ideas for improving our bodies, minds and relationships, it s a little top heavy in the promotional department. Each chapter seemed to be a commercial for the Amen Clinic and the SPECT scan. I do not see most middle class couples who need this kind of help being able to afford a brain scan, and I do not see insurance companies backing them up for marital problems on this one. Therefore, a large population would not be able to benefit from this. However, with that said, the book does offer many options of dealing with your "love style" if you know what it is based on the tests in the book, including specific dietary needs and exercise. In all, I found this book to be a good read and certainly very informative.

I received my free copy of this book for review from the publisher through Booksneeze.com, and I am not required to post a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011-01-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

The book Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauk is a relaxing read if you are in the mood for a bit of romance, some complex identity issues, and faith struggles. It is about a cooking show host who only pretends to cook. She really cannot make a thing. However, she feels obligated to continue the farce, and thereby gets herself into quite a predicament with her new boss and her hunky cohost, Luke Redmond. Luke is a handsome, talented chef who joins Joy on her cooking show, but he is not aware of her inability to create even a simple dinner.

Dining With Joy follows a pretty predictable path, and is therefore a really easy read, but it seems to lack a bit of reality to it. I really did not feel as if a situation like this could come about, so I did not feel as "into" the book as I would have liked. The characters are believable, but the development of the story just did not click for me. I just do not think that a fake cooking show host could make it that long on television without being outed by someone behind the scenes, or even a fan for that matter. The book did, however, make me feel all warm inside due to the romance, so that says something.

All in all, Dining With Joy was not my favorite book, but it was not terrible either. I would have liked to see more of the faith aspect highlighted a little bit more. There was reference to God and faith, but I did not feel that Joy really got a handle on her faith by the end of the story. I felt as if it was too neatly wrapped up in order to finish on a happy note.

I review books for Booksneeze and was given a complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Adventures in Booga Booga Land (DVD)

2010-10-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

As I was watching Adventures in Booga Booga Land with my two youngest children (ages 5 and 7), I could not help but laugh at the ability of a child to become so engrossed in a cartoon, even when they are unfamiliar characters. This DVD was one I selected to review for my kids and for my church library. The stories on it are from the Parables of Jesus. Basically, there are two main characters, Marty and Gerard who are a monkey and a giraffe. They travel to Booga Booga Land in order to find jobs. Along the way, they have fun, adventure, and a little misadventure. There are other characters who make repeated appearances in the shows also.

Each episode highlights a Parable of Jesus. The parables included in this DVD are "The Workers in the Vineyard," "The Wise and Foolish Builders," and "The Lamp Under the Bowl." Each story relates the parables in ways that both my 5 and 7-year-olds understood. They laughed as the animals made silly mistakes. They also seemed to understand what the "correct" way of doing things should have been.

I was a little skeptical that my children would enjoy this DVD, especially after being exposed to something as popular as Phineas and Ferb or Sponge Bob, but they really liked it. I asked them if they would like to see more, and they were very enthusiastic about it. I had to admit myself that the cartoon was very cute. I would recommend this for all children probably within the ages of 3-8. It would more than likely be a bit boring for those out of that range.

I recieved a free copy of this DVD from Booksneeze. com as a complimentary copy for reviewing it. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are my own.

"Let's Do Lunch" by Roger Troy Wilson

2010-09-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Roger Troy Wilson's "Let's Do Lunch" was one of those books that just seemed to catch my eye. After browsing the synopsis, I really wanted to read more. The ideas he put forth about "eating all the calories and carbs you want to lose weight" had me quite skeptical. So, if anything, I wanted to read the plan to find out what kind of garbage he was trying to sell to make a buck. However, that is not what I found. After reading Roger's story, (and it is about how he has shed 230 pounds and kept it off), I found there were some really sound ideas presented. Best of all, Roger Troy Wilson does not claim to be the "know it all" who came up with these ideas. He attributes the ideas and the resulting live-saving, life-changing weight loss all to God who inspired him.

Along with Roger's story, there are bits of stories throughout the book from others who have benefited from the "Let's Do Lunch" plan. It really is a new take on weight loss that , if done right, does not leave you hungry. This is not a true diet, as there are plenty of things to eat from all food groups, and there are not really any restrictions, only modifications. He does make suggestions of what you should stay away from, but does not strictly forbid it in the plan.

I read the book through, including the ultimate grocery list and awesome section of recipes and the two-week meal planner to help those of us who need a head start. I think is is something worth trying, especially if you are like me and have a hard time with counting calories and resisting favorite foods.

There are only two drawbacks that I can see to "Let's Do Lunch." First, the cost that would eventually be involved in all the fresh food that is recommended on the plan. Wilson does stress the use of fresh versus packaged or frozen food for the best results. However, for a coupon mom like me, it is hard to find coupons for fresh produce. Also, the money spent on fresh produce would pale in comparison to other diet programs and exercise equipment along with gym memberships. Secondly, the timing of making your larger meal of the day your lunch is a little impractical for some who work and for their families who have school, etc. However, Roger Troy Wilson does offer some suggestions for these problems.

The "Let's Do Lunch" plan was a very interesting read that has the potential to make a difference. I would recommend it to my friends. Happy Reading!

I was provided a copy of this book by Booksneeze.com and I am not required to post a positive review. The thoughts on this book are my own.

Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson

2010-08-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Resurrection in May, by Lisa Samson is truly a remarkable book. I could not put it down. Ms. Samson takes you through the life of a spoiled young woman, May Seymour as she experiences the horrors of Rwanda. She is never the same again as you can well imagine. We journey with her as she must struggle to find the meaning in her life and the will to survive as she recuperates on the farm of Claudius Bourne. We even visit death row. This book is a page turner you will not want to leave for too long.

The characters created by Lisa Samson are incredibly deep. You really get to know them, their feelings, and you even start to feel as if you could react for them. The characters remind me of those we see in The Secret Life of Bees and Pride and Predjudice, two of my favorite novels that exhibit characters of incredible depth of personality. As I read through the novel, my heart ached for May as she struggled with life, but especially with her faith and reconciling it with what she had witnessed and lived through. Then again, my heart rejoiced at what God can do for those he loves and those who turn to him in need and in faith.

All in all, I believe that this novel is very inspiring and a must read. This is the first book by Lisa Samson that I have read. She has many others, and I cannot wait to read more. I may have found a new favorite author, and I highly recommend this book. I recieved, read, and reviewed this book compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby

2010-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby is an extremely interesting view into the life of the author as a child growing up in a Hutterite colony and how she dealt with being taken out of that lifestyle and thrust into the English world. It is intersting not only for how she dealth with the extreme culture shock, but also in the glimpse she gives the reader into the lifestyle of the Hutterite community.

Mary-Ann Kirkby definitely caught my attention in I Am Hutterite with her exquisite attention to detail as she described life in the Hutterite colony. I could almost smell the aromas she described as the woman of the community cooked during their work week to feed the entire colony. I could feel the sand beneath bare feet as Ann-Marie, as she was called early on, trampled from home to the school or the kitchen. The detail really enhanced the already interesting story.

As Ann-Marie was taken from the only place she really felt home and thrust into the unknown world of the English, I could feel her pain, frustration, and lonliness. It really made me wonder why we need all that we have to run our lives. It made me question why we work so hard individually and rely so much on ourselves rather than on each other. The glimpse given of the Hutterite colony is very intriguing.

There is one area that I felt was slightly lacking in the book, and although God is mentioned, I did not really get a sense of what Ann-Marie's relationship with Him is or was other than being frightened of dying while on the wrong footing with Him as a child. I felt that towards the end she described the acceptance of Jesus by her parents well and the change that that indicated in their lives, but I was left wondering about how she felt on a deeper level. Overall, I would recommend this book to others for the interesting view into the Hutterite culture and for the view on tolerance, or lack thereof, that we all should hear.

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go

2010-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

The book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go," by Lucille O'Neal is a captivating memoir of the life of our beloved Shaquille's mom. We may think Shaq leads an intriguing life, but his mother led one well before he stepped onto the court. Lucille O'Neal shares her struggles with us as we travel through the pages, and subsequently, the path of her life. She tells about growing up in a strict home, raised by her grandparents, seemingly neglected by her parents. She reports what it was like to feel as if you are an outcast because of physical differences, early pregnancy, and being an unwed mother. As we travel through Lucille's life, we see how she grew through her relationships and trials. She faced financial difficulties, death, and even the seemingly Cinderella lifestyle change brought on by her son's success on the basketball court. In her book, she outlines how she grew from each experience, and how each one was a stepping stone to bring her back to a right relationship with God.

I found this book to be inspirational as I read about Lucille O'Neal's journey from "Mental Wellfare to Mental Health" as she calls it. Her story mimics the story of so many single moms and their struggle to provide, accomodate, and please those that are in their care. The fact that she is the mother of a famous basketball player is something that makes her stand out, but her story rings true nonetheless for many who are not so fortunate. Her growing relationship with God, when she finally gave herself to Him, just reinforces the impact and blessing He can have on our lives when we let Him. Lucille's story is truly an inspiration. It is most exciting to me to read how she took her blessings and has blessed so many in return. Instead of letting fame and fortune go to her head, she took steps to strengthen herself, to use her life as a beacon for others to see Jesus' love. Truly a very good read packed with inspirational scripture.

Revolve

2010-03-05T04:38:00.000-08:00

Revolve is a Biblezine put out by Thomas Nelson Publishers. You may be wondering what in the world is a Biblezine. Well, I thought the same thing. It is actually a magazine-style publication that has the entire New Testament within its pages. Sounds like a paperback Bible doesn't it? Well, it could not be more different. It is in the format of a magazine directed towards teen girls complete with articles about fashion, the environment, relationships (with both guy friends and girls friends), interviews with popular Christian artists, quizzes and real stories from other teen girls.

Revolve contains the New Century Version of the New Testament. It is easy to read and understand and relate to. The Books of the Bible are introduced engagingly, and sections are colorfully titled to give it an edgy, yet fun look. My favorite part upon reading through it was the "goodbook" pages that mimic the look of a facebook profile page. They highlight various Bible characters giving us a look into what they must have been like. By doing that, Revolve has made the Bible character more "real" to the reader. It reminds you that these were actual people.

There are many articles and interviews that engage the reader and also relate to scripture. This Biblezine would be a great way for a teen ton introduce scripture to a friend. Everything about it makes you think it is a magazine, but the scripture within makes it truly a Biblezine. If there is anything negative to say at all about Revolve, it is that it is not as durable as a hardcover Bible, so it wears exactly like a mag. Overall, I think it is a very neat idea for teens today, and my own daughter thinks it is pretty cool as well.

The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin

2010-02-05T16:20:00.001-08:00

The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin by Charles Foster is a mind blowing excursion into the realm of two adamantly opposing world views. It is an attempt to find a peaceable, if not happy harmony between the believers of Christianity and the Darwinian evolutionists. Mr. Foster presents both sides of the spectrum along with their extremes. He blatantly extinguishes the extremist views from either side, and he methodically justifies where, how and why both belief systems can co-exist. His approach is intelligent, discerning and spotted with learned personality. However, if you are among the extreme believers such as the creationists or the followers of Richard Dawkins, you will probably not share my opinion. His passionate dislike of the extreme views is no-holds-barred.

Having just finished The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin, I feel conflicting emotions. First, I feel an immense satisfaction at having negotiated this book from cover to cover, not being a scientifically minded person. Secondly, I feel as if I could read the book again and learn as much or more from a second reading of this intimidating, yet spellbinding book.

While traversing the pages, I became painfully aware of how much I did not know about both evolution and natural selection and its counterpart, my own Christian faith let alone how they could ever be considered allies. However, blessedly there are many notes in the book that clarify difficult concepts or at least point you in the direction to find that clarity. The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin sets forth an enticing path to explore for the Christian who struggles with the logic of the scientific world and for the evolutionist who has the nagging feeling that there may be a bigger force out there than what meets the eye. All in all, this was an intense and provocative read that is sure to leave the reader either inspired, at peace or incredibly angry. For me, I would have to say that the verdict is still out, but I have been given a great deal more to think about.

I received this book free from Booksneeze.com and have reviewed it for Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Groyer

2010-01-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

I just finished Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Groyer. I have to say that this was a very compelling read. It is the second in The Liberator Series. The book takes you through World War II through the eyes of three people. One of them is a military pilot who suffers through Bataan and as a P.O.W. The second is his fiance' who is also a pilot and becomes involved as one of the first female pilots to be used by the military. The third is a Japanese man who struggles with the beliefs of his country and his honor to authority, his family and himself. It was one of those books that teaches you a lot about history as well as entertains you with the stories of these people throughout. It starts with the bombing of Pearl Harbor and travels through to the end of the war.

This is the first book I have read by Tricia Groyer, and I can tell you that her research and attention to detail are phenomenal. She was very historically acurate but was also able to make her fictional characters extremely believable. Her depiction of the gruesome realities of war gave me a very clear picture of what it must have been like.

The one area thing that I feel was somewhat lax in the book was the attention to faith throughout. It is a Christian novel; however, throughout the first half of the book, there is barely a reference to God. The end of the novel certainly made up for what the beginning lacked, but it seemed to be a bit heavy on the end as a result.

Overall, the book was very entertaining and certainly inciteful to someone such as myself who did not live through WWII.