Book Review - The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

  

Joseph is the favorite son of his father, Jacob. His older brothers are jealous and resentful over Joseph's status as their father's favorite. So, when the opportunity arises to get rid of him, the brothers take the chance and sell him to slave traders. They told Jacob that Joseph was killed by wild animals. The brothers believe that their troubles are finally over but, for Joseph and his brother, Judah, they are just beginning.

Joseph becomes imprisoned when he is accused of raping his master's wife. Judah tries to escape the guilt of selling his brother into slavery. Decades has passed, when the brothers finally reunite again. Joseph  is in a position of power while Judah begs for mercy. Will the brothers be able to choose forgiveness?

I have read a few books by the author and I liked this book better than the others. I felt like the story flowed more smoothly even though at times, the book felt like it was moving very slowly. There was a lot of sex and scenes of rape that I didn't care for but, I understand that they were needed for certain parts of the story. I like that the story was told from alternating story lines. I like reading about how the brothers were dealing with the past betrayal. While, I know that Joseph is the main character and he  didn't want the preferred treatment of his father, I felt that when he got older he lost some of his humility. Overall, the book will be well received by readers who are  fan of the author's.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

 

During her life, Miriam held many different statuses for different people. She was an old sister to her brothers but, a prophetess to many. Miriam has always dreamed of freedom and she longed to be loved. This epic story follows Miriam as she navigates the challenges of building a family during incredible hardship, serving as a leader, while holding on to hope.

This was my second novel by the author and I can't say I enjoyed this one. I read more than half of the book and felt that it was moving very slowly for my taste. I felt at times that the story felt fragmented and I stopped reading halfway through. Readers who are more familiar with the story might enjoy this more than I did.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.**

Book Review - Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

Photo Credit - Amazon

S.T. is a domesticated crow who enjoys the simple pleasures of life. He likes hanging out with his owner Big Jim, insulting the wild college crows of Seattle, and eating delicious human food such as Cheetos. 

S.T.'s day started like every other day until one day, Big Jim's eyeball falls out of his head. S.T. tries to do everything to make Big Jim feel better. He tries to feed him food and beer but, nothing seems to work. After being nearly attacked by Big Jim, S.T. and Dennis set out to the new world in hopes to find a new home.  They discovered that mankind has succumbed to this deadly virus and is now consuming each other. With the top predator from the food chain gone, local wildlife is taking over Seattle along with new dangerous predators. The human race is becoming extinct and S.T. is determined to do something about it.

Oh, this book had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions. At first, it took me a bit longer to get into the book but, after halfway in I was glued to the book. The novel had me laughing throughout the book and also rolling my eyes at S.T. (in a good way). I didn't like that at times the novel didn't seem to be going anywhere and the author had these long run on lists. I felt like this took away from the novel. We read this as a buddy read and we had a lot to talk about. This isn't usually the type of books we would normally read but, I am glad I did read it.

**Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Speed of Falling Objects by Nancy Richardson Fischer + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Danger "Danny" Danielle Warren is used to falling and having accidents happen. After losing one of her eyes during a childhood accident, she had to relearn her perception of movement and space. Before the accident, Danny used to take chances and go on adventures. Now, she keeps her head down, focuses on school, and works to make everyone else happy. She feels that her parents' divorce was her fault and if she would fit their perfect mold that things would better.

When her dad offers Danny to join him to film an episode for her birthday, Danny is excited about the opportunity to prove her worth. Plus, she wouldn't mind spending a few days with the hottest teen movie idol, Gus Price either. However, when their plane crashes in the Amazon, and Danny manages to survive the crash along with a few of the crew members, she will learn a few new things about her life. While navigating the Amazon with her father, she realizes a harsh truth about the parent she worships and dealing with a terrible secret. Will Danny be able to rely on her inner strength to guide her home?

  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

BOOK INFORMATION

The Speed of Falling Objects

by Nancy Richardson Fischer
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: October 1st 2019
Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis:

From the author of When Elephants Fly comes an exceptional new novel about falling down, risking everything and embracing what makes us unique. Don't miss this compulsively readable novel about the most unlikely of heroes.

Danger "Danny" Danielle Warren is no stranger to falling. After losing an eye in a childhood accident, she had to relearn her perception of movement and space. Now Danny keeps her head down, studies hard, and works to fulfill everyone else's needs. She's certain that her mom's bitterness and her TV star father's absence are her fault. If only she were more-more athletic, charismatic, attractive-life would be perfect.

When her dad calls with an offer to join him to film the next episode of his popular survivalist show, Danny jumps at the chance to prove she's not the disappointment he left behind. Being on set with the hottest teen movie idol of the moment, Gus Price, should be the cherry on top. But when their small plane crashes in the Amazon, and a terrible secret is revealed, Danny must face the truth about the parent she worships and falling for Gus, and find her own inner strength and worth to light the way home.

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42903467-the-speed-of-falling-objects

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QjY9tq

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-speed-of-falling-objects-nancy-richardson-fischer/1129922710

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-speed-of-falling-objects/id1444066607

Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Speed-Falling-Objects-Nancy-Richardson-Fischer/9781335928245

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-speed-of-falling-objects

Google Books: https://books.google.fr/books/about/The_Speed_of_Falling_Objects.html

AUTHOR INFORMATION

I'm a published author with children's, teen and adult titles including: The Golden Globe, Lyric's World and Promises (Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy) for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press), Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion), Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins), A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster), Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books), and Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books). 

I've written for a circus, a graduate school, tried my hand at waitressing (I was terrible!), baking carrot cakes (I was messy but good!), and been lucky enough to ultimately do what I love - write.

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and our mostly wonderful (but sometimes vorpal) Vizsla. When I'm not conjuring a story, I love to kite-board, bike, ski or plan adventures with my two guys, who both make me laugh for different reasons and are the best partners in fun a gal could ever imagine.

If you want to learn more about my latest novel, When Elephants Fly (publication date September 04, HarperCollins/Harlequin Teen), please visit my website: www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com

AUTHOR LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/98412.Nancy_Richardson_Fischer

Website: http://nancyrichardsonfischer.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfischerauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nanfischerauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanfischerauthor/

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2019/08/tour-schedule-speed-of-falling-objects.html

GIVEAWAY

PRIZE: Win a copy of the SPEED OF FALLING OBJECTS by Nancy Richardson Fischer (US Only)

Starts: 25^th September 2019

Ends: 9^th October 2019

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86406/?

 

Book Review - Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Photo Credit - Amazon

Anne Boleyn arrives at the court of King Henry VIII feeling out of place. From her French-style clothing to her outspoken mannerisms; Anne doesn't quite fit in. When the beautiful poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach Anne to help her find a place in the court, Anne jumps at the chance.  Together they concoct a plan where they try to convince the whole court they are lovers. Anne becomes popular but, she realizes she wants to be in love and keep her voice. However, when Anne finds herself in a tough position, she is forced to make a choice that will change her life forever.

Anne Boleyn is probably one of the most famous women in history. The novels take on a fresh new approach of describing Anne when she is younger and the beginning stages of her relationship with King Henry VIII. It shows Anne as a young woman managing what her heart and what her mind wants. I thought the novel was beautifully written and look forward to reading more by the author.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word by Sarah Jane Marsh + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Thomas Paine was born a corset maker's son. He was expected to follow his father's footsteps. However, when Thomas was given the opportunity to attend school, his entire world opened up.  His destiny changed when he befriends Benjamin Franklin. Thomas traveled to America in 1774 and right into the cusp of the American Revolution. Using his talent for the written word, he penned a pamphlet to help persuade the American people to rally for Independence against the British.

The book had a beautiful artwork along with artfully done prose. The biography of Thomas Paine was engaging and fun to read. It was in an easy to understand and digestible format. I only wished all my history books were done in this format! A great book for any reader who loves American History or has an interest in the American Revolution.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD

Author: Sarah Jane Marsh

Pub. Date: May 29, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 80

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

"The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark."

As an English corset-maker's son, Thomas Paine was expected to spend his life sewing women's underwear. But as a teenager, Thomas dared to change his destiny, enduring years of struggle until a meeting with Benjamin Franklin brought Thomas to America in 1774-and into the American Revolution. 

Within fourteen months, Thomas would unleash the persuasive power of the written word in Common Sense-a brash wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world. 

This fascinating and extensively researched biography, based on numerous primary sources, will immerse readers in Thomas Paine's inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience that led a penniless immigrant to change the world with his words.

About Sarah:

Sarah Jane Marsh is a writer of children's narrative nonfiction and author of THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD (Disney-Hyperion, May 2018) and MOST WANTED: JOHN HANCOCK AND SAMUEL ADAMS (Disney-Hyperion, 2020).

Sarah has taught American Revolution history in elementary and middle school. Like Thomas Paine, Sarah attempted several adventurous careers (zookeeping, dolphin training, firefighting), before earning an MBA from the University of Vermont where she studied organizational change. 

Also like Paine, Sarah believes in lifelong learning and speaking out for social action.  She works with her community on youth suicide prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences education, and meeting basic student needs.

Sarah lives with her family outside of Seattle. THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD is her first book.

Representation: Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  
Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2752/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

6/4/2018- Savings in Seconds- Review

6/5/2018- Bri's Book Nook- Review

6/6/2018- A Gingerly Review- Review

6/7/2018- For the Love of KidLit- Interview

6/8/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review