Book Review - Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft + Giveaway

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In 1857, slavery is still common and accepted practice in the South. However, William and America are abolitionists and want to confront and end the evil practice. America is the daughter of a prominent slave owner. She believes owning slaves is immoral and want to become a missionary to spread her faith in China. William travels around the country preaching the evils of slavery. Together William and America find themselves struggling to spread the abolitionist idea. Will she be able to help slaves escape if it means going against her father? Will William and America be able to put their differences aside and work together to spread the message?

The novel portrayed a vivid experience of two different people with the same ideals. America's family has owned slaves her entire life. She is torn between the life she knew from birth and the ideals she wants. William's family has always followed the path of abolition. It was interesting to see two people who like each other try to accept each other different point of views while trying to compromise their own beliefs. While the book was an enjoyable read, I found it to be a bit of a slower cozy read than I normally read.

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

About the Book

Title: Red Sky over America
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a themed basket with autographed books of Resurrection of Hope, Alice’s Notions, Red Sky Over America, a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the book is mentioned in the novel) and a copy of Then Sings My Soul (stories about the hymns), plus a $10 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebb/red-sky-over-america-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock

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Words can have different meanings and invoke different feelings. Hope can bring out different feelings depending when it was and by whom. This timely, relevant anthology of essays by twenty four YA authors hope to invoke awe, inspiration and empathy. In this personal collection of stories, each author narrates how hope is a decision they made and help inspire readers to have hope.

When I first opened the book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I assumed it was going to be a bunch of boring or mundane stories. I was actually pleasantly surprised and found myself staying up late and reaching for this book throughout the day. I love the stories where the author opened about their personal lives and the obstacles they faced. They displayed how they had the perseverance and conquered their obstacles and how they enriched their lives with hope. I found many of the stories inspiring, hopeful, and enjoyable to read. I feel with the current political atmosphere, this book is highly relevant for readers who need a bit of hope in their lives. 

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


BOOK DESCRIPTION

Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and personal stories that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Angie Thomas, Marie Lu, James Dashner, Nicola Yoon, David Levithan, Libba Bray, Jason Reynolds, Renée Ahdieh, and many more!

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."--Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We all experience moments when we struggle to understand the state of the world, when we feel powerless and--in some cases--even hopeless. The teens of today are the caretakers of tomorrow, and yet it's difficult for many to find joy or comfort in such a turbulent society. But in trying times, words are power.

Some of today's most influential young adult authors come together in this highly personal nonfiction collection of original essays, poems, and letters, each a first-hand account that ultimately strives to inspire hope.

Like a modern day Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul or Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens, Hope Nation acknowledges the pain and shines a light on what comes after.

Authors include: Atia Abawi, Renee Ahdieh, Libba Bray, Howard Bryant, Ally Carter, Ally Condie, James Dashner, Christina Diaz Gonzales, Gayle Forman, Romina Garber, I. W. Gregario, Kate Hart, Bendan Kiely, David Levithan, Alex London, Marie Lu, Julie Murphy, Jason Reynolds, Aisha Saeed, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Jeff Zentner, and Nicola Yoon.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Rose Brock is a twenty-year veteran professor who has dedicated her career to turning teens into book lovers. Building relationships with readers through books is her superpower. In addition to her career as a librarian and educator, Dr. Brock is also very involved in helping to organize the North Texas Teen Book Festival, a one-day event, which hosts sixty authors and has an impressive annual attendance of over 3,500 teens and tweens. She also serves as a team leader of the International Literacy Association's Young Adults' Choices project, which empowers teens to read and select the best books of the year. Dr. Brock was named by the Texas Library Association as the recipient of the Siddie Joe Johnson Award, an award given by the Children's Round Table to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding library service to children.

Book Review - Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

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James is the perfect husband; he's a loving father, caring husband, and has a successful career in the government. However, when he is accused of a heinous crime, Sophie is determined that James is innocent and she will protect her family at any cost. Kate is the lawyer prosecuting the case and she is determined that James is guilty and will stop at nothing to bring him down. Is James innocent or is something larger at play?

When I first came across this book, it reminded me of the TV show, "How to Get Away with Murder". The book was interesting for the first few chapters when we were being introduced to the characters and their backstory. However, the plot seem was a bit predictable and was filled with filler. An interesting story, but I wish more was done with it, but I would be opened to reading more novels by the author.

Book Review - A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

The heartbreaking novel is narrated by "Destiny" who tells the story of a family who lives in the war torn Syria. Tareq is surrounded by his big close knitted family. He is surrounded by people who love and care about him. Unfortunately, that all changes when a bomb hits his neighborhood causing his family to suffer a few casualties. Tareq and his family that survived must leave Syria, if they hope to remain alive. Their journey to "freedom", is one filled with violence and heartbreak, but also of love and hope. Will Tareq be able to escape with his family? 

The tear provoking novel is so beautifully written that it allowed readers to be transported to the hellish experience Tareq and his fellow refugees endured. It is hard to read this novel and not be sympathetic to the plight refugees face, but also hopeful when they manage to make it. For young readers, this book offers the perfect gateway for having conversations about volunteering, being sympathetic to your fellow humans and also not to lose hope when you feel like all the cards are stacked against you. An emotionally charged novel with an interesting concept with part of the narration being told by "Destiny". I look forward to reading other books by the author!

About the author: An award-winning author and journalist--and a refugee herself--Atia Abawi captures the hope that spurs people forward against all odds and the love that makes that hope grow.

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

Book Review - The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

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Noa was sixteen years old when she cast out in disgrace from her family's home after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier. With nowhere to go and barely any possessions, she heads to the city to a shelter where her baby will be given to a family in need. After delivering her child, she has to leave the shelter to locate a job to support herself. She finds employment at a small rail station where she cleans and lives in a small utility closet. However, one faithful night, Noa stumbles upon a boxcar containing several Jewish infants who are bound for a concentration camp. She is unsure what to do, but one infant catches her attention, he reminds me her of her own beloved child she had to give up. She steals the child and seeks refugee, but fears the German soldiers would locate her and the child. Noa escapes into the forest under the protection of the snowy night, but with her meager clothing and provisions; her journey ends abruptly. When she recovers, she finds a safe haven among a traveling German circus, where she must learn the flying trapeze act to blend in and to earn her keep.

Astrid is the lead aerialist of the German circus and she doesn't believe Noa has the skills necessary to learn the act. Whether it is because of jealousy or Astrid's past, she has a hard time warming up to Noa even though she is Noa's only lifeline and flying trapeze instructor. However, slowly Astrid warms up to Noa but is unable to trust Noa. Will Noa's secret destroy their friendship? Will their friendship be able to help them survive?

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be about an abandoned child who conquers the world against all odds. Then I read the summary, it seemed interesting as a beach read or maybe something to read while commuting. However, I am ashamed of myself for putting down one of the most heart warming and interesting books I read this season. The dual narrated novel captivated my heart and I couldn't help rooting for Noa's and Astrid's friendship. I wish every single human on this planet had a person like Astrid and Noa in their lives.They truly define what it means for someone to be a friend. There were times, that the two characters did act a bit petty and I found Noa's secret to be an "insignificant" (for a lack of better words), compared to Astrid's own life, but I can't judge because I don't know what it feels like to live during that horrendous time. Perhaps, if I was in Astrid's shoes and I found someone I liked during a time of uncertainty, but I felt they weren't being completely honest, but I would also behave like a "high school" girl. I think one of the reasons why, some readers might think it felt like a "high school" cliche is because maybe Noa and Astrid never really had strong female friendships. Noa seemed to be secluded in her small village and Astrid focused mostly on her career and none of the other performers in the circus seem to like her much either.  Speaking from my own high school female friendship, I also had petty moments and moments of fiercely protecting my friend. Personally speaking apart from minor "She hates me!" moments, I found the book very enjoyable and I look forward to reading other works by the author.

Book Review - The Windfall: A Novel by Diksha Basu

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The Jha family has lived the comfortable life of in between poverty and rich, but when their son was accepted to an American business school, they looked forward to living out their golden years comfortably. But when Mr. Jha unexpectedly comes into a large sum of money after sold his website to an American startup,  their lives become turned upside down. He and his wife move to East Delhi, where the super-rich resides and he is eager to fit in with the rest of the upper class residents. However, this leads to a chain of unexpected events and causes the family to reevaluate what really matters in life.

This novel showcases the downfall of pride along with the human instinct of wanting to belong along with doing things to please others will only lead to your own downfall. As someone of Indian heritage I saw a lot of the common threads of my family and the Jhas. However, there were a few things where I couldn't relate to and felt like it was the exact opposite of what my family believes. There were things that were appalling that I could relate to as well. For example, Mr. Jha tells other people about how his son was an academic failure so Mr. Jha could fit in more with the neighbors. I personally don't understand how one can  sacrifice a child's emotional health just to fit in with strangers. I also felt some of the characters and bits of the story fell flat, like there was potential, but the author didn't go into more detail. On a side note, this novel is being billed as a comedy, but I didn't find myself laughing along with anything but rather smiling occasionally thinking of my own Indian roots.

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

Book Review - A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

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Adisa Johnson, a young African American woman is living her dream. She is an aspiring lawyer in a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta with a promising career.  However, a simple makes changes the trajectory of her career and causes her to lose the job she loves. Around the same time, her dearly beloved aunt became ill and Adisa to move to be closer to her aunt and looks for a new job. A few days earlier a Caucasian police offer had shot an unarmed African American team who is fighting for his life in the hospital. With racial tensions high, Adisa wants to be bought on as a special prosecutor on the case. Although, when she speaks with a fellow mentor and victim's grandmother, she is left with conflicting feelings on the case. Which side will Adisa choose? What happened during that faithful of the shooting?

I like that the novel took on racial topics that are very prevalent this day. However, I felt the story lacked depth and suspense. The story seemed to drag on and on, filled with details that just cloud the story. Sadly, I also couldn't find myself liking the any of the characters. As a WOC, I loved seeing a fellow WOC in charge, smart and engaging. But I felt like Adisa fell flat and act impulsively/emotional. For example, when she was let go of her job she didn't want to steal her former employer's clients. But when she asked her mentor for a job, she had no problem becoming a special prosecutor on the same case her mentor was defending on.

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