Book Review - Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds by Camilo Moncada Lozano and Angel De Santiago

 

Codex Black : A Fire Among Clouds by Camilo Moncada Lozano and Angel De Santiago is about a young Zapotec girl named Donaji, journeying to find her missing father. Donaji is known to be fearless and is a celebrated hero by her village. As she sets out to locate her father, she is accompanied by a god that lives in her poncho.

The poncho is a family heirloom that has been passed down by generations in her family. The god that resides in the poncho blesses the wearer with super strength. He also serves as a guardian and mentor to Donaji.

As she journeys to a village where her father was last spotted, she crosses paths with a young Mexica warrior with wings named Itzcacalotl. They formed a temporary partnership when they encountered a terrifying and dangerous bat monster that was terrorizing an entire village. As the duo spends more time together, their partnership blossoms into a budding friendship.

The graphic novel was colorful and well done. I enjoyed reading Donaji and Itzcacalotl’s adventures and seeing them transform into strangers thrusted into battle together, and then into good friends. I like that the footnotes explain some details about Aztec culture. The book had humor sprinkled with adventure and it’s perfect for young readers. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Book Review - The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mercy Lutton is a woman with divided loyalties. She is half English and half Mohawk. Mercy was born with a rare gift of keen eyesight, which she uses to help scout against the French. She agrees to accompany a traitor and two soldiers protecting precious cargo against the French. Elias Dubois is the condemned traitor, who jumped at the chance of gaining his freedom. Elias is conflicted on what doing what is right and what needs to be done. Both Mercy and Elias have different motives with no plans on settling down. However, they both find themselves attracted to each other. Will Mercy and Elias be able to put their differences aside?

The novel was a great and informative read. I like the dictionary with the translation between the two languages. I found the characters realistic and lovable. I kept rooting for them until the very end. However, I found some parts of the book to be a bit slow. A great book for anyone who is a fan of historical romance novels.

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

Title: The Captured Bride
Author: Michelle Griep
Release Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
A war-torn countryside is no place for a lady—but Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause . . . to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.
Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he’s offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he’s the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.
Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, Undercurrent and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of

a signed copy of The Captured Bride and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!

Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d06e/the-captured-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff

Photo Source - Amazon

This book is the follow-up to Love Does, where Bob Goff takes readers through a journey where they can learn to love unconditionally. It will help readers live without fear, worry, care, and constraint while having a strong foundation in faith and friendships. Bob masterfully reveals lessons he learned and shares what it means to love without constraints and how it affected his life.

I am not usually a fan of "self - help/spirituality" books because they open my mind to different ways of thinking but I struggle with following through with it as time passes. When I first started reading the book, I had a lot of pent-up anger and after reading it I did feel a bit calm. I would have appreciated this book a bit more if they had exercises readers can use on a daily or weekly basis. I did find the "Love Everyone, Always" idea a bit hard especially taking NYC transit during rush hour but it did give me a bit more patience.

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

Book Review - A Flute in the Willows by Carole Brown

Photo Credit - Amazon

Jerry Patterson has a mission to protect his country regardless of what he has to do. When task to infiltrate a high ranking German household by wooing the sister, it seemed like a piece of cake. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem for Jerry but being that he's married and madly in love with his wife, it poses a few guilt fueled problems for him. However, after completing his mission he is injured and fears that his wife deserves someone who isn't "broken". While trying to acclimate to being back home,  he notices someone from his mission who has a malicious grudge against him following his family. Why is this person after Jerry? Will Jerry be able to work on his marriage with Josie?

I enjoyed the first half of the novel but towards the middle of the novel, I felt that the story dragged on. I wasn't sure why someone who is plotting revenge against someone was taking so long to do so, especially since his hatred seemed so deep seeded. There were a few parts of the story that felt convoluted and out of place. For example, one character was told a secret in front of two characters who wanted to hurt the first character but it didn't make sense why they would do it that way since it seemed very childish and gimmicky. It was an interesting story line which was a bit slow moving but I would read future works by the author.

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

About the Book

Book Title: A Flute in the Willows
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Historical, Romantic Suspense
Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love…and keep the German enemy at bay.
She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?
Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life…especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.
These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize of a canvas flowered/musical tote, a pink “All Things are Possible journal, and a copy of A Flute in the Willows (winners choice of print or ebook)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e2

Book Review - All Things Bright and Strange by James Markert

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A small Southern town of Bellhaven, South Carolina there is a trouble brewing in the mysterious chapel hidden deep in the woods. The town inhabitants are drawn to the chapel and its beautiful surroundings. However, they soon realize that can be evil among even the most beautiful things.

The town start turn against each other and pick sides. They depend on their town hero, Ellsworth Newberry for guidance as he always survives even the toughest situations. However, Ellsworth balances his own self worth and mortality when the town seems to need to him the most. Will Ellsworth be able to save himself and his beloved town? What is hidden in the beautiful chapel in the forbidden forest?

I have read "Angel's Share" by James Markert and enjoyed the novel. So, I was very excited to read this new novel, which seems to have a similar premise. However, this novel was a bit weird and a convoluted plot. I had a hard time following the story when a lot of unnecessary details, characters and slow parts. I had high hopes for this novel and was very disappointed.

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

Book Review - All Things Now Living (Seventh Daughter, #1) by Rondi Bauer Olson

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Amy doesn't like to see any animals suffer or die. She refuses to hurt animals, but she can't see herself feeling sorry for the abominable inhabitants of New Lithisle. The dome the inhabitants built to shield themselves from diseases is predicted to collapse and Amy was taught this is God's will. 

While on a trip with her father, Amy becomes trapped New Lithisle. She is kept hostage where she meets, Daniel. He is beautiful and Amy is attracted to him, but he has been modified. Amy is conflicted upon saving New Lithisle and its inhabitants or standing by idly while the residents suffer through God's curse. Will Amy help save the New Lithisle? Will Amy be able to see the humanity in all of God's creatures?

The story had an interesting premise, but I couldn't get into the story. I found the characters confusing and have conflicting ideas. For example, Amy doesn't like to see animals die, but doesn't care about the people about New Lithisle. She constantly judges them by their exterior even though they go out of their way to help her. Daniel is conflicted about doing what Amy wants and what is best for the New Lithisle. He trusts some people, but the others, he judges harshly. He was afraid of Leroy and wanted to leave him behind, but when Scout threaten Amy, he had no problem having Scout tag along with them. The characters all have a strange dynamic with each other. One minute, they trust each other the next they are shooting the other person.

I also found the story to be confusing and convoluted. I had to re-read several sentences and I still couldn't follow. I felt that some of the story could have used more details or backstory. Like more about Amy's sisters and why there are seven of them along with why Amy has a bounty on her. They keep mentioning them, but they never come into contact with each other.  Also, what is this pandemic, they keep talking about since they became immune to the swine flu. What happened to her scientist mother? The dialogue felt a bit weird and not authentic. I have read a few dystopian novels and while I am not a fan of the genre, I do generally like them. However, this one doesn't keep my attention for very long.

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

Book Review - Love Heals By Becca Stevens

Photo Credit - Amazon

In life we all go through hardships. Sometimes, they can be so horrific it takes us years for us to overcome the pain. However, as much as how the pain and grief may be apart of us, how we deal with the pain is apart of us as well. In Love Heals, readers will learn principles that can help transform their lives and in each chapter it shares encouragement and practical steps for anyone who is faced with difficult times. The book is packed with true stories of faith, healing, and happiness where the broken can find peace and compassion.  I gave this book to my SO's aunt as a present as she was overwhelmed by sadness from her dearly departed husband. She found the book to be inspiring and helped her cope. A good book for anyone who might have lost their way.

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

Book Review - God's Crime Scene for Kids: Investigate Creation with a Real Detective Currently Reading Rate this book 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars God's Crime Scene for Kids: Investigate Creation with a Real Detective by J. Warner Wallace

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One night, Jason comes across a mysterious box that has a note from his deceased grandfather along with a few other items. Jason enlist his friends at the Junior Detective's Academy along with Detective Jeffries to solve mystery. While trying to solve Jason's mystery, the students pick up other skills needed to exam the vast universe and the evidence of God's existence. Why did Jason's grandfather leave him the box? What treasure does the box hold?

The book took an interesting approach of blending two different types of mysteries together. However, I felt the approach was a bit lacking. I didn't see myself seeing the point of putting both mysteries together instead of creating a different story for each. I also thought it was weird that in random sporadic points of the story, he wrote the reader in . Although, I do like one point of the story, where the author wrote that God created both good and bad events because you can't have one or the other and it's nice to remember that during time of need. The book also has an online activities and activities involving the Bible. A good read for young budding Christians as does talk about God in an interesting way.

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

Book Review - Door to Freedom by Jana Kelley

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Mia and her family are Christians living in the Islamic country of Sudan. Christians are being persecuted and ostracized for their beliefs. The Weston family try to spread their faith among their friends and neighbors while trying to avoid scrutiny. The daughter of wealthy Sudanese Arab, Rania seeks to find the answers after her older sister's disappeared. Mia and Rania cross paths but will Mia be able to provide Rania with the answers she needs? What answers does the book Rania's sister left behind contain? Will the Weston family be able to share their faith?

This is the sequel to "Side by Side" and can be read alone. I actually own both books but decided to read this one forgetting the other book came first. The story is split between the Weston family and Rania. While, the book was enjoyable I found Rania's story more enjoyable and wished it was a greater focus of the story. There are some elements of the story which is vague, like we are never told why the Weston family moved to Sudan and what  Mia's husband, Michael does for the Keller Hope foundation. I do love, how this book gives a wonderful glimpse of Islamic culture, beliefs and customs. A decent book but I don't see myself ever rereading this book but I would be open to reading other books by the author. 

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

Book Review - Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix

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Lauren and her husband, Sam took ten years to achieve their dream of visiting remote regions of Nepal to spread the word of their ministry. Sam and Lauren have a unique situation; Sam travels to the Himalayas for three weeks each month for his life calling. While, Lauren and their 13 year old son, Ryan stays behind continuing life without Sam. Both Lauren and Ryan miss the states and find it hard to cope with their current poverty living situation. They feel that their life is unfulfilled and filled with isolation. Their life gets more challenging when someone from Lauren's past reaches out to her. This further fueling the tension between Lauren, Sam and Ryan. How will Lauren, Sam and Ryan be able to cope with their current situation? What happens when one person's loyalty is divided and it becomes life or death?

A heartbreaking novel of a women who is trying to do good by everyone. She is being pulled by her husband to follow what seems like his destiny and make it hers as well. She notices  her once happy go lucky son is now sullen and keeps to himself . While, her good friend now suffers from a disease that can end his life and wants to amend and reconnect. Lauren struggles to make the correct decision and in the end, she realizes that she should have done it the first place but unfortunately, that decision didn't come without many dire consequences. This beautifully written novel leaves the reader fighting for Lauren and her family. 

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

Book Review - Starving Hearts (Triangular Trade Trilogy, #1) by Janine Mendenhall

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While attending a family social event, Annette Chetwyn was assaulted and suffers  nightmares from the attack. She was saved by a mysterious man who she is unable to find or remember who he is.  Annette's mother is determined for her daughter to find a husband even though Annette would rather marry for love.  Peter Adsley is the second heir to the family fortune and in turn would have to find his fortune elsewhere. However, he decides to join the clergy and seeks a wife to provide companionship.  Will Annette and Peter be able to find love? Will their faith in God be restored?

The book had an interesting story line and kept you guessing until the very end. The story was filled with historical themes while fusing elements of mystery, romance and intrigue.  However, towards the middle of the book I found Annette and Peter to quite annoying and tiresome. A good book if you like stories around this time period but it just wasn't for me.

**Disclosure - I received a copy of this in box in exchange for my honest opinion**

Book Review - Love, Lexi: Letters to God by Sherry Kyle

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Alexis Dawn Cooper or Lexi struggles to navigate through middle school and being the middle child. She wants to be popular but struggles on how to get there without sacrificing her friendship with her two best friends. However, her trouble doesn't stop here. Her rival is trying to steal the attention of her crush that she has liked since first grade. What can Lexi do that won't question her faith in God?

The book is set up as a diary written by a middle schooler asking for help while writing down her struggles. It has empty pages that allows tweens to write in their own personal struggle so they relate to both Lexi and how they can work God into their lives. The book also has scriptures that tie into the story as well. I think this book is a valuable resource for tweens as it helps them realize that they are not the only one going through issues and it helps them realize and solve problems on their own. 

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

Book Review - The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

Photo Source - Amazon.com

**May contain spoilers**

What happens, if you wake up one morning and you decide you are not where you want to be in your life? What happens, if you actually have the power to change that?

Everything in Brock Matthew's life is starting to unravel -- his marriage, his enterprising coffee company, his faith, and his relationships with his family.  Brook has also lately starts having ominous nightmares about his dead father. His relationship with his father was strained at best -- complete opposites who yearned for each other's love but unknown to them how to ask for it. Not knowing what to do, he turns to his best friend, Morgan for help. Morgan offers him a book on lucid dreams and how to help control his dreams, while understanding their purpose.

At first, Brock thought it would be a novel experiment.  He would try and understand what his father is trying to tell him and hopefully, he can find a way to fix his coffee business and repair his marriage. Unfortunately, not everything is what it is seems. Instead of just dreaming about the day he proposes to his girlfriend, he unintentionally travels back into time and changes his past and inconsequentially his future. As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility", Brock travels back into time to talk to his younger self in hopes to change the present. The only question is, would he succeed?

The book is a quick and fun read. It offers many twists and turns with the reader rooting for Brock. It also teaches us to focus on the more important things in life because once they are gone --- they are gone.  It also teaches forgiveness, love, understanding, acceptance and putting others before yourself. We all have done things in the past in which we feel guilty of, but it's up to us to make it right. A great piece of fiction that will make you analyze yourself and make you want to be a better person. There is no point in sitting around and saying "if I can go back and change this and that" --- when you can always try to be a better person in the present.


**Disclosure - I received a copy of an uncorrected ebook for my honest opinion --- this had no impact on my review and feedback**