Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Methuselah Project


Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

My thoughts: I'm not sure what I expected when I picked this book up, but I was surprised how quickly I was pulled into the story of a young American pilot pulled into a Nazi experiment on attempting to make man immortal. The story goes back and forth between the early 1940's and present day, following the lives of both of the main characters. An easy, imaginative story to read, this one is an interesting one full of "what if?". I enjoyed it quite well!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Girl Meets Change


Whether chosen and celebrated --- like going off to college or welcoming your first baby ---or unexpected and anxiety-inducing --- like losing a job or grappling with a broken trust ---all change brings stress.

Kristen Strong knows about change --- especially the kind you didn't choose or expect. What she's fought hard to learn over the years is that change is not something to be feared but something to be received as a blessing from a God who, more often than not, works through change, not in spite of it. Strong has learned to see change not as a grievance but as a grace.

In this hope-filled book, Kristen shows women how when we follow God's will, we receive blessings of contentment, purpose, and renewed strength. She encourages women to see change not as the end of their story but as the scenery for this part of life's journey. And she offers practical advice for coping with change in every part of life.

My thoughts: Change. It happens to all of us. Sometimes it is welcomed, but other times it brings grief or sorrow. In Girl Meets Change, readers are encouraged to see the blessings that come with change. Filled with personal stories and struggles, this book is well written and engaging. I generally like changes, but there are those times that they are not an adventure.;) Whether you see change as adventures waiting to happen or not, this is a great book for you!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Out of the Ashes


When Ashelandra’s father dies, she ends up a servant in her own house, instead of the Baroness she was supposed to become. But Ash’s secret sorcery could be the key to winning back her home and following her heart to a future she never imagined. This fantasy-infused Cinderella story puts a magical twist on a classic tale. Riveting and original, it’s a spellbinding read.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story immensely! While it was inspired by the story of Cinderella, and is somewhat of a retelling of the old story, it is still very original and so much fun. The main character is quite like able from the get go, with her mischievous streak and knack for magic. I like how the story is told over the span of several years, making it seem fuller and adding quite a bit to the depth of the characters.
If you enjoy fairy tale stories, then this is the book for you!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Take ten


This week over at the Broke and Bookish, the subject is top ten books I would recommend if you like it's popular counterpoint.
1. The Chronicles of Narnia=The Door Within trilogy by Thomas Wayne Batson


2. Terry Pratchett's Discworld= Donita K. Paul's Realm Walkers


3. To Kill a Mockingbird= Fireflies in December by Jennifer Erin Valent


4. The Mortal Instruments=Thornewicke by Charity Bishop


5. Julie and Julia=A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge


6. Matrix=Trial Run by Thomas Locke


7. The Book Thief=The Hidden Masterpiece series by Kristy Cambron


8. You've Got Mail=Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay


9. A Walk to Remember=Paper Hearts


10. The Giver=The Gifting by K. E. Ganshert

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Taming the To-Do list


Ever just wish the world would stop for a day so you could catch up?

No matter how much we accomplish in a day, we nearly always feel a little guilt over what we didn't do. But do we really have more to do than the women who came before us? Maybe not.

In Taming the To-Do List, Glynnis Whitwer exposes a seismic shift in society: from one in which most of us were proactive to one in which we carry the burden of having to respond--to every email, text, tweet, and message we receive. This creates a cycle where everyone else sets the priorities for our days rather than us directing our own lives. The result? We procrastinate, putting off the important stuff for later while we tend to the "urgent" stuff right now.

It's time to take back your schedule! Ready to tame that to-do list? This book shows you how.

My thoughts: Unfortunately, most of us find ourselves in the position of over committing ourselves and then procrastinating when it comes to making sure those commitments are met. With personal insight and stories, Glynnis offers hope for those of us who procrastinate.;) I like that she gives tips for readers to be able to determine what our true priorities should be. I also appreciated her myth buster.;)
If you find yourself bogged down with your to do list, then I highly recommend that you not procrastinate: pick up this book soon.;)
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Benotripia

Discover the land of Benotripia–where adventure is around every corner. Now you can own Mackenzie Wagner’s debut fantasy series in one complete volume. Written when Mackenzie was in middle school, this thrilling series is perfect for middle grade readers. Join Roseabelle, Jessicana, and Astro as they use their magical powers to battle the Darvonians and save their home!


My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect when I realized that the author of this series was so young.;) I was pleasantly surprised with how well she writes and how imaginative the series is! McKenzie does a fabulous job of bringing to life her fantasy series set in the magical island of Benotripia, bringing to life the story of Roseabelle and her friends as they fight evil and look to save their island from the Darvonians. This is an excellent series, especially for young readers! (though, it can be enjoyed by all ages).
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Bento!


Liven up your lunch box! Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day of the week, traditional Japanese Bento boxes are trendier than ever and they encourage kids of all ages to eat healthy foods by making them cute and colorful! These fun food craft projects let you create themed edible designs that are just as much fun to make as they are to eat!

My thoughts: If you have a picky eater in the house, then these Bento box lunches are just the thing to encourage the picky ones to branch out and try new things. I love that the lunches are so much fun to pack and enjoy! Anna went to a lot of work to put together lunches that are enjoyable for all ages.;) If you are looking to liven up lunch time, this book is an excellent resource! Especially now that school has been in session for a while now and things have calmed down, so one can start thinking about having more fun with packing lunches.;)
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.