Valley of Decision

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed this series from the first book on! It has had some mind blowing twists to the story, some of which I wasn't happy about but could understand.;) It is a bit gritty, but I think that the author did a wonderful job of showing how it must of been like to live in Carthage during a period of persecution for Christians. I highly recommend this series if you are wanting to read something different, since it is unique, interesting, and will steal your heart!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Papa's Book of Mormon Christmas

Six-year-old Alice would rather get toys than a book any day. But when her grandfather explains that this book is different, Alice begins to see why their first-edition Book of Mormon is so special to her family. Set in the early 1900s, this charming story is the perfect picture book to read with your family.

My thoughts: I have to admit, with the last few days being more cold and rainy, I have been in the mood to pull out my Christmas music and books.;) I try to wait until after Thanksgiving, since I don't like that it can be eclipsed by Christmas, but it has been tempting! The last few years, I have tried to build up our collection of Christmas books geared towards young readers, so I was thrilled to add this book to my collection! The story is a darling, old fashioned one that is accompanied by some lovely illustrations. We are enjoying this book immensely! I highly recommend that every household that has young children around should build up a collection of Christmas stories that teach kids the real meaning of Christmas.
I received this book through Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest

A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan’s journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.

My thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised with this book! I am not sure what I was expecting, but I was thrilled to discover this is a neat little story for young people that does a wonderful job of combining faith and fiction. Told through the eyes of a young orphan, I found this to be an interesting and engaging coming of age story that is imaginative and well written. While not particularly long, it held my attention through to the end (something that can be hard for me when it comes to books written at a middle school level). I thought the pacing was just right and the characters are well portrayed. I highly recommend this story!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Defying Normal

It's tough being a Christian today. So much has changed in the social and moral landscape of our nation that believers feel like strangers in their own culture. The temptation to compromise one's character and beliefs for the purpose of fitting into this new world grow stronger every day. Yet, we want to please God by staying faithful to His Word. Defying Normal challenges readers to exercise self-control, live out their faith in all situations, act with humility, and stand by biblical principles to rise to new levels of the Christian experience.

My thoughts: I really appreciated this book, since Skip Heitzig takes the story of Daniel and shows us the eight elements he had that helped him defy normal: "self control, faith, humility, integrity dependence, courage, hope, and balance". I like that he digs into the story and shows how Daniel had to suffer and get out of his comfort zone, but how God was able to use him to do great things because he was willing to do so. So often, I think we sugar coat things and think, like those in the Old Testament (think Job's friends) that God's blessings should always follow us if we are on His side, rather than realizing that God uses the trials in our lives to draw us closer to Him, to be used for a greater purpose.
I think this is a wonderful, thought provoking book.
I received this book from Worthy in exchange for my honest review.

War for the Waking World

Would you be willing to fight for your dreams?

Fifteen-year-old Archer Keaton has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a Dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord who dwells beyond the Slumber Gate. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.

In this fast-paced conclusion to the exciting fantasy trilogy, the dream world and the waking world bleed into each other when a rift is formed between the two. People in the real world suddenly find their waking lives resemble their wildest dreams. Now it’s up to Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders to race to reverse the rift before too much damage is done and to battle Archer’s ex-best friend, Kara, who sits on the throne of the Nightmare Lord. Kara is building an army of her own. Will Archer be strong enough to stand against her?

My thoughts: While I somehow missed the first book, I did read the second one before picking this up. While it is a trilogy, it is written in such a way that it is easier than some to jump into the middle, since Wayne does a wonderful job of setting up this fantasy style series. I love how the story comes together in this book, with quite a few unexpected turns that will leave the reader sad to finish the trilogy. The good news is, I have read several of the author's other series, and they are every bit as good. So, if you find that you enjoyed this series immensely, I highly recommend that you check out Wayne's other books.
I love that there are allegories in his tales.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

A Reason to Stay

As the host of her own television news show, Faith Marin works to expose the truth for her viewers. But in her personal life, she's anchored her world with firm boundaries in order to hide a family history she'd like to forget. Her pro bass fisherman husband Geary's life is an open book, and unfortunately his busybody family doesn't know the meaning of boundaries. Deception and crippling differences soon derail their tender relationship, leading Faith to believe her only option is to end the marriage. But while divorce papers sit on her desk waiting to be signed, tragedy strikes and her heartrending decision is interrupted. With her life in the balance, Faith finds that the one she has been shutting out may be the very one she cannot bear to lose.

Kellie Coates Gilbert takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as she weaves themes of unexpected trial, self-discovery, and forgiveness in this profoundly honest portrait of the tensions that can break a marriage--and the ultimate healing power of love.

My thoughts: To be quite honest, there were times with this story that both Faith and Geary really got on my nerves.;) That said, I still enjoyed the story, since it was well written and had a lot going on with it. I like how some of it is Faith's memories from the past and how she and Geary met. Their love story drives home that a lot of things would of been out in the open had they gone through per-marital counseling.;) I did like that when it came to the mistakes in their marriage that lead to a possible divorce, both of them were at fault. Kellie Coated Gilbert does a wonderful job of adding multiple layers to her stories and characters, making them realistic. This story makes a great read for a cool, Autumn day!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Happy Cooking

Giada De Laurentiis, one of the most recognizable faces on the Food Network lineup, invites readers to get to know her as never before. The celebrity chef is back with nearly 200 new recipes and helpful advice on everything from hosting a potluck or open house to what to pack along for lunch every day. Drawing on the time-saving tips and healthy eating strategies that keep her functioning at the highest possible level in her roles as working mom, restaurateur, and tv personality, she has assembled a year-round roadmap to vibrant good health and delicious eating. Readers will be inspired to try new ingredients, new wellness practices, and create a wholesome balance between peak nutrition - and the occasional decadent indulgence. Featuring her New Year's cleanse, homemade Christmas gifts, and ideas for every holiday, special occasion, and casual weekend in between, this is Giada’s 365-approach to cooking up a happy life.

My thoughts: What a fun cookbook! I love how a lot of the recipes are healthier and have great ingredients (like the zucchini spaghetti or flax seed lemon aid), while being nice and simple for those learning to cook more. I also like that her recipes don't call for a lot of different ingredients that you have to run out and buy just for one recipe (something that is annoying;)). I like that the recipes are easy while look impressive and that a lot of them come with pictures. This is just the cookbook I was looking for!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.