Book Review: Burning Proof by Janice Cantore (Cold Case Justice, Book 2)

Title: Burning Proof

Series Title: Cold Case Justice (Book 2)


Genre: Christian Suspense/Crime


Date Published: March 1, 2016

Author: Janice Cantore

Why I Read This Book: I received the first book in this series from the publisher for review a few years ago and I loved it (see my review here). I have wanted to read the second in the series for a while now.

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs. But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby begins to doubt her future as a police officer. As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents’ lives come back to haunt her. [Note: synopsis shortened as to not provide spoilers]

Review

One of the things that I love the most about Janice Cantore is that she not only writes suspenseful, action-packed crime novels, but that I leave them with a sense of peace and understanding. 

For a long time, I let PTSD from child molestation rule my life by thinking of myself only as a victim. I had nightmares and flashbacks that ruined a good day. After I gave everything to God and let Him reign in my life, I found freedom and I found peace. These same feelings of freedom and peace came back to me as I read this beautiful novel. Cantore encourages readers to not let difficult circumstances define your life and that even if God delays in answering your prayers, it is because He has a greater plan and a greater purpose, one that is larger than anything you could ever imagine. 

This series of books is not just an inspirational series and it is not just a crime novel, it is so much more.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 16+ for intense scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: Do Not Open The Box

Title: Do Not Open the Box

Author: Timothy Young

Illustrated by: Timothy Young

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Why I Read This Book: I received this ebook from the Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

About the Book (from Edelweiss):  

Benny spots a big cardboard box with a note taped to it saying, "Do Not Open." His imagination runs wild, and it's almost too much for a curious boy to bear. He thinks about all of the things, good and bad, that could be inside that box. A birthday robot? A wolverine? An entrance to another world? What should he do? This endearingly illustrated tale of a classic childhood dilemma has a surprise ending and offers a peek into a young boy's mind as he weighs tantalizing possibilities against the risks of breaking the rules.

Review

Do Not Open the Box is a cute, imaginative story about the mysteries of what could be in a box labeled "Do Not Open". The illustrations are great! The story is intriguing, although somewhat bland. I think it would be a great bed-time story and could be really interactive with your children ("what do you think could be in the box?").

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 0-6 years

Overall Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury

Title: Angels Walking

Series Title: Angels Walking (Book 1)

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Christian Fiction

Date Published: September 2, 2014

Why I Read This Book: Karen Kingsbury. Enough said :)

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on. 

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin…

Review

Karen Kingsbury has outdone herself with this novel. Maybe it is my love of baseball. Maybe it is my love of christian romance novels. Maybe it is my love of redemptive stories. I am not sure; all I know is this is an amazing Christian fiction novel.

Tyler throws out his shoulder pitching and finds himself out of a job with no insurance or money. He finds the only job he can (with the recommendation of an angel) as a maintenance man at a retirement home. A team of angels seek to do God's work and restore hope for Tyler and the other characters in this charming novel.

Angels Walking reminds me that there is hope in every situation. Maybe we need to get to our lowest point in life before we have a powerful encounter with God. Forgiveness, grace and love are the essence of this novel.

I recommend Angels Walking to everyone.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 5/5

Series Review (No Spoilers): Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins

Series Title: Underland Chronicles

Book 1 Title: Gregor the Overlander

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Middle Grade Epic Fantasy

Date Published (Book 1): 2003

Why I Read This Book: I read this series when I was younger and I LOVED it.

 

 

 

 

 

About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

This irresistible first novel tells the story of a quiet boy who embarks on a dangerous quest in order to fulfill his destiny -- and find his father -- in a strange world beneath New York City.

When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it -- until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever.

Review

Yes, this series is written by the beloved author of the Hunger Games. No, these series are nothing alike.

The Underland Chronicles is a middle-grade epic fantasy series about a young boy who falls through a grate in his laundry room in New York city and finds himself in a whole new world filled with humans, rats, giant cochroaches and giant bats. A prophesy foretells of a war that Gregor will take part in.

This entire series was perfect; I would not change a single thing about it. I read this series way before I read the Hunger Games series and I did not realize that these were written by the same author until recently. This series is filled with action, adventure, love, friendship, courage, and death. As such, I would not recommend this for young children, but I would recommend this to anyone above the age of 10. If you love fantasy, you will LOVE this series. Although it is written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will easily fall in love with this series.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 10+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore

Title: Drawing Fire

Author: Janice Cantore

Genre: Christian Crime Fiction

Why I Read This Book: I received this book from the publisher (Tyndale House) in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

 

 

 

 

 

About the First Book-Leaving (from Goodreads):  

One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby's best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she's anxious to talk to him about a cold case that's personal to her--one Luke is interested in as well.As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents' lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?

Review

Filled with action, adventure, and Christian principles, Drawing Fire tells the story of Abby Hart, a homicide detective for Long Beach, California. Although Abby is solving recent homicides, her true desire is to solve one that occurred years ago and led to the death of her parents.

Drawing Fire was full of entertainment, excitement, and plot twists. I loved all the characters and their development throughout the novel. The plot was interesting, although somewhat predictable. I cannot wait to read the next installment in the series. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of fast-paced crime novels.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Courageous by Randy Alcorn (Based on the Screenplay by the Kendrick Brothers)

Title: Courageous

Author: Randy Alcorn, based off the screenplay of Alex Kendrick and Stephan Kendrick

Publish Date: August 1, 2011

Genre: Christian Fiction

Why I Read this Book: I have wanted to read this book since I saw the movie a few years ago. I read the audiobook version of this book that I found at my local library.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

From the creators of "Fireproof" comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. They know that God desires to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, but their children are beginning to drift farther and farther away from them. Will they be able to find a way to serve and protect those who are most dear to them? When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children?

Review

Adam Mitchell and his law enforcement partners constantly face the challenge of being Godly fathers. They seek to find a way to protect those that are closest to themselves. Courageous is all about striving to be all that God wants us to be.

I watched the movie Courageous a few years ago and fell in love with the way the screenplay writers mixed comedy with a very serious topic: fatherhood and being what God wants you to be. At the end of the Audiobook version, there is an interview with the author of the book, Randy Alcorn. In the interview he discussed how he struggled to create a full length novel out of only a few hours of screenplay. I believe one of the most amazing aspects of this book is the additional content that Alcorn provides. There are many additional or lengthened scenes that stay true to the original feel of the movie. He adds much more laughter, many more heartfelt moments and keeps the overall message just as hard hitting.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement, laughter, or a good crying session.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Shaken by Kariss Lynch

Title: Shaken

Series: Heart of a Warrior (Book 1)

Author: Kariss Lynch

Publish Date: February 4, 2014

Genre: Adult Christian Romance

Why I Read this Book: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review of this novel.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

When her world is shaken, will her foundation survive?
Idealistic and sheltered with a passion to change the world, Kaylan Richards leaves her comfortable life in Alabama to serve in poverty-stricken Haiti. Despite her inexperience and the opposition of a voodoo priest, Kaylan develops a love for the country and the Haitian people. But something deadly is about to strike.

It is the worst earthquake the country has ever seen, and in its aftermath bodies, buildings, and broken lives litter the streets. People she cares about are dead, and Kaylan is caught in the middle of the destruction, questioning a God who said He was good.

Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never planned to find a girl he loved more than his country. Now she is a world away, trapped in a deadly situation nothing could have prepared her for. Can Nick’s love help Kaylan heal and show her the God who never abandoned her, or will tragedy shake even the most rooted faith?

Review

Shaken gave me all the feels. I usually do not cry while reading books, but while I was reading Shaken I cried for at least an hour.

I connected so well with all of the characters. Kariss Lynch's writing style is so incredible that I cannot even express how much I enjoyed it. I read 3/4 of this book in one day which I only do with books that I love immensely.

My favorite part of Shaken was how God's love was expressed through difficult situations. I am accostomed to Christian romance novels being happy and sappy, but this novel was more realistic. It expressed the struggles of living in the world, but not being of the world.

Additionally, I loved this book because I felt like I was in the novel. Much of Shaken is set in Haiti.  I have never been to Haiti, but I felt as if I was there with the characters. I felt like their friends were my friends.

I feel like everyone would find something in this novel with which they could connect; Therefore, I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone. 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp

Title: I Still Believe

Authors: Jeremy Camp

Publish Date: September 5, 2011

Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Inspirational, Autobiography

Why I Read this Book: Jeremy Camp is one of my favorite Christian contemporary singers. I enjoy the lyrics in his songs. My husband had previously read this book and begged me to read it. I began this book during Dewey's 24 Hour readathon.

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

A leading artist on the contemporary Christian scene, Jeremy Camp has gained a sizable fan following. I Still Believe follows Jeremy's life from growing up in Indiana and his struggles as a teen, to his love for his first wife Melissa and her untimely passing, to his growing music ministry and re-found hope and love in his wife Adrienne. "We have choices when life hits us with tragedy or despair, crisis or loss. That's the message of Jeremy Camp's books, and it's the reason you will find hope and healing by journeying through the pages of this story."

Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, from the Foreword

Review

This book was so inspirational. Jeremy Camp has went through a lot of tribulation, but has survived by knowing that God is loving. For those who do not know, Jeremy Camp's first wife, Melissa, died from cancer very shortly after they got married. This book shows how his parents became Christians and his struggles during his teenage years, how he grew in his faith due to his first wife's passing, and how he came to love his second wife, Adrienne.

For me, this book encouraged me that God is always with you even when you are suffering, everything happens for a reason (God's plan), and that God always wants the best for us. This is a must read!

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 12+ for very real emotions

Overall Rating: 5/5

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: Spiderwick Chronicles (Books 1 and 2)

Title: The Field Guide (Book 1) and The Seeing Stone (Book 2)

Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles

Authors: Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

Publish Date: May 1, 2003

Genre: Children's Novels, Fantasy

Why I Read this Book: I re-read this book during Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon.

 

 

 

 

 About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

When the three Grace children -- Mallory, Jared, and Simon -- and their mom move into Aunt Lucinda's old house, readers know there's magic afoot. The kids uncover a nest of assembled junk, and on a visit to the secret library via the dumbwaiter, Jared finds a note describing "my secret to all mankind." After a few mysterious pranks that get blamed on Jared, the boy finally digs up the real prize: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. Fortunately enough, the kids meet one of the critters listed in the guide -- a brownie named Thimbletack -- who makes it all "real" and helps provide the book's suspenseful conclusion: "'Throw the book away, toss it in a fire. If you do not heed, you will draw their ire.'"

Review

I first read this series when I was younger. I remember loving these books, but I could not remember why I loved them. After re-reading the first and second books during the Dewey's 24 Hour readathon, I fell in love with the books all over again.

The first book started to hold my attention after about page 30.  Each book is very fast paced and leaves you wanting more. The writing style reminds me of Lemony Snicket, who I also love. 

These books would be a great read for children who want to start reading chapter books. The language is great for a child; simple but enthralling. The plot is engaging. The series became even better in book 2 of the series. I hope to continue re-reading the whole series.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5

Graphic Novel Review: Amulet (Vol. 1) by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stone Keeper

Series: Amulet (Vol. 1)

Authors: Kazu Kibuishi 

Publish Date: January 1, 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Why I Read this Book: I read this book during Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon. I found this graphic novel at my local library and loved the cover.

 

 

About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

Review

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. I found the cover beautiful and intriguing. I immediately had high expectations from this book and I was not disappointed.

At first, I thought is strange that one of the main characters in a somewhat scary and extremely action packed graphic novel was a cute pink and white rabbit, but I fell in love with all of the characters in this book. They are all incredibly unique and quirky.

My favorite part of the first volume of this series was the action and the plot twists. I was held of the edge of my seat until the very last page. I cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing graphic novel series.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 10+ for intense action scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book Review: In Between by Jenny B. Jones (A Katie Parker Production, Book 1)

Book Title: In Between

Series Title: A Katie Parker Production (Book 1 of 4)

Author:  Jenny B. Jones

Publish Date: April 15, 2007

 Why I Read this Book: I saw that this book was a Christian Fiction novel that was free on Amazon (kindle edition), so I decided to check it out.  This is still free on Amazon as of this posting, but please check pricing before purchasing.

 

 

 

 

 About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Katie Parker is about to get a new life—whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full-scale plan to get sent back to the girls’ home when she finds herself in over her head...and heart. When Katie and her new "wrong crowd" get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring a historic theater with a crazy grandma who goes by the name of Mad Maxine. In the midst of her punishment, Katie uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realizes she's not the only one with a pain-filled past. Katie must decide if she'll continue her own family’s messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.

Review

Katie Parker's mom is in prison and her father is who knows were so she is left to the foster care system as a ward of the state.  She is sent to live with foster parents.  Her new foster dad is a pastor, so Katie is launched into a world that she is not familiar with.

This book speaks to me because I desire to be a foster parent and possibly adopt in the future.  The foster parents in this book were the perfect role models for what a Christian foster parent should be.  Although Katie made mistakes, her foster parents never stopped caring for her and trying to do the best that they could to provide for her.

Filled with both laughter and sentimental moments, In Between is a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a great, light, inspirational read.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5

Book and Movie Review: The Giver by Lois Lowery

The Giver has always been one of my favorite novels.  I first read this book at a young age; I think I was a pre-teen.  Recently, the movie was released.  My husband and I decided to rent the movie.  He had never even heard of the book.  We both loved the movie, so I decided to re-read The Giver and post a review of both the book and the movie.

Oftentimes, I can degrade a movie due to the things that were not included from the book.  Therefore, the movie review was written before I actually re-read the book.  Without further ado, here are my reviews.

Movie Review

From my memory, the essence of The Giver was really captured in the movie.  This was the first dystopian book that I remember reading.  The essence of the utopia was captured. The world is seemingly perfect.  Everyone is equal.  Nobody is treated special.  Then the action begins when Jonas is chosen to become the Receiver and meets the Giver.  The overall message of the novel is portrayed in the movie and I enjoyed this.

As a movie without trying to compare it to the book, The Giver was amazing!  It was filled with mystery about Jonas’s role in society as the Receiver and how the dystopian nature of the movie will play out.  The acting was unreal.  The switch from the movie being in black and white to color is surreal and expressed well.  This is a movie that I would watch again and again and I would recommend it to others.

Book Review

I am writing this review as I am sitting at the library with the second book in this series, Gathering Blue, next to me about to be checked out.  The Giver is an incredible book and I expect the same out of Gathering Blue.  The Giver shows that if you take away some of the bad/difficult things in life, such as war, you will be missing out on some of the amazing things also.  If humans are not allowed free will and the option to make choices, even bad ones, the world would be missing out on so many things, especially love.  Although the movie adaptation changed a lot of things about the book, the overall message was kept the same in both.  The book was so much more in depth and engaging.  Lois Lowry's writing style surpasses that of many authors.  This is a book that I could read again and again, and I probably will.

Have you seen the movie or read the book?  What did you think about the movie adaptation?  Is The Giver ranked one of your all time favorite books like it is mine?  Leave your thoughts in the comments below.