Book Review: The Song by Chris Fabry (Based on the screenplay by Richard L. Ramsey)

Book Title: The Song

Author:  Chris Fabry

Publish Date: January 1, 2015

 Why I Read this Book: I recieved this book for review from the publisher (Tyndale House Publishers) as part of Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Jed King's life has been shaped by the songs and mistakes of his famous father. He wants to sing his own song, but the words and melody are elusive. Haunted by the scars inflicted by his broken family, Jed's dreams of a successful music career seem out of reach . . . until he meets Rose.As romance quickly blooms, Jed pens a new song and suddenly finds himself catapulted into stardom. But with this life of fame comes temptation, the same temptation that lured his father so many years ago.Set in the fertile mid-South, this quest for success leads Jed and Rose on a journey that will force them to deal with the pain of loss, failure, and the desire to be who God created them to be.Lyrical and deeply honest, "The Song" asks the hard questions of love and forgiveness. When even the wisest of men are fools in love, can true love persevere?

Review

The premise of this book is fantastic!  The main male character, Jedediah King, is from a broken family and finds that the sins of his father haunt him as he tries to start a career as a Christian country musician.  He then meets Rose, the daughter of a vineyard owner, and they quickly fall in love.  

The Song is a story about love and forgiveness. The main characters have problems in their marriage and must learn how to overcome them.  The Song illustrates how Christians should and should not deal with temptations and I enjoyed this underlying message.

According to the foreward, The Song is meant to be a modern adaptation of Soloman's life in the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes, but I did not see this connection.  As a novel, the book was great.  As a modern adaptation of parts of the Bible, I felt that the book fell a little short. Also, the story line was somewhat predictable.  

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heart-wrenching Christian romances. 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 16+ (mentions of drugs and sex)

Overall Rating: 4/5

Book Blast (with Giveaway): Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode

Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode

Treena is nervous for Rating Day. A single number will brand her forever—a valuable citizen, or a pathetic waste of space. Her top-Rated boyfriend is confident their scores will coincide so they can attend the academy together. But when the big day arrives, her true number shocks everyone.

To get her life—and boyfriend—back, she must go undercover and expose a military spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and beautiful brown eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart.

Amazon

Excerpt

“Your Rating is wrong,” Vance said. “Their precious Rating system says absolutely nothing about you and what you’re capable of.”

I shook my head. “So far, everything I’ve done has proven my number absolutely correct.”

“Treena.” His tone softened. “I don’t know why you that happened to you. But I do know one thing.” He stopped on the step below me, and I whirled to face him. We were the same height now, and his expression was fierce. “You are the most loyal, the most determined, and the most fascinating girl I’ve ever met. No number could ever describe you.”

The deadness inside cracked, and the pain came flooding back. I felt like a five-year-old again. Falling, grasping for a handhold, for something to save me. “It doesn’t matter now. Tali's dead.”

He gave me a long look. Then he sat down, right on the steps, easing me down next to him. I lay my head on his shoulder and let him pull me close. The warmth of his embrace felt completely and utterly right. For a long moment, I allowed myself to forget about the past few days. There was no empress, no punishment mode, and no mission. There was just us. The world was cool and dark, and his touch sent my heart pumping as if it had just awakened from hibernation.

“Dying isn't the worst thing to happen to someone,” he continued thoughtfully. “Anyone coward can die. The hardest thing is being left behind, trying to make sense of a world without them.”

I tilted my head back and allowed myself to look up into Vance’s eyes. They were dark, pulling, as if absorbing all the light that entered, saving it for some future purpose. His eyebrows were choppy, untrimmed, and his lips chapped. But somehow, it worked. It was simply . . . him. No surgeries, no tallies of volunteer hours and checklists. Vance just took life one day at a time, keeping his family safe, trying to put the pieces of himself back together. I could see it, the pain in his heart. It was something we shared now.

A warm feeling spread through my chest until I thought it would burst. This was who he really was. The tumultuous battle within him seemed to have trickled away, leaving one gallant, vulnerable boy. A boy who was looking at me as if I were something precious—who looked at me, instead of at my Rating. His eyes flitted between mine, his confidence replaced with uncertainty.

“It feels good to finally choose sides, doesn’t it?”

“Whose side are you on, then?”

His chin was just above mine, and he lowered it until our eyes were level. Then his hand tilted my chin upward toward his. His fingers brushed the side of my face, cradling it gently in his firm hand. I felt his breath on my face, felt the battle within him as well as I felt it in myself. But something pulled me toward him.

“Yours,” he said. He closed the distance between us, slowly, then paused.

And our lips met.

Praise for the Book

"Gripping, from beginning to end . . . a tale as action-packed as Divergent yet as introspective as The Giver. . . . Sure to be an instant classic in the genre." –R.J. Craddock, author of The Children of Cain series

“Fluent and engaging . . . brimming with fabulous characters and intrigue that will keep you flipping pages. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!” –Adrienne Monson, author of the Blood Inheritance trilogy

“Had me hooked from the first page to the last . . . Thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend!” -Randy Roberts, BoredShorts TV (Kid History/Kid Snippets)



Author Rebecca Rode

REBECCA RODE is an award-winning author and journalist. She is the author of the inspirational book, How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces, and writes for Deseret News, KSL.com, FamilyShare, and Provo Daily Herald. However, her true love is writing for teenagers. She enjoys playing with her four children, traveling, reading, and martial arts, and she has a ridiculous addiction to her husband's chocolate-banana shakes.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Blog

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

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Blog Tour: Love is Everything by Elsie Hillman-Gordon

Book Title: Love Is Everything

Author: Elsie Hillman-Gordon

Genre: Fiction, Inspirational, Christian, Romance

Book Release Date:  May 30, 2014

Paperback: 106 pages

ISBN-10: 1496112458

ISBN-13: 978-1496112453

About The Author

Award-winning author Elsie Hillman-Gordon published her first fiction novella, Love Is Everything, in May 2014. Her book received the Gold/1st Place award for *Best Short Story* in the 2015 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program.

Elsie lives in Washington, DC with her husband. She holds a BA in English and executive graduate certificates in editorial practices and marketing. She has worked for several media organizations, including NPR. In her free time, she stays busy supporting community outreach projects sponsored through her sorority, church, and non-profit organizations.

Elsie’s passion is creative writing, but she also enjoys live theater, movies, reading, and long walks on autumn days. She believes in random acts of kindness and encouraging people to reach for their dreams.

About The Book

Do you like to read inspirational fiction? Do you believe that people who have loved and lost can find true love again, that a hurting heart can heal, and that God’s love will see you through difficult times? If so, you’ll enjoy reading Love Is Everything.

It’s the story of thirty-five year old Vanessa Dennison—a woman struggling to find joy in life and doubting her faith in God after losing her parents in a tragic accident. But after reluctantly accepting a blind date with Elliott Reeves, a handsome widower with a strong faith and young daughter, she embraces anew her relationship with God and the power of love.

Sweet and emotional, this tale of rediscovering love, faith, and hope is sure to touch your heart. It’s a must read for anyone who’s ever loved and lost, especially those still reluctant to take a chance on love.

2015 Author Questionnaire

Who designed the covers? 

I used the custom cover services of CreateSpace—an Amazon company. I worked closely with the design team, selected the final cover photo and worked with them on the colors and font types.

Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?

Yes, I do read reviews.  I’m feeling particularly blessed because so far they’ve all been positive.  In February 2015, Love Is Everything won the Gold/1^st Place Award for Best Short Story by The Feathered Quill Book Award Program. As you might imagine, winning an award has certainly boosted my confidence, giving me something to lean on to offset any negative reviews.  J   

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

I want my writing to inspire and encourage readers to have faith in God and to know that in one way or another, everything’s going to be alright in the end—the love of God, family and friends will see us through our challenges.

Can you share your current projects?

Many readers are asking for a sequel to Love Is Everything—they’re not ready to let go of the characters.  And honestly, I’m not either. So, I’m mapping out ideas for a sequel, and also ideas for a non-fictional inspirational book.

What books have most influenced your life most? 

I wish I could point to specific books, but I can’t. I do enjoy autobiographies; stories of people who overcome challenges to realize their true potential or life’s work.

Do you ever experience writer's block?

I experienced writer’s block several times while writing Love Is Everything. And when it happened, I stopped writing until I felt a rush of news ideas.  I was under my own timeline to finish the story, not anybody else’s, so I gave myself the freedom to relax and go with the flow. 

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

I’m currently reading a novel called Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones. It’s interesting and I might eventually read her other books.

While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters? 

Yes, I connected with my main character, Vanessa, who is dealing with grief following the loss of her parents in an accident. While writing the story, I was also dealing with the loss of my mother.  So, a lot of the emotions that Vanessa experienced were quite real to me.

What are your expectations for the book?

As a first-time, independent author, I never expected to win a top book award, so you can imagine how thrilled I was (and still am) over the news.  Honestly, I just want readers to enjoy and be inspired by the story. 

Do you write an outline before every book you write?

I used an outline and intend to use one with future books. I can’t imagine working without one. 

Social Links:

Website: http://elsiehillmangordon.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElsieRenae

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsie.hillmangordon

Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LECK1i

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1496112458

Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow The Tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/?p=5162

Book Blast: Sarah Anne's Expedient Marriage by Cathy Lynn Bryant and Jessica M. Dorman

Sarah Anne's Expedient Marriage
By Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman

About the Book:

Knowing he was about to die, Sarah Anne’s beloved father had arranged for her to marry Alexander Swyndhurst II. Alexander, a recent widower, had no intention of taking another wife; but after learning the young woman’s situation—that she had been the object of at least one man’s unwanted attentions, and that she would soon be left alone and unprotected—he had agreed to the marriage. He had one stipulation, however: He and Sarah Anne would live separately—he in Bristol, England, and she in Amesbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Sarah Anne had agreed wholeheartedly with this arrangement.

Will Alexander have a change of heart? What of the dangerous man from her past? What will happen while her husband is away—leaving her alone with only the servants? Even though there are connections, each novel in the series may be read as a stand-alone.

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman
Inspired by interesting characters and events uncovered while doing genealogical research,mother and daughter writing team, Cathy Lynn Bryant and Jessica Marie Dorman, who live in beautiful New England, have masterfully woven the stories of real people and fictional characters from the 17th and 18th centuries to develop inspirational, romantic, works of historical fiction. The Unshakable Faith series includes the following titles: Book 1 Lost Love and Shipwrecked--Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land; Book 2 Grandmother's Namesake; Book 3 Sarah Anne's Expedient Marriage.

Follow Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman
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Children's Book Review Tuesdays: Oliver and Jumpy (Introduction and Stories 7-9)

Book Title: Oliver and Jumpy (Introduction and Stories 7-9)

Author:  Werner Stejskal

Publish Date: February 20, 2014

 Why I Read this Book: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from the author.  This in no way influenced my review.

 

 

 

 

 

Review

If your children love books about adventure, these are the stories for them.  The illustrations are engaging and colorful.  The stories are fun, full of adventure, and adorable!  Children of all ages would have fun reading these stories or having them read to them.  The main character is a tomcat who loves to recount adventures that he has previously went on with his friends, including a kangaroo and her joey.  Any child full of adventure and imagination would love these stories.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 4/5

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

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: A Pear and A Bear

Book Title: A Pear and A Bear

Author:  Tanja Russita

Publish Date: October 18, 2014

 Why I Read this Book: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from the author.  This in no way influenced my review.

 

 

 

 

 

Review

Simple, yet satisfying is how I would describe A Pear and A Bear.  This book would be great for young children around the time that they begin to read.  The illustrations are really adorable.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 4/5

Novella Review: Creeperising (The Post-Creepocalypse Saga Book 1)

Book Title: Creeperising

Author: R.K. Davenport

Series: The Post-Creepocalypse Saga (Book 1)

Publish Date: August 9, 2014

Genre: Middle Grade

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Felix has never seen Minecraft in its true form. Long before he was born his world was taken over by an evil scientist, Deus. He created genetically modified creepers, and split the world into five unique districts.

Felix and his sister live in the poor district, and they're forced to work as slaves for the wicked King Maximus. He killed their parents, and now he's killing them slowly. Eventually something happens, and these two siblings start a revolution.

Why I Read this Book: I saw this book was free on Amazon during one of the last read-a-thons that I did.  I got it for the read-a-thon and did not end up reading it.  I had some time between classes and decided to pick up a novella and this seemed like it would be a fun read.

 

Review

Overall, this was a very fun read.  This book is filled with action.  Some of the battle scenes were a little too gory for me.  I enjoyed that the author started with a Minecraft-based world, but made it his own.  The story was a little simplistic, but I am hoping that it will get more complex with the rest of the series.

Final Statements

Overall Rating: 3/5

Recommended Age: 13+ due to disturbing fight scenes

Bout of Books Summary

Today, I wanted to summarize what I read during the Bout of Books Read-a-thon last week.  I was not able to do daily updates throughout the read-a-thon due to lack of internet, but I hoped to update you on what I read throughout the week.

• I continued The Place of Voices by Lauren Lynch and read pages 25 through 125.
• I started and completed Messenger by Lois Lowry.
• I started William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher and read 62 pages of this book.

 Therefore, I read 331 pages last week.  Although this is not as much as I hoped to read, I was preparing for graduate school which I started this week so I am pretty proud of myself.  I am loving The Place of Voices and I loved Messenger.  I am enjoying Ian Doescher's combination of star wars and Shakespeare, but it isn't my favorite novel so far. 

Did you participate in this read-a-thon?  How did you do?  Leave your comments below.

Blog Tour and Guest Post: The Dunes by Erin Sands

THE DUNES, Releasing Your Fears, Restore Your Soul, Renew Your Live Virtual Book Tour

Genre: Christian- Mind-Body-Spirit-Self Help

Paperback: 230 pages

Publisher: The Dunes (May 22, 2014)

ISBN-10: 0615982948

ISBN-13: 978-0615982946

About The Author

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California, Erin grew up with an innate love for dance, theatre and the written word. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Erin began her career in the arts as an actress and choreographer. After booking several notable roles in television and film, Erin began to use her gift of writing in blogs featuring political and social commentary, as well as developing content for theatrical use.

Although The Dunes, is a divine departure from Erin’s previous writings it is by far her most cherished work to date. “I wrote The Dunes initially as self therapy because I needed to release some painful experiences and disappointments from my past. I had this thirst to walk in the complete fullness of life with joy as my constant companion. I had no idea what effect it would have on other people. But when I saw people read it and be released from fears that had held them back for years…when I saw people forgive and be able to walk in the freedom forgiveness brings…when I saw people commit and serve and how those things opened up new opportunities in their life, I was just humbled. Humbled by the awesome power of God and humbled that I had been allowed to go along for the ride”.

When asked why she writes, Erin pauses and reflects on the truth of her heart. “I write because although I am only now beginning to truly love the process, I have always loved the outcome. Like a composer, words become my notes. I string them together in song eliciting the response of my reader, grafting a picture of my soul. Where besides the written word can you effect change so utterly and so succinctly? What besides the written word can pierce the universal collective mind? Everything begins with a thought, but it isn’t until that thought is articulated in written word and those words passed down can life changing movement happen. It must be written, it must be expressed on tablet, and when it is, we all become greater, whether the writing be genius or fatuity, it has evoked thought and debate. Why wouldn’t I want to be a part of that phenomenon? Why wouldn’t I want to share my story, give my testimony…add my paradigm to the mix? Whether it is a novel, a poem, an essay or an article, it is humanity visited. An insight into a new or sometimes shared truth. In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God. And with that I live my life”.

About The Book

If there was a journey that could masterfully change your life in seven revelations…would you take it?

In life, sometimes the kernels of wisdom and the richness of revelation can be found in the most innocent of stories; and so it is with The Dunes. Join one man and one woman in an exquisitely simple yet remarkably profound journey as you discover with them that the mountain you must climb in order to live the abundant life of your dreams is located squarely within your heart.

Illuminated in seven revelations; The Dunes carries the reader on a journey to not only examine the obstacles that are holding them back in life but to conquer and overcome them as well. With each revelation The Dunes intimately calls on the reader as the journey companion to face a challenge…a dare if you will that requires an uncompromising commitment to change. In the family of faith-based self help books The Dunes stands alone, simultaneously taking the reader from fiction to life and back again, equipped with a tailor made journal for the readers inner most secrets and reflections. The Dunes is part allegory, part testimony and part journal but the best part is the healing it offers your heart. When you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and step into the miracle of your life…The Dunes awaits.

Caution: Readers of this book are subject to significant changes for the better. Side effects include frequent smiling and enjoying life in every season.

Guest Post

5 Strangers and a Craigslist Ad

I never intended to write a book. In fact, I was too busy crying and asking, “Why God? Why?” to actually make time to be an author. Although I have always been a pretty good writer, the personal crisis and emotional melt down I was having at the moment took precedence. Have you ever heard of the saying, “Pain is often the birthplace of a revolution”? No? Well, I wrote that. It is one of my inspired quotes and it is exactly how my book, The Dunes, was born.

I initially wrote The Dunes because I was journaling. I decided to turn the challenges that I was experiencing into an allegory. I never intended for anyone else to read it. It was purely a creative form of self-therapy. Two years later God put it on my heart to expand The Dunes and make it into a book with journal questions, testimonies and challenges for the reader. I had no idea if what I wrote would actually resonate with readers. I did know, however, that I was willing to put it to the test. I put an ad on Craigslist asking for strangers to read my book, answer the journal questions and do the challenges while allowing me to chronicle their journey on film. http://bit.ly/U9LRSz

The five strangers who answered my ad are the bravest people I know. Not because they answered my ad but because they had each come to a place in their lives where they wanted something more and were willing to release the things that had been holding them back in order to get it. To say we were a motley crew is an understatement. The ages and backgrounds ran the gamut. A sincere heart for change was the sole commonality. Over seven weeks, these five strangers searched their hearts, released their fears, forgave past hurts and stretched themselves in ways that were uncomfortable. Yes, there were some days with tears; but the joy, the growth and the freedom that they all now experience, made it well worth it. http://bit.ly/1hxaOC1

During my journey with those readers there were moments when I wanted to quit. Following five strangers lives over seven weeks and trusting them to not only read my book but to authentically put their best foot forward in conquering their own demons was a bit nerve wracking. It forced me to examine my own issues of trust and vulnerability. As they were going through their “Dunes” journey, The Dunes was growing its author yet again in a whole new way.

In the end, when I saw how deeply The Dunes affected each of the readers and how profoundly their lives had changed as a result, I knew that I had to get it published. I used the footage of their experiences as my book trailer but more than that I use the truth of each of their transformations to remind me of the time five strangers and an author dared to believe.

Social Links

Email:   thedunesbook@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.thedunesbook.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheDunesbook

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheDunesbook

Trailer: http://youtu.be/dxCc270iTDY

Trailer code:

Buy Links

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dunes-erin-sands/1119633905?ean=9781483527086

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00KO43L2Q

Tour Hosted by WNL Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow The Tour:  http://wnlbooktours.com/erin-sands/