Book Review: Be Still My Soul by Randy Petersen

Title: Be Still My Soul

Author: Randy Petersen

Publication Date: January 17, 2014

Genre: Christian Inspirational

About Be Still My Soul (from Goodreads): 

"Be Still, My Soul" is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences--from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you'll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You'll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns' lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, "Be Still, My Soul" includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you'll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

Why I Read this Book: I received a physical copy of this book as part of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.  This in no way influenced my review.

 

Review

I have not read about all of the hymns that are in this book.  I have just read some every now and then.  For each hymn, there is a description about why the author of the hymn wrote it.  This is next to the music for the hymn.  The layout of this book is wonderful.  It has an index and it is easy to look up your favorite hymns (or the less well known ones).

It is a fun book to look through and to discover more about hymns.  I was so inspired by what God has shown to the authors of these hymns and what God has done for these people.  I would recommend this book to any Christian seeking to know more about God.
 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 5/5

Travel the World in Books Readathon Wrap-up

I did not read much for the Travel the World in Books readathon.  I had some books that I had on my plate to review that were written by authors from the US.  Here is what I accomplished:

• 78 pages of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Participated in the create your own book map challenge
• Signed up for the giveaway associated with the read-a-thon and won a book!
• Chatted with new people on Twitter

It was a fun two weeks, but I wish I had had more time to read for this read-a-thon.

For more information on the read-a-thon, follow this link :)

Thursday Tags: Ultimate Book Tag

I saw this tag at The Book Babe's Reads.  This tag was created by Megan on Goodreads!

Questions:
1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
No, I actually really enjoy reading in the car.

2. Which author's writing style is completely unique to you and why?
Ted Dekker's writing style is completely different than a lot of other fantasy and Christian fiction authors that I have read.  First off, numerous books written by Dekker are tied together eventually (see the picture below).  Minor characters in one series become major characters in another series.  Four series and five standalones that he has written before are tied together.

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Dekker

Furthermore, he is incredible at adding suspense in books.  It does not take me long to finish one of his books because they are so action packed and suspenseful.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
If you have read my blog before, you probably know my answer.  Harry potter is one of my favorite series.  I am currently re-reading this series.  One of my favorite things about J.K. Rowling's writing style is that she almost never includes anything insignificant in her books; everything has a meaning.  For instance the notebook in the Chamber of Secrets was mentioned in later books and had a significant purpose.  I will not mention the purpose because I want to keep this discussion spoiler-free.  Another reason that I enjoy the Harry Potter series so much is that Rowling is inovative.  She created a whole new sport, granted it is the combination of a gazillion other sports.  She invented the idea of a horcrux.  She created so many other things in that series also.  Finally, most characters in the Harry Potter series I loved or loved to hate.  None of the characters drove me nuts like they did in the Twilight series.  Bella was incredibly annoying!


4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books...)?
I am in college and so a book bag is a necesity.  I not only have the books for class, but also leisure books.  I usually have my kindle, an umbrella, and school supplies (like pencils and pens).

5. Do you smell your books?
Yes! I love the smell of new books.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?
I love both.  As you probably know, I am a huge fan of graphic novels.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn't quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)
I am not enjoying the Harry Potter series as much as I did the first time I read it.  I still love the series, but I am finding that the writing style in the earlier books in the series is a bit simple, but I think that is because I am reading the series at an older age.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
Not that I can think of...

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

 
Hide and Watch by Jill Hicks Lawson is the thinniest book on my shelf with 76 pages. 











10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

A compilation of the Circle series (Books 0-3) by Ted Dekker is the thickest book on my shelf at 1600 pages.


 










11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
I am writing a Christian fiction novel and a Christian fantasy novel, but I have not written much of either of them just yet.

12. When did you get into reading?
I have loved reading for as long as I can remember.

13. What is your favorite classic book?

1984 by George Orwell is probably my favorite classic.

 










14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
No, my best subject was math.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated...what would you do?
I would keep it and try to read it again.  Maybe I would have a different perspective this time.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?The Stones of Power by Eric Buffington is similar.  I have only read the first book, The Exile.

 










17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while blogging?
Procrastinate...

18. What is your favorite word?
God

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
Book nerd and video game geek :D

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Fairies are less gory :)

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

I would have to pick angels.  I just read a cool book about angels called Amity of the Angelmen by T.C. Slonaker. (Review coming soon).

 









22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
I do not really read books with either.

23. Zombies or Vampires?
I do not really read books with either.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love
Love triangle!

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Action with some clean romance 

Blog Tour: Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway of The Reckoning

The Reckoning

Only One Can Survive The Reckoning

Erin Radkey has always known the day would come when she would have to personally confront the Triad leader of the power-hungry Emporium. But she never thought it would be with a snake in her head that feeds on her energy. Or that she’d be in the company of an uncertain ally who might turn on her at any moment.

The stakes are high as new intel uncovers a startling Emporium plot that will catapult the entire world into war. Erin is determined to save not only the mortals but also her friends—even if it means sacrificing herself and her newfound love for Ritter Langton.

Ritter is just as determined to save Erin and prevent what would usher in the most bloody century the world has ever known, but even he might not recognize the person she becomes.

Every day the enemy grows stronger. There will be no second chance.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo * Google Books * Google Play

Praise for The Reckoning:


I just loved the whole Saga! Well-written, completely addictive, keeps you on the edge, wanting to know what comes next! I really think the author should consider a movie or a TV series for the whole four books! For not being a SF fan, I just can say that this was AWESOME!


The fourth instalment in the Unbounded series definitely lives up to the action packed books preceding it. I love the strength of Erin's character, and the novel made for compelling reading.


The Unbounded world is a fascinating place to visit! I would recommend this series to anyone, women, men, young adults. Not overly complicated yet the author weaves an amazing tail. I can hardly wait to see what is next for the Unbounded!

Excerpt from The Reckoning

I started firing. My third man fell and Mari’s second before the group turned in our direction. Two men at the back dropped from Ritter and Stella’s fire, followed by two more. Nine down. They opened fire. The rat-a-tat-tat of their automatic weapons sliced through the stillness of the night. We had to hurry. Mari crouched behind the car, while I went over the top, using Ritter’s speed. He was already there. I landed on one rotund Hunter while bringing my trangue gun down on another. I rolled as I fell. Another turned his gun in my direction, but I was already diving away, the bullets spraying the short grass. Twisting, I came around, my foot out, kicking the gun from his hand. He slammed his fist at me, but I deflected it with my left arm and jabbed my right hand into his gut. He grunted and leaned forward into my next punch. I looked around as he fell, but I already sensed everyone was down.

“Get them into their van,” Stella said. “It won’t be long before someone comes to investigate those shots.” She grabbed a Hunter and started tugging him across the ground.

I sent my thoughts out wider, finding two more life forces slinking in our direction. They were dimmer than the average life forces, which meant they were shielded. Before I could warn the others, Desoto’s two patrolman emerged from the trees only twenty feet away. I caught a glimpse of automatic rifles before a spotlight blinded me.

“Stop,” said a voice I recognized as belonging to the Unbounded who’d found Walker asleep in the security room. “Put down those weapons.”

Unbounded. Both of them, I told the others. Mari, stay behind the car until I tell you.

Ritter, Stella, and I dropped our tranques and raised our hands as the Unbounded moved closer. I could see a red dot on Ritter’s forehead, and as there wasn’t one on Stella’s, I figured another must be on mine. Though the bullets wouldn’t kill us, we’d be out of commission long enough to lose the information we’d obtained unless Stella had already uploaded it to our servers. Worse, we’d be back in Emporium hands.

I’d rather die a true death.

 

Book #1 The Change is FREE.

“Surprising plot twists” -Publishers Weekly

Grab your FREE copy today!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo * Google Books * Google Play

My Review of The Change
Full of intense action and science fiction elements, The Change is the first book in a series that will not disappoint.  Teyla Branton adds unique elements in this YA novel.  The first book ended in a cliff hanger and I immediately had to pick up the second book.  Although there was some sexual innuendos, the plot was solid and the character development was unreal.

I was given a electronic copy of The Change, and the rest of this series, in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.  The rest of my reviews of this series is coming soon!


Author Teyla Rachel Branton

Teyla Rachel Branton grew up avidly reading science fiction and fantasy and watching Star Trek reruns with her large family. They lived on a little farm where she loved to visit the solitary cow and collect (and juggle) the eggs, usually making it back to the house with most of them intact. On that same farm she once owned thirty-three gerbils and eighteen cats, not a good mix, as it turns out. Teyla always had her nose in a book and daydreamed about someday creating her own worlds. She is now married, mostly grown up, and has seven kids, including a two-year-old, so life at her house can be very interesting (and loud), but writing keeps her sane. She thrives on the energy and daily amusement offered by her children, the semi-ordered chaos giving her a constant source of writing material. Grabbing any snatch of free time from her hectic life, Teyla writes novels, often with a child on her lap. She warns her children that if they don’t behave, they just might find themselves in her next book! She’s been known to wear pajamas all day when working on a deadline, and is often distracted enough to burn dinner. (Okay, pretty much 90% of the time.) A sign on her office door reads: DANGER. WRITER AT WORK. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. She loves writing fiction and traveling, and she hopes to write and travel a lot more. She also loves shooting guns, martial arts, and belly dancing. She has worked in the publishing business for over twenty years.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/18/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour: Princess Nevaeh

Princess Nevaeh: Lessons on Self- Discovery 

by Paulette Harper

Paperback: 34 pages

Publisher: Thy Word Publishing (August 27, 2014)

ISBN-13: 978-0989969147

About The Book

Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little more than just asking. Lessons on self-discovery are taught by her Mimi who makes her understand that being a princess takes work.

My Review

Learning to listen to your parents and teachers and to treat others with niceness are just a few of the important lessons that are taught in Princess Nevaeh. This book is filled with pink, which I am sure many young girls would love.  I would recommend this book to young girls who enjoy picture books.

About The Author

Paulette Harper is an award-winning and best-selling author. She is the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and is passionate about helping authors succeed in publishing and marketing their books. Paulette has been writing and publishing books since 2008. Paulette is the author of That Was Then, This is Now, Completely Whole, Living Separate Lives and The Sanctuary. She resides in Northern, Ca.

Buy Link

Social Links

Tour Hosted by: WNL Book Tours

Author Tour Schedule

Children's Book Review Tuesday: There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book!

Book Title: There's a Mouse Hiding in This Book

Author:  Benjamin Bird

Publish Date: September 1, 2014

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review

I enjoyed this book. It is a great interactive book for little kids. It has wonderful illustrations and I think it could easily become a child's favorite book.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 5 and under

Overall Rating: 4/5

Travel the World in Books Read-a-thon Challenge: Make Your Own Book Map

Today's challenge was to use Google Maps to create a book related map of your own.  This mini-challenge was hosted by guiltless reading.  I created a map showing the birth places of my favorite authors.  Here it is:






This was an incredibly fun challenge!  Thank you for hosting this challenge, guiltless reading!

Travel the World in Books Read-a-thon: Goals and TBR (September 1-September 14)

 

I am so excited about another read-a-thon that starts this week!  Travel the World in Books Readathon is hosted by Mom's Small Victories, Lost in Books and Savvy Working Girl.  Here is a blurb about the read-a-thon:

Explore countries other than the one you live in. Read as much as you can of books set in a different country or by an author from a different country. Read for your own pleasure or learning, read with your kids or both. Travel the world from the comfort of your own home and learn about different cultures. Expand your horizons and show publishers that #WeNeedDiverseBooks to promote cultural understanding and diversity in our reading. Support diverse authors and books.

Although I do not have very much time to read this week, this read-a-thon seems really unique and interesting so I decided to participate in this read-a-thon.  If you would like to still sign up for this incredible read-a-thon, there is still time.  All that you need to do is follow the link above and follow the instructions.  Here is the schedule for the read-a-thon:

August 29, 2014
* Sign ups are open until the end of the readathon September 14, 2014 at 11:59EST. You must be registered to be eligible for giveaways.
* Link up your readathon goals. This linkup will be open for the duration of the readathon so enter whenever you can.

Monday, September 1, 2014
* Readathon officially begins at 12:00am EST.
* Make Your Own Book Map Mini-Challenge & Giveaway hosted by Guiltless Reading – Start up your own book map using Google Maps … put in some of your past or recent reads. Be creative!
* Giveaways open for registered participants.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014
* Global Reading Exposure Mini-Challenge hosted by GirlXOXO – Share a favorite book that’s set in a different region of the World from where you live.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014
* Interview with Adria J. Cimino, Author of Paris Rue des Martyrs. My review. Giveaway.
* Facebook chat at 9-10pm EST. Questions will be posted on my Facebook page. Respond during the chat or come back later and enter your comments.

Thursday, September 4 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Friday, September 5 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Saturday, September 6 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Sunday, September 7, 2014
* Linkup your first week’s progress

Monday, September 8, 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014
* Spine Poetry Mini-Challenge hosted by Lost in Books – Create a poem out of book titles. Share your book stack and poems in the post comments, on your blog or on Instagram using the #TraveltheWorldinBooksRAT hashtag.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.
* Twitter chat at 9-10pm EST. Follow Mom’s Small Victories, Lost in Books and Savvy Working Gal. Use the #TraveltheWorldinBooksRAT hashtag.

Thursday, September 11, 2014
* Book Scavenger Hunt Mini-Challenge hosted by me, Mom’s Small Victories. Find books from your TBR or online that fulfill the hunt requirements. Share in the comments, on your blog or on Instagram using the #TraveltheWorldinBooksRAT.

Friday, September 12, 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Saturday, September 13, 2014
* Author interview/guest post to be announced.

Sunday, September 14, 2014
* Readathon and giveaways officially end at 11:59pm EST.
* Linkup your wrap up post showing us what you read and accomplished. Linkup will be open until Tuesday, September 16th.
* Take our feedback survey to let us know what you’d like for future events.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014
* Giveaway winners will start being notified via email.

I am not going to be able to read much for this read-a-thon as I am really busy this week, but I hope to read at least one book.  Here it goes!

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
• Set in UK
• J.K. Rowling is from the UK
• Kingmaker, Kingbreaker by Karen Miller
• Written by an author from Vancouver, Canada

Book Blast: Waiting on Heaven

Pump Up Your Book is pleased to bring you Heather Gillis' Waiting for Heaven Book Blast August 1- 29!

Title: Waiting for Heaven: Finding Beauty in the Pain and the Struggle
Author: Heather Gillis
Genre: Religion / Memoir / Spirituality
Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication Date: March 20, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4908-2786-5



Life can sometimes lead us to unexpected places, to only leave us broken, desperate, and hurting. Heather Gillis and her husband, Mac, waited in anticipation for the birth of their third child. Like many Christian couples, their dreams and expectations in marriage, parenthood, and daily life developed differently than they’d planned, and left them grieving a life that would never be. Their journey gives insight into a new normal and uncovers the stepping stones of the healing process. In their process, they re- discovered God’s abounding love through their experiences of joy, heartbreak, and purpose. Heather reaches out to parents around the globe to speak openly about being a wife, mother, friend, relative, or stranger during life-changing trials and devastating struggles. In God’s love, she has found beauty in the midst of pain and struggle, as well as peace in His presence on Earth while waiting for Heaven.



Book Excerpt:

Life is not about how comfortable I can be; to expect life to be comfortable is unrealistic. I’m not exempt from the harshness or pain of this world. I have realized since Bowen’s passing that there are no guarantees in life; to think otherwise leads to disappointment. When I was pregnant, I assumed Bowen would be healthy. I assumed that when I left the house, I would return, unharmed. I assumed for some reason I would make it through life unscathed; I never thought I would be writing these words.

We can do all the right things in life, but that doesn’t guarantee us rewards or benefits in this life. We did not choose the path we are walking, but God willing, we will endure what comes our way and to where God wants us to go. We can have all the plans in the world but God is in the driver’s seat, and God knows what he is doing; we just have to trust him. Uncomfortable situations have taught me to trust in God, and I have learned more than I ever thought I would; and still am.



Purchase Book at:


Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Meet Heather Gillis. In her book, Waiting for Heaven, Heather recalls the story of her infant son, Bowen, and her family's journey with polycystic kidney disease. Through Bowen's short life and death, she and her husband, Mac, discovered the true meaning of God’s love and grace. By telling her poignant story in the book and speaking to groups, Heather hopes she can help others through the challenges of loss and devastation; giving hope that their can be joy and happiness again.

After Bowen's death, Heather founded Bowen's Hope, a ministry serving kidney disease kids and their families,

especially those getting dialysis treatments at Phoenix Children's Hospital. She's also involved with Camp Maska for dialysis patients in Arizona, and has raised over $50,000 for the PKD Foundation. In addition, Heather volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, an organization serving meals and providing temporary housing to families with children in the hospital.

Heather works part time as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She and Mac have two living children, Brooklyn and Blake. With a serving heart, Heather’s passions are her family and helping others.

Visit Heather online at www.bowenshope.com

Contact Heather at:

Website: www.bowenshope.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bowenshope.com // www.facebook.com/heather.gillis.581
Twitter: www.twitter.com/heathergillis6

Pump Up Your Book and Author Heather Gillis are teaming up to give away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive the prize.
• This giveaway begins August 1 and ends on August 29, 2014.
• Winner will be contacted via email on September 1, 2014.
• Winner has 72 hours to reply.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Waiting for Heaven Event Page

Graphic Novel Review: The Lost Boy by Greg Ruth

Book Title: The Lost Boy

Author: Greg Ruth

Publish Date: August 27, 2013

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Some mysteries are too dangerous to leave alone . . .

Nate's not happy about his family moving to a new house in a new town. After all, nobody asked him if he wanted to move in the first place. But when he discovers a tape recorder and note addressed to him under the floorboards of his bedroom, Nate is thrust into a dark mystery about a boy who went missing many, many years ago. Now, as strange happenings and weird creatures begin to track Nate, he must partner with Tabitha, a local girl, to find out what they want with him. But time is running out, for a powerful force is gathering strength in the woods at the edge of town, and before long Nate and Tabitha will be forced to confront a terrifying foe, and uncover the truth about the Lost Boy.

Why I Read this Book: I loaned this book from the library.  I have seen positive reviews about the book around the blog-o-sphere.

 

Review

Overall, this book was decent and worth the read.  The book was not really my cup of tea, but others may really enjoy this book.  I got this book from the library because I was looking online for clean graphic novels that others have loved.  I found a lot of positive reviews of this book, so I decided to read it myself.

My main complaint about this book was that it was hard to follow the storyline.  I loved the illustrations of the book, but I felt like the story line needed a little more work.  It was difficult to tell when the story was a flashback or not.

The Lost Boy did have a unique and exciting storyline.  I would recommend this book to anyone who likes ghost stories.
 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age, some "scary" content

Overall Rating: 3/5

Book Review: Hide and Watch by Jill Hicks Lawson

Book Title: Hide and Watch

Author: Jill Hicks Lawson

Publish Date: January 21, 2010

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Have you noticed that it is easy to speak of God's faithfulness in times of prosperity, but that in times of suffering, such praise becomes lost? In Hide and Watch, a true tale of sorrow and distress, of hope and triumph, Jill Hicks Lawson shares how she was spiritually transformed by overcoming her doubt in God during times of struggle. From enduring her battle with weight, her mother's kidney disease; to experiencing debilitating infertility and painful divorce; and eventually to becoming her mother's only hope for life, Lawson's personal accounts speak to the universal human experience of suffering, both physical and emotional, providing firsthand proof that, regardless of circumstance, God is in the business of giving hope.

By recounting moments of pain and progress, Lawson demonstrates that anguish is the only pathway to experiencing the dramatic joy and peace that result from God's intervention and healing, assuring those amid the battle that, in the end, what does not kill your faith makes it stronger.

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

 

Review

Hide and Watch is Jill Hicks Lawson's testimony about how God has helped her through rough times.  Jill tells how she was able to deal with her mother's declining health and her own declining health due to stress eating.  Hide and Watch is not only a beautifully crafted story but it is also filled with wonderful advise on what to do when your life seems to be going down hill without any hope in sight.

I would recommend this book to anyone who feels like life is out of control and does not know what to do.  Honestly, I believe that we all feel like that sometimes.  At 61 pages, this is a quick and inspirational read!

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 5/5