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

Middle-Grade Mondays: Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Title: Ungifted

Author: Gordon Korman

Genre: Middle Grade

Date Published: 2012

Why I Read This Book: I saw this book at my local Goodwill and I thought it looked very interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

The word gifted has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It's usually more like Don't try this at home. So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he's finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD), a special program for gifted and talented students.

It wasn't exactly what Donovan had intended, but there couldn't be a more perfect hideout for someone like him. That is, if he can manage to fool people whose IQs are above genius level. And that becomes harder and harder as the students and teachers of ASD grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything). But after an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing come-from-behind robot victory ever, Donovan shows that his gifts might be exactly what the ASD students never knew they needed.

Review

Gifted is about an 8th grade boy who accidentally gets sent to a gifted school even though he is only an average student. The writing style of Gifted was very entertaining, but I had several problems with the book. Donovan is quite mischievous and almost never follows the rules. Gifted seems to show that lying and cheating are okay and I do not agree with this message. Also, gifted children are portrayed as always being socially awkward and having no common sense which is not always true.

Overall, the story and characters were very entertaining. Each character was unique and had their own personality. There were some really hilarious scenes in the book. I believe children of all ages (5-99) would find this book entertaining.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 3/5

Series Review: The Selection Trilogy

Series Title: The Selection (Books 1-3)

Book 1 Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Date Published (Book 1): April 24, 2012

Why I Read This Book: I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about this series, so I decided to listen to the audiobook version of the series from my local library.

 

 

 

 

 

About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.


Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Review

The Selection series follows America Singer who is selected to be in a competition to marry Prince Maxon. This series has a cast system and America is from one of the lower casts within the system. The opportunity to become a princess and go from a 5 to a 1 would seem like a dream come true, but America is in love with Aspen who is a cast below her. Will she be able to give up her love of Aspen for the dream of a lifetime?

The basis of this series is amazing. I have always loved dystopian novels which fight the injustices in the political system, but some of the characters in this novel were really annoying. America was very indecisive throughout the series. I felt like this whole trilogy could have been one novel if it were not for her indecisiveness. The character development was amazing in this series. One character in particular made some amazing changes.

I would recommend this series to anyone who does not mind an annoying main character. Truly, the storyline and character development was great!

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 16+ for some intense scenes and some sexual references (although nothing sexual happened, some scenes made me uncomfortable)

Overall Rating: 3/5 (Book 1: 4/5, Book 2: 3/5, Book 3: 2/5)

Book Tag: Book to Movie Wishlist

Today's book related post is a book tag entitled "Book to Movie Wishlist". I found this book tag over at Dreamland Book Blog. The rules are simple enough: Name 5 books you hope are turned into movies. 

1. The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins

I recently reviewed this epic fantasy (here). This is one of my all time favorite series. It follows Gregor, a young boy from New York City, who falls into a vent in his apartment's laundry room and ends up in a world full of humans, giant cochroaches, rats, and other creatures. This world, the underland, is in a war and it is prophesied that Gregor will have a major part in this war. This series has a 5/5 star rating from me!

2. Graceling by Kristen Cashore

Graceling is a fantasy novel about Katsa. Katsa is a graceling, a person who has an unusual talent. As the king's niece, Katsa is used to kill the enemies of her uncle. Graceling follows Katsa's journey where she finds out the secrets of her grace and how to control it.

3. The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

I previously reviewed this book here. The Choosing is a Christian dystopian novel that follows Carrington who is about to go through the biggest ceremony of her life. The choosing ceremony is the day where young girls become wives. What I love about this book is the overall message. Our worth does not come from who we are married to or who we are; Our worth comes from a Father who truly loves us. The Choosing is full of action and adventure and is a perfect choice for any dystopian lover.

As another plus, the second book in this series, The Calling, comes out on March 8, 2016!



4. Pivot Point by Kasie West


Pivot Point is about a girl who can see the consequences of every choice that she will make. She sees how her future will be after every choice she makes. This book is absolutely AMAZING and would be the perfect movie.

5. Appaloosa Summer by Tudor Robins

My original review of this book can be found here. Appaloosa Summer is a contemporary YA novel about a 16-year old whose show horse dies in the middle of a show. She decides to spend her summer on an island working at a bed and breakfast in order to escape the grief of losing her beloved horse. This book left me in tears and I would love to see it on the big screen!

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

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: David and Goliath

Title: David and Goliath

Author: Katherine Scully

Illustrated by: Simona Sanfilippo

Genre: Christian 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):  

Can young David win against a giant? Read the story of David, the shepherd boy who fights the mighty giant, Goliath. These beautifully illustrated classic Bible stories are perfect for reading together as well as reading alone. The most popular stories from the Old Testament are retold in easy-to-read language and provide a perfect introduction into the Bible. The series allows children to become familiar with colorful stories from the Old Testament using the familiar picture story format. Whilst the language is simple and easy to understand, the detailed illustrations support the text and provide ideal opportunities for spotting things and for further discussion.

Review

Making biblical stories relate-able and interesting to children might seem like a challenge, but David and Goliath makes it seem easy! This version of the biblical story of David's battle with Goliath is perfect for children. It shows that you can do anything with God by your side. This version is not too violent for young children. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. It's perfect for children of any age!

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 3-5 years

Overall Rating: 4/5

Purchase Link

Amazon

Children's Book Review: It's Not About Your Mrs. Turkey

Title: It's Not About You Mrs. Turkey

Author: Soraya Diase Coffelt

Illustrated by: Tea Seroya

Genre: Christian Children's Picture Book

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

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Thanksgiving is a celebration of bountiful harvest, but more than just great food, the true meaning of Thanksgiving goes deep into the roots of family, friends, trust, hope in times of hardship and much more. 

This delightfully illustrated children's story is sure to become a tradition for you and your family. It will be a helpful tool as parents, grandparents, and teachers instruct their children on the important historical background behind this holiday and to reflect on the importance of family, friends and a thankful heart.

Review

What is Thanksgiving truly about and what does it mean to you? It's Not About You, Mrs. Turkey is a charming and beautifully illustrated children's picture book about the history and true meaning of Thanksgiving. It highlights the pilgrim's voyage to the New World and gives just enough details of their history to keep young children entertained.

It's Not About You Mrs. Turkey is in the same series of books as It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin (that I previously reviewed here). Both of these books have fun, beautiful illustrations and rich text that would keep children entertained through multiple readings. I can imagine myself begging my Mom or Dad to read this book to me all throughout the year, not just through the holidays.  I will also be reviewing another book in this series soon: It's Not About You, Mr. Santa after Thanksgiving. I am already int he Christmas mood (I may have put my tree up already...) and I cannot wait to review this final book that the author has generously given me for review.

As an additional bonus to the books in this series, all the proceeds from this series of books (The Love Letters Book Series) goes to a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping children, As the Stars of the Sky Foundation, Inc. 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 4-10 years

Overall Rating: 4/5

Purchase Link

Amazon

Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God

Title: Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God

Author: Sarah M. Johnson

Genre: Christian Memoir

Date Published: August 25, 2015

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

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Life is Beautiful: How a Lost Girl Became a True, Confident Child of God takes you on a full journey of trauma, loss, and finally resilience. While on a mission’s trip in Guatemala, a small Cessna Caravan’s engine blows while carrying fourteen passengers. Unfortunately, the Cessna crashes in a remote village, leaving eleven of the fourteen passengers dead. One passenger, Sarah, shares her story in “Life is Beautiful”, about the deaths of her father and brother; her mother’s extreme physical and emotional injuries, and Sarah’s self-discovery to accept this new life.

Life is Beautiful, however, is more than a story about an airplane crash. Life is Beautiful shares the personal struggles of Sarah’s father’s drug use, his recovery, and redemption to be a better person. He gives back by doing missions work in Africa, takes in Sarah’s aunt dying of uterine cancer, and eventually leads their family to the mountains of Guatemala. Sarah also discusses her struggles with alcohol use and depression; where she eventually hits rock bottom. It is not until she starts seeking God through prayer, books, and therapy, where she starts to turn her life around.

Life is Beautiful is not only a unique story, but it shows the strength of God’s Will. When all hope is lost, she never gives up on God. This story is a true testimony of God’s love for His people, and when one seeks a spiritual journey and connection with God; He gives back in love, forgiveness, and happiness.

Review

Life is Beautiful shares Sarah's journey through a plane crash that killed most of her family and left her Mom seriously injured.  Sarah is left emotionally stricken and unable to cope after the incident and struggles to recover. She hopes that alcohol will cure her depression, but it only makes it worse. Life is Beautiful shows God's healing power and the true way of coping with difficult situations.

Although I did enjoy most of Life is Beautiful, I felt the story was slow moving and sometimes depressing. The overall message of the memoir was uplifting and filled with hope, but the path to get to this point of hope was often very heart-wrenching.

I would recommend Life is Beautiful to anyone looking for a great redemptive story with an ending filled with hope.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 3/5

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

Series Review: The Bailey Flanigan Series by Karen Kingsbury

Series Title: The Bailey Flannigan Series (Books 1-4)

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Genre: Christian Fiction

 

 

 

 

 

About the First Book-Leaving (from Goodreads):  

The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story."

Review

Filled with inspiration and with the feel of a typical YA book, Kingsbury writes of a love triangle with many bumps and bruises along the way. She illustrates that God is always with us even in the toughest of situations.

I have loved the writing style of every Kingsbury novel that I have read. She knows how to give just the right amount of detail without boring the reader.

The only disappointment that I had in the series is that I felt like Kingsbury was setting up one ending for the series and things did not happen as I thought they would.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin by Soraya Diase Coffelt

Title: It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin

Author: Soraya Diase Coffelt

Illustrator: Tea Seroya

Publish Date: 2015

Genre: Children's Picture Book

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

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Halloween has become one of the most popular and commercially profitable holidays in America, yet the true origin of the day is often missed. Almost everyone equates "trick or treat" with Halloween, but what events were the catalyst behind this centuries-old tradition? 

This delightfully illustrated children's story is sure to become a tradition for you and your family as October rolls around each year. It will be a helpful tool to instruct children on the important historical background behind this holiday and to reflect on what is most important.

Review

It's that time of the year again when parent's are making their last minute changes to their children's Halloween costumes and others are rounding up those delicious candies to hand out. During all this craziness, why don't you sit down and enjoy some quiet time (or maybe not so quiet time) reading with your children? If this sounds like a plan for you, you may want to pick up this delightful book: It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin.

It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin is a cute story that explains the origins of Halloween. The illustrations are perfect for young children and the writing is easy to understand. I appreciate the Christian perspective that is behind these series of books. I also love that all the proceeds from this series of books (The Love Letters Book Series) goes to a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping children, As the Stars of the Sky Foundation, Inc. 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 4-10

Overall Rating: 5/5

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

BAM!

Novella Review: The Pastor's Daughter by T.K. Ware (Christian Adult Fiction)

Title: The Pastor's Daughter

Author: T.K. Ware

Publish Date: September 17, 2015

Genre: Christian Adult Fiction

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

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

Ebony had a secret ...

An ill-advised relationship with a married man in the church sent Ebony down a path of regret, which led to an unplanned pregnancy. When the pressure of being the pastor's daughter and carrying a married man's child weighs upon her, emotions flare. Shortly afterwards, she threatens to publicize the entire affair, deciding to bear the consequences of the matter. Once her emotions settled, she saw from a different light.

But the unexpected happens ...

Because of shame and unprecedented conviction, Ebony is forced to confess as she battles with thoughts of betrayal to God, the church, and herself.

Review

The Pastor's Daughter is a novella (about 50 pages) about a pastor's daughter who had a relationship with a married man and became pregnant. I like this book because it tackles an issue that is not dealt with much in the church: fornification. Although many churches rightly advise against sex outside of marriage, they do not talk much about what should happen if someone is found guilty of such a sin.

The writing style of the novella did not grasp me as much as I wanted it to, but that can be a difficult task in such a small novella. Ware shows incredible promise of becoming a wonderful inspirational writer.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 16+ for sexual references

Overall Rating: 3.5/5