Beneath the Night Tree by Nicole Baart Book Review

 

Beneath the Night Tree

List Price: $12.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-2323-7

From the Publisher:

Do I have a child? Julia DeSmit knew she would face the question eventually, but she didn’t expect it now. At twenty-four, she is finally content with the way her life has unfolded. A single mother to her son and young brother, she works at the local grocery store while chipping away at a two-year degree. All her free time is spent with her unorthodox family—her boys, her grandmother, and her boyfriend of five years. It’s not perfect, but Julia is happier than ever.
So when she receives the cryptic e-mail from her son’s father, Julia’s world is turned upside down. She hasn’t heard from Parker since he left her in a college parking lot nearly six years ago. But one look at her son—the spitting image of his father—is enough to convince her that, for better or worse, Parker is a part of their story. Faced with this new reality and an unexpected tragedy, Julia begins a tightrope walk between what was and what is, what she hopes for and what will be.

My Review:

I love when a book doesn't have a lot of fluff but has a serious side that makes you really ponder about the Lord and what He is doing in other people's lives.  This is one of those books.

 The characters may have been fictitious but the story could be real to so many people.  I love the the untold theme in this book - why settle for good when you could have God's Best! I love that Julia, the main character, is so upfront and yet bears so much responsibility, that is handled with grace.

I couldn't put this book down...it was truly that good!   I didn't even realize it was a part of the series until I read the last page...apparently, the first book is really not needed to get the story.

As far as family friendly, it did have some "adult" issues but they were written in a very tasteful way.  

I wouldn't mind reading more from this author!  She made me smile and I will be keeping this book in my permanent library.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.
 

 
 Stars Collide: A Novel (Backstage Pass) 

From the publisher:

In Stars Collide, Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom—they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps.

But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed in-laws?

My Review:

Stars Collide is a very interesting book!  I love that the author named all the chapters after a television show.   From the very beginning, the book was entertaining and simply a delight. 

The Grandmother, who was an older actress, kept the book alive.  I kept thinking of what I would do if I had been Kat in her position.  This book made me think of the future - that is for sure!  I gleaned a lot from Kat's actions.

 I would want to see Hollywood in real life, as presented in this book.  If people would realize that their actions affect more people than themselves - what a difference it would make in so many lives.  

This book did have an issue that might not be suitable for young readers.   That said, I would still love for this book to come into a short movie - it would be a sweet encouraging chick flick!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!


Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

The Beginning Reader's Bible Book Review

 

The Beginning Reader's Bible

From the publisher:

This exceptionally illustrated Bible storybook allows children to read the story, pray to God, and grow closer to Him.
Using actual Bible text from the International Children's Bible® as well as prayers, memory verses, and fun activities, children will love this large format and be engrossed in the intricate detail of the illustrations. Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments are included and stories are accompanied by a prayer for the child to pray, a verse to memorize, and a fun activity to help them grow.

My Review:

 When I first received this Beginning Reader's Bible in the mail - I was amazed at the large size and the beautiful colors in this book. 

It is not the type of book that would be easy to transport to Sunday School.  It is more of a story time book.

Also, if you are looking for the 23rd Psalm for example the index tells you it is on page 165 - well, the page numbers are missing.  That is aggravating for a Daddy who reads to his Princess at night.

My fave part was in the back where it has some very cool trivia, like the 12 Tribes of Israel, the 12 Apostles, The Lord's Prayer, and a Reading Chart to read.  I think this is going to benefit my children (and myself) the most!

 This is not a Bible where the scriptures are word for word in a certain version but I still like that it will give something for children to read and talk about among themselves.

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner Book Review

Lady in Waiting
by:  Susan Meissener


From the publisher:

Love is a choice you make every day.
Content in her comfortable marriage of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsay had never expected to watch her husband,  rad, pack his belongings and walk out the door of their Manhattan home. But when it happens, she feels powerless to stop him and the course of events that follow Brad’s departure.

Jane finds an old ring in a box of relics from a British jumble sale and discovers a Latin inscription in the band along with just one recognizable word: Jane. Feeling an instant connection to the mysterious ring bearing her namesake, Jane begins a journey to learn more about the ring—and perhaps about herself.

My Review:

This is a book I couldn't put down.  I even found myself emotional over certain parts. From being mad to tears over the story.  The characters were very believable!

The book was written like two stories.  When one story was just getting good - the author would change to another era.  It made you want to say "Hey - Stop That!"  But, then you would realize you were the only one in the room...yeah, that really didn't happen to me, more than three times anyway!

I was amazed of how much history of England was covered - I was glad the author clarified what was fact or fiction at the end.  Although, now I want to go and look up the history myself.

 I could not recommend this book to younger eyes...it mentioned adult issues more than a few times. 

Overall, it was a great book to have on a plane or long car ride!  It would keep your interest and might just educate yourself a little - which is something - I crave nowadays!

Blessings to you!   You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.