The Sound the Sun Makes by Buck Storm (Review)

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of The Sound the Sun Makes, by Buck Storm, through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Calico Foster. Detective Early Pines. Hammott Lamont. What do these three people have in common? Calico’s brother.

Detective Pines has been put on mandatory leave and has been asked to go to a rodeo by a friend. On the way there they get a flat tire and meet Calico at bar she owns. While there they learn of the strange disappearance of Calico’s brother. Pines decides to miss the rodeo and go look for Charlie, Calico’s brother, in the last place he was when he last talked with her, Los Angeles, six hundred miles away.

Hammott Lamont, filmmaker, is there in Hollywood with Charlie, who doesn’t realize what is going to happen to him. Charlie doesn’t realize that Lamont wants to use him to create a movie unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.

Will Calico and Detective Pines be able find and contact Charlie? Will they become pawns in the movie Lamont is making?

About the Author:

Buck Storm currently lives in Idaho and is a singer, songwriter, and author. You can learn more at buckstorm.com

My Thoughts:

What an action and detail packed book! I haven’t read any of Storm’s other books, but The Sound the Sun Makes was a page turner filled with action and great details of the Southwest and California. It was hard to put this book down. I couldn’t wait to turn the page to read more about the thoughts and feelings of Detective Pines, the thorough details of their surroundings, or the spiritual aspects behind what Hammott Lamont was planning.

I developed a great admiration for Pines, who went to such great lengths to support Calico Foster and her brother, Charlie. I don’t know if I would have gone to such lengths to save the brother of I just met. In a way this is a modern day version of the good Samaritan, just with more action. It was the best way to help the detective to move forward from the anger he was holding towards his father and God for the death of a close friend.

I would recommend this book to all who like to read Contemporary Christian filled with action!!

Recap of Pertinent Information:

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary 

Published by: Kregel Publishing

Copyrighted: 2021

Number of pages: 352

Age Group: Adult (Would be good for men.)

Description of book: Paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4686-3

Right Cross by Andrew Huff (Book Review)

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of Right Cross (A Shepherd Suspense Novel, by Andrew Huff, through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

This is the final and third book in the Shepherd Suspense trilogy. John Cross and Christine Lewis are in danger. John because he has rejoined the CIA and is imprisoned in England’s infamous prison, “Monster Mansion.” Why is he there?

Christine Lewis, because she’s invested in John and wants to learn more about why he’s there, is in England. It’s due to her job as a news anchor that she has a great desire to find out that answer and more. Her desire to learn more puts her in danger as well as John, the CIA, the MI6 and those she loves.

Will they be safe as they travel from England to the United States? Will they be safe once they are home again?

About the Author:

Andrew Huff currently lives in Texas with his wife and two sons. He has degrees from Liberty University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He used to be in ministry, and he is now in the Christian media industry as a producer and director.

My Thoughts:

Wow! What an action and faith packed book! From the very beginning of Right Cross, John Cross was in danger from Forge thanks to Rake and the other inmates at “Monster Mansion.” It was interesting to learn that Rake wasn’t all the reader originally thought. He was truly the dangerous one.

I thought it was very interesting how Christine Lewis, a friend of John’s, was able to be everywhere that John as a CIA agent was. I didn’t think that as a television anchor she should be allowed there, but I know that the rest of the story would have been very different and that their previous relationship was a part of why she was everywhere. It also cause her and others to face very dangerous situations from England to the Colorado Rockies.

The theme of faith is evident everywhere in this book, faith in others and above all, faith in God. I haven’t read the other two books in the series, but I can tell that John’s faith has grown so much over the series. It is evident as he uses Bible verses and prayers when he and others that he knows and loves face danger. Christine too has a great faith.

I would recommend this book to all who like to read Christian Suspense!!

Recap of Pertinent Information:

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Suspense 

Published by: Kregel Publishing

Copyrighted: 2021

Number of pages: 272

Age Group: Adult 

Description of book: Paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4649-8

My God Loves Me Bible written by Cecilie Fodor and illustrated by Gavin Scott (Book Review!)

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Do you know a little one who needs a first Bible? With 18 Bible stories from Genesis to Jesus’s resurection, the My God Loves Me Bible begins to bring the Bible alive for young ones. Each of the stories has a title, one sentence take away, Bible story, and verses that need to be looked up and read by someone older. These cardboard pages also include bright and colorful life-like illustrations.

About the Author and Illustrator-

Cecilie Fodor is the author of Parables of the Bible and an editor at Scandinavia Publishing House.

Gavin Scott is an illustrator of a number of children’s books including My Bedtime Bible Prayers.

My thoughts-

– This sturdy cardboard book has a nice red handle, padded cover, and rounded corners. I really like the rounded corners, because nobody will be hurt by sharp corners. I like the charming illustrations with their bright colors and realistic animals and people.

– I’m not sure if it is this way with all the copies of this book, but my pages were lightly stuck together. I would make sure that you open all of the pages first, so the child won’t get upset when they can’t look at their book.

– I really like the “My God Loves Me” phrase that goes along with each story, because they are important phrases that we should always remember, and it is best to learn them at a young age. The story is short enough to keep the child’s attention. You’ll want to make sure that you have your Bible handy, because for each story there are more verses to read. You can read them with your child or on your own.

I highly recommend this book for the young children in your life.

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Religious / Christian / Bible Stories

Published by- Kregel Children’s Books (Kregel Publications)

Copyrighted- 2019

Number of pages- 40

Age Group- Children 5 and up (I think that younger children will also enjoy and learn from My God Loves Me Bible.)

Description of book- Hardback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4632-0

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a FREE copy of this product through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

My Bedtime Bible Prayers written by Karoline Pahus Pedersen and illustrated by Gavin Scott (Book Review!)

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Do you have a young child in your life that is interested learning how to pray and the Bible verses that correspond? My Bedtime Bible Prayers is that book. This book contains 44 Bible verses and corresponding prayers. Extra Bible verses and discussion questions are included. Some of these prayers are

• “May We Choose You”
• “All Children are Welcome”
• “God is Faithful”
• “Give God Your Worries”
• “Made By God”
• “Truths about God”
• “I Am Brave”
• “Choose Goodness”

About the Author and Illustrator-

Karoline Pahus Pedersen is an author of a number of children’s books including Bible Promises for Babies.

Gavin Scott is an illustrator of a number of children’s books including the My God Loves Me Bible.

My thoughts-

– I like the table of contents, because the parent and child can pick the prayer that will work for them at a specific period in time. One example would be “Peaceful Sleep” on page 34. It lists Psalm 4:8 (written out), Psalm 121:4-6 (use a Bible), a prayer about sleeping and having a peaceful rest, and a discussion about what to do when you wake up at night. This prayer and verse sequence will help all children be relaxed as they drift off to sleep.

– I know that the title is My Bedtime Bible Prayers, but these prayer and verse sequences can be done at any time of the day. Subjects that can be done any time of the day are gratefulness, being blessed, God is with us, and there are more I haven’t listed.

– I like the lightly padded cover, because it adds depth and comfort for young children. The illustrations by Gavin Scott are colorful and child friendly. They are very realistic and all children will enjoy them.

– The suggested ages are 6-8, but I think that children who are younger and older will enjoy this book and learn the importance of praying.

I highly recommend this book for the young children in your life.

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Religious / Christian / Devotional & Prayer

Published by- Kregel Children’s Books (Kregel Publications)

Copyrighted- 2019

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- Children between 6 and 8 (I think that younger and older children will enjoy learning the verses and prayers.)

Description of book- Hardback, listed price- $10.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4633-7

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a FREE copy of this product through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Misleading Miss Verity (#3) by Carolyn Miller (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley) (Book Review!)

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Do you enjoy reading books from the Regency era (1811-20)? Do you like a witty and romantic storyline?

Miss Verity Hatherleigh has been sent to countryside in Scotland after she has been too headstrong for her parents by bending too many rules of propriety. Fortunately for her, she is sent to the home of one of her classmates. Unfortunately for her, she will be living next to Dungally and the new laird who has finally come home. Anthony Jardine has returned from Australia to an estate where there is little money and tennants who have problems with famine and poor housing. The former laird had done little enough that even the villagers and neighbors are upset with what has happened. Verity is staying next door to Anthony’s new home with the Chisholms. Verity along with her classmate, Helena, and Helena’s siblings spend time working in their garden and Dungally’s neglected garden where they all meet Anthony. Neither one of them says who they truly are as they begin to have feelings for each other. What will happen when they learn the truth? Will fate and Verity’s parents prevent them from happiness?

About the Author-

Carolyn Miller currently lives with her husband and four children in Australia. She has written other books in her Regency Brides series. There are 3 books in A Legacy of Grace, 3 books in A Promise of Hope, and 3 in Daughters of Aynsley. She has won RWA and ACFW contests. She can be reached at www.carolynmillerauthor.com.

My thoughts-

-I’ve not read the other books in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series, but I’ve read other books by Carolyn Miller and have thoroughly enjoyed them. They were humorous, Godly, and there was plenty of understated romance. Misleading Miss Verity was the same. And once I picked it up, it was hard to put down.

-I like how Carolyn Miller developed the characters. There weren’t so many characters that I had a hard time keeping track of them, but just the right amount. I was able to know and remember each of the characters like Verity, her grandmother, the servant’s and their names, and others. I appreciated that, especially since this is the third book in this group of the series.

-One aspect I didn’t like about this book was that Verity and Anthony (Mr. Jardine) lied to each other about their positions in life. They overlooked it and remained friendly (wouldn’t want to spoil the end). I don’t like the lying, but I do appreciate how they forgive each other. Being able to forgive one another is very important, so I decided that the lesson to be learned in this book is forgiveness. (Also it was great how Verity grew closer to God.)

-I would have liked to see a bit more closure between Verity and her parents, but that’s just my thought. Her parents, especially her mother, never totally loved or appreciated her for herself. It took other people (Chisholms) to show her how much she was loved and what it was supposed to look like. It was only at the end of the novel that it seemed like her parents might change.

I highly recommend this book and the others in the series!

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Romance

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2019

Number of pages- 352

Age Group- Adult (Women)

Description of book- Paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4591-0

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a FREE copy of this product through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

They Call Me Mom by Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett (Book Review)

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Are you a mom who needs some encouragement? Or do you know a mom who could use some encouragement? They Call Me Mom: 52 Encouraging Devotions for Every MOMent, written by Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett, was written for moms everywhere.

There are 52 devotions that cover the good and the bad of motherhood. Here is a small selection of the chapter titles:
“They Call Me Teacher”
“They Call Me Embarrassing”
“They Call Me Scaredy-cat”
“They Call Me Out”
“They Call Me Safe Zone”
“They Still Call Me”

They write from their own experiences with their daughters and sons. Please go here to find an excerpt from this devotional.

About the Authors-

Michelle Medlock Adams currently lives in Indiana with her husband, where she is a journalist, speaker, author, and ghostwriter. She’s written Dinosaur Devotions, and many more. She can be reached at www.michellemedlockadams.com.

Bethany Jett currently lives in Florida with her husband and boys. Her latest book is Through the Eyes of Hope and it’s devotional. She too is a speaker, author, and she works from home. She can be reached at www.bethanyjett.com.

They both co-own Platinum Literary services and write weekly columns for “Hot Mess but Blessed,” a newspaper in Missouri.

My thoughts-

-The table of contents is great, because I can read the name of the chapters and pick which one is calling to me. One that caught my eye was “They Call Me Chauffeur,” because that’s exactly what I’ve been doing since the school year began. As I read the chapter, I got some good ideas for snacks, and I learned it’s a great time to have good talks with family members. We should always take advantage of being a chauffeur. There were also many other good topics in the different devotional chapters like cheerleader, chef, mama bear, worry wart, and sentimental.

-This book is just what I need to end my day on a positive note. Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett, who are so encouraging, can make even the worst situations look towards God and be positive. At the end of each chapter, they share ideas about each topic and the Bible verses that correspond.

–They Call Me Mom is one of those books that so well written, that I could just read it all day and soak up the wisdom and stories they have to share. The Bible verses spoke to me and gave me peace.

I highly recommend this book to all those moms out there who need a morning boost or evening encouragment!

Genre- Nonfiction / Religion / Christian Living / Devotional

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2019

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- Moms!!!

Description of book- hardback, listed price- $16.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4616-0

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a FREE copy of this product through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Summer’s Promise, by Barbara Cameron (Book Review)

(received in exchange for an honest review)

In the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania, the Englisch and Amish worlds come together. Summer Carson has lived there her entire life and interacted with them when her father took her along, when he needed to visit the farms for his job. Her father has since passed away, and now she is working at the local extension office where she still interacts with them. She has spent enough time with them that she can speak and dream in Pennsylvania Deitsch. While she is checking Abram Yoder’s field, he becomes her friend. She realizes that she is attracted to him. As they spend more time together, he realizes that he is attracted to her. This puts them in a very difficult situation as they could never be more than friends. Or can they? Could Summer leave her life and job? Could Abram risk shunning to leave his Amish life? What will they do? How will the Amish community and his family react when they spend more and more time together?

About the Author-

Barbara Cameron currently lives in Florida. She enjoys writing about the Amish and their values and lifestyle. She has written more that 40 fiction and nonfiction books and three televised movies. She is the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My thoughts-

– After the first chapter I was drawn into Summer’s story of her life near the Amish community in Paradise. It was so engaging that I had to keep reading until I finished the book. I thought it was great that she was choosing to have the same career her father did, and that she was able to continue to be close to the Amish community through having a job that was similar to her father’s. It must have been hard for her to continue in his field after he succumbed to cancer. I really thought that her mother’s story was very interesting, because of the Lyme’s disease. It was interesting to learn that it could be hard to detect. It would have been nice if Barbara Cameron had added websites and other information about the disease, so that readers could know where to go to learn more.

– Since this is the 3rd book in the series, I wasn’t sure if I needed to read the other books in the series first, Seeds of Hope and Buried Secrets. I decided to check the first two out of the library, but I was only able to check them out after I read this one. (Someone else was enjoying them!). I learned that there were some secondary characters whose lives were explained in detail in the other books. Barbara Cameron did an excellent job of adding the necessary details in this book, so it wasn’t necessary to read the other two. She is such a good storyteller that it is a good and fun idea to read the other books in the series.

– I always appreciate any extras that an author adds to the book. This one had a very helpful Amish glossary, recipes for Amish Chow Chow and cakes made with zucchini, discussion questions that would be great for a book club, and the first chapter of the first book in the series.

I highly recommend this book to those who like Amish romance.

Genre- Fiction / Amish & Mennonite

Published by- Gilead Publishing

Copyrighted- 2019

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-68370-059-3

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a FREE copy of this product through Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.