Wild Thing

                 
Back Cover: Twelve-year-old Winnie Willis has a way with horses. She can gentle the wildest mare, but other parts of her life don't always come as easily. Along with her dad and sister, Lizzy, Winnie is learning how to live without her mom, who was also a natural horse gentler. As Winnie teaches her horses about unconditional love and blind trust, God shows Winnie that he can be trusted too. Readers will be hooked on the series' vivid characters, whose quirky personalities fill Winnie's life with friendship and adventure. In #1 "Wild Thing, " Winnie's fearful heart finally begins to trust God again as she tries to gentle the horse of her dreams, Wild Thing.

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As a horse lover and having a younger sister in love with horses, Winnie the Horse Gentler was a great series to read, and for young girls who love horses. I loved reading about Catman and all of Winnie's friends, and the tips they offer through their program at the pet store. 
The first of 8 books, Wild Thing is about Winnie after another hard move to a town where she doesn't know anybody. With her love of horses she soon helps a horse everyone else deems unbreakable and call her "Wild Thing". 
This book is definitely a great read for girls who love horses, and love to read. 

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars

tyndalerewards.com

Runaway

                                   

Back Cover: A new series by Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the best-selling Winnie the Horse Gentler series! "I've run away seven times--never once to anything, just away from. Maybe that's why they call me a "runaway," and not a "run-to."" Meet 16-year-old Dakota Brown. She used to love all things "horse" until she lost everything, including hope. The minute she sets foot on her foster parents' farm--Starlight Animal Rescue--she plans her escape. But can an "impossible" horse named Blackfire and this quirky collection of animal lovers be the home she's always dreamed of? Starlight Animal Rescue: Where problem horses are trained and loved, where abandoned dogs become heroes, where stray cats become loyal companions. And where people with nowhere to fit in find a place to belong.

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Runaway, the first book in the Starlight series, is a series that goes along with the Winnie the Horse Gentler. A foster teen, Dakota, has bounced around the foster system for a while. When she goes to a family who lives on a farm, she immediately plans to run away for good. But the foster family she's with is more than she thought it would be. As the time soon comes, will she go and start over, or stay with the family?
I really enjoyed this book, and I would suggest it to anyone who loves animals and foster families. 

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. 

tyndalerewards.com

Light in the Wilderness

                                  

Back Cover: Letitia holds nothing more dear than the papers that prove she is no longer a slave. They may not cause white folks to treat her like a human being, but at least they show she is free. She trusts in those words she cannot read--as she is beginning to trust in Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant cattleman who wants her to come west with him.

Nancy Hawkins is loathe to leave her settled life for the treacherous journey by wagon train, but she is so deeply in love with her husband that she knows she will follow him anywhere--even when the trek exacts a terrible cost.

Betsy is a Kalapuya Indian, the last remnant of a once proud tribe in the Willamette Valley in Oregon territory. She spends her time trying to impart the wisdom and ways of her people to her grandson. But she will soon have another person to care for.

As season turns to season, suspicion turns to friendship, and fear turns to courage, three spirited women will discover what it means to be truly free in a land that makes promises it cannot fulfill. This multilayered story from bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick will grip readers' hearts and minds as they travel with Letitia on the dusty and dangerous Oregon trail into the boundless American West.

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I very much enjoyed this book. Though it did get a little confusing at times because there were so many characters that the author showed you. It soon explained itself. 

What drew me to this book was the main character, Letitia, is a newly freed slave, and the characters travel to Oregon, a favorite state of mine. Once I got the book, I was even more excited when I learned it was based on a true story. 

The book was great, exciting, interesting, and was fun to read. As a history lover I really like how Jane Kirkpatrick caught the feelings of the different people, those who are freed slaves, Indians, and pioneers. As well as what it was like to live in the 1800's. Which is rare for certain book that are historical fiction. A great read for those who love books, historical fiction, and a biography in a novel.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I was given this book free from Revell for an honest review.

Annison's Risk

                                 
Back Cover: A game of hide-and-seek takes Maddy Nicholaivitch to Marus, where she is taken in by a beautiful princess who has just married the conquering king. After overhearing the secret plans of the king's most trusted advisor, Maddy must decide if her loyalty to the princess is worth the price of her life. Based on the biblical story of Esther, "Annison's Risk" takes readers on a journey with a queen who is willing to risk her life in order to save her people. Any fan of Tolkien will appreciate this fantasy story, and with a new cover and interior graphics, it's better than ever!

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One of my favorite series, Passages, brings the Bible to life in a new perspective. In a world called Marus, kids from Odyssey are doing daily activities when they are suddenly transported into another land, with a story similar to our own. Maddy is one of these kids. As Maddy is helping Annison, Marus' new queen, she thinks she is in a fairy tale. But as things become dangerously complicated, she is soon involved in bringing information to the queen that could change the world. Maddy must decide if she will continue to have a child's mind and play games, or a mature perspective to save Marus.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

tyndalerewards.com

Fearless

                                       

Back Cover: Fearless takes you deep into SEAL Team SIX, straight to the heart of one of its most legendary operators.
 
“As a rule, we don’t endorse books or movies or anything regarding the command where I work—and Adam Brown worked—but as the author writes in Fearless, ‘you have to know the rules, so you know when to bend or break them.’ This is one of those times.  Read this book. Period. It succeeds where all the others have failed.”  --Anonymous SEAL Team SIX Operator
 
When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hind Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—but he was ready. In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote, “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”
 
Fearless is the story of a man of extremes, whose courage and determination were fueled by faith, family, and the love of a woman. It’s about a man who waged a war against his own worst impulses, including drug addiction, and persevered to reach the top tier of the U.S. military. In a deeply personal and absorbing chronicle, Fearless reveals a glimpse inside the SEAL Team SIX brotherhood, and presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior whose final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice.
 
Adam Brown was a devoted man who was an unlikely hero but a true warrior, described by all who knew him as…fearless.
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I cannot describe what a good book this is! I have been scrolling through lists of books to read/review and after a while I started to look into Fearless. It was amazing. Adam Brown's story is one that shows that even if you mess up, when you start anew with Christ, anything can happen. Eric Blehm did an amazing job writing this story from the many interviews of people who knew him. I felt like I knew Adam, as well as get to know his family and friends. I don't think I've ever been touched by a book as much as this. As I was reading how Adam died for our country, I couldn't stop crying. It's amazing how much others sacrifice theirselves for us, for our freedom.
Thank you all who serve our country!
I would definitely suggest this book!

I received this book free from Blogging For Books for and honest review.
I would rate this book 10 out of 10 stars.

Haunted Waters

                                  

Back Cover: Watch out! The Timberline twins are on the loose. Bryce and Ashley are ATV-riding tweens from Colorado who unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go. From clearing the name of a local miscreant to thwarting a gold-stealing heist, the twins' growing faith and the strong example of their parents guide them through even the most life-threatening situations. With the trademark page-turner style used by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry in the Left Behind: The Kids series, these fast-paced books will keep even reluctant readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will definitely get hooked by the unbelievable cliff-hanger at the end of book one, "Haunted Waters." Perfect for ages 8-12.

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A great mystery for tween readers as it is full of suspense, and keeps you guessing on every page. The two twins find themselves in a midst of a puzzling mystery wherever they turn, and though they are still getting used to their new stepfather and his daughter, a week with their younger brother and stepfather brings them all together as things become dangerous and threats are all around.
I definitely enjoyed this series, especially a few years back as a "tween".  :) These two authors together they write some of the best books ever, and I definitely suggest you read some of their writing.

Overall I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars

tyndalerewards.com

Byways book On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins

                                           

 Byways, Book
On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins - Ian Johns has three sons, and the brothers don't get along very well. Somehow Ian's plan for a family trip turns into a three-way race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they cross their homeland.

Three very different boys. Three very different roads. Three chances to fulfill their father's hopes... and win.

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The author, C. J. Milbrandt (aka Christa Kinde) has written a wonderful early chapter book in a  book series. The series will cover all 50 states and the books. The beginning of the series is written for younger children,they will cover 5-12 year olds. The first 16 books are for 5-8 year olds, books 17-34 are for 7-10 year olds, and books 35-50 are for 9-12 year olds.

Though these books are written for younger readers, C. J. Milbrandt is a wonderful author, and her writing can interest older readers as well. The first book in her series, On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins, is short read of 5,000 words and is a great intro to, what I am sure will be, another great series.
      -For older readers, the book was not too childish, and starts off with a wonderful intro. I was interested the whole time, and couldn't put it down until I finished. I can't wait to see where this series will go, and can't wait for the next book.-

 For those who may not remember the author has also written the book Meadowsweet, which I reviewed a little while back. If you've read it, the same style is used in the Byways series, but with younger readers in mind, but no less of an adventure.
So go on and pick up a copy on your e-book!

Overall I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars
I received this book free from the author for an honest review

Saving Amelie

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted a review. But, to get things back into motion, here is a new book I recently got.

                                   

From back cover: On a trip to Germany with her father, Rachel Kramer receives a cryptic letter from an estranged friend. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter Amelie-deaf since birth- as a blight on his Aryan bloodline.

Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he's as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders across Berlin. She fears her father, an eminent eugenics scientist, my know about Hitler's plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems unworthy of life. But when she risks searching his classified documents, she also uncovers shocking secrets about her own history and a family she's never known.

Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young -a driven American journalist and unlikely ally- whose connections to the resistance help Rachel and Amelie escape the city. Forced to hide in Oberammergau, the Baverian village of the Passion Play, Rachel's every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife's edge, endangering their lives -and asking others to do the same- for those they barely know but come to love.

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Saving Amelie Is a great read! Cathy Gohlke did a wonderful job writing this book. Set in Germany during WW2, this exciting book is a wonderful read, and has a hidden and redone Old Testament Bible story in it as well. :)  Through all of Rachel's trials she soon discovers things through the family she never known; Friendship, courage, skills, and joy. But as she and her family, as well as Jason Young, the young American reporter, do all that they can to save Amelie, they all know that time is soon running out. And when it comes down to the last minute, who will be save from the Nazi's cruel hand?

...Danger lurks around every corner. What will the Nazi's do when Rachel discovers the truth about herself and others, and the many that met with horrific deaths?...

This book will have you on your seats edge! Not wanting to put the story down for a moment, and has exciting twist and turns around every page. You get to know each character, and understand how their feeling, and your suspense grows with each daring rescue. As a fan of historical fiction, I really liked this book, and I definitely would suggest this book to you, as it is well written and exciting.
If you love historical fiction, WW2 stories, and the Bible, than this would be a book for you.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars

tyndalerewards.com

30 Days to a More Beautiful You

                        

Back cover: Despite what the world leads us to believe, true beauty has nothing to do with the outward appearances. The more we focus on what we look like on the outside, the more insecure we become.

Fortunately, God doesn't measure our worth by how we look. We have value simply because we are His children. The more we focus on getting our hearts right with the Lord and honoring Him, the more secure and confident we will become-and the more we will exude true beauty.

In 30 Days to a More Beautiful You,former Victoria's Secret Runway Angel Kylie Bisutti gives a complete inner-beauty makeover with succinct devotional readings designed to transform you heart, body, mind, and soul and put you on the path to becoming a happier, healthier, more beautiful you.

The perfect gift for every young woman, this devotional will forever change the way you define the word beautiful.
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I really enjoyed this small devotional. It was well written, and goes straight to the heart. Kylie Bisutti opens the doors to things I had never considered, and I continually would ask myself questions to see if I was putting something in front of God. 
Great for teen girls (and young women) as well as for gifts. I would highly recommend this devotional! 

I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars 
I recieved this book free for an honest review from Tyndale blogging program 

gods at war

                                     

From back of cover: In this student edition of gods at war, Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of not a fan, helps us recognize there are false gods at war within each of us, and the battle for the place of  glory and control in our lives. What keeps us from truly following Jesus Christ is that our hearts are persuing something or someone else like money or popularity. While these pursuits may not be the "graven images" of old, they are in fact modern day idols. Behind the sin you're struggling with, the fear you're dealing with, the lack of purpose you're living with is a false god that is winning the war for your heart.

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gods at war is an awesome read, showing you what form gods can take, and that those in the 21st century can still have idols, though not the way we would think. Kyle Idleman is a talented author, bringing the truth out into the light, showing us that we tend to put things before God. This book is jammed pack full of different ways to help you recognize the idols you have in your life. After all, we are sinful beings, but God if full of unconditional love.

I've heard of the author before, seen his books in stores and libraries, but I've never actually read anything he's written, so I was interested in how it would turn out. Especially after I read the summary of gods at war. I thought that it might be a good read. Turned out, it was amazing. Some books you can just read through pretty quickly, and not always take in all that you've read, but this book is one you want to stop every chapter or so just to think through everything the author talks about. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it opened up my eyes to what can be taking God's place, and how to recognize it. and for anyone who wants to recognize these areas, it is a great book. Definitely a must read!



Overall I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars
I received this book free for an honest review

Free E-book(s)!

                                       
One of the book's that I'm reviewing, (30 Days to a more Beautiful You) is free! The little handbook is only 0.99 on Amazon, and is FREE for Kindle or whatever else you have! If you click the book cover it will take you to a list of free E-books Tyndale Publishing is offering, and it will give you a list of different stores that are available. So hurry up before it's expired! (It expires on 5/10)

Blind Descent

                                       

Back cover: Alone and blind at 29,000 feet!
Former Navy rescue swimmer Brian Dickinson was roughly 1,000 feet from the summit of Mount Everest
   also known as "the death zone"   when his Sherpa became ill and had to turn back, leaving Brian with a difficult decision: should he continue to push for the summit, or head back down the mountain? After carefully weighing the options, Brian decided to continue toward the summit- alone. Four hours later, Brian solo summited the highest peak in the world. But the celebration was short-lived. After taking a few pictures, Brian radioed his team to let them know he had summited safely, and got ready to begin his descent. Suddenly, his vision became blurry, his eyes started to burn, and within seconds, e was rendered almost completely Blind. All alone at 29,035 feet, low on oxygen, and stricken with snow blindness, Brian was forced to inch his way back down the mountain relying on only his Navy survival training, his gut instinct, and his faith. In Blind Descent, Brian recounts    in fantastic detail    his extraordinary experience on Everest, demonstrating that no matter how dire our circumstances, there is no challenge too big for God.

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I was really excited to get this book, for various reasons, one is because I just started mountaineering last year and got hooked. Growing up my Dad has always loved mountaineering, and always talked about Mt. Everest.   and has quite a few movies about it. :)     So because of his love of mountains I knew a bit about Mt. Everest. And as soon as I read the back cover I immediately was intrigued. He was blind and alone while slowly climbing down, and on the tallest mountain on the world? Scary. 
Once I picked up this book, I was not disappointed. A bit afraid that the book would be slow, with details that went to the roof, and not interesting, my fears quickly disappeared. While there are great details, they weren't unnecessary, and it was very interesting. While climbing on the mountain he talks about what he experienced, and I felt like I was right there. It is well written, couldn't put it down, and is easy to understand.
I would definitely suggest this book.

For more about this author, go to: http://www.briandickinson.net/

Overall I would rate this book 5 out of 5.
(I received this book free from Tyndale for an honest review)

Got a few new books I'll be reviewing soon, so be looking within a couple weeks!
    and   

Hope Runs

                                           



Hope Runs is a story where Claire visits an orphanage in Kenya for an overnight stay, only to have her heart stolen by the children there. After she and her best friend decide to stay longer and start a running program for the kids there, fifteen year old Sammy takes a special place in her heart. Only to find that their time together is soon coming to an end.

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Hope Runs showed the story from Claire and Sammy's personal perspectives, their troubles and fears, as well as their hopes. It was cool reading how they formed a special bond with each other and were able to see each other in the U.S. As  each are going through their personal trials, they get to cherish the time they have together.
 It personally wasn't a big "I love this book!" but I do like it, though this is my personal opinion, you'll have to read it to find out what you think! :)
to find out more about Claire and the organization Hope Runs go to hoperuns.org and/or clairediazortiz.com


Overall I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars
I received this book free for an honest review

For Such A Time

                                     

For Such a Time is an exciting book taking you back into the times of WW2. As Hadassah Benjamin, Stella Muller, is saved from a firing squad she becomes a secretary for Aric von Schmidt, who is a commandant for the Nazis. As she is burdened with the task to type out the deportion lists for the Jews in the camp nearby, she comes up with a daring plan, a plan to save her people.

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I enjoyed this books a lot! I am a big fan of historical fiction, and especially for the time period of WW2, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. I think Kate Breslin did a wonderful job taking the Book of Esther and turning it into a story during the time of WW2. This book was very exciting, and is well written. You get attached with the characters as each is going through an emotional time, as every character has a difficult decision to make.
 If you are looking for a well written book that is historical fiction, that this would be a great book!

Overall I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
 I received this book free for an honest review.

Jesus>Religon

                                   

(From back cover):   Jefferson Bethke burst into the cultural conversation in 2012 with a passionate, provocative poem title "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus." This 4-minute video literally became an overnight sensation, with 7 million YouTube views in its first 48 hours (and 23+ million in a year.)

In Jesus>Religion, Bethke unpack contrast similar to those he drew in the poem---highlighting the difference between teeth gritting and grace, law and love, performance and peace, despair and hope.



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I have recently just finished reading Jesus>Religion, and it was amazing. Jeff Bethke opens the doors and shows us the difference between religion, and a Christ filled relationship. The author shows us that we as Christians have been continually pointing to things, and saying they are bad, when in reality it might not be. Jeff Bethke writes in a way that is like a friend offering advice. One of my favorite things he says in his book is, "I saw that the church wasn't a place for good people; it was a hospital for the broken." Jesus>Religion helped point out many different things to me, and I will definitely not forget them!
-I definitely would suggest this book.-

To check out his website, go to JeffBethke.com

Spoken For

                                         

Summary:

Say Yes to the Love Story of Your Life

A great romance was set in motion before you were born. A relentless Lover is pursuing you, and He has made His intentions clear. He wants you to be His forever. How will you respond to the One who longs for you to be His with your whole heart?

In Spoken For, Robin Jones Gunn and Alyssa Joy Bethke speak to your heart about what it means for you to belong to Christ, who you are because of His love, and how that affects the way you live. Drawing on biblical promises and their personal experiences,   these two friends share what it’s like to live out God’s unfolding love story.

You are not up for grabs. You are spoken for.

`
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Spoken For, is an amazing book that takes you on a journey to show God's love for you. Robin J Gunn and Alyssa J Bethke open your eyes to the Greatest Author of the best love story ever written.
 Spoken For encouraged me so much with my walk with God, pointing out things I had never seen before, and will touch the hearts from girls in their teens to women in their nineties. If you are looking for a book that will strengthen your relationship with God, then this is the book for you.

For more information, check out Alissa Bethke's Website and Robin Gunn's Website
This book will be coming out on April 15th.


( I received this book free from Blogging For Books for an honest review.)