About the Book
Author: Amanda Barratt
Genre: Historial Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: November 7, 2023
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.
My Thoughts
This is definitely not a lighthearted read and although I knew that going in, I didn't anticipate it being quite this heavy. This story will definitely take you to the nitty gritty of WWII Poland and how you see how these characters are trying to just survive the best way they can. I have to admit that it took me a while to get into the book it is not fast paced by any means and there is a lot of details that are going happening and as the story develops. The story is told by the two sisters each with their own point of views and storylines, so it almost felt like you were reading two stories into one.
Antonia and Helena definitely have a surge of growth throughout the story which is on par with what happens when you are in the circumstances of war. Both of them have to make very difficult choices throughout the story and it is truly heart wrenching what they have to deal with. Love made a small appearance but it didn't last very long.
Overall I thought historically the story was perfection, however there were some things that did bother me. I am not sure if a faith thread was supposed to be present in the story but when I grab a book from christian publisher I at least expect it to be there and this one was pretty weak. There were some glimpses and mentions but nothing that held me captive. The worst for me was the closed door scene. So disappointing. Again, not what I am looking for in a "christian" publisher.
These are just my opinions. I think Amanda Barratt is a wonderful author with a passion for what she writes and if you enjoy Historical fiction then you should give her a try.
I received this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.
To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net
Studying the Bible can at times seem daunting and confusing. There is truly so much to unpack from one book. I truly appreciate when I find good resources like this canon of the Old Testament to break it down so we can truly understand the history and the timeline of it all.
About the book
Features included are:
-Book Introductions, Outlines, Genre Indicators
-Word Studies
-Maps
-Timelines
-Infographics about Key Figures and events
-Key verses and Key Quotes and so much more…
𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
Thank you @bhpub and @frontgatem for the copy of this book for review.
🎉Giveaway 🎉
https://www.blessedfreebies.com/the-old-testament-handbook-giveaway.html
Who is getting ready to pull out their Christmas books?! I have a new one to add to your shelves!
About the Book
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your little ones! Bestselling author Rory Feek invites children and families on a heartwarming journey to Christmas past in "Once Upon the Very First Christmas." Join schoolchildren as they put on a delightful Christmas play on a picturesque farm, with homemade costumes and props. Through Rory's soothing and lyrical storytelling, paired with magical illustrations by Christine Cuddihy, young readers will be immersed in the joy of the season and the true meaning of Christmas—the gift of Jesus. Slow down this Advent and Christmas, treasure that first Christmas, and create precious moments with your family and friends.
Our Thoughts
https://bit.ly/OnceUpontheVeryFirstChristmas
Thank you @tommynelsonbooks @roryfeek @christinecuddihy for sending a copy of the book! My kids enjoyed it!!
About the Book
Author: Irene Hannon
Genre: Christian Suspense/ Romance
Series: Undaunted Courage, Book 1
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: October 1, 2023
As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.
When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames?
The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.
When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames?
The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.
My Thoughts
This was a great start to the Undaunted Courage series! I was definitely captivated throughout the story and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. In this story we meet Bri and Marc. I really enjoyed both of these characters. They both had deep backstories that made their characters believable. Their romance was not fast but developed in a very sweet manner throughout the story.
We are also introduced to Bri's siblings which were delightful to get to know through the story and I am assuming that the other books on the series will be about them, at least I hope so because there is definitely more to their story.
The villain in the story was a bit predictable but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. There were so many other elements going on in the story that figuring out the villain right away was okay.
Overall I thought this was a good story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series! If you enjoy suspenseful stories with mystery then you may want to try this one out.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
About the Book
Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Genre: Christian Suspense
Series: Missing in Alaska, Book 2
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: October 1, 2023
Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.
But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.
As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.
But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.
As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.
My Thoughts
Shadows at Dusk is the second book in the Missing in Alaska series and here we meet Trevor West who is in search of his missing sister. In the process he meets Carrie James who is a bush pilot willing to help him. She agrees to do this only if he will help her track down the man who murdered her close friend.
Not sure if it was my reading mood but I hate to admit that this was not my favorite Elizabeth Goddard book. It was hard to get into the book. I found it a bit slow in parts. There were suspenseful parts but I feel like it took a bit long to get there. I also felt like the romance between Trevor and Carrie moved a bit fast for the circumstances that they were under.
I will say that was plenty of adventure and action throughout the story and it was nice to see characters from the previous book in this one.
If you enjoy action packed storylines then this may just be the series for you!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.
To get book news sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddarda...
or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza...
You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddarda...
or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard
About the Book
Author: Tessa Afshar
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Tyndale
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Jemmah has always thought of herself as perfectly ordinary . . . until she faces extraordinary circumstances.
When her mother, the Persian king's famous senior scribe, is kidnapped, Jemmah and her sister must sneak undetected into enemy territory to rescue her. But infiltrating their adversary's lands proves easier than escaping them. Fleeing through dangerous mountain passes, their survival depends on the skills of a stranger they free from prison: a mysterious prince named Asher.
Asher is not who the world believes he is. Despite his royal blood, he has had to climb his way out of poverty to forge success from nothing. A manufacturer of some of the best weaponry in the East, Asher has only one goal: to destroy his father. But following his escape from prison, Asher is irresistibly drawn to Jemmah, unaware that she guards her own secret.
Jemmah must convince Asher to give up everything he has worked for, all for the sake of a higher purpose he's not sure he believes in. The fate of the Persian empire--and possibly the Judean people--hang in the balance and in the persuasive power of one ordinary woman.
When her mother, the Persian king's famous senior scribe, is kidnapped, Jemmah and her sister must sneak undetected into enemy territory to rescue her. But infiltrating their adversary's lands proves easier than escaping them. Fleeing through dangerous mountain passes, their survival depends on the skills of a stranger they free from prison: a mysterious prince named Asher.
Asher is not who the world believes he is. Despite his royal blood, he has had to climb his way out of poverty to forge success from nothing. A manufacturer of some of the best weaponry in the East, Asher has only one goal: to destroy his father. But following his escape from prison, Asher is irresistibly drawn to Jemmah, unaware that she guards her own secret.
Jemmah must convince Asher to give up everything he has worked for, all for the sake of a higher purpose he's not sure he believes in. The fate of the Persian empire--and possibly the Judean people--hang in the balance and in the persuasive power of one ordinary woman.
My Thoughts
There are few authors that can capture me when reading Biblical Fiction but Tessa Afshar definitely does. Her writing style captures the essence of what the time period is and you can't help but grab your Bible to read the time period that she is taking you on. For this book I was in the midst of war as God's prophecy was about to be fulfilled through Cyrus. We meet our fictional characters Jemmah and Zarina whoare Keren and Jared's daughter. ---Now, pause here to say that these characters are part of Tessa's previous book the Hidden Prince and while I have not read it (its on my TBR shelf) I did not have any trouble following this one so it can be read as a stand alone. That being said its a no brainer that I will be moving the Hidden Prince up to the needs to be read sooner than later part of my shelf stat! LOL-- Jemmah is a lovable character and so relatable. She doesn't truly see the giftings that God has placed despite everyone around her seeing how amazing she is.
Tessa also has this amazing writing ability to not only put you in the place with the setting of the story. I mean you can tell that she does thorough research as you feel like you are in the story with these characters but she also brings the sweetest of romances. Asher is quite the swoon-worthy character. You'll have to read the book to see!
I did enjoy the spiritual journeys that these characters go through. They grow throughout the story and that was neat to see. The faith thread in this story is ever present and it definitely gives you time to pause and reflect on your own life.
I really enjoyed that the women in the story played such a big role in their environment. I will admit that Zarina captured me throughout this story. She is tough but I think there is more to her than meets the eye and I think she deserves her own story.
Overall I thought this was a great story and can't wait to read more from this author. Who knew I would become such fan of Biblical Fiction?! If you enjoy this genre like I do then I really think you should add this to your list!
I received this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Tessa Afshar’s books have been translated into 11 languages, and been on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa’s novels have won a number of awards including the Christy and INSPY, and been finalists for the Carol and the ECPA Christian Book Awards. Land of Silence was chosen as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year by Library Journal. The Way Home, God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, is the winner of the Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category.
Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there the first fourteen years of her life before attending boarding school for girls in England. She fell in love with Jesus after moving to the United States. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they tend their mediocre garden.
If you are looking for a new nightly devotion book for your younger kiddos then this will be the perfect one. It is short and sweet. It focuses on different themes such as Praise and Thanksgiving, Being Wise, Family and Friends and so much more. They feature a Bible verse, short summary and a prayer. I think this is perfect for ages 3-6. The perfect devotion to establish a nighttime routine. Will make a great Christmas gift!
I was sent this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons