The Daughters Walk By Jane Kirkpatrick

The Daughters Walk By: Jane Kirkpatrick
4/5 Star RatingPros:
I found the book well written and intriguing. The story was fascinating and saddening at the same time. My heart wrenched for Clara as she was alienated from her family. I enjoyed the book immensely, and it held my attention till the very end. A rare feat to be honest! I'm not sure if the book was intended to be a 'Christian' book, but their was several references to God and the Bible. But overall it wasn't particularly 'Christian'. (I only say this for those who have problems reading non-Christian books) their was of course nothing contradictory in the book against Christianity and I don't think anyone would have a problem with it. The book also made me think about how sad it is that we don't have a lot of history on most of the 'famous' people in history. They did lead lives, and did have feelings. They aren't just names on the cover of a book, or signatures on a painting. They're real people! I only wish they'd written down their 'story'. Makes you wonder, if you become famous someday, will anyone know who you were outside of your achievements?

Cons: While I did enjoy the overall writing and story line, I wasn't particularly thrilled with the several references to 'feminine' problems and body parts. It was fine for girls to read, but I wouldn't recommend it for a guy. The main character (Clara Etsby) did have a bit of a romance (nothing too long) with her employer's son. The extent was him kissing her quickly, that was it. She also had another romance in her life, but nothing inappropriate came from it and it was handled fine.

Story Line:
Nineteen-year-old Clara Estby is hauled by her mother, Helga, on a 7,000-mile walk from Spokane, Wash., to New York in 1896. The fashion industry is looking for promotion of the new, shorter dress for women; Helga is looking for a ,000 prize to save the family farm from foreclosure. The historically factual walk is only the first half of the book; the rest follows Clara after she leaves her family, becomes a businesswoman, and makes her way as times change for women at the turn of the century. Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history's truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.tarred Review. Nineteen-year-old Clara Estby is hauled by her mother, Helga, on a 7,000-mile walk from Spokane, Wash., to New York in 1896. The fashion industry is looking for promotion of the new, shorter dress for women; Helga is looking for a ,000 prize to save the family farm from foreclosure. The historically factual walk is only the first half of the book; the rest follows Clara after she leaves her family, becomes a businesswoman, and makes her way as times change for women at the turn of the century. Kirkpatrick has done impeccable homework, and what she recreates and what she imagines are wonderfully seamless. Readers see the times, the motives, the relationships that produce a chain of decisions and actions, all rendered with understatement. Kirkpatrick is a master at using fiction to illuminate history's truths. This beautiful and compelling work of historical fiction deserves the widest possible audience.

Girl Talk With God By Susie Shellenberger

Girl Talk With God By Susie Shellenberger

Most Christian teens don't know how to pray. And when they do pray, they don't know how to discern God's voice. In Girl Talk With God, author Susie Shellenberger shows teens how to pray and challenges them to deepen specific areas in their lives through a series of conversations between God and a teenage girl. As editor of Brio magazine, a Focus on the Family publication for teenage girls with a circulation of over 200,000, Shellenberger has proven a keen ability to reach this often-misunderstood age group with her signature blend of casual, non-threatening teaching.
My Review:
I have a subscription to Miss Shellenberger's magazine-Susie. I've read all her answers to girls questions in her own article section. I agree with almost everything she's ever said, and knew that I would love this book. However, it surpassed my expectations! It was by far one of the best books I've read in a while! Overall it was helpful and insightful. The book is literally written as an on-going conversation between a teenage girl and God. A very unique and great way to write a book. The format was basically like this:

God: Hi!
Me: Hey, God! Whats up?

And so on and so forth until the end of the chapter. I helped open my eyes to fact that we can have a real conversation with God.

Negative:
There was a few subjects that didn't pertain to me, but I'm sure are relevant to other girls. (Cutting, Sex etc.)
However, the subjects were handled with tact, and would be appropriate to all ages-probably as young as 9 or ten. And I did enjoy the fact that the subjects were more generalized, and easier for me to relate to. As in, the chapter on Sex was really more of God asking the teen girl why she was filling herself up with things other than HIM. Hopefully I've made it clear that this book was very good, and that my 'negative' isn't truly negative but more of an observation.

Conclusion:
A must read for every girl! 5/5 Star Rating

Romance Level: Below Jane Austen
Violence: 1/5
THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHING FOR FREE THROUGH BOOK SNEEZE.com

The Truth Of The Matter By Andrew Klavan

The Truth Of The Matter By Andrew Klavan

Charlie is certain that if he could just regain his memory, the chaos around him would make sense. But the truth of the matter is even more incredible than he could imagine.

Charlie West was an ordinary high school kid who went to bed one night and woke up in the clutches of terrorists and wanted by the police for murder. He also woke up with no memory of the events of the past year.

Now Charlie has found the one person who knows what happened . . . and who can help him remember. But remembering is painful—as well as dangerous—and figuring out what to do with this new knowledge may be Charlie's toughest challenge yet.



Review:
I found the book interesting, and slightly boring at the same time. The story plot was pretty good, though I think it could've been better. It was realitively clean (aside from some very brief romance, and violence)
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the two previous books. I wasn't told in the Boozsneeze website that it was book 3. So I was slightly lost for the first fifty pages or so.
However, I did get the jist of the book by the end. I rejoiced with Charlie as he regained his memory. I can't imagine losing my memory for the past two years! I found the terroist organization interesting, and was happy when they caught the "bad guys" so to speak. Although I'm still undecided as to if Detective R (For plot reasons I won't say his name) is really a friend or not...
Negative content:
My personal preference of book writing may not be the same as everyone else's. Klavan used too many "I's" and repeated the previously stated. Other than that, there was violence (obviously! It has terrorists you know!) But nothing got too graphic.

Romance level: Jane Austen
Rating: 3/5 stars

Monster By Frank Peretti

Rating: 5/5

Romance level: Below Jane Austen

Violence: High

Review: The best book I've read in a very long time! The first Adult book I've ever read by Peretti, it kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire book! Gripping emotional situations had my heart thumping as Beck and Reed are nearly reunited. I found the addition of the "thing" that screamed like a woman very intriguing! I read the book in the dark (with a book light) one night, and I was in the part where the "thing" was outside the Shelton's tent wailing, and I totally freaked out! I have an over active imagination, and thought I heard something outside...which I explained as the dog...till I found out the dog was inside....I suppose we'll never know...

Positive:

I found the entire story line gripping and enthralling. With an unexpected twist at the end, how could you go wrong? Peretti wove an amazing tale that was clean, yet exciting! I'm the type to go for action/horror books. Behind the book was a moral backbone, with the conclusion of the book being that God will give us the courage to face virtually anything.

Negative:

There wasn't a whole lot of negative-thank goodness! The violence level was a little high. I felt that he handled it well seeing as how it is a horror/suspense book. There was some killing (by the Monster) but was handled well and not dwelt on. However, the Monster did kill quite a few people. I say this only as a warning for those who prefer to read books without violence.

CONCLUSION: A Must Read!

Skin Map By Stephen R. Lawhead

Skin Map By Stephen R. Lawhead

Review- I have a very hard time writing this review, I myself like to write and I feel bad for having to write a negative review. But I was told by booksneeze.com to write an HONEST review. So here it goes......
The initial story plot of this book intrigued me, but it felt as if he drug the story out way too long, and didn't have enough content. The story drug on and on, and I felt the writing was poor. By the second chapter I was entirely bored with the book. I forced myself to read the rest of the 400 some page book and was not pleased. Honestly, Its hard for me to find anything I think was positive in the book! I read a 2,000 page book last Summer in but a few short weeks-this book? It took me an entire month to read it, and its only 400 pages! And the text is about the size of this text.

Negative Content:
Honestly, to me this book was all negative content! I personally felt that the author dwelled way too much on the ladies' appearances, Willhelmina (A main character) was described as being "a dead ringer for the undertaker's anemic daughter." And "Her was mousy hair, both in colour and texture: very fine, shiny, and slightly bristly, and she kept it aggressively short." While the other woman in the story was described as "the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen up close in flesh. Her softly rounded form was encased in a gown of..."
He then goes on " The heavy boning of her bodice accentuated the delicious curve of her waist...." This bothered me quite a bit as he made Willehmina out to be an ugly, unshapely woman that he hated (only because of her appearance, and that she was over worked!)

Aside from writing mistakes, the spiritual side was incredibly lacking and inappropriate! For a Christian book, I don't believe it mentioned GOD once! Thats not something that I would initially be holding against a book (its not a huge deal) But other gods were mentioned! Allah, sacrifices and chanting over a dead body are just a few things.

Positive content: The plot was in theory a good idea. I did love the cover art, and found it intriguing. The first chapter was good....

I apologize if I come off seeming snobby or rude, but this was to be an honest opinion.

This book was provided for free to me by Thomas Nelson.

Cast Of Characters By Max Lucado

Book Rating: 4/5

This is the first book I have ever read by Max Lucado, and I must say, the best non- fiction book I've read in a very long time! Most devotional/inspirational books-that I've read- are dull and lifeless. Not so with this book! Lucado takes a "cast of characters" from the Bible and places them in real life situations, allowing you to relate easier to them. For instances, take Moses. The scene pans to a murderer, reduced from the life of a big-shot, to a janitor. Ever heard the story of Moses like that? I have now! Each chapter is ended with thought provoking questions pertaining to that chapter.

Lucado's writing style is easy to read, and flows. I stayed up into the wee hours of the night, wanting to finish this book!

The only complaint I have is that he used one word that is not acceptable in my house. I don't care ____.
Not considered "horrible" for most, but not acceptable in my family. Otherwise, I was very pleased with the book. I would jump if given the chance to read another of Max Lucado's books.
Romance level: Below Jane Austen. Some Bible references to harlotry and prostitution. But nothing you wouldn't find in the Bible!

Violence: low (again, nothing you wouldn't find in the Bible)

Negative content: One inappropriate word not used my house.

This book was given to me courtesy of Thomas Nelson.

COMING SOON: Cast Of Characters By Max Lucado

Washington's Lady By Nancy Moser

Washington's Lady By Nancy Moser
It has been said that without George Washington there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self." Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children when she was courted by, then married the French and Indian War hero. Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.
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Rating: 5/5 Romance Level: Below Jane Austen

I fall instantly in love with every character Nancy Moser writes! It truley is as if you are inside the mind of Martha Washington. You hear so much about George Washington, but not much about Martha Washington! But it's true, without Martha, where would George have been? Without her loving support would he have become one of America's founding fathers?

Martha had quite a tragic life, and George and her were never "truely" alone together. I guess I never thought about them being tired, and not wanting to become President and first lady! They sacrificed so much, so that we could have the freedom we have today! He ultimatley gave his life for his country, and Martha her husband.

There is nothing inappropriate for younger eyes, other than a few refrences to war related subjects, and an "affair" with  George (it never came to anything, and I don't really think it was an affair, only that Martha was jealous) It is only refrenced to, and not discriptive.

All in all a must read for anyone who wants a glimpse into the life of Martha Washington.

COMING SOON: Washington's Lady-Nancy Moser

COMING SOON: WASHINGTON'S LADY BY NANCY MOSER I'M HOPING TO HAVE THIS UP VERY SOON, SO STAY TUNED!

Mozart's Sister-Nancy Moser

Mozart's Sister-By Nancy Moser
Nannerl Mozart's early days seem to be the stuff of fairy tales-traveling far and wide, performing piano concerts with her younger brother, Wolfgang, before the crowned heads of Europe. But behind the glamour lurk dark difficulties--the hardship of travel, agonizing bouts of illness, and the constant concern over money. Their father, Leopold, is driven by a desire to bring his son's genius to the attention of the world. But what about Nannerl? Is she not just as talented? In a world where women's choices are limited, what hope does she have of ever realizing her own dreams? In this lovingly crafted novel, author Nancy Moser brings to life one of history's hidden heroines.

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Rating 5/5

This book is well written, "Jane Austen" on the romance scale (there is a few refferences to the cultural "misstresses" but it isn't descriptive)

This is an amazing book! I would reccommend it to anyone! The way Nancy Moser mixes fact, emotion and fiction together is wonderful. You can tell she really put her heart into this book, and actually put herself in Nannerl's heart. It follows her life from her early childhood, to her death. Its a great way to read "history" without it being painfull. I don't care for the "this person did this, this and this" type of history book (althought I do read them!) This is a much better way to drink in history without a headahce! I have never heard much about "Mozart's Sister", and now I feel like I know her! Nancy had me almost crying by the end of the book. Supurb book!

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court-Knights of Arrethtrae series-Book 2 By Chuck Black

Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court-Knights of Arrethtrae series-Book 2

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Sir Bentley, an honorable young knight, abandons his calling in order to seek the truth of the Prince. Choosing to live as the Prince did, he forsakes his former lifestyle and wealth to live as a pauper. His travels take him to Holbrook, where the townsfolk live in poverty, paying high taxes to support the lavish lifestyle of Lord Kingsley and his court. But something even darker is lurking in the shadows of the beautiful castle.

Bentley soon befriends Eirwyn, a mysterious but compassionate young woman who often distributes food among the poor. When Eirwyn is kidnapped by a ruthless tribe to serve as a sacrifice, Bentley battles a vicious mountain creature to save her life. But when he discovers who is really behind Holbrook’s downfall, he’s faced with an even bigger challenge–battling the Dark Knight’s most evil commander and his Shadow Warriors as they attack the castle.

Will greed destroy the kingdom the way it destroyed Lord Kingsley? Or can Sir Bentley and Eirwyn work together to restore order and prosperity to the kingdom through the compassion and grace of the Prince?

Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are…the Knights of Arrethtrae!

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Rating: 5/5
The second book in this series, I don't believe they need to be read in order. Every book follows a certain amount of time with each charcter, and moves on to another in the next book. Which to me is slightly dissapointing, but I understand not having enough material to do more with the same character.

The book is well written, there is a bit of romance, which is "Jane Austen" on the romance scale. It never gets graphic, its only a "dude, shes pretty." Type of thing, and he never dwells on it. There is a surprising twist towards the end....shhhh!!! I do reccomend that you read the book series with other books read in between. Again, highly reccomended!

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione -The Knights of Arrethtrae series-By:Chuck Black

Knights Of Arrethtrae-Book 1 Sir Kendrick and the castle of Bel Lione

From the back: ___________________________________________________________________________________

A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!

As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.

Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.

When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.

Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are…the Knights of Arrethtrae!
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Rating-5/5

** spoiler alert ** This book was AMAZING! Mr. Black weaves fiction and Biblical truths in a way that is easily understood! I stayed up till the wee hours of the night to finish it, I was not dissapointed! Sir Kendrick and Duncan will be forever etched in my mind. You could tell by the end of the book that Duncan had matured quite alot. He was left with a respect toward Sir Kendrick, and a bit less of a hot head! :) I look forward to the next book in this series, Sir Bentley and the Holbrook Court.
Although I do have to admit, I wonder if Mr. Black will do anything more with Elise and Teara. Do I see a marriege on the horizon? hmmmmm....

This book was clean, the romance was minimal, there was a bit of violence, but nothing disturbing. Overall it is a great book! Its written well, and a rare read of modern day books. Deffentily a must read!