A Forgettable Book

T

The Publisher says,"In the summer of 1917 should have been a summer like any other. Stephen Robbins should have been doing the same thing he'd been doing for years past. As a young boy he'd fled his life in a secluded mountain cove and risen through the ranks to become the manager of the South's finest resort, the elegant Mountain Park Hotel. By all rights, he should have spent this summer as host to some of the wealthiest gentry on the East Coast. Hans Ruser, German Commodore of the world's largest and most luxurious cruise liner, Vaderland, should have been sailing yet again with his elite passengers to the far corners of the world. And Anna Ulmann, captivating and beautiful, should have been at home in her New York mansion planning yet another lavish dinner party for her famous husband and his rich and powerful friends. She should have idled away her spare time by taking perfectly staged photographic portraits of the very same people."



I read this book until the middle. I finally gave up reading it. I had a really hard time keeping up with the characters. I also found this book to be very stark. It might have  just not  been my taste. 

 I received this book for my personal opinion from the Turner Publishing Company.

A Devotional Inspired by the Natural Wonders Created by the Almighty

The publisher says "In this weekly devotional, the beloved author Francine Rivers invites you to join her in seeking the Creator through the marvelous natural world we live in. Francine shares observations she’s gathered over a lifetime of exploring―abroad and in her own backyard―and reflects on how they might apply to your daily life. What do the majestic redwoods, the persistent woodpecker, or a glorious sunrise reveal about our artistic and generous God? How could that change your outlook or the way you handle adversity?"


I have to be honest I have looked through this book but have not started using it yet. The pictures are absolutely wonderful. I like the idea that it is a once a week devotional that you can add to. Take for instant you could take the devotional of the Redwoods, start the devotional and then have a nature study of the Redwood forest. I think this will be a great addition to our homeschool. 

Discovering One's Strength in Tribulation

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.


   Shira is from the elite tribe of Levites. Living in the wilderness with the other ancient nation of Israel, Shira is caught in the never ending toil of being a weaver like her mother. If she stays in this profession she will be following her mother who is one of the superior weavers used to make the cloth for the temple. But Shira feels in her heart that Yahweh has called her to be a midwife. There is just something about the wonder of life coming into the world. Yet Shira knows she will be ridiculed because she will never have her own children. When a birth goes terribly wrong Shira is made to promise to take care of three small children. Shira is not sure if she ever wants to be a midwife again. 

  Will Shira be able to find the strength to follow the pat Yahweh has for her? Even more important will Shira ever find a husband who will love her in spite of her issues. 

Connilyn Cossette is a new author to me. I will be putting her at the top of my favorite authors.  I was a little disappointed that I was not aware this was the second book in the series. There was a few things that were alluded to from the first book. 

I received  this book to review by Bethany House Publishers.

Finding Love in the Darkest of Times

Because of Joel’s impossible situation, twenty-one-year-old Rose must sacrifice everything. As days pass into years in the midst of the beautiful hills, the laughter of children, and God’s providence—is it too much for Rose to hope for love in return?
 
Ask me to read anything by Cindy Woodsmall and I will be the first to sign up. This book captured my attention from the first paragraph.

Rose is the only daughter in the family of twelve children. Her family, especially her mother, has always been verbally abusive to her. When Rose is asked by her district Bishop to help a family whose mother just died she has little confidence that she can hold up to the task.

After being asked to be married to the widower, Rose knows this will never be more than a marriage of convenience. If Rose accepts this proposal she knows she will never be able to have love or a family of her own. Will Rose get her Christmas wish?

  

If you would like to know more about Cindy Woodsmall  go to http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/authors/72213/cindy-woodsmall/

I received this book to review from Blogging for Books. 

Choosing to Make God's Love a Part of One's life

In Choose and Choose Again, the reader will encounter story after story of different people, most of whom are from Hope Community Church of Detroit, where Pastor Butcher has been sharing the healing love of God for thirteen years. They represent men and women, African American, Caucasian, Latino, and Asian, urban and suburban, professional types and prostitutes, clergy and addicts, drunks and lawyers and convicts―wounded human beings who have found themselves empty, dying, and longing to be filled.

  I was highly anticipating reviewing this book. I love to read about people's lives that have been changed through Christ. When I started this book I immediately found it very difficult to follow along. I did not know whose lives Mr. Butcher was talking about. I kept reading thinking the book would get easier to follow. But it never did. I would recommend this book for pastors or people who are into bettering others lives. I think this would be a great book for discussion groups. It just wasn't for me.
 I received this book to review by Tyndale House Publishing. I did not receive any compensation to review this book.

Finding Contentment

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?


   I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. I did not realize that this was the second book in the series. When I was asked to review this book I was not made aware of this. I don't usually read books that are not first in the series. Because they are normally a continuance of the first book. I was pleasantly surprised that even though this was the second in the series it was able to stand alone. 

  Mattie's Pledge was a mixture of excitement, intrigue and mystery. It was not like other Amish books. It wasn't all about their religion. It also wasn't about the beautiful girl gets the extra handsome man. Mattie's Pledge brought a sense of excitement by telling the experiences of pioneer life on the trail. It also brought a sense of intrigue by fascinating the reader with the Amish life. Mattie's Pledge also brought a sense of mystery of different things that happened on the trail. This book encourages readers to keep their promises even if it means giving up what a person would like to do instead. 

I received this book from Revell for this review.

The Help and Love of Animals

The editor says, " After years of loving the vibrant city life in San Francisco, Lonnie Hull DuPont reluctantly trades her three-room apartment on foggy, lively Telegraph Hill for a farmhouse on a quiet plain in Michigan. She immediately misses the rhythm and the pace of the city, and the isolation country living brings has her longing for something more.

Enter Kit Kat and Lucy--stray cats who arrive at the farmhouse a year apart and each ask to move in. The antics and oddities of these two strong personalities wrapped in fur bring a new light to the farmhouse and DuPont's life. Kit Kat, an obsessive-compulsive tortoiseshell, can purr her new human into a happier state of mind. Lucy, the playful, leaping Russian Blue who can nail a bat right out of the air, makes her laugh.

From the hysterical process of getting two strange cats to like each other, to the exciting years of watching those cats thrive--and inspire DuPont in the process--this book is an energetic tale of cat and human foibles. Animals enrich our lives, and the heartwarming story of how Kit Kat and Lucy changed one woman's world will leave readers enchanted."

 I wanted to review this book because I love animal stories. I was utterly impressed. From the first page I could relate to the author and her love for her animals. I could also relate to the issues of her anxiety and how animals can relieve this. I do agree with Ms. Dupont that animals can relieve a lot of different ailments. People have lost touch with nature. They are now more dependent on drugs than on the companionship of animals. It is too bad that we lose our companions so early.  I would recommend this book for people who love animals and for those who don't. 

A Fantastical Color Book

The Publisher says, " This one-of-a-kind book offers you the opportunity to collaborate with d’Errico, adding your colors to her gorgeous black and white linework. Featuring everything from haunting and surreal character portraits to pages filled with patterns and designs all rendered in d’Errico’s inimitable style, Pop Manga Coloring Book is guaranteed to provide hours of coloring fun and excitement."


I chose this color book to review because I thought the cover looked  like the game "Zelda" by Nintendo. I love to look at these color books. This has to be one of the cutest ones I have ever reviewed. I was inspired to color a few of these pictures. I don't even like to color. These pictures I think would also look special as a black and white wall hanging. 

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

An Uplifting Group of Stories

The Publisher says "A Heartwarming Story Collection of Children's Encounters with God, Angels, and Miracles

Children have a special place in Jesus' heart. He said they are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and their angels continually see the face of God. Perhaps that's why children seem to be more receptive to supernatural experiences than adults.

This new collection reveals how God works in the lives of these precious little ones. It contains the touching true stories of children who have heard Jesus speak, encountered angels, and experienced miracles. We could all use more childlike faith, and these stories "from the mouths of babes" will encourage readers to be open to hear from the Lord in a fresh, sweet, and pure way.

   First off I have to say I am very conservative about people seeing Angels. So I was a little cautious about reading this book. I was surprised to find how enjoyable this book was to me. I liked how it kept my interest with each story being so different. I feel like this book would be an asset to a person's devotional life. I also think that the stories would be a great addition to Family devotions since this is a book for everyone. It is a book to uplift a person's spirits everyday.  It will certainly increase a individuals' faith.  If we come to Christ as little children we might see a true miracle in our lives. 

       

A Superb Forensic Thriller

The Publisher says: 

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.

     I am a utter  fan of forensic science. So when I was asked to review this book of course I said yes. Carrie Stuart Parks was a new author to me. So I didn't know if I would like this book. I was pleasantly surprised. This book kept me on my toes. It had an abundance of thrills, romance, and intrigue. Usually I can figure out who is the culprit. But Ms. Parks had me guessing to the end. This book is  part of a series. But it definitely could stand on its own. I will absolutely be putting Ms. Parks on my list of favorite authors. 

Doodling Fun

The Publisher says:

The world's bestselling author of drawing and cartooning books, Christopher Hart, will show you all the interactive, artistic possibilities offered by doodling, designing, and coloring using characters, scenes, and crafts from the world of manga in Doodletopia: Manga.

Unlike other doodle books that leave you stranded, with no help at all, Doodletopia: Manga pairs fun doodle-based activities with the sort of insightful (and laugh-out-loud funny) advice and tips that countless readers have come to expect from cartooning master Christopher Hart. 

From dressing up super-cute chibis to designing your own manga mazes to completing manga scenes and making manga-inspired crafts like bookmarks, stationery, and more, the opportunities for creative expression are endless. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your pencils, pens, markers, or crayons, and start doodling!


  If you like to draw Manga figures you will like this doodle book. Christopher Hart shows you step by step how to draw people, animals, and other manga characters. I am not very good at drawing things but Mr. Hart shows drawing in such a way that even I could draw these characters. Using his techniques one could use it to draw anything around them. My daughter, who can usually only draw stick figures, drew wonderful Manga characters using Mr. Hart's expertise. I caught my daughter getting out this book all the time. Most the time she bulks at drawing or writing. 

 I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Not a Disappointment

The Publisher says:

Bessie is shocked when she finds out that her sister Lenore has used her name to correspond with a soldier she's never met—and that she’s actually married the man by proxy with Bessie’s name. And if Bessie contests it, her sister could go to jail for forgery. Bessie has always felt responsible for her younger sister, and she believes she has no choice but to do the honorable thing and travel west to meet up with Jasper Mendenhall.

With his sister Jessica’s reprimand about marrying sight-unseen still ringing in his ears, Jasper is shocked when he meets the stagecoach. The little wren who meets him is not the beauty whose picture he holds in his hand. Jasper plans to annul the marriage and send Bessie back to Boston. She’s a city girl and he’s not sure she could even survive—much less be happy—at Fort Bowie.

But Jasper’s orders to return to Fort Bowie are moved up, and he has no choice but to take Bessie with him. To his surprise, he finds much to like in the quiet young woman: things like humor and grit. But even those qualities may not be enough as the Apaches move in, determined to eradicate the fort in their midst. Can God mend their hearts together in spite of the circumstances?

  First off I have to say when I was asked to review this book by Colleen Coble it was a no brainer to me. I have not read a book by Colleen Coble that I did not like. This book was not a disappointment. I read this book in about five days. I was really unsure about reading it. Because I thought it was going to be another sappy love story. But I was wrong. There was a lot of action, surprises, and disappointments. I would recommend this book to all ages. It shows that looks can be deceiving and God answers prayers if you are faithful to him. 

I was given this book to review and was not compensated in any way by the publisher.

A Superb Game for Pun Lovers

From the daughter-father duo that created Brooklyn's beloved live pun competition comes Punderdome, the "Punderful card game [that] will replace Cards Against Humanity at your next party" (Mashable.com).

My children and husband love to make puns. So I knew I would have to review this game. This game was a little slow starting. Because they were having a hard time putting two words together to make a silly pun. It helped to have a sample pun to start out. After playing for a few minutes my kids and husband were having a wonderful time. There was a lot of moans and groans from such corny puns. But it turned out to be a delightful experience. The only negative I would have to say is the paper included was too small to write puns on. So you will need regular sheets of paper. This game would be a great game for schools, homeschools, or co-ops. It would get students' minds going before school began. 

I was given this game to review and was not compensated by the publisher.

Quitting Is an Option

Women know that raising children will be different from climbing the corporate ladder. But nothing can truly prepare them for the mind-muddling world of motherhood. It doesn't take long for a new mom to question whether her tyrannical, diapered boss really understands her value to the organization. Because honestly? She's not always sure herself.

Part of the title of this book is "Quitting is not an option". I have to say I had to quit after chapter 10. I had a really hard time keeping up with Sarah Parshall Perry. One minute she was doing one thing then in the next paragraph she was at a different job or place in her life. She kept giving different scenarios and I was never sure if it was her or someone else's life. I understood that she was trying to give hope to moms that the way they parent is different from anyone else and that it was okay. But I found this book very confusing in a lot of areas. 

I was given this book to review by the publisher and was not paid or compensated in any way.

A Tedious and Dry Work about Angels

"Myths about angels are everywhere. Do we become angels when we die? Are angels always hovering nearby, on guard to protect us from danger? Can we talk to them? Many of our ideas about angels come from the media, which is more interested in ratings and ticket sales than truth. As Christians it's important to understand what angels really are," says Bethany House Publishers.

  I was really hoping that this book would give me more insight into the nature of Angels. I found this book to be very hard to follow and a very tedious read. I think this book would be fantastic for someone who is into deep meaningful Bible studies. This also would be a wonderful book for Pastors who want to do a sermon on Angels and their roles in Christian lives.

I was given this book for review and not for monetary reasons by the publisher. 

Triumph in the Midst of Chaos

"A heartwarming coming-of-age story, All But Normal is a powerful reminder that sometimes the “broken” people in our lives are the ones who need fixing the least," says Kirkus Reviews.

  This is one of those books that grabs your attention from the first page. It is a exultant story of overcoming ones difficulties and realizing God's plan in the midst of everything. 

  Shawn Thornton grew up in a Christian but flawed household. Shawn's mother, "Bev" Thornton, was a bright and intelligent teenager who was in a terrible car accident caused by Shawn's father. This left her with a traumatic brain injury. Doctor's at the time did not understand this sort of injury. Medicine just assumed that people with traumatic brain injuries would just get better or were mentally handicapped. Shawn's mother would be fine one minute and then throwing, yelling or basically making everyone in the household miserable. In the midst of this Bev loved the Lord and was a blessing to other handicapped or less desirables in society. Through all of this turmoil at home Shawn and his brother found God had a purpose for all the tragedies in their lives. 

 I received this book for review and was not monetarily compensated by the publisher. 

A Fresh Version of the Bible using American History

" Discover how biblical virtues in the powerful words and actions of extraordinary American women past and present have shaped our blessed American way of life. By their examples you can develop the same strength of biblical character in your own life. Whether you are a daughter, a mother or a grandmother, you will find this Bible an encouraging and powerful companion for daily living," says Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

  I received this Bible to review. I was greatly surprised by the wealth of information about American women through America's history. A lot of these women I had never heard of.  I loved the different quotes, stories of virtues, and history of different eras in American History. I also liked how each book of the Bible was prefaced by the history, times, and author of each book of the Bible. I don't usually read the King James Version but I liked to learn the history of the King James Version. I also liked the patriotic aspect of this Bible. With July 4th coming it was a refreshing reminder of our American Heritage. 

  I was given a review copy for my honest opinion and received no other compensation. 

A Narrative of a Little Street in China

Street of Eternal Happiness is one of those books you will want to read again.

  A tale of 21st century China, Street of Eternal Happiness profiles China’s distinct generations through multifaceted characters who illuminate an enlightening, humorous, and at times heartrending journey along the winding road to the Chinese Dream. Each story adds another layer of humanity and texture to modern China, a tapestry also woven with Schmitz’s insight as a foreign correspondent. The result is an intimate and surprising portrait that dispenses with the tired stereotypes of a country we think we know, immersing us instead in the vivid stories of the people who make up one of the world’s most captivating cities writes the Publisher. 

 When I received this book from the publisher to do a review for my blog I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I am so glad I took a chance and read it. I was able to keep up with the different characters in the book by the way the author told their individual stories. . I liked how Schmitz kept you interested by interweaving the lives of the characters from their past to their present. I also liked how the author was able to tell this story from interacting with these different families. He did not just go to their houses to get a story but became their friend and confidant. Street of Eternal Happiness is one of those books you will want to read again.

  I received this book to review and was not compensated in anyway. 

A Delightful Way to Introduce Toddlers to the Bible

   Parents love introducing their favorite Bible stories to young children, and this book of Bible favorites is the perfect way to share these timeless stories with kids. This book features some of the most popular stories from the Bible with short text and bright art, perfect for little ones’ attention spans. With a padded cover and a purple plastic carry-me handle, this book is easy for kids to take on the go. This low-priced book would make a wonderful gift for children and grandchildren!

Bible stories include: Adam and Eve, Noah’s ark, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jonah, Jesus’ birth, Jesus’ miracles, death, and resurrection.

  This adorable book is a great way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the Bible. I love that the book has a handle and that the cover is padded. The filled cover would be comfortable for young children to hold. The pictures would be fun for little children to look at while the parent reads the Bible stories. The only drawback to this book is there is no way to keep the book shut while the child is carrying it. 

  I was given this book for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Three Reasons This is a Wonderful Electronic Game Based on God's Word

  Where does God's Word fit in a gaming world? "Right in the middle of it!” say Tyndale House Publishers and Scarlet City Studios. The two organizations have formed an exciting partnership to bring the gospel story to young gamers. Tyndale's new Aetherlight Bible releases this summer and is built around themes from the new action-adventure online game The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance. 

  I was given the opportunity for my daughter to review this game for three days. It is geared for the pre-teen age group. That was the first thing that impressed me about this game. Most games are geared to younger ages or teens. Secondly I knew my daughter was safe playing this game because it is based on God's word. The third reason I think this is a marvelous game is my daughter was excited to play this for the three days we had to review it. It saddened her that she could not continue to play without paying. 

  I asked my daughter's opinion on this game. This was her stance on the game. She thought that it was an awesome, addictive game. She gave it 5 stars out of 5 stars. She thought that it was exciting that the game was about fighting robots and going on different missions. The only thing that was negative to her was the game glitched a lot. She feels that all pre-teens would love to play this. 

   Here is the link for the trailer to the game. 

  Here also is the link to the YouVersion Reading plan. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2444-the-aetherlight-episode-1-family-plan?id=2444-the-aetherlight-episode-1-family-plan

  Finally here is the link to the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/theaetherlight/?fref=ts

I was given this game trial to review by Tyndale House publishers. 

An Intimate Look in the Midst of a Family's Tragedy

“What if a wheezing, sneezing, allegedly house-trained, ticking time bomb of an orphan pug is the key to helping a family feel at home again, after an arsonist set their house—and life—on fire? If you asked me, I would have said it’s a bad idea; we can do better. Unfortunately no one asked me, and The Pug List is my family’s story.”

In the fire’s aftermath of insurance battles royal, rebuilding plans, parenting in the face of life’s hard questions and a scorching case of post-traumatic stress, now is absolutely the worst possible time to adopt a dog. But to Alison’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, it’s the perfect time—and The Relentless Campaign begins.

Until one day Alison peeks inside Eden’s diary—dubbed “The Pug List”—and realizes in one fell swoop that her girl’s heart is on the line, and resistance is futile (“The pugs make me happy FOREVER.”).

Enter “Outrageous” Oliver, and the hilarity, healing, and irresistible hope that follows.

   

   The Pug List was a well written book by Alison Hodgson. This book grabbed my attention from the first page. Alison Hodgson described how each Hodgson family member came to terms with the tragic loss of their home. She also described how the family came together by relying on God, other family members, friends and even strangers. Alison Hodgson wrote in intimate detail the anger, hurt, and despair that their whole family felt. She also wrote in detail of the different traits that they had in looking for a dog and how the dog they chose was not anything like their list. But how this dog named Oliver became a saving grace to all of them. 

   If you are looking for a book with unrealistic emotions than this book is not for you. I really liked this book for its raw emotions and details that showed that we and our pets are created to bring glory to God. 

      

A Fantastic Sport Story Set in the Racially Divided South

  More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White is another inspiring story by Ken Abraham. 

      By 1970, racial tension was at a breaking point in the southern town of Gallatin, Tennessee. Desegregation had emotions running high. The town was a powder keg ready to 
erupt. But it was also on the verge of something incredible. Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon were boys growing up on opposite sides of the tracks who shared a passion for basketball. They knew the barriers that divided them--some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart--but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill entered the rigors of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill--and transform their town.

  This book grabbed my attention from page one. It was a fantastic read set in the late 1960's through 

the early 1970's. Tensions were high in the racially divided
town of Gallatin, Tennessee. But Ed Sherlin 

and Bill Ligon did not see color. All they could see was their love of basketball. Through their love of basketball and their childlike faith they were able to see each other as equals. They were also able to bring equality to their town because of this faith and love. This was an absolutely inspiring story that had me cheering along with these men 

and their town. 

    I received a copy of this book to review from Revell Books.l

    

    

   

4 Painstaking Reasons Why This was a Hard to Read Book

    

     Evicted, by Matthew Desmond, is a heartbreaking book, that takes us into the poorest neighborhoods of Milwaukee to tell the story of eight families on the edge. Arleen is a single mother trying to raise her two sons on the $20 a month she has left after paying for their rundown apartment. Scott is a gentle nurse consumed by a heroin addiction. Lamar, a man with no legs and a neighborhood full of boys to look after, tries to work his way out of debt. Vanetta participates in a botched stickup after her hours are cut. All are spending almost everything they have on rent, and all have fallen behind. 
  Matthew Desmond is an American sociologist and urban ethnographer. He is currently the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and Co-Director of the Justice and Poverty Project. The author of several books, including "On the Fire line"(award winning), Racial Domination, Racial Progress, and Evicted.

 All of these books have good and bad reviews. Some reviewers really liked his open candor. While others felt he was too frank and impartial.

In Evicted I had four reasons why I could not get past the tenth chapter.  The first and key reason was baffling. This was a very confusing book. The 
paragraphs and chapters jumped from landlords to tenants. I wish Mr. Desmond had a summary of characters to refer back to.

 The second reason was the bleakness of the situations these 
people were in without any help from the court system, friends, 
family, or employers.
 The third reason I had a hard time was the maltreatment of single parents, disabled, illiterate, and elderly. I could not continue to read 
how the movers and sherriff deputies would laugh at these people's misfortunes.

The fourth and final reason was the deceitfulness of the landlords, lawyers, and the court personal. The judges, landlords, and, court personal would make sure that the renters would not show up by not giving these people sufficient notice. The landlords would then quickly move in like vultures and evict these people. So they could rent at higher prices.

  I received this book for review from Blogging for Books.

  
     
   

A Brilliant Adult Color Book

   Wonderland: A Coloring Book by Amily Shen follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book.  Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.

   I loved this wonderful color book. It was full of detailed intricate drawings. It was not only a book to color but mazes to follow, and hide and seek pictures. It also put a whole new modern twist on the classic Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I think all ages would love this. But I think teenagers and adults would like it best.

    I received this as a review book from Blogging for Books.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

  The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly? by Matt McCarthy is the story of a man who 

dreamt of being a different kind of doctor—the sort of mythical, unflappable physician who could reach unreachable patients. But when a new admission to the critical care unit almost died his first night on call, he found himself scrambling. Visions of mastery quickly gave way to hopes of simply surviving hospital life, where confidence was hard to come by and no amount of med school training could dispel the terror of facing actual patients.

   I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. It was full of drama, laughter, sorrows, and happiness. I felt like I was an onlooker to the workings of a hospital. This book also made me want to look at what defines a person not just their circumstances. It also taught me to never give up in the face of adversity.

    I was given this book to review by blogging for books. 

   

A Harrowing and Heartbreaking Story

                                                                
      Five Days at Memorial, the culmination of six years of reporting, unspools the mystery of what happened in those days, bringing the reader into a hospital fighting for its life and into a conversation about the most terrifying form of health care rationing.


   This Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink  takes you through the trials of what it was like trying to keep a hospital running with the barest essentials and in the face of imminent danger. It is about people who had to make decisions they should have never had to make. Five Days at Memorial helps you to look deep within yourself and question if you would be strong enough to make decisions in the face of a crises. Knowing that there will be people who don't understand and will be defaming your name.


   Five Days at Memorial was well written and a great book to read if you like medical and legal issues. I personally had a hard time keeping up with all of the different people in the book. I was given this book to review by Blogging for Books.

Painstaking History of Estranged Grandparents

      A young woman moves across an ocean to uncover the truth about her grandparents' mysterious estrangement and pieces together the extraordinary story of their wartime experiences
 
In 1948, after surviving World War II by escaping Nazi-occupied France for refugee camps in Switzerland, the author's grandparents, Anna and Armand, bought an old stone house in a remote, picturesque village in the South of France. Five years later, Anna packed her bags and walked out on Armand, taking the typewriter and their children. Aside from one brief encounter, the two never saw or spoke to each other again, never remarried, and never revealed what had divided them forever.

     This book started out very interesting. But I quickly became disallusioned with it. The author kept switching between periods of her life with different grandparents. Then she would switch conversations with different grandparents. She would also bring in different characters. Which made me keep searching the book to find out who they were supposed to be. I found it to be very tedious to read. I would not recommended this book unless you like to search through a book. 

     I received this book from Blogging for Books as a review copy.

     

Another Beautiful and Magical Color Book

  
The Time Chamber is the second book in the bestselling Time coloring series features the voyage of a fairy who, when the cuckoo clock chimes midnight, enters the human world.
 To the tiny fairy, everything seems enormous and magical, 
from the curtains to the chandelier to a mystical rowboat that takes her further into an inky adventure. With her she packs her favorite items, which colorers can find throughout the book’s pages: an owl-feathered pen, a star-scented spray, a time tape measure…even the key to the time chamber itself!


 I received the Time Chamber by Daria Song to review. I was not disappointed again. I felt like the beautiful illustrations 
were even better than the first book, The Time Garden. I love 
the story line. It keeps your attention even though there isn't any words. I also like all the little details. It almost reminds me of a seek and find book.  I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

  You can go on here for an excerpt from the first two Time coloring series. http://www.readitforward.com/time-garden-time-chamber/