Book Review: The Chestnut Soldier

The Chestnut Soldier
The Chestnut Soldier by Jenny Nimmo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely entranced by every word in this book, and read it all in one sitting!
This last book in the trilogy is told from the perspectives of both Gwyn and Nia, the story weaving around them like a mystical dance. Nia’s long-lost uncle, Evan, is a soldier recovering from being wounded, and he comes to visit her family. But it soon becomes evident that Evan is being used as a pawn in magical warfare, and Gwyn must find a way to convince Nia that something is wrong with her uncle, and get her help in saving Evan from the evil within.

This story is deliciously haunting, unearthly and weird in the magic of myth and legend that comes to life. Every scene is dripping with suspense and hidden meanings, but there’s also humor and brightness that stands out against the dark themes. The writing is absolutely genius! Continue reading

Book Review: The Goddess Test

The Goddess Test
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this retelling of the Persephone story set in the modern day!
Kate’s mother is dying of cancer, so Kate makes a deal with Henry (Hades) that she will undergo seven tests and stay with him in the Underworld for 6 months out of the year as Persephone did, and in return he will keep her mother alive. But some of the gods don’t want her to succeed, and every second she spends in the Underworld, her life is in danger.

I liked Kate’s character immediately. She is a caring and generous person, but she also has a no-nonsense attitude that makes her gutsy and edgy! Her interactions with people were full of humor and just… a realness. She is surrounded by the supernatural, and she has this beautiful raw humanity. She is frail. She is confused. She is awkward at times. Discovering the world of the Greek gods through her eyes, and seeing her develop slowly into a more confident and connected person was simply fascinating. Continue reading

No Longer a Slumdog| Book Review

“He would lock me in a small room with the animals. Days turned into weeks, and my stomach would growl. He never gave me enough to eat,” said Nadish. “Weeks turned into months, and my body would ache. The work was hard, and there was never enough time to rest. Months turned into years, and I began to think that this would never end.”

But through a miraculous event, Nadish found his way back into the loving embrace of his mother. Dr. K.P. Yohannan’s book, No Longer a Slumdog, unveils the true-life accounts of many of South Asia’s children, like Nadish. The message hits hard. He speaks of “winds of change” and a powerful move of God.

The children’s stories tell of going from a life of heartache and poverty to finding joy, laughter and a bright future. Despite the affliction these children face, Yohannan shows us there’s opportunity for change as many find new life in God’s redeeming love.

No Longer a Slumdog inspires faith that a better tomorrow is truly possible.

You can order a FREE copy of this book at http://www.gfa.org/book/

Continue reading

November: Reading Month of Shame

After I filmed this, I realized that it might seem like I am shaming other people who don’t read a ton. Please don’t think that! I’m just disappointed in myself for not reaching my reading goal.
If your reading goal is 2 books per month, then that is awesome!
I would NEVER want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel that their reading goals are inferior in some way.

Also, I’m being a bit facetious when I say November is the “month of shame” or I say that my reading was “pathetic”. I mean that it is not the usual reading standard that I have for myself, NOT for others.
Everybody has their own reading pace and style, and some have more free time in their day to dedicate to reading. We can’t all read the same amount of books; that would be ridiculous! haha!
I love all my dear bookish friends, so please know that I meant no harm in this vid.
God Bless!