reading
Book Review: Called to Write, Chosen to Publish
Called to Write, Chosen to Publish by Rachael K. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is inspirational and helpful to any writer! The author gives encouragement from their own personal experiences with writing and from Scripture. Each chapter starts with a Scripture verse that has to do with writing in some way, and at the back of the book there is an index of Bible verses that are paraphrased to apply to writing and publishing.
Several chapters focus on writing as a healing exercise and a way to work through your own grief and move past painful experiences. Other chapters talk about worshiping and glorifying God through writing. There’s even a chapter about writing music, which I was happy to see since I’m a pianist!
The author made me think about aspects of writing that I had not truly considered before; like writing with truthfulness even if I’m writing fiction, and writing with grace. I need to learn to trust myself and my writing instincts, and not be such a perfectionist.
This little book really inspired me to write more, to write for God, and to write with abandon and freedom!
Book Review: 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 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/
Describe Me with Books Tag
Christmas Time Book Tag
Hannah’s Bookish Corner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8g77p_h8_U
Questions:
1. Home Alone – A book that made you laugh out loud
2. Let It Snow – a book that you want to cuddle up and drink hot chocolate while reading
3. Fudge – a book rich in detail
4. A Christmas Carol – a book with a character that goes through a drastic, but wonderful change
5. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree- a book that made you want to dance with joy
6. Gingerbread house – a book that was sweetened a lot!
7. It’s a Wonderful Life – a book that made you realize that life is important and meaningful
8. Away in a Manger – a book that helped you to remember the true Meaning of the Season
9. Hot Chocolate – a book that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside
10. What book(s) do you want most for Christmas?
All My Bibles
In this video, let’s take a tour of all the Bibles I own! How many Bibles do you have?
How Reading Affects My Behaviour
Watch to find out just how insane I really am!
Doctor Who Book Tag
Notice that I am wearing a Tardis shade of blue sweater to film the Doctor Who video!
Sabrina at Books and Adventures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kh7c78gm0s
Novels and Nonsense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl2bpkTAoVg&feature=youtu.be&a
Luminous Libro 