Rare Earth - Book review.

This week I finished Davis Bunn's Rare Earth. I loved it. This is the sequel to Lion of Babylon, but you do not have to read that one before enjoying this one.

Mark Royce is always at that center of action and this time it takes him into the heart of Africa. Hurting, dislocated people starving and lacking medical supplies are where he starts, but it goes so much deeper. Why are these people being relocated, and who is relocating them?  Can Mark figure out what is going on and restore a people to their land and help avoid more death and destruction?

I love how Davis writes about other cultures. He always shows such respect when dealing with a way of life that is so different from ours. The character shows grace under fire. He is calm but always willing to do what is needed. A man to be respected. I have enjoyed this particular series.

Bethany House provided me with a copy to review, but my opinions are my own. 

Touching the Sky

Life after the civil war is hard for everyone, Black, white, confederate, union supporter.  Those who fought for the confederacy are struggling not just with returning to normal life, but also with wounded pride. Those who supported the union are having problems as well.  In Corpus Christi, TX those who supported the union are having a hard time reconnecting with people they had known their whole lives. For Laura and her family, a family that supported the union, life is complicated. They wants healing for their city and nation, but many still see them as the enemy.  Add dating into the mix and life is sure to be crazy. Follow the adventures, heartache, and resounding success of Laura and her family in the pages of this book.  

I always love what Tracie Peterson writes, but I have to say that this wasn't my favorite book that she has written. (We are still talking 4 out of 5 stars, just not my favorite of hers). I think it has more to do with the civil war than any of the writing. I feel that pain of brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor so heavily, and that makes it hard to read. In many ways I still see how our nation has to keep healing from scars that we're first inflicted way back then and it is disheartening. I have to remind myself that ultimately the LORD is in control of everything, and loves us each equally and that his love is the only thing that will truly heal. Time does not heal all wounds, God does.   

A review copy was provided to me by the publisher, my opinions are my own.

Fearless - An American Hero

Fearless



This was an amazing true story about one of our country's warriors.  Adam Brown was a SEAL from SEAL team SIX.  He gave his life for his family, his team, and freedom. 

Adam made bad decisions as a late teen, and ended up getting himself addicted to drugs and making all the wrong decisions that go along with that.  He hurt himself, his friends, and his family constantly.  He would be clean for a few days, weeks, or months, and then he would be battling his demons again.  Eventually he realized he had to do something different, and the Navy helped him do that.  He did everything it took to make it as a SEAL and the book chronicles the journey. 

You will cry when you read the book, but it was an amazing journey.  I loved how it showed how Christ can turn life around for a man and his family, and even for our country.  Adam Brown - I look forward to meeting you.  Thank you for your service. 

Thank you for Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.  

Beverly Lewis and her most recent Amish romance.

Amelia takes a wrong turn in the middle of a rainstorm and ends up stuck on a small road with nothing nearby except a small cabin with a young Amish man inside. Luckliy God doesn't make wrong turns. I love to read fiction that stars the Amish people, and Beverly Lewis is a favorite of mine. I don't know her entire relationship with "The People" but she writes like she knows them well. This book, The Fiddler, was great. It drew you in from minute one. Lewis did a wonderful job of drawing parallels in the lives of the two main characters, one english, and the other Amish. They both had to decide what they wanted in their lives, and whose standard they were going to live by. I love that they both choose to follow God, and not necessarily what their Fathers had planned for them, but that they both chose to honor their parents even when they disagreed even if they didn't do exactly as their parents had planned. The fiddling in the book was so well described that I could almost hear the fiddle opening up for Tim McGraw, the violin on center stage, and the peaceful playing in the middle of the field. Both Michael and Amelia had to decide where they were going in life, and how they were going to get there without hurting their families. Amazingly well written story and delightful tale.

Menu Plan Monday!

It's Monday again - Check out all of the meal plans at http://orgjunkie.com
Here's my plan for the next two weeks - now I just have to remember to "work the plan"

Sunday – Spaghetti

Monday – Chicken Tacos  - salsa, chicken, taco seasoning lettuce

Tuesday –  Chicken Parmesan

Wednesday – Church

Thursday – pizza

Friday – Family night

Saturday – pot roast

Sunday – BBQ pork sandwich –

Monday – Fried Chicken Sandwiches -

Tuesday – French Dip – Make Bread and sauce (This recipe is PHENOMENAL - both my husband and Father in Law drool when they hear it mentioned)

Wednesday – Church

Thursday –  ShreddedChicken Nachos -

Friday – Family Night

Saturday – Chili cheese Dogs

Menu Plan Monday

Hey guys - I'm trying to do a quick post, but I'll try to put the links up later. My husband loves the recipes from sweet pea chef, so most of my links are from there this week. Monday - chicken and rice Tuesday - French dip, fruit, chips Wednesday - chicken teriyaki, stir fry veggies, white rice Thursday - finish the roast - either as Philly cheese steaks, or just roast :) Friday - family night Saturday - homemade pizza Sunday - tacos For more great plans check out http://Orgjunkie.com

Chasing the Sun - book review

I got a chance to review a book for Bethany House Publishers this month and I loved it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! I love Tracie Peterson and have enjoyed everything that she has written and this was no different. A family moves to Texas in an attempt to escape the heartache of losing wide and mom, but soon after they move the country is swept up in a civil war. Texas is far away from the initial fighting, but even Texas has its loyalties tested. It was really interesting to view the civil war and the problems with local Indians through Hannah Dandridge's eyes. As a woman raised in Vicksburg,MS, she was loyal to the south, but being in TX where the fighting was a bit distant she had a chance to view and accept both sides, a chance to place her her "loyalty" with humanity. She was raising a brother and sister, twenty years her junior, helping run a ranch and hoping to hear from her family every day, but she held fast to her faith and the knowledge that whatever happened God was still in control. If you enjoy historical fiction and a bit of romance, you too will enjoy this story. Go on, check it out! Chasing the Sun Thank you Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.