Review of The Truth of The Matter!

The Truth of the Matter by Andrew Klavan is the third book in The Homelanders series (you can find my review for the second book here) Charlie West has been running away for so long, from both the law and a group of terrorists. After being prosecuted for the murder of his best friend and losing his memory of the past year, Charlie is finally starting to get answers. However, the knowledge of his past may be more terrible and dangerous than he had ever imagined.

This book was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed the action, the patriotism, and the whole heart of the story. The characters were really down-to-earth, I had no trouble believing the bad guys or the good guys. That’s what got me turning the pages- oh, wow, this could be possible! With that in mind, I grew to experience the adventure along with Charlie. It is so amazing how the threads come together in this story, and I applaud the author for a job well done. 

I couldn’t find anything except for that there is mild violence in this book. Nothing gory or bad, just something some readers may want to be aware of.

All in all, I rate this book five out of five stars. Teens will find this book a wonderful, thrilling read. 

Specifics (from amazon.com):

~ Hardcover: 352 pages

~ Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 2, 2010)

~ Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches

Note: I received this book freely from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only an honest one.

Blessings,

Review of Flight of Shadows

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer is the futuristic story of a government hungry for one girl’s DNA. Caitlyn has always been different, but not until recently has her deformity been a danger to her very life. Caitlyn is forced to go into hiding, fleeing the government agents and scientists determined to do terrible things to her. She soon finds Razor, a mysterious man who is “fast, sharp, and dangerous”. She soon has conflicting feelings about him, but can she truly trust this strange person? As Caitlyn races to find her friends, Billy and Theo, and a safe place, she soon begins to discover the true powers bestowed upon her and the terrible truth of how it occurred.

This book was definitely intriguing. It is very fast-paced with action abounding. The character of Razor I found to be the most interesting of them all, even more so than the protagonist, Caitlyn. He is an illusionist and somewhat slippery character and the author had me guessing until the very end of the book whether or not he was a “good guy” or a “bad guy”.

I have read previous works of Mr. Brouwer, and I have to admit I was slightly shocked at this book. I would recommend his children and teen books such as the Accidental Detectives, Mars Diaries, even Cyberquest. The story of Flight of Shadows is somewhat frightening. I found much violence, gore, and suggestive themes throughout the book. The story moves very fast and the antagonists blended together in the whirlwind of the story and I was confused at times as to who was who. The story of Razor was also very disappointing to me in the end. I would not suggest this book be read by teens and I advise caution to adults.

All in all, I rate this book 1 out of 5 stars. Intriguing idea, but very dark.

Note: I received this book freely from WaterBrook Multanomah Publishers. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only a honest one.

How did I do? Feel free to rank my review!


Blessings,

Review of A Case for Love!

A Case for Love, the final book of the Brides of Bonneterre series by Kaye Dacus, is the story of love and doing what is right, no matter the cost. Forbes Guidry is the high-profile lawyer in town, the son of the owners of a mega-corporation, and also the town’s most eligible bachelor. Alaine Delacroix is the town’s TV news reporter, the daughter of the owners of a small florist shop, and one of the town’s most eligible bachelorettes. They seem like the perfect match, until Alain discovers that Forbes’s family is planning to take over her family’s beloved business and all of the businesses around it. Alaine must find a lawyer who is willing to work for next to nothing and stand up to stop the corporation like David against Goliath. To her surprise, in walks Forbes to take her case. Forbes must decide whether he is willing to sacrifice his reputation, fame, and family in order to do what is right and win Alaine’s heart. 

Will he choose to take a case for love?

This book was absolutely charming. The main characters have genuine struggles throughout the book and I was intrigued by the business and law elements, which is why I read it. I enjoyed the diversity the author was able to display, with the different cultures and monetary backgrounds. 

I did find it slightly dull at times, and I believe it may be because this is the final book of the series and I have not read the first two. It seemed like some background characters were supposed to be important, but I found the portions with them in it a little tedious to read. However, I was able to keep up with the story and grow to love the two protagonists as I read. One thing to be aware of is there is one woman who tries to get Forbes to turn against Alaine by making it seem as if Forbes is cheating on Alaine. 

All in all, I rate this book four stars out of five. 

Specifics (from amazon.com):

~ Paperback: 320 pages

~ Publisher: Barbour Books (February 1, 2010)

~ Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Note: An electronic copy of this book was provided freely to me by NetGalley. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only a honest one. 

Blessings,

Wiped Off of the Face of the Earth???!!!

Okay, so I'm actually surprised I haven't gotten any comments asking where in the world I had disappeared to.

I assure you, I have not died (well, duh, Prism), quit blogging, or been kidnapped by aliens. I've simply been that awful word that is the bane of bloggers...

You got it...

Busy.

Busy-ness is the Bane of Bloggers. Ah, how I love alliteration.

Yep. Prism has been super-duper extra swamped with work and school and all sorts of stuff.

So, my life... Consider this a Randomness Tuesday, since I've missed what, like a bazillion Randomness Fridays?
~*~

School = crazy, crazy, crazy. I have so much work to keep up with, and I'm pretty confidant in saying that this is THE busiest school year of my life thus far. In addition, I've been doing my best to keep up with school activities. I'm the class president this year, and I can assure you, it is no easy task. I've been learning how to balance everything and I hope it all gets better really soon.

On the bright side, school is actually really fun. I've met some awesome people, albeit somewhat crazy, and they keep me from crying laughing all school day. (Joking about the crying part, although sometimes I laugh so much I cry). I've been purposely spending tons of time at school because it is just so much fun and I get a lot done without Blogger, Facebook, or my music to distract me. (Even though the first week of my unofficial break from technology, I was screaming for mercy inside. But it's pretty weird begging for mercy to yourself for yourself, so I soon quit)

Probably why my blogging has decreased, but it's all about priorities.
~*~

Piano= memorizing, memorizing, memorizing. I am actually falling in love for the first time in a long time with Mr. Piano.
And it's all thanks to "Clair de Lune". Now, I'm not one of those people who are crazy about the song because apparently, and I just found this out a week ago, that it's in one of the Twilight movies. (no offense to those that do like it for that reason)
Nay, I have fallen in love with the beauty of the song. The sweeping motions, the calmness, the fluidity of the song just makes me feel so peaceful, warm, happy...
As for the memorizing, I am currently learning/memorizing the first movement of a Mozart Sonata (K.332). I really like it, although it doesn't provoke the emotions Clair de Lune does. However, it is a truly fun song and I will truly be happy when I can sit back and say, "I've finished this song"!
~*~

Unfortunately, I have been unable to keep up with Tae Kwon Do and horseback riding, which are two activities that are absolutely enjoyable, well, at least most of the time. I so miss my time with the horses I ride, even though my favorite, a mare, is going to foal in February so I can't ride her. But just spending time with horses is awesome, so I hope I can go back soon!

~*~

There's a quick update on me. How have y'all been? More reviews to come this week.

Blessings,

Love's Coming Through My Headphones

...because I've been listening to this song all day! Britt Nicole "Headphones", folks! Enjoy!




Blessings,

Review of Uncertain Heart

   Uncertain Heart by Andrea Boeshaar is the story of true love. Sarah McCabe finally has independence from her family and farm life. While she waits to hear from a music academy she applied to, Sarah takes a job as the governess of the children of a wealthy widower, Captain Brian Sinclair. Soon, she is immersed into the life of luxury.
    Richard Navis is one of Captain Sinclair's employees who shows instant kindness towards Sarah and soon befriends her. His charming ways and vibrant personality soon catch the attention of Sarah as her sweet spirit and lovely appearance begins to attract Richard. However, Richard is determined to take over his family's farm once his indentured time with Captain Sinclair is over. Sarah is determined not to marry a farmer. Is there any way to get along?
When the worldly Captain seems to capture Sarah's heart, Richard and Sarah must make decisions that will affect their reputations and possibly the chance of them ever getting married.

This book is so well written. I wanted to be a part of the journey as Sarah goes through the conflicting emotions and the spiritual battle of dealing with Captain Sinclair. Sarah is an excellent protagonist- determined to please God while being fun and sweet. Richard Navis is the "perfect" gentleman though the book points out some faults. This book isn't always sunshine and roses, but it is so real. The characters' points of view were distinct and I never felt as if something couldn't happen in real life.

Some things I would caution readers about is that there are a few kisses and rumors fly about Sarah and the Captain sinning together, though they are false.

All in all, I rate this book four out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 304 pages
~Publisher: Realms (October 5, 2010)
~Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1 inches

Blessings,

Review of Angry

Emma is angry… really angry. Angry by Laura L. Smith is the story of a girl who learns to turn to God and put her complete trust in Him in the midst of a time that is tearing her family apart.

  

Emma thought her life was normal until her parents suddenly get a divorce. Her life suddenly crumbles into pieces and she becomes enraged about her life- her family, her friends, and even herself. Through this hard time, she learns that God is with her, her family, and friends. The drama, literally, of this period of her life ends and as the curtains close, we see beauty through pain.

This book clearly portrays the life of a girl like so many out there. The author’s voice shines as she clearly describes the relatable life of the main character. Emma is real in her likes- she loves acting and singing, and this element adds more depth to the story as it centers on her involvement in a production of Les Miserables. I liked how the author didn’t make the book preachy but didn’t hide the message of the book so much that a reader has to dig to find it. The relationship Emma has with her siblings is also admirable.

Emma is angry in this book, and because of that, she does show disrespect sometimes. Her parents get a divorce because her father has an affair, and the reader finds that Emma had a relationship with a boy that left her scared of a pregnancy in the past. Nothing is discussed other than the fear she had that she could have had a baby. 

All in all, I rate this book three out of five stars. 

Specifics (from amazon.com) :

~Paperback: 160 pages

~Publisher: NavPress (August 24, 2010)

~Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches 

Note: I received this book freely from Navpress for reviewing purposes. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only an honest one. 

Blessings,

Review of The Blue Enchantress!

Hope Westcott's life is about to end when she is suddenly taken captive on a ship and on the auction block as a slave. Her life has been nothing but a mess, her most recent problem being running after a man she wanted to marry to find he was already married. Will she ever find love and forgiveness?

Nathaniel Mason is a strong Christian who is the proud owner of a ship shipping business. When he finds Hope for sale, he remembers his admiration for her and decides to sacrifice for her freedom.

With Hope rescued, it should be a safe trip back home. Or will it?

This book is a tale of redemption, love, and forgiveness. Hope is like so many young woman today- hungry for love but finding anything but. Nathaniel struggles with forgiveness and acceptance, but the reader gets to see him grow in his faith and character. Hope also grows in character and becomes very selfless. I love the adding of a pirate element to this book; it brings so much more character and historical adventure into the story..

This is a book for women, so there may be some things younger gals may not want to read just yet. I advise moms to look over it first. Maybe they can read it with their daughters!

All in all, I rate this book a four out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com) :
~ Paperback: 320 pages 
~ Publisher: Barbour Books; 1 edition (August 1, 2009
~ Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Note: An electronic copy of this book was provided freely to me by NetGalley. I am not obligated to write a positive review- only a honest one. 

Blessings,

In Christ Alone- Owl City

I absolutely love this version. Adam Young has an amazing voice :)

Blessings,