Book Review: "Forever Friday"

Before reading, please note that I received Timothy Lewis' "Forever Friday" as an advanced copy and is not available for purchase until September 17, 2013.

I found this book to be a very easy read filled with messages of everlasting love and hope. I immediately fell in love with the story of Gabe and Huck's relationship, from beginning to end. However, I found the Narrator to be a character that this book should have done without.

I couldn't appreciate the narrator with his decision to take the postcards away from the family of Gabe and Huck to use for his own personal quest. I felt that this character was spying on a love story that he was never meant to see, and the conversations with the couple's house keeper felt forced and unnatural. The story would have been much more appreciated had the narrator been a member of the family, or even the house keeper herself. The chosen narrator was a huge distraction to the story.

That being said, I did very much enjoy reading the love between Gabe and Huck. It's a love I have grown to become jealous of, and hope for something like that of my own one day. My only actual complaint was that there weren't more pieces of their life shared with the reader.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I think it is safe to say it has earned a spot in my personal library.

I received this book through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a complete and honest review.

For more information, please visit the following links:
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Book Review: "The Fourth Fisherman"

I was not expecting a lot from this book when I first selected to read it, but it left me filling quite fulfilled after I finished reading it. "The Fourth Fisherman" was so much more than a well written book with a captivating story, it was successfully told story of a man on his quest to find God. In the past, I've read a number of stories that have dealt with this important subject, and I found this one to be more unique than any others I've come across. However, I am not entirely praising this story, as I was disappointed with the way in which the author presented himself.

I get it, finding God is something that is incredibly personal, and something that has the potential to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. My problem with this area lies in the fact that the author had this whole "Better than everybody" attitude that I didn't appreciate. I enjoyed reading about his quest, but when he boasted about having a great life, and then comparing himself to poor fishermen, I was left with a poor tasting feeling in my mouth. It didn't really seem that the author truly understood the purpose of finding God.

Regardless of my feelings for the author and his attitude, this is a book I found to be worth the read. I was able to understand myself more, and how to become closer with God. I may not agree with how the author compared himself to situations he clearly didn't understand. It made me appreciate what I have more, and helped me to understand how to help my own personal quest. 

It's worth the read, just don't expect to feel close to the author.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Blogging for Books program.

For more information, please visit one of the following links:
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Book Review: "Fortress of Mist"

When I first found out that Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Instruments" was being followed by a sequel, I very impatiently waited for my copy to arrive. However, my anticipation was not met with the excitement I had built up for it. It wasn't bad, and I'm not complaining about the story or trying to discourage potential readers from engaging with it. My problem really revolved around the fact that the book seemed to be incredibly slow in the beginning. I'm an avid reader, and when books start off slow, I tend to lose hope in them very quickly. I am glad, however, I stuck with this book as it did grow on me as time went on and the page numbers grew higher and higher. While I would not recommend reading this book without reading the first in the series, I would recommend this to those looking for an adventure in an ancient land.

If you are interested in learning more about this book, you can check out the book's purchasing page by clicking here.

Please note I receive my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Blogging for Books program.

Book Review: "Clouds"

My review for Robin Jones Gunn's "Clouds" is more of a critique of her writing style rather than the actual contents of the book. I was a little weary when I chose this book as its description didn't seem like something I would care for. More specifically, the story of childhood friends breaking a relationship as they part their separate ways just doesn't do it for me. Although I can relate to this topic, it's not something I enjoy reading about.

I expected a writing style similar to that of an immature teenage girl complaining of her love life woes. While the writing did come off as flowery, it was calming and easy to read. I felt as though Gunn was welcoming her readings into a story, rather than just telling them one. I did appreciate that the religious tone in this book was not preachy and did not make me feel uncomfortable.

I don't feel that I can offer an unbiased review of the story itself as it's not one of my favorite genres, but the writing style was more than enjoyable.

Please note that I received my copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review through the Blogging for Books program.

For more information on this book, please click here.

Book Review: "Fearless"

If you are looking to get and in-depth look at what it is like to be a United States Navy SEAL, please take note this Eric Blehm's "Fearless" is something completely different. Rather than insight into the Navy SEAL mindset, this book follows Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown from childhood to his heroic, but early, death.

I was amazed at how deep the author was able to look into the life of Adam Brown. It was great to see somebody come from rock bottom to an admirable Navy SEAL. I know there are a number of people who feel that Adam Brown's past should have kept him out of the SEALs, but I am honored that this country was protected by such a great man. Despite being in a war zone, Adam Brown still found time to care for the innocent children - I don't think many people would be able to accomplish such a feat.

I feel it necessary to add that even though much of Brown's spiritual journey was discussed, it was in no way preachy. I would have lost respect for the story if the goal was to convert readers, rather than share the life story of an amazing man.

Although I did absolutely love and admire this book, it was difficult at times to follow. The author's writing style did not flow as well as it could. At times, it was very confusing as to who Blehm was talking about as he did often discuss another person other than Adam Brown. A closer edit would make this book flow so much more nicely.

That being said, I offer my deepest condolences for the family of Adam Brown.

It would have been an honor to have met him.

Please note I received my copy of "Fearless" free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

I highly suggest taking the time to read this book's first chapter. Please find it by clicking here.

Book Review: "A Clearing in the Wild"

Although this book was not one of the best I have ever been fortunate to read, Jane Kirkpatrick's voice in "A Clearing in the Wild" was beautifully stunning. I immediately fell in love with the way in which this novel was written; it feel trustworthy.

Through no fault of the author, this novel's story was not the best fit for me. Although I was able to graciously appreciate the authenticity of the novel, I couldn't get into what felt to me like a religious cult with a leader I probably would not have respected. At the same time, I understand this book isn't set in 2013, but rather a time in which groups like these were more accepted.

Despite the fact that this novel wasn't one I would normally read, I did think it was well written and very well researched by the author. I wouldn't recommend this book to my friends as we share a similar taste in literature, but I would say that for some people, this is definitely worth a read.

Please note that I received "A Clearing in the Wild" free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

To decide whether or not this book is for you, please find more information by clicking here.