Category Archives: Uncategorized

The End Of The Magi

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Carr, Patrick W. The End Of The Magi. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Though facing adversity from several different angles, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, joins the caravan of Wisemen following the star leading to the Christ Child. In a Biblically-based novel, The End Of The Magi traces the journey from a unique, thought-provoking perspective. While set in motion many years earlier, the current timetable of the story takes place just before the birth and includes some very personal events and challenges which Myrad must encounter. Complete with Bible verses, accuracy and historical relevance, author Patrick W. Carr pens a Christmas story that intrigues, teaches and explores the coming of the Messiah.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Perfect for the upcoming Christmas season, The End Of The Magi is so much more than just a light seasonal story. Never having read anything from this author previously, I was unsure what to expect other than a Biblically historical novel. Already familiar with the Wisemen’s story, I was ready for the altering message which actually caused me to consider variances to the usual story told. Though it took me a bit to really appreciate Patrick Carr’s writing style, I was soon able to grasp the flow and immerse myself in the book. Having now read it, I must admit I will pay a bit more attention to the Bible story this season rather than just accepting what was already familiar. Definitely a book to read; definitely an author I will read again.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The End Of The Magi from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

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The Tinderbox

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Lewis, Beverly. The Tinderbox. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Sylvia Miller has always had a curious side but she may have allowed it to go too far this time. Sneaking a peek into her Dat’s tinderbox, Sylvia discovers a secret she may regret finding. Struggling with the secret she now carries, Sylvia watches as the secret disrupts relationships, family, beliefs, and trustworthiness, yet brings forth forgiveness, redemption, sincerity and strength. Rooted by both pain and joy, faith becomes important. Written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Beverly Lewis, her newest novel is filled deeply with emotion.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having grown up near the Amish farmland and thus, very familiar with the Amish cultures, author Beverly Lewis shares that knowledge in her newest book, The Tinderbox. Having met the Miller family in previous books, it was nice to catch a glimpse of them again, yet this story stands alone and will actually be followed by a sequel due out this September, The Timepiece. With a fulfilling storyline in this novel while also leaving enough of a cliffhanger to make waiting for the next a bit difficult, though the Amish genre is not my most favorite, I was engaged enough to likely read the follow-up in fall. Liking this author’s smooth, graceful, calm writing style, at the same time, my interest was captured enough by some mystery and suspense that I read straight through to the end. Writing since the age of nine, Beverly Lewis has certainly earned her award winning title.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Tinderbox from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith

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Short, Laurie Polich. 40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Filled with 40 scripture verses from the Bible that may not be the most memorized, repeated, nor tagged, 40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith takes a deeper peek at these verses and provides context, thoughtful insights, and lots of encouragement. Just a few pages in length, each verse is included along with a few bullet points and reflections. As an author, speaker, and being active in ministry, Laurie Polich Short offers wisdom, hope, and understanding in the journey of deeper faith.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Taking verses that are not quite as well know nor used, 40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith is well organized, easy to read, and provides plenty of thought- provoking occasions, especially as struggles and challenges are faced. Perfect for a group or personal devotion, definitely appropriate for a church library, sure to be appreciated as a gift, and perhaps even fitting as a sermon topic, I only wish it had been a tad-bit longer to use as a weekly devotional for a year. Certainly a book I would recommend as well as one I plan to use.

RATING: 4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of 40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Secrets at Cedar Cabin

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Coble, Colleen. Secrets at Cedar Cabin: Lavender Tides- Book 3. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Literally running for her life, Bailey Fleming flees Michigan to the safety of Cedar Cabin in Lavender Tides. Not quite sure how she truly fits in, nor even for sure her true identity, Bailey soon discovers even Cedar Cabin may not be safe. Meeting FBI agent Lance Phoenix, who believes she may be involved in illegal activity, Bailey must decide if she can help Lance find his missing sister, if she can protect herself from a murderer out to find her, and if she needs to keep track of her heart in the process…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As usual with author Colleen Coble, the action and suspense begins right from the start of the story and Secrets at Cedar Cabin is no exception. Full of identity mysteries, a murderer at large, a missing teenager, a human trafficking ring, suspicious activity and evolving emotions, Secrets at Cedar Cabin is an attention-grabber ensuring late reading into the night. As book 3 in the Lavender Tides series, I did not have a problem following the storyline though I haven’t read all of the previous novels. Definitely an author I read often, I will continue to look for new books from this author as well as continue with this series.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Secrets at Cedar Cabin from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Earth Psalms

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Rivers, Francine. With Buursma, Karin Stock. Earth Psalms: Reflections On How God Speaks Through Nature. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2016.

earthpsalms

SUMMARY:
Paired with beautiful photographs of nature, Earth Psalms is filled with 52 devotions celebrating God and His world. Each three page devotion offers a thought linked to a Bible verse. With reflections, applications and reconnections with God included in each section, several of the accompanying pictures also share a brief tidbit on the topic. Wonderfully encased in hardcover with a golden ribbon bookmarker, this stunning devotional by New York Times bestselling author, Francine Rivers, speaks directly to the heart.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Gold trimmed, glossy paper and colorful borders throughout the book lend to the overall beautiful feel of this new devotional. Based on nature (pets, wildlife, landscapes, plants), it was perfect. Pleasing for personal use, it would also work well for a Bible study, youth ministry, church library or an attractive gift. Expecting nothing less from this author, she delivered yet again in her newest book, albeit a different genre than her usual. Gorgeous! (See below for author information)

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Earth Psalms from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review*

francine-rivers

Biography

“New York Times” best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote “Redeeming Love” as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since “Redeeming Love,” Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

The Desire

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Walsh, Dan. Smalley, Gary. The Desire: The Restoration Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell. 2014.

SUMMARY:
desireThe intense desire to have a child of their own is emotionally taxing on Alan and Michele’s marriage, finances, time and energy. Though torn by differing passions, they realize God may have a surprise plan for them if they could only learn to trust with their hearts…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Emotionally demanding, this book jostles heart-strings probably very familiar to many. Not just about having a child, this story also demonstrates the necessity of following and trusting in God’s plan…wherever that may lead. Descriptions of missions, poverty and orphans commingle gracefully within the storyline. Full of compassion, faith, truth and hope, this novel works well as a stand-alone although it is also part of the Restoration Series. Having never read another part from that series, I may return and read the others to fill in the pieces I did not realize I was missing. Included at the close of the book is an interview between the authors- very insightful! Well written novel on an emotional subject.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Desire from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Introducing the newest member of Savurbks…

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blazeMeet our newest Savurbks blog book reviewer…Blaze (a rescued eight-month-old German Shepard/ Great Pyrenees mix). Blaze has eagerly been “devouring” the books (via chewing corners of library books) and “savoring” the books (via drooling on the pages). His favorite genre is “doggy cooking”; thus, the reason my freezer is full of frozen Kong toys, liverwurst treats and peanut butter (aka a “Doggy Delicatessen”).

Just wanted to let you know that Savurbks is still reading and reviewing books (without the chew and drool) albeit just a little slower.

Would love to hear any puppy stories you may share; I know I will have more time in the future to read again (right?).