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The Trail Rules
Melanie Hooyenga
2018 Silver Medal
281 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
The Trail Rules is the second book in The Rules teen romance series by Melanie Hooyenga. Sixteen-year-old Mikayla “Mike” Westin has great friends and a supportive boyfriend, but lacks confidence following some serious social drama at school last year. During summer break, her boyfriend Evan trained Mike in the sport of trail biking and their romance flourished. Or did it? As Mike starts the eleventh grade, she’s under pressure from her parents to focus on academics, but the drama continues at school. Mike breaks up with Evan and begins riding with a new group of biking enthusiasts, including Mica, a senior at another school. Will matters improve for Mike at home, at school, and on the bike trail? And is a new romance in her future?
In The Trail Rules, Hooyenga gives us an expertly-written, well-paced narrative and a fascinating and well-developed cast of teen and adult characters. On its surface, it’s a simple romance that incorporates high school social drama with personal growth through the physical, emotional, and mental challenge of a sport. Mike is a very likable teen who hasn’t yet found her own path or her inner courage. As she gains experience on the bike, she devises ten (plus one) “trail rules,” which also help her face the challenges of life. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of the Ethics class and teacher, and the sensitive way the strain between Mike and her parents is portrayed. Some readers (or their parents) may be concerned with the appropriateness of certain language or scenes, but that said, this is an extremely positive and engaging story told in a very beautiful way. Highly recommended.
The Trail Rules is the second book in The Rules teen romance series by Melanie Hooyenga. Sixteen-year-old Mikayla “Mike” Westin has great friends and a supportive boyfriend, but lacks confidence following some serious social drama at school last year. During summer break, her boyfriend Evan trained Mike in the sport of trail biking and their romance flourished. Or did it? As Mike starts the eleventh grade, she’s under pressure from her parents to focus on academics, but the drama continues at school. Mike breaks up with Evan and begins riding with a new group of biking enthusiasts, including Mica, a senior at another school. Will matters improve for Mike at home, at school, and on the bike trail? And is a new romance in her future?
In The Trail Rules, Hooyenga gives us an expertly-written, well-paced narrative and a fascinating and well-developed cast of teen and adult characters. On its surface, it’s a simple romance that incorporates high school social drama with personal growth through the physical, emotional, and mental challenge of a sport. Mike is a very likable teen who hasn’t yet found her own path or her inner courage. As she gains experience on the bike, she devises ten (plus one) “trail rules,” which also help her face the challenges of life. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of the Ethics class and teacher, and the sensitive way the strain between Mike and her parents is portrayed. Some readers (or their parents) may be concerned with the appropriateness of certain language or scenes, but that said, this is an extremely positive and engaging story told in a very beautiful way. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Fountain
Suzy Vadori
2018 Bronze Medal
210 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Patricia Bell for Readers' Favorite
The Fountain by Suzy Vadori is the first book in The Fountain book series. It starts out with Ava Marshall on her first day at the new boarding school, St Augustus. Right from the start, Ava seems to hit it off wrong with Courtney, a girl on her swim team. For whatever reason, Courtney does not want Ava on the swim team and tries to get her disqualified. Ava, a nice girl, and not understanding why all this is happening to her, happens upon a wishing well in the west woods of the grounds, where she makes a wish that changes her life more than she’d bargained for. From the moment she realizes her wish has been granted, she begins trying to figure out how to undo it. She enlists the help of a new friend, Ethan, which serves to complicate her life even more.
Suzi Vadori has done it again! The Fountain was a splendid read from start to finish. As a matter of fact, once I started, I don’t think I set it down until it was finished. I love her characters. Ava is a sweet girl who has a soft heart. My kind of girl. The story did not end quite the way I expected it to, and that made it all the better. There were many unexpected turns throughout the book that left my mouth hanging open. The Fountain is a good read for tweens and teens and, as a parent, I would have no problem allowing my teens to read it. No sexual situations or harsh language, just good wholesome fun. Great job once again, Suzi!
The Fountain by Suzy Vadori is the first book in The Fountain book series. It starts out with Ava Marshall on her first day at the new boarding school, St Augustus. Right from the start, Ava seems to hit it off wrong with Courtney, a girl on her swim team. For whatever reason, Courtney does not want Ava on the swim team and tries to get her disqualified. Ava, a nice girl, and not understanding why all this is happening to her, happens upon a wishing well in the west woods of the grounds, where she makes a wish that changes her life more than she’d bargained for. From the moment she realizes her wish has been granted, she begins trying to figure out how to undo it. She enlists the help of a new friend, Ethan, which serves to complicate her life even more.
Suzi Vadori has done it again! The Fountain was a splendid read from start to finish. As a matter of fact, once I started, I don’t think I set it down until it was finished. I love her characters. Ava is a sweet girl who has a soft heart. My kind of girl. The story did not end quite the way I expected it to, and that made it all the better. There were many unexpected turns throughout the book that left my mouth hanging open. The Fountain is a good read for tweens and teens and, as a parent, I would have no problem allowing my teens to read it. No sexual situations or harsh language, just good wholesome fun. Great job once again, Suzi!
Recommend this book:
The LoveLock
A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story
Eichin Chang-Lim
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Tender and deeply moving, The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story by Eichin Chang-Lim is a love story about Violet and Dylan, two college sweethearts whose relationship is destroyed by a tragedy that tears them apart. As grown-ups, they have to face the challenges of life, each one alone. Violet will travel a very dark path, ending up as a stripper, while Dylan has his own demons to handle. But there is one moment that keeps them linked to each other in some mysterious way; the moment Dylan gave Violet the locket. The locket and the key have marked a symbolic moment in their relationship. When Dylan offered her the locket on a beach, he said he’d keep the key, symbolizing that he owned the key to Violet’s heart. For Violet, Dylan has the key to her heart, “in every sense,” but after all they have been through, can they go back to the moment to unlock the secret of happiness and meaning in each other’s heart?
This is a beautiful story, at times aching, and filled with compassion and pathos. Violet and Dylan are well-sculpted characters and they are flawed in a way that allows them to be human. There are very painful moments in the story and the author creates a strong sense of suspense which makes the story even more gripping — a real page-turner. You’ll feel for these characters and as you follow Violet, all innocent, being introduced to the rules of the strip club. The psychological games that are played on the key characters are something that the weak encounter every day. Eichin Chang-Lim injects a huge dose of realism into the narrative and makes the characters really believable. The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story is beautifully written.
Tender and deeply moving, The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story by Eichin Chang-Lim is a love story about Violet and Dylan, two college sweethearts whose relationship is destroyed by a tragedy that tears them apart. As grown-ups, they have to face the challenges of life, each one alone. Violet will travel a very dark path, ending up as a stripper, while Dylan has his own demons to handle. But there is one moment that keeps them linked to each other in some mysterious way; the moment Dylan gave Violet the locket. The locket and the key have marked a symbolic moment in their relationship. When Dylan offered her the locket on a beach, he said he’d keep the key, symbolizing that he owned the key to Violet’s heart. For Violet, Dylan has the key to her heart, “in every sense,” but after all they have been through, can they go back to the moment to unlock the secret of happiness and meaning in each other’s heart?
This is a beautiful story, at times aching, and filled with compassion and pathos. Violet and Dylan are well-sculpted characters and they are flawed in a way that allows them to be human. There are very painful moments in the story and the author creates a strong sense of suspense which makes the story even more gripping — a real page-turner. You’ll feel for these characters and as you follow Violet, all innocent, being introduced to the rules of the strip club. The psychological games that are played on the key characters are something that the weak encounter every day. Eichin Chang-Lim injects a huge dose of realism into the narrative and makes the characters really believable. The LoveLock: A Suspenseful and Sensual Love Story is beautifully written.
Recommend this book:
The Battle for Darracia
Books I - II - III
Michael Phillip Cash
2018 Honorable Mention
506 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Battle for Darracia by Michael Phillip Cash combines three books in one and plunges the reader into a world where chaos is about to tear it apart. The setting is on a planet called Darracia, a place where class distinction is rank and rife. Once a peaceful world, it has slowly become a place where power struggles and skirmishes are the order of the day. It is in this context that the nineteen-year-old Prince V'sair must follow his path and master the power of the mysterious Fireblade, which holds the secrets to a warrior’s heart, for him to be able to defeat his uncle who makes claims to the throne. Staf Nuen is bent on conquering Darracia, and the only thing that could help defeat him is the power of the Elements. Can the young prince gain mastery of this art in time to protect his planet and his people?
The Battle for Darracia is an exciting tale that features strong elements of both sci-fi and epic fantasy. The story is well-crafted and the writing is poetic, filled with powerful imagery and descriptions that render an imaginary world so vivid that readers will think it is real. Michael Phillip Cash has done a great job in building conflict at a phenomenal scale in this novel and readers will be keen to follow the characters until the final battle. The story is well-plotted and beautifully paced, featuring surprises that readers won’t see coming, a style that compels readers to move swiftly to the next chapter every time they finish one. I loved the writing, the memorable characters — especially the young prince and his personal development in a journey symbolic of the path everyone must take toward self-discovery — the strong setting, and the satisfying denouement. It is an exciting and enjoyable read.
The Battle for Darracia by Michael Phillip Cash combines three books in one and plunges the reader into a world where chaos is about to tear it apart. The setting is on a planet called Darracia, a place where class distinction is rank and rife. Once a peaceful world, it has slowly become a place where power struggles and skirmishes are the order of the day. It is in this context that the nineteen-year-old Prince V'sair must follow his path and master the power of the mysterious Fireblade, which holds the secrets to a warrior’s heart, for him to be able to defeat his uncle who makes claims to the throne. Staf Nuen is bent on conquering Darracia, and the only thing that could help defeat him is the power of the Elements. Can the young prince gain mastery of this art in time to protect his planet and his people?
The Battle for Darracia is an exciting tale that features strong elements of both sci-fi and epic fantasy. The story is well-crafted and the writing is poetic, filled with powerful imagery and descriptions that render an imaginary world so vivid that readers will think it is real. Michael Phillip Cash has done a great job in building conflict at a phenomenal scale in this novel and readers will be keen to follow the characters until the final battle. The story is well-plotted and beautifully paced, featuring surprises that readers won’t see coming, a style that compels readers to move swiftly to the next chapter every time they finish one. I loved the writing, the memorable characters — especially the young prince and his personal development in a journey symbolic of the path everyone must take toward self-discovery — the strong setting, and the satisfying denouement. It is an exciting and enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
The Shoeshine of Kabul
Zahra Omar Shansab
2018 Finalist
80 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Donna Gielow McFarland for Readers' Favorite
Twelve-year-old Malik had to flee when his village in Afghanistan was bombed. Now he lives in a corner of a bombed-out school with other refugees in Kabul. The Shoeshine of Kabul by Zahra Omar Shansab paints a portrait of Malik and his 16-year-old friend Nahim’s lives as they eke out a living shining shoes, earning just enough to buy their daily bread. Life is bleak and Malik has constant flashbacks and daydreams of his former life. And if the trauma he has already experienced isn’t enough, as an orphan Malik is terrified of being kidnapped or, even worse, being killed for his organs. Then one day a chance encounter with a six-year-old boy collecting trash leads to new purpose and a glimmer of hope.
Zahra Omar Shansab’s writing is poignant and clear. She writes as someone who has lived through the devastation of war and, in fact, she herself fled Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. In The Shoeshine of Kabul, the reader gets a glimpse of what the Afghanistan war is like for children and it is heartbreaking. The Shoeshine of Kabul would be a powerful book to use as part of a middle school curriculum to enlarge kids’ perspectives and show a picture of life for kids in very different circumstances. Reading this book, I couldn’t imagine what might give Malik hope, but Zahra Omar Shansab achieves hope and purpose in a very believable, even if tragic way. Highly recommended.
Twelve-year-old Malik had to flee when his village in Afghanistan was bombed. Now he lives in a corner of a bombed-out school with other refugees in Kabul. The Shoeshine of Kabul by Zahra Omar Shansab paints a portrait of Malik and his 16-year-old friend Nahim’s lives as they eke out a living shining shoes, earning just enough to buy their daily bread. Life is bleak and Malik has constant flashbacks and daydreams of his former life. And if the trauma he has already experienced isn’t enough, as an orphan Malik is terrified of being kidnapped or, even worse, being killed for his organs. Then one day a chance encounter with a six-year-old boy collecting trash leads to new purpose and a glimmer of hope.
Zahra Omar Shansab’s writing is poignant and clear. She writes as someone who has lived through the devastation of war and, in fact, she herself fled Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation. In The Shoeshine of Kabul, the reader gets a glimpse of what the Afghanistan war is like for children and it is heartbreaking. The Shoeshine of Kabul would be a powerful book to use as part of a middle school curriculum to enlarge kids’ perspectives and show a picture of life for kids in very different circumstances. Reading this book, I couldn’t imagine what might give Malik hope, but Zahra Omar Shansab achieves hope and purpose in a very believable, even if tragic way. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin
J. D. Myers
2018 Bronze Medal
304 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin by J.D. Myers is a devotional and inspirational book that explores the mystery of the agony and death of Jesus on the cross.T he author gives a powerful exposé on what the act of spilling Jesus’ blood reveals about the nature of God and His role in the redemption of humankind. This book explores the concepts of sin, law, sacrifice, scapegoating, and bloodshed - themes that run through the Bible - and it offers surprising gems that help readers to get the whole picture of God’s grace and what Jesus actually redeemed in humanity.
Readers will be able to make the connection with the God of the Old Testament, who appears to be vindictive and ready to defend His people, even to the point of bloodshed. But what is so unique about the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and what makes it different from every other blood that has been sacrificed in the name of religious salvation? This book answers similar questions, throwing a luminous light on the mystery of redemption and allowing readers to see where they fit into God’s plan of salvation.
Written in a simple and captivating style, this book is a gift of faith and it will offer answers to readers who do not buy into the Christian doctrine of salvation through the blood of Jesus. The author weaves his personal experiences into the work in a very interesting manner and features references to theologians and other thinkers who have articulated on the subject. Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin is a powerful message of love, a message that is inspired by the Scriptures and that explains God’s plan of salvation to suffering humanity. It is inspiring, encouraging, and a message of hope.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin by J.D. Myers is a devotional and inspirational book that explores the mystery of the agony and death of Jesus on the cross.T he author gives a powerful exposé on what the act of spilling Jesus’ blood reveals about the nature of God and His role in the redemption of humankind. This book explores the concepts of sin, law, sacrifice, scapegoating, and bloodshed - themes that run through the Bible - and it offers surprising gems that help readers to get the whole picture of God’s grace and what Jesus actually redeemed in humanity.
Readers will be able to make the connection with the God of the Old Testament, who appears to be vindictive and ready to defend His people, even to the point of bloodshed. But what is so unique about the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and what makes it different from every other blood that has been sacrificed in the name of religious salvation? This book answers similar questions, throwing a luminous light on the mystery of redemption and allowing readers to see where they fit into God’s plan of salvation.
Written in a simple and captivating style, this book is a gift of faith and it will offer answers to readers who do not buy into the Christian doctrine of salvation through the blood of Jesus. The author weaves his personal experiences into the work in a very interesting manner and features references to theologians and other thinkers who have articulated on the subject. Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin is a powerful message of love, a message that is inspired by the Scriptures and that explains God’s plan of salvation to suffering humanity. It is inspiring, encouraging, and a message of hope.
Recommend this book:
The Atonement of God
Building Your Theology on a Crucivision of God
J. D. Myers
2018 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Atonement of God: Building Your Theology on a Crucivision of God by J.D. Myers is a profound and thought-provoking book that gives good insight to the various views of atonement and explains the non-violent view of atonement. The book also speaks about humanity, sin, forgiveness, violence, justice, and the Scriptures, thereby throwing light on God and His relationship with everyone. The author thinks it is important for the sake of Christian living and theology to understand why Jesus went to the cross, what He accomplished on the cross, and what role the Father played in Jesus’ death on the cross. The purpose of the book is to have an understanding of God in line with His full revelation in Jesus Christ.
I like the author’s interpretation of theology because he makes it simple and helps readers understand the intent, meaning, and context. Though there are numerous views of atonement, the book summarizes and explains the four most common views of atonement. The author gives a lot of information about God, Jesus, the Holy Scriptures, and many other factors related to Christianity that makes it practical and understandable to readers. The author reiterates the power and presence of God and His grace through this book. It is a good book when it comes to clarifying a lot of questions about the Bible and the Scriptures, and broadens readers’ knowledge about atonement and how much we are all loved by God.
The Atonement of God: Building Your Theology on a Crucivision of God by J.D. Myers is a profound and thought-provoking book that gives good insight to the various views of atonement and explains the non-violent view of atonement. The book also speaks about humanity, sin, forgiveness, violence, justice, and the Scriptures, thereby throwing light on God and His relationship with everyone. The author thinks it is important for the sake of Christian living and theology to understand why Jesus went to the cross, what He accomplished on the cross, and what role the Father played in Jesus’ death on the cross. The purpose of the book is to have an understanding of God in line with His full revelation in Jesus Christ.
I like the author’s interpretation of theology because he makes it simple and helps readers understand the intent, meaning, and context. Though there are numerous views of atonement, the book summarizes and explains the four most common views of atonement. The author gives a lot of information about God, Jesus, the Holy Scriptures, and many other factors related to Christianity that makes it practical and understandable to readers. The author reiterates the power and presence of God and His grace through this book. It is a good book when it comes to clarifying a lot of questions about the Bible and the Scriptures, and broadens readers’ knowledge about atonement and how much we are all loved by God.
Recommend this book:
 couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s pla...){kind=link}
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience
A Young Adult Fantasy
Lorilyn Roberts
2018 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience: A Young Adult Fantasy by Lorilyn Roberts is the fifth book in the Seventh Dimension series that has a very unique take on time travel. Daniel and Shale, a recently engaged (betrothed) couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s plan and return to the first century and search for Daniel’s father who has gone missing. Finding his father could be the first step in unraveling the mystery of a tragedy that is waiting to happen. However, it is proving to be more dangerous and difficult than both of them ever thought. There are far too many enemies and dangers awaiting them, and all they can do is fight them together. But can they?
With religious themes mixed with coming of age, the novel is definitely very different and the author seems to be in her element here. I enjoyed the time travel, how the two main characters fought the odds together and came out victorious at the end. Although I have not read the previous novels in the series, I still enjoyed it and caught up with the story really quickly. The story was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the beginning, the story gripped my attention. The chemistry between Shale and Daniel was perfect; they respected each other with an intensity and worked together as a team. The element of time travel was spot on; the author ensured that the characters, the dialogues and even the environment were time appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the novel! A really entertaining coming of age story.
Seventh Dimension - The Prescience: A Young Adult Fantasy by Lorilyn Roberts is the fifth book in the Seventh Dimension series that has a very unique take on time travel. Daniel and Shale, a recently engaged (betrothed) couple, found a lost orphan girl in Jerusalem and try to save her from the devastated city. From there, they embark on God’s plan and return to the first century and search for Daniel’s father who has gone missing. Finding his father could be the first step in unraveling the mystery of a tragedy that is waiting to happen. However, it is proving to be more dangerous and difficult than both of them ever thought. There are far too many enemies and dangers awaiting them, and all they can do is fight them together. But can they?
With religious themes mixed with coming of age, the novel is definitely very different and the author seems to be in her element here. I enjoyed the time travel, how the two main characters fought the odds together and came out victorious at the end. Although I have not read the previous novels in the series, I still enjoyed it and caught up with the story really quickly. The story was fast paced and entertaining. Right from the beginning, the story gripped my attention. The chemistry between Shale and Daniel was perfect; they respected each other with an intensity and worked together as a team. The element of time travel was spot on; the author ensured that the characters, the dialogues and even the environment were time appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the novel! A really entertaining coming of age story.
Recommend this book:
The Heights of Perdition
A Science Fiction Romance Series (The Divine Space Pirates Book 1)
C. S. Johnson
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jessica Jesinghaus for Readers' Favorite
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead, she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout, The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
What might become of our civilization after world-wide nuclear war? How might government and humanity react? What would the fallout be? The Heights of Perdition by C.S. Johnson gives us a possible glimpse.
Aerie St. Cloud is a dutiful student, if not a tad willful, but is eager to prove to her family unit and her government that she can be a strong member of the State military. Growing up under the strict tutelage of the State in the underground capital New Hope, Aerie knows she can never ask the questions that tumble through her head. Instead, she must follow orders and become what everyone around her dictates. But when fate finds her inadvertently kidnapped by a notorious space pirate, Exton Shepherd, the opportunity to freely ask her multitude of questions and spread her wings is one she can't give up. Exton, meanwhile, must deal with the unexpected complications presented by the strange young woman and the way she affects his long-quiet heart.
The world created by C.S. Johnson is, eerily, one I had no difficulty picturing should nuclear world war occur. Questions raised about government, religion, and human nature were peppered throughout the narrative, elevating The Heights of Perdition from a mere space fantasy to something much more thought-provoking. The inner turmoil experienced by both Aerie and Exton were very understandable, and I particularly enjoyed their verbal sparring episodes. With themes of obedience, duty, revenge, forgiveness, love and redemption running throughout, The Heights of Perdition took me on a roller coaster ride and left me eager for the second book in the series.
Recommend this book:
The Unannounced Christmas Visitor
Patrick Higgins
2018 Gold Medal
227 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The Jensen family - Lydia, her husband John, and their two children, Matthew and Grace - are the main characters that help to teach us the true meaning of Christmas and the reasons for loving Yahweh. The Unannounced Christmas Visitor by Patrick Higgins begins three weeks before Christmas on a Sunday morning while the Jensens are attending church. A smelly homeless man enters and is directed to the last row amid many frowns, scowls and whispers. Lydia is intrigued by the old man and disturbed by the chilly reception from others. He returns the following Sunday and Lydia follows him to the city park, where she discovers that he and many more are living in cold and miserable conditions. She knows in her heart she must do something for these homeless people and decides to bring enough food to feed them all.
The old man’s name is Enoch and we, the readers, are led to believe that he is an angel and has been sent by God on a mission to save a lost soul. At this point John is struggling with life and is confused by his wife’s devotion to these strange, drug addicted homeless souls, but through circumstances he finds himself also taking a liking to Enoch and invites him to be a guest in their home. As the story progresses, Enoch shares the Bible in great detail and explains what it is that Yahweh expects from each of us here on earth. By the time Christmas Eve arrives, the family has changed, the homeless men and women have changed, and Enoch’s work is almost done.
The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is truly an amazing story for both the Christian and the non-Christian. I found myself as a saved Christian stopping to think about the message more than once and taking stock of my real thoughts and motives to be sure that I am indeed living a life pleasing to God. The “Word” cannot be denied because of the great descriptions, explanations and understanding that Patrick Higgins puts into each and every page. This is a must-read for all of us – it will touch your heart in a way few books do; you will laugh and cry; and most of all, you will be uplifted. Please do not pass this one up.
The Jensen family - Lydia, her husband John, and their two children, Matthew and Grace - are the main characters that help to teach us the true meaning of Christmas and the reasons for loving Yahweh. The Unannounced Christmas Visitor by Patrick Higgins begins three weeks before Christmas on a Sunday morning while the Jensens are attending church. A smelly homeless man enters and is directed to the last row amid many frowns, scowls and whispers. Lydia is intrigued by the old man and disturbed by the chilly reception from others. He returns the following Sunday and Lydia follows him to the city park, where she discovers that he and many more are living in cold and miserable conditions. She knows in her heart she must do something for these homeless people and decides to bring enough food to feed them all.
The old man’s name is Enoch and we, the readers, are led to believe that he is an angel and has been sent by God on a mission to save a lost soul. At this point John is struggling with life and is confused by his wife’s devotion to these strange, drug addicted homeless souls, but through circumstances he finds himself also taking a liking to Enoch and invites him to be a guest in their home. As the story progresses, Enoch shares the Bible in great detail and explains what it is that Yahweh expects from each of us here on earth. By the time Christmas Eve arrives, the family has changed, the homeless men and women have changed, and Enoch’s work is almost done.
The Unannounced Christmas Visitor is truly an amazing story for both the Christian and the non-Christian. I found myself as a saved Christian stopping to think about the message more than once and taking stock of my real thoughts and motives to be sure that I am indeed living a life pleasing to God. The “Word” cannot be denied because of the great descriptions, explanations and understanding that Patrick Higgins puts into each and every page. This is a must-read for all of us – it will touch your heart in a way few books do; you will laugh and cry; and most of all, you will be uplifted. Please do not pass this one up.
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