Front Porch Diaries: The Farm and the Risky Ride by Judith Grimme

The Farm and the Risky Ride

by Judith Grimme

From the Front Porch Diaries series, this book (volume 3) is the third in the set of stories that follows the children of the Miller family.  Set in the 1960's, the series is about friendship, growing up, life and more.  Readers follow Lucy, Eddie and their friends along adventures.  

Geared toward youth readers, this book is probably most appropriate for 5th-8th grade children.  The chapters are short and easy to follow, topics seem safe for younger readers while still offering some learning as they explore ideas and events from the 1960's in a fictional way.

Having not read the first two books in this series, I jumped into this book unaware of previous story lines or characters.  It was clear there was some explanation and development of characters and location in prior stories, but it was still easy enough to determine the plot and follow along, though I did wish for some information to fill gaps.  In this story, young Lucy and her friend Simone have a summer adventure at her grandparent's farm.  

I have an advanced 4th grade reader who would love this series, however I am holding back on sharing it with her as the next book in the series involves a love interest it seems.  This is why I feel this series is more appropriate for the middle school crowd.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book for free as a part of the Book Crash program in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

You can see my review and more on Good Reads and Amazon

Mr Zip and the Capital Z Review

Mr. Zip and The Capital Z

by Kimberly Bryant-Palmer

Illustrated by Jerry Palmer

Though I am an adult, I am a fan of young adult fiction in addition to my regular reading.  I like to keep up with what kids are reading so that when my children are older I am in the habit and aware.  Mr. Zip and The Capital Z caught my attention for the curiosity it piqued when I read the description.  Any book I can find that is fiction but based in truth is a plus.

The central character of the book, Peanut, stumbles across Mr. Zip and his shop The Capital Z one day, and he suddenly finds himself learning all kids of things about himself and his history by discovering artifacts in the shop.  Various people from Peanut's life pop in and out of the story as he remains in the shop, some learning along with him as Mr. Zip spins tales that feel like reality.

I found myself learning plenty of things as I read this book.  A quick read for an adult, there was still plenty within the pages to expand my mind.  Each historical idea is referenced within the book for further learning.  The intermittent illustrations help add a visual to the story, while not adding so much as to take away from what my own mind constructed in pictures.

I found the extra characters visiting the shop a little distracting and off point, but otherwise really enjoyed the book and the history lessons it  brought with the entertainment.  I will be tucking this book away for future reading when my children get older, as the history lessons inside alone are worth the investment of this book

You can learn more about this book by visiting www.MrZipBooks.com.  You can also find a copy for yourself here.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Ricky the Remarkable Raccoon

Ricky the Remarkable Raccoon
By Orggy Roger- Carey. Illustrated by David Miles

Ricky is a raccoon who yearns for a place to belong and people to want him.  Through mishap, he ends up where he thought he wanted to be, but not where he was wanted.  A turn of events finds Ricky with a new unexpected life and family just waiting for him.

A book intended for elementary aged children, this book touches on feelings surrounding Adoption without ever mentioning the word, which makes it a nice book for all children. Characters are mainly animals, taking away the human coldness and making it more inviting and relatable for young children.  As children follow Ricky through the book, they find him going from alone to loved by a family very different than he would have chosen, yet perfect for him.

Our family does not at this time include adopted children, but if it did, this would be a book I would want around to help ease into the topic.  It was well presented, with easy to understand words and inviting pictures.  Readers identify with Ricky's loneliness and cheer for him as he finds a family to love.  A solid book for all families, especially those with adopted members.  After all, we are all adopted by Christ, so we can all relate in some way!

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.combook review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Get it now on Amazon.com!

God Gave Us Love

God Gave Us Love
by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Another book in the "God gave us..." line, this book is equally as cute and cuddly, filled with a Christian message of loving one another. The story addresses the different kinds of love we might have, depending on who or what it is for, and reinforces the message that God created us to love and that we should always try to love, even when we do not feel like it.

A children's book, this version is a smaller board book. Because it is a board book, I expected it to be simpler in wording and shorter in length, as board books are generally geared toward toddlers and very youg children. This book, however, is fairly complex and wordy for little ones, with concepts more advanced than a board book would generally be. Reading it with my 2 year old became frustrating and we eventually gave up because she lost interest when pages did not turn quickly and the story was too deep for her understanding... And this is a child who usually engages in books easily. Because of this, I would say that a recommended audience is ages 4 to 7. Unfortunately, this audience may be less apt to consider reading it as it comes in "baby book" format.

Still, a great message with a familiar set of characters. Illustrations are soft and warm, inviting and matched to the story. A book I would recommend with the above precUtions as to age appropriateness.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Waterbrook Multnomah publishing company's Blogging for Books Program.  I was in no way compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Dragons of Chiril

The Dragons of Chiril
by Donita K. Paul

A fantasy tale geared toward younger readers in the teen years, this book spins a tale of dragons, a missing artist and a quest.

Usually able to find enjoyment in reading any book, I had an extremely difficult time with this book.  Having read other books within the genre and able to enjoy young adult literature, I was terribly disappointed in this book from the start and sadly cannot give much recommendation.

Very slow to start, with confusing terminology and titles that are never defined, I found myself confused as to who characters were.  The plot is confusing and I found myself frustrated that I had no idea what was truly going on.  After several attempts to read this book, skimming, skipping ahead, re-reading, etc. I finally gave up.  This may be a really great book, however I could not get past the confusion and frustration enough to get into the book.  After 10 chapters, I was no more hooked than the first page :(
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Scroll

The Scroll
by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky

The Scroll spins a tale that quickly draws readers in and keeps them constantly guessing page after page.  As a team of archaeologists are drawn together to serch for a great treasure, trouble greets them in many manners, threatening both the team as a whole and individuals as they struggle to remain involved while maintaining their personal beliefs.  Challenge and growth greet characters around every turn and readers quickly find themselves drawn into the turmoil, eager to see it through to the end.

Jeffrey and Gansky make a great writing team and readers will find their work easy to delve into and hard to put down.  I enjoyed the story entirely.  The only complaint I have is that the ending seemed a little too vague and left me confused.  Possibly intended for a sequel, with the end as it is and as a solo book, I was disappointed  a little.  Overall, however, I did really enjoy reading the book and would recommend it to history buffs, biblical enthusiasts and casual readers alike.  A good read!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Yeshua's Dog

Yeshua's Dog: A Gospel Love Story
by Barbara Rogers

Yeshua's Dog is a fresh look at many of the stories surrounding Jesus' presence on earth, as found in the New Testament of the Bible.  Through short chapters, each containing a single illustration opposite the chapter page, readers follow a forsaken and forgotten dog as it finds it's way into the presence of Jesus and finds love and acceptance there. 

Stories of Jesus are told from the dog's point of view and offer a fresh look at many of the stories.  It also brings to light the characteristics we humans often exhibit in relation to faith and following and compare them to the childlike faith and trust of a dog.  There is much to be learned from this dog and his journey with Jesus.
As a dog lover, I really loved this spin and found the book refreshing.  A nice read for animal lovers or not, this book has something to offer for everyone.  While I feel the text is most likely geared toward upper elementary and middle school students, it can be enjoyed as a read aloud book for younger children, or as a nice light read for adults as well.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”I was in no way compensated for this review.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1945681

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger

Dinner With A Perfect Stranger
by David Gregory

When faced with an invitation to have dinner with Jesus, a doubting and struggling man gives in assuming it to be a big joke.  What he finds is nothing short of a miracle, forcing him to face questions, thoughts and challenging ideas that had followed him his whole life. 

What a refreshing and intriguing book!  I was hooked immediately and curious, engaged up until the end and left wishing for more.  Short yet packed with thought provoking ideas and concepts, this book is an instant favorite for me.  Chapters are quick and easy reads, yet enough food for thought to keep ones mind going for hours and days after reading.

An excellent book to share with an un-believing or on the fence friend or family member, the book presents many of the argued points in regards to Jesus, Christianity and religion in general in a non-confrontational or preachy manner that still gets across the main points while painting Jesus Christ in an accepting, loving and down to earth manner.  Easy to understand even for those un-exposed to the Christian faith, the book opens the door for more conversation as well as explains the foundations of the Christian faith and salvation.  A book I would highly recommend everyone read, believer or not, as it introduces a new way to look at presenting Christ as well as plenty of opportunity for self searching and growth.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Canary List

The Canary List
by Sigmund Brouwer

A mystery/thriller that is sure to keep readers on their toes the entire time!  The Canary List is an intriguing book full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing with surprise plot turns that ensure the reader will be fully engaged throughout the entire book.

When teacher Crocket Grey is drawn into a web of mystery, false accusations and confusion that lead to a troubling outcome all because of one student, he is forced to face personal demons all while fighting to help the student and keep himself out of trouble.  The paths he is led down are a surprising as the ending.  Readers will find themselves eager to turn the next page.  A book that is difficult to put down and grows increasingly addictive with each chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  Unsure of what I was getting, I am so glad I opted to review this copy.  I am eager to read more by the same author ans Brouwer spins an engaging tale that soon entangles his readers into a world of mystery and intrigue.  Well worth the time to read it!!!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

The Charlatan's Boy

The Charlatan's Boy

by Jonathan Rogers

What a charming and witty book!  A young adult novel, The Charlatan's Boy is a book full of hilarity, imagination, inner exploration and discovery.  Floyd and young Grady travel town to town selling hoaxes, false ideas and solutions trying to survive, their most favored being the idea of Feechiefolk..  When people stop believing in this hoax, Floyd and Grady are scrambling to survive.  They stumble upon a plan to make it big while maintaining their desired line of work, peddling the tale of Feechies.  Through encounters with other peddlers, villagers, and other countrymen, their tale spins and web that all become entangled in. 

A joy to read for all...  Adult and young adult alike,  Rogers offers entertainment in a way reminiscent of C.S. Lewis and Mark Twain.  This book should become an instant classic!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1600380

Tandem

Tandem
by Tracey Bateman

Wow!  At a time when vampire books are so popluar, enter Tandem, a novel written by Tracey Bateman.  A completely different "vampire" book than all of the others on the market, this novel is much more adult, not focused on teen readers or lifestyle.  A read so hard to put down I nearly read it cover to cover without interruption. 

Quick to pick up on the story line, the reader quickly finds themselves immersed in a small town, surrounded by the past of a few characters, leading up to a breath taking and surprising end as the present day story weaves itself together piece by piece.  An easy book to read, an immersing story line that deepens with each page turn, characters that become familiar as a friend and a plot that awakens the mind to a world of curiousity, intrique and mystery.  As the plot thickens and the story gets deeper, the reader finds themselves stuck in the story as an observer, even a character, wishing the pages to turn faster so as to discover the final event.  Filled with small town life, a little romance, history and lots of drama, sure to be a quick favorite!

Highly recommended to anyone who has read such series as the Twilight novels or other vampire type books as well as to those who have not done so.  No need to be a follower or fan, this book tells the story on it's own, without hype or cult following.  5 stars in my book for creativity, uniqueness and intrigue. 


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated for writing this review.

Barnes and Noble Review Link: http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/review.aspx?reviewid=1575187

Immanuel's Veins

Immanuel's Veins
by Ted Dekker


Set in 1772, two warriors of Catherine the Great - empress of Russia set out on a mission to protect a family of political interest. The Cantemir family, consisting of mother and breathtaking twin daughters are the seemingly easy charges to be protected, yet the warriors soon find themselves in over their heads. Both warriors and daughters find themselves entangled in a web of love, temptation, desire and sacrifice that lead them into darker places than they ever imagined. The results of their choices reveal a reality none could imagine and an ending that leaves readers breathless.

Once again, Ted Dekker has penned another novel that leaves heads spinning. Plot twists and character connections (for avid follower and readers of other Dekker novels) reveal themselves in hidden ways throughout the story. A suspenseful novel with swirls of darkness, romance and the underlying theme of love and sacrifice feed the reader's addiction and leave them begging for more. Thought provoking ideas prompt reflection and deeper consideration of one's own life.

Highly recommended to all readers, this book inspires and challenges faith while entertaining and drawing the reader into a spiral of addiction to the words of Ted Dekker.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”