The Turning by Davis Bunn - a review with Giveaway!

The Turning by Davis Bunn is the story of five people who, while they are all quite different and from different walks of life, have something in common. They all hear God's voice and are brought together in New York City for a purpose. But first they must all deal with issues in each of their lives.

This story takes place over a period of twelve days. All the characters were likable in their own way, except maybe the villain Trent Cooper. As the story progresses each character is required to make sacrifices while surrendering to God's will. The task they find themselves up against seems impossible. Will they succeed?

The characters were hard for me to connect with. I didn't like Trent Cooper at all. The others, John, Alisha, Jenny, Yussuf and Ruth were okay but they didn't seem real to me. They were from all different walks of life coming together in accordance to God's will. What I did like is that the reader is made aware that God is still speaking today and will talk to anyone. We just need to listen.

To me, the story was a little dark and I had a hard time really getting into it, probably more because it wasn't the type of genre I usually read. In fact, it is considered devotional fiction and it has a supplementary 40 Day online devotional to go along with the book. You can access this and other online resources here. While I wasn't a big fan, I am sure there will be many who love this book.

On a 5-Star scale = 3 1/2 stars.

I would like to thank River North, a division of Moody Publishers for my review copy of The Turning. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Now for the giveaway, the publisher was kind enough to give me an extra copy of The Turning to give away to one of you.....

************ GIVEAWAY RULES  ************

1.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada

2.  No PO Boxes please.

3.  Answer my question below for one entry - +1..

4.  For extra entries you may do one or all of the following:
    -- become a Google Friends Connect follower +2

    -- become an email subscriber +1

    -- invite a friend to become a follower of my blog.  If they become a follower & mention your name, you will both receive 2 extra entries

5. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner of this giveaway.  Please enter your email address in this format    winner[at]yahoo[dot]com

To make sure your entry counts, please answer the following question:

What is the name and author of the book you are currently reading?


Giveaway will run through July 5th, and one winner will be selected to win a copy of The Turning using Random.Org

Smiles & Blessings,

  

If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker - My Review and Giveaway

I have to say that the story of Cinderella has always been a favorite of mine. So when I was given the opportunity of reading If the Shoe Fits I jumped at the chance since I heard it was based on the story of Cinderella. The fact that the author was Sandra D. Bricker was another reason to read the book as she has a knack of creating fun and entertaining stories.

If the Shoe Fits is the story of childhood friends, Julianne Bartlett and Will Hanes both attorneys who, as the story begins, have just opened up their own law practice together. Will has loved Julianne from childhood but Julianne only sees him as her best friend.  Julianne believes that her Prince Charming is out there and one day he will come and sweep her off her feet. In the opening scene, Julianne sees who she believes is her true Prince Charming and she takes it as a sign from God that he is the one for her.  What transpires afterwards is true Sandra D. Bricker magic as she creates a fairy tale world based in reality.

Ms. Bricker's characters are believable and draw you into their world with no coaxing at all. You find yourself part of their world and sorry when you have to say goodbye. The Christian thread was not overpowering and I felt that there was a moral to the story.  I felt the moral was "when we step out of the way and allow God to open our eyes to His plan we will find our dream come true".

I would highly recommend If the Shoe Fits to anyone who loves to read.  It is a laugh-out-loud masterpiece of pure delight.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Hilarious Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Moody Publishers for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

* * * * * * * * * 

************ GIVEAWAY RULES  ************

1.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada

2.  No PO Boxes please.

3.  You MUST be a Google Friends Connect follower of my blog (please be sure to leave the name you follow under in your comment)

4.  For extra entries you may do one or all of the following:

    -- become an email subscriber +1

    -- invite a friend to become a follower of my blog.  If they become a follower & mention your name, you will both receive 2 extra entries

5. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner of this giveaway.  Please enter your email address in this format    winner[at]yahoo[dot]com

Giveaway will run through October 5th and the winner will be selected using Random.Org

Smiles & Blessings,

Jewel of the Pacific by Linda Lee Chaikin - my review

I love discovering new authors, especially when their voice is so refreshing.  Such was the case when I selected Jewel of the Pacific by Linda Lee Chaikin to read and review.  This book is the third and I believe the last book in The Dawn of Hawaii Series.  Unfortunately, I have yet to read the first two books in the series, The Spoils of Eden and Hawaiian Crossroads, but you don't need to read them first as Jewel of the Pacific can be read as a stand alone book.

This book is a historical thriller set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii.  From the opening page to the very last page, Ms. Chaikin pulls you in and holds you spellbound with her well crafted story and well developed characters. I enjoyed her usage of Hawaiian words and the dialect throughout the book. It was quite refreshing.

Jewel of the Pacific is the story of Rafe Easton and Eden Derrington during a period in Hawaii's history that ended in Hawaii becoming a United States territory.  The story is rich in history and the reader can learn a lot about these beautiful islands through Rafe and Eden's story. Broken hearts and healing, faith and forgiveness are all packed withing the pages of this beautiful love story.

I would highly recommend Jewel of the Pacific to anyone who loves historical fiction.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Moody Publishers for my review copy of Jewel of the Pacific.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,