Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Review - The Midwife of Bethlehem by Shad Driggs



TITLE:    The Midwife of Bethlehem
AUTHOR:    Shad Driggs
INFO:    Hardcover, Fiction, 40 pages
PUBLISHED:   Shad Driggs, 2015
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review 

FROM GOODREADS:   The Midwife of Bethlehem tells the story of the woman who attended the birth of Jesus. Drawing on apocryphal gospels and legends, the story explores the Christmas story from the point of view of a midwife in a small Judean village at the time of the Roman empire. Through words and pictures, it shows the joy and grief of living in that time, as well as the mystery of birth that is at the heart of the Christmas story.

MY TAKE:   This beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told story is sure to become a family favorite and tradition every Christmas. 

I like the premise of there being other people there to witness and assist in the birth of Baby Jesus. It only makes sense that a midwife and her assistant would be called when Mary went into labor, it was the common practice - no matter where the child was being born. It is almost a comfort to think that there was a warm, human element present during the miracle. 

This story draws the reader into what the scene may have looked and felt like there in the stable that beautiful night. I highly recommend this book and am adding it to the gift-worthy list for 2015.  

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Review + Giveaway - My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren


A Deep Haven Novel

My Foolish Heart (Deep Haven)

TITLE:    My Foolish Heart
AUTHOR:    Susan May Warren
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 354 pages
PUBLISHED:   Tyndale, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review and Blog Tour


FROM GOODREADS:   Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

MY TAKE:    While this is the fourth installment in the Deep Haven series, this book is quite enjoyable as a stand-alone read.  I'd like to thank Amy for including me as a tour stop for My Foolish Heart.  It's a story that I may have missed out on if not for her.  I don't usually read Christian fiction or books classified as inspirational so this was a departure for me.  I'm happy to have made this detour into a different genre.

The two main characters in this story are quite scarred ~ emotionally and physically.  It was interesting to see them deal with their issues both separately and together.  I think Ms. Warren has a real knack for creating characters that pull you into their life as well as into their head and heart.  I think most readers will be able to find something of themselves in the individuals populating this story.  I know I could relate personally with some of Issy's issues and situation.  I liked the aspect of getting to know each other through the anonymity of the radio show as I met my own husband online.  We knew each other intimately by the time we actually met in person.  We dealt with the "will he/she like the physical me?"  A few of her insecurities, though magnified, are still some that many of us will have to confront at some point in our lives.

The supporting cast of characters is quite strong.  Lucy is definitely one of my favorites as I have an awesome best friend too.  There is something about having that one person who will always go to bat for you.  Caleb is what many women dream of but he just can't see that anymore.  He also has a lot of emotional and physical "baggage" to deal with before he can move forward with his life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written story with interesting characters.  When you add in football, a nutty dog and a small close-knit town you have a winner on your hands.  

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:


The Deep Haven Series

Happily Ever After (Deep Haven Series #1) Tying the Knot (Deep Haven Series #2)
The Perfect Match (Deep Haven Series #3) My Foolish Heart (Deep Haven)

Learn more about Susan and her fabulous books by visiting:
Susan's website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads


Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart!

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan May Warren has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!


The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series
To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS! 


Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter
To read more glowing reviews for My Foolish Heart, check out the other stops on this 



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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.