bigguysmama

• Rated 4 stars

“Debut author Cathy Bryant has made a successful entry into the Christian publishing world. After following Cathy on her website Word Vessel, I knew her book would be a delight.

We meet Dani right as she's unleash herself from the pain of her life. Heading to meet her aunt, she hopes that this will be the balm she needs in her life. Too bad a car that's run out of gas and an annoying rancher is how this starts out for Dani.

She gets to know Mama Beth, her aunt, in such a sweet way. Not at all like the relationship she has with her Mother. The towns people accept her as though she'd always been a part of them, but the rancher, Steve wants to know what she's up to and it can't be any good. This seems to be where Dani has always belonged, but will she be able to stay?

I love when characters can go back to their roots and start over. It's a story that gives hope! There were characters involved in the story that added fun and dimension to the story. Characters we would love like Mama Beth, and those we found easy to dislike such as Dani's mom.

Dani's battle to figure out her life, find her way in the Lord, and open herself up to others takes us from Dallas to Miller's Creek, where she learns more about herself than she ever dreamed. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all go "home" on a road such as that?”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, June 8, 2010. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This is probably one of my favorite non-fiction books ever. I am NOT a fan of non-fiction. This book, though, had such an impact as I was reading that I started underlining throughout the entire thing. I don't like writing in books, for any reason, so this is a huge step for me! ;)

Each chapter is power packed with Spiritual truths that can battle any fear. Max uses personal experiences to give examples of how we can live in fear. There isn't a single person that can claim they aren't fearful of something. Because of that, each story is applicable to our individual lives.

Max covers topics from our fears as parents, fear of financial situations, fear of life's final moments, to our fear of global calamity. Is there one of these topics that we aren't constantly seeing in the news? Fear seems to rule the world. Max Lucado gives us the tools, through the Bible to battle those fears.

Each chapter is short and to the point. There's no wading through the chapter trying to figure out what he might be talking about. He goes for the meat of the topic and hits it straight on. You can tell Max wants us to rely on God's strength to battle the enemy of fear and how fear can ruin our lives.

This is a book that belongs on everyone's permanent bookshelf, or to sit on the coffee table as a great conversation starter. Small groups will be helped with the discussion questions in the back.

Overall, this is a great book that we can each benefit from.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Sunday, September 20, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“The Seed of Seerling by Amy Kennedy is a wonderful, and heart-wrenching fantasy novel. We are introduced to Astril, the first-born daughter of Isilian, a woman on the way to becoming High Priestess of Seerling. Isilian's birth mother, Sallian is what we'd consider a believer. She prays over the protection of her granddaughter, Astril, who becomes known as the Seed. Isilian is trainied under her aunt to serve the Great Goddess.

Next we're introduced to Toran, a prince of the Harkonians. They are sworn enemies of the Seerlings who are known for their witchcraft. Toran and Astril are thrown together one day by what seems like happenstance. Toran is a boy of 10 and Astril is 12. She takes care of Toran and he doesn't understand why she does since Seerlings are known to take no prisoners.

Toran has trained in the intervening years under the Priest Augur. Astril has continually refused the training to become the High Priestess, while her sister, Gallian lives for the day when their mother will recognize the deep desire she has to please her and become the High Priestess. Astril and Toran are thrown together again and their lives of adventure and pain are truly started.

I really liked this story. The pain caused by Isilian's lack of recognition of Gallian and her continuous praise of Astril should be a great warning to any parents who find themselves in the same position. We can do deep harm to our children by favoring one over another. Through Toran, we learn by his example of putting our wants above God's. Astril is a beautiful example of putting others ahead of ourselves and forgiving those who hurt you the most.

I think Seed of Seerling is a great book for teenagers. It will appeal to adults, as well, but I believe teens would really get sucked into the storyline. I will be looking for more books by Amy in the future.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Thursday, July 23, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Third time's a charm for Julie Lessman and her book "A Passion Denied". Beth has grown up and is now going by Lizzie. Too bad John Brady hasn't discovered that Lizzie has grown up. This relationship reminds me of "Little House on the Prairie" and Almonzo and Beth. I don't think anyone but Almonzo called her Beth and I found it very endearing.

Brady isn't doing it to be endearing. He's doing it because he refuses to accept the fact that Lizzie is no longer a 13 yr old girl, but a young lady at nearly 18 yrs old. The truth of how just grown up she is becomes very clear as she abruptly lets him know how she feels about him. If you've read Julie's first 2 books in this series you know that when Lizzie's sister Charity gets involved things might not go as planned.

Poor Brady makes a mess of things over and over as his past continues to have power over his life. He is able to share the love of God with those around him, but has a hard time accepting forgiveness in the sin he's been carrying around with him. This in turn keeps him from having any relationships beyond friendship with women.

Then along comes a man from Brady's past and it could be his undoing, as well as Lizzie's. This man holds the key that may unlock Lizzie's heart and make Brady sit up and realize what he's lost out on.

"A Passion Denied" doesn't just cover Lizzie's life but we see Charity and Mitch's relationship as it continues as well as Faith and Collin. Julie includes them as well as Patrick and Marcy's marriages in a wonderful way. The reader still feels completely connected to the entire family as we read about Lizzie's life.

And I must say, that Julie is fantastic about bringing the passion of the marriages into a wonderful and positive light. You see their struggles as well as their intense love for each other. I love that she portrays marriages as being passionate as opposed to being dull and tired out. As readers, we need more of this kind of example.

Of course, Lizzie has passion as she's searching for the man of her dreams. What one of us who has loved a man hasn't felt passionately toward them before we were married. I'm thankful that Julie never crosses the boundries of propriety and leaves us in a postive place about the power of loving another person.

I can NOT wait to read Katie's story. She is such a little spit fire in this story with Chuny. Julie will not be able to write fast enough for my patience. Her characters keep me coming back for more!”

bigguysmama wrote this review Sunday, June 7, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 2 stars

“The "romantic" detail in this book crosses the line for me. I understand the author is trying to bring in non Christian readers, so she isn't for me. I can't say much more than that.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, May 5, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“Not my kind of "Christian" romance.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, May 5, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Julie has outdone herself in her sophomore novel! We are introduced to Lilly who helps out in her father's apothecary shop. She is hoping her life doesn't end in her home town. She wants to see more of the world.

Lilly is given the opportunity to spend a couple seasons in London with her aunt & uncle. She leaves her father and brother to be introduced to high society.

Throughout the story, we are introduced to several men, one of whom could be the man Lilly spends the rest of her life with. She sees these men and knows that there's an attraction to each one.

Julie Klassen writes a story that draws the reader in with her first sentence. The relationships she creates with the characters are deep and loving. As a reader, I was drawn in different ways to each of the characters Julie writes about. I couldn't decide who I wanted Lilly to share her life with. Each of them men has a quality you could see that complimented Lilly.

Julie's knowledge of apothecary lingo and the British language is fantastic. I felt like I was brought to England 1800's!

I read Julie's first book "Lady of Milkweed Manor" and really enjoyed that book as well. "The Apothecary's Daughter" is a stand alone novel, one that you will enjoy.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Monday, March 23, 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I've been enjoying Regency Inspirational Romance and this book is at the top of my list! Linore Rose Burkard has captured my attention. Her writing of 1813 is fun and detailed. I feel as if I've traveled back in time with the language and atmosphere she created.

Ariana and Mr. Mornay are definitely a contrast if you look at them on the surface. Getting to know the characters throughout the story we find they are very strong in spirit and opinion. It's fun to watch the banter between these two. Ariana is sent to London for the Season to live with her rich, old Aunt Bentley. Ariana is bedecked with clothing she never dreamed of. She goes to balls and meets people who are above her in status.

One of the people she meets early on is Philip Mornay, a confirmed bachelor who is set upon every Season by some "gel" who is coming out. His MO is to completely disregard the woman, which throws them into a downfall. Ariana is different, because she has been warned about him. She has no immediate interest in him and treats him as she would anyone else. This Mornay finds Ariana delightful, since many people, especially women don't typically take him on.

This story is also a story of faith, which Ariana holds true to. I am thankful that Linore Rose Burkard doesn't change who Ariana is simply because she has feelings for Mornay. She follows what God has set before her and stays true to him, while following her feelings for the Lord.

I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out next year in April to continue the story. I'm so glad it didn't just end quickly because she was close to the end of the novel. Some stories, such as this one, require a longer conclusion!”

bigguysmama wrote this review Tuesday, December 23, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“the first escape was a very different book for me. I want to clarify that this is youth fiction. I have read quite a bit in that genre and have liked most of what I read. I like that Christian authors are stretching the industry's imagination. They're thinking outside the box!

So, to begin with I really liked how G.P. Taylor incorporated the graphics with the story. I also thought the different fonts used throughout the story helped with it's creepiness. I really think adolescent kids will really get into this story because the graphics add a whole new dimention.

Personally, I couldn't get into the story. It was a bit dark for me. When I thought about my 9 yr old reading it I wasn't sure if he'd be ready for it. I guess if he were a pre-teen I'd be more inclined to have him read it, but even then I'm not sure. I kept coming back to, "huh." when I was reading it.

Again, this is my opinion. From what some of the other reviewers said, they really liked it. I think this book is going to appeal to other people, as is evident by their reviews. I wish I could put my finger on what didn't click for me, I just can't. So, my suggestion, find some other reviewers such as: and see why they did like it since I wasn't captured by it.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Monday, November 24, 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This prequel was a fantastic flash back of the 60's. Don Locke really captured what a summer was like back then. I'm sure many families had similar experiences that Davy's family had.

Davy idolizes his father, but seems to be naturally moving to a period of his life where his own ideas are starting to question who his dad is and what kind of man he is.

The Buford's move into the neighborhood, and the character of the people already living there is revealing.

I believe Don captures the era very well and it's a great read. I'm so curious to read his first book, which has Davy older.”

bigguysmama wrote this review Thursday, September 11, 2008. ( reply | permalink )