"The Shadow Within" by Karen Hancock (2004) - REVIEW

Goodday and welcome to

"The B.B. Weekly Review"

The next few weeks will feature one of my (and my Husband's) favourite series of novels called "Legends of the Guardian King" by Karen Hancock. The second book in the series is "The Shadow Within". You can also see my review of the first book "The Light of Eidon".

Back Cover Blurb:

Four years after his legend-spawning defeat of Beltha’adi, Abramm returns to Kiriath to claim the crown he thought he would never wear and prepare his people for the inevitable attack of the resurrected Armies of the Black Moon.

 Though fiercely opposed by his own kin and reluctant to cast Kiriath into civil war at the worst possible time, he nevertheless believes this is the destiny Eidon has laid upon his life. And Kiriath’s only hope of salvation.

In the midst of this turmoil a headstrong princess from a neighboring realm endeavors to uncover Abramm’s secrets—including his heroic exploits as the White Pretender and the fact that he wears a golden shield upon his chest. Is she friend or foe, and will her interference bring Abramm closer to his destiny or destroy any chance he has of maintaining his rightful place as King?

Review: The second book in Karen Hancock's "Legends of the Guardian King" series is actually the first book my husband and I read from this compelling series. It was awesome! Masterfully put togeter, weaving a beautiful picture of everyone's internal and external struggle to overcome 'the shadow within' and embrace God's love completely. Suspensful, action-packed and insightful, this book is hard to put down for long! Wonderfully appropriate for all ages and highly recommended!

My Rating: 5/5

Have you read "The Shadow Within" by Karen Hancock? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"The Light of Eidon" by Karen Hancock (2003) - REVIEW

Goodday and welcome to

"The B.B. Weekly Review"

The next few weeks will feature one of my (and my Husband's) favourite series of novels called "Legends of the Guardian King" by Karen Hancock. The first book in the series is "The Light of Eidon".

Back Cover Blurb:

Abramm Kalladorne has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably

separate him from the life he was born to—as fifth son of the king of Kiriath—he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete in the gladiatorial games of his new masters. When the oppressed masses rally around his successes, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible—to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of the new epic series, LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIAN-KING.

Review: My husband and I read the other three books in this sreries before we found the first book. After several months and having to special order it in, we finally had book number one! We were not dissapointed.The first book in the "Legends of the Guardian King" series by Karen Hancock was well worth the effort and of course it was good to finally understand all of the 'past' mentioned in the other three novels. Though less engaging than the other three novels, we thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it outloud together while driving. I would reccomend the entire series to anyone who likes to read history, fantasy, and a little bit of romance.

My Rating: 5/5

Have you read "The Light of Eidon" by Karen Hancock? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers (1997) - REVIEW

First of all I would like to wish a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Sister Lydia!! Check out her blog Style Independent as I'm sure she will have a brilliant birthday outfit to share!

Goodday and welcome to

"The B.B. Weekly Review"

Back Cover Blurb:

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.  Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.  A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. Over 1 million copies sold!

Review:
 I loved this book! It was absolutely beautiful, heart wrenching, soul cleansing...and so much more! This book truly shows the beauty of God's redeeming love! I sobbed throguh at least half of the book, laughed and audibly panicked throughout the rest. A wonderful read that was worth every minute. This novel will make you think about your life, but more importantly, the lives of those around you. Who are you condemning unjustly? This is the retelling of the story of Hosea, the Old Testament Bible Prophet. Definite recommendation, although the subject matter is for a more mature audience.

My Rating: 5/5

Have you read "Reedeming Love" by Francine Rivers? I would love to know what you thought!

Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

"Thunder Voice" by Sigmund Brouwer (1995) - REVIEW

Goodday and welcome to

"The B.B. Weekly Review"

This week concludes my revies for Sigmund Brouwer's 'Same Keaton Legends of Laramie' series; 'Thunder Voice'. You can also see my reviews for the rest of the series: 'Evening Star' 'Silver Moon' and 'Sun Dance'.

Back Cover Blurb:
Marshal Samuel Keaton wasn't all that shocked when the town drunk was found with a bullet in his back. Especially since the old man was so far gone another shot of whiskey might have killed him anyway. So why would two of the thoughest Texas Rangers to fill a legend suddenly show up and start asking questions?
But just as the entire situation appears to be out of Keaton's hands, the dead man's niece arrive to beg his help in solving the crime. And while her Eastern charm and good looks certainly appeal to a small town marshal's sense of gallantry, her promise of a shared fortune once the old man's will is found is just as tempting.
What starts out to be a fairly simple infatuation and more money than he'll ever need, becomes a lot more complicated as Samuel begins to discover what's behind the fortune-and the convictions he may have to compromise to keep it.

Review:
The final novel in the Sam Keaton saga is anything but boring. Murder, intrigue, money and a rich widow try to seduce and defeat Same Keaton over and over again. The mystery behind a series of events that can no longer be called coincidence draw Keaton into a whirlwind tour that leads him far away from Laramie and everyone he loves. Will he be able to solve the mystery and return home alive? This exciting end to the series will keep you riveted until the end. Like the first three, parts are very predictable, but it seems to ad even more of an element of reality to the stories, and just enough 'cowboy' flare!

My Rating: 4/5

Have you read "Thunder Voice" by Sigmund Brouwer? I would love to know what you thought!
Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

Fabulous Finds...

Hey all! I have some more fabulous finds to share with you! Bills Books & Bargains is a wealth of good books... if you have the time to sort through them that is!

My latest purchases are:

-Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood
-The Professor by Charlotte Bronte
-According to Jake and the Kid by W.O. Mitchell
-Roses are Difficult Here by W.O.Mitchell
-True Grit by Charles Portis

Wow! I LOVE NEW BOOKS!!! Now I just need to find time to read them all....

Happy Reading!

"Sun Dance" by Sigmund Brouwer (2000) - REVIEW

Goodday and welcome to

"The B.B. Weekly Review"

This week's pick is the third novel in Sigmund Brouwer's 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' series; 'Sun Dance'. Also check out my reviews of the first two books: 'Evening Star' and 'Silver Moon'.

Back Cover Blurb:
Someone wants Samuel Keaton dead. Naturally, ever since he pinned on a badge he's had to overcome lots of bad intentions. But this time the danger seems to be coming from the very officials who hired him to guide them to Sioux territory.
Too late, Keaton discovers that this is no ordinary expedition. And when Sioux women and children are slaughtered in a calvary raid, the finger of blame points squarely at him. Neither his honorary status as blood brother or the efforts of a chief's beautiful granddaughter can forestall the results of a Sun Dance-the legendary and gruesom revenge ceremony.
To survive means living through the darkest days of his fledgling faith. And unless Keaton finds the real culprit, the whole territory may erupt in senseless violence.

Review:
The third novel in Sigmund Brouwer's 'Sam Keaton Legends of Laramie' series brings Sam and his readers face to face with fear, shame, guilt, hurt and temptation. After agreeing to accompany a military expedition into Sioux country in hopes of reconnecting with his love and fulfilling his militray debt, Sam's world is rocked beyond comprehension. Death would be welcome and is only avoided time and again by God's grace and the help of faithful friends countless times. Will Sam be able to bounce back and continue with life in Laramie? This is another intriguing and fast paced novel that continues the adventures of Sam Keaton and keeps the reader coming back for a little more.

My Rating: 4/5

Have you read "Sun Dance" by Sigmund Brouwer? I would love to know what you thought!

Want to read it? Find it on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

Fabulous Finds at Bills Books & Bargains in FSJ!!

I just couldn't resist telling you all about the fabulous finds I made at a used book store here in town (which I am ashamed to say I had never been in before!!). The store itself is crazy... when you walk in, the walls, floors and everything in between is stacked with thousands of books (mostly paperback trash). Walk a little further in to the store and it is an entire emporium of marijuana paraphenalia, knives, belt buckles, signs, etc... with, or course, the walls and shelves still stacked high with books, books and more books. All books are $2 unless otherwise marked... but of course 'Bill' likes to bargain.

I spent my lunch hour rifling through stacks of books and this is what I came up with:

The Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery, all new and in perfect condition!
-Anne of Green Gables
-Anne of Avonlea
-Anne of the Island
-Anne of Windy Poplars
-Anne's House of Dreams
-Anne of Ingleside
(They had lots more... Emily of New Moon series, Avonlea series, etc... but I only had so much money!)

The rest of the 'Little House on The Prairie' series that I was missing:
-Farmer Boy
-On The Banks of Plum Creek
-By the Shores of Silver Lake
-These Happy Golden Years
-The First Four Years

I picked up a few clissics I have been wanting to get for quite some time:
-Lord of the Flies by William Golding
-Animal Farm by George Orwell
-Beowulf (I only had this work in collections, not on its own!)
-Middlemarch by George Eliot
-Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
-The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
-The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
-The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

I also found some great historical children's books by Pierre Berton:
-Trapped in the Arctic
-Steel Across the Shield
-Steel Across the Plains
-The Capture of Detroit
-The Death of Tecumseh
-Attack on Montreal
-The Men in Sheepskin Coats
-A Prairie Nightmare
-The Railway Pathfinders

And since I am mentioning new books, I also picked up a couple of classics on my last trip to Kamloops:
-1984 by George Orwell
-Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

What a great day!!! What have you picked up lately and are anxious to read?
Happy Reading!!