Why am I such a bore?

This blog has got to go somewhere....

Book Review #2 - "Against the Tide" by Elizabeth Camden

Aside from the beautiful cover, this was a beautiful book.From the unique characters, to the plot, mystery, romance, suspense! What more can a girl ask for from a Christian novel.

This book is set in 1891. Lydia Pallas (the heroine) spends her days near the Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages landed her a job as a translator for the U.S. Navy. It was really intriguing for me as the reader to learn so much about this time era, where my knowledge is basically nothing. I really admired Lydia for her perseverance and strive to do her best if not be the best at her job, especially since she is a woman.

Because of her talents, Lydia catches the eye of Alexander Banebridge who is need of a translator. This mysterious man- who also goes by Bane- is driven to end the opium trade. As a reader I was really intrigued by this. Not knowing much about the opium trader either really made me want to finish the book even more because the suspense was killing me.

That is where some mystery and action come into play in the novel. There were some moments in the book where I felt it nagged just a bit, but overall it did keep me interested and I had to keep thinking because at some moments I had no idea what was going to happen, which is something that I love.

The romance was good. What was different than other Christian novels that I have read was that the Lydia didn't have any sort of faith other than little things here and there. But what was so cool was to see how Bane was able to show Lydia how God uses people, loves people and gives salvation. I don't want to give to much away because it does have a little part in the romance between the pair so go read the book!

A little fun fact is that the author put at the end of the book some more facts about the historical events that took place that the book was set during.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I give it a 5 out of 5! Yay! I think it's a re-read as well. This begin the first book I read by this author I am interested in seeing the previous books she has already written.

If you want to read this book as well (which I highly recommend once again!) here are some links:
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Christian Book

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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."*

God Bless everyone!


Taylor 

Book Review: "At Every Turn" by Anne Mateer

And she's off to the races!

Anne Mateer's transports her readers to the year 1916 book, "At Every Turn" were automobiles have started to become more popular and car racing is the newest rage. We meet Alyce Benson, who is unlike the other young women in her town, and this is because she likes to drive her Packard Runabout-her car- fast. No one knows this secret desire she has, except her father's mechanic Webster Little. (Who is very swoon worthy.)

Woohoo! I really raced through this book it was that good!

What I really love about this book is how likeable Alyce is. She loves the Lord, and even though her father is considered the richest man in town she doesn't come off as a rich snob or think herself higher than others.

In the story, Alyce pledges a grand sum of money to a missionary couple that comes to her church, and when her father tells her he won't give her the money like she though he would he comes up with a plan- race. With the help of Webster, Alyce disguises herself and drives the car her father's company is sponsoring in several events.

What also really drew me in was how many real facts were in the book, especially with the races. I honestly never knew when automobile racing became popular in America, but this book made me feel like I was at the races. Sometimes I even felt that I was in the car in Alyce going around the racetracks, leaning in the sides on each turn.

Anne Mateer also truly has a gift when it came to weaving in the spiritual aspect and Alyce's walk with the Lord. You could see the changes Alyce was going through, especially when it came to her praying for her parents. Anne did a wonderful job at showing her readers how the Lord has a special job for each one of us, even if we think it's not has conventional as others. I just loved that!

I highly recommend this book to people of all ages who want to read a fast-pace, romance, mystery book! Oh yea there is some mystery! Did I forget to mention? Read the book and find out what I'm talking about!

This was my second book that I read by Anne Mateer and it definitely won't be my last. I'm looking forward to the next book that Anne writes!

Links:
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Christian Book Store

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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."

Happy reading everyone! God Bless!

Taylor

Day 25...going on 26

CAUTION: APOLOGIES FOR ANY HORRIBLE SPELLING/GRAMMAR ERRORS WHICH MAY CAUSE AWKWARD READING!!!!!

Today is day 25 of the Facebook Fast, and it's been going really well. Almost so well that I  barely get online to do anything which means I haven't posted anything on this blog in almost a month? Ok that is ridiculous...I am sorry (mainly to my friend who is so kind and has a wonderful blog and she knows how to use grammar correctly, unlike moi haha)

Again, I am sorry for my goals and expectations that I have totally burned and seem to have forgotten, but that gets me to thinking...have I ever treated my relationship with God this way? Have I made this amazing and lavish promises and goals and then forget about them because I in turn only love the things that God gives me in return? Or have I also set myself up to doing all of these things thinking that they will in turn make me look better in His eyes, and the moment I fail at them I feel unworthy? I know you're probably thinking, "Taylor, you just forgot to make a few blog posts...", true, but I believe God uses even the smallest thing as not posting on a blog as a tool to teach.

So far these past 24 days have just flown by. It's already November the month where thankfulness is key. P.S. Challenge readers this month think of something you are grateful/thankful for everyday and it has to be different. The first couple of days might be easy but as you get into the little things like air, sight, the ability to walk/talk the list goes on. I saw some people do this and I liked the idea, and I think everyone should do it. Hey why not do it everyday for the rest of your life? Now that would be interesting.

Sorry I went down a bunny trail. :) Not being on Facebook seems to make Facebook think that they constantly have to send me e-mail alerts of what I am "missing" by not being on Facebook, and that got me thinking too. God has really being pushing and challenging me and I was thinking of the word "missing" and how it's really been a major factor in my life. I am afraid of missing my purpose. I don't want to miss the chances I have been given to share the good news. Missing. Missing. Missing. So I've been looking in all directions, but one place I now know I need to ultimately look to is God. Francis Chan put it really nicely in his book, Crazy Love-which I totally think people should read-that God will ensure success in accordance with His plan in our lives. So I need to stop worrying about missing and start pursuing my life and love for God who will show me how to find what I need.

Wow, I really hope I didn't jump from one subect to the next, but I feel that I did because I tend to. From this blog I hope that writing out all of what God puts on my heart can also help me to organize and actually maybe start to make sense.

EXCITING NEWS!!!
I have my first book I am going to review! Yippe! So excited and nervous!
Have a great day!

God Bless,
Taylor