Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed – My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Kregel Publications (November 25, 2004 & April 30, 2008)
Reed takes readers both young and old on adventures through time and events to the underground railroad opening the doors of freedom to the slaves of the American south. Her stories revolve around the Rankin family living just north of the Ohio River where “free territory” began for the poor souls who had been brought over to work themselves to death for the wealthy plantation owners of the southern states and often be torn from family and home in the process. The first book follows Lowry one of 13 children in the family and the second follows one of his younger siblings Johnny as they assist in the family role of ushering these people into the freedom this country was founded to offer to all. In Johnny’s case aspiring to help but stumbling over his pride at the family business and blurting perhaps to the wrong parties secrets that could sink the entire operation. Reed’s narratives although intended for a pre-teen and early teen audience are rich with historical detail and characters who actually lived the events presented in these pages that capture the imagination of all ages. These vivid accounts would even make an inspiring read aloud series for younger children able to comprehend some of the historical significance and themes in the stories but not quite up to reading at this level on their own.

These would make great history lessons for a variety of ages both as a supplement to public school curriculum or included in the history curriculum of homeschool families. The characters and detail make this as close to a living history lesson as you’ll be able to find covering the events and politics that spawned the Underground Railroad as it came to be called. Though thankfully this era is past, experiencing it to the depth that Reed portrays in her books is a much more effective tool than just hearing stories or reading a history text from third and fourth hand narrators. The only more personal connection to slavery and the craving of freedom those slaves endured would be first hand accounts from ancestors who lived the nightmare or befriended those who did despite the atmosphere and societal mores placing blacks and whites in divergent categories. (ISBN#9780825435768, 176pp, $9.99) & (ISBN#9780825435744, 216pp, $10.99)

See what other CFRB bloggers are saying using these links:

Codicil:
Visit Stephanie’s website. Also don’t forget to click the bookcovers above to purchase your own copies of Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River or read more about the books.

Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks
This week CFRB presents Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers.
FaithWords (April 8, 2009)

Like all our life stories and the scriptures this is a story of redemption for many characters as well as an illustration of the consequences of unrepentant attitudes and behavior. As humans all of us are imperfect and these characters certainly fit that description and then some yet many of them find salvation in Christ as well as a true relationship with Him that they were lacking at the start. As many of us, myself included are wont to do, a few of Myers' characters are the do-it-myself types who behave under the mistaken belief that they have to control everything because they forget or don't believe that God is truly in control. As Townsend and Cloud would put it we have boundary issues with God and are confusing our responsibilities and His or worse aren't trusting Him to carry out His end of the deal. Anyway although the story itself is rather dark, the ending does display God's power in a pitched spiritual battle in a very descriptive and unique way. Myers as usual dishes up a riveting narrative for readers and characters that become lasting residents of the imagination once you have discovered them. Being a sequel I was a bit uncertain as to reading it alone but Myers has managed to weave in enough backstory to keep a new reader up to speed without bogging the story down with extra details that turn off those wanting to keep moving with the plot. Overall I would say for fans of Myers' writing and those who enjoy a psychological thriller but don't mind a bit of gore in the process this is worth your time to read. I must admit though that although I found the story intriguing, this definitely isn't my usual fare. (ISBN#9780446698009, 336pp, $13.99)

Check out what other CFRB Bloggers are saying:

Codicil:
Visit the authors site by clicking on his name and click the bookcover or title to purchase your own copy and read more about the book.

The Ark, The Reed and The Firecloud by Jenny L Cote - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This week CFRB presents The Ark, The Reed and The FireCloud by Jenny L. Cote. Here's some of my thoughts on this story.

Living Ink Books (September, 2008)
In this series debut, Max (a Scottish terrier) and Liz (an elegant feline) become responsible for a small band of animals who are instructed by a voice to follow the fire cloud. Eventually readers discover the voice is attributed to God and the animals are lead to the Ark as part of the preservation of species God planned to repopulate the earth following the flood. This particular adventure takes place as they travel on the Ark during the flood and come to know one another, Noah’s family and the other animals during the months of being stuck on this boat. We see the bad guys too of course though this is a children’s book and the mysteries encountered are at a level that would be appropriate for younger readers or listeners. While the story premise is intriguing, the book starts out rather slowly and the main plot lines show up well into the narrative. The message of trusting God and obedience that is illustrated through the adventures of the animals is clear yet doesn’t detract from the flow of the plot. This book would be a good read aloud for younger children that have an appropriate attention span or a book to read together with an older child capable of reading on their own. It is written at a level that many readers 8 and up could manage although the length may be a difficulty for some at the younger end and the simplicity may frustrate some more mature readers. It was an interesting read and a nice change of pace however for me and I understand it is being converted into animated film format as well. I suspect the film version will be enticing to those who have read the book as well as those who simply enjoy a good children’s story on screen. (ISBN#9780899571980, 464pp, $14.99)

See what other members are saying this week as well:

Codicil:
Visit the Max and Liz website or click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy and read more about the book.

Save My Children by Emily Wierenga - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

Castle Quay Books (Sept 5, 2008)
This book although a fictional account of some of the children at Bethany Homes over a span of many years is presented more as a series of anecdotes from various lives compiled in a non-fiction anthology. The author does however write a compelling story and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of not only children and families who were touched and ministered to by this organization but also the lives of the staff and the Jespersen family who founded the home and lived a very different life as a family than the traditional expectations of the time. Wierenga addresses the tensions and stresses along with the Lord’s hand on the Jespersen family and especially their biological children in this unique ministry as well as the struggles and growth of the children and families the ministry has served over the years and the staff that supported the Jespersen’s efforts to provide a home and guidance to so many children who desperately needed a safe haven. The perseverance of many of the characters in these stories will encourage and inspire readers to find their own purpose and role that God has in store for them. The Jespersen’s faith and hope despite their circumstances not only provided a confident model for the children surrounding them, it also helps readers to experience God’s faithfulness in impossible situations along with them. (ISBN#9781897213353, 304pp, $18.95)

Codicil:
Visit Emily’s site. Also don’t forget to click the bookcover above to purchase your own copy or read more about the book. Check out other CFRB member posts throughout this week using the buttons above. Visit the Bethany Homes website for more info about the real life ministry this novel is based on.

Meet Donna Dawson - Author of Vengeance

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This Month CFRB is touring Vengeance by Donna Dawson. I chose to go with an interview as I'm swamped with reading at the moment. Readers please enjoy this glimpse into another author's life and work that I have been privileged to come in contact with through my blogging.

1. Who do you want to meet and why?
Besides the obvious (God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit) I would love to meet John Grisham, Robert Ludlum and Frank Peretti so I could pick their brains on writing. Extremely talented authors with much to teach I'm sure.

2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Hands down--chocolate!

Cool another chocolate lover - between that and books I can usually be plied for most anything unless of course it violates personal standards or is unlawful activity.

3. What would be your dream vacation?
Tour of Scotland and England.

4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
My grade 12 English teacher, Mrs Quiggly, said that if I did nothing else, I should write. She always commented on my essays and stories.

5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first book?
My writing began in freelance non-fiction with my first article being purchased by Angels on Earth (Guideposts). From then on, I picked away at writing a few stories but really got involved in writing when my youngest daughter went to university. Having home taught, I decided to write a small guide to prepare parents for what to expect in home teaching. I then took a university course with Long Ridge Writers Group out of Connecticut. My teachers encouraged me in both fiction and non-fiction. My first novel grew from a question one of my daughters asked as we walked down a street in Toronto, Ontario. She wondered why there were so many homeless people. As I searched for an answer for her question, I became aware of the stories of the individuals and thought "People need to understand what brings a person onto the streets". From that "Redeemed" was born. The editors and publishing staff at Word Alive Press really encouraged me and I haven't been able to turn off the ideas since then.

6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Oh my! I have three novels; "Redeemed", "The Adam & Eve Project" and "Vengeance". I have just finished a rough draft of a novel entitled "Rescued". This is another suspense novel but it has its roots in a very extreme truth--that abortion is not necessary. It is a novel that joins pro-life and pro-choice to fight for a new procedure to become standard policy. The book is to be released in the spring. I also have an e-book being released through Awe-struck books. It is an inspirational mystery romance entitled "Fires of Fury". I just finished the final draft on a middle grade novel about a dog and the family she adopts. It is called "Princey". And I'm beginning the first draft on the sequel to "The Adam & Eve Project". I also write a monthly column for a local newspaper, a monthly column for a home school magazine and ongoing articles for nationwide magazines. Yes, I'm a very busy lady.

I've found that authors who have the itch to write generally are busy as that writing bug won't let go yet like me and reading it can't be done 24/7 either.

7. What first gave you the idea for Vengeance?
Revenge is one of the oldest temptations. We all face it. We all have our dark, painful traumas and it can be tempting to want to get even. And it isn't a one-time battle. We face it daily. I wanted to write a novel that would show the two choices surrounding vengeance. One victim chooses to get even and his revenge consumes him while the other victim chooses to reach out to God and in so doing finds the path to emotional freedom. It is a heavy concept that victims sometimes don't want to face. But they will accept it in a novel setting.

8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or Vengeance?
From personal experience I can say that getting even always comes back on us. I have had to remember that it is God's responsibility to judge, not mine. That is the crux of the book--knowing that God sees it all and he WILL do something about it when the time is right.

9. Share with us one of the craziest things you've done or that's happened to you? Where to begin? Among the many jobs I've had in my life, horseshoeing has had to be one of the most memorable. I remember once having a horse pull her foot away (she liked to play games when she got bored) while the nails were still sticking out the side of her hoof. She sliced my leg open. Not able to just leave her, I grabbed a roll of duct tape and "stitched" the wound closed so I could finish the job. After that my kids called me Mrs. Red Green.

10. What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
Most certainly the Bible. It is a fascinating book that never gets old. Any books written by Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum, Frank Peretti, John Grisham

Always so much fun to hear what others would chose from the sea of books we have at our disposal and every answer continues to be unique no matter how many people I ask this question.

11. What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
Isaiah 40:30-31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I am understanding more each day that with each word I write for the glory of God, I am renewed in knowing that I am walking in his will. I am learning that there is no contentment, no rest, no peace outside of living in his will.

Great reminder to all of us that our focus should be on following Him in every endeavor and task we face.

12. Why did you start writing and when?
I began writing in school on a casual basis but I really got serious about it several years ago as a means of emptying my ADHD mind of its multitude of ideas. I guess it was my sleeping pill to start. If I got my ideas down on paper in their most basic form my mind would stop churning and I could sleep. I continue to pour out ideas daily because it is a compulsion--a calling. It is God's command in my life and I can't NOT write.

13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
I spend a good few hours just creating a character. The names come last. I decide what they look like, what they like to eat, wear, listen to etc. When I stumble across a name that suits that character, I snatch it and alter it enough that it becomes part of the character and he or she becomes a real person on paper. My character sketches can be pages long and I make sure that I keep the character consistent through out the story.

14. What’s your favorite character / scene from Vengeance?
I would have to say that I love the relationship between James Benedict and Cookie, Julie's dog. Life isn't perfect. It doesn't always fit together the way we'd like it to. I like slipping that truth into my stories. The animosity between these two who are both obviously jealous over Julie's attention makes the story ring of truth. The reader believes the Biblical truths slipped into the pages because I've tried to make the overall story truthful in a way that life is truthful--by showing the relational flaws. My favourite scene would have to be where James is pounding out his frustrations on the upper deck. He's showing that he's angry but he is using the cruise ship's driving range as a constructive method for working out his anger. Often Christians think they can't be angry--or show it. Not true! We are to be wise in how we deal with our emotions--not pretend they don't exist.

I know people do ignore emotions or pretend they aren't there though I still don't understand how someone can do that when my own emotions can be so intense and pervasive sometimes that although I want them just to go away experience and reality have proven it won't happen that easily.


15. Do you have any teasers you can share for your next book?
"Fires of Fury" is the story of a woman's betrayal by her husband, his murder and her struggle to remain distant from the police officer who is investigating the murder. It is romance in its innocent form with a faith message woven throughout.

"Rescued" is about a girl who becomes pregnant. Because of a biological defect in her reproductive organs she can't have the baby. But she refuses to have an abortion. When a reproductive specialist creates an alternative, she jumps at the chance. And then the extremists come out of the woodwork and her life is in jeapardy. This book has a purpose to serve. The goal is to show women that there is an alternative to abortion but they must fight for that alternative in a society where nothing changes without pressure.

16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
"Vengeance" has a simple message to it: trust God with our circumstances. He knows they happened and he can use them for good. He is also more than capable of calling to account those who victimize. They WILL stand before God some day and they WILL answer.

Wow that is quite a potent message and all wrapped into a story nonetheless. I love how books while fictional can carry so much truth deep within them. Thank you for taking the time to share with my readers.

It was my great pleasure. God bless.

Be sure and visit the other posts throughout this tour week and learn more about our featured author as well as her book.

Codicil:
Don't forget to visit the main CFRB Blog for a daily post. Say hello to Donna at her website and use the bookcover or title above to check out more info or purchase a copy of the book

Seabird by Sherry Thompson - My Review

Originally Posted at Bibliophile's Retreat by Melissa Meeks

This month's CFRB tour is a highly anticipated fantasy read. Based on recommendations from other reader/blogger/reviewers I respect I looked forward to receiving my preview copy in the mail.



Once I got my hands on this I found it started out rather slow but I've come to realize that is true in most fantasy novels due to the world building necessary to orient the reader in a foreign environment. While all that detail can be off putting or even relegate a book to the abandoned pile very quickly, I am very much into the small stuff and appreciate the effort good fantasy authors put into not only creating and enmeshing the reader in their worlds but the research and time required to make those worlds feasible even when they are far removed from anything we might consider real.

Now enough of my lollygagging about on minor stuff and on to the meat of the book. The story premise this author uses may sound old, tired and overused as you'd think in reading the synopses it is simply another Chronicles of Narnia type plot. I've got news for you here readers, yes Cara is thrust into an unfamiliar new world that runs on its own clock and expected to save it because she showed up at the right (wrong) time depending on your perspective on the matter but there is so much more to this good versus evil battle for the very existence of Narenta and to Cara's story as well.

We start out with Cara and her family enjoying a seaside holiday together with the typical accompaniments of sunburn and token souvenirs. Cara has discovered and acquired one such souvenir in the form of a necklace which resembles our shoreline avian residents here on earth yet if depicting a true species is not of our world. After donning her new treasure, Cara finds herself in not only an unfamiliar woodsy setting but surrounded by flora, fauna and colors that she cannot understand as anything but a dream though even that seems a far stretch for her mind. Very shortly she is informed that it is her duty to save these people and their world from a vague threat that has been building for some time and only an "outworlder" is able to do so. Cara is not only reluctant to take on this mission but apprehensive of her success and wants nothing more than to run the other way. Not only does Seabird tell us the back story of Narenta and its current predicament as well as Cara's outward journey to discover what must be done to redeem herself and this foreign world from destruction but she also faces a much deeper and far reaching internal journey of discovering faith in Alphesis (the God figure in Narenta) and faith in herself as well as her unique qualification for the mission she is presented.

Being one who, like Cara, avoids change and especially any change involving risk or danger to my own comfort and security I can easily relate to her choice to make a break for "home" instead of following the instructions for the next step in her alleged mission. Little does she know at the time that completing this mission is her only hope of returning to her own world once more and attempting to circumvent the responsibility thrust upon her will only delay this homecoming as well as place her in even more danger.

Will Cara realize her value not only to the Narentans but also that value intrinsic to who she is created to be? Can she discover a deeper faith in the ultimate power and knowledge of Alphesis (God) that also recognizes her own worth and place in His creation as a unique entity that nothing else can emulate? Cara's journeys are those we all face at times perhaps to a lesser degree in some cases but always evolving to push us outside the boxes we create both for ourselves and for God that can never contain even a fraction of who He truly is or what He can do in our lives if we embrace the possibilities for growth He desires to cultivate in us.

Codicil:
Visit Sherry online at her website and blog. Purchase a copy of Seabird and find more info by clicking on the bookcover or Title link above. And don't forget to visit the other CFRB members posting this week using the buttons above.