The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews

The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances by Andy Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover!" is very fitting for me and this book. For some reason, even though I was asked to review this book by Thomas Nelson, I just had a hard time picking it up and starting it. However, after the first chapter or two I could barely put it down!

This amazing book is broken into three sections with the main story being in the second section. As I followed Andy's journey from the present to the past and back again I was intrigued, breathless, curious, and fascinated. The fact that this story is real is almost mind boggling! It is an easy to read book that will have you spellbound whether you like history or not.

The Heart Mender is a mix of romance, mystery, faith, intrigue, suspense, and history. It is the perfect book to read on the beach this summer...or anywhere, really!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

While digging up a withering wax myrtle tree beside his waterfront home on the Gulf coast, author Andy Andrews unearths a rusted metal container filled with Nazi artifacts and begins an intriguing investigation that unlocks an unspoken past that took place in his backyard . . . literally.

In 1942, as the country gears up for a full-scale commitment to WWII, German subs are dispatched to the Gulf of Mexico to sink U.S. vessels carrying goods and fuel. While taking a late-night walk, Helen Mason—widowed by war—discovers the near-lifeless body of a German sailor. Enraged at the site of Josef Landermann's uniform, Helen is prepared to leave him to die when an unusual phrase, faintly uttered, changes her mind.

Set in a period simmering with anger and suspicion The Heart Mender offers the very real chronicle of a small town preparing itself for the worst the world has to offer. As cargo from torpedoed ships begins to wash up on the beach, Josef and Helen must reconcile their pasts to create a future.

Blending his unique style of historical accuracy with unparalleled storytelling, New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews offers a tale of war, faith, and forgiveness illuminating the one principle that frees the human spirit.

Previously released as Island of Saints. Now includes a Reader's Guide and a Where are They Now? section.

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This book was provided for review courtesy of Thomas Nelson Publishing. The review is my own thoughts and opinions.

A Salute To Service by Mike Radford {GIVEAWAY}

A Salute to Service: The Rebirth of Patriotism by Mike Radford

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

A Salute To Service is a wonderful book in which Mike Radford shares his passion for patriotism. He talks about his Hall of Heroes project and shares how you can start one, too. But this book is not a "how-to guide", it's a compilation of stories that will inspire you, encourage you, move you to tears, bring you to laughter.

You will read about the American G.I., teachers who truly taught, what a real patriot is, old-fashioned values that are really not old-fashioned, and so much more. This book will remind you of America's roots and why it's so great to live in the good ol' USA!

Reading A Salute to Service would be a great way to celebrate the 4th of July. It will remind you to be thankful for the things we so easily take for granted. This book would be a great one to keep on the shelf to browse through every so often, or to leave on your coffee table for guest to be encouraged by, or to give to a veteran as a small token of gratitude for their service.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of New Leaf Publishing, but the opinions stated are strictly that of my own.

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GIVEAWAY

In honor of the men and women who have fought to pay the price of freedom for my family and I, I want to thank someone who has served by making this giveaway for past and present servicemen and women only. 

Please leave a comment and I will draw a winner on July 13th.

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

(Thanks go out to Oasis Audio for making this series possible through providing the review copies)

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I can't even begin to understand what it must have been like to be a young teen girl during the Civil War. The fear, the challenge, the work, the hope...it's a time period that seems longer ago than it really was.

In this book - My Vicksburg - Ann Rinaldi creates a fictional story based on history that will keep you glued to the radio (or MP3 player) until the last CD is over. It's fascinating to hear history in a personal view rather than just text book information.

This book is listed as Juvenile fiction, yet I would recommend it for older children, say ages 10 and up. Unfortunately there are 2 or 3 times where I noticed a bit of language that I did not appreciate.

However, as a whole, this audio book is a good way to entertain the family on a road trip. The narration is enjoyable as she brings depth to the characters with various voices. It's a story that will hold the attention of the whole family and since it's only 4 CDs long, it's the perfect length for any road trip.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Claire Louise Corbett and her Confederate family flee their home as Union soldiers shell their town of Vicksburg, Mississippi. They venture out from the safety of a cave only three times a day, when the Union army takes their meals at eight in the morning, noon, and eight at night. Although many of the townspeople suffer from a lack of food, the Corbetts receive extra rations from Claire Louise's brother, Landon, a doctor with the Union army. When Claire Louise discovers her brother tending to a Confederate soldier who is responsible for Robert E. Lee's "lost order" (causing the South to lose the Battle of Antietam), she is forced to make a difficult choice between family and friends. Award-winning historical novelist Ann Rinaldi paints a story of family, courage and secrets during the 47-day siege of Vicksburg, a battle that has sometimes been ignored in history because it ended the same day as the Battle of Gettysburg.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.

Willie and the All-Stars by Floyd Cooper

Willie and the All-Stars by Floyd Cooper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a great kids story and history lesson all wrapped up into one book. I liked the way it talked about issues of race from the perspective of a kid and without making it into a big deal. It did a good job of talking about the problem of separation without going to deep and getting too emotionally charged for kids to understand. The kids and I enjoyed both the story as well as the illustrations.

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth Osbeck

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth Osbeck

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We have all sung the great hymns of our faith such as Amazing Grace, A Mighty Fortress, Rock Of Ages, and Fairest Lord Jesus, and have come to cherish them and their impact on our lives. Yet, often we do not know the story behind the hymns and how God worked to bring these songs to us.

This collection of 101 stories behind the hymns of our faith is a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration as well as a wonderful reminder of the sacrifices made by many a man, woman, family, for the sake of the Gospel. While meant for adults primarily, this book on audio would be a great resource for parents to use with their children. In the day where hymns seem out of date to the younger generations, these stories will revive one's appreciation for these old songs.

The audio version is a wonderful mix of story, lyrics, and music to make it a well rounded presentation.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

At Gettysburg

At Gettysburg: Or What a Girl Saw and Heard at the Battle by Tillie Pierce Alleman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This small book serves in a big way to show us what it would have been like to have been living in Gettysburg on July 1st through 3rd of 1863. Tillie's account of the events is tragic and sad, yet it is a good thing to read to cultivate a heart of appreciation not only for the soldiers that fought for our freedom, but also for the townsfolk who sacrafices so much for us, too.

You can read this little black book in an afternoon and I highly recommend you doing so to get a short, but personal, glimpse into the battle of Gettysburg.

The Penny Doll

The Penny Doll by Jennifer Hennings

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The sweet story of a little girl who buys a rag doll at the flea market. Then while doing a chore for her Mom she comes across a diary that reveals a whole lot more about the little rag doll than she ever imagined. A wonderfuls story that connects young girls to history of the Civil War.

Emily Makes A Difference

Emily Makes a Difference: A Time of Progress and Problems by Joann A. Grote

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of Emily and her life back in 1893. It is a perfect blend of fiction and history to make a charming book for young girls (and boys, too!) to learn from and enjoy.

The Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner by Amy Winstead

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is wonderful! The story line is easy to follow and a great introduction to the National Anthem for young children. A must read for all preschoolers and young elementary kids.

Bach's Big Adventure

Bach's Big Adventure by Sallie Ketcham

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful introduction and overview of the early part of Bach's life in a format and story line that is not only easy to follow, but enjoyable as well. It combines humor with history and our young family asking questions and wanting to know more! We felt like Bach was a real person after reading this story rather than just a famous name.

Jazz On A Saturday Night

Jazz On A Saturday Night by Leo & Diane Dillon

rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a good way to introduce young readers to a few of the well-known Jazz musicians. It's a fun read and easy flow that makes it good for young attention spans.

The Priest (Sons Of Encouragement)

The Priest by Francine Rivers

rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Priest" was the first Francine River's book I have read. I was not dissapointed! Francine did an amazing job of staying true to the Biblical account of Aaron while at the same time capturing his emotions and human perspective as a simple man beyond that of the title of "Bible character".

She probed the depth of what it was like to be a man that many in today's age admire and scorn in the same breath. I walked into this story thinking "how could he have made the golden calf?", and stumbled away convicted of the times I, too, have crumbled under pressure and the curse of sin.

I began the story with a judging heart of Aaron and ended the book in tears as I reflected on my own rebellious heart.

"The Priest" brought new meaning and life to the account of the Israelite's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land in a way that touched both my mind and heart.

This book is not only an enjoyable and relaxing read, but a challenge to your own walk with the Great I Am.

I am honored to give this excellent work of writing a 5 star rating! This is a must read for all; young and old.