Without A Word by Jill Kelly

Without a Word by Jill Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

I grew up in NY and the Buffalo Bills were "my" team. I even went to got my Jim Kelly trading card autographed one time when I was about 12! So it was with great interest that I listened to this audio book.

First of all I really enjoyed the fact that Jill Kelly read her own book. The vocal expression was wonderful and it was easier to listen to knowing that how she said what she said, was how she meant it. I also enjoyed hearing the voices of Jim, Erin, and Cameron as well.

Jill - and the whole family, really - were so open and vulnerable in this book and their story is amazing! It's a testament to God's amazing love and goodness. I was touched by their honesty, inspired by their passion, and encouraged by their journey to the Savior.

If you want to more about the Kelly family or just simple want a good biography to listen to, this is a perfect one to select.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

“Your son has been diagnosed with a fatal genetic disease called Krabbe Leukodystrophy. There is no treatment and no cure. I will do everything I can to help your son. But the disease has already progressed so fast that I don’t think he will live to see his second birthday.” With these words, pro football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, were catapulted from a seemingly fairy-tale life of celebrity into a world of private struggle and medical uncertainty. What the public didn’t know, however, was that behind the scenes lurked more than a family’s pain at the dire prognosis of their only son. Hunter’s illness exposed the troubled depths of a marriage that had long been shadowed by uncertainties of its own. For eight years the future was unwritten, with Hunter defying all medical odds and his parents pursuing every means to save his life. Meanwhile, Jim and Jill’s marriage continued to fail yet was held together only by their love for their kids and their determined hope for Hunter. Though Hunter’s illness prevented him from ever speaking a word, his will and unconditional love spoke volumes to his family and all who knew him. And in time, the light of Hunter’s silent, all-too-brief life shone into the darkened corners of Jim and Jill’s lives, leading them to authentic faith, a restored relationship, and the establishment of a foundation that is reaching other families with terminally ill children around the world. Without a Word transparently shares it all: The heartbreaking moments . . . and those Jill would love to relive. Moments that add up to a time filled with unimaginable pain . . . and indescribable joy. Moments that silently transformed the hearts of every member of her family . . . and changed their lives forever. Moments that may even change your heart and life, too.

BOOK DETAILS:

Published by: Oasis Audio
ISBN:9781598597943
Price: $25.99

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Choice is not your typical Amish novel. It's better.

A young Amish girl, Carrie Weaver, has a choice to make that will change her life: run away and become English or become a member of the Amish church. Among the twisting and turning story line are two steady characters who are firmly rooted in their relationship with God and shine brightly to those around them. Meanwhile, the lives of others are being tossed around as they search for purpose in the trials of life.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has authored a book that will draw you into the world of the Amish and the simple, yet hard life they live. The Choice is surprisingly filled with much humor and the ending is nothing like what you expect as you begin the chapters of the book. Yet despite the disappointment and grief, you witness through the pages of print the incredible plans of God and His overwhelming provision.

After living among the Amish just two counties away from Lancaster, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was more than just nicely packaged fiction, the story seemed real and the characters came alive on the pages. It touched my heart and had me crying; but it also had me celebrating and laughing. The Choice was encouraging and in many ways a gave good reminders for my own life. I look forward to reading/listening to more in the Lancaster County Secrets series.

This audio version was smooth and easy to listen to thanks to the high quality of Oasis Audio!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinion expressed is my own.

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Lydia’s Charm by Wanda Brunstetter

Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Some say Amish Fiction books all blend together - but I say this one stands apart! I loved listening to this wonderfully read audio version of Wanda Brunstetter's Lydia's Charm.

The story overall was a great mix of "classic love story" with unexpected twists. Some of these twists were wonderful surprises and others were so shocking that I was in tears as I listened. I felt connected to all the characters in one way or another and even fell in love with the "unlovable" ones.

Not only was the story deep and real - beyond a feel-good romance - but it also dealt with such probing topics such as grief and prejudice. It was a longer book but with short, easy-reading (or easy-listening) chapters that kept you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what was next.

I would highly recommend this book in print form or audio version. The audio version was smooth to listen to and I enjoyed hearing the dutch words rather then attempting to read them myself! If you are looking for a heart-warming novel that will also challenge your soul while making you both cry and laugh - Lydia's Charm is the perfect book!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Lydia King is suddenly a widow and moves her son and herself to Charm, Ohio, to be close to her mother and help with her grandfather. But is her heart ready for romance when gifts begin appearing on her porch from a mysterious source? Menno Troyer, a furniture store owner, is also recently widowed and the father of four energetic boys. He has come to realize that, though he doesn’t think he’s ready to love again, his sons need a mother. Levi Stutzman, another newcomer to the area, is the only one in his family not handicapped by dwarfism, and he has dedicated his life to caring for them. Though determined never to marry, he is always willing to be of help to others. Will the anonymous gifts left for Lydia bring her hope for a new life? And when tragedy befalls her yet again, will the mysterious gift giver
be there to support her?

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the opinion expressed is that of my own. You can buy your own copy of this great book at OasisAudio.com.

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Christy: Stage Fright, Goodbye Sweet Prince, Brotherly Love

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Stage Fright: As Christy's students are preparing for a school play, she reveals her dream to act on stage. Little does she know that Dr. MacNeill's aunt is the artistic director of the Knoxville Theater. Before long, just as Christy is about to debut on stage, several mysterious incidents threaten both her dreams and her pride.

Goodbye, Sweet Prince: The whip cracked and the stallion reared up in pain. Christy cried in horror, "I've got to find a way to get Prince away from here!" Prince, the mission's stallion, has a cruel new owner. Christy and her students are heartsick. They desperately want to help Prince. But how? Is there a way their magnificent horse can be reclaimed?

Brotherly Love: George, Christy's younger brother, is charming and kind. But is he also a thief? Everyone is delighted when George visits Christy at the Cutter Gap Mission. But the delight ends when George reveals what he has been expelled from school for stealing. Can Christy summon the love and faith to help her brother do the right thing?

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To listen to an excerpt of this book, click here!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Princess Club, Family Secrets, Mountain Madness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Princess Club: When Ruby Mae, Bessie, and Clara discover gold in Dead Man's Creek, they form an exclusive group, "The Princess Club." Christy watches in dismay as Cutter Gap is torn apart by greed and envy. Can she find a way to heal the bitter divisions caused by a handful of gold?

Family Secrets: Bob Allen and many of the residents of Cutter Gap are upset that a black family has moved into the Cove. When hostile shooting and a series of threatening incidents befall the newly arrived family, the Washingtons, Christy steps in to help. But it's a clue in the Washington's family Bible that may hold the key to real peace and acceptance.

Mountain Madness: When Christy travels alone to a nearby mountain, she vows to discover the truth behind the terrifying legend of a strange mountain creature. But what she finds seems worse than anything she could ever have imagined!

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To listen to a excerpts of this audio book click here.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio but the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: Midnight Rescue, The Proposal, Christy’s Choice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Midnight Rescue: Christy Huddleston, the new school teacher in Cutter Gap, thought her biggest problem was going to be choosing between the charming country doctor, Neil MacNeill, and the handsome minister, David Grantland. But Christy has more serious matters to deal with when her student Ruby Mae Morrison and the mission's runaway black stallion vanish in a furious storm. As Christy desperately searches for Ruby Mae in the cold, blinding rain, she runs headlong into three angry moonshiners bent on revenge against anyone who might try to stop their illegal activities. Can Christy survive this most terrifying test of her faith and courage?

The Proposal: Christy should be thrilled when David, the handsome minister, proposes marriage. So why do thoughts of Dr. MacNeill keep popping into her head? Before she can answer David, Christy is blinded in a terrible riding accident and all her dreams are threatened.

Christy's Choice: Christy screamed as the train broke from the track and plunged down the side of the mountain. When Christy is offered a chance to teach in her hometown, she faces a difficult decision. Will her train ride back to Cutter Gap be a journey home or a last farewell? In a moment of terror and danger, Christy must decide where her future lies.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Christy: The Bridge to Cutter Gap, Silent Superstitions, The Angry Intruder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

C. Archer has done a wonderful job of adapting the book Christy by Catherine Marshall into something easy to read for younger children. This audio version by Oasis Audio is read by the talented Jaimee Draper and will captivate the imagination of children 6 and up. Draper reads with drama and flair that add life to the characters and depth to the story.

This set of audio stories is a great way to introduce children to classic fiction. I would suggest that parents listen to them before allowing their children to since there may be parts or entire stories that are too scary for your child depending on their personality.

I enjoyed listening to these myself as they simplify and then dramatize to a greater depth the original story. They do sometimes add some variations that you will not find in Catherine's original book.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Bridge to Cutter Gap: Christy Huddleston's dream is to teach poor mountain children. Join Christy as she crosses from the familiar world of parties and pretty things to the different world of Cutter Gap, located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. There she meets the doctor who needs her help to save a life and the handsome minister who helps her face the challenges of teaching and loving the mountain people.

Silent Superstitions: Strange things are happening in Cutter Gap and everybody is convinced that Christy is cursed. After all, who can explain Bob Allens' mysterious accident on his way to bring Christy to Cutter Gap? Or the lightning strike that sent a tree through the school window? Will fear and superstition triumph? Will Christy be driven out of Cutter Gap forever? Or will Christy overcome and win the hearts of the mountain people?

The Angry Intruder: Headstrong and independent, Christy is determined to change the lives of the children in Cutter Gap. Yet it seems that anything new and strange poses a threat to the mountain people, who are proud of their way of life. Evidently, Christy has angered someone enough to cause a string of mysterious pranks. The handsome minister fears that the pranks will turn dangerous. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize how right his fears are.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio by the opinions expressed are my own.

Bible Stories For Growing Kids by Francine Rivers & Shannon Rivers Coibion

Bible Stories for Growing Kids by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Excellent!

I'm not even sure if this word is adequate enough to describe my thoughts on this audio book. It is one of the best resources for 4 to 8 year olds I have reviewed.

First of all I love how they tell Bible accounts in a short format with a flair that stays true to the Bible but also makes it come alive. Then they follow up each story with personal application in the "Growing Time" section. Not only are kids learning about well-known and not-so-well-known Bible characters, they are learning how the Word of God effects their own lives.

I can't wait to have my children enjoy this audio book with fantastic narration while they drift to sleep each night. This is a must have for every home with children!   You can listen to a sample by clicking here.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

From this gifted mother-daughter team of Francine Rivers and Shannon Rivers Coibion come the Bible stories youll want to share with the growing kids in your life. Meet thirty important people from the Old and New testaments - some of them famous Bible figures like Abraham and Paul, and others unsung heroes like Amos and Priscilla. The stories will capture kids hearts and minds, and the "Growing Time" sections will help them apply the lessons of each story so they can live for God today!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and all opinions expressed are my own.

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You can support To Read, Or Not To Read by purchasing your own copy through my Amazon Affiliate link below.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Scribe by Francine Rivers

  The Scribe: Silas by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The Scribe is an amazing book that looks into the life of Silas and the apostles as the church began after Christ died and rose again. This book, the fifth in the Sons of Encouragement series, has a different feel to it. It is more personal versus a complete third person story.

I enjoyed the careful mix of fiction with biblical fact that creates a close up look at the experiences of well known Bible heroes like Paul and Peter and some not-so-well-known ones like Silas, Luke, and John Mark. There were many moments while listening to this audio version that I was in tears as I heard and thought about what the first Christians endured. This book brings the Bible accounts to life in your imagination in a way that will make the Bible so much more real to anyone.

While you can read this book in print or by listening to this audio version published by Oasis Audio, I must say I really enjoyed the wonderful narration in this audio format. Listening to this incredible story makes your housework go faster and makes family traveling become a riveting ride rather than a boring journey.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. The Scribe, the fifth and final audiobook in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Silas. Like the other Sons of Encouragement, this audiobook tells the story of a lesser-known biblical character who made an impact on eternity. The Scribe tells the story of Silas, the man behind the spotlight who recorded most of the New Testament Scriptures we read today. In classic Francine Rivers style the story lets listeners grasp the Scriptures in a whole new light - from a perspective never before imagined. Along the way listeners will be captivated by the growth of the early church and the trials Paul suffers before he is martyred for the cause of Christ.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio and the thoughts expressed are my own.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Prophet by Francine Rivers

The Prophet: Amos by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

So we all know that Amos is a small book of the Bible tucked into the back of the Old Testament, but only a few know anything about the man bearing the name. In this book - The Prophet - Francine Rivers mixes fiction with biblical fact to make a story that will hold your attention and have you turning pages as fast as you can. Or in this case siting on the edge of a chair waiting to put in the next audio CD. I appreciate the gentle balance in which Rivers uses to create a story that will bring this Bible character to life within your mind and heart. After listening or reading this story you will want to read the Bible book of Amos with great excitement. While some may not like to add a fictional element to biblical accounts, I highly recommend this book - and the other 4 in this series - because they draw out the humanness of the man in a way which makes you appreciate his life all the more. This book is great for young and old alike and makes a resource to listen to together as a family of older children and teens.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Prophet, the fourth audio in the Sons of Encouragement series, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Amos. Francine examines the life of Amos and his relationship to Israel during its prosperous years. Amos's message - and his relationship with God - made him unpopular. But his challenge to those who were enjoying the blessings of prosperity was crucial then and is strikingly timely today as well.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio. The thoughts expressed are my own.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Prince by Francine Rivers

 

The Prince: Jonathan by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

As the subtitle of this book says, Jonathan was one man who quietly changed eternity. I have always known he was an honorable man since he was loyal to his friend David who became king when he could have fought for the royal position. But this book goes beyond just his friendship with David to dig into his life of honor and faithfulness to God.

The Prince is a mix of fiction and biblical fact that explores the life of Jonathan - son of a king, loyal friend to another king. Francine Rivers is talented author who spins a balanced story that stays true to the biblical account while digging in deep to bring out the human feelings of these characters.

I highly recommend this book, and the others in this series, to anyone of any age. It creates a deeper appreciation for the men of the Bible and is a great way to learn about the culture and practices of that time period. You can choose to read the book in print or enjoy the audio format.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The Prince is the third audiobook in a new companion series to A Lineage of Grace. Each looks into the life of one of five biblical men (such as Aaron and Barnabus) who stood behind the great heroes of faith. In The Prince, beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Jonathan. His zeal carried him into battle. His faithfulness won him honor among his people. His humility led him into friendship with the man who would become king in his place. David was a man after God's own heart. But it was the courage and selflessness of his best friend that opened the door to David's rule. A man of honor and deep faith, Jonathan.

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Thanks to Oasis Audio for providing the courtesy review copy. The thoughts expressed are my own. 

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

The Warrior by Francine Rivers

The Warrior: Caleb by Francine Rivers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

The Warrior tells the story of a man whom we usually only remember for his service as a spy. In this mix of fiction and biblical fact we see the depth of this amazing man who followed after God.

I greatly appreciate the wonderful balance that Francine Rivers keeps in her writing. She stays true to the biblical account while adding just enough to make the story flow as she probes their thoughts and feelings. Caleb comes to life in a way each person can relate to in one way or the other.

In this book you will learn of his journey from Egypt to the Promise Land and the challenges of his faith. You will gain a great respect for the life he lead and a better understanding of what life was like back then. The Bible comes alive in your imagination as you read or listen to the audio version of this book.

While some people don't like to mix fiction with biblical accounts, I think Rivers does such an excellent job of writing that most anyone will enjoy this short novel. I highly recommend it to anyone, any age. A great way to "read" this book is through the audio version as a family while traveling or working around the house.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Behind the men who shaped history are the heroes who forever changed it. In The Warrior beloved author Francine Rivers illuminates the life of Caleb, a man whose faith and zeal for God helped lead God's people into the Promised Land. Discover a man full of passion, full of humility and faith. A man who encouraged Joshua and stood strong in the face of sin.

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This audio book was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio. The thoughts expressed are my own.

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Lineage Of Grace by Francine Rivers

MY REVIEW:

As you read through the Bible it is easy to gloss over people and events and miss the most thought provoking moments.  Francine Rivers makes you stop and think with her books in the Lineage of Grace series which cover the lives of five women who experienced the immeasurable grace of God.

Each book is the biblical account woven together with the imagination of Francine Rivers and relevant cultural facts from that day.  It brings familiar Bible characters to life in your mind and makes them feel like real people whom you have more in common with than you might want to admit.  I greatly appreciate how Francine stays true to the Bible passages while adding a storyline that could have happened.

In this audio book compilation, Anita Lustrea adds an even greater depth with her wonderful vocal talent and smooth presentation.  Listening to these stories in audio format is a delight and you will find yourself sitting down to listen because the story will have you riveted! 

These five novels brought out aspects of each woman’s life – both real and what could have been – that made me appreciate them and the amazing grace of God in a greater proportion that I had before.  From the lives of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary I was not only entertained by their stories but I was convicted, challenged, and encouraged.  I highly recommend these books to anyone – women, men, teens – in either the audio format or in the printed edition.

 

 

 

 

 

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This review copy and author feature were provided courtesy of Oasis Audio.

 

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These 5 books are awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!