Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Book Review: Healing the Faith


 File Size: 881 KB
  • Print Length: 170 pages
  • Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (February 8, 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B0077CCGCE
Amazon

Just saying “I do” was only the beginning for Alexia and Justin McNear. Now when their lives, loves, and faith are left in turmoil, they will have to fight even harder to heal themselves and their faith. Can two people already struggling help heal the communities they call home? How do you rebuild after the loss of a child? After suffering a tragedy, are these two lost to each other forever?

With all the church’s money missing, the hunt for the tyrant will take Mark, an exminister, Justin, and his twin cousins away from their secluded, gated community and into the real world while leaving their wives behind to pick up the pieces. Can Justin survive it again? Or will returning to the retreat that once abused him be his end?

Alexia, Madison, and Ginger will need to be strong and independent with their men gone. Left to raise their child alone, Alexia will make decisions that will affect their marriage and lives. Will they be the right ones?

Raised in a community where the men run everything, these three families will have to fight to survive the coming changes.

The temptations run high in this sequel to Mocked by Faith, but hope is not lost, and they will learn how to heal their faith.
I have read this book last year, months passed and I’d forgotten about this one, until I saw it in my Librarything Early Reviewers List..:)

I was so excited of reading this book since I’ve read the first one, “Mocked by Faith” which really hooked me up. But “Healing the Faith”, didn’t hit me as hard as the first one did.

I still like Ms. Richard’s writing, I still enjoyed the plot and the storyline <even if the characters are what really drive the story>, as well as the old characters and the new one. Each one is still distinct and the readers could relate too. There’s also enough room to know the new characters. And I really like it when the author makes use each of them, in this one, each has a vital role.

I still love Justin, the ever-loyal and caring husband, who even though was damaged by his past experiences, he still strives to be a good husband and to redeem his faith. But in this book, I am quite annoyed with Alexia, she’s whiny and selfish <she’s not really like this on the first book>. I understand that it’s normal for a wife to be a little depressed and angry when your husband leave you even if there’s a good reason behind it. But her behavior is over the line- it’s not so realistic- well, maybe if someone is that unstable when it comes to emotions.

Although the ending is a bit rushed, I enjoyed the action and the twist. The resolution at the end, makes reading the book worthwhile. I don’t think, there’s another sequel for this one. The story seems to have its final closure.

What just bothered me, *note this is my personal opinion*, even if for arguments sake, this is purely fiction, it seems that they worship angels, the 7 Archangels mentioned in the Bible, well that’s how I understand it. And yet they rely on the bible, then why worship something which is clearly not God. I’m a Christian, so I’m a little bit reactive on this issue. This was supposed to be a book with the theme faith and yet it reverts to that very idea. <I understand though that maybe some other religions have the same faith as this one, but really this made me not to really like this book>

All in all, disregarding the faith issue mentioned above, this is quite a good book about a young couple trying to heal not just their relationship but also their faith. 

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Winner:200 Followers Giveaway (INT/8 Books up for grabs) First Winner!

 

Click the banner to enter the giveaway... 7 books are still up for grabs..

Last week Bookshelf Confessions reach 100 followers... and its still counting today..:)
 Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway and followed my blog.

So as a thank you, I had drawn the: 100 Followers: 1 Book- 1 Winner

and the winner is: 
Marriane L. 

She was already contacted and she choose a Book from Book Depository:


Stay tuned for the drawing of other winners..:D

Monday, April 16, 2012

Book Review: Retribution


Retribution by Kelsey Miller
  • Paperback: 324 pages
  • Publisher: Miller Publishing (October 3, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0983960801
  • ISBN-13: 978-0983960805
Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide   Amazon
Not all Vampires drink blood...
As the reluctant wolf heir to the Lyall Family, Faolan is no stranger to killing Vampires. But even he is unprepared for the two Changelings who attack him one day during his patrol. The two young Vampires make no move to seriously harm Faolan, and despite his confusion at their odd behavior he manages to get away.
Shortly thereafter he is attacked by a mysterious Vampire. However, instead of killing Faolan, she coerces him into joining her quest to kill the elusive vampyre, Hunter.
But can Faolan trust her? And why is he forced from his wolf form whenever he fights this Vampire? Faolan will have to work quickly to discover her secrets before both of them are killed...

First and foremost, let’s talk about the cover. Although I really loved the artistic design, this book would be better with a more improved one, that would make it look really paranormal.

As the summary says, “Retribution” is about werewolves and vampires. I know a lot of teens out there are bored with these same themes, but believe me this book had taken a different level on this genre.

The plot was well-thought of and the writing keeps you hooked with the book. Most of the conflicts happen even before the main characters met, so it’s hard to tell what evil hides in their adventure and who’s really behind it.

The characters felt real as far as paranormal goes. Ms. Kelsey Miller did a wonderful job in showing as each of her characters distinct personalities, rather than tell. I also loved the poems as prologue and epilogue, behind the words lies so much of what the book contains.

I never felt bored even in just a second. There’s always action lurking around, lots of it and something real too that the story doesn’t feel force. There are surprises, twist and turns in the story that I never saw coming. One second you thought it was over, the next a series of another conspiracy and a greater conflict would show up, that would leave you wondering what would happen next?

Although, there’s just a bit of romance in this book, it was enough to give us break of the never-ending thrills and suspense that this book presents. But then, like any other teen, I would have want to see this romance blossom into something deeper in the next book, if ever there is, although I’m sure the author is working on it.

Speaking of a sequel, the author left us in a great cliff-hanger. It’s right when, I don’t want to put the book down but have too, because I’m on the last page. Can’t wait for the sequel to “Retribution”.
“Retribution” is one of the best books I’ve read concerning werewolves and vampires. I was thoroughly impressed and entertained whenever I turn the page. Friendship, love, trust, revenge, betrayal, myths and action, “Retribution” gives you a captivating, entertaining and refreshing story any paranormal enthusiast would surely enjoy

Check out my interview with Kelsey Miller!
View all my reviews

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Book Review: The Flight of Gemma Hardy LP: A Novel



The Flight of Gemma Hardy LP: A Novel by Margot Livesey
  • Paperback: 480 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial (July 24, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0062064231
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062064233
Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideAmazon
The resonant story of a young woman's struggle to take charge of her own future, "The Flight of Gemma Hardy" is a modern take on a classic story--Charlotte BrontE's "Jane Eyre"--that will fascinate readers of the Gothic original and fans of modern literary fiction alike, with its lyrical prose, robust characters, and abundant compassion. Set in early 1960s Scotland, this breakout novel from award-winning author Margot Livesey is a tale of determination and spirit that, like "The Three Weissmanns of Westport "and "A Thousand Acres," spins an unforgettable new story from threads of our shared, still-living literary past. 

"Gemma is real--it's as simple as that. And through her eyes we see step by step what it means . . . to take possession of one's own life." --David Wroblewski, author of "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"

I haven’t read Jane Eyre, yeah, I know, you can’t believe me. But I live in the Philippines, and we’re not required to study English Classic Literatures, except when you majored in it in college. So, I have nothing to compare “The Flight of Gemma Hardy” to.

Even though this book is a tribute to Bronte’s Jane Eyre, I find myself falling for this book’s charm alone. I don’t need to compare it with the original classic, because this one is not an old classic, but rather a retelling of a great classic in another way. It’s something of a modern and revitalizing tale that is wonderful in its own way.

Every scene in the book is monumental and heart-breaking. The author’s writing is compelling and has this wonderful flow that the story is not forced at all. Iceland and Scotland, complete with their history and geography was also vividly described that I find it easy to picture the places and bring myself back into the 50’s and 60’s time.

The characters are unique in their own way. Some of them, you might hate, but this only makes the story real and engaging. The plot is filled with twist and emotions.

Gemma Hardy’s life was no other. She lost both her dear parents and even her uncle who took care of her after her parent’s death has suffered the same fate with the reaper. Unfortunately for Gemma, life was never as she knows it when her aunt and cousins showed that they are not nice at all. And a whole lot of adventure, tragedy and learning sprout in Gemma’s journey from a young girl into a full grown woman.

I instantly liked Gemma Hardy from the very first page. Although her life was sad and full of tragedy, her little light of hope can’t help but shine through in everything she’s been true.

“The Flight of Gemma Hardy” has its own beauty, inspiration and tragedy which it could be proud of. I’m glad to be part of Gemma’s journey of passion and betrayal, secrets, lies, learning and growth, dreams and friendship.

Ms. Margot Livesey is another brilliant contemporary writer and “The Flight of Gemma hardy” is another brilliant masterpiece.

Highly Recommended!



View all my reviews

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Meeting Destiny Blog Tour: Guest Post and Giveaway by Nancy Straight



Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.





Thank you, Nancy, for taking the time to have a guest post here at Bookshelf Confessions.:D
*guest*
Nancy Straight
*Guest*

How do you know if it's Destiny or merely a Coincidence?



Thanks so much for hosting the Meeting Destiny blog tour!  I’m excited to be here and was intrigued with your question. 

I’m no expert, but I firmly believe my husband is exactly who I was destined to be with.  I believe destiny is more than a single opportunity; it is likely a string of coincidences.  If a person were destined to be with a specific person, they might run into that person several times unintentionally.  If it is someone that you’re drawn to, you likely have similar interests or hobbies in common – fitness, book clubs, types of sporting events are all places where people with similar interests will gravitate to and have the opportunity to meet someone that is similar to them – maybe even destined for them. 

Destiny, in my opinion, is as much a chemical reaction as it is finding the right person at the right time.  When I met my husband (for the sixth time) I didn’t need to be convinced that he was the right person, I didn’t need a long courtship to know this was who I would grow old with.  Each time we had met previously wasn’t the right time for either of us – but when the time came, there was no doubt. 

The Characters in the Destiny Series, (Max and Lauren) have an advantage over real people.  They were part of a story that began 140+ years earlier – although you need to read the entire series to find out how their journey began and why Lauren dreamt of Max several years before she met him.  Meeting Destiny is eerily believable.  I’m sure we’ve all been plagued with re-occurring dreams throughout our lives that we dismissed as nothing more than our subconscious recalibrating our psyche.  But wouldn’t it be great if your subconscious was actually vectoring you in to your destiny?  Again, the Destiny Series is fiction, but it’s the type of fiction that I think most people would love to see happen in their own lives.     

Plus, “Meeting Coincidence” doesn’t sound as good as “Meeting Destiny!”  LOL!
Thanks for being with us today and this is a wonderful thought on Destiny and Coincidence.

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Nancy is on the right.
Nancy was born in Sioux City Iowa, left the cold of the Midwest in 1991 and only returns to see family in the summer time. She spent ten years traveling the world as a US Marine and settled in rural SC with her husband, two children and three dogs.  She enjoys RVing with her family, writing Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy and reading all types of Paranormal and Young Adult literature.










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