This Scarlet Cord - Joan Wolf - An Interesting Portrayal

Rahab, a Canaanite related to Christ has always been a bit of a mystery for readers. Little is devoted to her beyond the fact that she hid two Israelite spies which resulted in her and her family being saved. Just who is Rahab, and why was she saved? How did she come to believe in Yahweh enough to save the Israelite spies?

This is the premise of what This Scarlet Cord attempts to explain. Just who was Rahab, and her family. How did she meet and marry into the line that would ultimately beget Boaz and Ruth among others? Wolf in her novel provides an interesting, alternative take to the story of Rahab, including a presupposition I've not seen in previous stories, as I would prefer not to make this a spoiler alert, I will say that I enjoyed the romance in this take of Rahab.

The story begins with young, innocent Rahab and an encounter that stays with her throughout the book. I really appreciated the development and background into her relationship with her future husband. The characters utilized by Wolf were easy to relate to. They had their flaws and yet their flaws could also turn out to be their redeeming quality.

Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read a book in, I've had the opportunity to read books on Rahab in the past and appreciate the differences in this authors approach. On the basis of the storyline given, the characters introduced, as well as the believability of a world crafted by Wolf, I will give this book 4/5 stars. I found it hard to put down once I started and believe that many other readers will be the same.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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."

Babylon's Falling: The Story of Belteshazzar, also known as Daniyyel

 William Collin's book, Babylon's Falling was extremely well done. From start to finish, I really enjoyed this book. Our story begins right after Jerusalem's fall, and the march for all the captives that began at that time. I felt transported back in time to a world of the author's own imagining.

A good book for me has always been one that can grip and engage me, something that Babylon's Falling certainly did. The author did his research and also added in a bit of his own creativity of the time, of how things could have been. The story stayed primarily focused on Daniel, however did at times shift its attention towards his three friends and their travail in the fiery furnace.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the Biblical Fiction genre, especially those who have been craving yet unable to find a story on Daniel. This is, to my knowledge the best to date. Biblical Fiction is one of my favorite genre's which is why I'm always happy to see a great addition to it. I'd give this book a 5/5 stars for a well crafted, interesting, and gripping story that the reader desires to delve into and finish, something I was up late last night doing in order to get to the end of the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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."

Crater - Homer Hickam

When I read the cover for this book, I was excited about the potential for it, as it immediately sounded like a book I could get into. The plot for the story had potential, however reading the book I found that Crater failed to live up to potential. 

The main reasons for this were:

·      Chaotic plot progression: I did not know where I was half the time in the novel. We’d go from one character to another, or we’d jump from one plot to the next so fast you could hardly keep track.

·      Flat Characters: We’d not focus on one character enough to really get to know them. Or they’d disappear for no reason, or die rather suddenly.

·      Writing: It seemed choppy and without an apparent order of events. Almost like it was a first draft. I found a lot of transition problems amongst different chapters, characters, plot ideas…I mean at one point it was talked about arriving somewhere, then you go back and you’re attacked, then you arrive there. It just seemed out of place, especially with how it was being talked about.

In the end as much as I would like to suggest this book for further readers, I would also suggest changing and fixing some of the mistakes and the flow of this title. Teens and young readers I imagine would enjoy this title. I give Crater two out of five stars for a good idea that needs a bit more refinement.

I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the blogging for books program. 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." 

Be The People - Carol Swain

A highly engaging book, Carol Swain's Be the People offered a unique perspective to us as citizens of the United States. She takes the time to overview her perspective and the background from which she comes from, detailing her journey to today. Rather than avoiding the 'harder' topics, she engages them with a gusto and directness that I find refreshing.




It should be noted that this book is largely based upon the opinion of Carol Swain, which she's based off sources - be they the constitution, bill of rights, or other references she's cited. It is her perspective, her worldview on the topic of the Constitution and what it means to be American.

Swain argues that to be American, to BE the People, we have to go back to our roots, we have to embrace the premises upon which this country was founded in order to be stronger, in order to make progress.

This is a great book for with a religious background that is passionate for their country. I found the book to be engaging and not too long. As a result, I'm giving "Be The People" three out of five stars--simply because I believe it was a bit heavy on constitutional passages and quotations as opposed to actual book insight.

Enjoy!

I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the blogging for books program. 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."

Dahveed 4: Yahweh's Soldier by Terri Fivash

This was another excellent addition to Terri Fivash's repertoire of books. The Dahveed series has truly progressed remarkably. What I appreciated the most in this book was the political nature of what was discussed. I have to admit I always was frustrated sometimes when Dahveed would refuse to take action and at least with how it's presented here, it makes sense.

Characters are believable and given depth. Though I was a tad bit confused at times with all the back and forth amongst the 5 cities, it served to set a backdrop for Dahveeds actions there. Furthermore, the Lords plans and coming to fruition, I can see how it could have been done this way.

I wait now impatiently for the next book, this series is the best look at any of the characters surrounding this. I can only hope that we see much more to come out of Fivash as she introduces her readers to the world that was.

Surfing For God

The first part of the title of this book immediately caught me, causing me to request the book for review. Surfing for God, what follows and what was included within was a detailed description of a battle many men face at some time in their life. Being female and reading this book was interesting, as this was a male-focused book. However, I was determined to read and provide an unbiased review. Though at times a bit explicit, I feel this book does a great job at grappling with temptation, whatever the temptation may be. Even if you are not suffering from an addiction to pornography you have a lot you can learn from this. The author, Michael Cusick spoke of his experience and individuals he’d mentored to as they fought to escape the chains that ensnared them. What followed was a very practical, faith-based way to overcome addiction. Though the authors subject matter was porn, this could also be used to break free of alcohol, drug, or any other type of addiction one might suffer from. The universal truth for all those who are tempted or ensnared is that God is nearby and longs to help us to escape the rut we are in and travel the road and path He has set before us. Given the quality of work that has gone into Suring for God, I am inclined to give the title 4 out of 5 stars, what would have made it better would have been less of the graphic wording and imagery. Though I did take into account the authors intended audience, I feel that he could have left out some of the more graphic words that he used to communicate his point. I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Joseph - By Terri Fivash

Hands down this is my favorite book about Joseph. Fivash constructs an entire world for her readers, one which I'd not considered, with a wealth of characters and locations. It's not enough that she gives Joseph a unique 3-D function, she also does that to his supporting cast of Characters, a fact that goes a long way towards making this book so engaging. Hands down this is the best book I've ever read. I've read this book easily around 35+ times and each re-read brings to light new information or experiences.

Fivash's Joseph begins with his being thrown in the well and then being sold. His story continues with an interesting look at the Ishmaelite trader and the likely familial connection that would have been had. The motivations behind the purchase and sale, present an interesting 'could have been' for readers. Continue on with a look into the societal restraints of the day, as well as the inherently political atmosphere that regulated the daily constraints for those within Egyptian society.

If you ever take a chance to pick up this book you will be in for a treat and a surprise as there is much to learn and explore. I hope you take this chance to explore Terri Fivash's Joseph and get to know an entirely complex world and society through 460 pages that always seem to speed by once I pick up the book.