Tag: book review

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Book Review & Giveaway: Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court

*Giveaway Closed*

Big day today! I don’t know if any of you have noticed the countdown box in the sidebar, but today marks the beginning of another book giveaway. This time the book is a signed copy of Sir Bentley of Holbrook Court. I hope you’ll take the time to read the review and leave a comment. Leaving a comment will automatically enter you in the drawing for the book*. The winner will be announced in a week on Thursday, November 22.

Bentley mounted Silverwood, look down at his parents, and launched the powerful steed into the kingdom…a kingdom waiting for one young knight to discover the truth of a Stranger.

When Bentley refuses to kill two Followers, his fate is sealed. His days as a Noble night have ended. Now he must leave Chessington in search of the Truth. He learns that the man called The Stranger was, and is, the Prince. The Son of the True King. In his pursuit to follow in the footsteps of his Prince, Bentley becomes a peasant and ventures into Holbrook. He becomes one of the farmers and discovers oppression, injustice, love and a cause to fight for. The day is coming when Holbrook will need a knight of the Prince.

This may well be my favorite book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series. Bentley’s quest for Truth and desire to serve the Prince illuminate truths about God and our responsibilities as Christians. A paragraph from the back cover of the book sums up the reason I love this series so much. “Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King.” I think that we, as Christians today, often forget to walk in the truth that we are in a battle and should and can fight that battle as mighty warriors, for we serve a mighty King. Never forget, the King reigns…and His Son!

Author: Chuck Black
Audience: All Ages
Genre: Christian Allegory/Adventure
Pages: 208
Publisher: Multnomah

Come back on Wednesday for an author interview with Chuck Black!

What do you like about the Kingdom Series or the Knights of Arrathtrae Series? Why would you like to win a copy of Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court?

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*Due to cost of shipping, this book cannot be mailed outside of the continental United States.

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Book Review: Prisoners of the Sea

Today’s book review is written for us by “Maiden-in-Waiting”, a friend of mine and one of my blog readers. Some of you may have read her comments or noticed her name in the “Guess a Quote” posts. This is the first guest post (not counting author interviews) for this blog! Hope you enjoy.

“You are right, mother,” said Madeline in a low voice. “We are in a horrible strait; disaster
seems to threaten us in whichever direction we turn; but let us do anything, rather than
commit ourselves into the power of the dreadful sea.”

This vividly compelling novel defines the term “being in an agony of suspense.” Masterfully written, Prisoners of the Sea unfolds during the intolerant rule of France’s Catholic King Louis XIV, who renounces the Edict of Nantes and bans Protestantism.

Abandoned to drown by the cowardly crew of their sinking ship, a small company of the now illegal Huguenots are thrown upon the mercies of the sea, their own ingenuity and the arms of their God. When the regal and gracious Madame de Langres, and her lovely and spirited daughter Madeline, the bold and chivalrous gentleman Balliot, and the incorrigible but resourceful sailor Jack Winters find refuge on the mysterious shores of an unknown island, they hardly suspect the perils that lie ahead. Midnight kidnappings, abandoned mansions, covetous pirates, agonizing miscommunications, a blossoming romance, and an ancient mystery swirl into a tapestry of unyielding tension and suspense, forcing us to wait until the last chapter for an astonishing conclusion!

Author: Florence M. Kinsley
Audience: Teen to Adult
Genre: Classic/Historical Fiction
Pages: 394, of pure enjoyment
Publisher: Lamplighter Rare Collector’s series

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Book Review: Flight Into Spring

Even though Sally Day had just consented to become his wife, Charles left for the North the next day.

At sixteen years old, Sally Day Hammon, a vivacious and incorrigible southern-belle, marries Charles Horne, a stoic and quite Yankee soldier from Connecticut. When she moves to New England with her husband, Sally Day finds that her new life is much different from her old life. Her free-spirited ways clash with the more repressed Northern lifestyle. Can Sally Day adjust to her new family and new surroundings?

This was a fun read with a slightly frivolous feel. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, but I was unsatisfied with the main character, Sally Day. She doesn’t fill the Biblical role of submissive help-meet very well! That said, it’s a clean read with some interesting historical elements. If you can borrow it, I’d say go ahead and read it. If you’re looking for a book to buy, I recommend spending your money elsewhere .

Author: Bianca Bradbury
Audience: Tween–Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 184
Publisher: Bethlehem Books

Have you read Flight Into Spring? If so, what did you think? Are there any other post Civil War books you recommend?

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Book Review: Gabriel’s Horses

When Pa shows me something, I take note. Pa’s the best horseman in Kentucky, and I aim to follow in his path.

Horses and horse racing are Gabriel’s life. He is the son of a freedman and a slave woman, making him a slave. He enjoys jockeying for his master and learning about horses from his father. He is happy until war sends his world spinning. His father leaves and a new horse trainer with harsh training methods arrives. To top things off, Confederate soldiers begin stealing horses. Gabriel must make sense of his new life while trying to protect the horses he loves.

This is the first book in the Racing to Freedom Trilogy. I read the trilogy several years ago. My library purchased the second book in the trilogy. After reading that book, I begged the librarians to buy the first and third book to add to their collection. They did and I enjoyed all three books. The story is fast paced and provides an unusual look at a popular period of history.

Author: Alison Hart
Audience: Middle Grade–Tween
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 160
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

What are your favorite historical horse stories?

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Book Review: The Other Side of Truth

Sade’s father is a bold journalist speaking against the corrupt Nigerian government. There are many people who want him silenced. After their mother is murdered, Sade and her brother, Femi, are smuggling to Britain. Nothing goes as planned. Sade finds herself struggling to find the right path in a new country. Will she ever see Papa again?

This book was dedicated to young people who want to know more, and it’s a good story for doing just that. The dangers of standing up for the truth and the cost some people pay for doing so is eye opening. Well worth reading.

Author: Beverly Naidoo
Audience: Tweens–Young Adults
Genre: Multicultural Fiction
Pages: 272
Publisher: Amistad Publisher

Have you read any stories about refugees? If so, share the titles in the comments section below.

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Book Review: Hero

A thin film of white powder trickled out the holes Mike’s teeth had made. He shook a little into his palm and looked at it. It was as fine as talcum powder. Powdered sugar. Why would anyone send a package of powdered sugar through the mail? He wet a finger, touched it to the powder and tasted it. Then he just stood there, his face twisted out of shape, and shock rolled through him in waves. What he had just tasted was heroin.

When Chris George and his dope sniffing dog Mike botch a case, they get kicked out the the Cost Guard. Lieutenant Ballard is convinced Chris is involved with the mob and messed up on purpose. When Chris takes a new job as night watchman at a warehouse, he isn’t expecting trouble. Not until Mike finds a package of heroin. Chris doesn’t think he’ll be believed if he brings the heroin to the Cost Guard. What will he do when his life is threatened?

This book has been a favorite of mine for a long time. It’s an intense, high-stakes story, but remains appropriate and clean for younger readers. In my opinion, this is the best of Walt Morey’s books.

Author: Walt Morey
Alternate Title: The Lemon Meringue Dog
Audience: Tween–Young Adult
Genre: Adventure
Pages: 165
Publisher: Puffin Books

Have you read any Walt Morey books? Which one is your favorite?

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Book Review: The Prisoner of Zenda

“Is the king dead?” he whispered.
“Please, God, no,” said I. “But he’s in the hands of Black Michael!”

Rudolf Rassendyll, an Englishman, bears a striking resemblance the king of Ruritania. A chance meeting in the woods leads to Rudolf’s acquaintance with the king. He never expects his face and head of Elphberg red hair to force him to become an impostor, but when the king goes missing, Rudolf is persuaded to impersonate the king until a rescue can be effected. Will they be able to snatch the king away from Black Michael? And what of the love blooming between Rudolf and Princess Flavia?

My first introduction to this story was in video format. I later read the book as part of the required reading for the One Year Adventure Novel writing class. I loved both versions. In some ways the story is a typical adventure tale but it has its own unique flair. A good read for girls and guys alike.

Author: Anthony Hope
Audience: Tween–Adult
Genre: Adventure
Pages: 208
Publisher: Penguin (and many others)

What books do you think The Prisoner of Zenda is similar to? What is your favorite scene from this book?

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Book Review: The Scarlet Pimpernel

“The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mademoiselle,” he said at last “is the name of a humble English wayside flower; but it is also the name chosen to hide the identity of the best and bravest man in all the world, so that he may better succeed in accomplishing the noble task he has set himself to do.”

While the French Revolution rages across the channel, the people of England are buzzing about a new hero. No one knows the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but all admire him. Lady Blakeney is no exception. Her husband, however, is a far cry from this dashing subject of legend. Foppish and dull, Sir Percy is a leader of fashion, but of little else. When her brother’s life is in danger, Lady Blakeney is forced to make a difficult choice. Will her decision bring both the men she loves to the guillotine?

I hope all of you have already read The Scarlet Pimpernel because you’ve been missing out if you haven’t. This is my absolute favorite classic. It is also the easiest to read classic I’ve discovered. The beginning is a bit confusing the first time through, but stick with it and you’ll find it well worth your while. In case you can’t tell, I highly recommend it. 😉

Author: Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Audience: All Ages
Genre: Classic Adventure
Pages: 273
Publisher: Dalmatian Press (and many others)
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What is your favorite scene from this book? What other French Revolution stories have you enjoyed?

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