The Guardian Duke by Jaimie Carie, Book review

Synopsis:

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

My personal thoughts:

With a little imagination 'The Guardian Duke' might very well be the most delightful story I have read in awhile! Nothing too serious, just a light tale about a charming ingenue and her elegant guardian complete with good historical notes, a good amount of faith and just the right amount of romance!

Reminiscent of Barbara Cartland's writings, 'The Guardian Duke' has all the ingredients for a good, if a tad  innocuous, tale. I was not looking for anything in particular when I started reading Jamie Carie's first book in the Forgotten Castles series but I was pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps it was the romantic setting of Ireland with its mythical shores, the intriguing mystery revolving around some of the protagonists, the spirited ingenue dodging her guardian duke or the elegant Gabriel himself.

Lest I forget, credit should also be given to a colourful surrounding cast!

Jaimie Carie also excelled at penning the lively correspondence betwixt the heroine and her soul mate. Do people really fall in love through letters? Let's hope the world has not become so jade that we cannot imagine for a short time that it can be so. Ah the dreams...

I for one can only vouch for the innocent reading time I spend immersing myself into with this lively Christian tale. And if someone witnessed the sighs just before I turned off the lights, well...

All I can say is 'Thank you' Jaimie for a tasteful read certain to entertain teens and adults alike.

Here is to wandering what happens in Iceland and thinking it was well worth 4 stars!

About Jaimie Carie:

'When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything.
Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.' 

If Jaimie Carie could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

For more on Jaimie read (here)

I received this book free from PROPELLER as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Northbound by Stuart F. Griffin, Book review

 

Synopsis:

Lord, how am I ever going to find her? Will cried out in anguish. Why is this happening to me? How could my sweet Emma be gone, kidnapped by who knows who? Please lead me and guide me. Help me to find her and bring her home. Will Jacobs' life changed in an instant when men kidnapped his wife from their home. But that earth-shattering moment was only the beginning of his trials. As he raced north in search of his wife, he faced challenges, unforeseen setbacks, and heartache. Emma, too, knew life never would be the same after her kidnappers robbed her of her sense of security and peace in Stone Ridge. Had her secret past caught up with her? She could only speculate as her kidnappers took her away from everything she knew and loved. But Will and Emma were not alone. Even though they were separated by hundreds of miles, God was with them each step of the way, guiding their course, placing people in their paths, and intervening in countless situations. Although God was beside them, could they hold on to His hand through the darkest time of their lives? Read Northbound, and discover how Will and Emma survived their test of faith-a faith in each other and God.

Personal thoughts:

Heroes, villains, indians and the U.S. Calvalry are all part of a good Western as any storyteller will tell you. Readers will find all these in this light tale written by Stuart F. Griffin, including good solid Christian values, but it could have been so much better.

The classic tale of a sheriff returning home after a trip only to find out his wife has been kidnapped, 'Northbound' rambles on...and on...(including the climax!).

As the story develops you will find its positive points: faith, hope, trust, friendship even redemption. In 'Northbound' the author reminds us that even those with a dark past can find forgiveness and the chance of a new beginning. And the power of prayers as well as good survival skills enables the hero to forge through despite many setbacks and heartache in the long run! 

With the beautiful Northwest as background, good characters, albeit not as well developed as it could have been and God always at their side, Stuart F. Griffin could have given this story far more panache. Sad!

I must admit to some dismay at the editor's lack of spell check and the use of words such as motel (in 1852?).

Teens ( even preteens) and adults will enjoy this book for its family values and for that reason, I give it 3 stars! 

A few words about the author:

'Stuart F.Griffin had many opportunities to explore the great Northwest growing up. In his early twenties he even considered becoming a mountain man and living near the banks of the Snake River, in Idaho.

However the Lord had others plans which included serving his country. The inspiration for Northbound came from his earlier memories of favourites locations.'

I received this book free from BOOKCRASH as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Marjolein Bastin and a little cross...

It is in love

not being in love, the heart is blest.

It is in giving

not in seeking gifts,

we find our quest.

I have always liked Marjolein Bastin artwork! Loved ones know how much I enjoy discovering yet another piece she created!

Greetings cards, pictures frames, china somehow finds its way in my home to be tucked here and there. I am sometime even blessed with a Charity shoppe find!

Her lovely artwork speaks of meadows, field flowers, colourful birds and Spring and it is sure to bring a smile on my face! 

When per chance I spot her artwork, I like to indulge. I found this lovely cross in a tea room gift shoppe!

And wouldn't you know? Her website has a online gift  shoppe...Oh dear...

Note: This post reflects only my opinion and was in no way requested!

Blessings to you and yours this Sunday, 

Words Spoken True, Book review

Book description:

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page. Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart once again delivers an enthralling and enduring tale for her loyal and ever-expanding fan base.

My thoughts:

The very first thing that comes to mind about 'Words Spoken True' is the raised lettering on the cover (a feature I dearly love and miss in the mass produced paperbacks published these days!) swiftly followed by the interesting historical note published in the forefront of the story! Once spotted, I was rubbing my hands together with glee. This is my kind of historical fiction!

With a rich historical setting, enticing plot, flowing dialogues betwixt the protagonists, colourful descriptive and just the right amount of romance 'Words Spoken True' is sure to captivate readers!

Here is no amateurish historical fiction! Ann H. Gabhart is a well published author and she writes a warm story complete with romance, faith and intrigue about 'The Herald' and 'The Tribune', two warring newspapers in Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1850's.

As the plot unravels you find yourself engrossed in its drama, and wishing with all your might for a great ending for both Adriane and Blake. Never fear, weaving her magic wand, Ann H.Gabhart will not disappoint and you will soon discover that no matter what, the press must go on!

On a quick note, I was startled to learn the existence of the 'Know Nothings, and the dramatic events of Bloody Monday on 6 August 1855 which reflects in this story!

 Readers should know this is a page turner...Hence warning to husband/children: Mum is certain to be so engrossed, dinner will soon be forgotten!

A wonderful story certain to leave you daydreaming...
A big thank you to Ann H. Gabhart for her enduring writing skills!

For sheer enjoyment, a 5 stars!

“Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

About the author:

'Ann H. Gabhart started writing when she was ten and has been writing ever since. Her first published writings were personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems in church periodicals such as HomeLife. Her first novel, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then, she's published numerous books for both adults and young adults. '

For more on Ann including her GIVEAWAY, please visit her website (here).

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Just Daydreaming...

 

Today is just the perfect day for daydreaming...

Reading a sonnet or two...(this one is my favourite)

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever love.

(Sonnet 116 ~ Shakespeare of course!)

Dreaming a little dream of...

P.S. We each of us, need a little time for ourselves so go ahead, live, love and laugh...

Blessings,

Ash Wednesday...

 

God, 

May we remember and give thanks,

Let us take up our cross and follow,

Believing that in Christ all things work together for good...

Peace be with you all...

Rebirth by Dave Longeuay, Book review

Book description:

How did a remnant of scattered Jews rise to build a mighty superpower in the Middle East? Fleeing his father’s anti-Semitic organization, Charles Devonshire journeys into the most volatile landgrab in history—Post WWII Palestine. Charles pursues a beautiful but mysterious librarian, Gladia, who introduces him to the elaborate Jewish underground. While joining their plight to reestablish a homeland, he falls in love with her and faces painful challenges in developing a relationship within their culture gap. And in the midst of battling the hostile inhabitants who also laid claim to Palestine, he searches for clues of his own troubled past. Can Charles pursue love, uncover his family secrets and avoid being trapped in the middle of the world’s longest feud? Rebirth draws you into 1948, into a world of intrigue, espionage and anti-Semitism. Witness how ancient prophecies were fulfilled against impossible odds as Israel built a nation and defied skeptics. Journey through the precarious events that led to Israel’s miraculous rebirth on May 14, 1948. Experience the unrelenting pursuits of the most persecuted race, and how their renewed strength reestablished their original language, customs and land cultivations after 2,000 years of desolation—an accomplishment no other nation can claim. 

My thoughts:

This is one book I expected perhaps too much of. To tell the truth I had in mind the likes of Exodus or the well researched series written by the Thoene's. At any rate I will admit to have struggled with some of its contents from the very first page despite the fact it is based on actual events.

The birth of Israel came about painfully, each struggle won at a very high cost and should be told! 

Historically Jews have been viewed as a threat to many nations. Six millions souls perished during the second WW alone! Some of the remaining survivors joined Palestine born Jews to make this strategic little strip of land their Promised Land as foretold. 

'Rebirth' is more about the romance of two young people amidst the turmoil of Israel. I failed to understand why the main character is hailed as a hero for example...And I cannot for one agree with some of Dave Longeuay's comments regarding 'sympathetic' Arabs. There are exception of course everywhere.

However the author does not extend this sentiment to the occupying forces yet many Britons were also compassionate and caring. The blockade in Palestine was arguably thorough but again, in the end the Jews won and Israel was born. 

Despite a most compelling subject, the storyteller failed to develop a balance betwixt his protagonists and the historical background thus reducing in the end its impact.

Finally this novel just do not seem to grab the reader and leaves us perplex to his intention. Is this fiction to be entertaining or just an historical rundown?

If you love History however, you will forgive the somewhat amateurish approach of the author and just dig in. 

Consider it an homage to the very real heroes of this amazing country!

  ברכות,

3 Stars!

I received this book free from  LIGHTNING BOOK PROMOTIONS as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Darwin...Not to be forgotten...

Lest we forget.. 

"On February 19, 1942, Japanese forces launched air raids on Darwin, staged in two waves, killing at least 243 people and injuring up to 400.

'More Japanese bombs were dropped on Darwin in the raid than on Pearl Harbour.'

'Seventy years ago the tranquillity of Darwin was rocked. The unthinkable was happening - Australia was under enemy attack.'

See more about Darwin (here)

For just one moment today, let's remember our friends Down Under! 

Blessings,

BLESSING...

On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.

(J. Donohue)

Have a blessed Sunday,

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched...

They must be felt with the heart...

(H. Keller)

Taking a stroll on the beach...and relieving some stress...


Until tomorrow,

Dreams...

 

(Dream Catcher by L. Preusch)

Some of the greater things in life are unseen...

That's why you close your eyes when you kiss, cry or dream...

(author unknown)

I do not think I have ever missed any Merry go Around thanks to my Grandfather, when I was little...

Lori could have painted this just for me...

A quick reminder to readers: I am not affiliated with the above mentioned artist. I just love her work!

Blessings,

A Touch Of Sun...

 

Do you see it? Yes, it is a little ray of sunshine reflecting on the wall...I shall endeavour to remember it is still Winter after all and not get too excited! 

With all the rain and the rather dreary weather on the island I enjoy daily 'strolls' with favourite bloggers whilst discovering new friends in Blog Land and see how they too are faring during the cold season. 

Today's itinerary included:

Slow lane Life (I love to follow her four legged family antics) describes for readers a visit at the local Women's Institute whilst Mystica shares yet another very good book review. 

Mrs. Miniver's Daughter of course helps nurturing my cravings for a bit of culture, Mademoiselle Poirot, Posie Gets Cozy and Madelief satisfies my love for beautifying my surroundings... Then there is also a much needed top at Nostalgia at the Stone House in Bath because I do not often get a chance to peek at such a lovely shoppe and lastly Alice in Paris loves Art and Tea showed readers an amazing photo of her (stunning) Scottish Granny and a lovely walk along the rugged Nova Scotia shore.

Today is a day for catching up with letters to write, parcels to post next time we are off island and perhaps a movie tonight. 

No baking today (a rarity in this house) albeit the Hot Cross Buns are already gone! No picture taken of that batch but we still have the Cherry-Coconut bundt cake (and a photo!).

Me thinks tea time is in order...and a lot of reading...Clouds are forming and it is still rather chilly...

What better excuse than to enjoy a cuppa and pick up a good book?

Blessings,

Winner Of My First Ever Gveaway !

AND THE WINNER IS...

andee506Feb 10, 2012 09:32 AM

Very pretty. I also love the tree of hearts pendant.

Congratulations Andee 506! I will be contacting you shortly for your snail mail address!

A Thank You to all of you who participated!

Blessings,

Happy Valentine's Day!

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS...

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY TO READERS AND FELLOW BLOGGERS!

The Search Committee, Book review

Book description:

A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.

Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.

My thoughts:

Despite the promising resume I felt the beginning of this book might lead to just another tedious life lesson and very little entertainment. As the story unfolded however I discovered a real gem, each individual committee member' story revealing its own little touch of drama and very personal message.

'The Search Committee' is the story of a medley of fellow Christians whose goal is to visit other churches. The committee includes a busybody, a young husband, a single mom and a handful of others all sharing the same hope, that to hire (steal) the perfect pastor for their own congregation. 

Tim Owens artfully weaves background and problem(s) faced by each member of the committee into a delightful and entertaining message for the reader.

Hard to put down, the story unfolds giving us the opportunity to find a little of ourselves in at least one of the committee characters, complete with its little quirks.

You will find yourself chuckling at the delightful descriptions of this busy group traveling in an old church van (Outch! Those potholes!) and sneaking incognito into various churches and teary eyed a moment later. 

It is warm, it is human and you will question if any of us truly know our neighbour in the pew next to us.

So will the committee find this perfect man/woman for their own church? Well, I wouldn't want to spoil a good story and it is a VERY good story!

My suggestion is to grab this insightful book and enjoy a good time with the seah committee! Their quest will teach you a thing or two I daresay!

A delightful first novel and worth at least 5 stars!

Meet the author:

Tim Owens is an award winning Christian fiction writer from South Carolina.  His first novel, The Search Committee, won the 2011 Operation First Novel contest sponsored by the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and Tyndale House Publishers.

He describes himself as an author, an engineer and a farmer (kinda).Visit his website (here)

I received this book free from TYNDALE as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Praying And Hoping

(Heart of Spring by Lori Preusch)

For my Daughter...

I thought of you so much today
I went to God in prayer,
To ask Him to watch over you
And show you that I care. My prayer for you was not for rewards
That you could touch or feel,
But true rewards for happiness
That are so very real. Like love and understanding
In all the things you do,
And guidance when you need it most
To see your troubles through. I asked Him for good health for you
So your future could be bright,
And faith to accept life's challenges
And the courage to do what's right. I gave thanks to Him
For granting my prayer
To bring you peace and love.
May you feel the warmth in your life
With God's blessings from above. (author unknown) 

Life is such all of us face challenges daily...For us this week was the hardest challenge of all...Seeing our daughter undergoing Emergency Surgery...No parent likes to see their child in pain.

Albeit a simple procedure for most, it became apparent within a few hours hers was not without dangers. Her stay in hospital was longer than we expected.

I have always hated hospitals! Whilst I know she was in good hands, it was with some relief we took her home this weekend hoping and praying her recovery would not take long. 

She has a long road ahead of her...

 

It appears life has changed for all of us and prayers would be welcome!

 

Have a blessed Sunday...

Announcing The Winner of the Morning With Jesus Giveaway...

CONGRATULATIONS LITTLE BIRDIE BLESSINGS!!

You are the winner of the 'Morning with Jesus' GIVEAWAY! 

Abby tells us:

 Little Birdie Blessings       Feb 3, 2012 05:27 PM

Hi Noelle - Mornings with Jesus, there's no better way to start the day. Would love an opportunity to win this devotional book. Thanks for offering it and for the informative review. ~ Abby

Abby has inspired many with her lovely graphics and quotes and I am very happy to know this very special book will soon be in her hands! 

A big thank you to the Authors and LITFUSE for making this giveaway possible!

Abby, thank you again for your kind participation and I will contact you shortly for your snail mail address!

 

Blessings to all,

Letters To The Troops...

For more than 25 years I have written letters and posted parcels all over the world to the Troops either in the US or abroad. 

Some were to family members of course but many were to soldiers unknown. At times I have even received a little note in the mail telling me how nice it was to hear from me, a stranger.

I have lost count of the many servicemen/women I have 'adopted'. For as long as I am able to reach them, I become a friend and I write.

Family and friends know it is a subject I hold dear as it is such a little thing to tell someone you care and it takes only a moment and one stamp to make a difference. No one should be without a letter or two when mail call comes!

I have been asked what could I possibly write after all this time and to so many and why do I do it? Well, my life is not exactly very exciting. I write of the island, the mountain chain we see from the beach, the corgi's antics, the deer roaming and I send photos when possible of the sunset or the shells I pick up on the beach.

I write from home, I tell them I thought of them, I care what happens and I remind them of the little things that tells them they are not forgotten. My parcels are not necessarily expensive, I bake, I include treats, magazines, toiletries, games, newspapers clippings and so on. 

For many, their families are keeping in touch regularly. Some however see a steady decline in mail after awhile. Some never receives anything. If you have a card and a stamp, think of all of them just waiting. It takes only a moment...

Soldiering is not easy in times of peace. Soldiering in times of war is the hardest thing of all, it is dangerous and often unrewarding. Today is all that matters for you do not know what will happen tomorrow!

Freedom comes at a cost. Let's be sure the men and women who serve today know they are not forgotten!

For John, Richard, Gunny, Tania, James, Aaron and the others,

Blessings,

Cooper And Me And The Military, Book review And Giveaway

About the Cooper and Me series:

Meet Trooper, Cooper’s best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joe and their parents, who both serve in the military. Find out how this family stays close despite being separated.

A must-read during patriotic holidays and for anyone with friends and family in the military, this book helps children know, that even when loved ones aren’t with us, they still love us and think about us. This book, along with all the other books in the Cooper and Me series, includes these interactive features:

• A Special Memory Creation

• Life Lesson

• Connections

• Learning Together

In addition to a fun adventure, each Cooper and Me story teaches an important Life Lesson and features interactive materials at the back of the book to drive the message home.  Included are activities that help children name and process their own feelings about what they’ve read.

My review of Cooper and Me and the Military:

As a (ret) AFES caseworker for ARC and a Soldier's Angel the title alone was enticing and I was only too happy at the opportunity to review this book! 

The Cooper and Me series has gathered marvellous reviews so far and would you believe it is written and designed by a Mother and Daughter team, the latter just 11 years old! 

Even better, their inspiration and dare I say co-writer, is none other than the family Labrador, Cooper!

Cooper and Me and the Military is a wonderful way to help children understand a little of what happens when a loved one is serving his/her country and how to stay connected even when thousand of miles sometimes separates you for any length of time. It is a wonderful way to reassure the little ones they are not alone and never forgotten!

 If the story in itself is sure to delight children with Cooper the dog meeting his new friend Trooper as the center of the story, its is the interactive features such as Life Lesson, Connections and Learning Together that will help families open communication between parents and children.

A letter to the Troops is also included, ready to be copied and completed by little ones to help keep in touch. And there is even a free song ready for download, Cooper and Me theme song, available with each purchase!

Cooper and Me and the Military is a winning story certain to be a hit with Parents and children alike!

For more on this title and others by Monique and Alexa Peters and to purchase their books visit the website (here). There is a blog to follow, a Fun for Kids feature and even a newsletter to sign for!

A warmhearted story worth 5 stars!

Note to readers: Parents will be glad to know a little more about the mission behind the story! Read (here)about the Happy Heart Fund and also The Lustgarten Organization (here) for the fight against Pancreatic Cancer.

And now for the Giveaway:

Thanks to the sponsor, I have the opportunity to give to one (1) reader a copy of 'Cooper and Me and the Military'!

All you have to do is write a comment on this blog post telling me one (1) thing you have done to make one of our servicemen/women know he/she is not forgotten no later than 15 February 2012, Midnight PDT and be sure to include your email address for contact. 

Using Random.org I will then chose a winner on 16 February 2012 and post the winner's name on this blog.

Winner will be contacted by email and a copy of the book will be mailed by the sponsor!

Blessings to all, 

I received this book free from PROPELLER as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Jubilee...

For 60 years Queen Elizabeth has reigned over the Kingdom, never failing to be anything but a true Queen!

'Once I was a clever boy' writes:

'Today is the sixtieth anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty The Queen to the throne, and an occasion to express loyalty, gratitude and appreciation to her on this very significant anniversary and achievement.'

Well said!!  You will find at the above site also a transcript of Her Majesty's speech!

Splendid photos have been posted around the world but I have chosen the two which speaks to my heart! To me she has always been the Queen and her Corgis!

P.S. Granny would have said you can judge someone's character by the way they treat their 'man's best friend'!

Blessings,

Tyndale, Book Review

Book description:

A beautiful literary tribute to William Tyndale, the poet-martyr-expatriate-outlaw-translator who gave us our English Bible.

The English Bible was born in defiance. It was also born in exile, in flight, in a kind of exodus. And these are the very elements that empowered William Tyndale in his bid to bring the English Scripture to the common citizen. Being "a stranger in a strange land," the very homesickness he struggled with, gave life to the words of Jesus, Paul, and to the wandering Moses. Tyndale's efforts ultimately cost him his life, a price he was certain he would have to pay. But his contribution to English spirituality is measureless.

Even five centuries after his death at the stake, Tyndale's presence looms wherever English is spoken. His single word innovations, such as "Passover," "beautiful," and "atonement" allowed the common man to more fully understand God's blessings and promises. His natural lyricism shines in phrases like "Let not your hearts be troubled," and "for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory." Every time we say the Lord's Prayer as it is written in the King James Bible or use the word "love" as it is written in 1 Corinthians 13 or bless others with "The Lord bless thee and keep thee, the Lord make his face to shine upon thee," we are reminded of the rich bounty Tyndale has given us.

Although Tyndale has been somewhat elusive to his biographers, Teems brings wit and wisdom to the story of the man known as the "architect of the English language," the English Paul who defied a kingdom and a tyrannical church to introduce God to the plowboy.

My thoughts:

With such a book description my curiosity was piqued and I requested this book knowing little else than the name of the man who gave the world the English Bible.

The King James version was the first complete English Bible made available to those unable to read Latin or Greek. In 'Tyndale' we discover the fascinating persona of the gentle man responsible for the majority of the translation of the Scriptures,  and this from the Latin, Greek and original Hebrew 'linguis'.

A graduate of Oxford University William Tyndale was blessed with a clarity of mind and a love of the Scriptures which became the driving force in his life.

In direct conflict with the Medieval Roman Catholic Church Tyndale believed the Bible should be available to all. Branded an heretic, his letters and works, deemed blasphemous by the Church, were confiscated and even burned. Yet he continued throughout his life to seek clearer words for his translations, thus making God a legible, English speaking God.

David Teems extensive research and documentation reveals a fascinating man and the Bible whose first English translation was printed in the year 1526. Tyndale was exiled, virtually hunted and his life was continually threatened. This contemporary of such as Thomas More and Shakespeare translated the New and the Old Testament yet he remains uncelebrated!

Imprisoned in Vilvorde, Belgium he was finally executed on 6 Octobre 1536. The Church thought to silence him forever...They were wrong.

It has taken me almost 6 weeks to finish this book and it is truly a page turner! This is after all an important part of history and I love to read anything historical particularly when it is this well told!

This blog post could not bring justice to this incredible compilation! Interested readers should know the extensive bibliography and notes included with Teems' book are of enormous worth!  Anyone wishing to understand the historical issues behind Tyndale amazing life's work should read this!

Finally, through David Teems in-depth catalog of Tyndale's beliefs, letters and works, we may now 'visualize' the man behind the English Bible and thus give him perhaps a little of the status he so deserves.

In turn Mr. Teems' work deserves 5 stars and a special place on my bookshelves!

About the author:

'Behold the Lamb of God
I am the way, the truth, and the life...

Seek, and ye shall find
In Him we live, move, and have our being...'

On his website (here) David Teems reminds us that the 'King James Bible was published in 1611 and thus it  allowed God to speak to us in his accustomed beauty and highness, and with an English voice.

The translation of William Tyndale some eighty-five years earlier, at a time when an English translation of the Bible was not only against the law in England, it was punishable by death was the beginning...'

  

I received this book free from BOOKSNEEZE Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Sunday Thoughts...

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon,

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there s darkness, light

And where there is sadness, joy.

Blessings to all,

Summer Of Promise, Book review

Book description:

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?

Book 1 of the new Westward Winds series, Summer of Promise is a tale of following your heart to unexpected places. Readers will enjoy Amanda Cabot's passionate characters and vibrant setting in the beautiful high prairie.

My thoughts:

'Summer of Promise' offers an outlook on life in Wyoming in the 1880's and particularly for the families of soldiers stationed in remote areas such as Fort Laramie, many of them immigrants who joined in hope to make a better life for themselves. I can see why the author felt inspired to write a story after her trip (make that 3 trips and countless hours of Internet browsing).

Abigail and Ethan's story is a light romance you might enjoy during a long winter evening but I felt it did not flow and it was not one I would describe as a page turner. 

Tales of the Old West have always fascinated me but despite having learned a thing or two from Amanda Cabot's findings, I did not think the characters to be all they could be! Leah is one character for i.e. that could have been so much more!

(Fort Laramie prior to the Civil War)

It seemed to be written with the very young in mind, nothing either inspiring or entertaining. I will caution animal lovers might find some of the tale upsetting. However true it might be, I found it had little reason to be added to the story personally. 

If this is an example of the upcoming stories in the Westward Wind series, I found Summer of Promise monotonous and a little tedious for my taste.

I give it 3 stars!

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

About the Author:

' With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than twenty five novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.'

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.