When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene, Book review & GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Zondervan (March 19, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0310335931

Synopsis:

Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. 

When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament. 

Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.

My thoughts:

Each time I read another of Bodie and Brock Thoene's novels I feel as if my faith grows by leaps and bounds in addition to acquiring new biblical knowledge!

'When Jesus Wept' brings to life the deep relationship betwixt Jesus and Lazarus and his extended family. Anyone who follows the Thoene's novels will not be disappointed in Book #1 of the 'Jerusalem Chronicles', yet another reflection of their work of love and faith. Then again, each of their novels seems to get better and better as time goes by! How do they do it?

Like many believers I am familiar with Lazarus' death and Jesus' intervention. Leave it to this gifted writers duo however to unfold a story meticulously detailed about Lazarus, his relationship with his family, his gift for winemaking and his relationship with Jesus thru their common interest in vineyards and their upkeep. 

I marveled at this fictional description of Lazarus' first meeting with the Rabbi from Nazareth...'A pleasant resonant voice, brown eyes containing dancing golden flecks'...
Don't you wish you were there to meet Him?

In his words Lazarus tells of Jesus as He wept at his gravesite: "not a loud frantic keening, but a sigh shaking the universe, a tear trickling down His cheek". 
"And a spring burst forth at my feet, pure clean water spilled from its bank, and flowed down a mountainside, leaving a myriad of new stars, like flowers blooming and rising in its wake". 

Lazarus then remembers thinking: 'On a clear night, constellations above the earth reflect on the still surface of the sea. But here? Only one of Jesus' tears contains a galaxy.' 

Then His voice echoed from Bethany across the universe and commanded: "Roll away the stone"... 

This new series is a testament of the Thoene's deep understanding of the Scriptures albeit some liberties were taken as any scholar will notice for the purpose of writing the fictional 'When Jesus Wept'.
Maps and extensive notes have been included for references but ultimately this is a beautiful story reflecting what might have happened so long ago when a very special Man walked the earth...

5 Stars and a keeper as I am a fan!

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/jubpF   

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/BThoene

About the Authors:

 

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.

Additional information available on the authors' website (HERE) 

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

 

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Home Sweet Home...

'Mac' here, Folks...

Home! Glad to be here!! Now if I can just get this wrap off my leg...No more I.V. for me, thank you!!

Chiche! Look at my leg! They shaved me! Ugh, I look like a poodle!

Yikes! I'll be glad when it grows back!

Look at all this medication and all this for acute canine Pancreatis!

I lost 4 pounds (which I did not need to, mind!) but I'm just glad to be back Folks! Nothing personal of course but two Veterinarians and one hospital later, I am just happy to be HOME!

The Greatcoat by Helen Dunmore, Book review

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press

ISBN-13: 978-0802120601

Synopsis:

Bestselling novelist Helen Dunmore’s historical novels have earned her comparisons in the press to Tolstoy and Emily Bronte. In her newest book, Dunmore mines the past to chilling effect in this evocative and sophisticated ghost story about a love affair between a neglected wife and a mysterious soldier.
It is the winter of 1952 when Isabel Carey moves to the East Riding of Yorkshire with her new husband, Philip, a medical doctor. While Philip spends long hours working away from home, Isabel finds herself lonely and vulnerable as she adjusts to the realities of being a housewife in the country.

One evening, while Philip is on call, Isabel is woken by intense cold. When she hunts for extra blankets, she discovers an old RAF greatcoat hidden in the back of a cupboard. Sleeping under the coat for warmth, she starts to dream and is soon startled by a knock at her window. Outside is a young RAF pilot wearing a familiar coat. His name is Alec and his powerful presence disturbs and excites her as they begin an intense affair. Nothing though has prepared her for the truth about Alec’s life, nor the impact it will have on her own.

My thoughts:

I found this title courtesy of Josie-Mary in Devon, who believes herself to be born in the wrong era and I was only too delighted to see our library listed this novel in their catalogue!

Author Helen Dunmore pens a seemingly prosaic story of two newlyweds moving into a cold little flat in 1952 Yorkshire. Philip, a young doctor spends long hours working and his wife Isabel feels isolated as she tries to adjust to country life.

During one of many lonely walks, Isabel discovers an R.A.F. bomber airfield, a derelict ghost of a war now 7 years over, a stark reminder of losses including her parents in a faraway camp. 

When she finds in a cupboard a greatcoat such as worn by WW2 R.A.F. officers, Isabel inquires from her dour landlady of its origin only to be told it is hers if she wishes to have it. 
Isabel enjoys the great coat's for its woollen warmth as she lays in bed dreaming until one night, she hears a knock at the window and sees a young officer, his coat resembling the one she found. He seems to know Isabel and she feels she knows his name...

What follows is a haunting tale of love highlighted by a clever twist of storytelling, that of the existence of a fine line betwixt this world and the after world, seen perhaps only by those who have experienced great loss.

I have always felt a pull towards WW2 era stories and this plot line was singularly fortuitous. 
In 'The Greatcoat' Helen Dunmore gives us a beautifully crafted story of passion drawn against the dramatic background of WW2 and postwar Great Britain.

You will not want to miss it! 

5 Stars!

About the Author:

To understand a little of Helen Dunmore's prodigeous writing skills, you must start with her biography:

"I was born in December 1952, in Yorkshire, the second of four children. My father was the eldest of twelve, and this extended family has no doubt had a strong influence on my life, as have my own children. In a large family you hear a great many stories. You also come to understand very early that stories  hold quite different meanings for different listeners, and can be recast  from many viewpoints..."

More about it on her biography (HERE). Be sure to check out her other novels and writings (HERE)

Finally, as you know, unless specified, all reviews reflects only my opinion!

This Is Our Time, A PureFlix DVD review & GIVEAWAY

DVD Release Date: April 16, 2013

ASIN: B008ZRKIHA

Synopsis:

The movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God.

“What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”

My thoughts:

A recent resurgence of Christian themed movies have led to some powerful messages for young and old alike, this one an appropriate reminder God has a purpose for each one of us, a timely purpose!

'This Is Our Time'  will remind many of us of those free and easy college years when the whole world was ahead of us, we were going to make our mark and change everything for the better! 

As we meet our protagonists, it is evident each of them have a path ahead of them, some of those well defined, and others struggling to find a purpose in life. Ethan just happens to be one whom God chose as the 'glue' to keep the others together when hard times hits the group!

(Cast and director)

Drawn partially against the 'Embracing a Village' background in India and Leprosy, I felt the movie to give a powerful reminder of God's message: God's timing is His own, His purpose known to Him only.

I also found the excellent cast to portray the passions of the younger and the wisdom of the older generations believable. Actor and speaker Bruce Marchiano as the trusted Professor and Award Nominee Eric Roberts as the father of two of the graduates lend serious talents to this group!
Kudos to producers such as David A.R. White and writer Lisa Arnold for yet another well done story!

5 Stars!

 (Joe Clendenny and one of the village children)

Don't miss the special features showcasing Embracing a Village with its warmhearted message: 

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...
(Matthew 25:35)

Additional information regarding the movie:

Website: http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4565

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsOurTimeMovie

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmjQe2onm6s

Did  you enjoyed the trailer? 
How would you like to own a copy of the movie?
Here are the GIVEAWAY details!

FLYBY PROMOTIONS has kindly offered to send a copy of this beautiful DVD to one lucky winner!

Simply place a comment on this post no later than midnight on SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2013 and your name will be added in the hat! 
Using Random.org, a winner will be chosen and his/her name will be posted on this blog, the 22nd of April 2013! Be sure to include a way to contact you of course!

Voila! It is that easy!

Giveaway open to US/Canada only, apologies due to region restrictions.

Good luck everyone!

"Disclosure of Material Connection: 
I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog from FLYBY PROMOTIONS. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Not All is Well On The Western Front...

Sometime life can throw you off...Yesterday was such a day...

What  started as a normal daily constitutional revealed a problem later in the day diagnosed as 'Accute Pancreatis' for 'Mac', my shadow...

Scrambling for the first available ferry run and two veterinarians later, we found ourselves leaving him at a hospital for emergency treatment up North. 

Phone calls revealed 'Mac' is responding well to the first treatment but an additional problem was identified and we are now waiting to hear what will happen next. 
He is on his best 'Corgi' behaviour though according to the ER doctor and they love him at the hospital. 
We miss him!

A prayer or two would not go amiss Folks! Thank you!!

The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764206191

Synopsis:

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?

My thoughts:

My first novel by Tracie Peterson was Book #3 in the 'Land of the Lone Star' series entitled 'Taming the Wind' (see review HERE), a good Western in itself and proof yet again this well published author has always something new up her sleeve! 
Easy to read, entertaining and with just enough historical facts to give even this quickly bored reader something to ponder about, her novels reflect a wholesomeness and faith  readers of any age will enjoy.

The Icecutter's Daughter's jacket alone was eye catching: I love raised lettering and the image and colours were a strong pull in my choice for reading it, in fact as much as the resume (I know,  I know, you should never judge a book by its cover but the series' name alone 'Land of Shining Water' was striking!).

Icecutting was a vast industry in the US before machinery overtook this skilled art and I was curious to see what Tracie might have dug out when she wrote her historical fiction about two young people, destined to be together yet separated by lies and scandal. 

 
Merrill has always seen to the needs of her large, mostly male family and her German ancestry is as much a part of her life as Rurik's Swedish roots are his. Tracie weaves a convincing tale about their budding love amidst Nordic traditions and deep faith, wrongs to be righted and duties to their families. 

As always you may depend on this author's for the myriad of details which makes this tale a sweet read on these cold and rainy Spring evenings this Pacific NW coastline is known for!

4 Stars!

 
About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than eighty-five novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

For more information visit her website (HERE)

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS & CHOSEN BOOKS as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

What Are They Doing Now?

If you are a reader like myself, you probably have favourite titles and/or authors as I do. Classics, now available in every format, these timeless stories we read regularly just to remind us of beautiful prose penned painstakingly perhaps on a writing desk lit by candlelight, an almost forgotten skill considering the age of computers and Internet access!

These fascinating accounts of past lives we would not know of otherwise, each one portraying breathtaking characters and depicting story lines we could never forget: Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, La Comtesse de Segur, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Thomas Hardy, Tolstoy, Jane Austen or the Bronte Sisters...Too many to list obviously, all favourites in my case though as you have yours, and read often.

 (E. Gaskell)

I find contemporary 'classics' from such talents as Catherine Cookson, Brock and Bodie Thoene, Cora ten Boom for i.e., to reflect fascinating historical facts and heartfelt messages I never forget, keepers! I lovingly dust each and everyone of these and pick up a title now and then to rediscover, good friends I cherish!

Upon visiting an old Norwegian book shoppe, I was advised by its elderly owner it would soon have to close its doors because of lack of support. Next to priceless first editions, each a collectible I would have loved to own, sat well stocked shelves of  known authors and not so well known, hardbacks and paperbacks. The problem it seemed was the owner would not allow drinks, food and gadgets of all sort to invade her precious floor plan and rightfully so in my opinion.
Looking at my selection (all sea stories if you must know) her counsel was: purchase what you can now, and substitute better copies later as budget allows. To date, we still follow that advice but sadly, the little shoppe is now closed!

As time goes by I have added also authors whose intriguing story lines I cannot resist, often based on real facts such Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago, James N. Rowe's Five Years to Freedom...

Finally there are those authors whose fictional works I have enjoyed for entertainment and the research revealed in the special notes and acknowledgments, these surely as fascinating as the tales themselves!

With these consummate authors comes a wide rainbow of alluring characters and fascinating plot lines for any of us to luxuriate in! To list a few only here for illustration, and not by any preference (I like them equally) I included their website for the purpose of finding out what they are doing at this time should you be so interested.

Kate Furnivall
http://www.katefurnivall.com/

Laura Frantz
http://laurafrantz.net/

Dan Walsh
http://danwalshbooks.com/

Suzanna Kearsley
http://www.susannakearsley.com/index.html

Suzanne Woods Fisher
http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/

Julie Klassen
http://julieklassen.com/

Sarah Sundin
http://sarahsundin.com/

Ann H. Gabhart
http://annhgabhart.com/

Mesu Andrews
http://www.mesuandrews.com/

Carla Stewart
http://www.carlastewart.com/

I better stop right here and let you think of your own favourites! 
But before I close this I thought I would share with you a newcomer in the literature world, albeit not a fictional author, Marcy Hanson of No Maybe Baby blog side. Marcy has a very special book coming up this July and judging from her Publisher's book updates, she is quite a talented lady. 
Check it out here: http://nomaybebaby.blogspot.com/p/book-updates.html

Don't miss her wonderful post of Easter morning (here), the best I read for this glorious day!

Your turn:  What are some of your favourite authors/titles?
Need a few moments just to yourself? Grab a book and enjoy a good read with maybe a cuppa nearby!
Never forget to Live, love, laugh (and don't forget to dream!)

P.S. Don't get too excited, I only wish it was mine!

Note: Mention of favourite authors and their works was unrequested and reflects mostly my preference for Christian authors!