Light from Distant Stars: A Novel by Shawn Smucker

  

Book Description:  When Cohen Marah steps over his father's body in the basement embalming room of the family's funeral home, he has no idea that he is stepping into a labyrinth of memory. As the last one to see his father, Cohen is the primary suspect.

Over the next week, Cohen's childhood memories come back in living color. The dramatic events that led to his father being asked to leave his pastoral position. The game of baseball that somehow kept them together. And the two children in the forest who became his friends--and enlisted him in a dark and dangerous undertaking. As the lines blur between what was real and what was imaginary, Cohen is faced with the question he's been avoiding: Did he kill his father?

My Thoughts:  There are times when I begin reading a book and wonder, "What am I missing?"  This is such book.

I just could not understand what the author was saying in this story.  I was lost from page one.

Now if you're the type of reader who enjoys dystopia or "christian" science fiction, well, you may enjoy this read.

The story centers around the father of Cohen Marah.  Actually the story seems to be about the father...but, then again, I'm clueless about the story.  Just didn't get what was going on.

The author knows how to write, it is the story itself that I had trouble with.  Yes, I get that there was child abuse and the man wanted to let go of the ugly things.  However, the story part just never got to me.

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Revell

ISBN-10: 0800728513

Fun Friday

 

Pre Order available for Mary Alford's new book!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Snowbound Escape (Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit, 8) by Dana Mentink

 

Book Description:  To rescue a witness…

this K-9 team must face a killer and a storm.

After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever?

My Thoughts:  I was so excited to get this book.  Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors.  I read the whole book the same day I received it.  I was just going to read one chapter but the story grabbed me and pulled me in and I just couldn't let go.  

This is a true large print Love inspired Suspense read.  I love this size.  I like the way it holds well in my hands.

I love rescue missions.  So when Officer Tanner Ford and his sweet K-9 partner need to track and locate Mara Gilmore the witness to the crime, it becomes a clock ticking rescue. 

As the real murderer closes in on Mara Tanner and Britta rescue Mara but now they're all on the run trying to outwit a fearless bad person.

All of this running and keeping ahead of a criminal mind takes place in the Pacific Northwest.  It was interesting to read about snow and survival.

Excitement at its best!  Such a wonderful read.  Don't miss it! 

Buy it HERE  Two sizes to pick from plus Kindle

 

A Royal Christmas {A Christmas Novella} by Melody Carlson

 

Book Description:  Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

My Thoughts:  The Christmas reads are beginning to make their way on the shelves and it's so nice! And this book is a beautiful hard back book.  It's a keeper!

Melody Carlson always pens an interesting story. She's one of my favorite authors.  

A Royal Christmas has all the feels and the love that comes with a Christmas story.

As much as I enjoy a good mystery or suspense read I like a great story that has love and imagination in it too.  This story makes for a nice break from all the suspense.

I like Adelaide. She's not only smart but beautiful as well.  She's down to earth but would like meeting her Prince Charming.  

When Adelaide receives the letter telling her she's a direct descendant from a King of a small area in Europe not only is she skeptical but she just doesn't believe it.

Then she receives an invitation from the king and lo and behold, she's on her way to royalty.

I loved this story!  Such a great start to the holiday reading!

New book by Mary Alford

 

Fun Friday

 

If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney (Author), Yana Kozak (Illustrator)

 Book Description:  In this whimsical tale, a young girl imagines what it would be like if Jesus visited her school as a boy. She would show Jesus around her classroom, introduce her friends and teachers, listen to story time, and eat lunch together! But Jesus wouldn't stop at learning and sitting in class. He'd invite the lonely to join in on games and find a way to love and get along with everyone. Soon the young girl realizes that even though Jesus doesn’t attend her school, he can live through her.  

My Thoughts:  I was so happy to receive this children's book.   Our littles love books about Jesus.

This story is a rhyming verse story about a little girl who loves Jesus and her fellow students at school.  The illustrations are wonderful and vibrant so that little ones can relate to what is going on in the story.

We loved the book and the story.  The only thing is that the little girl in the story doesn't have a name.  So we named her Angelina. Names are important to our littles.  You and your littles can name her what you choose.

It's a great book for young readers or pre readers.  It's hardback and makes a great present.

A New READ! Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford

I’m thrilled to share that Mary Alford has a brand-new Love Inspired Suspense on the way! Shattered Amish Identity releases soon, and you can secure your copy today. Preorder here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWN2NSQ7/

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

We did this wonderful fish Charcuterie board with fish, tortillas, 

onions, fresh veggies...it was wonderful!

Happy Book Birthday and Giveaway at bottom of post

 

 Book Description:  What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer? 

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!    

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. 

My Thoughts:  I love this hardback novella. It fits into the reader's hand so well but best of all is the story of Carol and Christmas. 

Carol Langstrom was born on Christmas Day (notice her name, Christmas Carol perhaps).  

Carol has always felt that her birthday was upset by Christmas. Of course, living in a dysfunctional home probably didn't help either.

This novella is full of fun and quirks. But best of all this story brings out the true meaning of Christmas and how we all can find joy in the season even if our birthday is in Christmas Day.

And sometimes the very thing that we try to run away from is the very place that God wants us.  As Carol finds out trying to run to the Bahamas actuallyy sends her to her aunt's home in  snowy Michigan.

So many little tidbits of faith and truth are sprinkled throughout the story.

Don't miss this lovely novella!  And check out the giveaway from Goodreads:

Go to:  Goodreads Giveaway:

READ!

 Enjoy your Labor Day and READ more!