Book Reviews for “Crazy Love”-Christian non-fiction, “Recipe Hacker”- recipe book, “Ex Patriot”- Dystopian Fiction

I am catching up on several books I read over the Thanksgiving week.

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I really liked Francis Chan’s book, “Crazy Love.” I don’t know anything about the author, other than he has a bunch of video’s on YouTube, but I so enjoyed this book. It challenges us to be Christians who walk in crazy love, who take risks, forget about all the things that most Americans are striving for and to live for God. It challenges us to help others in small ways and in crazy ways, to be led by the Holy Spirit in our service to God, not our level of comfort. I can recommend for Jr. High and up. I give it 4 stars.

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I was given a copy of “Recipe Hacker” by the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this cookbook. It is filled with healthy recipes that contain no refined sugar, gluten, grains, or dairy. Though I don’t feel the need to follow this strict of a diet, I do believe in all things in moderation and a healthy balance. This book is great for the person like me, who wants to cut out part of the fatty, sugar filled foods, and add in more healthy alternatives, or for the person with gluten, or dairy intolerances. I give it 5 stars. The recipes are simple enough, and there are full color pictures for each dish. The author also includes some personal stories and healthy eating tips throughout. I love that she even included cinnamon rolls! This would make a great gift for a recipe book lover, or someone with restricted diets.

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Expatriate is the last book in the “Forager” series. I read them all and loved the books. I was given the first two by the author and enjoyed them so much, I purchased this last one. A great YA dystopian series. There is no swearing and the only sexual contents is implied. There is fighting and violence in the stories. At this point in time, societies have built up in different ways in different walled cities. Our two main characters are trying to bring the truth to light about what is happening and what has happened by city officials. Though this series is done, I will definitely be reading more by this author. I can recommend for ages 14 and up.

Book Review for “Walk Like a Warrior”- Christian Inspriational

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I was given a copy of “Walk Like A Warrior” by Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review. This is a true, inspirational story that reads a lot like a devotional. The author and her husband travel with their two horses and minister full time with music, riding, and just plain helping out and shining the light of Jesus. I love how honest this book is! She talks about her lack of faith, getting tired and even about “poop” which is part of the life of cowboys and cowgirls. I was very touched by many of the stories and found myself with Kleenex box in hand. As an added blessing there are tons of pictures of their travels and some wonderful scenery. I give it five stars and highly recommend it to Christians and Cowfolk alike. Good for teens and up.

Book Review for “Taliesin” (The Pendragon Cycle #1)- Fiction

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I haven’t read a Stephen Lawhead that I didn’t like and this one is no exception. “Taliesin” is the prologue to the tales of Merlin and Arthur. At a time when the old gods are dying, a new God is showing Himself. Atlantis is gone, peace has fled and people are fleeing the darkness. This is only book one of a series and I put off reading it because once you start one of Lawhead’s series, you can’t just stop. Now off to the library to get the rest of the bunch. This is not a light read, nor I it a short one. If you start, know you are in for the long haul, but it is worth every bit. No swearing and the only sexual content is “behind closed doors”. I still wouldn’t recommend for young readers as it is heavy reading. Best suited for teens and up. I give it 5 stars. I loved it!

Book Review for “Kingdom Lights”-Middle Grade Fantasy/Steampunk Fiction

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I received a copy of “The Kingdom Lights” from the author, Steven VS, in exchange for an honest review. This book is intended for Middle grade to Young Adult. It is a good fantasy, with steampunk elements, including floating cities and magic. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fleshed out and likable, quite a few interesting new “species” for me. If you are a parent that doesn’t want your children to read anything with magic, then this one isn’t for you. Absolutely no swearing, no sexual content, but there is fighting and “monster” type things used in battle. I give it four stars, I really liked it. Though the story had a clear beginning and end, I am hoping there will be more of these books.

Book Review for “Meritropolis”- Dystopian Fiction

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I received a free copy of Meritropolis from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this dystopian story. The writing is an easy style, the characters and likable, and the storyline is good. Residents of Meritropolis are judged by their merit score. Those of lower scores are not afforded the privileges and rights of those with a higher score, but life is hard for them all. This is clearly going to be more than one book as the story isn’t finished. It does end in a good place with a clear resolution to a problem, but is also left open ended for more. I will definitely read more from this author. I give it four stars, I “really liked it.” I can recommend for teens and up, no swearing, or sexual content, but there is fighting and some violence.
At the time of this review Meritropolis is free on amazon, kindle version.

Book Review for “The Mystery of Hurtleberry House”-Christian Mystery

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This was a great Christian mystery. Not preachy, good clean fun. I will be reading the rest of the series. Reminds me of the mysteries I read as a kid. Easy reading, good writing, and just plain fun. I give it 4 stars, I really liked it. Good for teens and up

Book Review for “The Puppet Queen”- Fiction/fairytale (adult)

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The Puppet Queen is a great twist on the well known fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. I really enjoyed this read. It is an adult version, gritty, and full of intrigue. There is no swearing, the only sexual content is implied rape, does contain violence. I can recommend for ages 16 and up. I will be reading more by this author.