Actor Dies at 90

 

Actor Sir Sean Connery died last night. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1930. He was 90. He will be remembered for his prolific role as James Bond, 007. He was perhaps the most iconic actor to play the role. 

He leaves behind his wife, and his  sons.

He will be sorely missed.

Verse of the Day - 31 October 2020

 

"Whom God hath sent forth a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."

                                                                                              

                                                                                                                        Romans 3:25 (KJV)

This I Know by Laura Dingman

 

This I Know

Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God

by

Laura Dingman

© 2018 by Laura Dingman

Moody Publishers

ISBN: 978-0-8024-9584-6

This is such a great study guide. This brings us through six weeks of study on what God has done for us, and how we can take that knowledge and KNOW we have a secure bond with Him.

This book takes us through the many lessons that will allow us to know Him better. And it culminates in our remembering what He has actually done for us, when, where, how. And with that remembrance how we can still praise Him, and thank Him for what He has done for us. It's a bit like attending a conference, and you're the star pupil!

God is waiting very patiently for you to remember. And to thank Him.

Ms. Dingman will lead you through this unique study guide. And she will prompt you to the point where you will remember the many times God has taken care of you.

I highly recommend this book for a single person study. There will be several times when you will wish not to make public what you are thinking, so I don't believe this would do well as a group study.

I give this book...

FIVE STARS

and a...

BIG THUMBS UP!

You may purchase this book at Amazon.com

******DISCLOSURE: The book listed above was provided to the blog's author in exchange for a fair and impartial review. There was no monetary exchanges. And the opinions listed above are strictly those of the blog's author. Clicking on links in this blog may result in the author of the blog receiving a small payment if you should order from that link.

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly

 

Poisoned

by

Jennifer Donnelly

Copyright © 2020 Jennifer Donnelly

ISBN: 978-1-338-26849-2

Format: Jacketed Hardcover

Scholastic Press

537 Broadway, NY, NY 10012

For Children ages 12 and up, Grade 7 and up

320 Pages 

Available 20 October 2020

While this is a book for older children and teens, I must tell you, I believe it will also take the adult reader by storm. As brilliantly written as any of the Harry Potter series. Look out J.K. Rowling, there is a contender on the market!

Poisoned  is a re-written fairy tale that has been garnered from the likes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with a bit of Cinderella, thrown in for good measure. Many forest creatures, some which have not shone their eyes, or is it teeth?, since the Brothers Grimm gave them life, are here!

The story starts in a dreary castle, with a wicked stepmother, who has made herself Queen Regent,  the King long dead, and his beautiful daughter, treated cruelly. The huntsman takes the daughter to the woods, and yeah, you get what is about to happen. Or do you? Donnelly throws some curves you won't believe until the pages float by, even in your adult hands! You won't be able to put it down!

I usually read 3 books at a time, trying to stagger them so that I finish them all at different schedule's, in order to be able to write a decent review for each. However, this time, I finished book one, and did not start another to replace it. I simply doubled up on the time I had available to read this one! I hurriedly finished through book two, and have spent all my reading time devoted to Poisoned.

While the ending was quite predictable, at least to me, it's what was in between the beginning and the end that was anything but! It will keep you on your toes, as the beautiful Princess has her life lost, and nearly lost several times during the book, if not for the brothers who took her in and changed her heart, her beloved Will, companion Arno, giant spider/cook Weber, and Tupfen the adorable ladybug/housekeeper, all taking such good care of her.

You will laugh, cry, and sigh throughout the book. It is, after all, a fairy tale. But a good one.

I highly recommend the book, to all; adults and children of an age, as well.

I give the book...

  

FIVE STARS

and...

a BIG...

THUMBS UP!

You can purchase the book HERE  on Amazon.com.

Kindle is $10.99

Hardcover is $14.99

******DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and impartial review. No monetary funds were exchanged. The views on this book are those exclusively of the author of this blog. 

With Child by Andy Martin

 

With Child

Lee Child and the Readers of Jack Reacher

by

Andy Martin

Copyright © 2019 by Andy Martin

Polity Press, Medford, MA

ISBN-13: 978-1-5095-3821-9

What an awesome read!

Andy Martin follows Lee Child as he writes, yet another, Jack Reacher novel. This, of course, will delight scores of Jack Reacher followers. Dare I say fans? Just gaze through a simple Google search and you will find dozen's of Jack Reacher Fan Club's. There's even a 100% Fan Club, exclusively for those who have read all Jack Reacher novels!

Martin has an assignment. That's quite simple, or one would think so. But Martin is supposed to be Lee Child's ghostly partner for the duration of this latest book. He is there from inception, until the completion of the novel is sent to the publisher's office. At this time, Martin is sending his finished manuscript to his publisher as well.

With Child is both serious, and comedic, to say the least! There are some pretty personal scenes, as well as a few tell-all ones. The entire book will keep you reading. I don't believe I have ever read of such an idea before, following a writer from beginning to the end. Great idea by the way!

I can't say I'm a Reacher fan, having never read a Jack Reacher novel. (I know, I know! I must be the only one in America that hasn't read it!) And while I enjoyed this work immensely, it did not entice me to go out and purchase a Jack Reacher novel, just to find out if I liked it or not. According to Martin, Jack Reacher is a bulked up, chesty dude, who has very few emotions, and isn't one for romance. Uhhh, that kind of Does Not hit a chord of excitement in my idea of a must read.

Martin did a most excellent job of writing. His wit and candor made for a good read. His self-correction a long the way were refreshing. His ability to make what seems a very boring conversation or meet, were very interesting. Not bored even once! (I know, Mr. Martin, you're probably correcting my many grammar mistakes in this review.)

I do highly recommend this for a great read! And I rate this book...

...FIVE STARS

and a BIG...

...THUMBS UP!

You can purchase this book on Amazon HERE.

Hardcover: $49.20

Paperback: $6.15

Kindle: $3.82

DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine, at no charge to the author of this blog, in exchange for a fair and impartial review. All opinions listed above are those of the author of this blog.

Home Baked by Alia Volz

 

Home Baked

by

Alia Volz

Copyright ○ 2020 by Alia Volz

Miflin Harcourt Publishing Company

What a fun read! The author takes us on a ride of a life time. She introduces us to her Mom and Dad in the heyday of rock and roll and illicit drugs. Seems Mom was broke and the only way to get out of the slump was to spend some money on a little baking biz. And fudge took over San Francisco! Yep. 

Mom met Dad, and there was a marriage. Following the birth of the author.

Mom and company continue the biz. They get caught.

That's really it in a nutshell. But you've got to read this book! For the comic relief. For the untold story, I haven't told you. For the love, sharing, caring and the whole schmeil! 

I highly recommend this book! It will take you on a wonderful ride. Don't miss out! I loved this book, and hated that there was a "The End" involved. I wanted it to continue! 

I give this book...

...Five Stars 

and a BIG...

...Thumbs Up!

You can purchase this book on Amazon HERE. The current price is:

Kindle: $14.99

Hardcover is: $13.99

*****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair review. The copy provided was a pre-print copy and does not reflect the actual copy currently available.

Demystifying Shariah by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

 

Demystifying Shariah

what It Is,

How It Works,

And Why It's

Not Taking Over

Our Country

By

Sumbul Ali-Karamali

 © 2020 Sumbul Ali-Karamali

Beacon Press - Boston, Massachusetts

(Pre-Print Copy)

This is a very well written book. Definitely worth a read. While the author touts Shariah Law to be fair, and safe for those involved, the Internet explodes with the deaths of many individuals because of it. The author is correct that there are no cases of deaths involved in the US. Perhaps that is because the US Courts have banned Shariah Law within its' borders. So, her saying there are no cases here in the US, it must be compared to the fact that the US lawmakers have been on top of preventing such from happening. With the fines for Shariah Law being low monetary, to death, depending upon the individual circumstance.

The book definitely makes a case, and a good one at that. for US citizens to relax a bit, with the understanding that Shariah Law is not attempting to recruit Americans, nor lure Americans into their fold. They are not attempting to take over US law. While I try very hard to believe the author, I cannot agree with him/her. I just have great reservations, and even this well written book does not convince me. That being said, I encourage you to read the book, and make up your own minds regarding this matter. Do  you believe that Shariah Law is aiming to take over the US , or not? I leave it all up to you.

I give this book

FIVE STARS

and a BIG...

...THUMBS UP!

And I highly recommend the book for ages 15 and above.

*****ATTENTION: The above book was provided by Amazon Prime in exchange for a fair Review by the author of this blog, You may purchase this book from Amazon.com HERE. The current price for this book is: Kindle $13.99, or hardback $19.19.

Who Do You SayThat I Am by Becky Harling

Who Do You Say That I Am

A Fresh Encounter for Deeper Faith

By

Becky Harling

Moody Publishing

© 2018 Becky Harling

ISBN 978-0-8024-1550-9

293 pgs.

This is, perhaps, the most endearing study book I have reviewed so far. Harling draws us closer, and more intimately drawn to Jesus than I've ever been before. 

This is a great group study book, with eight weeks of study time allotted. Love that! And then it can also be adapted for minister's guides for an week teaching/preaching session. Love its diversity!

I can do no less than to give this study...

...Five Stars...

and a

                 

...Big Thumbs Up!

The book is available...

for $9.99 on Amazon.



****DISCLAIMER: The above product was provided by Amazon Vine in exchange for a non-biased review of the product. Thoughts and views expressed by the author of this review may, or may not, reflect those of the seller, author, or publishing firm of the book. There may, or may not be posts within this article that when clicked up and product is purchased, reflect a small amount of income for the author of the review. ****

Making Handmade Books by Alisa Golden

-

Making Handmade Books:

100+ Bindings Structures and Forms

By

Alisa Golden

Text © 2010 Alisa Golden

Photography © 2010 Alisa Golden

Illustrations © 2010 Alisa Golden

ISBN: 978-1-60059-587-5

Pages: 256

This is a wonderful book! I love it so much that I read it completely through, cover-to-cover twice, devouring how to do some of the new techniques I saw!! Wow! Golden is an excellent conversationalist. How do I know this? No, I haven't met her face-to-face, but.........

she has a gifted way of writing like she's talking to you alone. Engaging you. I can barely hear her voice speak, but it's right there!

She speaks of that which she knows. And she makes every move and nuance needed to make each lovely binding. She gives implicit instructions. Before her my best instructions have been some very destructive looking bindings! After her, I've learned to slow down a lot, take my time with them, and you know what? I've pretty much mastered the one I most wanted to make right. It's a basic binding, and it looks pretty good! I've gone on and made 4 book bindings, and they all look really nice!  I'm so happy with how they've turned out. Thanks to Alisa Golden's instructions!.

Great for those who are self taught and wanting to try something new, or just review something old! I'm rearing to go now!

You can purchase the book here. It currently sells on Prime for $18.86, and well worth every penny!

I give this book

Five Stars and...

a big...

Thumbs Up!

DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase and was not required to have a review, but the Author of this post lists this post as one of her own without obligation. Please enjoy the book! Every craftsperson who makes book bindings should have this book in their personal library. And , likewise, every librarian should have it their repertoire!

Bound: Over 20 Artful Handmade Books - By Erica Ekram

BOUND:

Over 20 Artful Handmade Books

By

Erica Ekram

Published by Lark

©2015 by Erica Ekram

Illustrations by Sue Havens

ISBN: 978-1-4547-1083-7

     This was such a fascinating book. The author not only let you see the finished works, but took you through a step-by-step series of photographs and drawings to allow you to try your own hand at making homemade books! And the bug has bitten me!

    Yes, it really has! (Be watching the Texicanwife blog for the debut's of several of my new handmade books! Especially for my book made from a pot pie box! And more unique trash-to-treasure books!)

    I adore this book, and am keeping it closely available as I craft my own handmade books. Instructions are given clearly, and concise, so as to not cause any confusion. You really will enjoy this book!

    I give this book a full  ...

...Thumbs Up!

And a full...

... Five Stars!.

This book is a joy to read and I cannot give it any higher praise!

You can purchase this book on Amazon here. 

You may purchase the book on Amazon $8.49 for the Kindle version, or

$14.71 for the Paperback version. 

(I read the Kindle version.)

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a private purchase, and as such did not require a review be given. The author's review printed above is without responsibility.

Hearts of Fire by The Voice of the Martyrs

Hearts of Fire

by

The Voice of the Martyrs

Forward by

Gracia Burnham

ISBN: 978-0-88264-150-8

Pages: 296

Completed: 01/24/2020

    This book tells the story of "eight women in the underground church and their stories of costly faith". Several lost everything. And I mean EVERY THING! Family (parents, sibling) and including their own children and spouse.

    As I was reading I kept thinking, "How do you get past some these losses?" I wondered if I was putting enough faith in God to take as firm a stand as these eight women did? Could I receive word that my husband and two sons were killed by anti-Christian groups, and they were burned alive? Immediately she praised God and offered forgiveness to those responsible.

    This book left me with re-dedicating my life to the Lord, and praying for faith to endure at any level.

    I am placing this book close to my Bible. I can see myself reading this, just to reassure myself that whatever I am going through, I can praise the Lord as these women did.

I can only give this book...

...Five Stars... 

and a great big...

… Thumbs Up!

    This book is available on Amazon $19.94 in paperback, and less for used.

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by the Voice of the Martyrs at no cost, and was  under no obligation for review.

Seeing Jesus by Jeffrey McClain Jones

Seeing Jesus

by

Jeffrey McClain Jones

Published January 16, 2014

by

John 14:12 Publications

ISBN:   1483982874

ASIN: B00D8KZH0M

Pages: 278 (Kindle); 295 (paperback)

    I fell in love with the main character of this book. He suddenly finds himself as the host for Jesus' earthly visit. While "Philly" can see and hear him, Jesus is invisible to everyone else. Except Grandma, after He miraculously healed her.

    You will laugh at Philly's adventures. You will ponder the truth's that Jesus shares with him. And you will cry. (This is a half box book!) 

    What I took away from this book was the fact, that while we do not see Him, Jesus is ever with us as He was with Philly. We may not see His physical body, but with a little practice we can know that He never leaves us! He is there with us around the clock! We need only listen to His voice! He sees us when we act badly, or say something inappropriate. And He talks to us all the time! We need only understand how He does this, and our lives will forever be changed.

    I can do nothing less than give this book....

FIVE STARS...

 and a big...

THUMBS UP!

    This book is available on Amazon as a free download with Kindle; and for $11.99 in paperback.

****DISCLOSURE: This book was a personal purchase and under no obligation for review..

Back at the Desk

    Hello Everyone! Yes, it's me! I know you've probably felt like I either abandoned you, I must have died. Am I right? Well, Surprise, Surprise! I am back for another year of writing and reading!

    This year I am determined to read 52 books! Yes, I haven't over speculated at how many books, but simply went with one per week.

    So, we are three weeks into 2020, and how am I doing?

    I'm not doing so well. I often have to take medication and it leaves me sleepy and unable to read. Week three, and I've read two books so far. Is that bad? Never fear, I really do think that I can catch up, and maybe even surpass my goal!

    So, be looking here for my book reviews. I write those just before just before I either place the book upon my shelf; or I rotate into my ever growing pile on my Kindle (gotta love the space saving idea of the Kindle, but my favorite will forever be the heft and feel, and sometimes the smell of brand new books, as well as antique ones!

    So be watching for my reviews, coming up next!