Reviews by lcourtneymom
When Jesus Wept
On 4/29 lcourtneymom wrote: I have long been a reader of the Thoenes's books. I began reading their Jerusalem series when I was in high school. As the years passed, I eagerly gathered any of their further books. I have especially enjoyed their more recent books which are fictionalized accounts of Jesus's life on earth. I am usually ... When Jesus Wept by Brock and Bodie Thoene
Asylum
On 3/4 lcourtneymom wrote: Asylum is a Christian sci fi novel from a new author- Ashley Hodges Bazer. Although sci fi was once one of my favorite genres, I haven't really enjoyed the last few I've read. Sometimes the author seems to try so hard to make the book sound technical and futuristic or otherworldly that it is just confusing. ... Asylum: The Circeae Tales by Ashley Hodges Bazer
Secretly Smitten
On 1/15 lcourtneymom wrote: I reviewed Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter last year. It was a collection of stories from four Christian romance writers. The stories all centered around the small town of Smitten and its residents's desire to make Smitten a popular romance destination. Secretly ... Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter and Diann Hunt
Christmas Stories
On 1/6 lcourtneymom wrote: I'm not a fan of Christmas stories after Christmas, but I was really glad that I picked up this Max Lucado book to review. The first part of the book contained more modern day Christmas tales. The second half contained stories of what could have happened when Jesus was born. Other than the first story ... Christmas Stories by Max Lucado
Faithful to Laura
On 12/12 lcourtneymom wrote: Faithful to Laura is an Amish fiction novel by a new to me author. It is apparently part of a series- the Middlefield Family series. From the synopsis, I thought the main part of the story would focus on Laura, an Amish young woman betrayed by a man and seeking justice for herself and her family. But, ... Faithful to Laura by Kathleen Fuller
If We Survive
On 11/16 lcourtneymom wrote: I enjoyed this newest young adult novel by Klavan. The characters are interesting. It's written in first person- which isn't always my favorite but which really works for Klavan's novels. The growth that Klavan's characters often experience through the novels is here. It's enough to make young readers ... If We Survive by Andrew Klavan
Lovelier Than Daylight
On 11/10 lcourtneymom wrote: I've been very pleased lately to discover some gems in my review books. Lovelier Than Daylight is another one of these, and I will certainly be looking up Rosslyn Elliott's previous books! Lovelier Than Daylight is historical fiction based on the actual Westerville Whiskey Wars of 1879 in Westerville, ... Lovelier Than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott
The Trouble With Cowboys
On 11/1 lcourtneymom wrote: I first read Denise Hunter when I reviewed Smitten, a collection of Christian romance novellas. I enjoyed her writing there, so I was glad to review The Trouble With Cowboys. Annie is determined that she will never fall in love with a cowboy because of her mother's past track record with them. But when ... The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter
The Choice
On 10/15 lcourtneymom wrote: Robert Whitlow is known in the Christian fiction world for his legal thrillers. The Choice veers from that genre to look at choices- from the choice of a young, pregnant teenager to the choices that she later influences. Sandy finds herself as a young, unmarried teenager who is pregnant. She's faced ... The Choice by Robert Whitlow
Grace
On 9/27 lcourtneymom wrote: I always enjoy the easy to read, conversational tone of Max Lucado's inspirational books. Grace: More Than We Deserve Greater Than We Imagine is the newest Max Lucado book I've read. The concept of grace is one I think we take for granted as Christians. We often treat it as though it's not very important. ... Grace by Max Lucado
A Path Toward Love
On 9/8 lcourtneymom wrote: When I review a book I didn't particularly like, I try to have some positive things to say to balance out the negative. I'm having a hard time with this one. Katherine is a widow in the early 1900s , living in Florida and running the orange groves left to her after her husband's death. She's recovering ... A Path Toward Love by Cara Lynn James
The Scent of Rain
On 8/18 lcourtneymom wrote: Daphne Sweeten is a "nose", a perfume and scents formulator. But when her fiance stands her up at their wedding right before she begins a new job, she not only loses her confidence, she loses her ability to smell. As she moves to her new home in Dayton, Daphne struggles with knowing what God has in ... The Scent of Rain by Kristen Billerbeck
Tidewater Inn
On 7/12 lcourtneymom wrote: Libby is working in a job restoring historic buildings. She loves her job but has always wished for the money to buy and restore one of these historic homes for herself. Her partner calls from a job location of the coast of North Carolina. She and Libby have been hired to restore an old lighthouse ... Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
Angel Eyes
On 7/8 lcourtneymom wrote: Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore. I'm not sure where to begin in my review. I'm not sure exactly what I expected from this book, but I don't think my expectations were correct. The book's description: Brielle's a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come ... Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore
Through Rushing Water
On 6/18 lcourtneymom wrote: I will admit that I started this book with some trepidation. The last few review books I've read haven't been the greatest. When I began Through Rushing Water, I didn't think it was going to be that great either. It seemed sort of dry, the language style somewhat stiff, I was quickly (and gratefully) ... Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond
Crazy Dangerous
On 6/9 lcourtneymom wrote: Crazy Dangerous is one of those marketed to young adult books that I enjoyed. The story is told in first person by Sam Hopkins, a preacher's kid. Sam's story is that he got mixed up with some thugs from his high school, befriended a crazy girl, and learned about impending disaster in time to save the ... Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan
Arms of Love
On 5/15 lcourtneymom wrote: Amish fiction is not always my favorite genre. But, I was pleasantly surprised by Arms of Love. Unlike most Amish fiction, this novel was set during the Revolutionary War. Instead of focusing primarily on a couple that was Amish and could not work out their relationship because of difficulties within ... Arms of Love by Kelly Long
Crater
On 5/5 lcourtneymom wrote: Crater by Homer Hickam is a young adult sci fi novel published by Thomas Nelson. From their description: All titles published by Thomas Nelson are written from a Christian worldview—all of our authors are Christians. But our titles are classified differently based on each book’s level of overt ... Crater by Homer Hickam
Need You Now
On 4/1 lcourtneymom wrote: I've known Beth Wiseman as an author from some of her Amish novels. This book is in a different genre, more a Christian fiction/drama. I was interested to read it and notice the difference. Darlene and her family have moved to the country to have a more peaceful life and a better environment for their ... Need You Now by Beth Wiseman
Great Day Every Day
On 3/28 lcourtneymom wrote: I love Max Lucado's writing. He has an incredible way of telling stories and drawing readers in to the stories so that they come alive. I come away from his books encouraged and inspired. Great Day Every Day is a reminder that every day can be fresh and new. Max Lucado reminds us that we can live ... Great Day Every Day by Max Lucado
The Voice New Testament: Revised & Updated
On 3/1 lcourtneymom wrote: The Voice is a modern retelling of the New Testament. As mentioned in the preface, "The heart of the project is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works, yet remaining painstakingly true to the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts." In addition to the translated ... The Voice New Testament
Bittersweet Surrender
On 1/31 lcourtneymom wrote: Carly Westlake is a spa owner and cancer survivor. She's looking forward to the return to town of her high school heart throb Jake. But, Carly has lots to overcome- namely a divorce and the changes in her body as the result of cancer. Scott, her best friend and widower (Carly's best friend was his wife.) ... Bittersweet Surrender by Diann Hunt
Heart of Gold
On 1/23 lcourtneymom wrote: When Shannon travels with her father to Idaho Territory away from her war-ravaged Virginia, she is at first bitter and resentful. God uses her pastor father and the friendship of a dying widow to change Shannon's heart and prepare her for the love of a former Wells Fargo driver. This was a tender, ... Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher
First Date
On 1/20 lcourtneymom wrote: First Date by Krista McGee is a young adult read that is a loose modern take on the story of the biblical Esther. When Addy's Christian school chooses her to be a contestant on a t.v. reality show vying for a date with the President's son, Addy doesn't want to be there. She faces opposition from the ... First Date by Krista McGee
Invasion (tpc)
On 12/29 lcourtneymom wrote: Science fiction, fantasy, super heroes: I love books with all of these. Suspense, mystery, intrigue: bring it on! Invasion: quite a let down. Colt is a normal, every day, surfer kid from California. When he is taken to a top secret military training facility to undergo special testing to see if he ... Invasion by Jon S. Lewis
Lonestar Angel
On 11/18 lcourtneymom wrote: Eden and Clay lost their daughter five years ago, and Eden thought her marriage was over. But when Clay shows up with the information that he's never signed the divorce papers and that their daughter may still be alive, Eden decides to trust him and look for her. They'll find intrigue and trouble, ... Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble
Babylon’s Falling
On 11/10 lcourtneymom wrote: Biblical historical fiction is a demanding genre. When I read a book about a Biblical character that is written as a fictionalized story, I either love it or hate it. I want it to be well-written. I want historical accuracy. And, I want as much Biblical accuracy as can possibly be concluded from ... Babylon's Falling- William G. Collins
Wrapped in Rain
On 9/22 lcourtneymom wrote: Charles Martin was a new author for me. I picked up Wrapped In Rain to review, not really knowing what to expect. In fact, I passed the book over several times even after I added it to my TBR stack. From the description, the book sounded very introspective, very reflective- not always my typical reading ... Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin
The Realms Thereunder
On 9/4 lcourtneymom wrote: As I may have mentioned before (many times), fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I was very excited to review The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead. Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds were missing as children from a school field trip. When they were later found, their missing days remained somewhat ... The Realms Thereunder- Ross Lawhead
The Bone House
On 8/17 lcourtneymom wrote: The Bone House-Stephen Lawhead
Sweet Sanctuary
On 8/3 lcourtneymom wrote: Wren Evans is a small town librarian who wants the best for her son, Charlie. She's afraid of dating again. And she is dismayed when her grandmother shows up wanting Wren to get together with her estranged siblings and throw her a ninetieth birthday party. But, as she faces trials, she grows closer ... Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh and Cindy Martinusen Coloma
Thunder Dog
On 7/17 lcourtneymom wrote: Thunder Dog is the true story of a blind man and his dog leaving Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Michael Hingson and his guide dog Roselle went to work that Tuesday morning and were stunned by what Michael later learned was a terrorist attack. With Roselle's guidance, Michael ... Thunder Dog- Michael Hingson
Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me
On 7/9 lcourtneymom wrote: Last year was the year of the memoirs for me. I discovered a genre that I hadn't really spent much time in before. And, I discovered that I enjoyed a good memoir. Ian Morgan Cron is a wonderful story teller. He points out that no true memoir is true in every detail because no one can remember every ... Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me- Ian Morgan Cron
Spring for Susannah
On 5/24 lcourtneymom wrote: When Susannah heads out West as a mail order bride, she is shy and quiet. She doesn't seem at all like a good wife for Jesse, outspoken and strong in his relationship with God. But, as Jesse and Susannah get to know each other, Susannah learns to open up and may learn to become a true Dakota ... Spring for Susannah- Catherine Richmond
Nick of Time
On 5/20 lcourtneymom wrote: Suspense, murder, romance, excitement, and a dash of intrigue: Nick of Time is a great read that has it all! Nick is a forensic entemologist. His fiance is an unusual dog trainer. When Nick decides to leave town just a few days before their wedding to attend a research meeting, Alena ... Nick of Time- Time Downs
The Lightkeeper's Ball
On 4/23 lcourtneymom wrote: Olivia Stewart travels West to find out the truth about her sister's mysterious death. She strongly suspects her sister's fiance, Harrison Bennett; so she keeps her identity a secret from him. As she searches for answers, she falls in love with Harrison but almost becomes a victim herself.This ... The Lightkeepers Ball- Colleen Coble
Max On Life
On 4/18 lcourtneymom wrote: I love any book by Max Lucado. He's a master story teller as well as a very inspiring pastor and writer. Max on Life didn't disappoint.This isn't Max Lucado's typical book. It is a compilation of some of life's most difficult questions and Max's answers. Some of the answers are things ... Max on Life- Max Lucado
The Final Summit
On 4/11 lcourtneymom wrote: Andy Andrews is hailed as an inspirational speaker and story teller. The Final Summit is his newest novel, a sequel to The Traveler's Gift.In The Final Summit, David Ponder is summoned by the archangel Gabriel to be a part of a summit convened to be the last hope for humanity. Humanity teeters ... The Final Summit- Andy Andrews
In Constant Prayer
On 3/30 lcourtneymom wrote: Previously I reviewed The Sacred Journey, a part of the Ancient Practices series edited by Phyllis Tickle. So, I chose In Constant Prayer, another book in the series, as my most recent review for BookSneeze.Robert Benson takes a fresh look at praying without ceasing by teaching us how to pray the ... In Constant Prayer- Robert Benson
Same Life, New Story
On 2/17 lcourtneymom wrote: Same Life, New Story is designed to be a 10 week Bible study for women. Jan Silvious shows us how we can change our life story when we feel stuck or hopeless. She takes us for a look at the lives of ten Bible women to encourage women that we can change our life story by changing our perspective. ... Same Life, New Story- Jan Silvious
Girl Talk With God
On 1/25 lcourtneymom wrote: My 11 year old daughter has been a subscriber to Susie magazine- formerly Brio magazine published by Focus on the Family- for about six months now. So I was excited to review Girl Talk With God by the editor of Susie magazine.The book has chapters covering various issues including salvation, divorce, ... Girl Talk With God- Susie Shellenberger
The Quotable Chesterton
On 1/16 lcourtneymom wrote: I've read some G.K. Chesterton over the last year, so I was very interested to review this book from BookSneeze.This is a collection of well-known quotes and passages from the works of G.K. Chesterton. The author, Kevin Belmonte, also takes a look at Chesterton as a novelist, poet, essayist, and ... The Quotable Chesterton- Kevin Belmonte
The Jesus Inquest
On 1/3 lcourtneymom wrote: Last summer I was able to review a book by Charles Foster for Booksneeze, and I enjoyed his dry writing style and statements that made me think. So, I was pleased to review The Jesus Inquest by Foster for BookSneeze.The Jesus Inquest is an argument, a trial if you will, between barristers X and ... The Jesus Inquest- Charles Foster
Voices of the Faithful
On 12/21 lcourtneymom wrote: Voices of the Faithful is a one year devotional book with writings by Beth Moore and daily devotions written by Christians who are serving the Lord around the world. In the introduction, Beth Moore hopes that the reader, through these writings, will come to see missionaries as real people, to pray ... Voices of the Faithful
An Amish Christmas, expanded edition
On 12/5 lcourtneymom wrote: I must admit that Amish romances are not my favorite. But, in the Christmas spirit, I thought this one looked like a good one to review for BookSneeze.This is a compilation of four stories by different authors. All of the stories take place around the time of Christmas and feature some of ... An Amish Christmas
The American Patriot's Almanac
On 11/9 lcourtneymom wrote: As a homeschooler, I've enjoyed several of William J. Bennett's educational resources. I was happy to review this one from BookSneeze.The American Patriot's Almanac is a beautiful book with a short daily reading from American history to take the reader through the year. Each day's reading ... The American Patriot's Almanac
The Gospel According to Jesus
On 10/25 lcourtneymom wrote: I must admit that one reason I chose to review this book for BookSneeze was that I recognized the author as the same one who wrote The Gospel According to Lost- a book I have been wanting to read since I finally finished season six of the series (quite a bit behind the rest of the world).The book begins ... The Gospel According to Jesus- Chris Seay
The Way Home (DVD)
On 9/28 lcourtneymom wrote: I reviewed this Christian film for BookSneeze.The Way Home is a Christian produced film about a family's crises when their two year old son goes missing. As they join with their family and community to search for their son, they learn valuable lessons about priorities, and they experience God's ... The Way Home
The Falling Away
On 9/13 lcourtneymom wrote: The Falling Away by T.L. Hines is a Christian fiction book I chose to review for Booksneeze.Dylan Runs Away is an ex-army Crow Indian who is running from his past and a series of bad decisions. Quinn is chasing him because she is one of the few people who know what Dylan truly is- a Chosen. ... The Falling Away
Outlive Your Life
On 9/13 lcourtneymom wrote: Max Lucado's newest book- Outlive Your Life- was available for me to review through BookSneeze. I love Max Lucado's writing style, so I was very happy to get to review this one!In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado uses his easy to read, conversational style of writing to take a look at how we can be ... Outlive Your Life- Max Lucado
The Boy Who Changed the World
On 9/7 lcourtneymom wrote: The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, author of The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters, is a children's book that I chose to review for BookSneeze.This was a beautiful book. I read it several times to the kids, and I am sure it is one we will use again and again. It traces the ... The Boy Who Changed the World
Saint Francis
On 8/23 lcourtneymom wrote: Biography is not my favorite genre, but after being pleasantly surprised by several memoirs this year, I chose the biography of Saint Francis by Robert West to review for Booksneeze. I can remember why biography is not my favorite genre.Saint Francis is often best remembered as the animal saint, ... Biography of Saint Francis by Robert West
Same Kind of Different As Me
On 7/28 lcourtneymom wrote: I have been reading lately- really I have. But most of my reads have been easy to read fiction/romance and really weren't worth reviewing.But, in keeping with my year of memoirs, I reviewed Same Kind of Different as Me for BookSneeze. This memoir is co-authored by Ron Hall, an international ... Same Kind of Different As Me
Venom and Song
On 7/4 lcourtneymom wrote: I reviewed Venom and Song by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper for Book Sneeze. I was excited when I saw this a choice to review because I thought these looked like really good books for my nine year old son who is turning into a big fantasy fan.Venom and Song is the second book (I have ... Venom and Song- a Kids Read
A Girl's Guide to Life
On 6/11 lcourtneymom wrote: I am entering a new stage of life. I am the mother of a soon to be preteen girl. Kathryne will be eleven this summer and is entering new territory as she grows into a teenager. Recently at a library book sale, she picked up a "growing up" book that delved into topics such as periods ... A Girl's Guide to Life by Katie Meier
I Am Hutterite
On 5/28 lcourtneymom wrote: I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby is a memoir of the author's life in a Hutterite colony in Canada and her family's departure from that life when she was a child. Hutterites are a religious group, European in origin, that settled in the Midwestern United States and Canada. Like the Amish and Mennonites, ... I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby
Wonders Never Cease
On 4/27 lcourtneymom wrote: Kemp McAvoy is certainly no angel. But pretending to be one just might make him rich. At least that is the idea. This is a story told by Leah, a girl who sees angels- real ones. For some reason, no one wants to believe her. But, throughout the story, those around her will ... Book Review- Wonders Never Cease
The Sacred Journey 2
On 4/13 lcourtneymom wrote: The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster was reviewed for BookSneeze.The Sacred Journey is the last in a series of books about the ancient Christian practices. This book about pilgrimage was written by Charles Foster. I came across the book through BookSneeze and was intrigued by a book about ... Book Review- The Sacred Journey
Combating the Commandment of Confusion
On 3/18 lcourtneymom wrote: Thanks to Book Sneeze, we had the opportunity to review a Bibleman live adventure. Charles was especially excited because Bibleman is a super hero.Bibleman is a spiritual super hero. He came to know the Lord as a young boy during a difficult time in his life, and as he grew he studied and learned the ... DVD Review- Bibleman: Combating the Commandment of Confusion