The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven By: Kevin and Alex Malarkey; a true story

On November 14, 2004 Alex and Kevin Malarkey were in a car accident so horrific, the moment EMS arrived on the scene someone said, " Call the coroner." Many thought there was no way in heaven Alex would survive, but they were wrong. The boy who came back from heaven is an incredibly true story and another example of how God works in mysterious ways.

I had a hard time writing a review about this book. Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing story and I finished reading it a long time ago but I couldn't find the right words to express how I felt about it. The accident, the injuries, the community, the prayers, the faith, and the love, made Alex and Kevin's tale so astounding, at the same time heart wrenching. What I do have to complain about is at times I felt like this was just another local news cast the only difference being the more details added. I wish there had been more insight from Alex's point of view, but once you read The boy who came back from heaven you will understand why there isn't and it's not just medical reasons. So this is what I leave you with: the true story of this young boy, Alex, and his father is miraculous. Don't have a doubt about reading it, definitely worth the money to buy it because even though it has the occasional news cast vibe, the inspiration you get from reading it makes up for that ten times over. Kevin and Alex went through a lot of pain and suffering but I don't feel sorry for them because they don't feel sorry for themselves, especially Alex!!! he is a much stronger person than I am even though he is so much younger, he is my idol. So read it and find out for yourself what I'm talking about and God Bless everyone!!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers for review.

Jessie D

Angel Song By: Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman

Ann Fletcher hasn't stepped onto Charleston (her childhood home) soil since her grandmother passed away six years ago but her younger sister Sarah receiving her master's degree has brought her back. After dinner, the night before Sarah's commencement ceremony Ann finds herself in the hospital, following an accident, hearing the worst news of her life. With the death of her sister, Ann has no more family, she is now alone in the world. With no choice but to sell her childhood home, Sarah had been living in while Ann lived in New York, she begins to repair it as quickly as she can. However, she keeps getting interrupted by her neighbor's son who has down syndrome and claims to see Angels.
Ann built a wall around herself to hide from her emotions. Her sense of abandonment being her greatest struggle to keep behind the wall forces trust and all other emotions to follow suit. I find Ann's personality slightly similar to my own, keeping me intrigued with Angel Song. Getting a taste of the down home southern hospitality from Angel Song would be an understatement, you actually get a big ol dollop, making you want more. I recommend this sweet story, for everyone, about the life of a woman whose heart is nothing more than a flame of compassion that has long since burned out but with the help of good friends, light a spark to begin the mending of her broken heart. I guarantee once you're done with Angel Song, all you're gonna want to do is cuddle up with a loved one all the while feeling like a big bowl of sunshine on a perfect day.
I participated in a booksneeze.com blog tour and was given the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of this book and write a review.

Thank you,
Jessie D

Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel

CJ Baxter hasn't been back to Adelia, New York since he left home for college 17 years ago. His grandfather's life that is quickly fading away has brought him back to the place he grew, to the childhood memories he has long since wanted to forget.
The ending of this book reminded me of a little version of a modern day Cain and Abel. However, I have to say that I was disappointed with this novel, it was rather bland for my taste. It brought to mind the image of a huge plate of gorgeous food that you just can't wait to devour only to be disappointed once you taste it only to realize it is flavorless. I guess my high expectations for Hunter's Moon were to high because it definitely did disappoint. I would not recommend this book to anyone I know, its just not worth it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this novel by Bethany House and was not forced in anyway to give a positive review.

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

A heartfelt story of 5 women who end up in Dawson County, Nebraska on April 7, 1871. But once Ella, Zita, Caroline, Sally, and Ruth make the life changing choice of unloading their belongings, including each one of their personal "demons", and hunkering down in the west to start a new life no one expects what is coming.
After completing this book I had no idea if I loved it or hated it. The beginning of this book could not keep my attention at all so it took me a very long time to finish "Sixteen Brides." However, once the women decided to stay in plum grove after confronting the sorry excuse for a man, Hamilton Drake, my attention was detoured from my chipping fingernail polish back to the five very different, all with their very own story. Love presented a challenge for these women (as it usually does for us all) but secrets and sorrow also play a major role here as well. I know there is so much more to this book and I could definitely go on and on about it but I'm going to stop here. Because I definitely recommend you check it out for yourself and let the magic of Sixteen Brides consume you just like it did to me. Because I've decided that I actually loved it all along!
I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers to review.

Jessie D

Somewhere To Belong By Judith Miller

Johanna Ilg, a young woman living in the Christian colony of Main Amana has always lived a simple life devoted to servicing God. When the elders of her colony appoint her to take on the task of assisting Bert Schumacher, a rambunctious teenage girl from Chicago, with learning the ways and rules of Amana she feels overwhelmed. The girls are complete opposites in almost all aspects but with the unexpected entangling of the lives of both girls learn from each other. Soon after getting acquainted, family secrets are exposed in Main Amana and each girl find themselves asking the same question, " Is this where I belong?"
I love the kind of books that you start in the morning and can't peel your nose out of until late at night, way past your bedtime because you just can't bare putting it down without finding out what happen; you just have to finish it! Well, "Somewhere To Belong" was NOT one of those books. I had to force myself to turn the pages of the first few chapters. I guess I was as bored and astounded as Berta was by the way Johanna lived. Once I passed the first ten chapters, I kept a rather steady pace. And the book wasn't a complete failure, it actually had a cute little story that came with a little drama but keeping my attention on it was a struggle. Johanna's lifestyle seemed to plain for me, I had more of a connection to Berta but as the people of Main Amana tried to force her to conform to their ways I lost interest.
I was given a free copy of this book to review by Bethany House Publisher.

Jessie D

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

Elvira Kilmer, a 31 year old unmarried woman looking to gain a reference, shows up at the house of Jackson Smith who needs a housekeeper. After the second knock at his door the 28 year old handsome man appears. And after several days of volunteer work Mr. Smith offers a truly unexpected proposition that would definitely change Ellie's life as well as that of Mr. Smith's.
From the beginning of the book I was agitated with Jackson for being so selfish and rude towards Ellie. As the book progressed I learned that it was both of their hearts that were awakening but Ellie seemed to go a little faster than Jackson. The both of them struggled with their faith but Ellie, once again seemed to grasp and see things more clearly than Jackson. The story of Ellie and Jackson took me on an emotional roller coaster ride but I liked where it ended, nearly bringing me to joyful and envious tears. Hearts Awakening is a story about pain, growing, and love. A perfect tale for everyone to enjoy, I know I did! The question that remains is, will each of them let love in?
I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers to review.

Jessie D

Beguiled By Deeanne Gist and J.Mark Bertrand

Rylee Monroe is a dog walker for the wealthiest of the wealthiest in Charleston. When a string of her clients get robbed she quickly becomes a prime suspect. After crime reporter, Logan Woods, bids her to tag along through the investigation about the burglaries they realize the two of them have chemistry but will Rylee's troubled childhood block any kind of relationship from forming?
Beguiled has a little bit of action, a touch of drama, and some romance and yet it does not fall into the category of "my favorite books." The character of Rylee Monroe seemed too innocent, her role was rather dry. While on the other hand the character of detective Nate Campbell was well played out-desperate cop struggling with an investigation, overeager to accuse anyone. Nate Campbell's character was so good he actually annoyed me out of my mind. I think the only thing the story was missing was a little spice, because it was an enjoyable read. The ending happened to be the best part of the story, however, I felt the epilogue just dragged it on.
I was given a free copy of this book to review by Bethany House Publishers. If you would like to become a reviewer for Bethany House follow this link: www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers

Jessie D