Bethany House Blog Tour: For Such a Time

Author: Kate Breslin

Genre: Life, historical fiction, adventure

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: 430

Time period: 1940s, World War II

Publisher and price: Bethany House, $14.99

My overall opinion: Wow. This book blew me away. It is set perfectly in World War II, excellently accurate and very realistic. I should know, I’ve read a lot of World War II books, both fiction and non-fiction. But this book isn’t just a World War II story. It’s also the Biblical story of Esther, brought forward and retold in a Biblically accurate way in the newer time period. The amount of work that Kate clearly put into this is stunning. She pays an amazing amount of attention to the little details. I also love how she uses a lot of adjectives, and even a few words that made me pull up my dictionary app – hey, gotta love learning new words to throw at people! ;) I was so wow-ed by how the author brought the Biblical story to life (realistically) in World War II. She has great skill. And I really loved the main characters, Aric and Hadassah/Stella. This is a book that I will keep and re-read! I’m really excited to see more books by this author.

**Bethany House sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I wasn’t required to review it positively, and all opinions etc are my own. I wasn’t paid for this review.**

On Distant Shores

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Romance, war, life, adventure

Series: Wings of the Nightingale

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: 424

Time period: World War II, 1940s

Publisher and price: Revell, $14.99

My overall opinion: One of the best things about this book for me? The fact that I closed it reflecting that the heroine, Georgie, and I would’ve been good friends in real life. She appealed to me a lot as a character, and while I don’t have the same struggles she has, I understood her well and yeah – we would’ve been friends. She’s lovely! John/Hutch wasn’t bad, though I didn’t find myself falling in love with him. There are a lot of details packed into this book, and they all added to the historical/realistic feel overall. There was enough action to keep the story, but not let it get rushed. Another highlight? Seeing Tom and Mellie, from “With Every Letter”! Good book, and I’m glad I bought it.

Where Treasure Hides

Author: Johnnie Alexander Donley

Genre: Suspense, adventure

Series: I hear that Johnnie is working on the sequel…

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Historical fiction

Number of pages: I read it as a PDF.

Time period: 1930s, 1940s, World War II

My overall opinion: Wow. Was I ever impressed! See, I requested this book from the author without a lot of research about it first. I knew I loved the cover, and the story sounded interesting enough. So I didn’t realize it was a digital book until Johnnie wrote back asking what kind of file I wanted to read it from. My hopes for it immediately dropped, I admit. My automatic reaction to a digital book is that they’re just digital for a reason…hate to say it, but they’ve usually got inferior writing. However! That was most decidedly not the case here. This book deserves to be in a physical paperback form! The cover and the story are both worth it. It’s set, as you saw, in World War II. Fascinating era. I read it mostly in the evening, and was so excited to come back to it every night. It’s an unforgettable story! Absolutely packed with intrigue and excitement – trust me, you won’t be able to stop if you’re trying to limit yourself. It’s not overly romantic, but enough to keep you reading. If you can get this one, or see a giveaway for it, definitely do. It’s a page turner…in a digital way. Thrilling, intense, heart-warming – all in one book. I highly recommend it especially for anyone who likes historical fiction!

**The author sent me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have reviewed it honestly. I wasn’t required to post a positive review, and all opinions are my own.**

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Author: C. S. Lewis

Genre: Adventure, fantasy

Series: Chronicles of Narnia

Number in series: 2^nd (in my set, and chronologically…he wrote it first in the series tho)

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction (allegorical)

Number of pages: 189

Time period: Fantasy, 1940s

My overall opinion: An amazing book. It had been several years since I read it, and coming back to it now was a whole new and delightful experience! I love the language, the words, that C. S. Lewis uses…his descriptions are amazing. I read it aloud to myself this time around, and therefore discovered that it is a very read-aloudable book! It’s a brilliant work that EVERY home should own. Of course, the parallels to the Bible are clear. If you haven’t read it for a couple of years…give it another try, okay? You won’t regret. I’ve now moved onto the book that was my favorite for years, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and am likewise enjoying it. Great book!

Parallel Journeys

Author: Eleanor Ayer

Genre: Life

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Non-fiction

Number of pages: 244

Time period: 1940s, World War II

My overall opinion: This book is the parallel stories of a Hitler Youth Nazi (who became an officer by age 16) and a Jewish young woman who went through Auschwitz – and survived. It will be an eye-opening book for anyone who doesn’t have much knowledge of the Hitler Youth or of the concentration camps. It’s mesmerizing and unforgettable.

Silver Chair

Author: C. S. Lewis

Genre: Adventure, fantasy

Series: Chronicles of Narnia

Number in series: 6^th

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 243

Time period: 1940s, fantasy

My overall opinion: Having read the Narnia books over many times (and listened to them at least as many via the Focus on the Family dramatizations), I have reached a conclusion…this one is my favorite. With VDT as a close second. But this one! It’s just packed with enduring appeal. Every chapter has action, and unique settings and characters. Who could ever forget Puddleglum? Or the signs that Jill must remember? Or the epic fight underground? It’s an enchanting story, and one every child (and adult) needs to read.

Christmas Star

Author: Ace Collins

Genre: Family, life

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 214

Time period: 1940s

My overall opinion: This is the heart-warming tale of a boy growing up without his dad, a heroic man who valiantly died in the war (World War II). The story came to life for me, and I grew to know and love each character…each of the good characters, that is. The bad ones were simply detestable! Christmas Star will keep you turning that pages as you follow Jimmy through just four momentous and life-changing days. It’s a beautifully crafted book and you will want to read this every Christmas.

**The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review. I wasn't required to post a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.**

Yellow Packard

Author: Ace Collins

Genre: Life, adventure, family, mystery

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 318

Time period: 1930s, 1940s

My overall opinion: Wow, what an interesting adventure/mystery! The book opens with a death, closes with a solution, and incorporates numerous stories and adventures inbetween. It was packed with surprises. I was always interested by it, but at the same time, I was able to put it down. The last quarter was extra riveting and will definitely keep you (as the reader) reading! My only problems were a few things that struck me personally as strange…the word “teen” used in 1937 (although it wasn’t invented until 1941 – pet peeve [see page 25]) and a two-day baby smiling (rather improbable [page 54]). However, the whole book was seamlessly written despite all the stories in it, and I think it will be enjoyed by male and female readers alike. 

**I reviewed this book for the author and publisher. However, I was not obligated to post a positive review, nor was I recompensed in any other way.**

Movie: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Main characters: Edmund, Lucy, Caspian, Eustace, Reepicheep

Genre: Fantasy, adventure

Series or set: Chronicles of Narnia

Number in series: Third.

Primary actors: Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter

Based on: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by Clive Staples Lewis

Time period: Fantasy, 1940's

Exciting events: Seabattle, Ramandu's Island, the dragon...you get the idea

Year it came out: 2010!

My overall opinion:  

12/12/10 -- Great! The graphics and all are terrific...too scary for anyone...probably under 13. But it was really excellent and I recommend it! 

11/20/12 -- I published the above right after seeing it for the first time in 2010 -- right after it came out. Having seen it...three times (had to think) since then, here are my current thoughts. I love it! Every scene has something exciting and (if you don't know the story) unexpected. There are so many seperate adventures, all seamlessly woven into this book! I really love Lucy and Edmund in here, and Eustace is perfect, exactly what Eustace should be. Eustace Clarence Scrubb. What a name! The deviation from the book...and the green mist especially...ugh. Other than that? Good movie! And I would say about age 12 and under as opposed to 13. 

Movie: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

 My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Main characters: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Aslan, White Witch, Tumnus the Faun, the Beavers

Genre: Adventure, fantasy

Series or set: The Chronicles of Narnia

Number in series: 2nd in the book series, first in the movie series

Primary actors: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley

Based on: The book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Time period: 1940's, fantasy

Exciting events: Giant battle, Edmund's capture, near escape from wolves

Quote(s): Mrs. Beaver: You've been sneaking second helping, haven't you? Mr. Beaver: Well, you never know which meals gonna be your last. Especially with you.

Susan: The professor knew we were coming. Edmund: Perhaps we were incorrectly labeled.

White Witch: I can make you anything you like. Edmund: Can you make me taller?

Professor Kirke: What do they teach in schools these days?

White Witch: Tell me Edmund. Are your sisters deaf? Edmund: No. White Witch: And your brother, is he unintelligent? Edmund: Well, I think so. But Mum says--- White Witch: Then how dare you come alone?

Year it came out: 2005

My overall opinion:  

12/16/10 -- A great movie, one of my favorites. I recommend it to anyone! 

11/20/12 -- What an amazing movie. It's family friendly and follows the book closely, getting all the best details (IMHO). It always amazes me when I come back to watch this how young the kids all are! I've grown used to them in PC and VDT. The story is exciting and riveting (AND family friendly -- though younger kids might be a bit scared). Lucy especially is perfect. I still highly recommend it!

Movie: Captain America

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Genre: Science fiction, superhero, adventure, World War II

Series or set: It’s part of the Marvel comics leading up to Avengers

Primary actors: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving

Length: Two hours

Based on: The old Marvel comics

Time period: 1940’s, World War II

Year it came out: 2011

My overall opinion: I really really enjoyed this…more than I expected to. And more than Thor. Captain America was an awesome brave handsome patriotic hero, and what more could I possible want? The action was awesome (and not too gory like some movies can be). The graphics were impressive, and the story was riveting! Definitely my favorite superhero, right here. So yes, I highly recommend this awesome movie! It’s my newest favorite movie. Totally great! 

P.S. This movie is also packed with interesting Doubles…well, three that I spotted. More on that coming in a later post! 

The Last Jew of Rotterdam

 

Author: Ernest Cassutto

Genre: Life, adventure

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Non-fiction, biography

Number of pages: 171

Time period: World War II, 1940’s

My overall opinion: I will admit, I started this book expecting it to be good, yes, but really just another WWII story. While my expectations were fulfilled in that it wasn’t amazingly well written, it has a truly moving story inside. The story of a man with Jewish roots way back, who really didn’t consider himself Jewish. The story of how the Nazis went after him, tried to conscript him. The story of how he hid, moving from underground location to underground location -- 40 of them in just two years. It’s a great story. Sad, sweet, amazing. God is seen throughout. The story is more than worth the read. If you find WWII fascinating, or just want an awesome story of how God works, this is the book for you.

A Distant Melody

Author: Sarah Sundin

Genre: Romance, life, war, adventure

Series: Wings of Glory

Number in series: 1^st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: About 400, I think

Time period: 1940’s, World War II

My overall opinion: I do hope you all know that I loved the third book in this series, Blue Skies Tomorrow. After reading it, I was eager to read the first two books in the series, and was very excited to be finally able to read this, the first one! And what made me happy…I loved it just as much. Which has cemented my opinion that Sarah Sundin is one of my favorite authors. If you like romances, World War II stories, stories with fighter planes and bombers in them, or any combination of the above, you will love this book.

Chasing Mona Lisa

Author: Trica Goyer, Mike Yorkey

Genre: Suspense, just a touch of romance

Series: It’s a sequel to Swiss Courier, but I think you could fully enjoy this one without reading that one.

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 325

Time period: 1940’s (end of World War II), World War II

My overall opinion: It was very exciting, and very fun! Really neat to read about the same characters as in Swiss Courier, plus some new ones. And a great World War II adventure! I found the whole section in the sewer to be very interesting. And yes, they really do go in a sewer! It was a riveting book, and if you enjoy suspense, this is a good book for you!