Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

August 22, 2018

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Book Look in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar was an amazing book, but it was hard for me to get through during parts of the book. It was hard because of how the author truly made me understand what was going on in the book and that left me feeling sad. I have read a ton of books like his one and I would put this one at the top of my favorites list. I know that the author did his job when I am holding back tears as I am reading. I felt so bad for Helene, but I did respect the fact that she didn’t let her children and husband go without her. I would have also understood if had stand behind because a lot of people would rather stay behind than get shipped off. As I was reading this book I am always left sad because I know that the things that happened in this book happened to thousands and thousands of people. If you love WWII fiction or historical fiction I would give this book a shot because I think most people would enjoy this book.

About The Book

In 1943 Germany, Helene is just about to wake up her children to go to school when a group of policemen break into her house. The policemen want to haul away her gypsy husband and their five children. The police tell Helene that as a German she does not have to go with them, but she decides to share the fate of her family. After convincing her children that they are going off to a vacation place, so as to calm them, the entire family is deported to Auschwitz.

For being German, they are settled in the first barracks of the Gypsy Camp. The living conditions are extremely harsh, but at least she is with her five children. A few days after their arrival, Doctor Mengele comes to pay her a visit, having noticed on her entry card that she is a nurse. He proposes that she direct the camp’s nursery. The facilities would be set up in Barrack 29 and Barrack 31, one of which would be the nursery for newborn infants and the other for children over six years old.

Helene, with the help of two Polish Jewish prisoners and four gypsy mothers, organizes the buildings. Though Mengele provides them with swings, Disney movies, school supplies, and food, the people are living in crowded conditions under extreme conditions. And less than 400 yards away, two gas chambers are exterminating thousands of people daily.

For sixteen months, Helene lives with this reality, desperately trying to find a way to save her children. Auschwitz Lullaby is a story of perseverance, of hope, and of strength in one of the most horrific times in history.

About The Author

Mario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books

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Where Hope Begins by Catherine West

July 18, 2018

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Book Look in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Where Hope Begins by Catherine West was one of the best books that I have read lately. First, I want to let everyone know that this book deals with quite a few hard topics such as losing a child, affairs, suicide attempts and terminal illness so be aware that this book might be hard to get through from time to time. Right from the first page of this book I was hooked, and I couldn’t put I down until I was finished with the book. I loved this book because I liked all the characters right from the start of the book. I felt bad for Savannah because I can’t even imagine how hard things had to be for her but everyone in this story had major things that they were all dealing with. The author did a great job of making me feel like I was right there with the characters throughout the entire book which I am sure is the reason I read this book so quickly. I spent a lot of this book going back and forth on what I wanted to happen in this book because I loved all the characters even the ones that were harder to love because of their choices. This is one book I could go on and on about because it is my stand out book so far this year. I would recommend this book to just about anyone who is looking for a story of growth but also knows that there are hard parts but pushing through those parts is totally worth it.

About The Book

In the aftermath of her husband’s act of adultery and abandonment, Savannah must finally face the ghosts that haunt her and discover for herself whether authentic faith, grace, and ultimate healing really do exist.

When her husband of twenty-one years leaves her, Savannah Barrington believes she’s lost almost everything she’s ever loved. With her daughter in college and her son in boarding school, Savannah retreats to her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, where hope and healing come in the form of an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, a touch of magic, and a handsome man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove she’s still worth loving.

But when her husband asks to reconcile, Savannah is faced with the hardest challenge of all: Forgiving the unforgivable. Somehow she must find freedom from the chains of their past and move forward, or face an unknown future without him.

About The Author

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Her most recent novel, The Memory of You, released March 2017. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

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The House of Moody Avenue by Cellestine Hannemann

August 26, 2017

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

The House of Moody Avenue by Cellestine Hannemann wasn’t my favorite book, to say the least, but I still did enjoy parts of this book. I had a tough time staying interested in this book. At times I found it hard to know who was talking. I also felt the book was rushed in some places and in other places I felt like there were way too many details. I did like most of the characters in this book though. I also liked the plot of this book because it was different from anything other than I ever remember reading in the past. I am sure that is the way I did enjoy parts of this book and why I didn’t want to just stop reading it. Usually, when I read books that don’t keep my attention I have a hard time finishing them, and I usually give up on them. I am sure that this book will work for some people, but I wasn’t one of them.

About The Book

An eclectic assortment of humanity, with all their foibles and failings, lived in the house on Moody Avenue over a period of ninety years. I tell their stories.

Lisette, her unshakable faith sustaining her, is undeterred in the face of adversity; Julia, a social-climbing snob, sees her world crumble when her children marry inappropriately; Clarence, a Casper Milquetoast bank clerk, absconds with a quarter of a million dollars; Frances, a country girl, comes to the big city to marry a rich man; Sammy, a black man, passes for white.

Beatnik squatters, high on LSD, burn down the condemned ninety-year-old house, leaving it naught but a precious memory in the hearts of those who once sought its shelter.

About The Author

Cellestine Hannemann (born March 28, 1924) is an American author and pioneering figure in the methodology of Oshibana art. Hannemann, née Hofmann, born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently living in California, is best known for developing new processes in the pressing of botanical materials to reduce discoloration and shrinkage. She manufactured a unique press incorporating polyester materials to cushion the plants that became known as “Cellestine’s Press,” and authored a book that is a popular reference guide for plant pressers and Oshibana artists. Hannemann also wrote two novels.

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The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories by Celeste Fletcher McHale

August 9, 2017

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

The Sweet Smell of Magnolias and Memories by Celeste Fletcher McHale was a sweet story. I loved the plot of this book because I am sure it has happened in the real world before and I always love books that could happen. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I would like to read her other book that she has released. When I think about this book, I just keep thinking about what a sweet story this book was. I did find that this book was predictable, but I loved that I haven’t read a book with this plot before. I felt bad for Jacey and everything that she had to have gone through to get her to where we meet her in this book. I didn’t care that much about Colin throughout the book which isn’t uncommon when I read books in this genre. I was able to predict what was going to happen but I was okay with that because I did enjoy this author writing. If you are looking for a new Christian romance book to read I think that you would enjoy this book just as much as I did.

About The Book

Jacey met the man of her dreams a year ago—and hasn’t seen him since. Finally relocating him as the pastor at her best friend’s wedding was the very last thing she expected.

A year ago, Jacey was trapped on a rooftop during a flood with perfect strangers, including a family and a man named Colin. After two days there together, she had no doubt that Colin was the man of her dreams. When they were finally rescued he tucked his phone number into her pocket. But an accident with the rescue boat left her hospitalized with amnesia and PTSD . . . and his number nowhere to be found.

Now, Jacey has still only recovered bits and pieces of her memory from that time. She clearly remembers Colin—but not his last name or any other details that would help her locate him. She’s trying to immerse herself in the joy of her best friend’s wedding . . . when she looks up at the end of the aisle only to discover Colin there in the minister’s role. Shock is an understatement.

On one hand, she’s elated to see him again. And then reality sets in. She never intended to get married or have kids. And being a minister’s wife was definitely never on her list. Was Colin not the man she thought he was? Or has the amnesia changed her more than she realized?

With the typical wit and honesty Celeste Fletcher McHale is becoming known for, it’s time for Jacey to take a fresh look at her life. Could this string of unexpected events have been setting her up for something far better than what she had planned for herself?

About The Author

Celeste Fletcher McHale is a Southern Lit author from Central Louisiana. Her debut novel, The Secret to Hummingbird Cake, is being released through HarperCollins Christian Publishing in February 2016.

Celeste earned a history degree and currently lives on her century-old family farm. She enjoys family, writing, football, baseball, and raising a variety of animals.

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The Paths We Walk Trails by Felicia Ferguson

May 18, 2017

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

The Paths We Walk Trails by Felicia Ferguson was a book that I had a hard time getting interested in and staying interested in. It is rare that I read books that I struggle with as much as I did with this one. I only got through just over half of the book before I put it down and just walked away from it. I am usually able to keep reading a book, but I couldn’t stay interested in this book for some reason. With that being said though this book was well written and I am sure that most people would enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

About The Book

Set in Fairhope, Alabama, and the beach resort area of Scenic Highway 30A in Florida’s Panhandle, four thirty-something ladies, support each other through the triumphs and hard decisions of life. When their own ladies’ retreat is canceled by the sudden illness of its veteran coordinator, Deli, Jess, Anne, and Lindsay travel to Seaside, Florida, for a local church’s meeting on biblical reflection and meditation. The verses they study bring unexpected insights into their relationships with God, their families, and even themselves.

Single ladies, Deli and Jess, gain greater insight into what it means to be a part of a godly relationship. Deli battles her abuse history and takes a step of faith toward a future she never imagined could be hers. Jess, on the other hand, struggles to come to terms with her failing three-year relationship with a man who has little interest in God and faith. Meanwhile, Anne and Lindsay confront issues of motherhood. Anne’s pre-teen daughter has begun a slow descent into silence and moodiness leading Anne to question her long-held beliefs about parenting. Lindsay has her own questions, but with two young daughters now both school-aged, hers is a battle of mother’s guilt against a possible return to her first love: a career in law.

Their questions are our questions. Their journeys are our journeys. Come join them as they discover their own answers and God’s plan for their lives on The Paths We Walk.

About The Author

Faith

Being a follower of Jesus is the most important role in my life. I love being involved in small groups and Bible studies and have made treasured friendships in each. I am a firm believer that each person has a journey that is unique to them. As Christians, our mission should be to support each other on our walks.

Fun

I love to travel and experience new places learn about the culture of the area. The back of my MINI Cooper is covered in decals from the cities and countries I’ve visited. I like to joke that it’s my moving passport! Scotland, England, and Charleston will play supporting roles in the upcoming additions to The Paths We Walk series.

Family

Although I am single, God has surrounded me with a tremendous group of people I call my family. Some are related by blood, others only by love. Without each of them I would not be the person I am today nor would I be growing into the person God sees me be. I do have two children (four-legged and furry) who keep me on my toes and always make me smile. I call them my “salt and pepper shakers.” Buttercup and Lillie are French Bulldogs and half-sisters from Frenchy Farms in Venice, Florida.

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Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

May 9, 2017

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Beyond Justice by Cara Putman was an okay mystery book. I love mystery books but I tend to get bored with ones that are written by Christian authors because they just stay on the surface and they don’t usually include anything that is super gross in them. Since this genre is my favorite I tend to like the books that have tons of details and go in deep when they are describing things. Like I said before I liked this book but I got bored because of how it was written which I am sure makes me in the minority. With that being said if you love mystery books and hate the ones that have tons of details in them you will love this book. I also like to pick up books like this when I have been reading a ton of super heavy books because it is nice to read books that a book that doesn’t go so deep from time to time.

About The Book

Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.

Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s handed a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there. She keeps the case alive through sheer determination and more than a little creativity, but then she’s fired by a partner with a vendetta.

Further complicating matters, Hayden keeps finding herself completely distracted by Andrew, her roommate’s cousin. But his father is a Congressman and she’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?

The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to see either the case—or her—die. Should she fight alone for the dead young man by launching her own unfinanced firm, or abandon the case in order to save her own life?

About The Author

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She’s currently writing her 25th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.