Review: Equinox - Raven's Record #2 by Debbie Hightower

 

Equinox - Raven's Record #2 

by Debbie Hightower

What sort of scar would smear across the face of history if the United States ceased to exist? Second in a thought-provoking science-fiction series, this installment takes place after a cataclysmic destruction of much of North America. Seeking to rise from the ashes, citizens of the Earth utilize new technology to send 21st-century pioneers across the universe to settle Planet Equinox in the Proxima Centauri system. In order to survive the terrors and challenges of this new world, the colonists must leave their Earth baggage behind and work together, hopefully without repeating the mistakes of the past.

My Take:

After a devastating alien attack that destroyed the United States, Earth sends out its first colony ships to Proxima Centauri. There, humans find Equinox, a habitable planet with a light side, and a dark side. In Equinox: Raven’s Record #2 by Debbie Hightower, Raven Munoz has been tasked with documenting the efforts of over 400 colonists to survive and build a new civilization on the new planet. And it won’t be easy. Giant predators and killer bugs threaten the existence of everyone. Fire and natural disasters make survival difficult. And there is evidence that somebody has already been here. Is it the aliens, involved in some unknown enterprise on the dark side of the planet, or could humans have somehow settled here already? And are these aliens the same race that destroyed the United States?

 

Equinox by Debbie Hightower is a high-stakes hard science fiction sequel to American Survivor, and a satisfying continuation of the story of Raven Munoz. The character development is realistic, and the pacing is quick and steady. Challenges face the colonists at every turn, and supporting characters add depth and realism to the adventure. Alien flora and fauna are well-described and believable. The actions of the crew to survive are plausible. I especially liked the antics of Freddie Ogunjobi, a construction engineer who got angry, stole a vehicle and took off for the dark side of the planet. Wild cards like that make for a lot of variation and spice. Each supporting character seems to have a significant backstory and part to play. Expansive, immersive, enthralling and gripping. Perfect for lovers of hard science fiction.

 About the Author:

Debbie Hightower is a lifelong North Carolina resident and newspaper reporter who recently made the transition to writing science fiction novels. She is an avid fan of science fiction as well as the emerging technologies that will one day take humans across the cosmos and allow them to explore the stars and planets beyond the solar system.

Review: American Survivor - Raven's Record #1 by Debbie Hightower

 American Survivor - Raven's Record #1 

by Debbie Hightower

Smoke and ashes cover most of the North American continent. While emergency responders race against the clock to rescue survivors, government officials scramble to obscure details of the event that claimed the lives of millions. Was the calamity a volcanic super eruption? Or an unprecedented weapon unleashed by an enemy with a vendetta against the United States? After losing everything, one of the survivors hurdles red tape and false flags in an attempt to uncover--and broadcast--the real story.

My Take:

In American Survivor: Raven’s Record Book 1 by Debbie Hightower, Raven Munoz barely survives a devastating alien attack that destroys the United States in only a few minutes. The official story is that the supervolcano in Yellowstone is to blame. But Raven knows better. Her efforts are thwarted at every turn when she tries to uncover the truth. Any evidence pointing to an alien attack is removed, and those who try to speak up disappear. While Raven tries to document the truth, Rocket Lab engineers race to build a warp-capable fleet to settle a colony at Proxima Centauri. When their plans are stolen, a competitor, Space Corps, launches first. But their prototype, the Magellan, is lost with all hands. Will the ships Rocket Lab is building avoid the same fate before the aliens return to destroy the rest of mankind?

American Survivor by Debbie Hightower is a thought-provoking near-future apocalyptic thriller. The main character somehow survives an alien attack that destroys all of the continental United States, including the building she had just vacated. The official coverup story is predictably laughable. Her quest to learn the truth behind the attack makes for an interesting dive into forensic journalism. The resistance to her efforts to uncover and communicate that truth provides for a top-notch alien conspiracy yarn. I especially enjoyed the hard science overlaying references to Star Trek lore, and the seamless integration of futuristic interstellar travel with historic space exploration. Interwoven throughout is the question of whether this destruction was the vengeance of God, an alien species, or both. Perfect for lovers of hard science fiction and conspiracies.

About the Author:

Debbie Hightower is a lifelong North Carolina resident and newspaper reporter who recently made the transition to writing science fiction novels. She is an avid fan of science fiction as well as the emerging technologies that will one day take humans across the cosmos and allow them to explore the stars and planets beyond the solar system.

Review: Summer Blues: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #3 by Victoria Simcox

Summer Blues: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #3 

by Victoria Simcox

Book 3, "Summer Blues," takes you on a journey through my escapades from last summer. Like before, it's a blend of life lessons and chats with God in my secret journal.Nope, not a perfect kid. Actually, the more I write in my journal, the more I see that I'm not really good at being perfect.This time, you'll find me dashing through my sprinkler resembling a zebra from fake tanning cream, daydreaming about baked chicken in the sweltering heat, stressing over puberty stuff, entering a singing contest, and loads more fun stuff.If you liked my first and second stories, ‘'Tis the Season’ and ‘Spring Fever,’ I'm totally hoping ‘Summer Blues’ brings you the same joy.Bye for now.  

My Take:

Norma Elliot is dealing with all the usual struggles pre-tween girls have - mean girls, boys, and... puberty. Her best friend is starting to develop, and Norma wonders when that's going to happen to her. Actually, her life seems pretty simple for a girl growing up - until the rich girl tricks her into signing up for a singing competition. The laughs just keep coming as her inept aunt and cousin try to teach her how to sing, all while dealing with laryngitis and a depressing lack of talent. The scorching heat doesn't help, either, as Norma slathers on fake tan cream and gets a zebra sunburn. It seems God has got his work cut out for him reigning in this little firebrand, and teaching her valuable lessons in humility and compassion.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean

Violence:

G - Nary a bit. Well, except for the dog biting the neighbor lady. 

Language:

G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

PG - As you might expect from a preteen girl book, there's some slight interest in boys. As the book progresses, her best friend Taylor starts to develop breasts, and that's a topic for a bit of discussion between them. Just about timing and fairness.

Christian content:

Just like in the previous books, this hilarious book may seem like fluff, but it contains meat as Norma recaps her day with God in her journal. A verse from the journal ties it all neatly together with a bow, and you discover that the events of the day do have an eternal significance, no matter how trivial they seem on the uptake. Norma struggles with her own pride, humility, and complaining. 

Final analysis:

Summer Blues: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #3 by Victoria Simcox is a quick read with a surprising amount of meat. As in the first two books in this light-hearted fun series, this third offering shows Norma's progress maturing in her journey toward teenship. I fully expected her to barf all over her friend after insisting they ride the scariest rollercoaster at the fair. The introduction of her redheaded cousin Kian (who she calls Pepper after the way his name sounds like Cayenne) makes for extra hijinks, as she shoots him in the head with a sticky piece of candy, mistaking him for a home invader. Short, hilarious,  and thought-provoking, this is a clean and safe book perfect for Christian families with preteen daughters. I found it entertaining, fast-paced, well-written, and hilarious. Five Stars!

About the Author

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother and a Dutch immigrant father. She now calls Western Washington home. Besides her writing career, Victoria taught elementary-school art for several years. Her past times are writing, reading, painting watercolors. She likes to read theological as well as some fantasy genres. Two of her favorite authors are R.C. Sproul and C.S. Lewis.

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://tinyurl.com/3wl6gjs

Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

Review: Now I See by Janet Perez Eckles

 

Now I See 

How God's Amazing Grace Turned Betrayal, Blindness, and Heartache to Shining Joy

by Janet Perez Eckles

What happens to your peace amid today’s chaos? When the headlines foretell gloom and doom and personal suffering threatens to break you, yet, God’s promises speak of hope and glorious victory?

Now I See will strengthen your resolve!

Tragedy cannot stop you. Janet’s transition from being a sighted mother to complete blindness at the pivotal age of 30 proves you can rise above pre-conceived limitations.

Grief cannot defeat you. Janet’s path to healing after the murder of her son proves that even loss is no match for God’s healing power.

Injustice cannot bring you down. When her son’s killer was acquitted, Janet proves freedom still lives in forgiveness.

Relationships cannot stifle you. Despite the end of her decades-long marriage, Janet proves life still holds promises of joy with fresh, new horizons!

Now I See stirs your heart as you’re reminded that God is alive, that He sees your tears, hears your sobs, knows your fears, and is ready to calm your storms.

My Take:

 Now I See by Janet Perez Eckles is an autobiographical account of a life journey from trial to triumph through faith. How could a blind single mom accomplish anything, much less become an award-winning interpreter, multi-published author, international speaker and ministry founder? Janet Perez Eckles describes her life growing up in war-torn Bolivia through immigration to the United States, and her struggles with early-onset Retinitis Pigmentosa and the total blindness this eventually caused. Though blindness, loss of a son through murder, bankruptcy, and divorce assailed her, her growing faith in Jesus strengthened her, helping her find forgiveness and purpose. Those overwhelmed with life’s trials and tragedies can find hope here that God has a plan and purpose for their lives.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - squeaky clean

Violence:

PG - Janet's youngest son, is violently murdered. The number of knife wounds he received is staggering. This information is given, I surmise, to give some scope to the effort it took to forgive his slayer. 

Language:

G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

G - squeaky clean.

Christian content:

This memoir records Janet's journey to faith, and from physical and spiritual blindness to spiritual sight. A verse starts every chapter and is appropriate to the content of that chapter. Scripture is used a few times to underline a spiritual concept. Prayer is evident throughout, and answered prayer is recorded as God delivers or carries her through suffering.

Final analysis:

Now I See by Janet Perez Eckles is a well-written faith-filled account of her life. Her life in Bolivia as a child is well-depicted. The terror of war and the trials of poverty are put on stark display, though softened through the eyes of a child playing in the war-torn neighborhoods. I was struck by her account of one lady who claimed the intersection of two broken walls as her home. The ostracization she felt as a foreign immigrant, the fear as sight began to fail, the trauma of having her youngest murdered, are all raw and riveting. I never knew that a blind person could accomplish so much. A verse begins each chapter and is appropriate for the content. I found it encouraging, uplifting, spell-binding, and inspirational. Perfect for any Christian facing trials or tragedy, and needing encouragement to stay the course. Five Stars!

About the Author

International speaker, author and founder of JC Empowerment Ministries, Janet Perez Eckles has been called an expert in overcoming adversity.

She’s the author of six books: Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow, Simply Salsa, Hola Happiness, and Contagious Courage and her newly released memoir, Now I See.

Janet's book, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Turns Betrayal, Blindness, and Heartache to Shining Joy, empowers readers to discover the same glorious victory she reached after her own trials—blindness, the murder of her son, the acquittal of the man responsible, and the death of her 42-year marriage. But rather than be defeated, God’s grace lifted her to victorious triumph.

She shares that same path to glorious victory through the pages of her books and from the stage when she addresses English and Spanish-speaking audiences nationally and internationally. With a blend of Latina passion, insight, and biblical wisdom, she illustrates the beauty of restoration, the joy that comes after adversity, and the abundance that tenacity and faith bring.

Her writings have appeared in thirty-two Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, Guidepost Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and hundreds of print and on-line publications. Her joy-filled recount of her journey has been featured on Christian radio and TV programs from Focus on the Family to the 700 Club and on the cover of Hispanic Woman Magazine.
She’s the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Beyond Me Award from AWSA, Latina Women Who Make a Difference Award, Professional Excellence Award by Language Line Solutions, and first runner-up for the Ms. Senior Florida Pageant, 2022.

Janet travels across the globe empowering women to rise above the bitterness of this world and taste the sweetness of God’s triumphant success.

Florida with husband Dale, adult children, and delightful grandchildren. She can be contacted at: www.janetperezeckles.com

Review: Spring Fever: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal (Book 2) by Victoria Simcox

Spring Fever: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal (Book 2) 

by Victoria Simcox

It's me again, Norma Elliot. I’m still ten years old and sharper than a tack—what my dad says.‘Spring Fever’ is my second book, about what I did last Spring—mostly learning life lessons again and talking to God in my secret journal. The title is a great big hint of how I felt for at least part of the season.I’m still not a perfect angel kid—actually, the more I write in my journal, the more I realize I'm surely not perfect.Working at my first job, planting a garden, dealing with an annoying drunk slug, as well as annoying people, are some of the things you’ll read in this book.If you liked my first story, `Tis the Season,’ then I hope you’ll like ‘Spring Fever.’ I think, I mean, I hope you’ll like it just as much or maybe even more.Bye for now. 

 My Take:

When Norma Elliot gets the idea to plant a spring garden with her bestie Taylor, she has no idea the weather is not going to cooperate. But one thing this garden is going to teach her is patience. Even if it kills her. Meanwhile, her dad has decided to give her a job - one that pays five bucks a week! All it involves is becoming the family maid. Cleaning the bathrooms, the mudroom, and all those other messy places. Norma is at it again, finding that anger is a hard thing to control, especially when you see your little brother eating the seeds you'd been saving to plant!

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - Norma's next door neighbor seems to like beer a bit much, and teaches Norma that a half-empty beer can will get rid of a slug - or at least, make him too drunk to eat her vegetables.

Violence:

G - there is no violence done here, even to their obnoxious family pet chihuahua. 

Language:

G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

G - As you might expect from a preteen girl book, there's some slight interest in boys, or at least the thought of that coming someday. There's a little more interest in that department, and one of the boys in the class seems to bring her a smile.

Christian content:

Just like in book 1, this light-hearted romp may seem like fluff, but her nightly entries in her journal give an eternal spin on each day. There's meat in the mashed potatoes. There's Christ in the candy. Norma has to deal with many of the struggles girls her age do - anger, patience, self-control, lost friends... and her struggles can help girls that read this series with their own. Each night's prayer is kid-friendly and makes you think about your own day.

Final analysis:

Spring Fever: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #2 by Victoria Simcox is a light-hearted journey through the struggles of a pre-teen girl waiting for the snow to subside so she can plant a garden. I was impressed with the progressive nature of Norma's writing, as her journal entries seem just a bit more thoughtful than in the first book, a natural characteristic of an older pre-teen. Short, fast-paced, fun, and whimsical, this is a clean and safe book for Christian families that want something appropriate for their own preteen daughters, who often struggle with the same things. I found it well-written, entertaining, witty, and satisfying. Five Stars!

About the Author

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother and a Dutch immigrant father. She now calls Western Washington home. Besides her writing career, Victoria taught elementary-school art for several years. Her past times are writing, reading, painting watercolors. She likes to read theological as well as some fantasy genres. Two of her favorite authors are R.C. Sproul and C.S. Lewis.

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://tinyurl.com/3wl6gjs

Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

Review: Tis the Season: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal (Book 1) by Victoria Simcox

Tis The Season: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal (Book 1)

By Victoria Simcox

I’m Norma Elliot. I know what you’re thinking. Who names their kid Norma nowadays? Believe me, I feel the same as you.

I’m a ginger―that means redhead. Actually, my hair isn’t red; it’s orange, but I guess redhead sounds better than orangehead. First, because it rhymes, and second, someone may get confused and think that my head is an actual orange.
I’m ten years old and sharp―what my dad calls me―that means smart, not pointy.
My story is about what I did during the winter season. No brainer; the title gave that away. It’s mostly about me learning life lessons and spending time with God when I write to him in my secret journal.
Oh, I need to mention, I’m not perfect; definitely not. Just thought I’d warn you in case you’re expecting to read a story about some cute little angel type girl. If you were, you may want to find a different story to read. But then again, if you’re up for a story about a girl who’s a work in progress―what dad says our old house is―you may just like my story. I really hope you will.
Anyway, bye for now.

 My Take:

When Norma Elliot gets a 'little kid' hand-me-down snowsuit from her big sister, at the same time she is given a journal to write in for a daily devotion, sparks fly. Especially when she has to deal with all the ribbing she gets from the bullies in the neighborhood, and the threatened loss of her best friend.

But the snowsuit, she knows how to fix - if she binge-eats enough junk food, she couldn't possibly fit in the awful thing, and of course her mom would buy her a brand new one... right?

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - Unless you count chocolate and sweets.  

Violence:

G - there is no violence done here, even to their obnoxious family pet chihuahua.  

Language:

G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

G - As you might expect from a preteen girl book, there's some slight interest in boys, or at least the thought of that coming someday.  

Christian content:

While this light-hearted romp may seem like fluff, and Norma's sarcastic quips seem to be more self-centered than God-centered, her nightly entries in her journal give an eternal spin on each day. There's meat in the mashed potatoes. There's Christ in the candy. Norma has to deal with many of the struggles girls her age do - fear, bullies, hand-me-downs, lost friends... and her struggles can help girls that read this series with their own. Each night's prayer is kid-friendly and makes you think about your own day.

Final analysis:

'Tis the Season: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal by Victoria Simcox is a light-hearted journey through the post-Christmas let-downs and day-to-day struggles of a pre-teen girl. It's a quick read, and is a clean and safe book for Christian families that want something appropriate for their own preteen daughters, who often struggle with the same things. I found it fast-paced, entertaining, witty, and satisfying. Five Stars!

About the Author

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother and a Dutch immigrant father. She now calls Western Washington home. Besides her writing career, Victoria taught elementary-school art for several years. Her past times are writing, reading, painting watercolors. She likes to read theological as well as some fantasy genres. Two of her favorite authors are R.C. Sproul and C.S. Lewis.

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://tinyurl.com/3wl6gjs

Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox

Review: The Prophesy by Victoria Simcox

The Prophesy

by Victoria Simcox

The whole world of Bernovem is in chaos, thanks to Resucca and his followers. Kristina and company start out at Finimus Island―no more romantic, orchid-scented, and breezy, but raging with typhoons. Sentiz and her followers have given the citizens of the lands two choices―become Irguls or face a horrific death. 

Haunted by the gruesome, old hag and the serpent, as well as dealing with her personal teenage dilemmas, Kristina continues her mission of saving the lands. Get ready for a whirlwind of events to transpire as well as an ending that will change the course of everything in this grand finale of The Bernovem Chronicles.
 

My Take:

In this final installment in the Bernovem Chronicles, Kristina is trying to get to Finimus Island, assisted by the dragon-riding friend from her past, James. The beautiful land of Bernovem is being destroyed by raging typhoons, earthquakes, and all the creatures are getting transformed magically into blood-sucking mosquitos, bats, or Irguls. 

Prince Werrien is being transformed into an Irgal and being kept drugged so that he cannot discern truth from fiction. Queen Sentiz is focusing all her efforts on determining where the Medallion is, for in that bauble resides the key to her destruction and the undoing of all the damage she has wrought on Bernovem. 

As Sentiz' powers continue to grow, and her grip on events becomes an irresistible force, Kristina drives on ahead, unaware that everything is drawing her to her doom.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There's no drinking here, but the prince is kept under the influence of a powerful mind-numbing potion.  

Violence:

PG-13 - A laboratory holds many jars of dismembered creature parts, and when an earthquake causes these to fall to the floor and break, they merge into a giant amorphous blob of body parts, that must be killed with an axe.  

Language:

G - The language in this book is squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

PG - There is some interest expressed between characters. A character leads another one on for her advantage. 

Christian content:

An undercurrent of faith and providence, divine intervention and guidance, threads its way through this final installment in the series. There is a final reconciliation between the faith exposed in Bernovem with the God of the Bible, as one might have suspected. There are evidences of self-sacrifice, of divine intervention, of good triumphing over evil. 

Though there is little in the way of scripture quoted, it's wisdom is evidenced and the sacred writings of Bernovem reveal some parallel guidance to what can be found in holy scripture. It's solidly faith-based, an evil entity on a level of the Accuser of the Brethren finally has his say, but not his day.

Final analysis:

The Prophesy by Victoria Simcox gives a very satisfying end to the Bernovem Chronicles. I was well-pleased with the plot twists, the action, the world-building, and the believable character development. The loose threads were all wrapped up, and the mysteries that had been haunting me throughout the series were finally resolved. It's a fast-paced. white-knuckle thrill ride with a very satisfying end. Five Stars!

About the Author

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother and a Dutch immigrant father. She now calls Western Washington home. Besides her writing career, Victoria taught elementary-school art for several years. Her past times are writing, reading, painting watercolors. She likes to read theological as well as some fantasy genres. Two of her favorite authors are R.C. Sproul and C.S. Lewis.

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://tinyurl.com/3wl6gjs

Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/VictoriaSimcox