Review: I Am Sarah by James Davison

I Am Sarah

by James Davison

 This is the entertaining and intriguing account of Sarah, a woman who has been alive for more than a millennium. She fell ill in her nineteenth year of life, died, and was resurrected by Jesus Christ. Pursued by the authorities who view her return to life as an abomination, she has been traveling through history with two others resurrected by Jesus, Lazarus of Bethany, and Elan, the son of the widow from Nain.

 

After learning that their resurrections conveyed immortality, the three set out to discover why. While Lazarus is intent on preserving the beginnings of Christianity and Elan is happily exploring new geographies, Sarah searches for her life’s purpose. Having fought alongside Lazarus and Elan in the Crusades, she now finds her place as a teacher, mentor, and gifted healer. But her new life is soon tested in a way she wasn’t prepared to face.

 

My Take:

I Am Sarah by James Davison is an action-packed continuation in the chronicles of three people raised from the dead by Jesus Christ – Lazarus of Bethany, Elan the son of the widow of Nain, and Sarah, the daughter of Jairus. Three people who, through their resurrection, received immortality. Down through the centuries, with the guidance of the angel Gabriel, these three are given tasks to perform to ensure the preservation of the faith, becoming catalysts for change and agents of mercy or judgement. In this novel, Sarah takes over guidance of a school in Italy to assist women in learning the healing arts, while dealing with her inner demons over her participation in the violence of the Crusades. All while she and her immortal friends avoid capture by a secret faction dedicated to returning them to the grave… permanently!

Content:

Drug Content:

G – little mention of even alcohol or intoxication here.

 

Violence:

PG-13 – Torture occurs several times here. A woman is burned at the stake.

 

Language:

G – Squeaky clean

 

Adult Content:

PG-13 – Discussion is made of a rape, and an occurrence of multiple attempts at that. A man is wounded in his manhood as a punishment.

 

Christian content:

This novel is Christian in nature, and discusses multiple characters from the time of Jesus who received immortality in their resurrections. Angelic visits and guidance occur repeatedly throughout. Faith, justice, deliverance, and providence are strong themes here. The saving resurrection power of Jesus Christ is on clear display. 

 

Final analysis:

I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing adventure through the middle ages. And what’s not to like? A faith-filled fantastic journey down through the ages laced with charm and wit. The banter between these immortals and the world-changing figures they visit is engrossing and thought-provoking. The characters were realistic, the stakes were high, the action was intense, and the world building was exquisite. I Am Sarah by James Davison mixes the historic with the fantastic with grace and care. The eras described and the settings throughout history show research and vision, and I found the whole of it an immersive and enjoyable read. I highly recommend this novel to fans of faith-filled Christian fantasy. Five Stars!

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Review: The Medallion by Victoria Simcox

The Medallion

by Victoria Simcox

The 3rd installment in The Bernovem Chronicles. This time Kristina’s stayed on in the magical land, to join Hector Mysteria, in the search of the wizard, Azaril Crimson, who has hidden Bernovem’s Book of Prophecy in the forsaken land of Jalmara. Sentiz is also back and in search of a key item―the Medallion that she’ll need in order to cast her final spell to rule Bernovem. Join Kristina as she continues her adventure on her dangerous journey, where she’ll soar high above the land and seas, on the back of a dragon, as well as meet someone from her past she’d never dreamed of seeing in Bernovem.

My Take:

In this third installment of the Bernovem Chronicles, Kristina has remained in Bernovem, to join forces with Hector Mysteria and thwart the plans of the evil witch Queen Sentiz. In the second book we learn that the bullies at Kristina's school are actually from this magical land, and had come to earth to trap her for the nefarious purposes of Queen Sentiz.

Terrible plagues and blights had spread in Bernovem, turning dwarves and humans alike into ravening Irgals, bats or blood-sucking giant mosquitos. The crown prince has disappeared and nobody knows where he is, while it is rumored his parents have died in a terrible tragedy at sea. Kristina is rescued from certain death by a mysterious dragon rider, who knows far more than he will say, making her wonder if he's on her side, or working for the enemy. All the queen's focus is on finding the last piece to a terrible and permanent spell over the land - the Medallion, a mystical object that will protect it's bearer in the cataclysms of the Last Days. Kristina unknowingly carries this fabled talisman, but has no idea of its powers or how to activate them. And yet the Medallion may be the key to the queen's demise.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There's a bit of drinking in this. A drinking party leaves some of the characters with hangovers. 

Violence:

PG-13 - There is some graphic violence in this. A character drinks water that turns magically to maggots. Some people are ripped open. Some evil transformations happen against the victim's will, in some detail. 

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:

There are good and evil powers at work in the background of this novel. Yolen, representing the creator and sustainer, is prayed to and answers prayer with miraculous circumstance. Resucca, the dark entity guiding the evil queen's wicked plans, seems to have mastery of the lands. Holy books are referred to and faith is discussed. Loyalty and self-sacrifice are on display here, and trust in the creator when all seems lost brings rescue and relief.

Final analysis:

The Medallion by Victoria Simcox does not disappoint. It is a satisfying continuation to the Bernovem Chronicles, filled with adventure and fantasy. Dwarves, monsters, fairies and magic make for a exciting fantasy romp with a solid amount of world-building. Engaging character arcs and immersive scenery contribute to a satisfying stay in this unique land of magic. Fans of clean fantasy will find this an enjoyable and quick read. Five Stars!

About the Author

I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. I now lives in Western Washington with my husband, Russ and our three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Beside being a writer, I am a home-schooling mother of thirteen years and an elementary school art teacher of twelve years.

Website: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Review - WHOO'S IN THE BOAT by Lisa Burch

WHOO'S IN THE BOAT

by Lisa Burch

Illustrated by Kristi Goldsmith

Whoo's In The Boat details the spiritual journey of Jody, his dog Salty, and Good owl. 

My Take:

Jody's life in a harbor town is filled with dreams of being a fisherman, and also one day of being a Fisher of Men, following Jesus' Great Commission to tell others about Him. When he finds a shipwrecked small sailboat while wandering the shore, he gets a clear call from God to use it to spread the word. So with the help of his dog Salty and his friend Good Owl, he repairs the boat and sails into the unknown with God as his captain, and a dolphin named Harmony as his guide.

Content:
Well, this is a children's picture book, and is squeaky clean on every level. The main point of the book is to carry the Good News to others and share God's Love with them. At 32 beautifully watercolor illustrated pages, it's about a 15 minute read in a family or Kids' Ministry setting. Just right for a night when you want to share with children the desire God has for us to share His Good News. 

The Christian content of the book is pretty evident throughout, and the concepts are down on the bottom shelf, worded in language that a five year old can grasp. Between the covers here we find adventure, prayer for protection, diligence, perseverance, and obedience. Jody listens for God's voice and direction. God provides guidance and protection. Jody does what he can, and his efforts bear fruit. At the end of the book is a set of verses recorded, a Captain's Log that are key verses for sharing the Gospel. Five Stars!

About the Author

Lisa Brubaker Burch grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and currently resides in Mississippi. While pursuing a career in nursing, Lisa worked as a daycare instructor and kindergarten assistant teacher at St. Luke United Methodist. She also has taught in various children's programs including Sunday school, vacation bible school, and gymnastics. As a critical care nurse she served as a patient caregiver, educator, and team leader. Later she conducted cardiac research studies at Memphis Heart Clinic which led to her current occupation as a health and wellness instructor. She has a passion for assisting others to a better life mentally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually.

About the Illustrator

Kristi Goldsmith grew up in a family that always encouraged her to pursue her artistic passions. She studied fashion at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and fine art at the Art Academy of the University of Memphis. When her dear friend, Lisa Burch, wrote Whoo's In The Boat, Kristi knew she wanted to contribute to the project because it spoke to her artistic creativity and resonated with her religious upbringing. Kristi maintains a close relationship with God and is eager to help children establish their own relationships with Him.

Review: The Shard by Victoria Simcox

 The Shard by Victoria Simcox

Kristina's stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it's all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester's cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it's actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can't refuse. Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends ... and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn't get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the "Black Shard," Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it's in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

My Take:

In this second installment of the Bernovem Chronicles, Kristina has moved on with her life, and her experiences at Bernovem are beginning to seem a fading dream. Only the music box and the dormant Warble remind her that any of that happened. But when her family forces her to go to a horse camp over the summer with the school bully, she knows her life is about to turn a miserable corner. Her old arch-enemies Hester and Davina are there and try to hurt her in a dangerous prank. But the prank sends the three of them back to Bernovem, where her old friend Prince Werrien is about to sail to his homeland, Tezerel. On the voyage, things seem idyllic, almost perfect. But visions of an evil hag in her reflections, and undercurrents of a deadly plot centered around a dangerous Shard threaten to prevent Kristina from ever returning home. And staying would mean disaster for everyone, including her.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - There's a small bit of drinking in this. Not even on the level of Disney.

Violence:

G - There is little violence in this. A near drowning. A poisoning. Evil races are created through magic transformations. 

Language:

G - The language in this book is squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

G - This is, again, on a level with a Disney movie. There is a little childhood romance, and a first kiss. 

Christian content:

There is an undercurrent of direction by a divine and benevolent but unrevealed character.  There is prayer and answered prayer, faith and guidance. Self sacrifice and a clear depiction of evil vs good here. As the stakes rise and the plot thickens, things are revealed concerning the spiritual forces at play here.

Final analysis:

The Shard is a fantastic read, a satisfying continuation to the Bernovem Chronicles, filled with adventure and fantasy. Dwarves, monsters, fairies, magic,  evil queens, and talking animals make for a page turner of a fantasy with a solid amount of world-building. Engaging character arcs and immersive scenery contribute to a satisfying return to the land of magic. Five Stars!

About the Author

I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. I now lives in Western Washington with my husband, Russ and our three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Beside being a writer, I am a home-schooling mother of thirteen years and an elementary school art teacher of twelve years.

Website: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Review: The Warble by Victoria Simcox

 

Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift that transports her to the land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, she is honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before reaching her destination. Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, a prince, and an evil queen; all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of intrigue and adventure.  

My Take:

Kristina is a shy and bullied girl whose only friend seems to be a pet rat named Raymond. Her teacher gives her a Christmas present in a strange hatbox. A hatbox some of the bullies on the bus try to steal from her. Inside the locked hatbox is a small tarnished silver ball called a Warble - one that transports her, and anyone who touched the hatbox, into another land called Bernovem - a land under a spell by Queen Sentiz. And only the Chosen One can take the Warble and place it in its rightful place, an act that will end the evil queen's reign on Bernovem. But of course the powerful queen will do anything to prevent that from happening.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There's a bit of drinking in this, mainly by the bad people. One of the antagonists is a drunkard and his stupor causes hilarious mistakes.

Violence:

G - The violence in here, while significant, is reminiscent of Narnia or Disney movies. The bad monsters are killed and turn conveniently to dust. The queen is completely without pity, and pushes a servant who is sick to the point of death, then wonders why he is not moving to obey her whim.

Language:

G - The language in this book is squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

G - This is, again, on a level with a Disney movie. There is a little childhood romance, but not even a kiss. 

Christian content:

None. There is however the admonishment to have faith, and the story does revolve around being chosen for a great purpose, and to be true to that purpose against insurmountable odds. Friendship and loyalty play a big part in this novel, as do betrayal and evil. 

Final analysis:

The Warble is an exciting read, filled with adventure and fantasy. Dwarves, monsters, fairies, magic,  evil queens, and talking animals make for a page turner of a fantasy with a solid amount of world-building. Five Stars!

About the Author

I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. I now lives in Western Washington with my husband, Russ and our three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Beside being a writer, I am a home-schooling mother of thirteen years and an elementary school art teacher of twelve years.

Website: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Review: The Tell-All by Libby Howard

  The Tell-All

by Libby Howard

Life at sixty isn't quite what Kay Carrera expected. She's working as a skip-tracer for a PI who is desperate to land his own reality TV show. She has a new roommate who arrived with more than the usual amount of baggage. And her attempts at knitting are less than stellar – way less than stellar. Worse, the cataract surgery that restored her sight has also delivered an unexpected and disturbing side-effect. Kay sees ghosts. And when the dead turn to her for help, she just can't say no.

My Take:

Kay Carrera is getting life redefined at sixty, the hard way.  Her husband she's spent her life with has recently passed after suffering for years after a terrible accident. She's picked up a job as a skip-tracer for a PI, one who'd rather be a star. In order to keep her house, she's had to take on boarders... ones with problems of their own. She's had cataract surgery too, which cleared things up a lot, but gave her an unexpected side-effect - she's seeing ghosts. In the small town of Locust Point, there's not a lot of excitement... but all of that is about to change too.

With the discovery of a prostitution ring in their small town, things get really dicey, especially when the Madam turns up dead. And the ghost in Kay's eye is asking for help to solve the murder.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG-13 - There's a significant amount of drinking in this, mainly social drinking, but there's also a keg party where teens are drinking. The main character chides herself over how often she's seen with alcohol by her new tenant.

Violence:

PG - This is a murder mystery, so somebody is killed. Not a lot of blood and gore though.

Language:

G - The language in this book is squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

R - Sorry to pop an R on this one, as there's no real sexual content on screen at all. This isn't erotica, which I don't review. But there's a prostitution ring that was operating in the city, and there are a ton of kinks discussed in some detail in the book, or at least defined. People can be pretty sick. 

Christian content:

Nada. There's one mention of praying, but it's to a goddess, and likely that's in jest. That having been said, there's some value here in at least the desire of a dad to hold his family together, and love of family. There's an instance where someone puts themselves in harm's way for someone else. There's also an undercurrent of persistence and diligence in getting to the bottom of an injustice. As many of us have had to do, Kay deals with a recent death of a loved one with grace and a few tears. Death is something all of us have to deal with here, and this book touches on grief well.

Final analysis:

I'll drop a warning here that there's a few short passages in here that might be triggers for some. But the writing in this novel is entertaining, witty, and engrossing. It rolls across the pages as a comfortable cozy mystery with a bit of spice and sauce, and I found it hard to put down. I liked the character development and even through all the sauce and sass there were some real moments. Five Stars!

About the Author

Libby Howard lives in a little house in the woods with her sons and two exuberant bloodhounds. She occasionally knits, occasionally bakes, and occasionally manages to do a load of laundry. Most of her writing is done in a bar where she can combine work with people-watching, a decent micro-brew, and a plate of Old Bay wings.