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Book Review

Book Review–Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries

July 2, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 4 Comments

About the Book:

Book: Logan vs. the Hateful Strawberries : A Towers of Light Early Reader (Logan’s Search for the Fruits of the Spirit Book One)

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Logan was important…once! He helped slay a Dragon. Now all his days are chores, chores and more chores.  Will nothing relieve the drudgery?

But when he happens upon a hidden grove of strawberries with mysterious powers, his whole perspective changes and he wonders if he’s found the mysterious fruit of self-control?  Will Logan and his new pet raccoon Rascal solve the mystery before Logan’s Pa turns the rodent into a new hat?

My Thoughts:

I read this book aloud to the children who are at home during the day, ranging in age from 15 down to 5. The older ones thought it was pretty lame, but when I asked my 5-year-old what she thought about it, she said she liked it. I asked her if she understood it, and she (being a very articulate little girl) was able to explain the allegory to me very well. Based on the feedback I have gotten from my children, I would recommend this book as an early introduction to spiritual warfare and allegory, for 6-8-year-olds. It’s gentle enough for most children in that range; there is some tension, but not much danger. Logan disobeys his parents—and later repents and makes things right as far as he can. As with this author’s other books, it is not great literature, and could do with better proofreading, but it has a sound message and appeals to the age range it is written for.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

More from Allen:

As a writer, I tend to lean toward what I know for inspiration.  Actual life events or people I know shape what I write about.  As a ministry volunteer in church for over 15 years, I regularly saw the challenges children with ADHD or other spectrum disorders had with the church.  Volunteers are ill-equipped to understand their unique needs, and many of the young boys I worked with ended up having terrible experiences at church because they just couldn’t fit in.

So when I set out to write an early chapter book for boys I wanted to find a way to shine the light of God’s truth right where they lived.  Having been diagnosed with A.D.D., I understand these challenges and the general mentality.  On the one hand, this can have detrimental effects when being forced to sit in a chair with nothing to do but listen; on the other hand, it can supercharge tasks that require intense focus.

I also had inspiration from the existing Towers of Light series I wrote for a middle grade audience and pre-existing characters that children love.  So I worked with the real-life Logan to craft this story that exemplifies the spiritual gift of love as the antidote to the poison of the hateful strawberries.  Plus, the antics of Rascal the Raccoon add just the right touch of comedy and action to keep young children turning the pages.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–The Aftermath

June 25, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 5 Comments

About the Book:

Book: THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Historical

Release Date: February 1, 2025

Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he’s turning into a drunk. She doesn’t know how to help him, but to save their marriage, she’s going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how.

Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can’t stop. It’s only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal?

Nate’s anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down of climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them?

My Thoughts:

I had never read any books by this author and had no idea what to expect. I found myself pleasantly surprised with the story. I do not enjoy straight-up romance, so was happy to come across a historical Christian fiction book that was not romance! There were heart-breaking scenes in this story; drunkenness and abuse were rife in the Ohio town in which it was set. I really liked the way Betsy did her best to be the wife God wanted her to be, and constantly worked to trust Him and follow His direction even when her abusive husband mistreated her. The parts of the story that I did not appreciate so much involved Christians being part of the legal/justice system, and using violence against other people. I don’t see that as Scriptural. So, while I really like parts of the story, there are other aspects of it that I don’t like so well.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

In her spare time, Tamera Lynn Kraft loves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea. She does drink tea while writing and working as managing editor for Mt Zion Ridge Press, a traditional Christian publishing company. She has always loved adventures and loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, The Aftermath, Lost in the Storm, Red Sky Over America, Anna’s Christmas Promise, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works, some of which have won awards.

Tamera has been married for a very long time to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and the most adorable and smartest grandchildren in the world. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors and coaches children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has written children’s church curriculum including Building Foundations and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamara:

Oberlin College: Ahead of It’s Time

All three of my Ladies of Oberlin books feature women who graduated from Oberlin College shortly before the Civil War. Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Oberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the founder of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

Oberlin graduates have been involved in all of the movements of the late 1800s including abolition, women’s suffrage, the suffrage movement, and education as well as many charities and helped shape the nation for the twentieth century.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.

To purchase your copy, click here.

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To enter a fun giveaway, click here.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–Oakwoods Series

June 24, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 13 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Series

Pip O’Possum (Work Then Play)
Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Benjamin Bat (Humility)
Nuts (Caring is Sharing)
Jeremy Jay (Resilience)
Author: Kathy J. Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals’ adventures, friendships, and foibles, they’ll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts

These are very cute books. Each one portrays an animal interacting with the other animals around it, and learning character lessons. One learns to be diligent, another to be thankful, and another to be humble. The pictures are delightful. Young children who like animals will love these stories. My youngest is one of those animal lovers. I read her one of these books, and she told me at the end that she loved the way the animals worked together, and their relationship. That one happened to be a bit of a romance, which she loves. I’m saving the other ones for reading to her later, when we’re traveling.

About the Author

Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.

Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night.

When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses.

Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, JustRead

Book Review–Lion of Judah

June 4, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 6 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lion of Judah by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lion of Judah
Series: The Song of Prophets and Kings #5
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories.

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

My Thoughts

When I discovered that the book I was being asked to review was the fifth in a series, I gulped. I do not like reading a series out of order, or jumping in in the middle or end. The author assured me that Lion of Judah can stand alone, though there are story arcs that go throughout the series. I went searching for a way to read or listen to the first four books, however, and found the audiobooks on a library I use. So, for the last month, I’ve been listening to this series when I can! I’ve made it through the first two, and am almost to the end of the third, and have read about half of Lion of Judah.

I’m finding these books quite an interesting peak into what it might have been like to be Samuel, or Saul, or David, or Michal, or the prophets Gad and Nathan. I really like the picture painted here of what happens when pride is allowed to take over a person’s life. (The scene where Samuel realizes what his sons have become? Ouch.)

What I could do without in every one of these books that I have read is the scenes in which married couples are attracted to each other. They are more sensual than I like. There are 2-3 such scenes in each book. I have been careful not to listen to them while my children are around. So, as in many books, there are aspects I really like, and things I don’t appreciate so much.

Also, I’m not sure about the author’s timeline. Our family has just read through the life of Saul in our current trip through the Bible together, and we were paying attention to the timing of various events. What we found in the Bible seems quite different from the timing of events in these books. So, read them for the lessons that can be learned, not as history!

I believe I like this final book, Lion of Judah, best of the series. Though David fell into sin, and then sinned even more grievously to cover it up, he repented. The story is quite sad—as we know from reading the Bible. It ends with hope, however. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | WhiteFire Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Links in this post may be affiliate links, which will help to support Esther’s website.

More In This Series

About the Author

Mr. Henry O. Arnold‘s career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the Urban Chronicles suspense series and the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings (available in all formats wherever books are sold). When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Henry by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Lion of Judah & $20 Amazon Gift Card plus a print copy of The Mercy Seat, also by Henry O. Arnold!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 2, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 9, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, JustRead

Book Review–A Faith Untamed

June 3, 2025 by NZ Filbruns Leave a Comment

After I read A Light Undimmed last year, I could hardly wait for the sequel to arrive. April Gardner did a good job of ending the book on a cliff-hanger! What happened next in the saga of Liora and Nebuzaradan? How could they break the dead-lock they found themselves in?

Publisher’s description:

Jerusalem 587 BC

Liora, once a noblewoman of Jerusalem, is now bound to General Nebuzaradan, the Butcher of Babylon, who captured her city and now strips the Temple bare of wealth and dignity. Though her future seems sealed, a rash vow he made to Yahweh keeps him at a distance.

Just when she believes the worst is past, a rebel from the hills seeks her out and an ambitious Babylonian prince arrives with designs for the Ark. While the rebel wants her aid and the prince wants her knowledge, Nebuzaradan simply wants her. As Jerusalem burns, Liora is thrust into the dangerous political games between prince and general, rebel and the people of her heart.

In a world of destruction and intrigue, Liora is once again a tool in the hands of power-hungry men—only her untamable faith in Yahweh will guide her through.

My thoughts:

I found myself a little bit disappointed with A Faith Untamed when compared with A Light Undimmed. It was a lot heavier on the romance than the first book in the series; I prefer lighter romance with more emphasis on the history or what is happening in the characters’ hearts and minds. It felt like a lot of this book was focused around the interactions of Nebuzaradan and Liora, and how they wanted to be together, but couldn’t because of his rash vow.

I did appreciate the glimpse into the fall of Jerusalem. As I said in my review of the first book, I haven’t before read much about Jerusalem’s conquest by the Babylonians. I love how much research April Gardner does, and how she can describe the setting so clearly. Parts of this story are pure conjecture, but just as likely as not to have happened. The results of a people turning away from God are shown here in stark reality—something that should sober all of us.

The bottom line? I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped, but I did like it enough to want to read the final book in the trilogy when it comes out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, helping to support Esther’s website.

WARNING: There is a lot of violence and murder (the Babylonians are conquering a city!). There is a vague reference to a rape, followed by a suicide.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review

Book Review–Unexpected Hope

May 28, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 4 Comments

About the Book:

Book: Unexpected Hope (Sully Parkway Comfort Dogs Book One)

Author: Pam Green

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 15, 2024

When Jack Shelton hightails it out of Lexington, Virginia, for the suburbs of Washington, DC, he just wants out. Now. First on the agenda: put mountains and miles between him and his hometown memories. Second: find a job as a reporter. Fast.

Those two things—no other expectations. If he gets that far, maybe he’ll make room for God in his life again.

Then Jack wanders into the Church on the Parkway, and a case of mistaken identity entangles him in ministry with a team of broken people and a golden retriever puppy.

Can Jack get back on track with his new career plans, or will he find something unexpected as he travels Sully Parkway with Team Hope?

Guest Review From My Mom:

The cover of this book shows a photo of a Golden Retriever, a lovely, long-legged critter, with an attractive backdrop of grounds and a building that could be a church or other institution, and it is labeled as Number 1 of the Sully Parkway Comfort Dogs series. Though I have nothing against dogs, I am not a dog lover; nevertheless the write-up on the back of this book looked intriguing. How bad can a book be that talks about working/service dogs?

Well, the author did an excellent job on the plot and characterization. The change in the heart of the main character was very plausible and glorified Christ.  The copy editing was also excellent: poor editing is one of my pet peeves, and definitely makes a difference in how I respond to a book, no matter how good it is in other aspects. The technique of beginning each chapter with a “notification” from the comfort team’s IT person kept me reading so I could find out how the chapter would work out.

While I am acquainted with the use of dogs in service to the blind, deaf, and other applications, this book introduced me to the use of dogs as comforters. I also had never heard of “comfort” teams as an outreach for a church! What a great idea! And I was impressed that the congregation portrayed in the book seemed to truly be working as a Christian fellowship ought to.

The dog involved is a pup in training, a Golden Retriever; I have met a couple of them and the author seems to catch the friendly, intelligent, and active personality. However, there are several references to “the little dog” and a couple of times a seated character reaches over and seemingly easily lifts the dog onto a lap, which implies a small animal. These I found hard to reconcile (and my mind sure tried!) when at the vet visit that is detailed we are told that Hope is 7 months old, and weighs 52 pounds.

The last word, then, is that I really enjoyed reading this book, and would be interested in looking for others by this author.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Pam Green made her writing début in fifth grade when drafted to write the class play, Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts! At twelve, she fell in love with the French language. After a satisfying teaching career, she still peeks in the windows of empty schools while traveling and lingers in school supply aisles in August. Her stories show that God is always working in the lives of His children and seeking new members of His family.

More from Pam:

“Sully Parkway? Where’s that? I’ve never heard of the Church on the Parkway either. This area is changing so fast nobody can keep up!”

Life in the Virginia suburbs outside Washington, DC reflects the fast pace of our nation’s capital, and I know I’ve fooled some residents by sticking Sully Parkway and its non-denominational megachurch somewhere—and everywhere—in the area.

Welcome to my world! Sully Parkway is anywhere I want it to be!

You’ll have no difficulty recognizing the Church on the Parkway, or COP. Maybe it’s your church, with all its shortcomings, victories, quirky characters, inspiring leaders—and comfort dogs?!

Yes, COP takes its outreach responsibilities seriously, and they started a comfort dog ministry!

What Christian hasn’t struggled in situations where words fail to soothe a hurting soul? Real life comfort dogs, such as the 100-plus golden retrievers deployed by the Lutheran Church Charities, are ambassadors of Christ’s love in a range of challenging situations, from the minor anxiety of learning to read aloud to the unthinkable tragedy of a school shooting, and everything in between.

I fell in love with these sweet creatures of God who know intuitively how to reach out to hurting humans. Find out how Hope, COP’s golden retriever puppy, grows into her mission.

You’ll discover that some of the hope she brings is completely unexpected!

To purchase your copy, click here.

To visit more of the blog stops on this tour, click here.

To enter a fun giveaway, click here.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–The Bible Companion Book 1

May 21, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 6 Comments

About the Book:

Book: The Bible Companion Book 1 Genesis–Exodus: Journey through Scripture One Day at a Time

Author: Karen Westbrook Moderow

Genre: Bible Study

Release date: April 16, 2024

The Bible Companion series is a simple, flexible, and compelling Bible Study guide. Short daily readings link God’s story to yours, help you through difficult passages, and highlight the treasures in each chapter of the Bible. In Genesis and Exodus, God reveals Himself as a loving Creator who longs to walk through life with you. Book 1 takes you deep into God’s plan to share His life and wisdom with those who love and follow Him. The storytelling approach of the series will keep you reading, even through the parts that are challenging and hard-to-understand. Find hope in the stories of ordinary men and women in the Bible whose encounters with God transformed them and reversed the direction of their lives. Discover that what God has done for them, He can do for you.

My Thoughts:

I don’t often use any kind of a devotional, but when I saw The Bible Companion Book I was intrigued by the premise of a brief commentary and encouragement about each chapter. I’ve been using it with my personal quiet time, reading the chapter each morning and then reading the 1-2 page commentary that goes with it.

I really appreciate the thoughts presented about each chapter. These meditations are simple, but practical, and often offer extra insight into the setting or characters of the Bible. Each one ends with a few questions to ask to help to apply the chapter to my own life. I have not quite finished this volume, but have not found anything yet that I disagree with, so I recommend The Bible Companion as an enhancement to reading the Bible.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Karen Westbrook Moderow is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She graduated magna cum laude from California State University at Long Beach with a BA in English Literature. She also holds an MFA from Chapman University in creative writing and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Seminary. She has been published by numerous Christian periodicals and authored two previous books.

More from Karen:

A Father-Daughter Legacy: The Bible Companion Series
In 1993, my father, Pastor Floyd Westbrook challenged a group of men and women from his weekly Bible study to join him in reading the Bible from cover to cover. He found if he wrote short daily lessons for each chapter, people stayed engaged and were transformed by the Scripture they read. His work, though enjoyed by hundreds, was never widely published.
I shared his passion for making God’s word accessible to people who found it hard to understand parts of the Bible, couldn’t keep up with the schedule, or couldn’t relate Scripture to their journey. Later, after I completed degrees in theology and creative writing, we realized combining storytelling with his format could help people overcome the most common barriers to Bible reading. With his blessing, I began working on The Bible Companion. The result is a story-rich study which is simple, flexible, yet rich in content.
The Bible Companion Book 1 Genesis–Exodus is the first of twelve books that tracks God’s story from creation to the end of time. God, who tells His story through families, has graciously given me the privilege of carrying on my father’s legacy through The Bible Companion series.

Father and daughter, Pastor Floyd Westbrook and Karen Westbrook Moderow ministering together.

2004 Christ Church of Westminster

To purchase your copy, click here.

To visit more of the blog stops on this tour, click here.

To enter a fun giveaway, click here.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–Unshakable

May 14, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 4 Comments

About the Book:

Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

My Thoughts:

There were some things in this book which I appreciated. Nick was careful to keep his priorities right as far as making sure that God came first. At the same time, I was puzzled with the fact that he was dating a non-believer, and neither he nor his friends at church seemed to have any problem with that fact. I was happy to see how he stood up for his belief in not living together before marriage, though. I also liked all the activities the youth group he helped to lead came up with to illustrate God’s principles to young people. At the same time, I struggled to read this book. There were frequent typos, and much of the story is told in the passive voice, rather than the active voice, making even high-tension scenes drag. Another thing I noticed, which in itself would not be a reason to avoid the book but is there, is that the story is set within a Seventh-Day Adventist church. The only thing I found that I would consider questionable doctrine, however, was the youth group activity which was intended to illustrate how baptism cleans a person from the filth of the world.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

More from K. J.:

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–Mary the Missionary

May 7, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 2 Comments

About the Book:

Book: Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure

Author: Yvonne M Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

My Thoughts:

This is a very cute book. I liked this gentle way of introducing children to the conditions in which people live in third-world countries. Mary and her parents went to Kenya on a missions trip, and Mary was quite shocked at some of the things she saw. At the same time, she grew to love the local people, and found ways to help them. 

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God.

More from Yvonne:

As my grandchildren grew, I started writing children’s books. I wanted them to read engaging, faith-based stories filled with fun illustrations and valuable lessons that would nurture their faith. As the children grew, I wanted to continue their lessons, tailoring them to their expanding interests and abilities. The book, “Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure,” shares the message of God’s love, and how we are all his children despite our differences.

The memories of my mission trips to Kenya, filled with the warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscape, led me to choose it for Mary’s visit. I loved the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the welcoming smiles of the people I met during my visits. To help your children explore Kenya, I’ve added free resources to my website; these include downloadable activity books and captivating information. Here is a link to those resources: https://yvonne-morgan.com/mary-the-missionary-resources.

In Kenya, Ugali is used as a fork to pick up their food. Ugali Recipe to try with your children:

Ingredients:

1 cup maize meal / corn meal

2 cups normal water

Instructions:

Heat water over medium heat in a deep pan. Make sure you use a pan with a handle.

Add the maize meal or cornmeal and keep on stirring with a strong wooden spoon.

Keep stirring and pressing the mixture against the sides of the pan to break up the lumps.

As the mixture becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to mix but keep mixing and breaking up the lumps.

The mixture with begin to come away from the sides of the pan.

Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

At this point transfer the ugali to a platter. Place the plate over the pan and turn it upside down.

Or you can transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Pat it down into shape. Place a plate over the bowl and turn it over.

Enjoy piping hot ugali with your favorite stew or curry.

Rural School in Kenya

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Filed Under: Library Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

Book Review–It’s Fight Night

April 23, 2025 by NZ Filbruns 2 Comments

About the Book:

Book: It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight

Author: Todd Woodfill

Genre: Men’s Bible Study

Release date: October, 2024

It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.

My Thoughts:

This short book turns out to be a unique perspective on Samson. I appreciated the way the author applied the story of Samson to modern life. It is written for men, but I found that a lot of it can be applied to a woman’s life, as well. When I saw the description of the book, I assumed it would be mainly about the kind of struggles that men face more than women, but it turned out to be more generalized. 

I asked Elijah to read the book and give me his view: I found this devotional quite interesting. It is structured around Samson’s life, but has lots of modern hero stories to illustrate the main points which makes for an engaging read. All in all I quite enjoyed it. Compared to what I normally read, it isn’t of standout quality, but the message is definitely one that men today need to hear.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support.  With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves.

Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, men’s ministries, Legos, boxing, and pursuing God, Todd is a man of many talents and clearly a master of none.  But who else can seamlessly switch from being a Jordan sneaker connoisseur to a boxing enthusiast, all while building men’s ministries and helping those with mental health challenges.  Heck, this guy can be found passionately discussing the virtues of mental wellness, only to break into a joyful song from a Disney classic, spreading cheer like a modern-day Mary Poppins with a passion for Christ. His life is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and an unshakable faith, making him the ultimate blend of humor and heart in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

More from Todd:

Men, it’s time to step into the ring! Todd Woodfill’s new book, It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight, is officially here-and it’s not just a book; it’s a challenge to reclaim your strength, confront your weaknesses, and discover the warrior God created you to be.

Using the story of Samson as a backdrop, this study invites you to explore themes of strength, weakness, purpose, and redemption. Whether you’re diving in solo or in a small group with you brothers in Christ, this book is designed to help you reflect deeply on your journey as a man of faith. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your God-given potential, find hope in the face of failure, and live boldly for Christ.

What to Expect:

  • Discover the divine purpose in your strengths AND your struggles.
  • Learn how to fight like Samson-but live with the grace of Christ.
  • Build up your faith and deepen your connection to God alongside other men.

Are You Ready for the Fight?

This more than just a book launch-this is the kickoff to an incredible journey! Todd is hitting the road for the Fight Night Book Tour, bringing these lessons to life through interactive discussions, powerful testimonies, and real talk about what it means to walk boldly as a man of God today.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a man blessed beyond measure and proof that God has a sense of humor. From being a husband to his incredible wife, Holly, for 30+ years, to raising for amazing kids and a grandchild who alternately call him “Papa” and “that old weirdo,” he’s been living a wild, grace-filled adventure.

Todd is passionate about men’s ministries, mental health advocacy, Legos, and boxing-yes, he is a man of layers like Shrek.  You might catch Todd talking about Jordan sneakers one moment, throwing a jab at the heavy bag the next, or surprisingly belting out a Disney tune with unapologetic joy. But his heart is always centered on helping men find God’s purpose in their lives.

Join the Fight!

Follow the tour schedule, grab a copy of the book, and let’s get ready to rumble-with faith as our foundation. God has incredible things in store, and Todd can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for book tour dates near you!

Let’s grow together, brothers. The bell’s ringing-are you ready to step into the ring?

#ItsFightNight #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #BibleStudy #SamsonLessons #WarriorsForHisGlory #StrengthInFaith

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To enter a fun giveaway, click here.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Book Review, CelebrateLit

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