A Glimpse of Heaven by JoAnna Oblander – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Jul 312012
 

A Glimpse of Heaven

Author: JoAnna Oblander

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: January 2012

Softcover/Kindle; 111 pages

Genre: Religious Non-fiction

ISBN# 978-1-59955-976-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Through both personal and spiritual experiences, JoAnna Lynn Oblander guides us to a deeper understanding of our heavenly home. Shared within the covers of this book are experiences and insights that will convince you of God’s great love for each of His children, His desire to be a daily part of our lives, and that each of us has come to earth to fulfill a unique and important purpose.

First Line

“At day’s end I sat on my bed overcome with convulsive tears.”

Review

A Glimpse of Heaven opens with the author, in the depths of despair, praying her last prayer after planning to commit suicide the next day. That night, as she slept, an angel came to her. She followed the angel and the experience that followed affected her greatly. She still struggled, felt pain and suffered with depression, however her perspective of the purpose of her life was forever changed.

As I read A Glimpse of Heaven, several of my own experiences were confirmed to me. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in personal revelation. JoAnna shares her experiences with personal revelation in regard to her children, her husband’s career, and her physical and mental health.

More than anything else, the author’s message in A Glimpse of Heaven is of Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and support of each one of His children. Below are some quotes from the book that I really liked:

“Eternal truth is just that — eternal. It never goes away, and it never changes.”

“God is unwavering in His sameness ad His adherence to eternal truth. Put simply, this means that God’s laws will never change. It also means that He will always continue to know us, love us, and succor us — and He will always do it perfectly.”

“We were of infinite value and were loved unconditionally there, and we are of infinite value and are loved unconditionally here. In my Supreme Father’s eyes, my value does not hinge on my pocketbook or possessions. I am loved without reservation regardless of my choices, failures, or successes. (Note that we are loved unconditionally; we are not blessed unconditionally.)” (pages 100, 101)

I like that last line. Too often I think we attach love to perceived blessings, and if things don’t go our way we or we don’t get the blessings we think we deserve that Heavenly Father must not love us.

The last week or so, the necessity of FAITH has been made apparent to me in several ways. A Glimpse of Heaven carries a clear message of the importance of FAITH in Heavenly Father’s plan and love for us. I was brought to tears more than once, especially near the end of the book.

This book is not about whether or not you believe the author experienced what she shares with readers, it’s about believing in our divinity, our purpose here on earth, and immeasurable worth to our Father in Heaven. At just over 100 pages long, A Glimpse of Heaven is a fast read and one you will want to reach for whenever you are struggling and need a reminder that you are a valuable and irreplaceable child of God.

Find A Glimpse of Heaven on: GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | SEAGULL BOOK

 

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jul 162012
 

The Eleventh Plague

Author: Jeff Hirsch

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Published Date: September 2011

Hardcover; 278 pages

Genre: YA Dystopian

ISBN# 978-0-545-29014-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two-thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade. But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing–and their lives–forever.

First Line

“I was sitting at the edge of the clearing, trying not to stare at the body on the ground in front of me.”

My Review

The Eleventh Plague intrigued me from page one. Stephen and his father bury his grandfather, the man who didn’t hesitate to punish the slightest mistake with his fists yet kept them alive after the Collapse following an attack from China and the release of P11, also know as the Eleventh Plague. Stephen is conflicted, not sure how to feel about being free of the man who knew how to survive but made his life so miserable.

Stephen’s world is one full of danger and uncertainty, of struggling and salvaging to survive. Before he has the chance to adjust to life without his grandfather’s beatings, his father falls and Stephen is suddenly shouldered with the responsibility of caring for his injured father and finding a way to keep them alive. When they are discovered by a group of men, Stephen agrees to let them bring his father with them to their “city” to be cared for by their doctor.

I was fascinated reading about Stephen’s reactions to being inside a house for the first time, his struggle to adjust to life in a community, and his curiosity about Jenny, a Chinese girl who insists on rebelling against everyone and everything. I liked Stephen, but Jenny takes getting used to. She is blunt, bitter, and a fighter. When Jenny and Stephen play a prank on the leader of the town, there is a misunderstanding and the citizens find themselves at war.

The Eleventh Plague is a well-written, page-turning story that is disturbingly believable. I haven’t read much YA Dystopian, so I don’t know how it compares to others in the genre. I liked that the book didn’t end the way I thought it would. I find myself wanting to know more about this city and other areas in the United States after the Collapse. I don’t know if it is part of a series, but I would definitely read a sequel. I think that 14-16 year-old boys would probably really like this book.

Content

A few swear words; no sex (just kissing & not much at that); some violence (a battle); one scene in which the teens drink home brew around a lake and the main character takes a sip then declines offers of more.

Visit Jeff Hirsch: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Find The Eleventh Plague: GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

I Believe in Jesus Too by Mark S. Nielsen

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jul 092012
 

I Believe in Jesus Too

Author: Mark S. Nielsen

Illustrator: Craig Stapley

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: February 2012

Hardcover; 32 pages

Genre: Children’s Religious Non-Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60908-741-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

All around the world, Latter-day Saint children go to church, sing songs, pray, read scriptures, participate in family home evening, and get baptized. We may meet in different types of buildings or speak different languages, but we have a lot in common. Why? Because no matter where we live, we all love and believe in Jesus, and He loves each one of us just the same. Are you like Pablo, Dimitri, Bayani, Junpei, and Shamara? Do you believe in Jesus too?

My Review

I Believe in Jesus Too is beautifully illustrated and simply stated peek at how familiar aspects of the LDS religion are experienced by children all over the world. Primary-aged children as young as 3 years old will enjoy the glimpses into the lives of other LSD children around the world.

I’m happy to place I Believe in Jesus Too on my children’s bookshelf. At three and five years old, I know my two youngest will flip through it again and again, looking at pictures and asking me to read it to them. It’s perfect for a Sunday morning or afternoon, or as a bedtime story. It’s quick to read so when your child asks for one more story, I Believe in Jesus Too is a great option. :)

If you are looking for a good picture book for young children that will expand their world view of life and their religion, then I Believe in Jesus Too is one I am happy to recommend.

 

Daughters of Jared by H.B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jul 022012
 

Daughters of Jared

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: May 2012

Softcover; 201 pages

Genre: Book of Mormon Historical Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60861-395-3

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Naiva, daughter of the dethroned King Jared II, lives in the shadow of her privileged elder sister, Asherah. But when Asherah develops a secret plot to return their father to the throne, Naiva’s resentment turns to fear. Thwarting the scheme becomes more complicated when Naiva discovers that Akish, the first man who has shown interest in her, is an integral part of the plan. Asherah traps Akish in a ploy to make him marry her, breaking Naiva’s heart and leaving her feeling more alone than ever. Somehow Naiva must find the strength to stand against the encroaching evil in the kingdom and a sister who will stop at nothing to become queen. When Akish’s wickedness escalates and threatens to destroy the bonds of sisterhood, Naiva must decide between protecting her sister and honoring her new belief in the true God, a forbidden belief that could cost her life.

My Review

After reading one of Heather’s books, I return to that section of the Book of Mormon and read those scriptures with a new perspective of what life might have been like for those people. I’ve always considered the daughter of Jared to be evil and that was pretty much it, yet Heather opened my mind to the possibility that she may have come to regret her actions.

Did she fear for her life after her husband murdered her father upon the throne? Perhaps she mourned as her husband became paranoid about losing the throne, going so far as to imprison and starve her own son to death. Did she feel alone and wonder if she could join the rest of her family that lived by the seashore with her grandfather, the ousted king Omer?

Daughters of Jared was just as good, if not better, than the other Book of Mormon historical fiction Heather has written. The story is naturally a bit darker (considering there is murderous plotting, imprisonments and secret combinations) and yet there is hope and light woven throughout. The reader experiences everything through Naiva, another daughter of Jared. She has to make difficult choices and sacrifices yet still manages to find happiness in being with her family. The end of the story is a bitterweet one for Naiva.

It never ceases to amaze me the story Heather can weave from the information given in just a few passages. Daughters of Jared takes place during Ether 8 and part of Ether 9. I certainly hope Heather doesn’t stop writing about this part of the Book of Mormon. What do you say, Heather? Is there more story to tell?

Purchase Daughters of Jared: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

Cobble Stones by Sandra Tayler

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 252012
 

Cobble Stones: A Sampling from One Cobble at a Time

Author: Sandra Tayler

Publisher: Hypernode Press

Published Date: May 2012

Softcover; 74 pages

Genre: Non-fiction

ISBN# 978-0-9835746-3-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Summary

This sampler book is a compilation of essays from the blog “One Cobble at a Time” by Sandra Tayler. Sandra writes her blog with literary quality ranging from short posts to essays that run long. This sampler pulls some of the most interesting blog posts from 2011 into one volume. They discuss family, divine inspiration, financial management, parenting, peace, and finding self-worth.

My Review

I don’t have as much time to read blogs as I would like, however I make time for those blogs that consistently post content that is intelligent, honest and highly-relatable to my life and situation. After reading Cobble Stones, I’ve added Sandra’s blog (www.onecobble.com) to that list.

I enjoyed each chapter/essay and discovered several gems of wisdom. I appreciated Sandra’s sense of humor, especially in “Notes to Things I Feel Grouchy About.” In other chapters she shares lessons learned as well as doubts in parenting, something all parents can relate to at one time or another. She also shares her thoughts about simple experiences and memories, like summer rains and sitting on the neighbor’s porch steps watching the kids play.

If you enjoy well-written blog posts and are looking for a good quick read for the summer, pick up Cobble Stones on Kindle or Nook for only $2.99 (which I think is a great price) or a print copy HERE.

 

Whisper Hollow by Carol Warburton

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 212012
 

Whisper Hollow

Author: Carol Warburton

Published Date: October 2011

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Softcover; 222 pages

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-760-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for honest review

Goodreads Summary

Talitha Evangeline Spencer enjoys a happy life with her parents in the tiny mountain hamlet of Whisper Hollow, but the onset of the Civil War brings the simplicity of her girlhood to a sudden end. When rebel soldiers wreak havoc on her family, unraveling her mother’s already fragile state of mind, Tally must take charge of the family farm alone. The burdens of providing for the household prompt her to consider a marriage proposal from Ollie, her childhood friend, but Tally determines to hold out for love.

My Review

I don’t recall ever reading a book that takes place in the Smoky Mountains before Whisper Hollow. The author did a great job with the setting, using descriptions that brought detail to my  mind without weighing down the story. Whisper Hollow has character and personality all its own. Combine the beautiful location with interesting and memorable characters during one of the country’s most defining time periods and you get the unexpected pleasure that is Whisper Hollow.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Whisper Hollow at first. The book started a bit slow and didn’t pick up for me until page 80 or so. After that point, however, I was swept into the story and am so glad I stuck with it. I was pulled into a tale of sorrow and triumph, struggle and victory, prejudice and forgiveness, hatred and love. Not only did I enjoy the characters, location, and storyline while I read the book, it persisted with me for several days afterward.

As far as characters, there were many I really liked, a few I was ambivalent toward, and some that I simply couldn’t stand. I enjoyed the growth I witnessed in the main character. I adored her father, never really connected with her mother, and experienced fear and love right along with Tally. There were a few points in the story that I expected to go a certain way and was pleasantly surprised when they didn’t quite turn out like I thought they would. I was satisfied with the end and found myself hoping for a chance to visit Whisper Hollow again.

While I was unsure at first, I now gladly put Whisper Hollow on my bookshelf and look forward to reading it again in the future. Readers who like historical novels with depth and emotion will enjoy Whisper Hollow.

 

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