Memorial Day, Upcoming Reviews and Wishlist

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!!!  My dad and brothers have all served in the military in one capacity or another and I’m grateful for their service as well as several others who have fought for our country.  You honor us with your sacrifices and devotion to our homeland.

I did not post anything this week because I was caught up with all reviews and waiting for more books to arrive.  I was also in heavy prayer and time with God for Pentecost this weekend.  In the middle of all of that, I’m helping my brother and a friend with assignments they needed for editing.  I’m still in awe to be finished with reviews, but now I’m trying to read other books I’ve won so I can share them with you J

My next reviews will be Starlighter by Bryan Davis and Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (wow).  I will also be having a giveaway with Starlighter because I got an extra copy so I’m looking forward to that!  That’s what’s coming up next week, so farJ

Now for………

On My Wishlist

from goodreads.com 

Windchaser (Phantom Island Book 1) by Krissi Dallas

summary from goodreads.com

On Amazon.com  9 – 5 star ratings

On goodreads.com  21 ratings/5 reviews – 4.48 rating

High school senior Whitnee has spent six years rebuilding her identity after her father's mysterious disappearance left her with more questions than answers. With her two best friends, Morgan and Caleb, she returns as a mentor to the summer camp of her childhood. Nestled in the Texas hill country, Camp Fusion is everything Whitnee remembers—except for the haunting visions that only she can see. One fateful night, Whitnee and her friends embark on a magical voyage where unexpected adventure and heart-stopping romance collide—a journey that might unlock the dark, complicated mysteries of Whitnee's family history. But will she find the answers she is looking for?

Doesn’t that sound like an amazing book??!!  Watercrossing, Book 3, was just released this week, wow!  I sooooooo want Windchaser so I can catch up J  You can also follow Krissi Dallas on facebook for updates, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Krissi-Dallas/101768953250?ref=ts

I also wanted to briefly share with you that there will be a Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt on May 31 with the giveaways from incredible authors, you DO NOT want to miss this!!  Here’s a link from Cara Putman’s blog with some info, http://blog.caraputman.com/2012/05/christian-fiction-scavenger-hunt-coming.html#more

*Rina, my blogging friend, is the winner of this book. Thanks Rina!*
Also, I STILL have a copy of The Enchanted Attic for anyone who emails me….any takers??  US Residents only, this book wants a new home!!!

I also have A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens and Seaside Reunion by Irene Hannon listed on paperbackswap.com for anyone who’s interested J

You guys are truly the best and I’m grateful for EACH of you!!  Have a super weekend with family, blessings and good books!!!!

BLESSINGS AND HAPPY READING

Book Review...Her Best Catch

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson

Review by Kara Grant
*If you enjoyed this review, please click “yes” on amazon. Here’s the link, http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MB8H53I41FI5
and thank you in advance for your support.  
**I still have a copy of The Enchanted Attic for anyone who is interested, please email me.  US Residents only.

from goodreads.com 

Allison Doll's mother is rebelliously turning fifty, her two best friends have started dating and a gorgeous injured relief pitcher named Ashton Boyd has joined her Sunday school class, rocking her world into confusion, heartache and temptation, places she hasn't visited in a long time, much less all at once.
But with the help of family, old friends she really hasn't lost, a new friend she really can count on, and God, she begins to find out whether she'll always be a girl waiting for life to happen or a woman who's ready to commit to her best catch (from goodreads.com).

 Psalm 130:5

My Review

This is the scripture the story starts with.  Allison’s story begins with her planning her mom’s 50^th birthday surprise party.  In the midst of this she is also dealing with her two best friends (Velvet and Trent) becoming a couple, and she’s about to meet famous Atlanta Braves pitcher Ashton Boyd in her Sunday school singles class.  Even though the summary describes Allison’s mom (Nina) as rebellious, I didn’t see her that way.  The woman is now a widow and learning to move on in her life as she turns 50.  She deals with this by dating, going out with friends, and working as a Clinique representative in a department store.

Wow, what a GREAT book!  It had me laughing out loud from the first chapter!  Let me assure you that just because this is Christian fiction DOES NOT mean this book is boring or predictable.  Allison is SUCH a great character!  Lindi does such an amazing job writing this story so that the reader experiences everything through Allison’s eyes as though you’re there with her.  Allison works as an accounting auditor, loves working with numbers, and is not comfortable wearing makeup or fancy hairstyles.  She thinks, says and responds just as I would’ve in many situations in the story.  She’s feisty, witty, practical, smart, beautiful, and she loves God with passion and honesty.

One of the main lessons I got from this book was

NEVER settle for less than God’s best for your life. 

Allison is tested several times and even though she brings such humor to the plot, she always manages to do the right thing with God’s help and direction.  She doesn’t always understand or agree with the circumstances, but she always surrenders the heartaches, confusion, and temptation to God.  She is faithful in prayer, reading the Word, and honoring her mom as well as her best friends.  She does not let her emotions or her selfish moments get the best of her even when she is being wronged or misunderstood.  Allison also forgives when it’s warranted and faces certain conversations properly when she’d rather avoid them.  She wants to be happy on her terms, but she refuses to jeopardize her relationship with Christ no matter how much she is tested in doing so.  Little does she realize that God wants her happiness above all else and that His plans are for EXACTLY that.  This book gives a very good happy ending.  In fact, that’s what Lindi attests to in her storytelling.  She believes that happy endings are just the beginning.

Another major lesson in this story that is well illustrated is obedience to God is one of the most important parts of our relationship and walk with Christ.  No matter how much we go to church, give to the poor, or donate to ministries (which are all worthy Christian actions), obedience is more important to God than anything else.  God knows our hearts and He requires our obedience as our way of showing Him we trust Him.  Allison learns this throughout the story.  No matter what goes wrong, God is in control and He works everything out for the best.

Allison and Ashton’s “dating” consists of lunches, prayer meetings, a funeral, and a mission’s trip.  She wonders through most of the story what their status is, many people question her relationship with him, and her friendships are tested because of her closeness to Ashton without really knowing what his intentions are.  Early on in the book, Allison nicknames her best friends, Trelvet, which was hysterical. 

from goodreads.com

There was nothing inappropriate about this book and I was deeply pleased by the romance described in the story.  Allison and Ashton, Velvet and Trent, Allison’s grandma and Paul, and one other couple at the end of the book are mentioned.  There is reference to the book, Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus because of some confusion dealing with the opposite sex.  Allison refers to wanting to learn about “the celebrity’s handbook” to better understand Ashton and his lifestyle.  At the end of the story she narrates that the Bible is better than any handbook.

I also want to mention a huge congrats to Lindi!!  Her Best Catch received an Award of Merit from the Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion Contest for the category, Best First Book….Wow, go Lindi!!!

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to read Christian fiction with realistic characters, romance, humor, trusting God, and a little bit of baseball fun!!  If you have enjoyed Trish Perry and Erynn Mangum’s books, you’ll love Lindi Peterson!  Her Best Catch is such a treat that will make you laugh and you’ll grow to love her characters along the way J  You can find Lindi at www.lindipeterson.com   and    www.thefaithgirls.com

I want to thank Lindi for sending me a signed paperback review copy.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Author Encouragement, Upcoming Reviews, and Wishlist Book

Hello everyone! I trust you’re all having a great week and that many of you are experiencing answered prayers.  Thank you to those who have responded to my postings and helped rate my reviews, both on amazon and blogging for books (The Christmas Singing and Finding Our Way Home).  Please go down the side of the blog to see those two book reviews if you’re interested in rating them and thank you for your support.  I have not reviewed a "blogging for books" in 2012 yet because I’m still waiting for one that gets my attention on that website.  I’m also reviewing for so many other authors/companies that I no longer request just any book.  My goal is to start reviewing books I’ve won and other ebooks I’ve picked up for free, but I will get to them.

I hope you’re enjoying these reviews.  Even when I’m not highly recommending books I’ve gone through, I still learn something from each of them; as a writer, as a Christian, and as a booklover.  So for any authors whose book I’ve rated and NOT given 5 stars to, your book is a blessing regardless and there are other bloggers who love your work even if I haven’t connected with it!!  So please be ENCOURAGED no matter what the rating is.  Keep writing, keep marketing, and keep pressing in.  You’re published, you’re making a difference, and your book is being read, yay!!!



from goodreads.com

I would like to make brief comments on Firelight by Sophie Jordan.  Let me just say that this book was very well written and quite a good ride.  However, I had a problem with how Jacinda spends much of the plot going behind her mom and sister’s back to have the life she wants.  I loved how the dragons and the flying are described, beautifully done, but the teenage angst/bitterness Jacinda harbors wasn’t for me.  I even wish my hair looked like that; so long, silky and colorful!  The cover itself is quite appealing, but Jacinda’s attitude towards her family wasn’t cool.  I read the first 10 chapters, now I’ll return it to the library J

My next review will be Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson, oh yeah!  Lindi, are you reading this??  Your book is finally next!!  I’m still expecting 3 more review books en route and I have a book by Bryan Davis coming up, but I’ll let you know more about that soon enough. 

I also received more word from God yesterday that totally changed my perspective on myself, MEGA BREAKTHROUGH.  Please disregard any comments I’ve made on being overweight, that girl is so gone (think song from the Lemonade Mouth soundtrack)!  I should post another youtube video:  

Isn’t that a GREAT song???  I’ve seen that movie at least 3 times on Disney and I have the soundtrack, AWESOME songs!!! 

For those of you who were unable to attend The Debutante’s Story Soiree, you can still go to Rel’s website and look at what was discussed, http://relzreviewz.com/promos/.  I didn’t win anything, but I learned a lot, laughed tons, and learned so much about these women it was such a treat being there!  I couldn’t keep up with the chat, I think there were about 100 people in attendance and they were FAST at responding to the trivia questions, but it was fun J  It took me a few minutes to download the adobe flashplayer thingy so that I could see the video part, but I really enjoyed being there.  Make sure you check out the Bethany House Publishers chat on Thursday morning on facebook if you’re able to!  They’re also lots of fun and a delight to participate in.

On My Wishlist

goodreads.com

Seeing Cinderella by Jenny Lundquist

summary from goodreads.com

On amazon.com   13 – 5 star ratings

On goodreads.com   75 ratings/40 reviews - 4.37 rating

Calliope Meadow Anderson wishes her life could be more of a fairy tale—just like the stories she writes. Her best friend, Ellen, is acting weird, her parent's marriage is falling apart, and to top things off, she found out she needs hideously large and geeky glasses.

But Callie soon learns they aren't just any glasses—they are magical and let her read people's thoughts. For the first time ever she's answering all the questions right in math class, and gets a glimpse of what goes through people's minds all day, including what Ellen—and her longtime crush—really think of her.

As if dealing with these crazy glasses weren't enough, Callie tries out for the lead in her school's production of Cinderella and actually gets the part. Instead, Callie chooses to let Ellen have the lead and be Ellen's understudy—just like she has done for their entire friendship.

Add in a new girl who has something to hide, a secret admirer, a best friend stealer who isn't what she seems, and Callie's year just went from ordinary to extraordinary.

Can this supporting actress learn to be a leading lady in her own life? Or is she destined to stay in the background forever—even with her super-freaky-magic glasses?

Doesn’t that book look great?  Get a copy of it ASAP and please feel free to let me know what you thought of it J  I’m currently trying to win this book from blog giveaways.  I learned about it from the YA Scavenger Hunt that was done about a month ago and immediately knew I had to win a copy.  I’ll keep you posted J  Have a wonderful week, be encouraged, and I hope you’re surrounded by NONSTOP blessings from God and great books!!  May His beauty, favor, and grace rain on you and fill your every need!!

Book Review...The Enchanted Attic

The Enchanted Attic: Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame by L.L. Samson

Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers

**Please click “yes” on my amazon.com posting if this review helped you, http://www.amazon.com/review/R3ASKTAGN1GF0R

***The first person to email me, wman4jcATaolDOTcom, gets my ARC paperback copy of this book.  US Residents only please***

from goodreads.com 

A hidden attic. A classic story. A very unexpected twist. Twin twelve-year-old bookworms Ophelia and Linus Easterday discover a hidden attic that once belonged to a mad scientist. While relaxing in the attic and enjoying her latest book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ophelia dozes off, and within moments finds herself facing a fully alive and completely bewildered Quasimodo. Ophelia and Linus team up with a clever neighbor, a hippy priest, and a college custodian, learning Quasimodo's story while searching for some way to get him back home-if he can survive long enough in the modern world (from goodreads.com)

My Review

What happens when your parents are research scientists that take a job leaving you and your twin brother for 5 years to live with your aunt and uncle who own a rare bookstore?  Well, nothing at first, but since you and your twin brother love to read you discover that you’re in good hands.  This is where the story begins for Linus and Ophelia.  For some reason, the goodreads.com summary and the book’s back cover both say the twins are 12 years old, but in the story they are 14 years old.  Don’t know what happened there.

This book is less than 150 pages, but it still took a while for the story to take off.  The narration is written from a college custodian’s perspective and he has an opinion about everything.  Even though the custodian is supposed to come off as charming, I saw his narrating comments more as a distraction.  Still, it is a good story and the book is intended for anyone over 9 years old who has heard the story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Ophelia finds the secret entrance to the enchanted attic and accidentally summons Quasimodo as she reads The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  Ophelia does the talking, Linus does the thinking.  I discovered that the ultimate enemy of children everywhere is boredom, good to know J  My favorite parts of the book are how the twins stick together to help Quasi get back to his story.  They have three days to accomplish this (or else Quasimodo is in trouble), but there are a few obstacles to overcome. 

First – Ophelia has to read the entire book before Quasi can return.  She has only begun the book when he appears.  I looked up two different versions of this book on amazon.com and both are well over 500 pages.  Even for a booklover, this is a challenge.

Second – There are two men pursuing Quasi and the kids with their own agendas.  Will Ophelia, Linus, and their school friend, Walter, be able to outsmart these men in time?
Third – There is the threat of rain and a flooded dam bursting in the same deadline. 

It was a treat to meet Quasi and have the chance to get to know him.  The kids really connect with him and take several chances in helping him.  One of my favorite scenes in the book is when the twins and Walter bring Quasi to the bell tower in the local church.  His reaction to the bells was precious and the kids are able to see life through his eyes.  Ophelia is able to appreciate luxuries in her life that she didn’t understand before being around Quasi.

peanut butter & jelly sandwiches

Things the narrator, Bartholomew Inkster, explains in the story:
*mortar and pestle
*a neighbor named Mr. Birdwistell
*the Kingscross School for Young People
*the headmistress Madrigal Pierce
*circumspect
*disconcerting
*sashayed
*prone
*accommodating

There is minor violence in the story, but no one gets hurt and the kids experience a great adventure while their parents are away.  There is a short prayer mentioned and the Bible/Book of Esther is briefly referred to.  It’s a cute story and one of the main themes is accepting kids who are different.  Quasi is highly intelligent with an excellent heart and ready to do the right thing, but his looks are mistaken for a Halloween costume twice in the story.  Yet even I saw his value and that he had purpose beyond a fictional tale; that’s what God wants for all children.  L.L. Samson is coming out with another book called, The Enchanted Attic: Saving Moby Dick.  Please visit Lisa Samson on goodreads and at, http://lisasamson.typepad.com/

I want to thank Zondervan’s Z Street Team for sending me a review copy.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  

***The first person to email me, wman4jcATaolDOTcom, gets my ARC paperback copy of this book.  US Residents only please***

Updates, Giveaways, and Reviews Oh My!

Author and Blogger, Shannon Messenger, is giving away one copy of Seeing Cinderella.  Wanted to share this with you after I also entered J

http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2012/05/marvelous-middle-grade-monday-seeing.html

Check out this blogger’s interview and giveaway of Jennifer Hudson Taylor’s book Highland Blessings, leave a comment to be entered:

http://www.anncoopermccauley.com/index.php?cID=116&bID=83&arHandle=Blog+Post+Footer&ccm_token=1337015972:5d286c53634649bb1bd289ae40315632&btask=passthru&method=form_save_entry#guestBookForm-83

Relz Reviewz is having The Debutantes’ Story Soiree tomorrow

(May 15, 7:30-9:00 CST) with FOUR authors and LOTS of giveaways.  You DO NOT want to miss this:
http://relzreviewz.com/promos/

Book Banter Super Sized on facebook!

When you've got three times the authors, you know you're gonna have three times the fun! The authors of our new releases this month (Dani Pettrey, Becky Wade and Ann Tatlock) will be doing a joint Book Banter event on May 17, 10am-2pm CST.
Each has a slightly different take on contemporary romance, so it’s the perfect chance to ask your questions and get various insights.

As usual we’ll be giving away lots of books.  If you are able to participate in this event, afterwards stop by Becky’s website www.beckywade.com to see if you won a copy of Traveler’s Rest, My Stubborn Heart or Submerged!

Book Banter will take place at http://www.facebook.com/bethanyhousepublishers

Please also check out author Keli Gwyn’s blog for a chance to win a pretty tote bag and copy of Wish You Were Here.  Leave a comment with your email to be entered, tomorrow is the deadline:

http://keligwyn.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/beach-reads/

Check out Jenny Lundquist’s blog for a chance to win an ARC copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore:

http://jennylundquist.com/2012/05/13/angel-eyes-arc-giveaway/

This is not a giveaway, but it’s an honest and insightful book review on Heiress by Susan May Warren.  Check out Cathy’s great comments on this book:

http://thoughtsonbookss.blogspot.ca/2012/05/heiress.html

Go here to enter to win the collar necklace from the cover of The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, from Harlequin Teen.  Contest ends June 1.

https://www.facebook.com/HarlequinTEEN/app_403359706360567

Wow, lots of stuff going on this week!!  I entered most of them myself and definitely wanted to pass them along J  Please feel free to leave comments so I know you also entered, post this info on your blog or if you want to add more; thank you!!  Enjoy these postings and I will add more if I find them, blessings all!!

Mom's Day Blessings, Freedom, and Ratings

One more time….

Happy Mom’s Day to all women and thanks for all you do J

Mom’s Day weekend was busy for us, but I’m grateful to all who blessed my mom.  I love seeing the emails, texts, cards, and phone calls she received letting her know what a difference she has made in so many lives.  We also celebrated my nephew’s 8^th birthday this weekend and I’m in awe of the young man he is.  Both of my brothers went out of their way to spend time with my mom and that was SUCH a treat for all of us.  Today our church gave out flowers to every woman and that was precious for me as well.  I want to learn how to value and appreciate my mom all year long, but it’s nice that for one day we all unite to love our women.  It blesses and honors God to do so J  I trust and pray that we will do the same next month for Dad’s Day because our men are just as valued and appreciated.  I also want to give a special shout out to God because I’ve seen many prayers answered this week and that needs to be acknowledged.

People are being healed, childless wives are getting pregnant, marriages are being restored, and finances are being provided where they are greatly needed.  I am still waiting for many incoming breakthroughs and answered prayers, but I’m receiving confirmations and word from God that the WAIT for these things is OVER and to keep praising Him/thanking Him before they are finally manifested.  I have no proof of this at all, but in my spirit there is this expectation and anticipation that something TREMENDOUS is here……not coming, IT’S HERE. 

Please do not be fooled by circumstances, doubts, weariness, or hopelessness.

It’s a decoy to discourage and distract you from your miracle.  God is leading you to your destiny, your calling, and your promised land….do not stop pressing in, do not stop praising Him, do not stop believing, do not stop hoping.  Your struggle is over, your brokenness is restored, your past is gone, your strength is renewed, your victory is here and it’s everlasting.  Whatever doors were closed yesterday are now opened.  Whatever goal you couldn’t reach is now accessible.  Whatever mountain you couldn’t get past is now behind you.  Receive it in faith, stake your claim on it, give God the thanks for it, and move forward in the assurance that it’s yours!!!!!!!!!! 

I pray that each of you reading this will now have the aerial perspective that eagles experience.  That you will have a new revelation of where God is taking you and that you will be relentless in receiving what He has promised you.  That you will see yourself as God sees you and walk in the beauty and freedom that is already yours.  Christ has already paid the price; all you have to do is enjoy it and receive His blessing upon your life. 

beauty

My current goal, as I continue to surrender and trust God with all I have, is to see my beauty and value as God sees me.  I am overweight and unhappy with my size, yet I have received plenty of encouragement, word, prophecy and love from the church and from God telling me how amazing I am.  Still, it’s a struggle.  I don’t know how to be a smaller size, but that’s okay.  I see the beauty and potential in everyone else.  Well, I want to look at myself with the same acceptance.  I want to smile when looking in the mirror, I want to enjoy the person God has lovingly made me to be and I want to rejoice being the woman I am.  I want to see myself as God sees me and He celebrates every day that I am His daughter.

I pray that now is the time you’ll get what you’ve been seeking as well.  God has brought you to this point for a reason and He won’t let you miss out on your breakthrough.  He has not forgotten what He has promised you, He has heard your cries and prayers, He is in complete control and He wants you to shine.  It doesn’t matter what mistakes you make, how inadequate you think you are, or how much you’ve struggled.  He will see you through and He will NOT let you go.  I had no intention of posting this, but it poured out of me so I hope you are blessed by it.  Mom’s day is over, but the blessings and promises continue J  Thank you moms, sisters, aunts, grandmas, nieces, wives, stepmoms, mom-in-laws, and daughters for your love, devotion and constant prayers.  You are changing lives and shaping families with your efforts and we appreciate you more than you know.  May riches, blessings, favor, grace, peace and honor follow you every day like a banner.

God's beauty

I am now starting Firelight, but I have plenty more reviews to come this month.  Trauma Plan was my hundredth book reviewed on goodreads,

W-O-W!!!!!  And I have completed over 100 postings on karathewriter.blogspot.com…..another wow!  So even though I’m still waiting for answered prayers, I’m definitely being blessed with this blog J

I also wanted to ask your help if you’re interested and able to do so.  I have book reviews on amazon that need feedback.  I won’t list them all right now, but only the recent ones.  Here are the links if you have a moment….click yes if the review was helpful and I thank you in advance for doing this.

Swipe:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R1VJQILF96ISN1

Trauma Plan:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z4TYGZGGEM0O

Rocky Mountain Oasis:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R2ZDSJZXR7OD09

Vapors: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1BPQE7GZQCSAV

Keeper of My Heart:  http://www.amazon.com/review/RGU6QPKN1URHA

Caller ID:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R2T3K951RX5IRX

Spirit Fighter:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R3BRFHJAUN61M3

Eyes of Justice:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R3AV9NHJWEQET5

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R3G2IJ3UHX5SGB

Fairies Fly:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R2EQNNTWR5GI9L

Finding Our Way Home: http://www.amazon.com/review/R16SDA664NDQV6

Starters: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2TSN0ZE3V2COM

Halflings:  http://www.amazon.com/review/RHRVR6D6FWWY4

The Map Across Time: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2FINRS2U4DPQ1

Replication:  http://www.amazon.com/review/R1DX2RLGWYYV20

Great Day Every Day:   http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LCV8GI1KYGSY

I really appreciate all of you; your prayers, your support and taking the time to read my blog….THANK YOU!!  I will be posting another wishlist book soon and more reviews.  Have a wonderful week and happy reading!!

Happy Mom's Day for all women...

I can’t believe it, it’s Mom’s Day weekend.  This is one of the most important weekends of the entire year, where we recognize moms everywhere.  Every year I pray and ponder what I can give my mom to show her my love and appreciation.  I did buy her something she wanted, but more importantly I went to the throne and I put my heart before God.  Then I prayed that He would give her the breakthroughs she longs for; restoration, unity, love, finances, answers to prayer, revelation, discernment, balance and more of His presence.  My mom desires God’s tangible presence in her life more than anything else and to be the woman He says she is.  I also pray that she sees herself as God sees her because she’s amazing on so many levels and our family has been blessed due to her devotion and prayers throughout the years.  Mother’s Day isn’t just for moms either because there are many women who don’t have children, but they are role models and leaders both in God’s kingdom and the community. 

So this Mom’s Day weekend I want to send a shout out to every type of mom there is; there are biological moms, there are surrogate moms, there are spiritual moms, there are adopted moms, there are aunts, there are mentoring moms, there are pregnant women who are about to be moms…….there are so many type of moms and mom-like relationships out there.  You make sacrifices, you pray for others, you go out of your way to bless someone, you give out love and a smile, you greet someone with a hug, you give encouragement to those who truly need it, and you’re not thinking of what you get in return.  Your prayers, love and efforts make lasting changes and will not return void.  God bless you, Moms, you make our world a sweeter place without even trying.

Happy Mom’s Day to you and to the precious women in your life

Thank you Moms for everything and may God fill each of you with His favor, blessings and unlimited grace

Book Review...Swipe

Swipe by Evan Angler

Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers

from booksneeze 

Logan Langley is just months away from his thirteenth birthday and the biggest day of his life- the day he will finally be Marked. The Mark lets people get jobs, vote, and even go out to eat or buy concert tickets.

Becoming Marked means becoming free. Or so he is told. Five years ago when Logan's sister went to get her Mark she never came back. Now Logan can't shake the feeling he's being watched...

And then he finds the wire (from goodreads.com).

My Review
What if the good guys are really the villains?  What if the rebels are really there to protect you?  Logan’s world changed when his sister, Lily, when to get the Mark and never came home.  Him and his parents never recovered from this and were assured that cases like Lily’s rarely occur.  It’s 5 years later and Logan is months away from receiving the Mark; which also means complete access to citizen rights and privileges, total independence and anything Logan could want.  However, Logan only wants to know what happened to Lily and is determined to learn the truth about her disappearance.

Erin is only moving to Spokie because her father accepted a job transfer, she has no desire to leave her home in Beacon where her mom and her life have been.  Her father assures her that her mother will soon join them, but his main interest is a research assignment that he is investigating.  Whenever Erin asks questions about her dad’s job, all her dad is allowed to respond is, “Government work.”  He’s hardly ever around after the move is complete and Erin finds out more about his job than she bargained for.  She has only one goal; with the help of Logan she intends to find out what her father seeks and complete this assignment so that they can move back to Beacon to be a real family again.

Logan and Erin are both consumed with their own agendas, but before long they’re relying on one another to stay alive and out of danger.  Will Logan discover the truth about his sister’s disappearance?  Is Erin clever enough to solve this dilemma or is this project more involved than her tech savvy abilities can handle?

This book definitely gets your attention right from the start, but the first half of the story felt really creepy.  There really is no explanation backing up the plot, but there are implications and danger looming throughout.  I had trouble connecting with the story and it took 150 pages to care about what would happen next.  I didn’t see any connection with Swipe to The Hunger Games.  There is a government conspiracy going on, it does take place in the future, and teenagers are the target in both stories, but that’s where the similarities end.  There is a romance going on as well, but that also confused me.  Logan and Erin stick together throughout the story, but Logan also has feelings for his childhood friend, Hailey.  However, the rebels in the story also have a romantic connection and also work together to further their cause.  There is no profanity in the story and only one or two instances of hugging/holding hands.  What bothered me most was how the unmarked are described.  They are considered less than human and easily disposed of; they are also considered the last element to why the world isn’t united.  They are treated as a distraction, denied humane treatment, and considered fugitives.  Without the Mark, you are no longer part of society and if caught by DOME (Department of Marked Emergencies), you disappear.

Swipe really reminded me of Uglies and Starters.  You either go along with the government and its rules or you’re on the run.  Even though the story centers around teens, there are also children and adults of all ages who are unmarked and abandoned.

Logan is afraid of the dark since his sister disappeared and is constantly feeling watched.  His parents took him to a doctor, but he was only regarded as traumatized, delusional, and paranoid.  He doesn’t feel safe and has mixed feelings about getting Marked.

The Dust is a group of teens who are unmarked runaways under the leadership of someone named Daniel Peck.  Peck is rumored to be a murderer, a villain and a kidnapper.  He is feared both by DOME and by those he targets, but his mission is to be relentless.  Logan becomes Peck’s target.

Keywords in the future are:
Nanotea
Nanosleep
Nanodust
Nanosyrup
Nanosolvent
Nanogas
Nanotechnology
Nanomaterials
There is no more paper in the future, instead there are digital tablets to communicate with and write on.  There are no more religions; everyone is united as they pledge themselves to be Marked.  There is a new game called rock-tablet-laser instead of rock-paper-scissors and there is reference made to a play called “Mark of a Salesman” instead of “Death of a Salesman.”  There is reference to a store called Fulmart instead of Walmart.  The world is now run under the A.U. (American Union) and the E.U. (European Union).

Parents present during story:

Logan – mom and dad but only dad has a part in the story
Logan’s best friend, Dane - mom and dad, but no relationship exists
Hailey – mom only, close relationship
Erin – mom and dad but separately, neither are around
The Dust – no family but each other

Here is an excerpt:

Providing the calm company Logan needed while he distracted himself with Pledge prep, Dad watched the television frame on low volume, and Mom sat upright, although she might have been asleep.  Meanwhile Logan curled up nose-deep in his tablet computer, skimming Pedia articles on the Unity for the hundredth time and by now practically memorizing their words.

           He’d just finished reading twice the five-part article about the history leading up to the Total War, and he could have recited by heart the precise ways that rising temperatures had led to extinctions, crop failure, famine…how hurricanes and earthquakes and floods had forced relocation, had strained infrastructure with refugees and changed ecosystems for good…how countrymen had fought over land and water.  He could have explained the migration of mosquitoes and other pests to the northern regions, the specific path each disease took across continents.  He could have listed by name the spokesmen and leaders in those first waves of unrest, quoted the speeches and rallies and television programs that had prompted men and women to violence.  He could have spouted off without blinking an eye the specific body counts of various battles and epidemics, the total dead and missing persons adding up to a staggering amount.

           For political history, he’d reviewed the ways in which the States War differed subtly from the European War, and he studied the ways in which the two fit together to become, simply, the Total War.  He’s read about the meteoritic rise of Chancellor Cylis in Europe, and the successful military trajectory of General Lamson in America.  He’d memorized the ways in which each leader cooperated increasingly over the years, how Lamson had come to implement Cylis’s Mark program across the A.U., how both had brought about the worldwide religious Inclusion, all to ensure that nothing as cataclysmic as the Total War ever happened again.

           The Inclusion was of particular interest to Logan, partly because it was so far-reaching, and partly because it was the least talked about of all the major historical events.  Logan knew, from piecing together what he’d read, that there had been a time not long ago when people around the world practiced a variety of different religions, each with its own system of values and culture and beliefs.  Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism…the idea of it fascinated Logan, even though he hadn’t the slightest idea what those religions taught.  After Lamson and Cylis instituted the Inclusion, everything that might once have been considered spiritual was just sort of lumped into a single, bland system that mostly preached patriotism and peace.  Not bad ideas by any means, and yet Logan couldn’t help but wonder if somehow, in all of it, something important was being lost.

           In any case, this brought Logan to present-day news, to articles about the treaty and the speculation over the Global Union, along with editorials enthusiastically describing what a milestone it would be.  Logan tried to imagine it as he continued to study.

           Any question was fair game in the oral exam at the Pledge, and after the incalculable tragedy of his sister, Logan was simply doing everything he could to stack the deck in favor of him leaving that Center alive.

This is Angler’s first book and even though it’s a great story, it wasn’t for me.  I do consider this a great book for teens illustrating themes of bullying, friendship, facing one’s fears, betrayal and the risks young adults are willing to take to find the truth around a government that vows to unite humanity while targeting non compliant or “off” kids.  Are you being watched because someone is protecting you or because they’re targeting you?  Swipe offers an action-packed story with interesting technology, oblivious parents, and a world that exists for the unmarked.  Sneak is Book 2 coming later this year where Logan’s journey continues.  To find out more about Evan Angler, please visit his website, www.evanangler.com  

I want to thank Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson for the review copy they provided.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.