Passport to Darkness by Kimberly Smith of @MakeWayPartners Blog Tour Review

paperback kindle

Vertical Reach = 5

There is no part of Kimberly Smith's relationship and transformation to the missionary activist she is now is left untold. She shows her transparency, hesitation and humanity in each word of truth about her immersion into the world of exploitation. 

Ministry Message = 5

One person can make a difference when they are willing to answer the call when God answers they're prayers. There is nothing too hard or impossible for God and because He works through us we can do what we fear is impossible.

Craft = 5

You can hear the sincerity and are pulled into her life as she transforms from CEO jetsetter to missionary activist. Her voice is distinct and powerful. There is not a way to read this book and pretend to go back to life as usual. The feeling of need to act is infused into you with each word.

Aesthetics = 5

It's simple, succinct and powerful. Those who see it will find behind its covers the story of a life dedicated to being the hands and feet of Christ.

Dollar$ & $ense = 5

If you are reading these words when you're done you should click a picture and buy two copies of this book. One for you and one to give away.

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Review of Bathsheba by @JillEileenSmith for the @RevellBooks Blog Tour

paperback kindle version

Vertical Reach = 5
This woman, Bathseba, knows how to beseech the Lord and is in tune with the way her culture has taught men and women how to relate to Him. At each turn where it is appropriate Bathsheba takes the time to petition Adonai. I love the way we are shown her and King David's relationship with God instead of simply told about it. I admire the way it is done as an expected and unobtrusive part of the story.

Ministry Message = 4
The message for this story was more about sharing the biblical story with respect to the times, culture and beauty of Israel that this time period brings. It brought the scriptures referenced and these people who lived thousands of years ago to life.

Craft = 4
Jill Eileen Smith is a keen. The characters are well fleshed out. Scenery and inner dialogue are integral parts of the story that bring it to life.  Each plot point is delivered within a believable time frame and offers the reader a way to be there in the moment emotionally. Very well written novelization of a woman misunderstood and sometimes misrepresented in messages from the pulpit. Smith makes the woman some felt was partly to blame to readers in a way that causes them to not only understand her pain but root from her from beginning to end.

Aesthetics = 4
Revell covers are detailed and easy to believe. The artists take the time to know the characters and story they depict within. If they aren't reading the full manuscript for creation they are very acquainted with the synopsis. Beautiful deptiction of Bathseba's beauty.

Dollar$ & $ense =4.25

If you love historical fiction and or biblical novelizations or just well written work you will enjoy this book. The book and word lover will consider it a delicacy they will savor as a literary treat. This is from a woman who does not normally enjoy or reader either genre's. This is a great read.

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A Billion Reasons Why Blog Tour Review

paperback kindle 

Vertical Reach = 3

While I know that Katie is a born again believer she does not show how she relates to God in the present. There is the mention of attending church and sage wisdom passed down from her mam but she doesn't show any of it despite several pivotal moments when a direct connect to God would have been a great additive to the story line. 

Ministry Message = 3

Don't let past mistakes dictate all of your future decisions. Learn from the past and let it go. Listen and give people a chance to explain then make your decisions. 

Craft = 4

Billerback has written so many novels it really isn't easy to keep count. While the characters were well developed for the most part and the romance formula well executed it was a bit predictable and a bit drawn out in some spots. Despite these minor setbacks the story still sings (if you read the book you'll get my pun here.) The best part of this story is the scenery and supporting characters really bring this story to life in Billerbeck's quirky signature way. 

Aesthetics =3

I would have loved this cover a whole lot more if Katie's hair was actually red and I could see the emerald distinct eyes mentioned so frequently in the book. I have to give Thomas Nelson kudos for the added detail of stubble to the beau...these are small details that go overlooked sometimes.  Well done, TN graphic design team.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.25

Katie and Luc offer the traditional Christian romance story with all the trappings. Despite a few rough spots any fans of Billerbeck and Christian Romance will enjoy this story. 

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Blown Away #ebook #kindle #nook #review

paperback kindle

Vertical Reach = 3
Hilde Higgins lives her relationship with God in front of others but there is not a lot shown about how she relates to Him outside of attending service. Her beau is also an implied Christian but I would have liked to see more shown than told about their relationship with Christ, especially with the stressful of the story.

Ministry Message = 4
Trust God and forgive those who hurt you so you can live life fully. Don't hold the past against those in your present.

Craft = 3
The characters were fleshed out really well. The story has a few plot hiccups that are left unresolved but not so much you are unable to enjoy the story. The pace is well done. It is mystery and romance built to form the romance better than the mystery. I solved the mystery early on but still enjoyed the journey.

Aesthetics = 3
The cover is playful and pretty but I didn't understand the connection to the title. I kept expecting someone to be blown up. If I saw it in a store and were looking for a children's book I'd consider based on the cover. If I were choosing based on the story synopsis I'd pick it up. While nice to look at I don't see where the story and cover connect well.

Dollar$ & $ense = 3.25
If you're a traditional romance reader and love a little mysterious twist this will be a great book for you. I'm not sure how well it would fare in a group setting but it is a fun read. 

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