Humbug: A Christmas Carol

I was given a copy of this book to read for an honest review. Media Guests supplied me with the book. I was supposed to have my review done on December 19th, however, we went on vacation and the book sat on my office desk as we drove to Phoenix. I'm sorry for the late review.

About the Book:

Winterton is a frozen town with frozen hearts and frozen people. A magical humbug that attracts the magical reindeer of Santa is brought to the town of Winterton by a little orphan girl. The warmth of the little girl and the magical music of the humbug bring Santa, the reindeer and Christmas back to Winterton

About the Author:

Lee Baker is the president of Sandman Studios, a visual effects and animation company and has taught courses at UCLA Extension, Loyola Marymount University and the University of Utah. He is the author of the illustrated books “Humbug, A Christmas Carol” and “Beau and the Beanstalk,” and now his latest thriller “Speed of Light.” Lee lives in Utah with his wife and five children.

My Review:

This morning, I sat down and read this book with two of my granddaughters. One is five and the other one is ten. Both were captivated by the story. They had questions and comments about the book, the graphics and the overall story.

What my girls and I realizes was that the graphics were so amazing, the girls believed that the people in Winterton were COLD. As we read through the story, it started to warm our hearts. The girls cheered when the Humbugs were singing and brought Christmas to the town.

I think my favorite was the forward by Ebenezer Scrooge, I started giggling while reading the forward. Overall, this story was cute, and heart warming. It showed my girls how to keep Christmas in our hearts. I would highly recommend this story for any family.

Sandie

Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol

I was supposed to read Dark Star earlier in December; however, I was unable to finish reading the book. We went away for Christmas and the road trip was the perfect time to read Dark Star. The series Rock Star Chronicles is a Trilogy.

About the Book:

Everett Lester and his band, DeathStroke, ride the crest of a wave to superstardom. But the deeper they become immersed in fame, wealth, and power, the more likely they are to be swallowed alive by the drugs, alcohol, and discontentment that have become their only friends. Everett is headed down a perilous road of no apparent return when he’s charged with the murder of his personal psychic. The only hope he can cling to comes from Topeka , Kansas , and the letters written by a prayerful young lady who lives there. Consistent and persistent, the notes cut straight to Everett ’s empty heart, offering a fulfillment he’s never grasped before. But what if he’s found guilty of murder? Will he recognize the spiritual battle that’s raging for his soul?

About the Author:

Talented storyteller Creston Mapes graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1983 with a BA in magazine journalism. Since then, he has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries. He has written for Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Focus on the Family, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and The Urban Alternative. His stories have been featured in magazines including Private Colleges and Universities, In Touch, Leaders for Today, and The Hockey News. Creston makes his home in Georgia.

My Review:
When I first received Dark Star, I had a difficult time starting the book. Once I picked the book up to read on our vacation over the Christmas holiday, I found I could not put the book down. I read an e-book, via my computer and phone. I read in the car on our two day trip to Phoenix, I read at night when I did not have any television to watch. I found I read via my phone every chance I got.
The story of Everett Lester was a unthinkable life, his life had so many twists and turns it was hard to keep up. The story flipped back and forth from his current trial, to his rock and roll days, the story would change mid paragraph. I found much to my amazement that this was an effective way to tell the story of Everett’s life. The story was in Everett’s voice as he was writing his own story.
The story had drugs, alcohol, violence and Jesus all wrapped into one story. It was a crazy idea that worked well. I had a difficult time wanting to read of such hatred towards Christ, but in the end the good versus evil proved to be the kind of a story one would picture a wealthy rock start life to include. I was taken in by this story and highly recommend this book.
This book is a trilogy; I am starting the second book tomorrow and looking forward to the new book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to push through the dark in this book to find the light.
I was given a copy of this book from Media Guests for my honest review, I was not paid for this review and the words are my own.

Mystery of the Puzzle Bones

I recieved a copy of Mystery of the Puzzle Bones from Media Guest for an honest review, this review is in my own words and I was not paid for my review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Mystery of Puzzle Bones is a story about four 12-year-old boys that find a secret hideout and skateboard spot in an unused sewer between their subdivisions.But something is leaving a strange Puzzle of Bones in the Boardunders club house.Something wants to lead them deep down into the sewers – into Hidden Town.
A place that doesn’t want to be found and people who will do anything to protect their secret. Suddenly the danger becomes extreme as they are running for their lives. Who can they trust to help them?One of the boys, Caleb, is a Christian who shares his faith and trust in Jesus which helps lead one of the other boys to the Lord as they go through the perils of the story.

About the Author:

T.A. Smith has been a non-denominational bible teacher in maximum Security Prisons, Juvenile delinquent centers, Rescue Missions, and Youth Groups for over 15 years. He has traveled from the Yucatan to working in fisheries in Alaska. As a ‘Guys study teacher’, he searched for a hard-hitting action adventure series that actually included thoughts and discussion about God. He wanted real discussions that he actually heard men and boys talk about in his classes over the years. Finally, he simply sat down and started writing stories for the guys he knew – and they asked for more stories which has led to a dozen popular tween/teen adventure books.
To read more about T.A. Smith and his adventure books visit http://www.christianactionadventures.com/
My Review:

When I first received my copy of Mystery of the Puzzle Bones I gave it to my nine year old to read. He took the book and read it, I had a hard time finding it because he took it to school to read during his free reading time. As he and I discussed the book and how we felt about it we both agreed that the book had some tense places and yet it was an awesome story of faith in Jesus and the power of prayer. We enjoyed this story, I saw we because I value my nine year olds opinion as he loves to read.

I would highly recommend this book for children and adults. This story although was a mystery it was a good mystery, it has moments that got my heart racing and then the peace that comes from knowing the danger had passed. I would not recommend this book for children that are just new readers unless the parent is available to read it along with them or answer questions because it is a little tense. However, it is a good book, well written, well thought out and the adventure keeps the reader from wanting to put the book down. I suppose that is why my nine year old took it to school.

I would love to read more book from the author.

Sandie

Holy Stable: Celebrate the Miracle

I recieved a free copy of Holy Stable from Media Guest, I was not paid for my review and this review is in my own words.

About the Book:

Holy Stable: Celebrate the Miracle, restores the tender joys of the season! Discover how sharing the gift of Jesus’ love blesses relationships, as you enjoy the magic of children’s narration, original music and song. Mary and Joseph’s devotion to God and sublime caring for each other will bring you to experience the story of Baby Jesus’ birth as never before.
Holy Stable is more than just a Christmas “play”! It has everything an actual pageant has and is a perfect highlight to our Christmas season!

Holy Stable brings about inspired memories, the play adapts for a few participants or a larger group and for use with or without your own vocal talent. Harp, wooden flute and violin instrumentals come with and without vocals and narration and are coordinated with the innovative script, including tips, which are offered to you as a downloadable bonus gift at http://blog.holystable.com/.
About the Author:

Heidi is a mother of eight and first time author. Her long held interests in studying scripture, benefiting relationships, drama, music, artistic expression and nurturing love came together in this multi-media experience. She’s an avid reader and writer and has conducted children’s music and participated in choirs for many years. With the desire to create more cherished Christmas memories and promote a deeper connection to the Savior, Heidi produced Holy Stable: Celebrate the Miracle…Story, Music, Nativity Play.

My Review:

Holy Stable is a beautifully wrapped gift for anyone or it could be a wonderful Christmas tradition for any family. This is a beautifully illustrated story, one we all know so well. Yet, this particular book can be done in several ways. The story could be acted out, there is music and narration, and there is a story to read. My family has decided on Christmas Eve we will use the narration to act out the story. This book is something families will treasure for generations. This DVD/Book set will enhance any gathering from small to large with the beautiful story of the Savior.

Sandie