Castle on the Rise - by Kristy Cambron: Book Review

Title: Castle on the Rise
Series: Lost Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Pages: 384
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: February 5th 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian
Format: Kindle

It was an enjoyable read, although I can't say it was a favourite. It's the second novel in a series, and I am now sure if my just OK opinion of the book had to do with not having read the first novel.

The story starts with the present day, in Ireland, and then it adds two other, one from 1916 and one from 1797/98, both past points of view presenting the actions of those who fought for Ireland's freedom. I knew almost nothing about Ireland's past, except from what I learned from other novels, so the historical aspect was welcome. However, I had to google a lot of information. At times the novel was too stuffed with facts and name-dropping that I felt a bit lost - who were all these people and what's so important about this date or this event in history? Thank you, Google.

There were a lot of characters and I am sure they were not mentioned in the first novel because of the three points of view [pov] in this novel, only one makes references to the first book in the series. I had to make a list of characters and what happened to each one and how they related and... let me just say that it's not fun when you have to keep a list with you to make sure you don't forget who's who. The chapters alternated between the three points of view, and that had the effect of keeping me interested in each story because most of the time a chapter ended with a (small-ish) cliff-hanger. I can't say which point of view was the best, but together they worked just fine. Until about halfway into the novel I had no idea how exactly they interconnected, but it made sense in the end. 

Towards the end I felt like I had spent too much with the book, and I was eager to read it already. Not because it wasn't good, but because I just wanted the novel to end. For the most part I was sure there'll be a happy end on all three levels. 

I reckon this is intended for a Christian audience, however I kept forgetting that. If what you're after is a historical Christian romance I am not sure this is the book for you. There is beer and drinking, and although the pub is presented as a vital part of Ireland's life I can't help but think that a pub is not a Christian place. As for the three romantic relationships, one for each POV, they were OK, albeit not as innocent as Christian standards suggest is best. There are few mentions of God, and when any of the characters reference to Him it's in an inspirational way, not very deep. It's like an afterthought just to remind the reader that this is, in fact, a Christian story.

A fine read, full of info, it made me step a bit outside my usual historical fiction box. And for a book to make me google something because I am curious is something!
3*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Of Mess and Moxie - by Jen Hatmaker: Book Review

Title: Of Mess and Moxie. Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life
Author: Jen Hatmaker
Pages: 286
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publishing Date: 8.08.2017
Format: Kindle

I have wanted to read this one ever since Jen started talking about it. I knew it would be funny, along the lines of For the Love, another book of hers. It was funny, despite covering topics not necessarily of great importance in the life of a late 20something girl. 

It felt at times as if she gave advice to younger girlfriends, letting them in on the ins and outs of life, but without scaring them. This is only the second of Hatmaker's books that I've read, and after having followed her on Instagram for a while now, I know her sense of humour. Be warned, it's not for everyone. She talks in long sentences, uses not-for-everyday-speech words, and sometimes you need to be in a certain mood for it. But the good news is that often you can relate to her stories, which is always desirable from authors.

I appreciated that she mixed three important aspects in this book: she approaches serious topics in one chapter, then switches to a lighter one, a pattern kept throughout the book, and every few chapters she shares a recipe because food is one of ther love languages. I skipped those because I most certainly don't see myself cooking them anytime soon, despite the dismissive they-are-easy-to-make-just-try. Nope, ma'am. 

I don't agree with her on all she talks about, but I like her personality, her normal-ness, and her willingness to talk freely about what she cares about. She is bubbly, despite being an introvert. Her large family is quite a tribe. All her family stories are adorable and I appreciated her sharing them with the reading public. I do believe she has a knack for the written word, more so than for podcasting or public speaking; she seems more free to share what she needs to in writing.

I will definitely read more from her if given the chance. 

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Everybody, Always - by Bob Goff: Book Review

Title: Everybody, Always. Becoming Love in a world full of setbacks and difficult people
Author: Bob Goff
No. Pages: 240
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publishing Date: 17 April 2018
Format: Kindle

Bob Goff's second book follows the theme of his first: Love. Love everybody, no matter their background, their story, just show love. 

I have to say that the ways in which he shows love are sometimes extreme and not always applicable to everyone's everyday life. While his enthusiasm is through the roof (he does admit that espresso drinks him to wake up) and the stories he shares are engaging, I don't see how this effervescence can be maintained constantly.

The book is made up of twenty something chapters, all following the same pattern: a story told in an amusing way followed by a practical/ devotional-esque aspect for our daily life. It's a standard form and if I remember correctly, it's the same as his first book's. I didn't think it was possible to say the same thing in so many chapters. The idea is simple: love people. I am not sure we needed a new book to tell us that, and it is repetitive after a few chapters. This might be somewhat tiresome to see, but if you read it sporadically, not in one sitting, it works fine. I enjoy this kind of essay writing for when I am short on time to sit and read, but I still get to read a book in the free moments.

Someone mentioned the crazy things he gets to do, like buying a house almost on a whim, hopping on a plane to Uganda, flying a plane to the Lodge, or doing other extraordinary things. All these are not what the majority of people get to do on a daily basis. Although they create a sort of social and economic gap between the author and the reader, and I was surprised by this when I read Love Does too, they don't prevent you from putting into practice the main idea: love people the best way you can. Another thing I have to agree on with another reader is that he sure talks a lot about him and his people. I don't know how this could have been presented by mixing the personal stories, the practical aspect, and more Jesus. I think the book does lack more mentioning of Jesus.

The book is a nice read, the tone if friendly and engaging, there are some witty parts, and the last few chapters about Charlie are the best in my opinion, so give this a try. For the Christian reader, used to this kind of books, maybe it will not contain much new information, but it's Bob Goff, you kind of want to know what other crazy things he's done.

I received a free e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Believing Jesus - Lisa Harper: Book Review

I was looking forward to reading Believing Jesus because I knew it will be about the First Church, but linked to the modern Church.

Lisa Harper's book focuses on the book of Acts. Each of the 10 chapters has the same structure: it starts with a story from the author's life, then it focuses on a scene from the book of Acts, and then it changes focus on how the reader could best relate to what was discussed and how it could be applied in the everyday living.

My favourite part of this book was the big portions of Scripture that were quoted. I've missed reading a book where Scriptures were actually the important part. She uses different translations of the Bible, but every time they are used just right and are easy to understand.

Her story telling style is filled with humour and she's not afraid to just tell it as it is. This is the first book of hers that I've read, and it gave me an idea about her style. I've once heard her talk in a podcast from Cross Point Church in Nashville; her writing style is similar to her speaking style.

In this book she makes good points, although not necessarily revolutionizing, but I took her book as a nice reminder of the applicability in the everyday life of this sometimes (at least for me) overlooked book in the Bible. For those looking for a more conservative approach to the book of Acts, maybe this is not the book you were looking for, but I'd say give it a try; the apostles must have laughed too.

4*

I was offered a free e-book of this book from Thomas Nelson via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

For the Love! - Jen Hatmaker: Book Review

Could the highest level of "right theology" involve loving God and people like Jesus suggested?

This is what Jen Hatmaker asks towards the end of her new book For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards. She makes the case for loving people as they need to be loved, not as it suits us. (I just loved the good talk about missions and mission trips! #preachit!)
This book is more like a big sister's life guide to her fellow younger sisters and friends. It deals with various social aspects - fashion, family, friends, church. It was nicely written, Hatmaker makes good points, although looking back now that I've finished, it doesn't feel like this is a never-written-before book. I don't think this was the point of the book, but to emphasize on the importance of Love: love God and love your neighbour. It was full of humor (for those who can appreciate sarcasm and Hatmaker's humor), and articulate thoughts on the approached topics, although a bit redundant towards the end. It is a rather quick read, but a nice reminder to clearly defined priorities, and think a bit more of your actions' effect on long term. One think that I really appreciated (and she admitted) is her straightforwardness and bluntness. I missed reading a non fiction that said it as it was, no sugar coating and playing the precious Southern lady. I think this book will appeal to those who grew up in a Christian environment; they will "get" a lot of the things talked about.
4/5 stars

I received an ebook copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.