BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Moses Chronicles #3: Exodus by H.B. Moore

EXODUS

The Moses Chronicles #3

by H. B. Moore

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-52440-034-7

Biblical fiction

Source: publisher for review (Thanks!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Let my people go ...

A plea has been made in behalf of the children of Israel. Now comes the epic climax years in the making—the final showdown between two of the most powerful men in history—one fueled by pride, the other guided by the world of God. Moses has received an extraordinary call from the Lord: he is to lead the exodus of the Hebrew people out of Egypt, ending generations of bondage. And he must return to the land of his birth to boldly petition a man he does not want to challenge ... or lose to: Ramses—pharaoh of Egypt. Ramses, harboring years of feeling betrayed by his best friend, is determined to stop Moses no matter the cost. He will not yield, even as a dark veil of plaques and pestilence descends over the land of Egypt.

What follows is a powerful chronicle of the struggles of the children of Israel as they traverse uncharted territory, both physically and spiritually. Amid the horrific catastrophes devastating their land and through the dramatic evens that follow, the Hebrews must face their fears and their faltering faith. For even in the darkest of times, there are manifestations of the Lord's constant care to inspire their hope for a bright future.

REVIEW

The story of Moses is one of the most powerful in the Bible as well as the Pearl of Great Price.  I admire Heather's willingness to attempt to tell that story in novelized form.  A fictionalized version of Moses' story makes sense because the scriptures leave some rather significant gaps.  I also appreciated the author's taking the time to explain some of the changes she made to the timeline in order to move the story along.  When I read historical fiction, it's always nice to know what's been changed for the sake of the story.  Still, Moore has created a compelling, powerful story of a man who was called to do what the world would say was impossible.  Challenging one of the most powerful men of the time, Moses calls on Pharoah to let the Hebrew slaves go free.  Unsurprisingly, Pharoah refuses, but the Lord isn't taking no for an answer.  But Moses refuses to go away or give up and under the Lord's direction continues to obey.  I felt like H.B. Moore did a fabulous job of creating a picture of what Moses' life may have been like and just what it took for him to follow the Lord.  A great conclusion to the trilogy, but definitely not an end to Moses story, as the trilogy focuses on the exit of the Hebrews from Egypt, thus, the years in the wilderness are not covered.

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Aug. 15th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/,http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

Aug. 16th: http://empowermoms.net/,http://www.iamareader.com/ 

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Aug. 18th:http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

Aug. 19th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ 

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Secrets of the King's Daughter by Renae Weight Mackley

SECRETS OF THE KING'S DAUGHTER

by Renae Weight Mackley

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-62108-795-3

Historical fiction/romance

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It was a relationship designed to unite not two young people in love, but two powerful kingdoms. And for Princess Karlinah, eldest daughter of King Lamoni, her marriage to the haughty heir to the throne of Jersusalem has led to a life of fear and abuse. There seems to be no escape—until her husband is murdered and Karlinah is unexpectedly free to return to her father’s kingdom. She can begin again—but no one can ever know of the part she played in the prince’s demise . . . Karlinah’s relief is short-lived, for upon her return to the land of Ishmael, she is once again swept into her father’s plans for a politically powerful marriage. Then the arrival of a young missionary in her father’s court changes everything: her family is converted to a new religion, and Karlinah is free to choose her path. Yet she is not so easily convinced by the words of Ammon—especially when repentance means confessing her crime. But as her faith grows and a young stone artisan captures her heart, Karlinah realizes that she must face the consequences of her past in order to move forward with her future.

REVIEW

Karlinah' first marriage left her with heavy secret to carry as she returns home after her husband's death.  A secret she dares not share with anyone. But things at home don't offer as much relief as she had hoped when her father betroths her to a man she distrusts so that her younger sister can wed.  The arrival of a young Nephite complicate everything.  But Ammon turns out to be different than she expected and the upheaval he brings offers hope that she may be able to choose her own path.  But she's reluctant to accept the gospel since it means confessing her secret, a secret she fears could cost her own life.  Mackley has written a compelling story that revolves around events recounted in The Book of Mormon.  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Karlinah and imagining what it might have been like to be there when the incredible events surrounding Ammon's mission to the Laminates took place.  The incredible workings of the Lord have been beautifully depicted in this story which does have romantic elements in it but which come second to the changes that Karlinah and her family undergo when they listen to Ammon's message.  A truly engaging work of fiction that takes the scriptural story and adds details about what it may have been like to be there.  I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.

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*March 23rd: http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*March 24th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*March 25th: 

http://www.iamareader.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/ 

  

LDS CHILDREN'S: Girls Who Choose God by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding

GIRLS WHO CHOOSE GOD

Stories of Courageous Women From the Bible

by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding

illustrated by Kathleen Peterson

Deseret Book, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-60907-882-9

Source: Publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From Eve to Esther, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the widow with her two mites, many women in the Bible have made courageous choices. All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what.

Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.

*In buying this book, you support educational and employment opportunities for LDS young women around the world. All of the authors' proceeds will be donated to Interweave Solutions. For more information about the organization's good work, visit interweavesolutions.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MCARTHUR KRISHNA inherited her grit from her Utah pioneer great-grandmothers. With a master’s degree in communications from BYU, she co-owned Free Range, an award-winning marketing business focused on telling social justice stories. In 2011, she moved to the Magic Land of India and started writing books. More of her stories can be found at mcarthurkrishna.com

BETHANY BRADY SPALDING likes to stir things up in the kitchen and in the community. She has founded programs to promote health and nutrition in the USA, South Africa, and India. Bethany currently leads a regional coalition in Richmond, Virginia, to create a healthier food environment for at-risk children. She loves to cook and climb mountains with her husband, Andy, and their three adventurous girls.

KATHLEEN PETERSON has illustrated twenty books, mostly for young people, on topics ranging from world religions to Hawaiian legends. Her art can be found in galleries throughout the West and at www.kathleenpetersonart.com. She and her husband, Steve, live on a farm in Spring City, Utah.

REVIEW

Girls Who Choose God is a wonderful book about the power of making the choice to follow God in the face of difficult and even life-threatening circumstances.  Each four page spread shares a brief telling of the experience of the girl(s) including an explanation of the choices she/they faced, the following pages explain what the girl(s) choose and the results.  I especially liked the inclusion of a question at the end of each section that encourages the reader to apply the same principles in his/her own life.

The illustrations are beautiful and add a really nice touch to the story.  They help create a sweet, peaceful atmosphere in the book.  The following stories are included: Eve, Miriam, Mahlah and her sisters, Deborah, Esther, Mary (the mother of Jesus), the Samaritan Woman at the well, Mary and Martha, the widow with the two mites, the woman with the blood disease, and Mary Magdalene.  It's so nice to see some of the women from the Bible highlighted.  So often the focus is on the great men of the Bible and there's nothing wrong with that, but it's nice to see the woman being honored for their important choices as well.  

A wonderful source both for enjoyment and for teaching during Family Home Evening and other times. Highly recommended.