More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Whitemeyer || Book Review

MY REVIEW ||

I received More Than Meets the Eye, by Karen Witemeyer, from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. This year I have been in a big reading slump, I guess, so I took forever to finally finish this book. It isn't that it was boring or anything, I've just not been reading. I should have tried harder. 

More Than Meets the Eye is a story of revenge, healing, danger, and love. All the essential, right? *winks* Three orphans who become a family after a terrible tragedy; a mysterious man torn by his past and seeking revenge; and a cheery "fork in the road" that throws careful plans into disarray and puts everyone on a path in the right direction. A path that turns enemies into allies, and breaks down barriers of past pain. 

I wouldn't say I loved this book, but it was a nice story. I guess my ideal type of book is a little different. Maybe the typical Christian historical romance is your favorite though! If you love historical romance with all the sparks, conflict, danger, and happily ever after, this one is for you! :)

* Bethany House Publishers, I apologize for reviewing so late!

LOOK LIKE A BOOK YOU WOULD ENJOY?

By the Book Tag

I needed a post to do, 'cause it's Tuesday night. So I decided to FINALLY finish this tag that Shantelle tagged me for back in, *gasp*, May. *sheepish look* Well. Better late than never!

QUESTIONS:


What is on your nightstand right now?

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Whitmeyer.

What was the last truly great book you read?

I don't know. I guess I'll go with The Lady and Lionheart by Joanne Bischof or A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes. But there's probably been some really good ones since then too... whatever.

If you could meet any writer - dead or alive - who would it be and what would you want to know?

Maybe Lois Gladys Leppard, and I'd ask her how the rest of Mandy's life was supposed to unfold. :)
Or Jaye L. Knight.

What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?

Myths Every Child Should Know. Lol. I bought it because it was an old book.

How do you organize your personal library?

Bigger books generally on the top shelf, smaller books and non-fiction on the bottom... along with my movies. ;)

What book have you always meant to read but haven't gotten around to it yet?

Idk... there's tons of books I could read. TONNNSSS.

Anything you feel embarrassed never to have read?

Not really... except maybe that I haven't read the entire Bible yet (not even close). Not so much embarrassed as, "Wow, I should've read more by now!"

Disappointing, overrated, just not good: What book did you feel you were suppose to like but didn't?

*shrugs*

Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing?

Um, yes. I had to put down Until Tomorrow by Robin Jones Gunn for now, because I got a review book. I will be finishing it though! That was a while ago... *whispers* and the review book hasn't been reviewed yet. Don't tell. xP This just hasn't been a very productive "reading year".

What kind of stories are you drawn to? Any you stay clear of?

Uhhh... exciting and intriguing stories, with realistic but adorable romance... more often historical or fantasy than contemporary, probably.
I don't read most non-Christian YA, though some are probably fine. Books with weird sorcery-type magic. Anything inappropriate or super creepy\scary. Anything boring. xP The obvious stuff, okay? 

If you could require the president to read on book, what would it be?

The Bible, of course. I think most people say this. :)

What do you plan to read next?

Maybe I'll grab Until Tomorrow from the library again and finish it. *smiles*

Those of you who would like to do this... YOU ARE TAGGED!

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life: Book Review

Two posts in one day? Yes, because this is my last day to post a review for my Revell review book! xP {which I happen to not be done reading yet....... oops}





MY REVIEW

The Girl's Guide to Conquering Life, by Erica and Jonathan Catherman, is a book of basic how-to's for girls of a broad range of ages. Some tips I might say are "for dummies", others may be lesser known\practiced. My apologies, but I slacked a lot on reading this book, and have not completed it yet, as of writing this review. I'm not a huge non-fiction reader, so perhaps that is why I haven't fond this all-that interesting. But I really should have made a point to read some of it every day. My bad.

The Pros:

This book has some good and helpful how-to's. How to leave a tip, how to apply for a job, how to change a tire, etc. The chapters cover: Guys & Dating, Social Skills & Manners, Work & Ethics, Wealth & Money Management, Health & Beauty, Clothes & Fashion, Sports & Recreation, Cars & Driving, Food & Cooking, and Tools & Fix-it. So there is definitely some great information in here, especially for a lesser-informed girl. I also really like the cover of the book, and the inside illustrations and layout. :)

The Cons:

Like I said, I wasn't super interested. But that's probably just me. :P Another thing I didn't like was the "modern woman" ideas. There is one on how to ask a guy out on a first date. I don't think the girl should ask the guys out. Also the insinuation the authors give that a guy always paying for a date is old-fashioned. Whattt?? I want a guy to be chivalrous. And I want him to pay for the date, open the door for me, and all that because, yes, I'm a girl. The roles of men and women are not the same, people, and for a guy to act a certain way around you because you're a woman does not mean he thinks you are lesser than him, or that you are weak. There may be some men who think this, perhaps, but definitely not all!
I also thought it was weird that they used a Michelle Obama quote in the book?? I just wouldn't use her for advice. ;)


All in all, this could be a good resource for girls who want to know the basic information on how to outwardly do well in life. :) Young and older girls\young women alike could benefit from this book.

The Bookish Tag

I was tagged by Shantelle from Between the Pages of This Bookish Life for The Bookish Tag!

So let us jump into the books! ;)

1. What book has been on your shelf the longest?

The Viking Quest Series, maybe? Or my Bible, but that's not physically on my shelf. *winks*

2. What is your current read, your last read, and the book you'll read next?

Look at picture for answer. *winks* I'm hoping to finally dive back into The Eyes of Everia Series soooon! =D

3. What book did everyone like, but you hated?

I don't think I've ever really hated a book, so...

4. What book do you keep telling yourself you'll read, but you probably won't?

*blink blink*  *question marks* The rest of the Narnia series is a possible answer, I guess? But I don't know if I'll actually not read them. Maybe they'd go better as the answer to the next question. ;P

5. What book are you saving for retirement?

I really don't know... I guess whatever books I don't get to reading in my young life. xP

6. Last page: read it first or wait till the end?

I don't see the point in reading the last page first- that's just dumb. ;P I might read a word or two. *shrugs*

7. Acknowledgment: Waste of paper and ink, or interesting aside?

Umm... I don't think I read them very often. Probably sometimes, a little of it anyhow. *winks*

8. Which book character would you switch places with?

I'm just going to go with Kate from Cinderella's Dress and Cinderella's Shoes, because she gets to try on Cinderella's dresses, and do the store's window display, and be in the WW2 era... *grins and winks*

Or Rapunzel from The Golden Braid because... idk, fairy-tale and sweet romance, you know. 

Or Cara from Ashburn because the "old-fashioned-feeling" detective stuff, Europe, and the romance. ;P 

9. Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (place, time, person) ?

There's a song that might remind me of some books. Our God by Chris Tomlin, and the Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson. *winks* I think I used to imagine a character from this series singing it. *laughs* And actually, that song really goes well with these books.

10. Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way.

*blink* What do you mean by interesting? I don't know if I've gotten any books in any all-that-interesting ways. Gifts, thrift stores, free-at-co-op, amazon, Tyndale Rewards, review books... *shrugs*

11. Have you ever given a book away for a special reason to a special person? 

Idk... I once found a book at a thrift store while on vacation, and bought it for my little sister. Because it was a type of book she really liked. :) I think it was the one above...

12. Which book has been with you most places?

I might have to copy my sister and say my Bible? I'm guessing that's probably the book that's been with me most places.

13. Any "required reading" you hated in high school that wasn't so bad later? 

I'm in my last year of high school, but... I don't think there was ever anything too bad. In fact, I don't think I had to read that much in high school. That was more in lower grades.

14. Used or brand new?

Well, brand new is nice, but used is cheaper, so... *laughs*

15. Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?

Nope. Don't know that author. 

16. Have you ever seen a movie that you liked more than the book?

Easy. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Except I watched the movie before I read the book. ;) 

17. Have you ever read a book that made you hungry, cookbooks included?

Ooh... it seems like this has happened before. I guess Fools Rush In has had a lot of yummy food in it. Like pizza. And ravioli. *winks*

18. Who is the person whose book advice you'll always take?

If there ever was that person, it would be my sister here. Huge bibliophile, ya know. *winks* But I don't think there's anyone whose book advice I take EVERY TIME period. I'm my own person. *laughs and sticks out tongue*

19. Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g., outside you usual reading genre) that you ended up loving? 

Well, I suppose I could say The Ryn by Serena Chase. I read it a couple years ago or so, and first off, I'm pretty sure it was bigger than any book I'd read. Secondly, I hadn't really read much for quite awhile. It was some crazy perfectionist stage in my life of sorts, which I won't get into explaining. xP Anyhow, I actually read the giant book! And I loved it! And it got me back into reading! So yea. *winks*

\\ I TAG \\

Emmaline @ The Crystal Ice Studio

Sarah @ The Introverted Extrovert

Michaila @ Seventy Times Seven

Anyone else who'd like to do it. :) 

And the three I specifically tagged- you guys don't have to do it... only if you want to. *winks*

\\ RULES \\

You must be honest

You must answer every question

You must tag at least 4 people

Exiles Release Weekend Blitz + Review

Hey guys, today I'm being a part of the Weekend Release Blitz for author Jaye L. Knight's new release, Exiles! Be sure to read about it and enter the giveaway! 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.

Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all. 

Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir but, with other forces at work, it might not be that simple. 

One small misstep could prove fatal for all.

Available now on Amazon!

Add to Goodreads

Haven't discovered the world of Ilyon yet? The first three kindle books are on sale August 11th - 14th! You can find them on Amazon.

MY REVIEW

About a year after the defeat in Samara, a group of members from the Resistance heads out on a journey to gain aid against Daican from neighboring countries. However, their trip takes turns they had not expected, and they find themselves in a desperate situation... the outcome could cost them everything. 

Meanwhile, in Valcre`, Prince Daniel faces challenges as a new believer. But what will happen when life as he knows it is turned upside down?

The anticipated fourth book to the Ilyon Chronicles is here! :) While Exiles may be my least favorite of the series so far, it was, of course, good, and some long awaited and unexpected things happened! We get to explore interesting new places in Ilyon for the first time, watch relationships between characters grow, and be surprised by some of the things that happen! *winks* 

It was nice reading more of Prince Daniel. I know this is random, but I had some serious intuition about something to do with him... *grins* How did I think of it? Don't ask. Just read the book. ;P 

I liked getting to see Micheal more too! And then there's Timothy and Leetra. And Trask and Anne. <3 I might've felt Jace and Kyrin didn't have as much depth in this book as others... maybe they're just much stronger now, but I would like if they struggled more. I'm probably just mean. ;P

So yes, it was another good book! So now... when is book 5 coming??! =D

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Etsy.

GIVEAWAY!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Exiles, a pewter dragon necklace by treasurecast, and a sword letter opener! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

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SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 10

·         Book Spotlight at A Pinch of Faith

Friday, August 11

·         Character Interview at Reality Reflected

·         Review at Tricia Mingerink

·         Book Spotlight at She Hearts Fiction

·         Review and Excerpt at Literary Cafe

·         Character Interview and Excerpt at A Day In The Life

·         Author Interview at The World of the Writer

·         Review at WritingAnyone

·         Review and Character Interview at Meagan Davenport

·         Review and Special Post at R535 Blog

·         Review at Leah’s Bookshelf

·         Author Interview and Excerpt at Liv K. Fisher

·         Review, Character Interview, and Excerpt at The Elven Padawan

·         Review and Author Interview at Books and Arrows

·         Review and Author Interview at The Artful Author

·         Review and Character Interview at Red Lettering

·         Review and Author Interview at PageTurners

·         Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana

·         Review and Character Interview at Bookends

Saturday, August 12

·         Review and Excerpt at Thriving Hope

·         Book Spotlight at Today, by Bryn

·         Review at Honey Rock Hills

·         Excerpt at Rachel Rossano's Words

·         Excerpt at Tell Tale Book Reviews

·         Excerpt at The Overactive Imagination

·         Review and Author Interview at One Word At A Time

·         Author Interview at Marrok Macintyre

·         Review and Author Interview at Sarah, Plain & Average

·         Review at A Camera and a Dreamer

·         Review and Excerpt at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

·         Character Spotlight at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae

·         Review and Author Interview at Sarah Allerding

·         Author Interview and Excerpt at Dreams and Dragons

·         Review and Character Interview at Resting Life

·         Review and Character Interview at The Music of a Story

·         Review and Character Interview at Ruffles and Grace

Sunday, August 13

·         Review at Woman at the Well

·         Review at Lakeside Publications

·         Review at Ember's Reviews

·         Review and Author Interview The Ink Lizard

·         Excerpt at Lianne Taimenlore

·         Book Spotlight at Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

Monday, August 14

·         Review at Backing Books

Tuesday, August 15

·         Review at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

Book Review: A Love So True

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen. 

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all?

MY REVIEW

My second review book from Bethany House, and I greatly enjoyed it! It was interesting, somewhat humorous, sweet, and with a secret you wonder about until it's revealed! It also has a definite share of heartache as well, which just makes it a good book. 

I really like Evelyn. She is caring to those around her, but she is standoff-ish and any man who tries to steal her heart doesn't try for too long. I like when the character's don't fall in love right away, or when there is something in the way. And also when the female character isn't the typical spunky independent lady. *rolls eyes* Evelyn is fairly independent, but she's still different than the normal historical romance heroine.

David Kingsman. *heart eyes* The charming grin, melt-your-heart guy. He's just so amaazzingg! He's so kind-hearted, kinda funny, and so sweet to Evelyn. <3 I just... love David. And yes, this paragraph was quite "unprofessional review" sounding, but I'm taking about the guy here, it's to be expected. ;P

I loved the part at David's mansion. The party, the dancing, the garden... so intriguing. :) And plus that part... that was like so perfect. *hugs it* 

The romantic elements at the end were described a little too much in my opinion. I don't really need to know about all their feelings when they kissed and all. Or how much they kissed. But whatever.

Also, there was one thing in the story I'm not quite sure about, and it put a little bit of a damper on the story. If you want to read the big spoiler, see my Goodreads review here. It might be OK, but I'm just not sure.

All in all, it was a lovely read, and I have a beautiful paperback copy for my shelf! *smiles*

I would recommend A Love So True to ages 15\16 to adult.

DOES A LOVE SO TRUE SOUND LIKE A BOOK YOU'D ENJOY?

12 Book Recommendations for Various Preferences

  

I am going to recommend to you twelve books today! They are of various genres and settings, so hopefully I have a book for a wide variety of preferences. I must warn you though. All of these books have at least some element of romance (at least within the whole series), so if you don't like romance... well, don't look for book recommendations from me. ;P Plus I don't read ALL genres, so I obviously can't guarantee you'll like any books I do. *winks*

You've also probably heard me gushing over some of these plenty, so... you'll just have to endure seeing them again. Or you can read them and join me in the fandom. *grins*

Anyhow, here are twelve lovely books!

~ MEDIEVAL, NON-MAGICAL FAIRY-TALE~

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

~ So lovely and fairy-tale... 

for those who want 

a sweet Rapunzel romance ~

~ MEDIEVAL TIMES FAITH ADVENTURE ~

The Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson

~ Exciting and meaningful adventure... 

for anyone, from 10-year-olds to teens alike~

~ CIVIL WAR, HEARTWARMING STORIES ~

The Bonnets and Bugles series by Gilbert Morris

~ A heartwarming Civil War series... 

kind of a coming-of-age, 

with all that that brings along. 

I read these a long time ago, 

and I need to read them again! ~

~ VICTORIAN ERA ROMANCE~

The Lady and the LionHeart by Joanne Bischof

~ So magical and exciting... 

Mysterious, heart-rending, and sweet ~

~ INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL ROMANCE ~

A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

~ Such a melt-heart, both sweet 

and meaningful story. 

Secrets, orphans, 

and second-chances ~

~ WORLD WAR 2, FAIRY-TALE MASH-UP~

Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

~ Fun and sweet, with the 

magic of both fairy-tale 

and times gone by ~

~ SWEET FIFTIES ROMANCE ~

Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna

~ Soda shops, heartthrobs, 

and a sweet and 

tender romance ~ 

~ CONTEMPORARY, CHARMING SPY ADVENTURE ~

Ashburn by Julia Erickson 

~ Exciting and big adventures, yet 

with charming spy feel 

and a cute, clean romance ~

~ MEANINGFUL, NON-MAGICAL FANTASY ADVENTURE~

Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

~ Meaningful fantasy with the theme 

of standing up for your faith. 

Exciting adventures, and amazing 

characters you will love ~

~ BIBLE-TIMES-INSPIRED FANTASY~

Prophet by R. J. Larson

~ Inspiring and exciting with a

 Bible-times mashed with medieval feel. 

Plus those endearing characters! ~  

~ MAGICAL, FAIRY-TALE-INSPIRED FANTASY~

The Ryn by Serena Chase

~ Such a magical fairy-tale fantasy. 

Mysterious, adventuresome, and romantic ~

note: there is some telepathy in these books that I'm not entirely sure about. It's like a gift to the people with that ability from the one who represents God in the story, though, so it doesn't seem witch-y or anything. 

~ ADVENTURE AND FAITH-FILLED DYSTOPIAN ~

A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes

~ Rising to courage and fighting for justice

 in an intriguing futuristic world ~

HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS? DO ANY INTEREST YOU?