Cover L♡ver Book Review

Historical Christian Fiction Usually, opening a book to a present tense narration turns me off. (I’m just not a fan of present tense.) All For a Song , by Allison Pittman, didn’t do that. I was drawn in so quickly by the charming narrative voice of 107-year-old Lynnie. Instantly, I cared about her. Then the story switches to an earlier period—the roaring 20s. Lynnie (Dorothy Lynn Dunbar) is 19 and tells the story about how her past unfolded. I cared about the characters, loved the vivid scenes, and appreciated the author’s ease of transitions between the present and past. The Christian influence in this book is evident, but not preachy, and shares the message of restoration, such as in the story of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32.) Cover: Like it Title: Love it Publisher: Tyndale Publishers Pages: 368 Pace: Steady First Line: Ma always called it cheating to stay up past midnight. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy free

Book #6 of TJ and the Time Stumblers Yikes!!!, by Bill Myers, is book #6 in the TJ and the Time Stumblers 6 book series. TJ’s 23 rd century friends, Tuna and Herby, have another lesson to teach her. The trio visits the African jungle and learns the value of kindness, and how leadership often mimics subservience.  (Matthew 20:26, “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”) This last book in the series shares an important message, but doesn’t seem to have the flair the other 5 did. Perhaps it’s because it’s an end to all the fun.  Cover: Like it Title: Like it Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pages: 176 Pace: fast

Book #5 of TJ and the Time Stumblers Switched!!!!, by Bill Myers, is book #5 in the TJ and the Time Stumblers 6 book series. These are highly entertaining and engaging books. The entire series is unique in page appearance, and filled with Biblical messages. In this installment of TJ and her muddled, chaotic friends from the 23 rd century, Herby and Tuna, deals with all the chaos of the rest of the series. This one, however involves Herby and Tuna shaving TJ bald!  Within all the wackiness and mayhem, TJ switches bodies with her archenemy, Hester Breakahart. Lesson learned—you don’t know someone else’s life unless you walk in their shoes. In this case—literally.  Cover: Like it Title: Like it Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pages: 176 Pace: fast

Book #4 of TJ and the Time Stumblers Ho-Ho-Nooo!, by Bill Myers, is book #4 in the TJ and the Time Stumblers 6 book series—and my favorite! These are highly entertaining and engaging books. The entire series is unique in page appearance, and filled with Biblical messages. When TJ finds out her father lost his job, she goes on a quest to raise money to give to her father for Christmas. The ‘lesson’ learned (each book conveys a Biblical message) is that there is more to Christmas than gifts. TJ deals with the issues at hand, without having a ‘redo’ through time travel. The message is strong and powerful. Cover: Like it Title: Like it Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pages: 176 Pace: fast

Book #3 of TJ and the Time Stumblers Oops!, by Bill Myers, is book #3 in the TJ and the Time Stumblers 6 book series. Once again, TJ and her friends, Tuna and Herby, delve into chaotic times. The story is so creative, over the top and silly. The fonts (some large – to emphasize emotion) are fun and make this series unique. The lesson taught in this tale (there is a moral to each book) is to watch your tongue. It’s easy to slip into negativity, and it can be hurtful to others when you say not-so-nice-things about them. If you think nice things, that’s what will come out of you. (Matthew 15:18, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” ) Cover: Like it Title: Like it Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pages: 192 Pace: fast

Book #2 of TJ and the Time Stumblers AAAARGH!!! , by Bill Myers, is book #2 in the TJ and the Time Stumblers 6 book series. As in #1, The New Kid Catastrophes, these time traveling kids kept me engaged and amused. The chaos is endless, which keeps readers attention, and Bill Myers manages to sew a thread of a message throughout, without it feeling like ‘this is the moral of the story.’ The ‘lesson’ taught in this tale is the repercussions of cheating. Sometimes twisting of the truth may not seem so bad, but it catches up with you. There are always better choices, and they’re shown in amusing, yet meaningful ways. TJ, Tuna, and Herby are fun, unforgettable characters. Although they are middle-schoolers, I feel younger kids could easily relate. Cover: Like it Title: Like it Publisher: Tyndale Kids Pages: 192 Pace: fast

Christian Historical Fiction - by, Liz Tolsma I really like that Snow on the Tulips was based on a true story. I’ve read books and watched movies about WWII, but Liz Tolsma wrote this in a more gentle way. That’s not to say that things were glossed over, she avoided the gory details that are often the focal point. Sometimes while reading books with several characters, I find myself fanning back through the pages, trying to figure out who is who, but that wasn’t necessary in this book. The characters were well developed, and I was genuinely interested in their outcomes. I was drawn to Cornelia, and understood how she ‘lost herself.’ If you like historical fiction, I feel you’ll love this book. There were some slow parts, but I was never bored. Cover: Like it Title: Love it Publisher: Thomas Nelson Pages: 336 Pace: Slow/Steady First Line: "Schnell, schnell!" A German soldier jammed the cold hard barrel of his rifle into Gerrit