Grounded Hearts book review

Grounded Hearts

by Jeanne M. Dickson 

I was excited to get this book to read and review because I absolutely love books set in World War 2. I am not a big fan of romance novels (partially because I don't believe them helpful or edifying for the reader's life) but in the past I have discovered a few romances set in World War 2 which I have enjoyed. Grounded Hearts is set in Ireland and the story revolves around an Irish midwife, Nan and a wounded RAF pilot whom she gives shelter to. However, the romance was badly done. A good romance novel weaves romance with purpose, making the romance the result of many interesting events. However, this book focuses on the romance, with the excitement and adventure taking a secondary position.             Besides, the romance is pretty intense and cheap. From the second chapter, the woman is attracted to this wounded pilot and is tempted in various ways by his presence in her home. The author's motives in including every thought and temptation experienced by Nan is questionable. 

Although this is not a terribly sinful romance, it still is cheap. When one reads a book, one doesn't want to know that the heroine had every possible thought and temptation about the wounded soldier in her home. We want to admire the woman in the story. We want powerful characters who overcome sin and temptation and eventually discover they love each other. Not two humans attracted to each other simply....because. This is probably a confusing review. On a spiritual aspect, Nan is Catholic and there is a strong emphasis on how her sins (even of thoughts) have to be confessed to the Priest (who is not the best character, by the way). There is a good picture of how Catholicism is not true redemption and salvation from sin. Note how I am not expecting the main characters to be perfect, Catholic or Christian. I want to emphasize this. But either way, I would expect stronger characters in a book of this sort. For instance, this story would make a terrible movie. Every scene would be either of sexual temptation (thoughts or actions) or kissing scenes. Thankfully nothing worse, but still. Seriously. Who wants to watch such a story? There is some action, but it is useless when paired with such romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

The Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk by Tracy Groot book review

The Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk

by Tracy Groot

    With the new Dunkirk film being released this year, this book has been published at the perfect time! I personally did not know much about Dunkirk before reading this book from popular Christian author Tracy Groot. As with much historical fiction, this book gives a good perspective on the actual events, opening the reader's eyes allowing him to experience the events through reading. This book was difficult to begin. The writing style was at first confusing as were the characters. However, almost magically, three chapters into the book I was engrossed and couldn't put the book down. Maybe it was just me, but more likely the author had a hard time beginning the story. Not to be negative, but the same situation repeats itself for the last two chapters of the book. They are just a little confusing with too much action and to many conclusions in a short amount of pages.

Nevertheless, negative points aside, this book was a pleasure to read!

   I was worried that it would be simply a romance with little historical quality. I was happily surprised to find that the romance is tastefully added to this novel without taking over the tale. I mean, there is no kissing. For a world war 2-based book (or movie for that matter!) this is phenomenal. Not to mention a nice change. The story in this book focuses more on action and character development. There are two different perspectives: Clare Child's on the homefront of England, and a small remnant of the British division over near Dunkirk (and finally, at Dunkirk). Unfortunately, the latter group was hard to really ''get to know'' in this book. The author tended to over do it with English sayings and jokes. She also did this with Clare Childs in a sense, which showed the author has a more televised understanding of English people.

But I still enjoyed this book. It really captured the setting and mood of the time and location.

I hate to be negative again, since this was a pleasant book but I must add that this is not an intensely Christian book. In fact I was a little confused by the point of the author on that subject. I gather that she was trying to appease both Catholics and Protestants in this book. The main character comes to a good realization of God's sovereignty but I was left a little bewildered nevertheless.

  In short, this book was not the most well-written and thought-out yet it captured my attention and interest for it's majority. Most of the characters were very realistic and enjoyable as was the setting. The romance was tasteful. This book is worth reading as a work of clean, accurate historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

England, 1940. Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the "Maggie Bright"--a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she's counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets. When a stranger arrives, searching for documents hidden onboard, Clare is pulled into a Scotland Yard investigation that could shed light on Hitler's darkest schemes and prompt America to action. Across the Channel, Hitler's "Blitzkrieg" has the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Hitler is attacking from land, air, and sea, and any boat that goes might not return. Yet Clare knows "Maggie Bright" must answer the call--piloted by an American who has refused to join the war effort until now and a detective with a very personal motive for exposing the truth.The fate of the war hinges on this rescue. While two men join the desperate fight, a nation prays for a miracle.

Review of the book The Missing Matisse: A Memoir by Pierre Henri Matisse

The Missing Matisse: A Memoir

by Pierre Henri Matisse

This is the autobiography/memoir of Pierre Henri Matisse, the grandson of legendary artist Henri Matisse. The setting is tumultuous world war 2.

This memoir had all the makings of an amazing read. It, however, surprisingly disappointed me. The writing style was unbelievably boring. The author included twice as much information as necessary to make his autobiography interesting. Every childhood memory, whether important to the ''plot'' or not, was included, making the reader confused as to what the purpose of each chapter was.

The writing style is present-tense which, combined with the length of the book makes it an extremely tedious read! The second half of the book is definitely better than the beginning but still not worth the time reading. It is unusual that I have such a bad opinion of an autobiography- especially one about World War II! I am sorry, but I can not give a good rating to this book.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

My review of the book Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart

Like a River from Its Course

by Kelli Stuart

I absolutely love reading books on the history of World War Two, whether they be biographies, autobiographies or worthwhile fiction. 
Thus, I was so excited when I had the opportunity to read and review Kelli Stuart's new book Like A River From Its Course! 
I was captivated from the first chapter! The (Ukrainian/German) world presented by this talented author was engrossing and accurate. I have read enough autobiographies of even the specific events such as Babi Yar which are highlighted in this book to know that the author writes with historical accuracy. One of the things that I love and am amazed by when reading this book is the author's ability to present the first person viewpoints of several characters without confusing the reader or detracting from the excitement of the story. I found it very easy to follow, in fact enhanced by the various persons viewpoints. Surprisingly, it wasn't even difficult to remember each individuals' name- although they were Ukrainian or German. I am delighted with the talent and time Kelli Stuart has undoubtedly invested in this novel. 
The character development was suberb. The story was the perfect balance of excitement, sadness and victory while staying true to historical facts. 
Without revealing some main twists in the story, I did love the romantic relationships. I found them quite unique and interesting. 
So, do read this book and follow the lives of Maria Ivanova, Ivan Kyrilovich, Luda and Frederick Hermann and gain a picture into what it would have been like to live- or die- during the time of World War Two. 

Based on true stories gathered from fifteen years of research and interviews with Ukrainian World War II survivors, Like a River from Its Course is a story of love, war, heartache, forgiveness, and redemption

My only surprise/criticism was that this novel didn't highlight salvation like I thought it would. There was nothing bad in this book and it definitely doesn't endorse wrong morals, but it's kind of basic and pleasing to a variety of readers which can be good in some ways. The Christianity underlined in this book is Catholicism I believe. But that portion was good and emphasized the need for faith. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, martyr, prophet, spy Student Edition by Eric Metaxas

   This is a new book from Thomas Nelson about Bonhoeffer, the famous ''pastor, martyr, prophet and spy''. It is specifically focused toward students and thus includes discussion questions and fun facts to help keep younger minds focused. The book is informative and organized; it begins with Bonhoeffer's early life and family and continues from there. I thought it important how clearly the author described the happenings of world war one and the aftermath which led to world war two!

I appreciated how this book was geared towards younger readers yet didn't sacrifice the important facts and lessons of Bonhoeffer's life and work. As an adult, I found the book interesting and informative. In fact, this is my first actual biography about this important figure in history! 
I love studying World War two history, and this book was able to provide me with some new and extremely interesting facts. 
I must admit that for some reason I had a difficult time starting the book; perhaps because it appeared more textbook-ish than it is in reality. However, once I had completed the first couple chapters, it was an exciting journey through the remaining chapters. I am extremely pleased with Thomas Nelson publishers and author Eric Metaxas for providing such a biography as this for students. I hope many will read and study this war and the spiritual battles behind it further!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

What would you do if your faith could cost you your life?

The fascinating story of one of Christianity s most courageous heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is now abridged and adapted for students. This compelling account of Bonhoeffer s remarkable testimony combined with historical, theological, and political elements and enhanced with photos brings the story to life. How did Bonhoeffer become someone who would defend God s truth, even when it was a matter of life and death? How did he endure the hardships that came with his faithfulness? How might we respond similarly to injustices today?

New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas vividly portrays the struggles and faith of Bonhoeffer, a man who had the courage to follow his convictions into Nazi Germany and stand up for the truth of God."

World War II memoir 'Til We Meet Again by Ray and Betty Whipps

    Recently, I have been reading book after book about World War two; biographies, autobiographies...I love all types of works concerning this portion of history! I must say I especially love autobiographies because they have a quality and depth which cannot be met by mere biographers, no matter how talented they may be as writers. Having read autobiographies from a variety of world war two survivors both Christians and atheists I emphasize that the ones from Christians have an amazing aspect which cannot be attempted by the non-believing survivors! Truly, Christian veterans and survivors know to Whom belongs the glory and praise! Til we Meet Again is an absolutely wonderful autobiography by Ray Whipps. I loved how Ray kept the all-important and sustaining aspect of his faith steady through the entire memoir. After reading several books which contained more-than-necessary descriptions of crude language, jokes, etc. during the war it was refreshing to find that 'Til We Meet again is appropriate for many different ages. This book can and indeed ought to be given to readers as young as 10 to read! True, there are some emotionally difficult parts because after all, this is war. But if you deem your child old enough to read of bloodshed and violence of a certain sort, than they will profit much from reading this book.
  Not to overlook the romantic story contained within the pages of this autobiography, I thought Ray and Betty's tale to be a remarkable and beautiful witness of God's mercy and faithfulness in His children's lives! It was such a sweet and wholesome romance. I am ever grateful for accounts such as these and am thankful that Christian veterans such as Ray Whipps took the time to reveal the trials and triumphs of life during World War II!
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

More about the book...
   Ray and Betty Whipps both served in Europe during WWII: Ray as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris, and Belgium, and Betty as a field nurse in Cherbourg, France. The two met when Betty tended to Ray after he was injured in a mortar blast. Both strong Christians, the two bonded over their shared faith, and as Betty nursed Ray back to health, they fell in love and vowed to marry after the war. However, soon after Ray returned to his unit, he was captured by German forces and held captive in Stalag VII, Germany’s largest prisoner of war camp. It was there that Ray’s faith was put to the ultimate test as he endured the most horrific weeks of his life—weeks marked by brutality, malnutrition, back-breaking labor, and near-constant death. The only thing that kept him alive was the dream of someday reuniting with Betty.

Told in first person from Ray’s perspective, with personal wartime letters from Betty interspersed throughout, ’Til We Meet Again is a sweeping love story set amid the backdrop of WWII. The perfect combination of “in the trenches” battlefield accounts and classic 1940s romance, this memoir reads almost like a novel. It is an epic story of faith, hope, and love, and a nostalgic look back at one of the most memorable periods in American history.

Book Review: Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

   Since I love anything vintage and am interested in world war 2 biographies, movies, and more I was delighted when I discovered author Sarah Sundin's books a little while ago. Since, I have quickly ''devoured'' every single book she has published and eagerly look forward to reading more of her works!
Through Waters Deep is the first book in a new series by the author! Exciting, isn't it? Plus, this series features the Navy- a new and fascinating venture for the author I'm sure! 
On a side note: I read this book this July 2015 and it was a perfect book for that month and season. :) 

First, I just want to say that Sarah Sundin does an absolutely amazing job in researching her settings. One would think that she knew every detail of what she wrote about it. Of course I am not a world war 2 veteran, yet I have read enough historical accounts to be alert to any mistakes an author of fiction might make. A fascinating touch in Through Waters Deep is that the author delved into a new realm for her...mystery! Throughout the book, the main character Mary along with the reader struggles to discover who the local saboteur could be! I found this an interesting twist. 
As always, Sarah Sundin writes with heart and vigour, making the reader both enjoy and benefit from reading each chapter. 
This book is set right before world war 2 actually! The end of the book features the bombing of pearl harbour which makes for an unusual and not as well-known setting. 

On a critical note....
1. I do not appreciate how descriptive this author is of the romantic attraction the couples have for each other. To be sure there are no sexual scenes in her books and the feelings of attraction are often true enough. But I prefer  when authors only hint at the physical attraction one might have for another. And I wish she would mostly concentrate on the heart of the individuals rather than the looks (this she did accomplish in one of her first novels).  
2. One thing that must go: the kisses. Why do Christian novels concentrate so very much on the passionate kisses experienced between the main couple? I beg the author to consider taking these descriptive kisses out future books! They are not good for young unmarried girls to ponder! We have strong enough imaginations already. And in books there are kisses and extremely descriptive kisses.... 
(the reader doesn't need to know all the passionate feelings and thoughts each kisser experiences!)
3. This is a minor note since the author doesn't claim to be a mystery author. Yet, I will mention that the reader cannot expect a Sherlock Holmes-quality mystery from this book. ;) Although the mystery itself wasn't too telltale, it likewise was too broad in that the reader couldn't do any sleuthing for herself and really was left not caring who was the culprit! Sort of. 
4. I did not like the beautiful blond friend who shows up. I know what kind of fun, loving girl she was supposed to be but somehow they way she threw herself on poor Jim was too much. Oh well. She wasn't far off from many 1940's actresses I suppose.

I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

About the author:

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Find Sarah online: website, Facebook, Twitter

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

A Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

   I don't read much fiction, but I have a fondness for historical fiction and especially world war two historical fiction. (and of course in the adult realm of recent literature, I stick to Christian fiction/historical fiction)

  I was intrigued by A Sparrow in Terezin on account of the world war two setting. When I began reading this novel, I was surprised by the unusual method the author has of coordinating two different stories in one volume; as you read the book you will jump back and forth from a story set in present-day California to the afore-mentioned world war two adventure. This at first may seem confusing yet the author, Kristy Cambron reveals exceptional writing skills in her melodious manner of conducting the two different tales. 

A Sparrow in Terezin is the indeed the sequel to Kristy Cambron's first novel, The Butterfly and the Violin in which you met the characters Sera and William Hanover. A Sparrow in Terezin was my first read from this author yet I had no difficulty keeping up with the tale. It did indeed have a confusing beginning but so exciting was it that it couldn't deter me from continuing to read just to uncover all the secrets. 

  I thought the author wrote with wonderful style and skill. It is rare to find a Christian fiction book written in such a classic manner. I believe that is the crowning glory of this book. The characters (particularly the world war two side in this book) are interesting and realistic. I did find that the plot twist, the storyline of this book wasn't worth the time I gave to reading the book. However on the other hand any time spent reading this book wasn't necessarily a waste since it was so well-written. But I did feel disappointment during the concluding chapters of the book. I was left with the feeling that everything wrapped up too easily and quickly.
Lastly, I did not feel much Spiritual depth in this novel. Surprisingly, the romance contained within was sane and beautiful; not overdone. But the faith aspect lacked strongly. There are some courageous moments of human grace and mercy which are wonderful. But other than that nothing life-changing. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!


Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

My Battle Against Hitler by Dietrich von Hildebrand

My Battle Against Hitler by Dietrich von Hildebrand

What makes a man Hitler's biggest enemy? We Christians of today would learn much if we observed the methods of Dietrich Von Hildebrand. This philosopher and theologian knew that to combat an evil belief system, one must destroy the very roots of that system.  With wisdom and fervour, Hildebrand attacked the basis of the Nazi beliefs. 
   This book is divided into two sections. Personally, I found the first a little philosophical for me who doesn't entirely agree with Hildebrand's Catholic faith. The second half is more understandable and applicable. Applicable? you may query. Yes, because our culture today finds itself in a much similar anti-faith situation as pre-World War 2 Germany! Hitler was not only anti-Semetic. He was anti-Christianity as well. He was in league with Satan and blatantly promoted Satanic practices. 
I am passionate about studying history, especially through the eyes of faith, and I appreciated yet another book on this important topic. Although I didn't agree with Hildebrand's Catholic faith, there was much in this book to learn from. Anyone interested in World War 2 history and such will benefit from this autobiography.

From the publisher's site....

His story might well have been lost to us were it not for this memoir he penned in the last decades of his life at the request of his wife, Alice von Hildebrand. In My Battle Against Hitler, covering the years from 1921 to 1938, von Hildebrand tells of the scorn and ridicule he endured for sounding the alarm when many still viewed Hitler as a positive and inevitable force. He expresses the sorrow of having to leave behind his home, friends, and family in Germany to conduct his fight against the Nazis from Austria. He recounts how he defiantly challenged Nazism in the public square, prompting the German ambassador in Vienna to describe him to Hitler as "the architect of the intellectual resistance in Austria." And in the midst of all the danger he faced, he conveys his unwavering trust in God, even during his harrowing escape from Vienna and his desperate flight across Europe, with the Nazis always just one step behind.

Dietrich von Hildebrand belongs to the very earliest anti-Nazi resistance. His public statements led the Nazis to blacklist him already in 1921, long before the horrors of the Third Reich and more than twenty-three years before the famous assassination attempt on Hitler in July 1944. His battle would culminate in the countless articles he published in Vienna, a selection of which are featured in this volume.

"It is an immense privilege," writes editor John Henry Crosby, founder of the Hildebrand Project, "to present to the world the shining witness of one man who risked everything to follow his conscience and stand in defiance of tyranny."

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin historical fiction review

In Perfect Time (Wings of the Nightingale #3)

by Sarah Sundin 

Always drawn to World War II books, I was excited to begin this historical fiction romance by Sarah Sundin.must say upfront that I am not a big fan of books which are primarily romances. I love good romance in a book, but I feel like the romance is just...overdone in romance novels! So when I say that I thought this book good is saying a lot. 

The third in the author's ''Wings of the Nightingale'' series, this book focuses on the third of the ''Nightingales'', flight nurse Kay Jobson. Although it is about characters from the previous two books, it is a great on its own as well. I hadn't read the first two in this series and was able to launch into these characters' world quite well.
Having grown up in a hypocritical 'Christian' family, Kay has a negative view of church and religion. This book is a wonderful story of how God can use His word, and his people to bring salvation to the most unlikely people.

Personally, I was intrigued by the deep message which was the spine of this romance. It is rare that you find a romance, even a Christian one which has such a life-changing message as this one. The author does a wonderful job of teaching that we have no control over our lives. I really related to the 'heroine'-Kay-in this book. Not in every aspect certainly, but in the aspect that she is used to controlling her life. When everything starts veering out of control, she feels at a loss. And sometimes, when we have reached the end of ourselves that is when God works in us. I loved that this book revolved not just around the romance, as too many romances do, but around faith and character development.
Although I would have preferred this book to have even more historical facts than it does, it is far beyond most romance-focused romance novels in that there is actually adventure in this one! It was quite an interesting read. 
I will add, however that it is for adults. And the end isn't spectacular. But I see the author's point. She did a good job finishing everything up.

Read more reviews here

I was pleased to receive this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Good book: Daisies Are Forever by Liz Tolsma

DAISIES ARE FOREVER by Liz Tolsma

Captivating story. Perfect for young adults. Some of the content is not suitable for younger readers. Good Christian message, interesting story.

Very engaging! Heart-touching! Interesting! Historically-accurate! Good message! Good romance!

From the first chapter, I was captured by this book. I was instantly drawn into the world of the characters within. This new Christian novel by award-winning author Liz Tolsma takes place in war-torn 1940 Germany. Unusually, this book comes from the perspective of innocent German citizens, terrified by the encroaching Russians.
Gisela is of German family but American-born. She is staying at her cousin's home in Germany when news of the Russians impending arrival comes. Gisela takes on the weight of shepherding Ella's two daughters to safety. Thus begins a long, harrowing journey, during which there are welcome- and some not so welcome- additions to their group as well as losses. Liz Tolsma is an excellent author. She captures the attention of the modern reader without sacrificing quality and depth in her literature. I loved the message of faith that the author carefully brings forth in the story.

All in all, this was quite the exciting read!

I would add this note: this book is for the young adult/adult reader. Some of the content would not be suitable for younger or innocent readers. Especially later in the book, there are graphic descriptions of the horrors of assaults of women by the enemy and such. Not too much for a reader over 15. But I just wanted to give a heads up. Also, the romance is deep and could be (perhaps should be?) beyond the less mature reader.

I received this book in exchange for my review through the Litfuse blogging program.

About the book:

Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch's identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her "marriage."

Their journey to Gisela's mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella's daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.

book review: Defy the Night

Defy the Night

A Novel by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

It is the tumultuous year of 1941 and the people of France are living in apprehension, fear and confusion. Fifteen-year old Magali is restless because of the inactivity of the regular citizens. Hitler has taken over her homeland and yet she can do nothing. Or so she thinks. Soon an opportunity arises involving legally rescuing children from internment camps. Magali is overcome by her admiration for Paquette, the young woman in charge of these missions whose desire is to save as many lives as possible. This calling is transferred to Magali's heart as she experiences the drama and importance herself. 

A book about character development and the maturing heart and mind of a teenage girl, Defy the Night gives a great depiction of how a young girl might have felt during these dangerous years. Personally, I didn't think the book had enough emphasis on personal faith. And I didn't enjoy reading Magali's selfish thoughts and feelings. In a way, she was a little young for her fifteen years. On the other hand, I know I was immature myself at that age. 
Lastly, the language in this book is too modern for the times. Especially the grammar and language of Magali's thoughts. The writing quality of this book is not my style as the sentences are short and non-descriptive. Yet this book is definitely interesting and captures the attention of the reader. The style is popular amongst modern readers, I know. 
Although I probably will not keep this book, I do not dis-recommend it. ;)

I received this book free for review through KregelPublications and was encouraged to express my honest opinion in this review.

Good book: Hitler's Cross

Hitler's Cross by Erwin W Lutzer
foreword by Ravi Zacharias  (2012 edition)

***** book, ages 15+...Thorough explanation to the ideas that Hitler carried. Thought-provoking and convicting. Review below: (paragraphs in bold are quotes from the book)

   This book is all I expected it to be, and more. A weighty work by Erwin Lutzer, it brings to light the  evil belief system which drove Hitler as well as some of his predecessors and followers in their walk of sin. Although I knew the basics for Hitler's hatred of the Jews and Christians, and had studied his life somewhat about ten years ago, I had much more to learn. How he was rooted in occultism, loved Hinduism, believed in the caste system, set himself up as the fulfillment of Christ, (disgusting!) and led the majority of the German nation into sin.
   Reading this book is hard because of the blasphemous beliefs and words presented by Adolf Hitler and his followers. I'm not saying that I didn't previously know that Hitler was that dangerous...I just didn't fathom the depths from which the monstrosities he endorsed and carried out. It's easy to believe, if you don't read further into Hitler's belief system, that he was ''just'' an extremely power-hungry man, as many kings of the past have been, with a hatred of Jews...and Christians...and righteousness. But to realize that the murder of millions was just a portion of what he would have loved to have carried out...

  And to think that, without Christ we all are just as evil! Our ''little'' sins are just as condemning. It's eye-opening to ponder this thought. It would have been good if the author had dwelt on self-examination in this important book. Yet I understand that he had too much as it was to write in this good-sized paperback.
One thing he does tackle:An aspect which I did not expect in this book was the likening of pre-Hitler Germany to...America. Of course I have heard some about this similarity, but it just hovered at the back of my mind after the initial surprise.
 This book is an eye-opener and leaves no room for doubting. As the author explains at a point in the book...

''We can't help but wonder whether the church was warning people about this satanic occultism that swept Germany. The lie that Christianity can be combined with the esoteric mysticism of other religions is easily believed by those who are ignorant of the biblical warnings about such compromise. The apparent silence of the church about such rebellion is a warning to us who live in an age when these same ideas flourish in our country, albeit in a different form.''

The author explains that Germany as a whole, depressed by the outcome of World War 1 and it's the destruction left in its wake was especially open to 'false prophets' such as Hitler. They were steeped in occultism. And we end up with such quotes as these...

 Aug. 30 1933: Pastor Julius Leutherser stated 'Christ has come through Hitler...we have only one task, be German, not Christian.''

Thankfully, the author does also have a couple chapters on the faithful men of God in Germany at this time; namely Bonhoeffer, of course. 

The author quotes from Hitler's statements....''Christianity, by honoring mercy and forgiveness, has weakened the German nation''. In contrast, Hitler's religion would be a ''joyous message that liberated men from the things that burdened their life. We should no longer have any fear of death or a bad conscience.''

''What Christ began'', he said, ''I will complete.'' In a speech...he parodied the Lord's prayer, promising that under him a new kingdom would come on earth....

In Nuremberg, a giant photo of Hitler was captioned with the words ''In the beginning was the Word.''

So blasphemous.
We need to examine our own hearts...
  ''Those of us who live in America think that suffering for Christ is somehow fundamentally inadmissible; it is un-American and contradicts the notion that ''I should do what is best for me''

I repeat, this is a thought-provoking book packed with hard truths. It is so easy to ignore the facts of the past, to assume that a war such as world war 2 will never again happen. But author Erwin Lutzer explains the importance of studying the problems and sins of the past so that we may avoid them in the future.


I received this book free from Moody Publishers as part of their Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Good book: Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life

Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life: From the Cross, for the World by  Stephen J Nichols

    In this book, author Stephen Nichols guides the reader through the life  and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer which especially pertain to living the Christian life.
   Bonhoeffer seems to have had remarkable insight  on the decline of the contemporary church; the unhealthy patterns which he observed and felt concern over have certainly continued and worsened over the years.
   Living in a nation ruled by power-hungry Adolf Hitler,  Dietrich Bonhoeffer's thoughts and writings stress the truth that true greatness and power come not from one's own strength but through the blood of Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer stressed that humility is true strength.  ''We tend to prefer the language of victory, of achievement and accomplishment, and of success and overcoming....'' (-Bonhoeffer) but again the author quotes Bonhoeffer: ''It is in our weakness that God's strength is displayed.''

Stephen Nichols explains: ''Bonhoeffer saw clearly that the church must have Jesus at the center...must have room for Jesus who suffered. Bonhoeffer spoke of Jesus the crucified as the model for us.  Jesus suffered rejection, came and acted and lived for others, lived a sacrificial life for others, died a sacrificial death in love for others....He is the model for the Christian life.''

I found this book greatly convicting, and am thankful that I had such a well-rounded introduction to the works of Bonhoeffer, whose writings I had never personally read until now.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer only lived thirty-nine years and the final years of his life were spent in prison, as the punishment for his courageous stand against the terrible regime of the evil man whom most Germans considered their ''savior''! His writings bring forth the importance of cross-centered theology.

Nichols quotes Bonhoeffer: ''...'His cross is the triumph over suffering.' We are called to such a life. We follow Christ 'under the cross'.''

''Bearing the cross does not bring misery and despair....rather, it provides refreshment and peace for our souls; it is our greatest joy. No longer laden with self-made laws and burdens...It is He Himself who disciples find when they take up their cross...''

As I pray that these truths would help change my persistently selfish view of life, I trust that this book would enable you to seek true ''greatness'' in Christ as well. We have so much to learn.

''Only he who lives by the forgiveness of his sin in Jesus Christ will rightly think little of himself. He will know that his own wisdom reached the end of its tether when Jesus forgave him. 

I received Bonhoeffer On the Christian Life by Stephen Nichols from Crossway publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.