Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Spring Poems by Us!

Flowers are Cuddly!

Flowers! 

My favorites are tulip and lily-of-the-valley

Their leaves are soft.

Their stems are quite greenish!!!

 

Tulips and Crocus

Tulip, others don’t compare

Many colors, one or multi

Dark green leaves

Crocus, purple, yellow, and white

so small

with leaves like grass

but wait!

See the white stripe mid-leaf?

Monday, April 28, 2014

Picture of the Week! (April 28, 2014)- Buffalo Bill Cody

DSCF1458 (Small)

If you had to guess, where do you think Buffalo Bill Cody’s boyhood is located, in Iowa where he was born or at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West?

It is located on the grounds of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.

Perfumed Letters by Robin T. Smith (Review)

Perfumed Letters

by Robin T. Smith

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Women’s Issues

Publisher- Outskirts Press

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 156

Age Group- Adult (Women)

Description of book- Paperback, $12.99, ISBN: 978-1-4787-1387-6

Do you like perfume?  In Perfumed Letters, by Robin T. Smith, you will discover what your individual scent is from God.

You will learn:

  • How to make you specific scent last.
  • What the Black Market and Synthetic Fragrances are.
  • How to apply your scent.

About the Author:

Robin T. Smith is currently active duty Air Force, a mother, and working on a Bachelor of Arts in English.

My thoughts:  

I had a lot of mixed feelings about Perfumed Letters, by Robin T. Smith.  I thought this book, had a lot of strong and good ideas, but I was not in the right demographic.  Smith, I felt, was writing to women who live in the inner-city.  I do not and thus I do not speak in the way or have the behaviors that she is relating to.

One of the parts that bothers me the most is when she refers to having a "booty-call type relationship with Christ."  I find that phrase to be very disrespectful towards Christ.  I understand what she is referring to, but there are many ways to word it.

It was in the tenth chapter that I really felt the book came together and was one that everyone could read and learn a lot from. 

I would recommend this book to women who live in the inner-city.  I know they could read this book and become closer to God.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Perfumed Letters, by Robin T. Smith, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Missionary Stories from Brinkman Adventures! (Review for the Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received Brinkman Adventures Season 2 for review purposes!

Product Links: The Brinkman Adventures Season 2: Episodes 13-24

Vendor Information Link: The Brinkman Adventures

Age Appeal: For families of all ages

Format: MP3 format or 4 CDs (We received the MP3 format).  It includes 12 episodes and more than 5 hours of listening time.

Price: As of April 23, 2014 Suggested donation of $25 per CD set or $17 per MP3 set

In the Brinkman Adventures, the names have been changed, but are based on a a real family.  The actors and actresses play themselves in this audio drama and the episodes are based on different stories from around the world.

Here are the episodes from Season 2:

  • The Mystery Ring
  • Blue Hat & T-Shirt Bible
  • How Big is Your God, part 1
  • How Big is Your God, part 2
  • Mexico by Bus
  • Treehouse Academy
  • Pirates of Mayan Island
  • Sapphire Slaves, part 1 (not for children under 10)
  • Sapphire Slaves, part 2 (not for children under 10)
  • Hadi’s Choice (not for children under 10)
  • Castle of Secrets
  • On the Run

Our Experience: 

We enjoy reading and listening to different missionary stories, so I thought these would be fun to listen to and talk about.

We needed to take a short road trip, so we listened to some of these Christian stories along the way.  We listened to others during Bible study time and when B and C worked on their handwriting lessons.  We had a lot of fun talking about them.

The children enjoyed all of the episodes, but the two about the sapphire slaves.

Mama’s Thoughts:

  • I really recommend that you listen to the two episodes about the sapphire slaves and “Hadi’s Choice” before you let your children under ten listen.  The subject material might upset your children.
  • I liked that there were adventures from different parts of the world and from different people.  They just didn’t involve the Brinkmans.
  • There was a wide variety of adventures from bus, boat, and horse rides along with pirates, chickens, and bad guys.
  • B and C really enjoyed the stories until they heard the episodes about the sapphire slaves.  I thought they would like the stories, but they did not.  B did not even want to listen to any of the other episodes.  I had to reassure him that they were good.  It was strange, because they have listen to other stories with similar situations.
  • My favorite episodes involved the character, John Benti.  He told them stories and at the end he would ask, “How big is your God?”  These stories showed me that God can work miracles and have unexpected things happen.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I liked every adventure, except both parts about the sapphire slaves and “Hadi’s Choice.”  I did not like “Hadi’s Choice,” because Hadi’s father said that if he became a Christian, Hadi would no longer be his son.  I did not like the ones about the sapphire slaves, because the slaves were children and had been kidnapped. 

My favorite adventure was “Pirates of Mayan Island.”  I liked that in the story Damacio was a relative of Blackbeard.

I think that Brinkman Adventures would be good for people my age and older.  

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade): 

The episodes were interesting.  The episodes about the sapphire slaves, were not my thing.  I liked “Mexico by Bus,” because the semis moved so the Brinkmans could go through and go to Belize. 

All the episodes, except for the two about the sapphire slaves, would be good for kids my age.      

Dad’s Thoughts:

The Brinkman Adventure series about a family traveling on missionary trips to serve Christ are quite entertaining and informational.  The Brinkman children put together the stories from their experiences and added their voices to the audio tapes.  I enjoyed listening to the story of their trip to Belize.  They had several adventures just trying to get out of the US.

What fascinates me the most is how God provided answers when the Brinkmans were facing challenges and difficulties. The answers were like pieces of puzzle, they always fit together to make a clear picture.

I recommend getting the Brinkman Adventure audio series as they are just 30 minutes an episode and are great for short travel trips or for longer trips you can keep the story going. When we stopped the car we would sit and listen to the last few minutes of an episode. The are truly enjoyable and revealing of God's love through his answers to prayers.

Mama recommends Brinkman Adventures Season 2!

Social Media Links for Brinkman Adventures:

 
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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Prayer of the Week! (April 24, 2014)- Ephesians 1:5-6

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:5-6.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for always loving us and wanting to adopt us, but most of all thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus.  Without Him we would never be able to be with You in Heaven.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Monday, April 21, 2014

Picture of the Week! (April 21, 2014)- Lego Sorting

We decided that it would be a good idea for us to sort the Legos.  I thought it would be easier for the children to play with.  It wasn’t.  We had the Legos separated into drawers by colors and sizes for a few months, then we took them all out and mixed them up.  The children think it is much more fun to look through them to find what they want. 

I found a new use for the drawer system, storing sewing supplies.  :)

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Canyon of Danger (Book 3) and River of Peril (Book 4) by Susan K. Marlow (Review)

Canyon of Danger (Book 3) and River of Peril (Book 4) from Goldtown Adventures

By Susan K. Marlow

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Christian

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2013 (Canyon of Danger) and 2014 (River of Peril)

Number of pages- 152 (Canyon of Danger) and 144 (River of Peril)

Age Group- Juvenile

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $7.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4296-4 (Canyon of Danger) and ISBN 978-0-8254-4297-1 (River of Peril)

In Canyon of Danger, by Susan K. Marlow, twelve-year-old Jem Coulter is going to be taking care of the ranch while his father, Sheriff Coulter, takes a prisoner to Sacramento.  Jem has no idea what is in store for him.  There are problems with the cattle herd, someone is hurt, and Sheriff Coulter’s rifle and Jem’s horse are stolen.  Will Ellie, his sister, and Nathan, his cousin, be able to help him with the problems?  Will Aunt Rose help him solve the problems.

Read an excerpt!

Jem and his family are on the way to Sacramento in River of Peril.  It takes them two days on the stage and they are held up by the Knights of the Golden Circle.  Strangely Jem’s father is not upset, why? 

Once they are in the city, Jem, Ellie, and Nathan explore the river wharf and make friends with someone who lives on a paddlewheel steamboat.  They find some of the Knights of the Golden Circle on the steamboat, then Ellie vanishes.  Jem knows he needs to find his sister.  Will he?

Read an excerpt!

About the Author-

Susan K. Marlow enjoys leading writing workshops.  She finds that looking at the historical sites is the best part about writing historical fiction.  She is the author of the Circle C Adventures and Circle C Beginnings series. 

My thoughts-

My family and I have read Tunnel of Gold (Book 2) together and really enjoyed it.  I was excited when the opportunity arose to review books three and four in the Goldtown Adventures series, by Susan K. Marlow. 

We read Canyon of Danger (book 3) as a family.  In a couple of months when C is at the right reading level, she will read it to herself.  If we don’t read it as a family first.  C was really excited to hear Canyon of Danger during our family reading time.  She wanted me to keep reading more and more.

I really enjoyed these books, they have a wonderful message about faith in God, how to persevere, they work well as a living book for history, and they are just fun books to read.  There are also literature guides at www.GoldtownAdventures.com.  I highly recommend readers use them to learn even more about the books. 

Marlow has written a fun good quality book for children.  I highly recommend them for your family.

C (girl, age 8) said, “I liked listening to Canyon of Danger, by Susan K. Marlow.  It was a really exciting book.  This would be a good book for children my age and older.”

B (boy, age 12) said, “I liked Canyon of Danger best.  I liked Rafe’s role in the story.  My least favorite chapter in River of Peril is chapter seventeen.  I don’t like it because a steamboat boiler explodes.  Both books are good for children to read to themselves.”   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Canyon of Danger and River of Peril, by Susan K. Marlow, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Picture of the Week! (April 14, 2014)- Train Station

Wooden trains are so much fun.  Here is a sample of what B and C have done in the past!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Curiosity Quest (Review for the Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received the Curiosity Quest DVD Combo Packs for review purposes!

Product Links: DVD Combo Pack – Produce (Mushrooms, Cranberries, Orange Packing) and DVD Combo Pack - Swimmers of the Sea (Sea Turtle Rescue, Penguins, Salmon)

Vendor Information Link: Curiosity Quest

Age Appeal: ages 7-14

Format: DVD, 3 episodes which are about 30 minutes long each

Price: as of April 11, 2014, each DVD is $24.95

Curiosity Quest is a television show for families, hosted by Joel Greene.  In each episode Greene takes the viewer on a quest by on a question from another viewer.

In our two combo packs we learned about:

  • Mushrooms: how they grow and how to pick and pack them.
  • Oranges: how they grow and how to pick and pack them.
  • Cranberries: how they are harvested, cleaned and selected, then packed.
  • Salmon: what they eat, how long they live, and how they know how to come back to the same place where they were born.
  • Penguins: what they eat, how to pet them, what noise they make, why penguins don’t fly.
  • Sea Turtles: how fast they swim, how big they can get, and reasons why they need to be rescued.
  • and more!

Our Experience: 

We love learning about different subjects.  Videos can be a fun way to learn about something we may never be able to experience ourselves.

B and C were excited when we received the DVDs in the mail, so we stopped what we were working on and decided to watch the episodes about cranberries, mushrooms, and oranges.

We learned how mushrooms are grown, about harvesting cranberries, and orange packing.  We couldn’t believe the amount of information that was given in thirty minutes.

On another day we learned about sea turtle rescue in the Florida Keys, Magellanic penguins, and King, Pink, and Sockeye Salmon.

I know these videos will be favorites in our family for years to come.  We plan on watching them with the cousins this summer. 

Mama’s Thoughts:

  • I really enjoyed how involved each episode was.  Even though each episode was only 30 minutes, I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about salmon, sea turtles, penguins, cranberries, oranges, and mushrooms.
  • One of my favorite parts of each episode was when they asked questions to people off the street.  The questions were interesting and not all the people knew the right answers.  That was interesting.  There were many questions where I did not know the answers.
  • I did not know it was against the law to touch a sea turtle.  Now I am wondering what happens to you if you have to touch a sea turtle to rescue it when you are at sea.
  • I enjoyed everything about these videos, there was nothing to dislike.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I really liked Curiosity Quest

Here is what I have to say about each episode:

  • The episode about mushrooms was my favorite.  I really liked how they broke down the hay and turned it into soil.  I also liked learning that the hay can get over 100 degrees.  It was interesting learning how mushrooms grow. 
  • I enjoyed learning about cranberries.  I learned a lot of new things in this episode.  I used to think that they grew cranberries in water, not that they flooded the bogs to make the cranberries float.  I also learned about all the products that contain cranberries. 
  • I learned a lot about oranges.  I did not know there were so many steps to take before they arrive at the grocery store. 
  • The episode on penguins was my second favorite, because the penguins were so cute and cuddly.  I really liked how they walk.         
  • I liked watching the episode about salmon.  I thought it was interesting how millions of fish are raised in the hatchery each year. 
  • The episode on sea turtles was my third favorite, because I like the way they look, move, and swim. 

What I didn’t like:

  • In the episode about salmon they didn’t mention what they did with all the salmon after they die from spawning.

Overall, I think these two Curiosity Quest DVDs would be good for people of all ages.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade): 

I really liked Curiosity Quest

I really enjoyed watching the episode about penguins.  I learned what they ate and how to pet a penguin.

The other episode I liked was about oranges.  I learned that they took good care of the oranges when they were in the processing plant.  There was even a washing machine for the oranges.

It would be good for people of all ages.

Dad’s Thoughts:

Joel Greene's Curiosity Quest videos are informative, fun, and best of all realistic.  He doesn't rely on special effects to make the videos entertaining.  His direct approach to conversations with the owners/operators/staff is refreshing and informative.  I like how Joel uses readers' letters to determine the topics for each Curiosity Quest episode.  I would say that Joel does his best to make each topic a learning reality show and that's what makes you want to keep watching episode after episode.  You can watch sample episodes at their website, www.curiosityquest.org, which I highly recommend because they have some great stuff on Rugby, Go Karts, and Challenge Courses.

Joel and his crew are doing a fantastic job with Curiosity Quest !  My kids and I will keep coming back for more.

Mama highly recommends Curiosity Quest DVDs!

Social Media Links for Curiosity Quest:

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Uncovered by Rod Tucker (Review)

Uncovered: The Truth about Honesty and Community

By Rod Tucker

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4334-3

Christians are not always known for showing what their lives are really like.  Rod Tucker has written Uncovered, to show that we need honesty in our lives and how to do it.  We need to have honesty in our lives and also in our churches.

He discusses personal honesty, honesty and the church, and honesty, the church, and how to see past ourselves.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Rod Tucker currently lives in Michigan and is the founding pastor of The River:pm.  You can learn more at www.rodtuckersays.com.

My thoughts-

I thought the idea behind Uncovered was great, but I don’t think Rod Tucker wrote a book which fully captured what it needed to be.

We do need to have honesty in our churches, communities, and homes.  The honesty we should have, could open our churches to accept people the way they are, not the way that is expected.

There are a couple of questions at the end of each chapter, but I think there could be more.  I was unable to meld it all together.  It might have helped if I was in a group discussing the questions and book.  More feedback would have developed stronger answers and more delight in this book.

I personally did not find this book very interesting or helpful.  You will have to check the book out for yourself. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Uncovered: The Truth about Honest and Community, by Rod Tucker, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Victus Study Skills System (Review for the Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received Victus Study Skills System for review purposes!

Product Links: Student Workbook and Teacher Edition

Vendor Information Link: Victus Study Skills System

Age Appeal: Works for all ages, but is most appropriate for 5th to 12th grade.  There will be more teacher instruction with younger students. 

Format: Physical bound books

Price: As of April 7, 2014 the Teacher Edition is $40 and the Student Workbook is $20.

Do your children need a system for learning and studying?  B did and he learned how to learn and study using the Victus Study Skills System.

This study skills system has 10 lessons based on three cornerstones (“Where am I am now?,” “Where do I want to be?,” and “How do I get there?,” and includes:

  • Learning strengths.
  • Listening.
  • Note taking and test taking.
  • Time management.
  • and more!

The Teacher Edition includes the answers to the questions in the Student Workbook along with instructions on how to best teach the course.

There are a variety of helpful videos and samples along with other products on the Victus Study Skills System website.

Our Experience: 

As a fourth grader I think B is at one of the youngest ages for this study system.  I think C would be too young, even though I did have her work on some parts. 

I knew after working on the first lesson that it would be too much for B to work on lesson a day.  I decided to work on the lessons for twenty minutes at a time, so he would get tired of working on it.  I was very glad I chose that way, because he was always interested to work on the lessons.

I had C work on some lessons too, because there were things she needed to learn, even at her age.  She leaned what type of learner she is and how to make goals.  She found those to be a lot of fun.

Some of the parts were more difficult, because our learning method doesn’t utilize tests.  B and C also do not have homework.  They get their work done during school.  I am planning on to start using tests in school in the next year or two, because I know they will need to know how to take them when they are in high school and college.

Mama’s Thoughts:

  • I liked that the purpose of the Victus Study Skills System was to help the student be successful in life.  That was great that the the word, victus, from the title means a way of life.  That is just what I wanted for B, a study system that would become a way of life for him.
  • I would have liked a better way of filling in the blanks, like a list of words or a section of text to read.
  • I think this is a homeschool product we could use every couple of years or review often, so that B and C don’t forget the best ways to learn and the importance of a schedule, goals, and knowing how to take a test or study.
  • The appendix had a lot of information.  It is something that needs to utilized.
  • It is a system that needs to be constantly, to help improve study skills and habits.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I liked the Victus Study Skills System.  I think it would be a good study system for public school, not so much for homeschool.  For example, we do not have homework and we do not take formal tests.  It dealt a lot with homework and taking tests. 

I liked making my goals.  I now have goals for videography, math, and healthier eating. 

I learned that I am a kinesthetic learner.  Mama has been trying to make my lessons more kinesthetic.  Mama is almost equal in auditory and visual.  Auditory is my lowest one. 

Overall, I would highly recommend the Victus Study Skills System to people older than I am.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade): 

It was fun writing goals.  It was fun to see learn that I am an auditory learner. 

Dad’s Thoughts:

The Victus Study Skills System (or V3S) is a great program to have for your homeschool. It teaches the skills needed on how to: be organized, note taking, listening, goal setting and more. The V3S helps students to understand where their learning strengths are: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. Knowing how you learn can help you prepare for classes, projects and goals. The Victus 3S program builds the skills students will need to be successful in school and in life. It teaches how to learn not just memorize and repeat for homework and tests. It's important for us to teach our children how to learn so they can learn how to think on their own. And the Victus Study Skills System is a great way to achieve that goal.

Mama recommends the Victus Study Skills System !

Social Media Links for Victus Study Skills System:

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Sunday, April 6, 2014

Picture of the Week! (April 6, 2014)- Onion Tops

Here are some onion tops from the onions we grew last year.  I am really looking forward to the new growing season.  I hope it arrives very soon!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

So Much the Better by Megan Means (Review)

So Much the Better

by Megan Means

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Self-published

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 89

Age Group- Juveniles

Description of book- Kindle, $2.99, ASIN: B00DIQUBBQ

In So Much the Better, by Megan Means, Ari is a young lion cub who has fun with his pride.  One day a terrible storm comes and Ari becomes separated from the pride.  He is very far away from his family.  Fortunately he becomes friends with a golden eagle named Eliezer.  Eliezer helps guide him back home.  Ari faces many trials along the way, but he also makes new friends.  Will those trials end when he is back home with his pride?  Or will it be much worse?

About the Author:

Megan Means’s children were why she began writing stories.  She wants all children to have the love for books and reading she does.  Means has taught early learning literacy and as a reading tutor.

My thoughts:  

So Much the Better, by Megan Means, is sure to become a classic for children everywhere.  Even though the characters in this book are animals, lions, bears, birds, and others, there are many life lessons for children.

My favorite character was the young lion cub, Ari, who was separated from his family in a terrible storm.  He was then helped by a golden eagle, Eliezer.  Eliezer helped him find his way back home. 
For many children this book will be just a fun story with a lost lion cup who finds his way back home with the help of this new friends.  I am sure that is what my children will imagine when I read it to them.  To us, the adults, it will be so much more.  I saw the dark storm as Satan, Ari, as my self, Eliezer as the Trinity, and the other animals as the trials and triumphs in my daily life.

For those of you who do not enjoy reading stories where animals are the main characters, do not let that stop you.  This book is excellent.  So Much the Better is perfect for children.  Put a copy on your shelves today!

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of So Much the Better, by Megan Means, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Place in Purpose by Kathryn C. Lang (Review)

Place in Purpose: The 4 Questions to Unlock YOU

by Kathryn C. Lang

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life

Publisher- Peculiar Productions

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 132

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Paperback, $12.99, ISBN: 978-1492323983

Place in Purpose, by Kathryn C. Lang, is a nonfiction book which will help people learn more about themselves and their relationships with the Lord.

She bases the book about why, what, how, and when.  The who would be you.

Lang covers topics such as: building relationships (God), how God has a plan for you, how to plan, when to start the plan, and so much more.

About the Author:

Kathryn C. Lang has a passion for helping others and she believes that everyone has a place in purpose to fill.

My thoughts:  

Place in Purpose, by Kathryn C. Lang, was an awesome book.  I learned a lot about myself and how I relate with others and God.

One thing I would change about this book would be the lack of space to take notes.  I needed room in this book to write down the thoughts I was having as I read.  The other thing I would have liked to see was end of the chapter summaries with questions.  This format would have enabled me to collect my thoughts to help me glorify God.

As I was reading I could tell that Lang really put her all into writing this book for us.  We need to learn our place in God's world and our purpose.  After having read Place in Purpose, I know that if I follow the steps discussed I will becomes a better person for myself and those around me.

I recommend this book to you.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Place in Purpose: The 4 Questions to Unlock YOU, by Kathryn C. Lang, to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review CrewAll links were current when posted.

Hands of Darkness by Heather James (Review)

Hands of Darkness (Lure of the Serpent: Book 2)

By Heather James

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4292-6

Evelyn Barrett and her family moved away from the city which gave them unhappiness to San Diego, where she will be a police consultant.  The first case she consults for turns out to be a brutal serial killer.  After it turns personal, she does anything she can to find the killer.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Heather James is a newspaper columnist and attorney. 

My thoughts-

There is a lot of evil in this world and it was showcased in Hands of Darkness, by Heather James.  I thought this was an interesting book with twists and turns I wasn't expecting.

Evelyn was a very strong character.  If I had been through everything she had been through and had a job with the San Diego police force with violent crimes, I don't think I could have made it.  She was a person who her family could be proud of.

I liked how the murderer had his/her own chapters.  It was interesting to read his/her thoughts.  James did such a good job that I had no idea who it was until the last chapter.

This book isn't for everyone.  Those who do not like murder and the evil that comes through them, should not read this book.  Everyone else will enjoy reading this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Hands of Darkness, by Heather James, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.