Posted December 24, 2014 in Reading, Review / 0 Comments
Esther: Royal Beauty by
Angela Hunt Series: Dangerous Beauty #1 Publisher: Bethany House (2014)
eARC (325 pages)
Via: NetGalley Rating: Also by this author: Delilah Also in this series: Delilah Reading Challenges: Read 2014 Synopsis
An ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews in ancient Persia, so an inexperienced beautiful young queen must take a stand for her people.
When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart.
Esther marks bestselling author Angela Hunt's return to biblical fiction. In each novel she explores an example of a Hebrew Old Testament tob woman: a woman whose physical beauty influences those around her--and can change the course of history.
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When I first saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it. It is about Esther! I absolutely love the movie One Night With the King and the biblical book of Esther. Esther (or rather, Hadassah) is one of the biblical persons who really fascinates me. And the cover is just beautiful.
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Tagged as 5 star, All Time Favorites, NetGalley, Read 2014
Posted December 22, 2014 in Faith, Reading, Review / 0 Comments
The Miracle of Lourdes by
John Lochran Publisher: St Anthony Messenger Press (2008)
Paperback (131 pages)
Rating: Reading Challenges: Read 2014 Synopsis
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the miracle of Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to French schoolgirl Bernadette Soubirous, Father John Lochran retells the familiar story with deep insight and new appreciation. Lochran explores the history and meaning of the miraculous events in light of modern theology and spirituality and offers his own reflections on Lourdes, then and now. This armchair pilgrimage to one of the church's most beloved shrines will be a treasured keepsake for those who have never been to Lourdes and for those who have.
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I received this book for my birthday when I was in high school. I love the stories Father Lochran tells of his time in Lourdes. I have not been to Lourdes but I would love to go. This book has really made me want to go even more.
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Tagged as 5 star, Catholic, Catholic Book, Christmas, Mary, Read 2014
Posted December 18, 2014 in Faith, Reading, Review / 0 Comments
Chastity is for Lovers by
Arleen Spenceley Publisher: Ave Maria Press (2014)
eARC (120 pages)
Via: NetGalley Rating: Reading Challenges: Read 2014 Synopsis
In 2012, journalist Arleen Spenceley outed herself as a twenty-six-year-old virgin in a Tampa Bay Times op-ed that went viral. In Chastity Is for Lovers, Spenceley expands on that piece, advocating Catholic teaching on sex and marriage with candor and humor, and without judgment.
In her debut book, seasoned journalist and self-professed "happy virgin" Arleen Spenceley offers a mature, funny, and relatable vision of Catholic teaching on chastity for young adults. Chastity Is for Lovers provides perspective on a variety of topics—the difference between chastity and abstinence, how virginity is an affirming and valuable life choice, how the word "purity" can be harmful in ministry settings, how to date well, and why sexual self-control is the best form of marriage preparation—and gives single adults the best possible chance to find true love. She carefully avoids using language that shames readers and instead presents a view of chastity that is joyful and positive.
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This is a book I had heard about once before I found it on NetGalley. I requested it and read it in two days. Thanks, Ave Maria Press!
Take a look at the publication date. The feast of Saint Catherine Labouré! And the publisher is Ave Maria Press. From that alone, I knew I would like this book.
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Tagged as 5 star, Catholic, Catholic Book, NetGalley, Read 2014
Posted December 15, 2014 in Reading, Review / 0 Comments
Snow by
Tracy Lynn Series: Once Upon A Time Publisher: Simon Pulse (2003)
Paperback (259 pages)
Rating: Also in this series: Water Song,
Sunlight and Shadow,
The Night Dance Reading Challenges: Read 2014 Synopsis
In a tiny Welsh estate, a duke and duchess lived happily, lacking only a child -- or, more importantly, a son and heir to the estate. Childbirth ultimately proved fatal for the young duchess. After she died, the duke was dismayed to discover that he was not only a widower, but also father to a tiny baby girl. He vowed to begin afresh with a new wife, abandoning his daughter in search of elusive contentment.
Independent -- virtually ignored -- and finding only little animals and a lonely servant boy as her companions, Jessica is pale, lonely, and headstrong... and quick to learn that she has an enemy in her stepmother. "Snow," as she comes to be known, flees the estate to London and finds herself embraced by a band of urban outcasts. But her stepmother isn't finished with her, and if Jessica doesn't take control of her destiny, the wicked witch will certainly harness her youth -- and threaten her very life...
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I have a soft spot for fairy tale retellings. I love to hear the tales imagined in different ways. The Once Upon a Time series is great at that. I love the way the stories don’t always follow the path you think they will… or even the setting. For example, I would never have thought to set Snow White in Victorian London and Wales. Or to have the stepmother be a crazy scientist.
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Tagged as 5 star, Fairy Tales, Read 2014
