Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Authors I Own the Most Books From

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke & the Bookish

So I had to really think about this week's theme. It's the top ten authors I own the most books from. Seriously this was HARD! I mean I've always been a voracious reader, and for most of my adult life, I've worked in bookstores. At one point growing up, I had all of the Babysitters Club books, the Sweet Valley Twins & Sweet Valley High books, and the Berenstain Bears Books. However, since I no longer own most of those, I couldn't count them. So here is what I came up with.

1. Trixie Beldon Mystery Series - I have no idea who the author is, but I think it was Katherine Kenny & Julie Campbell. These books still take up two entire shelves in my closet at my mom's house. I think there were 79 books total.

2. Robin Jones Gunn - There may be one or two of hers I don't own. But I own all of Christy Miller, all of Sierra Jensen, all of Katie Weldon, all of Glenbrooke, all of Sisterchicks, all of her destination books, and any other fiction she's written. Plus I own several of her kids books. And one of her nonfiction ones. And her newest, Forever With You.

3. Lori Wick - I own all of them.

4. Janette Oke - I'm pretty sure that at some point I had all of her books. I've since decided to really only keep my favorites of hers.

5. Karen Kingsbury - Up until the Bailey Flannigan books, I'd buy her books as they came out. I've actually not bought a physical copy of one of her books in a very long time. The last digital copy I bought was Coming Home. 

6. Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan - while there are only 14 books in the series (15 counting New Spring, the prequel), since each book is well over 700 pages in hardcover, I figured that just because of the size of each book and the space they take up on my shelves, that they count.

7. Dee Henderson - own them all

8. Patricia Rushford -Jennie McGrady Mysteries. Once again books left over from my preteen years in the closet at my mom's house. A Christian Nancy Drew

9. Gilbert Morris - I still own quite a few of his, though I have gotten rid of several over the years.

10. Madeline L'Engle - I grew up on the Wrinkle in Time books, and those are still some of my favorites. But I've expanded to beyond the Wrinkle books and own most, if not all, of the ones dealing with the Murrays/O'Keefes.

When I Fall In Love - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, June 2014
Series - Christiansen Family Book 3
Author - Susan May Warren
Title - When I Fall In Love
Format - ebook, paper
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Grace Christiansen is preparing to go culinary school. When her family surprises her with a trip to Hawaii for a cooking retreat, she is forced out of her safe, comfortable world. She didn't expect to fall in love while she was there though. Maxwell Sharpe lives on the ice as a hockey player, but he really loves cooking. For the past few years he has gone to the culinary retreat in Hawaii. When he's asked to help Grace out, he reluctantly agrees. As he and Grace get to know one another, he finds himself falling for her. Only that's something he knows he can't do. Will he figure out a way to battle his own demons to find happiness with Grace?

I think that this may be my favorite one of this series so far. The Christiansen family is one of faith and love. Yet each of the siblings must come to understand that faith and love in their own ways. I loved Grace. I loved how her family saw something in her that others didn't and pushed her out of her comfort zone. I loved how Max doubted and wanted to protect Grace. I loved the relationships with the other siblings. I cannot wait for the next book. I'm hoping it's Casper's story.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman, Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Debbie MacComber

Rating - 5 stars

Switched - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, April 2013
Series - TJ & the Time Stumblers Book 5
Author - Bill Myers
Title - Switched!
Format - ebook, paper
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Book 5 finds TJ and her 23rd century friends, Tuna and Herby, in the midst of another adventure. Tuna and Herby have identified what is needed to fix their time machine and return home. Only the way to fuel the machine is through a nuclear submarine's power pack. And those are hard to come by. Then there's the Swiss Army Knife that has gone berserk. It's caused TJ to switch bodies with her archenemy, Hesper Breakahart. Yet even here, there's something for her to learn.

Once again, I have found myself delighted with TJ's adventures. And Tuna and Herby's attempts at making things better really don't help. But what I really loved about this book was that the lesson TJ learns is to not judge others. I also loved Chad, TJ's dreamy neighbor. I found him to be a truly genuine character in the entire series and I thought he was a sweetheart.

I would recommend this series to all teachers who want to provide a few books that teach lessons in a humorous way to their students. I have really enjoyed reading this entire series.

I rented this book from the library to read as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12.

Rating - 5 stars

New Kid Catastrophes - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, January 2013
Series - TJ & the Time Stumblers
Author - Bill Myers
Title - New Kid Catastrophes
Format - paper, ebook
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T.J. Finkelstein and her family have just moved to Malibu, California from Missouri. They are hoping to start over after the death of her mother. T.J. is also hoping to just fit in at school. What she doesn't realize, yet, is that there are two 23rd century time travelers who show up to study her because she grows up to become a great leader. There's only one problem. TJ is the only one who can see these guys! With the time travelers stuck, TJ realizes she's got to make the best of  the situation including learning the lessons that will help her become a great leader someday.

The first book in the TJ & the Time Stumblers Series sets the stage for all of the others. I've really enjoyed this entire series. I love how humor is used to teach basic lessons like seeing beyond a person's appearance to who is inside.

I laughed my way through this book. While it is the first in the series and VERY helpful to read it before the rest of the series, it can be read alone. I think I actually read this one AFTER reading books 2-6.

I'd recommend this to any child ages 8-12.

I rented this book from the library to read as part of the  Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12

Rating - 4 stars

Death Takes A Ride - A Review

Published - June 2014, Revell Books a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - The Cate Kincaid Files Book 3
Author - Lorena McCourtney
Title - Death Takes a Ride
Format - ebook, paper
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Cate Kincaid has the worst possible timing. She shows up at an auto repair shop to pick up a friend of her aunt's and ends up as a witness to a robbery and shooting. To make matters even more interesting, the shooting victim is hanging on for his life and his partner hires Cate to get to investigate. Only not the shooting. He wants her to locate the owner of a rare motorcycle he'd like to buy. In typical Cate fashion, she finds herself involved in an investigation that is bigger than she is and soon suspects that there is more to the shooting at the shop than what she saw. Will Cate figure out what really happened?

This is the third book in this series. And it stands alone, though it may be helpful to read the others.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't too engaged in this book. It was cute. The characters are humorous, but I really wasn't invested in them. The mystery itself made the book truly worth reading for me. Though it did take me quite a while to read it. I frequently found myself putting it down and picking up something else. I didn't dislike it. But I didn't find it to be stellar either. It truly was just ok. If there is a 4th one in the series, I will read it because I've enjoyed this series so far.

I loved both Octavia (Cate's cat) and Clancy (the dog of the shooting victim). Those two animals made the story awesome!

Still, I'd say for a lazy summer day or for a day at the beach, this would be a book worth reading.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of mysteries, cozy mysteries, contemporary

Rating - 3 stars - I think it really was just ok.

For Such A Time - A Review

Published - Bethany House Publishers, April 2014
Title - For Such a Time
Author - Kate Breslin
Format - ebook, paper
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Hadassah Benjamin has Aryan looks that could protect her from Nazi Germany. She's even got a new identity - Stella Mueller. When she is rescued from Dachau by SS Commandant Aric von Schmidt and pressed into service as his secretary at the transient camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia. There she sees her people living in squalor and she does what she can to ease their situation. As she works closely with Aric, she sees and senses he's different than the other Nazi's. Yet these are dangerous times. When her secret comes out, will she risk everything for her people?

This is Kate Breslin's debut novel. But reading it, you wouldn't know that! It's been on reading list for ages and while I missed it when it came up to review, I was able to request it from the library.

I've read a lot of WWII books in the past and this one is so different. First, it's a retelling of the book of Esther. I loved Hadassah's struggle. And I loved Aric. I loved how he struggled with what he knew to be right and true versus the teachings of the Nazi Party.

I can see myself rereading this one, once I obtain a copy for myself that is. Rich in details and full of deep characters, I cannot wait to read what else this author has to come.

I rented this book from the library and read it for pure pleasure. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of WWII, Brock & Bodie Thoene, Jody Hedlund, Katie Ganshert

Rating - 5 stars

Yikes! - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, April 2013
Series - TJ and the Time Stumblers Book 6
Author - Bill Myers
Title - Yikes!
Format - ebook, paper
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Tuna and Herby have almost fixed their time pod and will be able to return to the 23rd century. They just need an ostrich to digest the chili. But needless to say, they still manage to accidentally transport TJ's science class to the wilds of Africa, get turned into a baby ostrich, and send a Mama Gorilla to New York. Still it's business as usual for TJ as she once again has a lesson to learn.

This is the conclusion to this series. (Well not for me as I still need to read books 1 & 5). I have to say I've enjoyed this series far more than I thought I would. I love the way that Tuna and Herby teach TJ practical lessons and that she really does learn them.

In this one, TJ learns the importance of being a servant. She learns that there is more to leadership than just leading. Leaders must also serve.

I have loved each of these books. I highly recommend them to kids ages 8-12.

I rented this book from the library to read as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12

Rating - 5 stars

Ho-Ho-Nooo! - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, April 2013
Series - TJ and the Time Stumblers Book 4
Author - Bill Myers
Title - Ho-Ho-Nooo!
Format - ebook, paper
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Christmas is only days away and TJ has no idea what  to get her father. She only knows it needs to be bigger and better than what her sister Violet is getting him. So she takes a job at the mall. Tuna and Herby are determined that TJ learn what Christmas is really about. And so in their usual "helpful" fashion, the guys set out to ensure that TJ learns a lesson.

Just like the others in this series, this one was hilarious. It seems that the more that Tuna and Herby try to help, the more things go wrong. Still, it's a great read. I found myself giggling the entire time. The one thing that I wish that this book talked about was Jesus being the reason for Christmas. Not the good deeds, etc.

Still kids ages 8-12 will enjoy this book.

I rented this book from the library to read for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12

Rating - 4.5 stars

Critical Pursuit - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers August, 2013
Series - Brinna Carauso Book 1
Author - Janice Cantore
Title - Critical Pursuit
Format - ebook, paper
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Kidnapped and molested as a child, Brinna Carauso is now a police officer working with a search and rescue dog to ensure that child predators and sex offenders are caught. When she shots a suspect one evening during patrol, she's thrust into a media spotlight, especially since the 20th anniversary of her kidnapping is approaching. Asked to temporarily work with homicide detective Jack O'Reilly while the media circus is managed, Brinna and Jack soon find that patrols are anything but normal. Jack's burnt out after the death of his wife. He needs a change of pace. Yet they soon realize that the man who kidnapped Brinna as a child is still out there. Soon this pair will do anything they can to make sure that he's caught. But will they catch him before he abducts another child?

This is the first book I've read by Janice Cantore and it won't be my last. I've got some of  her others on my Kindle.

I wasn't expecting to be drawn in to the story like I was. Brinna has issues. Sure. But she's also determined to see that creeps like the man who kidnapped her are caught and that's a worthwhile goal. I found the book to be a very fast read. I enjoyed the suspense in the book as well.

I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the second one in this series.

I read this book for pure pleasure for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Dani Pettrey, adventure, suspense, Irene Hannon.

Rating - 4 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Favorite TV Shows & Movies

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is the top ten favorite TV shows and Movies. I admit. I don't watch a lot of TV. I think I consistently watch maybe four shows. 

TV Shows.

1. NCIS - My schedule revolves around this

2. NCIS  Los Angeles - My schedule revolves around this one too.

3. The Amazing Race - I love it. Traveling the world. 

4. Survivor - I watch this one online as I'm at church when it comes on.

5. Big Bang Theory - I love the show. I know so many people who fit the stereotypes of Sheldon, Lenard, Raj, and Howard. It's not one I catch weekly. Just whenever I'm home.

Movies

6. Ever After - probably one of my all time favorite movies.

7. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - I adore musicals. This one ranks up there with Sound of Music for me.

8. Mamma Mia - the soundtrack is one of my feel good soundtracks. But this movie is so fun!

9. Frozen - has quickly become one of my all time favorite Disney movies

10. The Magestic - the only Jim Carey movie I own. I have watched it multiple times.

Other movies that could easily make the list: Princess Bride, Sweet Home Alabama, Mulan, Letters to Juliet, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Shakespeare in Love, Avengers, Newsies, Knight's Tale, Les Miserables (the musical), and so many more.

There you have it. My favorite tv/movies. What about you? Tell me in the comments. 

Oops! - A Review

Published - Tyndale House, April, 2013
Series - TJ and the Time Stumblers Book 3
Author - Bill Myers
Title - OOPS!
Format - ebook, paper
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TJ Finkelstein would love to have a normal life. You know one where all of the school's thoughts aren't broadcast via their cell phones for everyone to hear. One where she's not being chased by an African elephant in the school auditorium. One where TV star Hesper Breakahart  isn't turned into a giant baby. One where her 23rd century time traveling helpers, Tuna and Herby, aren't making matters worse. But still, there is a lesson to be learned here. One that includes being kind to others.Still it's just another day (or week) in the life of a semi normal Malibu 7th grader.

This is the second book about TJ I've read. I'm planning on reading all six books in this series, probably not in order, because I am really enjoying them.

Tuna and Herby once again create trouble for TJ and she refuses to listen to their advice. Yet they do manage to eventually get through to her and she learns lessons of kindness and not being mean to others.

With each book, I'm finding myself highly recommending this series. I think they are perfect for kids ages 8-12. I can see myself gifting them to my friends at some point.

Still, the book is a hilarious adventure that even adults will enjoy.

I rented this book from the library to read for Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12

Rating - 5 stars

Aaaargh!!! - A Review

Published - Tyndale, January 2013
Series - TJ and the Time Stumblers book 2
Author - Bill Myers
Title - AAAARGH!!!
Format - ebook, paper

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TJ Finklestein is trying hard to fit in at her new school, Malibu Junior High. That's a little hard to do when she's the subject of a history report by two teenage boys from the 23rd century. Plus there's the small matter of the pirates. And the cannonball hole in her room. And that book report...Join TJ and her time traveling buddies as she learns lessons in honesty and cheating.

I've read Bill Myers' adult books before, but never his kids' books. This was hilarious! I loved every second of TJ's adventure.

I did think that the best characters were Tuna and Herby, the time travelers. The way that they got TJ into trouble in the first place and then tried to help her get out of trouble. I can't remember the last time I laughed like this while reading a book! I also loved the way that TJ learns the lessons she needs to.

I rented this book from the library to read as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, teachers, librarians, kids ages 8-12

Rating - 5 stars

Captured by Love - A Review

Published - Bethany House Publishers, June, 2014
Author - Jody Hedlund
Title - Captured by Love
Format - ebook, paper

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Angelique MacKenzie has struggled to survive a harsh winter on Michilimackinac Island. With spring comes not only a fresh beginning but also much needed supplies when the voyagers arrive on the shores. Pierre Durant and island native is one of those returning. As a fur trader, he has not sworn loyalty to either the United States or Great Britain, and that allows him more freedom than most. As he spends the summer caring for his widowed mother, he encounters Angelique more than once. Angelique is promised to Pierre's brother, Jean, a soldier fighting for the Americans. Angelique has always loved Pierre from the time they were children. The more time she spends with him now, the more she falls in love with him, yet she strives to remain loyal to the man she's promised to. When the war turns towards the island, will Angelique and Pierre be torn apart forever?

As I've come to expect from a Jody Hedlund book, Captured By Love is rich in historical detail and full of engaging characters. I was easily drawn into the story. I've never been to Michigan, and I don't know much about the war of 1812. But I didn't let that stop me.

I found Pierre to be a little too much of a heart-throb. I mean, he knew Angelique was promised to his brother, and he realized that he could easily win her. Still, through all of the difficulties that he had in capturing her heart, I did find myself rooting for him. I wanted to see him grow and I was pleased when he did.

For Angelique, I found her situation to be heart wrenching. She was stuck with a stepfather who was abusive. Yet her hope and her overall sense of making the best out of the situation endeared her to me. I was also pleased that while others tried to change her, she was determined to remain who she was.

Overall, I'd have to say that this was a very rich read. It's not my favorite one by Hedlund. That honor rests with Noble Groom. But it's not my least favorite one either. Is it one I'd reread? Definitely! I'll even pass it on to my mom and cousin to borrow.

I received this book for free from the author for the purpose of reviewing and promoting. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Julie Lessman

Rating - 4 stars

Claiming Mariah - A Review

Published - Tyndale Books, December 2012
Title - Claiming Mariah
Author - Pam Hillman
Format -ebook, paper

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Mariah Malone is struggling to hold onto her father's ranch. When Slade Donnovan and his brother show up in response to a letter she sent on behalf of her father, Mariah knows that she must pay the consequences of her father's actions. Slade Donnovan is determined to take the land and the ranch that he feels rightfully belongs to his family. As much as he tries to fight it, he finds himself drawn to Mariah, her gentle grandmother, and their quiet faith. Will he let her go or will he fight for her?

I've never read anything by this author before, though this book has been on my reading list for a long time. I was thrilled to discover it was part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program, as that meant I could actually get it read. Since I spent the 4th of July weekend doing absolutely nothing BUT reading, this was a fairly quick read for me.

I really enjoyed both Mariah and Slade. I loved how they interacted with each other. I also really enjoyed Buck. I hope to read more of him. Maybe a story with him and Amanda?

Still, the story line moved along very quickly and I was engrossed the entire time.

I'll be looking for other books by this author.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Jody Hedlund, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Lessman

Rating - 4 stars

Battle for Cannibal Island - A Review

Published - Focus on the Family, October 2012
Series - Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station book 8
Author - Marianne Hering
Title - Battle for Cannibal Island
Format - paper, ebook

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Cousins Patrick and Beth love going to Whit's End. There are always so many exciting things to do there, and one of their favorites is the Imagination Station. When Beth goes looking for Patrick, she finds him inside the Imagination Station. Next thing they know, they've been whisked off onto an adventure and are aboard a ship. Patrick and Beth soon get separated and they'll have to survive a storm, cannibals, and sharks and pray that they will get a chance to return home. Will they be successful? Or will they be stuck on island with cannibals forever? And what lesson will they learn?

I've never actually read an Imagination Station adventure before. I found it quite enjoyable.

Like everything I've either read or listened to regarding Adventures in Odyssey, there are always truths that the kids learn. I've grown up on Odyssey and will some day own the cds for the radio series. But that's a someday dream.

This book captured my attention from the first. I felt a little bad for Beth at the beginning when Patrick was being so mean to her. Yet as their adventure continued, they learned how much being kind and having a strong faith worked in their favor.

This is a perfect book for fans of the Magic Tree House Books. I'd say it would be targeted at ages 7-9 specifically. While it is a part of a series, it easily stands alone as each book is a different Imagination Station adventure.

I rented this book from the library to read for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Magic Tree House, Adventures in Odyssey, I Survived Series, Josh Ladd Series, ages 7-9, and librarians.

Rating - 4 stars

Death Trap - A Review

Published - Tyndale Kids, 2009
Series - Robot Wars book 1
Author - Sigmund Brouwer
Title - Death Trap
Format - paper, ebook

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Tyce Sanders is like most kids. He's got interests like robots, and has a wonderful mom. The biggest difference is that he lives on Mars. Tyce keeps a journal of his adventures. The first journal details the lack of oxygen and the plans taken to figure out a way to save as many of the community as possible. The second journal details the adventures in finding some aliens.

I really wasn't to expect when I started this book. Yet as I got into it, I soon found myself captivated with Tyce and his adventures. Tyce is searching for answers and as much as he loves his mother, he's a little wary of her faith in God. What I found really interesting was that each journal picks up immediately at the conclusion of the one prior. So yes the second journal leaves it open for the next book.

I think that middle aged boys, specifically ages 8 and up, would really enjoy this book. It's full of adventure, perilous situations, and robots.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of middle readers, robots, science fiction, Harry Potter, Nicholas Flamel, adventure

Rating - 4 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Blog Confessions

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme that is hosted by the Broke & the Bookish.

I know I've missed the top ten lists the past couple of weeks. Sorry about that. One topic didn't interest me. The other one I just forgot about until Wednesday.

This week's topic is the Top Ten Blog Confessions.

1. I am horrible at remembering to mail the books for giveaways. I have been know to mail a book MONTHS after the giveaway has finished. Terrible I know.

2. I try not to do more than one post per day so as not to flood the inboxes of my followers who follow via email.

3. I used to typically schedule the posts to go live at a semi-early time. Then one of my readers asked if I could schedule them at a time for when she wasn't sleeping.

4. 99% of my posts are written at work before I clock in for the day. The other 1% are written at home in the evenings or on weekends.

5. I've disabled the comments on  my most popular post (2200 pageviews and counting) because it's on Pinterest. It's the one where I give instructions on how to make a baby shower diaper cake out of receiving blankets. You can find it here.

6. My posts that are not book related are typically about Mary Kay. Because I love my Mary Kay.

7. I admit, I copy and paste my reviews from my blog onto amazon & goodreads.

8. I've recently (like back in January) started using a different format on presenting book information.

9. I sometimes wonder if people get tired of reading all of my book reviews and nothing of my life.

10. Top Ten Tuesday is the only meme I follow. I just don't have time for any others. 

So what about you? What are your blog confessions?

Annison's Risk - A Review

Published - Focus on the Family
Series - Passages Book 3
Author - Paul McCusker
Title - Annison's Risk
Format - paper

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Maddy Nicholaivitch was playing a game of hide and seek when she suddenly finds herself no longer in Odyssey. She soon finds herself in the court of a beautiful princess and learning about this Unseen One. When she uncovers a plot to have the king killed and informs the princess, she wonders if her fledgling faith in the Unseen One will be enough to save her.

I first read this book years ago. I grew up on the Adventures in Odyssey radio series and still enjoy listening to them as an adult. I've a few books in the various Adventures in Odyssey series over the years, but the Passages stories have been my favorite.

One of the things I love about this book, and the others in the Passages series, is that Biblical stories come to life in a fun way. This particular book is based on the book of Esther. I loved seeing Maddy figure out that she needs to put her faith and trust into the Unseen One. I also loved seeing how Annison decided to take a chance and step out on faith.

There are so many truths in these books. I highly recommend them.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Narnia, Tolkien, Adventures in Odyssey, ages 8 and up, fantasy, parents

Rating - 5 stars

Vanishings - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers
Series - Left Behind: The Kids, book 1
Title - The Vanishings
Author - Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye
Format - ebook, paper

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Following the success of the main series, Left Behind, Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins have crafted a series targeted at middle grade readers. This series chronicles Judd, Ryan, Vicki, and Lionel, four teens/preteens, that suddenly find themselves faced with the startling facts that their parents and loved ones have either disappeared or fell victim to accidents as a result of the disappearances. For these young people, life as they know it will never be the same. They soon find themselves under the tutelage of Pastor Bruce Barnes and a fight for their very survival.

This was a fast reread for me. I remember reading these books concurrently with the adult series. It helped that at the time I was working in a bookstore and could easily read them quickly. What I also found interesting was that each book in the main adult series covered about 4 books in the youth series.

Still, for the most part, what I looked forward to the most in reading of these books was the appearances of the adults from the main series. I think that my favorite character among the teens was Ryan. He's the youngest member and he has such an innocence about him.

I think this is an excellent book for middle grade readers. Events are explained in such a simple way that the story is very easy to read and would easily hold the attention of a teen.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of middle readers, adventures

Rating - 3.5 stars.

 

Left Behind - A Review

Published - Tyndale House Publishers, reprinted 2011
Series - Left Behind Series book 1
Author - Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins
Title - Left Behind
Format - ebook, paper, hardcover, mass market paperback, audio

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In a matter of minutes, millions of people across the globe have disappeared. For the rest of the world, they are trying to make sense of these disappearances. Captain Rayford Steele, his daughter Chloe Steele, journalist Cameron "Buck" Williams, and pastor Bruce Barnes each have to decide for themselves if the Bible is true and what they witnessed was the Rapture. In the political world, there is a new face on the rise. Unknown Nicolae Carpathia has captured the attention of the world. This fast paced adventure has the characters searching for answers and seeing prophecy lived out.

I first read Left Behind at least ten years ago, probably more. I've read it several times since. While it's not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy the adventure and the thrill of recalling events that I missed the first several times I read the book. I think that if this book gets people to read the Bible, than that's a great thing to have happen. If it promotes discussion of end times events, then that's even better. I know that there are three generally accepted schools of thought regarding the end time events in the Bible among the Christian community. I know, too, that these groups may disagree with each other. I'm not going to say which school of thought I fall into, because my opinion is just that - my opinion. Still I recommend reading and researching for yourself the events in Scripture.

From the first moment he appeared on the page, Buck Williams became my favorite character. I love how he's so determined to find answers.

Still while it was a pleasure to read again, I found just ok. Maybe that's because I've changed as a reader over the years. If I'd rated ten years ago, I'd have probably rated it 4 or 5 stars. But now, for me, it's not a 5 star book. Like I said, I think I've changed as a reader over the years.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of adventure, end times, prophecy, contemporary fiction

Rating - 3 stars - My reading tastes have changed since first reading it. Full explanation is above.