Book Review: The Queen's Handmaid

Through the BookLook blogger program, I had the opportunity to read and review another Tracy Higley historical fiction novel The Queen's Handmaid.  I wanted to give the author another try after not fully enjoying her last novel So Shines the Night.  Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I was intrigued by the setting of a handmaid in the palace of first Cleopatra and then Herod's wife (40-35 BC era).

The story unfolds from the perspective of Lydia, an handmaid first to Cleopatra in Egypt, and then through a series of plot twists and intrigues ends up as the handmaid to Herod's new wife Mariamme in Judea.  She searches for identity and purpose though exploration of religion, art, and observation of the 'royal privileged' around her.  Soon into the novel, she is given a mysterious task of delivering sealed scrolls purportedly lost prophesies of Daniel, to the Chakkiym in Jerusalem who only stand on the steps of the temple once a year.

As the plot twists unfold from Egypt to Rome to Masada to Jericho to Jerusalem and sometimes back again the reader can easily get lost in political detail of marriages and alliances.  I will say while Higley did a superb job of keeping the integrity of the era alive, it was almost to a fault because even with the help of timelines, it was simply too difficult to follow names of rulers (since many of them were the same anyways) and who was married to whom.  The plot twists also revealed Lydia's desperate attempt to rid herself of the burden of the scrolls but the inevitability that they are buried in her room for years on end waiting to be revealed.

My initial experience with Higley's writing was somewhat disappointed as I felt bogged down by detail as it was cumbersome to read.  I unfortunately had a similar experience this time.  Higley's attention to detail, while a strength, I believe also plays as a weakness in the overall arch of the story. I was also bothered by the extreme graphic nature of the execution descriptions and sensitive to the overt sorcery in the spiritual battle Lydia faced.  For someone who is sensitive to brutality, violence, or even anxiety I would proceed reading with caution as Higley's prose leaves little to the imagination.

There is a little bit of everything in this novel.  Political alliances, treason, intrigue, love story, friendship, a battle of good vs evil, mystery, and even redemption.  However, all of these themes combined into one novel do make it a bit overbearing.  Yes, it was in attempt to keep historical accuracy, but in fiction one can take a few more liberties.

I will say, the ending of the novel had me gasping and shouting out in disbelief and a little awe.  It was a fabulous ending that I was not expecting- a redeeming quality.

Before reading this novel, study the timelines in the beginning carefully and read up a little on the Cleopatra, Octavian, Marc Atony, Herod, and Aristobolus era.  While it may reveal some spoilers later in the novel, I think one would struggle less in understanding the characters.

3 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of the novel in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book Review: Hope Rising

I have seen poverty. I have walked the muddied streets and seen the flooded "homes" of the third world impoverished. I have held a skin and bones child in the sweltering heat of a country who didn't know what to do with him. Poverty makes my stomach church and resolve grow.

Scott C. Todd is a Vice President at Compassion International, an aid and child sponsorship non profit in the poverty stricken world. His book Hope Rising is his vision for ending extreme poverty within the next generation. Todd lays out the facts of how publicity, policies, and programs have led to the near decimation of malaria cases, cut in half the number of child preventable deaths globally, and started irradiating preventable disease with immunizations and clean water all within the past generation. Millions of lives saved within the past 20 or so years! His vision is to eradicate the rest of unnecessary deaths and extreme poverty in the next 20 years. By getting Governments on board with policies to help the situation, getting businesses to use fair trade practices and consumers to understand what they are buying, and then for NGO's and the church to step in and be the hands and feet of Jesus to rid the world of this gut wrenching problem. The plans laid out in Hope Rising are hopeful, enticing, and paint a very black and white answer to this complex problem.

Yes, I believe Jesus wants us to help the poor and that the church needs to step up and live and give generously. Yes, clean water and malaria nets are easy, cheap answers to the problem. Yes, I should probably be more aware of where the products are coming from that I buy. Using His example on Moms saving the world, yes, I think that Moms can make a huge difference in the global poverty crisis. As one reads this book they should be encouraged, engaged, and empowered to start making a difference. It is not a bury your head in the sand issue.

 Where I struggle with Todd's analysis is that it paints a picture that the impoverished have no role in getting themselves out of their situation. I believe an important piece to the poverty puzzle is empowering those who feel they are "too poor" or "unskilled" or "uneducated". It has been done time and time again where a church, NGO, or government has swooped in to save the day with a clean water well and a load of rice. What this does is yes, provide immediate relief, but then creates a cycle of dependency. Speaking first hand with pastors from the third world, their church members (and even themselves) find themselves waiting for the next organization to come in and save the day. They wait on the thresholds of thatched houses for someone to come in and put a band aid on their wounds. It is not a sustainable model.

 To truly end poverty, relief must come as Todd says, but also, the third world must be trained in how to solve their own problems. They must take part in their reconstruction and relief. They must recognize that the same call as the "wealthy west" to live generously, that God gives us everything we need (skills, finances, etc) to live life to the fullest. The widow with one chicken to her name has the same calling as a steward of God's resources as the billionaire business man. The third world church needs to be empowered that God has given them all the resources they need. Just check out this story from Uganda: http://vimeo.com/19748250

 In the end, read Todd's book with caution. First understand (as he points out in chapter 13 in almost rude fashion as if we were suppose to read his mind) that he is not talking about "poor" people. He is not talking about the poor in spirit, relationships, etc. He is not talking about the poor in America who have TV's, cellphones, government assistance, and a land of opportunity. He is talking about ending extreme poverty (poor and poverty are different, but uses the words as if they are not). He is using the filter of those who live on less than a dollar a day, do not know where their next meal is coming from, have no one to help them, who have one change (if that) of clothes, and little access to clean water or health care. Once understanding the global perspective from which he writes, it is more encouraging and empowering.

Be sure to read Chapter 20 on being stewards of power and humility. It is excellent. By far my favorite chapter.   His stories are heartfelt and bring his points alive.  The writing itself is choppy, with short, unorganized chapters.  I struggled with the flow of the book in general.

 Be encouraged to make a difference in the puzzle of poverty. Sponsor a child. Give your tithe. Also look at organizations that go beyond relief like International Steward that will end the cycle of dependency once the bellies are full. Poverty is more complex than raise money, get a program, and build a well. It is building the well and showing those who use it to take ownership in the well and empowering them to make a difference in their own communities.

 As part of BookLook Blogger program, I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: For Such a Time

One of the heralded heroes of the Bible, especially by young girls, is that of Esther.  An orphaned Jew, living with her Uncle in Persia thrown into a beauty contest of sorts to win the heart of a King whose temper had quickly banished his previous Queen.  Esther won his heart and the crown, but came to a critical situation when her people were threatened to be eliminated from Susa through an evil plan of the King's right hand man, Haman.  Though initially fearful, Esther was encouraged that perhaps she had been brought the palace Divinely "For Such a Time as This..." to save her people by her equally brave Uncle Mordecai.  Esther succeeded, and her beloved King was able to look beyond her heritage.  The Jewish people were saved and still celebrate this bravery each year through the holiday Purim.

Author Kate Breslin ties this fascinating, true story of love and courage with the desolation and sorrow of World War II's Nazi regime and the annihilation of the Jewish people by the Third Reich.  For Such a Time as This is a retelling of the story of Esther in the historical context of the ghetto's, concentration camps, and the fight to survive the hands of the SS soldiers.

It is important to note that this story, while contextually historical, is purely fiction.  The author is clear to state this at the end of the book and provides many examples of true events, people, and places that were used and/or pieced into her fictional tale.  Without giving away the ending, it was sad (though not surprising) that this story was only fictional and actually 'changed' historical events.  I am torn with my feelings towards this.  As much as I loved the story line and creative reach from Esther's story, I feel a little shameful that in actuality, the story of the Ghetto used in the book actually turned out much differently.  Each reader must decide the importance of this on their own.

The story Breslin presents is a gripping tale of an undiscovered Jew saved by a commander in the SS and then hoped to be a salvation for thousands of Jews living in the Ghetto.  "Stella" adapts to her new identity and ends up winning the heart of SS Kommandment Colonel Aric Von Schmidt.  This brings two lingering questions throughout the novel; Will Stella succeed in her attempt to save her people, and What will Aric do when Stella's real identity is discovered?

The literary aspects of the novel are engaging.  A quick storyline is drawn out with plot twists and changes in perspective from the main characters to minor ones.  The last third of the book had my heart racing and I had to finish it in one sitting as I could not go to bed until I found out what happened.  I was enveloped in a time and place and felt as though Stella, Morty, Joseph, and others truly came a live with Breslin's exceptional storytelling.

For brief criticism, I would say the German names (usually just personal pronouns) were very hard to read though as I have no German background/understanding, so in my mind I would skim over it and not try to pronounce it exactly in my head or it would have derailed the excellent story being told.  The first third I felt as though Breslin tried too hard in using exceptional language.  Reading through all of the extra adjectives, adverbs and seemingly obvious thesaurus use made it feel like I was reading through thick mud- it was hard work to get through the first few chapters.  However, this cleared up midway through the story.

Overall, this is an excellent novel.  The storytelling is fantastic- I truly appreciated how the story came alive, which is why it struck a strong nerve when I found how much truth had been twisted or lack thereof in relation to historical events.  If a reader can take the fictional account for what it is, realizing the heart of the author was not in changing history but maybe to draw from unwritten accounts of small acts of heroism we do not know about, then the story will fascinate you.  It is worth the read!

*I was given a copy of the novel by BethanyHouse of Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Book Review: Veggie Tales Pirates, Mess Detectives, and a Superhero

Veggie Tales have not always been a hit at our house.  Our girls were intimidated by many of the 'bad/scary' characters of Samson, Nebby, and even Larry boy!  Over the years it has gotten better.  I find that Veggie Tales can be helpful in giving quick little life lessons that have base in scripture.  I use them as a tool to help make a Bible story or verse come alive.

I was given the opportunity to review a 3 in 1 book new from ZonderKidz titled Pirates, Mess Detectives, and a Superhero.  At a beginning reading level 1, it was easy enough for my 2nd grader to read aloud without help, however I would put it more in the level 2 category because of the character names, some silly phrasing, and language play.

Overall, our family enjoyed the three stories.  Each had a verse in the title page that corresponded to the lesson that would be learned by the infamous veggies.  The first was the value of hard work- and Junior Asparagus learned going to school was important because even the pirates who didn't do anything needed school instruction.  The second story was about how the veggies were instigated in a mud slinging fight and the only way to get the mud off was to forgive each other.  The third was about the importance of listening to become wise- both Larry and Junior learned this lesson.  My oldest, age 7, liked the story about the mud because they all learned to be kind in the end.  My four year old said she liked the books because they were kind of funny.

My favorite story was probably the Listen Up Larry.  I loved the obvious, and funny, consequences Larry played out for not listening so that the child could immediately begin to predict what happens when someone chooses not to listen.  Since it was written from Larry's perspective, it made it that much more fun and felt like you were truly reliving the night with him.  I thought the illustration of the Apple in Larry Boy and the Mudslingers was unnecessarily scary and intense which turned me off to the story- I think just a great of lesson could have been shared without the backstory of the 'trap'.  Oftentimes forgiveness needs to come when someone accidentally hurts you, with no evil behind the scenes trying to trick you.

All three stories are wonderful quick reads that implore a much greater lesson.  One must remember that the reading level is not meant for adults and so pieces of the storyline will be mission and most kids do not care.  The resolution to the stories is always fast and there is very little 'back' story.  My curious 7 year old was concerned about where the pet badger came from, whether or not bad apple from Bumblyburg learned her lesson, and if Junior ever went back to being a pirate.  I think from a reading level standpoint, this was right on for her, but she was maturity wise ready for something deeper.  I would gear this towards a read aloud with 3-5 year olds, guided reading at k/1, and independent at 2nd grade on up.  With a little extra direction, you can't go wrong with the colorful veggies!

*I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: Love & Respect for the Family

I am a huge Love & Respect fan.  Dr. Emerson Eggerich's book for couples has helped me communicate with my husband and understand his point of view better.  It also even helped me to put into words what I needed.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see this concept of Love & Respect played out into the family dynamics of parenting.

The basic concept of Love & Respect was that women need to feel loved and men need to feel respected.  When a woman does not feel loved, she doesn't show respect, when a man doesn't feel respected, he does not show love- and then the crazy cycle begins in the spousal relationship.

For parenting, the roles are that the parents have the need to feel respected and the child has the need to feel loved.  When one of these becomes lacking, the same crazy cycle begins.  Most of the book is focused on how the parent can address their role in loving their children through the acronym GUIDES.  They are the adult in the relationship, so much of the responsibility lies within the parent to correct a crazy cycle situation.

What I liked:

My favorite chapters were the 'pink and blue glasses' of parenting towards the end and the discipline chapter.  I felt enlightened by how parenting can look so different between raising men and raising ladies.  While I currently only have daughters, I found the insight into a mother/son relationship very helpful even as I interact with my nephew.  I also loved getting ideas on how to encourage my husband to have a loving relationship with my daughters- and how he can help show them what a Godly man looks and acts like.  The discipline chapter was helpful in that it reminded me of so many great foundations in parenting.  Even though much of the information was not revolutionary or new, it is a great reminder as you are in the trenches of parenting young children to be very intentional about the WHY of discipline so that the how becomes more natural- especially as the children grow.  There were many great real life examples from the authors life and other families that I found most helpful and encouraging.

What I didn't care for:

Overall the book was quite repetitive, which made it longer than needed.  I would have loved a shorter version with more succinct examples and ideas.

What frustrated me the most was that the first few chapters (the G, U, and I chapters from the GUIDES acronym) were consistently referring to a future chapter- the D for discipline chapter.  While the acronym was cute, I felt as though the D should have come sooner in the book so one was not constantly being referred to something that hadn't been read yet.  It would have made for better flow of the book even though it would have 'disrupted' the acronym set up.

I would recommend this book to other parents simply because I trust the author and his integrity.  He has proven himself with his previous Love&Respect book and so I respect his opinions and thoughts. Tread carefully though as one man's thoughts on parenting will not work with every child or every home set up.  Test against scripture (which is often used as 'proof' in the book) and listen to the Holy Spirit as you parent your children.

Happy reading!

*I received a copy of the book free of charge from book sneeze but my opinions are my own.

Book Review: Total Money Makeover

I have been a huge fan of Dave Ramsey for many years.  His concepts are Biblically based, right on target, smart, and he's not afraid to tell you like it is.  Its not often you find someone who is honest and doesn't skirt issues.

My husband and I have worked very hard to follow a lot of Ramsey's concepts.  From the start of our marriage we've stayed out of debt and have kept a budget to help us live like no one else so we can give like no one else.

I was excited to read through Ramsey's Total Money Makeover:  Classic Edition.  It was neat to read all of the concepts I hear him discuss on a regular basis on the radio.  He goes through all of his 'baby steps' towards financial freedom including the emergency fund, debt snowball, and investing in the future.

I loved hearing success stories from other families throughout the book.  It was like celebrating the freedom they are feeling right along with them as I read it.  My only complaint is that sometimes their layout was right in the middle of a paragraph or thought in the chapter.  It was a little awkward to read around.

Whether you have been a fan for years or are tired of leading a life of debt and financial stability- this book is sure to be a good one to read and share.  This isn't get rich quick or even a fix all.  It is the kick in the pants and the steps laid out you need to make the right decisions for yourself.  This book gives you the chance to take responsibility and change your life forever.

*I received a copy of the book in return for my unbiased review from BookSneeze

Book Review: The Secret Keeper

I'll admit I'm a sucker for Amish Fiction.  While the storylines do sometimes get repetitive, I time and again find myself entranced in the story's of Old World Amish, the characters, and the constant search for freedom in Christ.  Beverly Lewis is the original author of this genre and can tell a tale of these people like no other.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read her latest The Secret Keeper which is actually a continuation of her stories of Hickory Hollow and the Lapp family.

The Secret Keeper picks up 6 years after the last Lapp family book left off.  Katie Lapp has been under the strict Baan with her husband for 6 years.  Her and Daniel settle into a mennonite lifestyle in a neighboring village while her parents struggle with the loss of their daughter and now the realization they have also lost the grandchildren from that union.  Rebecca Lapp faces daily reminders of her daughter and all that could have been while her husband quietly soldiers on.  The story in this novel focuses on an Englisher coming to attempt to become Amish.  Jenny's heart seeks answers and simplicity.  Taken in by the Lapps and with their help she hopes to prove herself worthy of becoming an Old Order Amish member.

What I loved about this book is that it wasn't merely the typical Fancy vs. Amish world or toil between having to chose which life to lead, but it brought about the spiritual decision that it would bring.  While the Old Order Amish are very religious, they do hold their bishops at almost a higher place than Christ. They serve rules over forgiveness.  They also discourage self study of the scriptures.  The Secret Keeper brings about the desires of Amish youth to find out their faith for themselves and the decision could cost them everything.  I really enjoyed learning about more of the Lapp family history and characters.  While traditional Lewis writing, it was surprisingly fresh in its approach.

If you love Beverly Lewis, you will not be disappointed in this classic Lewis storytelling.

*In exchange for my honest review I was given a copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers.