Posts

“Trapped in Hitler’s Hell” by: Anita Dittman and Jan Markell

Recommended Age:  16+ (depending on the sensitivity level) 185 pages Description:  Anita Dittman was just a little girl when the winds of Hitler and Nazism began to blow through Germany. By the time she was twelve, the war had begun. Abandoned by her father when he realized the price of being associated with a Jewish wife and family, Anita and her mother were ultimately left to fend for themselves. Anita’s teenage years are spent desperately fighting for survival yet learning to trust in the One she discovered would not leave her … My Rating: 5/5 This is truly such a powerful story! God’s miraculous and gracious Hand is clearly seen through Anita Dittman’s life. No human author could ever orchestrate a story in the same way. Even though there is a lot of suffering and violence recounted in this book, do not let that hinder you from picking it up. Our Lord and Savior suffered far more than we often envision as He died on the cross to pay our own sin debt. May you be reminded of...

“Amish Country Crossroads” by Beverly Lewis

Recommended Age: 15-17+ (primarily for content 704 pages Description :  The lives and love of Philip Bradley and Rachel Yoder captivate readers again in this 3-in-1 edition of the popular series featuring The postcard, The crossroad, and Sanctuary My Rating: 4/5 To start, for clarification (because I was confused at first), the first two books in this collection are in a series, but the last one, (<i> Sanctuary,</i> ) is a stand-alone. The Postcard  and The Crossroad :   These two books were so sweet! The story had me crying both sympathetic and happy tears! I absolutely loved the beginning of book 1 and the end of book 2. It was just so sweet how Lewis introduced this story and then tied everything together. I loved it so much that I wish there was a book 3! After the ending I wanted more of the characters. I wish I could have continued to see them grow instead of just the epilogue (even though that was a nice touch). I do want to note, though, that there wer...

"On Tyranny" by: Timothy Snyder

Recommended Age : 16+ (to be able to understand political contexts)  128 pages Description :   The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew, the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience. On Tyranny is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come.     My Rating: 3/5     This book had a lot of good information, but not all of the tips were very practical. (-1 star) Notable Quotes: “We do not see the minds that we harm when we publish falsehoods, but that doesn’t mean we do not harm” (pg. 79). Things to be aware of in “On Tyranny” Language: - 1 “sh*thouse” (in a quote) Romantic Content: ...

“Highlights’ Guide to Peru” by: Marion Morrison

Recommended Age: 5+ 32 pages Description:  Top Secret Guides take readers on adventures to the most mysterious and interesting places on earth. Each book features a trip to a different country. Readers will visit famous landmarks, discover surprising facts, and learn about the cultures and customs of the people who live there. Top Secret Guide to Peru: Welcome to Peru! Journey to South America to explore this land of lush rain forests and majestic mountains. Travel the Inca Road to see the fabulous ruins of Machu Picchu. Sail in a reed boat on Lake Titicaca. Then thrill to a ride on the world's highest railroad through the Andes mountains. My Rating 5/5 This was a good, small, and insightful book. I love how these books are organized (making finding things super easy)! No other content to note. Links to the book: Amazon: https://a.co/d/hrdIILk Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46134058

“Highlights Top Secret Guide to Germany” by: Michael March

Recommended Age : 6+ 32 pages My Rating: 5/5 I really enjoyed reading not only about the geography of Germany but also its history! I would highly recommend this book! No other content to note. Links to the book: Amazon:  https://a.co/d/alMQL0D Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3221152

“National Velvet” by: Enid Bagnold

Recommend Age : 10+ Approximately 265 pages (depending on version/edition)  Description :  The timeless story of 14-year-old Velvet Brown's race for victory in the Grand National Steeplechase has enchanted generations of readers. It's a captivating tale of courage, grit and determination, family and friendships, loyalty and love, and optimism offering an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream. My Rating: 2/5 I found this book to be hard to follow. This could be just me, but I wished for something to connect the chapters together. ( -1 star ) Things to be aware of in “National Velvet” Language: 2 “idiot” 2 forms of “shut up” or “you shut up” 6 forms of “gosh” or “good gosh” 3 “bi**hes 2 “oh lord” 1 “stupid” 1 use of the Lord’s name in vain 1 “as dumb’s an oyster” 1 “a**” (spoken to describe a person) Romantic Content: “‘Girls!’ said Velvet, stopping still beside him so that they all drew up. ‘Who’s to know I’m a girl?’ She cupped her face in her two...

“Through Waters Deep” by: Sarah Sundin

Image
 Recommended Age : 14+ (violence, romance) 376 pages Description :   War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead? It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS  Atwood . On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.  When evidence of sabotage on the  Atwood  is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await My Rating: 5/5 This book combined 4 of my favorite genres: Christian, historical fiction, mystery and romance! It maintained my interest the entire time and was not super predict...