Sunday, July 31, 2016

                                                            Without Warning
About the book (provided by Baker Publishing) . . . 
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.


Praise for Always Watching 

"A thrill ride from the first page until the last. Set aside some time, because you won't want to put it down."--RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, Top Pick

"A stellar beginning to what promises to be another terrific series from this inspirational author." --Bookpage 

"With each new novel, Eason continues to get better. Always Watching is among her best."--LifeIsStory.com


Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

And I thought ...
This was another page turner.  A very hard book to put down.  Full of Twists and turns. A thriller of sorts.  
Ms. Eason's talent for taking a suspenseful fictional story and adding faith elements is unequaled. 
While the characters question their faith do to past hard ships they are thrown together and have to run for their lives and find out just who the villain is.  
Each character in this story is like able.  Even the villain(s). 
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in suspenseful thrillers.
Possibly a great book to introduce someone to a new faith in God. 
Although Without Warning is part of the Elite Guardians series it is a stand alone book. (I encourage the reader to read book 1 it was great too.  My review is here)
I'm adding Lynette Eason's Without Warning to my list 
of 5 star books.  

I received a complimentary copy from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble 
and Good Reads. 
This review will also be posted at
MyJourneyBack-TheJourneyBack and linked at:
The Art Of Homemaking, Create With Joy, Share Your Cup

Friday, July 29, 2016

Legends--Eric Blehm--Book Review

                                                          Legend by Eric Blehm
About the book (provided by Penguin Random House . . .
The unforgettable account and courageous actions of the U.S. Army’s 240th Assault Helicopter Company and Green Beret Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked everything to rescue a Special Forces team trapped behind enemy lines.

In Legend, acclaimed bestselling author Eric Blehm takes as his canvas the Vietnam War, as seen through a single mission that occurred on May 2, 1968. A twelve-man Special Forces team had been covertly inserted into a small clearing in the jungles of neutral Cambodia—where U.S. forces were forbidden to operate. Their objective, just miles over the Vietnam border, was to collect evidence that proved the North Vietnamese Army was using the Cambodian sanctuary as a major conduit for supplying troops and materiel to the south via the Ho Chi Minh Trail. What the team didn’t know was that they had infiltrated a section of jungle that concealed a major enemy base. Soon they found themselves surrounded by hundreds of NVA, under attack, low on ammunition, stacking the bodies of the dead as cover in a desperate attempt to survive the onslaught.

When Special Forces Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez heard the distress call, he jumped aboard the next helicopter bound for the combat zone without hesitation. Orphaned at the age of seven, Benavidez had picked cotton alongside his family as a child and dropped out of school as a teen before joining the Army. Although he was grievously wounded during his first tour of duty in Vietnam and told he would never walk again, Benavidez fought his way back—ultimately earning his green beret.

What followed would become legend in the Special Operations community. Flown into the foray of battle by the courageous pilots and crew of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, Benavidez jumped from the hovering aircraft, and ran nearly 100 yards through withering enemy fire. Despite being immediately and severely wounded, Benavidez reached the perimeter of the decimated team, provided medical care, and proceeded to organize an extraordinary defense and rescue. During the hours-long battle, he was bayoneted, shot, and hit by grenade shrapnel more than thirty times, yet he refused to abandon his efforts until every survivor was out of harm’s way.

Written with extensive access to family members, surviving members of the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, on-the-ground eye-witness accounts never before published, as well as recently discovered archival, and declassified military records, Blehm has created a riveting narrative both of Roy Benavidez’s life and career, and of the inspiring, almost unbelievable events that defined the brotherhood of the air and ground warriors in an unpopular war halfway around the world. Legendrecounts the courage and commitment of those who fought in Vietnam in service of their country, and the story of one of the many unsung heroes of the war, whose actions would be scrutinized for more than a decade in a battle for a long overdue, and what many believe was an unjustly denied, Medal of Honor.

The case was reopened thirteen years later, in 1980, when a long lost—and believed dead—Green Beret eyewitness whom Benavidez had rescued that day, came forth and wrote a statement that revealed, once and for all, what happened on that fateful day in May of 1968.
About the author . . . 
Eric Blehm is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His first book, The Last Season, was the winner of the National Outdoor Book Award and was named by Outside magazine as one of the “greatest adventure biographies ever written.” He has dedicated his life to telling the stories of those who serve.
In 1999, Blehm became the first journalist to accompany and keep pace with an elite Army Ranger unit on a training mission. His access into the Special Operations community and reportage set an important milestone for American war journalism two years before reporters began to gain widespread embedded status with the U.S. military in the War Against Terror. Blehm’s immersion with the Rangers is what led him to the previously untold story of an elite team of eleven Green Berets who operated in the hinterland of Taliban-held Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11 (The Only Thing Worth Dying For), as well as to Fearless (Waterbrook/Multnomah; Random House), the heartrending and inspiring story of Naval Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Adam Brown, who overcame tremendous odds in his rise to the top tier of the U.S. military: SEAL Team Six. FEARLESS is currently being adapted for film by Relativity Media.
Blehm’s current book, Legend (Crown Books, Penguin RandomHouse), tells the unforgettable story of the U.S. Army’s 240th Assault Helicopter Company and Green Beret Staff Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked everything to rescue a Special Forces team trapped behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. Major General John K. “Jack” Singlaub, U.S. Army (ret.), commented on Legend: “I fought beside and led U.S. Special Operations soldiers, sailors, and airmen during three wars—WWII, Korea, and Vietnam—including the men [of SOG] depicted in LEGEND. Never have I read a more powerfully honest, realistic, or moving account of the war in Southeast Asia. Eric Blehm masterfully encapsulates the hearts of the men, their impossible mission, and the quagmire of politics of the era and wraps it up in a single bloody battle that portrays the American fighting man at his best.”  Blehm lives in Southern California with his wife and children.
The Cowboy Thought . . .  Master storyteller.  Eric Blehm tells the stories of those who've served.  He is masterful in the way he brings to life these stories.  This was a phenomenal book and is worthy 5 stars.   His writing is honest and real.  The story is powerful. Included in the book is a section of photo's.  The author did an exhaustive amount of research to be able to offer this powerful story.  The reader interested in military history would enjoy reading this book.  I look forward to reading more of his works.  
For more information visit the authors website 
I received a complimentary copy of Legends in exchange for my honest review. 
This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Good Reads click on the bold type for a direct link to read additional reviews or purchase. 
This review will be posted at MyJourneyBack-TheJourneyBack click to visit my lifestyle blog.  



Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A Beauty Refined--Tracie Peterson--Book Review


About the book (provided by Litfuse)...
What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?
Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.
Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

About the author:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
                               
                                                Website | Facebook | Pinterest
And I thought . . . 
I truly can't say enough good things about this book.  
To tell you the truth I haven't recently been too interested in Historical novels.  I began my adult reading career reading Historical Romance.  And then I found contemporary. I was hooked.  And then I found Contemporary Suspense.  But because of Tracie Peterson's worked I am now a fan of Historical Romance again.  

And now a fan of Tracie Peterson.  
  
A Beauty Refined is book 2 in the series.  
I look forward to reading more in this series.

The story was interesting from page one.  I have to admit I expected a boy meets girl romance.  Followed by events that separate them.  And then the two getting together in for a happy ending.  
I was very wrong.   And that was refreshing.
           There is a Happy Ending 
The romance is only part of the story.  The storyline as described above is about the challenges Phoebe faces once she learns about lies and deceptions in her family.  

The story also has a bit of intrigue. There's some plotting, double-dealing, and 
underhandness in more than one character. 
These aspects of the story make it not a typical romance.  

And I liked that. A Beauty Refined is worthy of my 5 star rating. 

I wish to thank Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. 
beauty refined - 400

A huge thanks Tracie Peterson for 
re-introducing me to Historical fiction. 

This review is posted at 
MyJourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com
At at the following link parties:
The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup, 
Create With Joy

This review is posted at the follow retailers
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBC.
This review is also posted at Good Reads.



Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions-Lyle Slovick-Book Review

                                                Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions cover
About The Book (provided by TLC tours)  . . .
Golf can be a vexing and cruel game, and teaches us much about ourselves. It has been described as “a contest calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honor, a revealer of character.” In the end, as with most of life, success hinges on the character and spirit we possess. But how would our tempers be tested if we suffered a career-threatening injury from a near-fatal car accident, as Ben Hogan did in the prime of his life? How would our honor be preserved if we faced constant derision and racism both on and off the golf course, as Charlie Sifford encountered his entire career? How would our character be revealed if cancer robbed us of the ability to play the game we loved, as it did to Babe Didrikson Zaharias? Would we give in to self pity, or persevere and keep going?
In Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope, Lyle Slovick has pulled together the inspirational stories of six golfers and a caddy whose strength of character sustained them against the physical and emotional trials that threatened both their careers and lives. In an era when many athletes have lost their luster as role models, the people in this book—Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Charlie Sifford, Ken Venturi, and Bruce Edwards—offer lessons in perseverance, dignity, humility, and faith. Slovick tells each of their stories with rich detail, including the childhoods that shaped their characters, their rise in the world of professional golf, the crises they faced in their lives, their struggles to keep doing what they loved, and their refusal to give up. They had their flaws, to be sure. But when faced with a true test of will, all showed a strength that inspired those around them.
The first book to gather the stories of these golfers into a single volume, Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions offers a unique blend of characters who shared the same love for a game that gave them the courage and fortitude they needed to face whatever life threw their way. This book will not only interest golfers and fans of the game, it will also inspire those who have suffered their own personal setbacks and show them they are not alone in their trials.

About Lyle Slovick Lyle Slovick AP

Lyle Slovick is a historian and golf enthusiast, having played and studied the game for over 40 years.  He has an M.A. degree in American History and is a former Assistant University Archivist at the George Washington University, where he worked for 13 years amongst the rare books and manuscripts in the Gelman Library Special Collections Department.  Lyle enjoys telling stories that shed new light and offer new perspective on often well-trod subjects – what he describes as “augmented interpretation.”  This book is an expression of his passion for the game of golf, which has taken him to various major championships around the world, including the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland, the home of golf.  Lyle enjoys travelling, reading (especially biographies), and resides in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he currently works as a consultant for the United States Golf Association.
Find out more about Lyle at his  Website and Facebook
And I /We thought . . .(The Cowboy read it too)
And I thought interesting read for me.  This is a book for golf enthusiasts.  Although it was interesting it just wasn't a book 'for me'.  
The author did do an amazing job and I became interested in the stories of the lesser
known gold legends.  I wouldn't have known whether they were lesser known except the Cowboy pointed it out to me.  
It is a well written lengthy book which is what I think the intended audience would like and it is filled with photo's.  
The  ends with a good 'Notes' section filled with the authors sources.  Mr Slovick is detailed and does an excellent job of writing and detailing the stories of each of the individual players.  The book includes the stories of 7 players including 
Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Charlie Sifford, 
Ken Venturi and Bruce Edwards.  
I was impressed that  Mr. Slovik included the female golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias' inspirational story which is subtitled 'Spritual Muscle'.

And the Cowboy thought . . . (the man of few words) If I had purchased this book I would have been disappointed.  I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had borrowed from the library.  The first chapter was hard to read and just didn't flow mainly because Slovik is sighting references and that just began to bog me down. 
Most of the other chapters were interesting and easy to read. 
The chapter featuring Charlie Stifford bogged me down again mostly because I felt there was more about the racial tension on during the time than about his personal struggles.  

Overall we thought this was an o.k.   Someone really interested in the game of gold might have enjoyed the book much more.    Making it a good gift book for a golf enthusiast that 
is really interested in the history of the game.  

I received a complimentary copy of the book from I Tour Book Tours


This review is posted at the following retailers and on Good Reads
Purchase Links: Rowman & Littlefield | Amazon | Barnes & Noble   

This review is posted at MyJourneyback-Thejourneyback
and the following blog party  Create With Joy






Thursday, July 21, 2016

Brad Stine Comic-DVD Review

                                                       God's Comic

About the DVD (provided by FishFlix)
Join Christian comedian or “God’s Comic” Brad Stine for 70 minutes of laughs as he studies the world and brings his own unique comedic insights straight to you. Stine has a unique blend of stand-up comedy with just a tinge of preaching and lecturing that will have you laughing out loud but also contemplating your own actions and life. Dedicated to more than just making you laugh, Brad Stine gets serious in moments to challenge you in your faith and your own personal beliefs. He is a man sold out to God and has chosen to use a unique platform to communicate his message: comedy!

Filmed before a small, intimate audience, Brad runs through his routine, showcasing some of his most hilarious routines to date including “Small Town”, “G-O-D”, “O Is for Our Fault”, “Texting and Cell Phones” and “Holiday of Extortion”. Similar in style to other Christian comedians like Tim Hawkins and Mark Gungor, Brad Stine is a hilarious comedian well-versed in the art of making your sides split. In a culture that generally downplays faith and God, Brad Stine helps to bring to light some of the undeniable truths of our Lord and Savior while also making you laugh at some of the oddities of our modern culture.
For more about Brad Stine visit FishFlix here
And what I thought . . . 
I'm a little undecided about how I felt about the DVD.  To me it was a little long.  But there is good in bad in that.  You can actually turn it off if you want and do something else so that is good.  
It is good clean family fun.  Small children will be lost but high schoolers would enjoy.  In fact there is a 16 year old in the audience that is actually part of the entire show. 
This is the part that I'm uncertain about.  I guess it really wasn't what I expected having seen other comics in large venues.  
I kind of had the feeling of a comedy club.  Very small intimate group.   
Again that is neither good or bad.  Just a thought.  
Overall I'd recommend this video.  It would make a great family Christmas present.  I'll probably purchase for my son and his family. 
I wish I could say it was great.  I have to say it was good.  And worthy of a watch. 

I received a complimentary copy from FishFlix in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This DVD is available at AmazonBarnes and Noble and 
CBC .  This review is posted at all the above retailers.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Smoothies For Runners-C.J. Hitz-Book Review

                                                                  Smoothies for Runners: 32 Proven Smoothie Recipes to Take Your Running Performance to the Next Level, Decrease Your Recovery Time and Allow You to Run Injury-Free

Overview provided by Barnes and Noble . . .
Smoothie. Doesn't that word just roll off the tongue nicely?
The smoothie has to be one of the greatest inventions (or accidents) in the world of food. But for the runner, it can be one of our best friends. A smoothie can be the perfect recovery food after a long run, provide fuel before a workout and offer a quick and nutritious meal on the go.
CJ Has Been a Big Fan of Smoothies For Years
Not only are there endless combinations that taste great, but these same combinations can do wonders for your health. In every smoothie CJ makes, at least one fruit is listed in the ingredients. Some will have more. But in his humble opinion, when you remove fruit, you no longer have a smoothie on your hands.
What You'll Get:
Top 10 Tips and Tricks for Smoothie Prep
What To Eat Before The Run
8 Pre-Run Fuel Smoothie Recipes
What To Eat After The Run
8 Post-Run Recovery Smoothie Recipes
Finding Your Ideal (Racing) Weight
8 Raw Green Smoothie Recipes
8 Healthy Dessert Smoothie Recipes
Plus, a special bonuses at the end!
CJ looks forward to exploring the world of smoothies with you as we seek to give our bodies what they truly crave both before and after a run.

And I thought . . . I received a complimentary e-copy of this fabulous little book.  As I scrolled through the pages I couldn't help but want to go shopping and buy ingredients to make a smoothie.  And, I'm not a fan of smoothies!  I'm not a runner either but reading this book made me wish that I had/have a more active lifestyle.   
Some of the fabulous recipes inclue:
Cinnamon Roll Recovery
Blueberry Bonk
Savory Splits 
Mocha Morning Warm Up 
Each and everyone sounded delicious!  I am going to purchase this book for my daughter who is a new runner.  She would greatly benefit! 
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to get into shape!

I give Smoothies For Runners and high 5, a thumbs up and 5 big 'ole stars. 

I am also posting on Good Reads and linking at blog parties including:
The Art Of Homemaking,  Share Your Cup, Creatively Unleashed, Home Sweet Home Fri.,
Funtastic Friday, Simple Saturdays Blog Hop, Saturday Sparks, Sundays at Home,
Share It One More Time Sundays, Inspire Me Monday, Busy Mondays, The Scoop
Show/Share Tuesday, Tuesday with a Twist, and Wake Up Wednesday.

This review will be posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Dwelling Places--Lucinda Secrest McDowell-Devotional Review


About the book (provided by the publisher). . . 

What if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day?
Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word - such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace - to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.


PRAISE FOR DWELLING PLACES:
“As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In Dwelling Places, Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” ~ Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read Dwelling Places. Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year.  Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” ~ Carol Kent, speaker and author of Waiting Together and Unquenchable

“In Dwelling Places, Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” ~ Tessa Afshar, Christy, award winning author of Land of Silence and Fields of Grace

“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth, and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! Dwelling Places offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.”  ~ Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of What Women Should Know About Facing Fear

“Dwelling Places is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I'd finished reading them.” ~ Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of Still Life and Stones for Bread                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
And I thought . . . What a great devotional book.   The subtitle Words to Live in Every Season explains the essence of  the book.  It's divided into 4 sections: Dwell Fall, Shine Advent, Renew Lent, and Grow Summer and ending with a section titled  Gratitudes followed by the Epilogue: Secrets Of The Nest.    Each devotional begins with a scripture and then a short story with some thoughts to ponder.  I loved the end of each devotional.  Instead of a prayer for the reader to pray each devotional ended with a word from our Father.  These thoughts blessed my spirit.  Here is an example: from #26 Faithful... My child, you can trust Me. I have been faithful to countless generations before you, and I shall most certainly be there for those who come after you.  You see. I never change.  While my ways and my will are not predictable in time and manner my character remains.  Faithful. True. Loving. Merciful.  Count on it.  
I enjoyed this little book.  It is small and will fit nicely into a tote back.  It's a great devotional to even take on vacation.  I liked the small size.  I had no trouble reading it.  I also like the graphics that made it pretty.                                                                                                                                                                         I would recommend this devotional to anyone.  It would make a great gift for anyone anytime of the year or any season.                                                                                                                                                                                                              This devotional is worthy of my 5 star rating.   My thanks to Miss McDowell,Abigdon Press and Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.                                                                                                                                                            This review is posted at AmazonCBCBarnes and Noble and Goodreads.  click on the bold type to purchase or read additional reviews.  The review is posted at My Reading Journeys and linked to The Art of HomemakingCreate With Joy and Share Your Cup and may be linked to other available parties.  See my parties page for a complete list of blog parties.     

Monday, July 4, 2016

Delilah--Angela Hunt-Book Review

                                                          Delilah
About The Book . . . 

Publisher's Description

A Complex and Compelling Glimpse at One of the Bible's Baddest Girls
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.

When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.
And I thought . . . I was pleased to get the opportunity to read this book; and looked forward to it's arrival!  I wasn't disappointed.   Almost at page 1 I was drawn into the story.   I was a little ambivalent about the author taking characters and stories from the Bible and weaving them into fictional stories.    But I was pleasantly surprised at the authors expertise and ability to make the story real and interesting to read.  Miss Hunt is known for the extra care she takes in research which makes the fiction part of the story seem real and come to life.   The Biblical story of Samson and Delilah is in this writers opinion is superbly brought out through this fictional work.  
The characters are well developed (fictionally) and makes you think about their individual circumstances.   The story made me want to read my Bible and reread their stories.  And that's a good thing!
I would recommend Delilah as a great read!  Because of the of the way Delilah's story is depicted and the struggles she went through I would not suggest this as a read for an impressionable teenager.    
Miss Hunt and Delilah deserve my 5 star praise.  
Information about the author . . .  The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. Learn more at www.angelahuntbooks.com.
I received a complimentary copy of Delilah from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 
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