Learning Religion with The Secret Origins of Christianity by Hekataios Amerikos

This is the first non-fiction book that I am reviewing on my blog.  However, I do love non-fiction books also. I am thankful for them.  I enjoy expanding my mind.  So, as expected this will be a bit different than my fiction reviews but I hope to do this book justice.  

First, the information in this book may be seen as controversial but in all honesty, anything that broaches the subject of religion is going to be. I went into this book realizing that it was going to teach me about the origins of Christianity and within it, I would find things not taught in a church or by most in society.  In fact, many things I have learned in this book are not known by most and for that reason, I am so glad I picked up this book.

Since this is the first time I have reviewed a non-fiction book, I struggled with how to review it.  So, I asked was it informative.  It was.  It covered everything from Moses to the demise of Paul to the Apocolypses.  It also covers so much more.  I learned so much from this book and the author has been nice enough to answer any questions I have. 

Also, I asked if it was entertaining.  The answer is yes.  Though it is a book full of information, it's written in a way that makes you want to read more.  I took a long time to read this and I enjoyed it. There wasn't once that I got bored. So, Heakataos Americkos has a talent of keeping you engaged.  

The third and final question I asked myself was is it easy to understand?  This was such an easy book to absorb.  The author has written a book that I had no trouble understanding.  He included a timeline, Every subject had correct dates and names and exactly how they connected to the origin of Christianity.  

So, to rate this book.  I would give it more than five stars.  It's a book that I feel everyone should read.  It is enlightening and everyone needs enlightenment.  

Book Cover rating: 5 Stars 

Book rating 5 + Stars 

My Throwback Review of The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

The story of Geryon and Kadence was heartbreaking at first but I was really happy with the way they ended. Though Geryon did not look like a normal romance character, I did find myself feeling as if I understood how he felt. I loved that Kadence was able to look past his looks and feel absolute love for him. I truly do think that everyone should look into this prequel of the Lords of the Underworld. It will help you understand how everything started and it will also change the way you look at romance.

Finding the Power with Who Holds the Power by Furious

I have never really read a book where there was a lot of kung fu in it so I didn't know how I would respond.  Going in I worried that it might not be my cup of tea but I found I am a true eclectic at heart and I read this book with an open mind and ready to learn something new.  

So the setting is in Chicago.  I love that Furious describes exactly where everything takes place giving the names and descriptions of the schools in a way that gives a vivid picture of what it's like to be there.  I also really liked that he didn't only describe the great things about the city but also the dark alleys and what happened within them.  It made the setting so much more realistic.  

The characters are wonderful.  Again, Furious describes them in such detail that you know exactly what they look like.  You are given bits of their past that give them more depth and each has their own personality.  He made them diverse.  From the beginning, I was impressed with how he described Ivan and Nikki or even Mrs. Holmes and Curtis.  He makes sure you know the characters well.  

In short, the plot is about a boy (Ivan) who stands up to his bullies but it is also about his fight for success.  Ivan is an amazing strong character who speaks to your heart and makes you root for him.  He's his own hero.  Honestly, we need more stories where people are their own heros.  

The only complaint I have is not the story itself.  It is the formatting and the quotation placements.  That threw me off but not enough to ruin the story.  Besides, those things are easily fixed.  

I truly think that this book is a good read for anyone who wants to feel empowered.  Who doesn't, right?  So, if you are reading this and need a little push pick up this book.  

Cover Rating:  4

Book Rating: 4.8

Falling in Love With Fallen by Lauren Kate

I admit I was a little afraid that I would be disappointed in this book as I started.  All of the hype surrounding it made me a bit worried.  So, I opened this book with the lowest expectations imaginable. 
I'll start with the scenery.  I was in love with the scenery.  As a girl from Tennessee and someone who has once lived in Georgia, I was familiar with the beauty in these places hidden behind marshes and dark forests.  The vivid detail when she saw the lake made me homesick.  The broken down elements of the school were also familiar and though she was depressed and found it oppressive, I could immediately see the beauty in the darkness.  I absolutely loved the setting. 
The characters are interesting and different.  I was happy to find the differences that made them each individuals.  Arriane and Penn were different but lovable in their total differences from each other.  I also must say that though you know from the beginning that Luce is supposed to be with Daniel, Cam's charm makes you wish otherwise at the right moments in the story.  Luce is wonderful and unlike other heroines where they are weepy and sad for no reason, she certainly had reasons to be but she seemed more to live in the moment with her emotions.  This made her more real to me.  By the way, I loved Gabbe's strength and contrasts between personality and looks.  Never judge a book by their cover. 
The plot spun a tale that was both dark and romantic...a tale of life and death and kept me guessing.  I love the twists and turns and though the reveal of the true evil of the story was heartbreaking, it was also a surprise.  The story resonated as it should and I enjoyed it thoroughly. 
As a side note:  I bought the movie on Vudu and I enjoyed it.  As with every movie, there were some changes to the plot and setting, but it still managed to captured the essence of the book.  I truly hope the next book will be captured in this way.
I suppose you know by now that I am giving this book five plus stars.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romance or angels. 

Book Cover Rating: 5+ stars
Book Rating: 5+ stars
Movie Rating 4.5 Stars 

Becoming A Groupie with Crystal Kaswell's Sing Your Heart Out

I started this book a while ago and didn't get to finish it because I was healing from surgery.  Oh!  I am so glad I got to finish it.  

The setting is the perfect setting for rock star romances. It takes place in and around Hollywood California.  It also is set as part of the rock community there from the beginning.  I enjoyed that part because it actually explained how Meg got there instead of having a chance meeting.  

The plot is hot...Burning hot.  Each page sizzled.  However, it was also emotional and hits my feeling just right.  As someone who lost a sibling in a similar way as Meg did, Crystal Kaswell got the grieving process right.  The grief wasn't thrown together and patched up but addresses it.  I appreciate that more than I can say.  The emotional backstories of these characters add to the plot and make it a work in perfection.  

The oh so yummy characters made me fall in love with them.  Meg or Megara (Love her name, by the way) is real.  She has real problems like school and as I have mentioned real grief.  She isn't a conventional beauty but definitely a beauty.  Miles is mouth watering and like Meg, he's real.  He may be a rock star but his problems are heartbreaking.  I adored Kara.  My sister's name is Kara so there was already an emotional attachment to the name but the character is bad ass in everything especially friendship and I must give a shout-out to Drew, Tom and Pete for the same thing.  This is one of the few stories that there has been an emotional connection to the other characters in the book and not just the main.  

I loved the book and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.  Sing Your Heart Out has become one of my new favorite books and is on its way to becoming my new favorite series.   

Book Cover Rating: 5 Stars

Book Rating: 5+ + stars

Getting Lost in Time with 15 Minutes by Jill Cooper

I bought 15 minutes on a whim a few months ago.  To be honest, the cover caught my attention.    I think that it deserves some recognition.  It's beautiful.  

So, I'll start with the setting.  

The settings of this book go from malls, to school, to the most intriguing place, Rewind, a company that deals in time travel and memories.  Of course different time periods and alternate time lines give this book an exotic and enjoyable atmosphere.  The world Jill Cooper has woven is engaging.  

The characters sent me on a roller coaster ride.  Lara spoke to my heart.  She was believable and brave.  Rick and Donovan kept me on my toes as did Jax.  As a matter of fact, I can't find a flaw in these characters.  The good guys, the bad guys and every character in between were written flawlessly.  

The plot kept me on my toes.  I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book.  This story was perfectly paced with plenty of adventure, romance and mystery.  The plot was believable and really pulled me into the story.  It's a book I would read again and again.  

Though I am giving this book fives stars, it deserves more.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  I recommend for everyone who enjoys time travel, romance and young adult.  I believe you'll thoroughly enjoy it.  

My Rating: 5++

Book Cover Rating: 5++ (It's gorgeous)  

Finding My Way With Lighthouse by Connie Sanchez

Happy Black Friday, Everyone!! I know everyone is looking for Christmas gifts but they are also looking for Christmas reads.  So, I thought I would give my review of my Thanksgiving read, Lighthouse the first book in The Elemental Essence Series and the very first book written by new author, Connie Sanchez.

The setting of this book took us from the sunny beaches of Florida to the bustling state of Texas.  Mrs. Sanchez does a good job of transitioning us from each of these settings.  Since the main character, Maddie is pushed from home to home after the death of her mother, the settings are a perfect way to show her transition from each home.  

The characters are wonderful.  Maddie is someone who most teens can relate too.  Gideon is a guy that would melt all of their hearts.  The rest of the characters are well-written.  I even became attached to one of the minor characters.  I hope to hear more from Anwar in future books. 

The plot ripped my heart out at the beginning with the death of her mother.  As the story continued, I was happy that Maddie was settling in.  The paranormal aspects of the story melded with the characters well and kept the story going.  This story is about a lot of things but most of all, it is about a teenage girl who finds her place after tragedy.

I give this book a five star rating and recommend it to everyone who likes the paranormal especially teenagers.  I think this book will speak to them more than anyone.  I would like to end by thanking Connie Sanchez for an enjoyable read.

My rating: 5

Book Cover Rating: 5