Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Attack at the Arena picks up where Voyage with the Vikings left off. Cousins Patrick and Beth now have to retrieve a Roman monk's missing silver cup from Rome before the new moon. The Imagination Station takes them on a new adventure that includes barely escaping being eaten by a tiger, wearing weird Roman costumes, and getting caught by soldiers. They also learn how dangerous it was for Christians back then - they could be killed just for sport!

I liked this book a lot. It is a quick and easy read for younger children (ages 7 and up/Grade Level 2.3) and it reminds me a lot of Magic Tree house, except with Christian principles. The story was exciting and I think it would definitely appeal to kids. I loved the artwork! So cute! It is also a great historical read and a great question starter for young kids about suffering for your faith like the apostles and Paul did.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

“We understand what we want to understand.”

Leaving a life of privilege to strike out on her own, Lauren Durough breaks with convention and her family’s expectations by choosing a state college over Stanford and earning her own income over accepting her ample monthly allowance. She takes a part-time job from 83-year-old librarian Abigail Boyles, who asks Lauren to transcribe the journal entries of her ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.

Almost immediately, Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped in the worldview of the day, unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstition, and Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy’s story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.

The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge? Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

I. Loved. This. Book. It was awesome. I'm a big fan of Meissner's book Blue Heart Blessed, but I didn't realize it was the same author until I got the book. I was hesitant to read this book. I usually stick with young adult and steer away from romances because I don't want to read about people making out (you'd be surprised at what's in some Christian fiction). But Meissner had just enough romance to make it sweet, no gagging. I immediately wanted to give this to my younger sister to read because she and I both adore The Witch of Blackbird Pond and this book reminded me of it sooooo much. But she's a little younger and I'd put the age range on this book teens to adults.

Lauren was an interesting character. I didn't like and yet I loved her all at the same time. She made some stupid choices, but her character still stayed real and likable. Mercy was awesome. I didn't think that I would like the diary entries but they were the best part! Especially when she wrote about John Peter. *swoon*

All-in-all, I really, really, really liked this book. The characters were awesome, the story was gripping, and I was close to tears several times. Y'all. I never cry when I read books. This one's a keeper.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

"Voyage with the Vikings" is a book about two cousins who go on a mysterious and exciting adventure in the Imagination Station, which is a sort of time machine. They travel to Greenland to find a Sunstone for someone in need of help. Along the way, they meet rough vikings, some of which are mean, but they also make an unlikely friend. But they have to make it back to the ship before time runs out, or they may never get back home! Can they do it?

I liked the book. It was exciting, but not too scary, and at the end it left you wanting more! It encourages kids to stand up for their faith in God, and to do the right thing. I thought it was a very good book for younge readers, and I would recommend it to any child from first through third grade.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers

“I only know one man who might be able to tell me where I come from, and that man is a liar and a fraud.”

As far back as he can remember, the orphan Grady has tramped from village to village in the company of a huckster named Floyd. With his adolescent accomplice, Floyd perpetrates a variety of hoaxes and flimflams on the good citizens of the Corenwald frontier, such as the Ugliest Boy in the World act.

It’s a hard way to make a living, made harder by the memory of fatter times when audiences thronged to see young Grady perform as “The Wild Man of the Feechiefen Swamp.” But what can they do? Nobody believes in feechies anymore.

When Floyd stages an elaborate plot to revive Corenwalders’ belief in the mythical swamp-dwellers known as the feechiefolk, he overshoots the mark. Floyd’s Great Feechie Scare becomes widespread panic. Eager audiences become angry mobs, and in the ensuing chaos, the Charlatan’s Boy discovers the truth that has evaded him all his life—and will change his path forever.

This was a very interesting book. I had heard great reviews about it, but I wasn't sure what to expect when I cracked it open.

I have a read a lot of books, but never a book like this one.

Rogers takes you inside Grady's head, his writing style is very unique. It made me think of Gilbert Morris' Barney Buck series (just the writing style - all country like). The words in this book were my favorite. I'd laugh and read them out loud. Words/sentences/chapter titles like "feechiefolks", "In which we commence terrorizing the populace", "goozle", "gumption", etc.

And the plot was actually pretty good, the characters were quirky and felt almost real, and the feechies...Any book with feechies in it HAS to be good.

I'd never read a book about shows on the road (besides circuses) and charlatans, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading about it. It was interesting seeing Grady's point of view in the story - you usually never see it from an entertainers point of view.

I recommend this book to any who is interested in feechies, the world's most beautiful eighty-two-year-old woman, Pete's Dragon (and who DOESN'T love that movie?), alligators, or cowboys.

Find the book on:

• Amazon

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Holy Bible, ICB

This is the Holy Bible, for younge girls. It has a dictionary in the back, which could be very helpful for younge readers. It also had a section in the back of God's promises. I think that's great because children need to know what God says, and He does have many wonderful promises for them that they may not know about otherwise. There were "Memory Verses for Life" that I thought were really nice, because it can help encourage kids to memorize scripture, and gives them an idea of what verses they might like to memorize. I loved the translation, International Children's Bible (ICB). It was so easy to understand! It made the Bible seem more storylike and kept Biblical truths at the same time.

I think that this is honestly a great Bible. It's simple, and the Preface helped assure me that it was translated accurately. The design of the Bible is cute and girly, and the 3D designs on the front seem durable, like the rest of the Bible. I thought the print was easy to read, and wasn't too small, especially considering the size of the Bible. I would recomend this Bible translation to anyone with a child, and this Bible to anyone with a little girl.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Show Us Your Singles - Anne of Avonlea in Tennessee, Sweet Sixteen

Rachel is the redheaded beauty "Anne of Avonlea in Tennessee", 16 years old.

(The beautiful one on the left!)

She's been my best friend for nine years and she has a heart of gold. She loves God and kids. Her dream is to adopt lots of kids and give them a home someday in the future. She likes reading, camping, laughing, Dr. Pepper, and she especially loves her family.

(She's so darn cute!!!!)

She wants to get to know a young, Christian guy who puts God first, is great with kids, and has a funny personality.

(Rachel, her brother, cousin, and sister.)

Leave a comment if you would like to get to know her better! Or email me at parisakins@gmail.com.

MY CELLULAR DEVICE

Unlike Paris, who's cell phone's name is Cecil (she's says that's Cecil is a girl name, but most people she talks to disagree. What do you think?), my cell phone does not have a name. I don't have anything against naming electronics (I'm sure you've read about Paris' PINK laptop named Patrick), but its just kind of.......well, for lack of a better or more suitable word....its just WEIRD. My cell phone does not have a name. It does not need a name. Its a cell phone. When I'm searching the house looking for it, I don't say "Where's Susan?!" Or James. Or Mr. Prickleworth. Its just "my cell phone." Or "my phone." Or, my most favorite of all "Where's my CELLULAR DEVICE?!?!?!!!!" Haha, isn't that fun to say? You should say it out loud, right now. Cellular device. Wasn't that great? Now imagine getting to yell that throughout the house. Its a whole new level of fun. AND it really is a cellular device. So its not just a weird name-its what my phone is: my cellular device.
But really, I think its kind of funny to name your cell phone, so its ok:)

I think my cell phone is alive. It can breath!!!
Well, not all of the time-but it does. I don't always keep my phone with me like some people do. Its usually sitting in my room or on the kitchen table. And because of this, I don't always hear it when it rings so I keep the volume turned up all the way. Then when it starts to ring, I scramble up the stairs to get to it so I can answer the phone, but sometimes I don't make it in time. I bought I ringtone from iTunes that I really like, its "Beautiful, Beautiful" by Franchesca Battistellie (I know I spelled that name COMPLETELY wrong, and I'm sorry). When my phone rings,thats the song that blares through the speakers. And right before it happens my cellular device starts to vibrate, and I KNOW that I can hear my phone inhale a deep breath before it sings at the top of its lungs. I know it. I meant to tell Paris about this, but never had a chance. The other day, after my phone had finished singing out my ringtone, and as I was thinking about how funny it was that it could breath, Paris is like, "Your phone takes a big breath before the ringtone goes off!" And I'm like, "I know! I thought the same thing!!" And I'm very happy, because I'm not the only one to think that, and not being alone is a very good feeling.

~Madi

Memories

Memories. We all have them. But - for me at least - memories are mostly connected with sight. With things I can see, like Christmas trees, beach buckets, and pictures. But I love those rare moments where my memories are connected with my other senses as well, like sound, smell, taste, and feel.

But maybe they aren't that rare. I think that lots of times I just notice them subconsciously. As I was taking some towels out of the dryer today, I held them against my face and inhaled. I paused. Hhhmmm, that smells familiar. I inhaled again, and thought of my great grandmother's house. Of nice elderly people. I smiled at the memories those towels brought, even though it wasn't of a specific time, those towels smelt familiar.
My cousin was visiting once, and she had brought some perfume with her. When I smelled it, it imediately reminded me of a toy I had had in pre-school. Weird. But it did, and it brings back great memories and feelings of when I was a little kid.

A couple summers ago, my favorite CD to listen to was BarlowGirl. I listened to it 24/7. One song in particular I loved, and once kept it on repeat for the entire night. (Yeah, I didn't sleep very well that night, but its still a good song:) The next summer, I dug the CD out from one of my drawers and listened to it. I came to that one song, and paused to listen. It made me kind of sad, thinking about the year that had gone by, and all of the change that had taken place. I thought about stuff that I used to think about when I had listened to the song before.

Memories.

When I eat snow, like I did today, the familiar taste reminds me of all the other times I've done it in my life. Sometimes certain fabrics I feel remind me of stuffed animals I used to have, and of being seven-years-old. I love memories. But sometimes they make me sad.

One day, I'll have things that remind me of my life now. Of when I was fourteen. And I'll think about how long ago that was, and how much time has passed and things have changed.

One day.


~Madi

worst date ever (fictional)

Written By: Paris, Rachel, and Madi

So my friend set me up with this blind date. He sounded like a great guy, dark brown hair, deep brown eyes that a girl could get lost in, and a wonderful sence of humor. But it turned out it was the WORST DATE EVER!!!!


I first got a clue that he wasn't the prince charming I had a imagined when he showed up wearing suspenders and long red socks. His hair flew in all directions, and covered his eyes, ruining any chance I had of ever "getting lost" in them. I could only hope his personality would make up for his looks.


"Whoooo-eeeeee!" He exclaimed when he saw me. "She picked me out a right fine lookin gal. CAN I GET YO DIGITS?"


Um, Lord, I thought. Please send the rapture quickly because death would be painful. And I don't think I'll make it through this date.


He was going to be the one driving us to the resturant so i picked up sweater and walked briskly past him to survey the car to see if that would be any sign that this could have one perk. then i saw it....a huge...black...double...bicycle. Not the new ones like youre thinking of. But one so old it looked like the pilgrims had taken a few spins on it themselves. my jaw dropped and as he stpped out of the doorway and shut the large heavy door he said "aint she a beaut!?" he smiled with such pride,"shes my pride and joy! no woman could top her!!!"


Shocked, I nodded. This was going to be a longgggg evening. He looked at me exclaimed, "Well don't just stand there Cupcake! Hop on! We've got a lot of biking to do if we're going to make it to dinner before dark!" I looked at him. At the bike. At my 3 inch heels. Back at the bike. Back at him-oh, gross!, I think. He's picking his nose!


I gingerly got on and gripped the handlebars with all my might - not caring anymore about my nails I had worked on for three hours. When it came down to 1)living through this awful night or 2) impressing him with my manicured hands, I chose #1. And thus we started out. Uphill.

WE all know that guys sweat. Its common knowledge. Well apparently this guy sweats even more than regular guys!!! and has never heard of deoderant! i needed a gas mask as he slowly made the top of the hill. He stopped forhalf a minute and i prayed the sky would start raining down old spice on this guy!!!! THen he stared into my eyes and said, "now for the "fun" part" he smiled. He gripped the handle bars a shoved off down the hill.....

"Aaaarrgggg-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as we flew down the steep hill. "Stop this thing!!!!!" He paid no attention to me as he yelled,"Whooo-hoooo!" Then he turned around and looked at me as we sped down. "Keep your eyes on the road!" I screamed frantically. "Ahhh! We're Going to CRASH!!!!!!!"

The scenery whizzed past and we swerved into the street. Cars honked and as we sped by, headed straight for a telephone pole. My whole life flashed before my eyes - it was very boring. Oh, God, I prayed. If you let me survive this I will NEVER go on a date again. Boys will be STRICTLY off limits. The pole was approaching fast. "I'LL EVEN BECOME A NUN!" I screamed at Him.
The as if by an act of God we missed the pole!!! and we stopped right in front of the very returant we were headed to i sat there...comatose. I couldnt move my arms were wrapped around him (yes WRAPPED around him i had been clinging for dear life) "ok we're here sweet thing....you can let go now?" he said. i couldnt move. he unhinged my arms from around his waist and set me off the bike. I stood there staring at this thing that haqd almost been the death of me. "we can do it again on our way back" he announced excitedly. I turned to him..mouth gaping. Nuh uh..i was not doing that again.

"Come on Babe, lets get some chow," he said as he walked into a very scary, dark, and dirty looking resturant. Not wanting to be left alone in the equally scary parking lot, I followed him inside. Bad move. I would have been better off in the parking lot. I limped inside the building, my feet killing me from peddling up that gigantic hill in my heels. As I stood next to him, I relized I shouldn't have worn heels anyway. I was about 6 inches taller than him with them on. All that pain for nothing. What a waste.

"What is this place?" I asked.

He grinned with pride. "It's my family's restraunt."

My eye quivered. A pink slip of paper on the wall caught my eye. Health rating: 55

Im going to die i thought....my life would end with this jerk. yup life stinks. He walked into the resturant like he owned the place...O wait he did!!! which he announced every 10seconds. He picked the best table in the house...it was under the vent..right beside the bathroom WHAT A VIEW!!!! He called for the waiter to come over. The waiter was tall with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes that a girl could get lost in, this sounded like the guy i was supposed to date. "this is my brother Nick", my date said offhandily. "will you go ahead and order..i have a date soon. Im already running late!", nick exclaimed.

I stared wistfully after him as he walked away from our table. Why couldn't he have been my date? I thought. I huffed under my breath. "What'll you have Pigpie?" he asked me. Pigpie???? What? "Um, I'm not sure. What do you have....that's edible?" "We have everything from Lasagna to hamburgers. My family owns this-" "Yeah yeah, I know, I know. Your family owns this resturant." "How'd you know that?" he asked confusedly. I rolled my eyes. "I don't know....maybe you've said that before?!" "Huh. Well, anyway, I'm getting the dog bone pie. Its my favorit!" Eww. "Uhh, I'll have the spaghetti, I guess." He nodded his approval, "Good choice."

Nick glided back over in all his hunky glory. "What'll you have to drink?" He asked. "Dr. Pepper, please." I said. His eyes sparkled. "I love Dr. Pepper!"Omg...this guy is amazing i thought. He walked out of the room. Id rather date the brother than this guy i was staring at..looking at his reflection in his spoon. TO bad he had a date tooooo-----......wait. Just then Nick walked in with my drink. "so you have a date tonight?" i asked. "yeah its a blind date im like really nervous." he said smiling. Eveything made since now. I looked at my "date" ...i picked up my Dr.Pepper and pourded it on his head.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "You've got some spunk in you. But really, you never do that without first yelling the appropriate phrase." he grinned. And that's when I knew I'd made a bad mistake pouring that on his head. "FOOD FIGHT!!!!!!!!!" he yelled. "Ahhhh!!!" I started to scream, but it was quickly muffled when my date picked up some strange green mush I assumed was food, and hurled it at me. It landed right in my mouth, and tasted disgusting. "That's it!" I screamed. "I've had enough. I started snatching all kinds of strange articals of food off near by tables and throwing them at him. All the while telling him how much I hated this "date" we were on, and how much I detest him. He, being the gentleman he is, of course threw things right back. Laughing the entire time. Only too bad I forgot that Nick was standing right there watching the whole entire thing.
When i remembered that fact i froze, I turned to look at him. He stared at me looking very confused. I walked over to him and Said, "i think i was supposed to be your date tonight..but your brother showed up instead." He stared at me. then as if it by a bolt of lightning he understood. "excuse me for just a second. " he said as he walked away. He grabbed his brother by the susspenders and drug him in the back. I could here my "date" screaming "shes just so hott!!!" then everything went silent. Nick came out alone. But i wasnt conserned. He took off his apron threw it down on the floor and walked toward me. he took me by the hand and said "i had a wonderful time tonight maybe we should do it again sometime"

And he winked.

GAG

I never thought the phase "I love you" could be used too much.

Until I listened to my friend on the phone with this GUY. THAT I DON'T EVEN KNOW!

I haven't given her my permission to talk/text him..and yet she does.

She can't be tamed.