The Friends of Jesus {by Karen Kingsbury}

Title: The Friends of Jesus

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Series: Heart of the Story #2

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

America' favorite inspirational novelist and #1 New York Times bestselling author offers a richly told tale about six of Jesus' closest friends and companions, bringing biblical truths to life in this captivating continuation of her Life-Changing Bible Study series.
In our everyday lives, friends are the people whom we spend the most time with, go through struggles with at times, and who know us best. Each of Jesus' friends--Peter, John, Matthew, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarus--traveled with Jesus and were part of His daily ministry, and each has a compelling story to tell. There were some who would question or doubt Him, and one would even betray Him. Kingsbury brings these fascinating personalities to life in ways that will not only help bring you closer to the truths found in Scripture, but also to Christ.
By combining valuable, instructive Bible study with compelling, insightful character sketches of Jesus' companions, Kingsbury provides you with a deeper understanding of the scriptural teachings featuring these fascinating people. Emotionally powerful, thought-provoking, and soulful, The Friends of Jesus will help you to appreciate the Bible and understand how it applies to your relationships with the most important people in your life.

As you know, I enjoy Biblical fiction and seeing how different people imagine Biblical characters and the times. This series is interesting to me because its imagining the people closest to Jesus. I didn't feel this was quite as good as the first one, The Family of Jesus, but still interesting.

We get six stories from different friends of Jesus: Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John. I've never really thought of Simon and Jairus as "friends" of Jesus, necessarily, but they were interesting additions.

We got to see three stories before Jesus' death, three stories of healing and raising from the dead. We get one story during His crucifixion, and two stories after His death and resurrection. So we get to see all different sides of Jesus.

But although this series is about Jesus, He himself doesn't appear all that much in the stories. Some of the stories were told in flashback of what Jesus actually did for them. But also, we get to see the lasting impression Jesus had on these people's lives, and how their encounters with Him lasted long after the event.

I think Mary Magdalene's story was my favorite. But Peter and John's stories were pretty interesting, as we see that they aren't exactly the perfect people we might think the disciples as being. But all in all, this was a pretty fast read, and I enjoyed it.

This review can also be found on   

Karen Kingsbury:

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Chasing Sunsets {by Karen Kingsbury}

Title: Chasing Sunsets
Author: Karen Kingsbury

Series: Angels Walking #2

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: publisher

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes the second novel in a brand-new series about divine intervention and the trials and triumphs of life; the dramatic story of a woman desperate to find deeper meaning in her life.
Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.
Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine's intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.
Inspirational and moving, Chasing Sunsets is the story of one woman's deep longings of the soul, and the sacrifices she's willing to make in search of healing. 

 

I loved this one even more than the first book. Although the main characters from Angels Walking, Tyler and Sami, appear in this one, this book focuses more on Sami's roommate Mary Catherine, and Tyler's best friend, Marcus.

We also get a different set of angels this time, Jag and Aspyn. I liked how this story explored some different aspects of the angels, such as how human emotions could affect them, and how they overcame that. I mentioned before that the angels were my favorite part, and that was true for this book too. I think we got to see more of them, and I loved that.

I also loved these characters. Something about Mary Catherine just stuck with me, and I loved her. Not going to lie, she insured me. She believes in living life to the fullest, and is adventurous in a way that I am not. But her full life philosophy doesn't just extend to jumping out of planes. She also believes living life includes making connections with people, and does a lot of charity work and churn
work. Although I did also like Marcus, there were some things that still held me back (like the whole Shelly thing). But still, I liked the two as a pair (or, the pair they could become).

Again, this book wasn't wholly focused on the romance as it was on the other things going on. The gang wars, Marcus's community center, and Mary Catherine's secret of her health. There were many different aspects of this story that kept it interesting, fast-paced, and moving.

This definitely has Kingsbury's signature inspiration and faith-based style, in a new and unique way. I would definitely recommend this series, and will be continuing. I need the next book, like, now.

This review can also be found on   

 

 

Karen Kingsbury:

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Top Ten Tuesday: Characters You Wish Would Get Their Own Book

Hey guys! Yep, it's my first Top Ten Tuesday! I can't promise that I'll keep up with it every week, but it seems like a lot of fun and I've been wanting to do it. Also, I love this week's topic, so what better week to jump in. So let's just get right to it...

Top Ten Characters You Wish Would Get Their Own Book



Kenji Kishimoto

Without a doubt. He is one of the most hilarious characters ever, and I would read everything about him.

Finnick Odair

Everything Finnick.

Grover Underwood

Because after all this time, we still have nothing from Grover's POV. I can't be the only one who would want to read that.

Cody Coleman

So I have still yet to read this particular series, although I've read all the ones that come before it and already love Cody. But I know how this series ends (that Bailey doesn't pick him), leaving Cody's story kind of unfinished, and would love to get something from his perspective. 

Levi or Reagan

I don't actually care, I just want more.

Sam Cortland

SAAAAMMMM 

Princess Nehemia

I don't even care that this is the same series. Nehemia is awesome.

Any of the Sarah Dessen Boys

I love Dexter the most, but I would also settle for anything from Wes, Eli, Dave, Nate, etc.

Ignifex

Because why not?

Robin Hood

Or even Will, I'll take whatever

So that's my list. How about you?





Angel's Walking {by Karen Kingsbury}

Title: Angels Walking

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Series: Angels Walking #1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from publisher

From New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes the first in a brand-new series about second chances: a dramatic story about a washed up baseball player, the love he left behind, and the miracles that might save them both. When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom.Across the country, Tyler's one true love Sami Dawson has moved on. A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer's who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks. A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step. It is time for the mission to begin.

Karen Kingsbury has done it again. Angels Walking was a unique story that captivated. I know I said previously that I had felt her stories were becoming formulaic, even becoming boring. But this one was unique and piqued my interest.

Two angels, Beck and Ember, have been sent to Earth. The whole group of angels have a mission, and these two have been chosen to complete the first part of it: Tyler Ames. A former baseball star, who ruined his career and is trying to make his comeback. Until he cant. His first love, Sami, lives across the country, supposedly moved on.

My favorite part would have to be the angels. I actually wish there were more scenes from Beck and Ember's point of view. It was interesting to see the way they worked, the way they walked among the humans, watching, listening, and helping.

I also like how this was not really romance based. I mean, yes, Tyler was focused on his first love, Sami. And Sami was focused on first her boyfriend, and then Tyler. But the story focused more on Tyler, and his growth as a person.

I also loved Virginia and her part of the story. She was so sweet, and just lent a wonderful side to the story and to Tyler's growth and discovery.

Does this still have the everything-works-out perfectly in an almost unrealistic way? Yes. But it is a book about miracles. And this was a great, invested read. It definitely kept me interested the entire time. I already need the next one!

This review can also be found on   

 Karen Kingsbury:

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The Family of Jesus {by Karen Kingsbury}

 

Title: The Family of Jesus
Author: Karen Kingsbury

Series: Heart of the Story #1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received from publisher

Through The Family of Jesus readers will develop an emotional connection to the family members of Jesus, learning about their lives and falling in love with Scripture along the way. Bible studies and devotionals abound, and in churches everywhere people gather to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word and its application to their lives. But too often these studies engage only the analytic approach to Bible learning.
In The Family of Jesus, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately care more deeply about the Bible by helping you grasp the truths in Scripture not just with your mind, but with your heart. The characters in these short stories were among those closest to Jesus—Mary, Joseph, Jesus’ brother James, John the Baptist, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsbury intersperses fictional, emotionally gripping details anchored in Scripture with historical and theological insights and questions that will guide soul-searching and reflection.
The Family of Jesus not only provides a deeper understanding of the relatives of our Savior, but also helps readers acquire tools that will draw them closer to Christ, to the Scriptures, and to each other.

Okay, as I know I've mentioned before on this blog, I love Biblical historical fiction. There's just something so interesting about imagining what it was really like way back when. So when I saw that one of my favorite Christian fiction authors was coming out with one about the family of Jesus, of course I had to read it. 

I loved how this book was split into 6 different stories--Joseph, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James, and Mary. We got to see Jesus's life through the perspectives of those who loved Him most. We also got to see those stories intertwine with each other. 

I will say, sometimes I have issues with retellings like this, because really, who are we to say what these people were like, how they acted, what they thought? Especially Jesus. There were some parts where I maybe had some issues, because we don't know that they were like that, or that they would have said things like that. I guess it's because some people, like Jesus, are put on such a high pedestal that it's just weird to see them, well, human. But, it's all in the name of fiction, and so was not too big of a deal.

I liked the different perspectives and will admit, there were some parts that had me thinking. I suppose I never thought about Joseph as a stepfather, although that's exactly what he was. And to see John and Jesus's relationship through the eyes of so many different people was super interesting and eye-opening. I think these stories really helped me to see things in a different light and was so inspiring.

I thought I wouldn't read the study part, but I actually did. I didn't split it up into the days (or read the assigned Bible portions...oops). I found them to actually be interesting. I actually think this would be a great Bible study to work through with a group of people, although you can get a lot out of it by yourself.&nbsp All in all, I really enjoyed this one. It was interesting, and still fun, but very inspiring. It made me think about the Bible and the stories we are all familiar with in a different way. 

 Karen Kingsbury:

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And, I'll be giving away a hardcover copy! A few rules though: US only // Must be 13 years or older or have parent's permission // Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen // Entries will be checked. False entries will cause ALL entries for that person to be disqualified. // I am not responsible to lost packages.

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Mini {DNF} Reviews: Fifteen Minutes, Airel

Because life's too short and there are way too many books to force yourself through books you don't want to read. While I don't usually review DNF's, these are just a couple of the review books that I've ended up putting down. These won't be actual review, per se, but just my initial thoughts and the reasons I put them down.

Title: Fifteen Minutes

Author: Karen Kingsbury

Rating: DNF at 50 pages

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Received via NetGalley, but also purchased it myself

Overnight, Zack is the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer with the looks and voice of a young Elvis. As his star rises, Zack is asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs, and also something more. Just as America is falling in love with Zack, just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster.At the same time, Reese Weatherly, a therapeutic horse instructor, is no longer sure about her relationship with Zack, or the wedding they had dreamed about. While Zack advances from one round of the competition to the next, an offer comes to Reese--one that will take her to a home halfway around the world.
Then Chandra Olson--reigning diva pop star and one of the Fifteen Minutes judges--intervenes. Chandra has suffered so much public pain and private agony since her days as a Fifteen Minutes contestant. Now she wants just one thing: meaning.
Can Chandra's private losses help Zack find his way, or will his fifteen minutes of fame cause him to lose the life he once loved? Fifteen Minutes is a story of character, compromise, and the cost of having it all. A story that raises the question: Who are the real winners?

Last year, I was on a huge Karen Kingsbury kick. I read so many of her books. In fact, this was one of my very first NG requests. And I actually bought the book, that's how much I love Karen Kingsbury. This DNF may be in part because I was just burned out on her books by this point, although I did try picking it up again recently and couldn't get into it. Some might say 50 pages may not be enough of a chance, but it was all I could struggle through.

Honestly, this book was not the same quality that I have come to expect from Karen Kingsbury. I loved the concept of this, as it is something that we can relate to in these days, but it just didn't work. I know that Kingsbury's books are filled with a lot of instances that just happen to work out perfectly, but there was something about this one that just worked out too perfect. I realize that I hadn't yet gotten to when things start to fall apart, but that's how I felt.

Basically, this just couldn't hold my attention. I felt the writing quality was not up to par with her other works (and I've read a lot of Karen Kingsbury). I hope to someday revisit this one and actually finish it, but maybe not anytime soon.

Karen Kingsbury:

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Title: Airel

Author: Aaron Patterson with Chris White

Rating: DNF at 30%
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Received via NetGalley

All Airel ever wanted was to be normal, to disappear into the crowd. But bloodlines can produce surprises, like an incredible ability to heal. Then there’s Michael Alexander, the new guy in school, who is impossibly gorgeous…and captivated by her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she can hear the sound of pages turning, and another, older story being written. It is the story of an ancient family, of great warriors, of the Sword of Light, and the struggle against an evil so terrible, so far-reaching, that it threatens everything. Airel knew change would be an inevitable part of life. But can she hold on when murder and darkness begin to close in and take away everything she loves? Will she have what it takes when the truth is finally revealed?

I've been wanting to read this one for years, since it was first released in 2011. So when I saw that they were re-releasing it and that it was on NG, I snatched it up (er, clicked the Request button really quickly and went pleasepleaseplease). But alas, it was just not for me.

I wanted to give it more than just 30%, but I just could not do it. First, the writing. It was over simplified. I couldn't stand the main character. I just couldn't stand reading it in general because of the writing style. It was hard for me to get through. 

I couldn't connect with any of the main characters, especially our MC. She spends about half the time talking about how she isn't one of those girls that gets all boy crazy. But like, from the first chapter, that's exactly what she is. 

And, like, the insta-love. Ohmygosh, the insta-love. This was one of the worst cases I've ever read. I mean, she has barely yet to meet him, but it must be fate because it's like he can see into her soul. What?

I hate to say it, but this just wasn't the book for me. It might be for you, but I just could not do it.

Aaron Patterson:

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