Title: Isaiah's Daughter
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Series: Prophets and Kings # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Isaiah's Daughter"(Prophets and Kings #1) by Mesu Andrews

My Thoughts....

What a read that was of a young woman who had been the prophet of Isaiah's home and captures the heart of the future King Hezekiah. Even though this was a fictional read in part this author did a wonderful job through Ishma's eyes one is made to see and understand the experience of life that happened in 732 BC Judah.

I enjoyed how well this author was able to give the reader quite a research on biblical and historical facts for this read. The reader will definite get a well written overall story that will keep you turning the pages to see what's coming next. I loved the characters from Isaiah, Aya, Hezekiah, Ishma and her friend Yaira.

This story will definitely be one of many emotions that will keep you turning the pages to see what you will find such as many scriptural quotes, a marriage [between Zibah & Hezi] that wasn't easy all the time, and with many Biblical characters that made this read seem to come alive. Indeed this was a good story of Hephzibah and Hezekiah when 'their faith failed them but then rejoiced with them when God rewarded them for their faithfulness.'

This author really brings to life this beautiful enjoyable read that give the readers a good tale of life in the Biblical times.


Thank you to Blogging for Books who provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Colors of Christmas
Author: Olivia Newport
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Colors of Christmas" Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas By Olivia Newport

My Thoughts....

Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas:

Christmas in Gold

What a story that had me in tears...What will happen when a older woman [Astrid] falls and breaks her ankle. Then her family wants to put her in an assistant living facility. Wow, what a family! You will just have to pick this one up to see how it will all come out as she meets a Physical Therapist named Carly.

Then next we have....

Christmas in Blue

This was such a wonderful contemporary heartwarming story of 'love, loss and the beauty of family and friends.' What will happen as a mysterious stranger [Gabe] appears in town to help Angela. How will this take a turn and instead of dread there will be 'joy and tenderness in Angela's heart' for this holiday.

Both of these stories are well written and will contain a message that is only for the reader to receive. I found these stories tender, so endearing and hopefully one hearts will be lifted for this Christmas holiday season from the read. I was left to be reminded to be 'thankful and never take anything for granted.'

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Title:  That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored

Author:  Paulette Harper

Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored  " by Paulette Harper

My Thoughts.....

This was a beautiful testimony from this author but since my Kindle allows it to read to me...I felt that I was in church and listening to as it really ministered to my soul. This was definitely a inspiring and powerful message that I needed to hear and be able to receive the message.  The wonderful definitions and biblical scriptures were right there for me to absorb which offered much encouragement to me. I loved how the author delivered the message about  being hurt, bitter and knowing we are not alone on this journey, 'to have faith, and know trouble don't last always!'  Thank you so much for this! This is  great reference read that I plan to keep close. I may have to purchase a paperback copy!

Thank you to the author for sharing your life of your pain, sorrow and rebirth with your readers.  I am sure it will help many who may be involved in a broken marriage, disappointing dreams and even thoughts of suicide by the reader but we are given hope and inspiration from the Bible with solutions that were from the 'Word of God.'

Process of Healing: involves...

Forgiving Yourself!

Stop the Condemnation!

Truly knowing that God will never leave or forsake me keeps me going daily!  So, I will say if you are 'hurt, bitter and or going through bad times' I would definitely recommend this book "That Was Then, This Is Now: This Broken Vessel Restored."  I loved the solution that was offered if you are a candidate for surgery if you have a broken heart and its solution being 'Jesus, the Christ.' And ending this beautiful well written read I will leave my favorite scripture that I love too..."And we know that ll things work together for good to those who love god, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Thank you to the author for a PDF of your novel.  It was truly a blessing to me to have read it.