Lost In Dreams

If only I could tell you what I’ve been going through…but you wouldn’t understand. How could you? I don’t understand it myself. I mean what normal teen girl feels overwhelmed by guilt over her mother’s death because she called her mom while her mom was driving in bad weather? That irrational. It… it’s just plain crazy.

Book: Lost in Dreams (Altered Hearts) by Roger E. Bruner with Kristi Rae Bruner, Barbour Publishing, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-20

Subjects: Missions, Salvation, Trust in God, Friendship, divorce, Guilt, Forgiveness

Summary: Coming home on an emotional and spiritual high after a life-changing missions trip to Mexico, the last thing Kim expects is to go through “a season of pebbles” as her friend Aleesha calls hard times. That’s exactly what she gets though. Instead of her mom greeting her at the airport, she is greeted by word that her mom has just been killed in a car accident on the way. Suddenly Kim is plunged into a world of doubt and despair as she drowns in her guilt. When a friend provides a chance to go back another missions trip and do some work restoring an old building and doing some work with a prison ministry, Kim jumps on the opportunity. Surely this will be the thing that sets her free again! But her misery just goes right along with her and she’s finding it will take more than she thought to become free from the pain and guilt weighing her down.

Notes: A sequel to Found In Translation, Lost In Dreams, continues the story of Kim and her spiritual journey. She and her friend Jo both face a “season of pebbles” and have to find a way to put their trust fully back in Christ. The recurring themes running through this book are guilt – Kim and her dad both feel responsible for her mom’s death, and another character not only feels, but is responsible for a death. All three find it extremely difficult to turn that guilt over to God and let Him take it away. They continue beating themselves up for what God has forgiven. Kim’s friend Jo has to work on the forgiveness of someone else in her life who has deeply hurt her. There is also a salvation message presented as Kim and the others minister to the prisoners.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 11:28-30 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

A Robertson Family Christmas

The hilarity and games they played and the laughter they let loose with reminded him of overloading on some dessert. It let him with a stomachache. Yet in this case, it was because he felt empty, his gut hollow and craving For what, he didn’t know because Hunter didn’t want THAT. All that over-everything in the family room. Overdoing the fun. Oversharing. Overseeing. He had caught a bad case of being overcome. He just wanted this Christmas holiday to be over. 

Book: A Robertson Family Christmas by Kay Robertson, Tyndale House Publishers, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16+

Subjects: Salvation, Divorce, Family Relationships, Drugs

Summary: He was not chosen! He’s sure of that much! Maybe these people are real, but his presence is just the fault of this “random, ridiculous thing called life”. Seventeen year old Hunter, suffering from divorced parents, a dad and brother who don’t care and a mom who has to work too much has accepted his fate. He will have a miserable life. He accepts this. He doesn’t let himself consider such a thing as a loving caring family. Until he meets the Duck Dynasty family that is. His mom entered him in a contest to spend Christmas with the Robertson family and Hunter is the one Korie chose. Shipped off away from his family for the holidays, what little “family” he has anyway, Hunter is not thrilled to be meeting the celebrities. He’s never seen any of the shows and doesn’t know who they are. It wouldn’t matter anyway. Life holds nothing good for him. But spending days with this crazy family who goes all out for everything they do – including loving those around them – makes it pretty hard to hang on to his crabbiness!

Notes: A Robertson Family Christmas was written by Kay Robertson, referred to as the family “matriarch”. It has a double focus: half on Hunter and his struggles and half on Korie Robertson and her struggles and faith-filled response to them. It dwells a lot on her feelings as she sees her children growing up – it will be her oldest child’s last Christmas in high school. It also focuses a lot on her attempts to mother Hunter. In all of her pondering, it constantly takes it back to her faith. She prays and places her trust in Christ to help her work through her challenges. The part focused on Hunter shows a very hurt young boy who has written off nearly everything positive – including God. When Phil and Willie preach at him he tries to reject it, but that combined with the genuine love shown to him by the whole family breaks down his defenses. Phil and Willie both outright present the Gospel message to Hunter as they attempt to help him find a way to have joy and peace in a miserable home life. I highly recommend this book. It is filled with spiritual content that challenges and encourages. The one drawback to the book is that it is split between target audiences. Half of it is geared at an adult woman while the other half is geared at teenage boys. With all the focus on Korie’s pondering, it would probably appeal more to an adult woman than the teen boys.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Luke 2:11 – But the angel said to them, do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. 

Thank you to the publishers for sending me a free review copy of this book. In addition, they have sent me an extra copy to give away! The first to comment on this post will receive the book! Entries limited to the United States.

Thunder

“I have dreaded for years that this day might come, and now my fears have grown fruit. There is no choice. You must leave, and do it before your father gets back.”

Book:Thunder, Stone Braide Chronicles Series #1 by Bonnie S. Calhoun, Revell Publishers, 2014

Genre: Speculative – Post Apoclyptic, Science Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 15+

Subjects: Human trafficking, Genetic Experiments

Summary: Catching Landers and trading them in for bio-coins is part of the culture in Selah’s world. The Company up on the mountain considers them valuable and will pay good money for those who capture them and turn them in. Sick and tired of being viewed as less valuable than her brothers, Selah decides she’s going to prove her worth by capturing a Lander of her own. When her brothers interfere and steal her prize, she assumes the adventure is over – until she wakes up the next morning with the mark of the Landers tattooed onto her chest that is! Secrets are revealed – her birth father was a Lander and consequences are given – she must escape before her stepfather finds out or he will turn her in to the Company as well. Selah determines the logical course of action is to free the Lander her brothers are taking to the Company and get his help finding her birth father. Sneaking under the radar will be far from easy in this world that encourages betrayal and greed.

Notes: First in the Stone Braide Chronicles series, Thunder sets up a post-apocalyptic world that promotes a form of human trafficking – primarily the selling of one group of people to the sort of government that exists. Any that show up in the area are caught and sold. Very little is known about Landers, only that they have some sort of telepathic abilities and come from across the water, from another land. The story seems to imply that they serve an Ultimate Being but any information is extremely vague. There is a comparison of characters’ morals but not against any ultimate standard. So consequently, there is very little spiritual emphasis in the story, just a vague hint that there might be an Ultimate Being that the main characters don’t seem to know about. The Science Fiction element is strong with the genetic modifications – one character finds a way to reverse aging on his mostly dead wife, bringing her not only back to life, but back to a younger age. Experiments are done on the Landers as well. Overall this book is just another post-apocalyptic story that leaves out the spiritual elements. The focus is the adventure and the setting, not conveying truth.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 1.5/5

Reviewer: Jamie

Acts 13:47 – For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' "

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Princess Spy

Margaretha’s mind was spinning. She wasn’t sure what to believe. She had thought him mad, until he’d told her the story about Lord Claybrook murdering his sister’s friend because she was pregnant with Claybrook’s child. Had his unbalanced mind invented the story? The details, including the fact that he claimed they were both from the same part of England, made his story seem more authentic. If his story was true, then he was indeed in danger, and so was she, simply because he had told her. Now she understood why he hadn’t wanted to tell her his name.

Book:The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson, Zondervan Publishers, 2014

Genre: Fairy Tale

Target Audience: Girls13+

Subjects: Trust in God, Romance, Family Relationships 

Summary: A flibbertigibbet and an injured English lord bent on revenge do not necessarily make for a good combination when trying to defeat a murderer. Still, that’s all there is to go against Lord Claybrook, and someone has to do it! When Colin first arrives at the castle, injured and nearly delirious, Margaretha doesn’t trust his claims about her current suitor, but when she spies on a conversation Lord Claybrook has with one of his men, she realizes Colin is telling the truth and determines to help him all she can. The trouble is that Lord Claybrook is extremely suspicious and determines they have found him out, prompting him to take immediate action against Margaretha, her family and Colin. A valiant rescue plan ensues and they begin the long journey to Margaretha’s relatives in hopes that they can get help to stop Lord Claybrook from killing everyone in the castle and forcing Margaretha to marry him. The question is what unexpected discoveries will the flibbertigibbet and English lord make on the way?

Notes: Continuing her fairy tales centered in Hangenheim’s royal family, Melanie Dickerson tells the story of the Princess and the Frog. When Colin rescues a valuable item of Margaretha’s from the well, she agrees to do as he asked – spy on Lord Claybrook, learns the truth and starts the process of falling in love with her “frog”. The spiritual emphasis in this book is on justice vs. revenge. Margaretha challenges Colin to leave room for God’s justice – telling him that a desire for justice is good, but to be careful to not let it lead you into a thirst for vengeance. There is a short discussion about God using the weak to shame the strong and relying on Him for strength for their journey and later Margaretha recalls a Scripture that reminds her that God is watching out for them and turns to Him for peace, as well as encourages Colin to turn to God for peace. The overall emphasis is on the relationship development and how Colin and most people around her view Margaretha’s talkativeness as a character flaw, but Colin soon sees beyond that to the passion she has for those she cares about and the courage and determination to do what it takes to conquer evil. Soon he finds he misses it when she’s not chattering. Proverbs 17:28 talks about how “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” and the book shows how you can develop a reputation for being a fool by not being careful with your speech, but it also shows how important it is to consider carefully who you put your trust in – looking beyond seeming “flaws” they have to who they really are as a person.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Destined For Doon

I met Jamie’s somber gaze and saw my own horror reflected on his face. What we’d feared most had happened – the erosion of the borders had taken its first human life. My only hope was that together, my VFF and I could off another miracle. “Oh God,” I prayed. “Please let Kenna get here soon!”

Book:Destined for Doon by Carey Corp and Lori Langdon, Blink (Zondervan Publishers), 2014

Genre: Fantasy/Supernatural

Target Audience: Girls 16+

Subjects: Magic, Witchcraft, Prayer, Dating Relationships, Friendship, Family Relationships, Love

Summary: Kenna is trying to live the carefree life of a Broadway actor back in New York but it’s not going as well as she would like. Success leaves an empty taste in one’s mouth if all you can think about is the boy you left behind in a world that only appears every hundred years. And besides, she’s not as successful as she’d like to be anyway. So when the call comes from her best friend who gave up this world to live in Doon forever, Kenna knows she really has no choice, no matter how hard it will be. The biggest challenge is to not let her escort, Duncan, know that she left because she loved him too much to let him sacrifice everything familiar and loved just to follow her. Once she gets back to Doon though, she realizes her problems are a whole lot bigger than her secret love for Duncan. The witch may be destroyed but some curse is destroying the land and the people of the land. Once again, Kenna and Vee need to pull off a miracle to save the land of Doon.

Notes: Doon is a the second in a new spin-off series about the legend of Brigadoon or Bridge ‘o Doon, the story that a village in Scotland, in an attempt to fight off the evil influence from the rest of the world, prayed and was blessed with the ability to disappear into the mist and only make contact with the world every hundred years. In this story, characters can come and go from Brigadoon during that time as well as any time if they are wearing one of two magical rings. This story is very focused on the romance aspects. Both girls have just graduated from high school, both come from broken or at least single-parent homes and are looking to control their own destinies. Doon is a world that

encourages the exact opposite. They have a strong belief in magic and destiny and some form of ultimate-being. The spiritual elements are hinted at all throughout this book. The two girls wonder and doubt and consider the possibility of the power of prayer and how much God is or should be involved in their lives. One of the people in Doon explains their views that the civilization’s “Creator” or “Protector” is outside the laws of nature and does amazing things that for lack of a better understanding, people call “magic”. Everyone in Doon attends church and to the girls, the princes seem to hold a strong faith. But the book is careful to not make anything too clear. They never outright say that God is the “Protector” of Doon or that putting one’s trust in Him for salvation is necessary. The “Protector” is a benevolent, powerful being, but not necessarily involved in their day to day lives at all, more just there for emergencies.
In this second book, Vee seems to have accepted a bit more that God is a being that gives power and she prays to Him for help. They also believe strongly in the power of the evil though – the witch, curses, old texts saying how to break curses, etc.

Overall, this is an entertaining story, but there isn’t much of spiritual value in it. Everything is just left in vague, unclear terms, leaving the reader to just form their own opinions rather than presenting the Scripture.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 1/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

James 4:13-17 – Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Willie’s Redneck Time Machine

Just in case your brothers are watching you right now – and in case Raymond was some guy in on this whole joke – you look around to make sure any cameras catch your grinning, then push the button. Now everything is moving and shaking, jerking you off your feet and onto the floor. The thing feels like it’s taking off. After a few moments it stops and the doors open. You stand and peer at the screen. It’s still flashing on and off, but now it says something different. BE CAREFUL, AVOID DANGER, AND DON’T BE STUPID. “Okay, I sure will.”

Book:Willie's Redneck Time Machine by John Luke Robertson with Travis Thrasher, Tyndale House Publishers, 2014

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Wisdom, Time Travel

Summary: He’s just working in the warehouse like any ordinary day. The others are out of the room at the moment. All of a sudden an outhouse appears, right there in the room. Cautious, yet curious, Willie investigates, all the while expecting one of his relatives to pop out from behind a corner somewhere with a hidden video camera. When he enters, he finds it is no ordinary outhouse! One moment he’s in the Duck Commander Warehouse, the next he’s taking adventures through time and space! He finds himself on Noah’s Ark, he finds himself back at his high school dance, he finds himself angering a rival and getting Duck Dynasty replaced with his rival’s show and worse still: living in a community where shooting ducks is illegal! With this rather odd time-machine, Willie has no clue what to expect next!

Notes: Willie’s Redneck Time Machine is the first in the Be Your Own Duck Commander series, written by the son of one of the famous Duck Dynasty stars. It’s a Choose Your Own Adventure book – each chapter ends with a decision where you turn to one page if you pick choice A or another page if you pick choice B, and so continue the story in whichever way you chose. This genre of writing does not leave much room for theme development and therefore very little room for spiritual emphasis. It tries to toss in a few elements – mainly that of making good and righteous decisions and the consequences of not doing so – but it is primarily just an adventure book, moving from one cliff-hanger moment to another.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 2:6, 9 - For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path.

BONUS: The publisher has sent a 2nd copy of this book to be a giveaway! First one to comment on this post will receive this. 

Awana Girls Gift Ideas

3-Minute Devotions for Girls: 180 Inspirational Readings for Young Hearts

Faithgirlz Journal: My Doodles, Dreams, and Devotions - a fun way to dig into their Bible. I used to have this book and I have some pages scanned if you'd like to see them.

Faithgirlz Handbook, Updated and Expanded: How to Let Your Faith Shine Through - same kind of thing - not quite a devotion book as much as a doodle and do quizzes and look up passages as you think about your faith. I already have 2 copies of this we can give out.
Faithgirlz! Handbook: How to Let Your Faith Shine Through - updated version of the last one - might not be able to get this because it looks like they are releasing another update this summer which probably means all current editions are not available.
Real Girls of the Bible: 31-Day Devotional (Faithgirlz)- have not explored this myself but it at least looks somewhat intriguing
Meet the Ponytail Girls (free scrunchie)

Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek (Faithgirlz / The Good News Shoes)- just a fictional book series that does an excellent job challenging young girls to think about their faith. There are currently 3 books in the series.



Here's Lily (The Lily Series)- a 12 book series geared a little bit more at 5th-6th grade but very very relevant to this age group in many ways. Even more fun would be if we could get the companion series - each fictional book has a nonfiction companion that includes fun little quizzes and stories and activities to explore what God's Word says on things such as beauty, deciding what kind of hobby to pursue, throwing a party, friendship, bullies, standing up for injustice, submitting to authority when you want your independence, etc. Unfortunately, they have only re-released the first two in both the fictional series and the companion series so getting our hands on them requires ordering from amazon. We could try finding someone who has an amazon prime account so we could get free shipping - they'd be really cheap then!
(I skipped #2 because that one is "The Body Book" - helping girls adjust to their bodies changing and starting time of month)
The Beauty Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 1) Publisher: Zondervan

The Buddy Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 3)
The Best Bash Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 4)
The Blurry Rules Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 5)
The It's MY Life Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 6)
The Uniquely Me Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 7)
Creativity Book: It's a God Thing! (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 8)
The Year `Round Holiday Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 9)
The Values & Virtues Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 10)
The Fun-Finder Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 11)
The Walk-the-Walk Book (Young Women of Faith Library, Book 12)

Escape To Murray River

“I’ve never seen anything like that” whispered Patrick standing still. A half dozen other smaller kangaroos followed the larger animals, and soon they disappeared out of view.

“You’ll see plenty more.” Jefferson bent down to adjust the old leather straps on his boots and wiggled the toe that stuck out in front. “I think I know where we are now.”

Book: Escape to Murray River (Adventures Down Under #1) by Robert Elmer, Bethany House Publishers, 1997

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 12-16

Subjects: Justice, Loss, Prayer

Summary: When a scam to get their father falsely accused of a crime succeeds, Patrick and his family make the decision to follow the prison ship to Australia. Making the decision is the easy part. Figuring out how to accomplish their goal is a tad bit more complicated. Finding the money, avoiding the enemy who betrayed their dad, getting passage on a ship, surviving the long journey over the water that stole Patrick’s brother’s life years ago – these obstacles are just too big to overcome – at least on their own.

Notes: Escape To Murray River is the first in the Adventures Down Under series. The books tell the story of Patrick, his sister and his little brother as they face the challenges of trying to survive in Australia shortly after it was being settled as a prison colony. The author found many of the adventures someone living there at that time would have faced and has Patrick, his family and his friends encounter them all throughout the course of the series.

This first book focuses on the journey to get to Australia and what was going on in England that influenced Australia. The spiritual element in this story is the basic faith. Patrick has to become convinced of his need to put his trust in God, as God is the only one who can help them accomplish the goal of not only making it to Australia alive, but becoming reunited with his dad. There is another character who doesn’t believe prayer works, presenting the challenge to Patrick.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 8:32 – Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Dingo Creek Challenge

“I’m required to make a report of this,” Constable Fitzgerald finally whispered. He squeezed the leather bridle between his hands.

“Fine. You write that someone is trying to make it look as if the McWaid family is involved in horse theft. You write that the real – what do you call them here in Australia – the real gully-rakers are still out there raking gullies, or stealing horses. Put that in your report. Good day, Constable.”
With that he took Patrick’s arm and marched back to the cabin. “Why are you so mad, Pa?” squeaked Michael.

“I don’t fancy to being accused like that.” Their father was still red in the face as he waved a long bony finger in their faces. “But now, you two, I’ve had quite enough of this business. After last night, and now this escapade-”

“John, you can’t blame them,” put in Mrs. McWaid, drying her tears. Patrick couldn’t remember seeing his father this angry. Not for a long time.”

Book: Dingo Creek Challenge (Adventures Down Under Book 4) by Robert Elmer, Bethany House Publishers, 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 12-16

Subjects: Justice, Loss

Summary: Horse thieves and bullies sneaking around in the night and captives escaping in the dark bring the latest round of trouble to the McWaid family. Patrick and Becky happen to be across the creek when the people from town ride in to the Aborigine camp, accusing them of stealing horses and making trouble. Late that night, a young Aborigine sneaks out to the McWaids house, dragging their family into the middle of the situation. Soon they are being accused of being the ones stealing the horses, Patrick and Becky and their friends are organizing a game of cricket to help the Aborigine children stand up to the bullies threatening them, and their life is once again in danger.

Notes: Dingo Creek Challenge is the fourth in the Adventures Down Under series. The books tell the story of Patrick, his sister and his little brother as they face the challenges of trying to survive in Australia shortly after it was being settled as a prison colony. The author found many of the adventures someone living there at that time would have faced and has Patrick, his family and his friends encounter them all throughout the course of the series.

This fourth book focuses on prejudice as Patrick, Becky and the other children have the opportunity to befriend and stand up for someone who looks very different than them. They are determined to stand up for and reveal truth, no matter what danger they face in doing so.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Race To Wallaby Bay

Patrick groaned quietly. What could be worse than this?
“I… ah… sold a half share in the vessel a time back. Money for repairs…”

“Oh.” Their father sighed with relief. “Is that all?”

The Old Man shook his head but would not look at them. He studied the darkening shape of the Lady Elisabeth, as Patrick had done. “No, it’s not all. I agreed to deliver the boat to the new investor in Goolwa by the end of the month or lose the other half.”

“Or what?” thundered Mc. McWaid. “You’re telling me that you lose the entire boat if we don’t raise it up now and scoot all the way down the river by the end of the month? That’s thirty days! It can’t be done!” insisted Mr. McWaid, pacing back and forth in their camp. “We could be pumping here day and night and still not… Well it’s going to take weeks just to refloat the beast. And how are we going to patch the hole in the side?”

Book: Race to Wallaby Bay (Adventures Down Under #5) by Robert Elmer, Bethany House Publishers, 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 12-16

Subjects: Forgiveness, Helpfulness

Summary: He runs into trouble and never mind that he abandoned the family, he sends out the order and expects Patrick and his family to drop what they’re doing and run to the rescue. So that’s exactly what they do. Patrick’s Grandpa, or “The Old Man” as some call him, has a riverboat that has slightly sunk. Their Grandpa only has thirty days to get it raised, all the water pumped out, and the boat running again before losing it entirely. And being named after his dead wife, The Old Man feels he can’t just leave the boat. He has to give it his all. Patrick, his siblings, his parents and his two friends hop on board as the crew and begin the race against time to Wallaby Bay, encountering thieves, gamblers, and enemies in disguise, all threatening to slow them down. The task certainly seems impossible!

Notes: Race To Wallaby Bay is the fifth in the Adventures Down Under series. The books tell the story of Patrick, his sister and his little brother as they face the challenges of trying to survive in Australia shortly after it was being settled as a prison colony. The author found many of the adventures someone living there at that time would have faced and has Patrick, his family and his friends encounter them all throughout the course of the series.

This book focuses on the adventures that can be found on a riverboat. The author included elements on historical people, places and events. The note at the end of the book gives the true facts on these. The spiritual element Patrick wrestles with in this book is forgiveness. He doesn’t want to forgive The Old Man for abandoning his father, for being demanding and gruff with all of them now, for dragging them into this dangerous situation. Holding a grudge seems like a good idea – right up until the very end when his grandfather himself is the one to point Patrick back to God.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

The Squire and the Blacksmith

Garrett gazed at the door. Somewhere on the other side of it was his dad and the life he had always known, a hard life, but one they shared. Here in this little room stood the King’s men, pointing him to the promise of a new life, but a new life without the only family he had. The choice was a stark one, black and white with no shades of gray. There could be no compromises, no middle ground. He had seen the King, whatever his dad might think. He had been in both the light and the darkness, and he knew which was good and which was not. Knowing that, he also knew which choice he had to make. Yet that choice hurt more than any physical pain he had ever known.

Book: The Squire and the Blacksmith, Book of Squires #2 by Randall R. Adams, OakTara

Publishers, 2009

Genre: Allegory

Target Audience: Boys 10+

Subjects: Salvation, Truth, Trust in God, Family Relationships

Summary: Save his dad and lose all he dreamed of or gain all he dreamed of and lose his dad? How is a boy supposed to choose between decisions like that? Garrett is only a day away from completing his training and being officially declared one of the King’s squires. But someone brings him word of his missing father and the report that no one is looking for him. Soon Garrett is engaged in a battle, not just for the life and soul of his father, but for the very Kingdom and the King Himself! Garrett’s father was just a pawn in the plan to destroy the King and His kingdom and Garrett is caught right in the middle of all of it.

Notes: This is the second in the Book of Squires series, a series about a young boy trying to follow the King when all threatens his faith and his very life. It is mostly written as if it were taking place during medieval times but contains the allegorical elements of an all-powerful King, enemies who wish him dead, a book of ultimate authority and people who serve or reject the King. The chosen children undergo squire training that teaches lessons such as teamwork, trust in the King, faithfulness, and commitment to family and friends as well as how to use their weapons and other physical skills. In this second book Garrett faces difficult decisions and recognizes how much he has to give up in order to follow the King.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 9:10 – Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.