The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

  

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown - 4 Stars 

When Roz the robot is in a shipment and a hurricane sinks her cargo ship - she is the only robot to wash up on shore. The wildlife on the island are not too thrilled to see a robot show up but once she adopts a goose after its parents die, she becomes a mother and learns to speak to and interact with the animals, building a relationship with them along the way. 

This book was such a delight to listen to. It really teaches us about nature, technology, family, friendship, and love. At first, you don't really connect to the robot Roz but by the end, she is somewhat personable after all she goes through while trying to raise her "son" the goose.

It's a bit like a story of survival too, reminiscent of a story like Hatchet. What I love most about this story is the theme that family doesn't have to be blood. A mother doesn't have to be blood related to be a mother. 

The ending was emotional! I definitely want to read the next one.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6329490792
Amazon: https://amzn.to/43xuz5s

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Star Knights by Kay Davault

 

Star Knights - Kay Davault - 5 Stars 

First of all, let me start by saying how much I love the colors and illustration art in this graphic novel - absolutely beautiful. I am so glad I read this as I don't read a ton of graphic novels right now but want to try and dip my toes into reading some this year and this one was a HIT! 

This is about a simple frog who wants to become a legendary knight and he finds himself on this unexpected magical journey. The characters in this are so much fun and the sweet themes of being true to yourself and the importance of friendship - so great. 

Highly recommend. 

Content for parents since this is technically a middle grade story: There are mentions of spirits, some mild fights/magic, and one character who is a witch but it wasn't anything I was uncomfortable with personally. It was just part of the fantasy world/story to me. Just want to mention for parents who may want a content note if needed.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6310196424
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3x1xNC4

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on item purchased from these links.

A Whale of the Wild by Rosanne Parry

 

A Whale of the Wild - Rosanne Parry - 4 Stars

This was a really great middle grade story told from the POV of a young orca whale that leads her brother on a tumultuous journey to be reunited with their pod. It was very interesting to read a book from an animals POV and I really enjoyed the descriptions under the sea and what it could have been like from the whale POVs. The themes of adventure, family bonds, survival and an ever changing seascape were great.

Vega and her family eat salmon so she is trying to learn how to be a salmon finder. Her and her brother get separated though from the pod when an earthquake and tsunami leave their area under the sea in shambles. As they face hunger and the unknown, will they make it back? Will she be the leader she needs to be? 

Overall, I really enjoyed this with the family bonds especially and learning about orca whales as I didn't really have much knowledge about them previously. The only thing I didn't love was how it ended but still recommend!

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6364887761
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xfOpGe

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Lost in the Caverns by Kathryn Butler

 

Lost in the Caverns by Kathryn Butler - Book 3 in The Dreamkeeper Saga - 4 Stars

In this book we continue our adventure with 12 year old dream keeper Lily McKinley as she embarks on a dangerous journey through the Desert of the Forgotten to regain her ability to dream and spread Pax's message. This book continues the themes of fantasy, Christian themes and allegory with mystery throughout the series. The allegory shown relate to the Gospel of Jesus and other theological conversations surrounding sacrifice, salvation and evangelism. This was quite the adventure once again! I had so much fun being back in this world with our characters, as I have had quite the break since book 2. 

I love the allegory message of the Gospel of Jesus in this story. We see characters who represent satan as well and the message of what the Lord has done for us is beautifully depicted in this series. If you like stories like Narnia, good versus evil and great Christian allegorical themes - pick this series up. So many great biblical messages where our characters learn from their mistakes, display courage and find the truth.

I will link the series down below! Excited to get into the next book sometime.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6294768744
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4a4tTHf

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

 

Uncovering the Love of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
3.5 Stars 

I enjoyed this devotional during the season of lent leading up to Easter. I think this is great for families as it has some good family activities, scripture readings and daily devotions. I picked this up because it was a kindle buy last year and I have a goal to read several of my kindle only books this year. This book follows the story of Jesus leading up to his death on the cross and resurrection. This has some good basic discussions surrounding the Gospel of Jesus and practical daily devotions and prayers. While there wasn't anything groundbreaking for me personally and I would have liked a bit more "meat and potatoes" to the book we'll say, it had some really nice faith reminders I needed personally and is a good devotional to prepare your heart for Easter. I also would recommend this for someone who is new to their faith or those would like a good family lent devotional. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6262945562
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IPhSt7

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Recorder by Cathy McCrumb

 

Recorder by Cathy McCrumb - Book 1 in the Children of the Consortium Series 

5 Stars 

Wow, what an ending! I must read book 2 immediately! This is book 1 in a Christian Sci-Fi series that really is #SciFiWithHeart as many have said. I am not usually someone who reads the Sci-Fi genre because I have a fear of not understanding what's going on - but this was SUPER easy to understand and you are immediately connected to our characters, their relationships and the friendships made. Cathy truly tugs at your heart strings in this one as our main character, who is a Recorder, starts to realize she has value for who she is.  

I can't say too much for this as I really think you should go in this book knowing as little as possible, but to quote the synopsis, "Recorder has no family, friends and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias. Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, she tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger." The story goes on from here as time starts to run out for Recorder in all the events that take place.

From the very first chapter, you are immersed in the story and I am so glad this was a book club read with my friends because it really made me step outside of my comfort zone and find something I really enjoyed. If you are someone who is interested even in the least to try Sci-Fi, highly recommend checking this one out because it was not confusing. The audio was great but I think it's best to read in physical format or at least have an ebook or physical copy on hand to read in tandem with the audio because we do have some flashbacks that I missed were flashbacks sometimes for not paying enough attention and would start back over on that audio chapter.

There are some faith elements in this - light but it's there and I appreciated that. This book ends where you really need book 2 on DECK by the way, so make sure you are prepared before you dive in!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6282152714
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PrKJYd

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer - 4.5 Stars 

*Updating review to include some thoughts on the ending*

What a great second book in the Texas Ever After series! A western spin on the classic Cinderella tale! This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting with book 1, Fairest of Heart.

In this story, Samantha Dearing is going to the ball that her father is hosting to find her a match! She isn't excited about this so she takes a break from the ball and finds a thief fleeing her home. The stranger, Asher Ellis, was looking for in Samantha's father's room for documentation regarding the rent payments since her father was evicting his mother and family from their property. While Asher is running away, he sees Samantha's brother Clint in distress in the water drowning and he saves his life. While no one saw him in this, he left his boot behind and Samantha decides to find the man that "the boot fits". Samantha and Asher cross paths later as she is tutoring his brother and as someone is after Samantha, Asher is devoted to protecting her at all costs and feelings emerge and the story goes on from here.......

Karen does it again with a great Christian Western Historical Romance with a fairy tale spin and I loved it! The romance in this was so sweet and I loved the faith elements throughout the story. The twist in this was not one I saw coming! The fairytale elements were very light but fun enough added in! Definitely its own unique story.

Editing my review to include thoughts about the twist in this story. I know things that get revealed toward the end in some letters/entries is considered a controversial thing here among reviewers but the more I think about it, the more I want to make sure I am clear on how I feel about it.

Every single one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Neither of us is better than the other. What is depicted in this is an example of someone who made mistakes and repented. Grace and forgiveness were shown. This sin mention in this book is honestly no different than any other sin we have committed ourselves. We are no better than what this person has done in her story. I commend Karen for tackling this topic and showing us what true forgiveness and grace looks like. The character recognized it was wrong and asked for forgiveness. It's so important to show grace, compassion and forgiveness to others and this could have truly happened. I myself have made many mistakes that I am forgiven for in Jesus' name so I found this somewhat relatable for me as well. I just wanted to update this review because I strongly feel this book handled the content in a well manor and Karen was not trying to justify any actions in this.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808710945
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vmmN1B

Baker Books:

Book 1 and 2 Bundle: 
https://bakerbookhouse.com/bundles/23

Just Book 2: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542730

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on any items purchased from these links.