Showing posts with label patriot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patriot. Show all posts

Saturday, March 5, 2016

New Book Covers Etc.

REMEMBER TO VOTE TODAY! 

Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Maine! Choose integrity; choose a godly leader; choose AMERICA! Vote for Ted Cruz!

Okay, so there's my patriotism taking over a blog post about book covers! But I hope you all realize the importance of this and VOTE WISELY. Pray for our country! May a leader who serves the Lord get in! Too long have we sat back and ignored crucial matters. It's time to fight for our freedom, and fight for our faith.

Exercise your rights as an American, and unite behind a man who loves God, and loves America and her Constitution - what she was founded upon!

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Unblemished by Sara Ella

Eliyana has always recoiled from her own reflection in the mirror. She believes in nothing if not the ugliness of her own face. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world existed where her blemish could become her strength?

Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a hideous birthmark covering half her face, she knows she will never be prom queen. Not that she wants to be. She’d much rather go unnoticed and graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her as normal. Wanted. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.

But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird.

Not only is Joshua her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian, but the strange man who repeatedly shows up in her mother’s drawings may be more important than Eliyana realized. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.

Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world so similar and yet so very different from our own. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. But saving this world could mean losing everything she holds dear. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself?


Lost Lake House by Elisabeth Grace Foley

The Twelve Dancing Princesses meets the heady glamor and danger of the Jazz Age 

All Dorothy Perkins wants is to have a good time. She’s wild about dancing, and can’t understand or accept her father’s strictness in forbidding it. Night after night she sneaks out to the Lost Lake House, a glamorous island nightclub rumored to be the front for more than just music and dancing … in spite of an increasingly uneasy feeling that she may be getting into something more than she can handle.

Marshall Kendrick knows the truth behind the Lost Lake House—and bitterly hates his job there. But fear and obligation have him trapped. When a twist of circumstances throws Dorothy and Marshall together one night, it may offer them both a chance at escaping the tangled web of fear and deceit each has woven … if only they are brave enough to take it.


Sufficient Grace by Jessica Greyson

Four years have passed since tragedy broke Grace’s family apart, tarnished the family name, and sent her into hiding at finishing school. Now with a new last name and a few years between her and the accident; Grace wonders if she will be able to escape the heavy shadow of the past that smothers her with guilt and a desire to escape life. 
Grace carefully guards her heart from others to prevent them from discovering her past. However, when Mitch, a deputy, comes into her life, he seems bent on destroying Grace’s armor. Can Grace really trust someone with the secrets that haunt her, or will they destroy her once again?


For the Record by Regina Jennings

Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know. 
Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him.


The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood - along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.

Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.

Feeling reluctant and ill-equipped, Jane is tempted to abandon her husband's legacy and return to her former life of ease. However, she soon realizes there is more at stake than her comfort. But who can she trust to help her? Her resentful mother-in-law? Her husband's brother, who wanted the inn for himself? Or the handsome newcomer with secret plans of his own ... ?

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane struggles to win over naysayers and turn the place around. Can Jane bring new life to the inn, and to her heart as well?


A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile - even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action ... and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. 
Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her - and his daughter - from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?


Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

The enchantment continues ...

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories—and secrets—that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies?

The Little Android: A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles.

Glitches: In this prequel to Cinder, we see the results of the plague play out, and the emotional toll it takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch …

The Queen’s Army: In this prequel to Scarlet, we’re introduced to the army Queen Levana is building, and one soldier in particular who will do anything to keep from becoming the monster they want him to be.

Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky: Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.

The Keeper: A prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, showing a young Scarlet and how Princess Selene came into the care of Michelle Benoit.

After Sunshine Passes By: In this prequel to Cress, we see how a nine-year-old Cress ended up alone on a satellite, spying on Earth for Luna.

The Princess and the Guard: In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess

The Mechanic: In this prequel to Cinder, we see Kai and Cinder’s first meeting from Kai’s perspective.

Something Old, Something New: In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century ...


The Fairest Poison by Lauren Skidmore

Princess Bianca returns to her court to find it poisoned from the inside out. Faced with mysterious sicknesses, power disputes, and whispers of impending death, Bianca turns to an unlikely ally - a former assassin - to find the antidote that will save her kingdom. But Bianca quickly realizes that she might not even be able to save her own life in this Snow White story.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Faithful Fridays: O America

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” 

Nehemiah 4:14 ESV

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"Oh, say! can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vuntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution!
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Bless with victory and peace, may the heav'rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust":
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key - National Anthem     

In 1620, the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth of untamed America. Fleeing from persecution and the lies of the "church", they had finally found a home in which they could worship freely and teach the next generations of God. But this time was not without many struggles and trials and death. We owe much to the Pilgrims for bravely setting out into the unknown, and starting our nation!

In the later 1700s, trouble began to brew as England sought to keep a firm hold on its thirteen colonies. Brave men and women such as Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, Sybil Ludington, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and many others saw that it was time for America's people to unite and fight for their freedom.

"Join or Die" was Benjamin Franklin's declaration to the colonies as England strove to starve them, among other things, into submission.

"Give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

Doctor Joseph Warren - respected and active among "the Rebels". I believe he died in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War.


"Short sighted mortals see not the numerous links of small and great events which form the chain on which the fate of kings and nations is suspended." ~ Dr. Joseph Warren

"Our country loudly calls you to be circumspect, vigilant, active, and brave." ~ Dr. Joseph Warren

Silversmith, Paul Revere, is well-known for his famous midnight ride.

I can't think about these heroes and heroines without feeling a thrill of patriotic pride! ;) But truly, I love to learn of the colonial days, the War of Independence, the time when America was born.

Though bad things have happened in America, it was founded on godly principles, fought for by great men; it has been a light and hope to other nations. It symbolizes courage and freedom. I salute our flag! I'm indebted to our founding fathers; the men and women with a vision and passion for freedom; our veterans; our current soldiers. I find my inner patriotic pride when I read about the courageous former days of America. I think we should fight for this nation that God built and blessed!

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So . . . when did we stop fighting? When did we stop fighting for our brothers, sons, daughters, family . . . homes? Our freedom to worship God? To glorify and serve Him above all? Liberty for all mankind?

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." ~ Thomas Jefferson

"I mourn over my bleeding country . . . I weep at her distress, and with them deeply resent the many injuries she has received from the hands of cruel and unreasonable men." ~ Dr. Joseph Warren

I mourn for America too; the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Because she is being destroyed from the inside out. Her founding fathers are scorned. Her flag disrespected. The principles on which she was founded . . . forgotten. 
     Her people have become lazy, careless, foolish, and unintelligent. We care more about fashion and entertainment than freedom and godly standards. We look at appearance and search for excitement; and neglect to act in a way that benefits our country and sustains our liberty. Our government calls for "Equality!" and "Safety!" and "Rights for everyone!" and we echo their shout, not even realizing that they are slowly striping away our rights.

"When any nation mistrusts its citizens with guns, it is sending a clear message. It no longer trusts its citizens because such a government has evil plans." ~ George Washington (www.NationalGunRights,org)

"Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." ~ Billy Graham

"If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." ~ George Washington

Please forgive us, God, because we have wandered so far from the righteousness and truth on which America was founded!! Our government scorns you. Founding fathers and men and woman who protected our country are all but forgotten, their words unheeded by a generation who takes freedom for granted.

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on my side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." ~ Abraham Lincoln

"I have been many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." ~ Abraham Lincoln

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible." ~ George Washington (scripturesquegraphics.com)

"You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." ~ John Quincy Adams


So I mourn for this country, because I fear her destruction. I am sad for the men and women who fought so passionately and bravely for America - I'm glad they cannot see the foolishness and wickedness that is working to ruin this country!

But ultimately, I still hope. I will still pray for healing for my country.

"If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14


Though the government and some people may be trying to change things, America - the old America; the true America - stands for liberty, courage, hope, justice . . . for the King of Kings! It's not too late to keep fighting for freedom! It's not too late to stand up for godliness. For truth. And righteousness. For liberty. And conservative views. It's not late to echo the passionate and courageous cries of people like George Washington, Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams, Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln!

"We recognize no sovereign but God and no king but Jesus!" ~ Patriot quote

So this 4th of July, I celebrate what America truly stands for. I celebrate the America of Old. I celebrate the godly founding father and patriotic men and women of America.

And let's pray that America's government and people of today will turn back to the God who has so faithfully sustained them through the years! It begins with you! It begins with me! Let's lift our hearts to the Lord, and each take a stand for righteousness!

"Build Your Kingdom here
Let the darkness fear
Show Your mighty hand
Heal our streets and land
Set Your church on fire
Win this nation back
Change the atmosphere
Build Your kingdom here
We pray"

Build Your Kingdom Here - Rend Collective


Some books and movies I've enjoyed that are set near or during the Revolutionary War. The Liberty Kids series is ESPECIALLY informative and all around delightful.


     Comment away!! Share your thoughts. Tell me about some wonderful reads or movies about America that you love.


"But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. 

I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, 
in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me."

Psalm 5:7-8 ESV

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Book Review: A Different Kind of Courage by Sarah Holman


Purchase HERE

Title: A Different Kind of Courage

Author: Sarah Holman

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Young Adult - Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Why did my life have to be full of secrets?”


After three years in England, William Landor returns to Boston in 1774, little knowing the events that are about to unfold.

England has issued an ultimatum: pay for the tea that was destroyed in the Boston Tea Party, or the Port of Boston will be closed. William knows that this will have a devastating effect on his hometown, which is so dependent on the sea. However, he finds himself in the middle of the political struggle he wanted to avoid.

William’s father is a merchant and loyal to the king and is furious at what the rebels of Boston have cost him. He would like nothing more than to rid the city of their poisonous influence. Meanwhile, William’s best friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, is one of the leaders of rebels, or Whigs as they call themselves.

As if his life was not complicated enough, he meets a fiery indentured servant who tugs at his heart as well as his loyalty. When he is confronted by the consequences of his many secrets, he has to make a choice weather or not to tell the truth. Does he have the kind of courage it will take?


~ MY REVIEW ~
**4.5 stars**

Ah, this was such a wonderful story! A Different Kind of Courage by Sarah Holman brings us back to the 1770s, where unrest is brewing between England and the thirteen colonies. William Landor has spent the last four years in England, but he finally decides to return to Boston alongside Lt. Mark Layton, and a host of other British soldiers. He arrives at his hometown to find his Loyalist father as hard to satisfy as ever; and tempers high as colonists endeavor to take a stand against their mother country.
William must decide. Who is he really? And for whom does he stand?

I quite enjoyed journeying with this young man and his dark-skinned, young friend, Matthew. We explore the American Revolution, and some of the reasoning behind it. We see thoughts from both the Loyalists and the Patriots. And though I myself can tend to get a little fiery alongside the American colonists’ cause; I was appreciative of how Sarah Holman showed that all Loyalists and British soldiers were not wicked, selfish pigs, ha! They truly had concerns and reasoning as well. So it was good, (not to mention, a bit heart-rending), to see normal people from both side; but ultimately end up crying out for freedom!

The history—great! I love a good historical, and A Different Kind of Courage is just that. I could see that the author did her research. This book had an authentic feel, and historical depth. I loved meeting Dr. Joseph Warren, who is a real figure in history. And Paul Revere, Abigail Adams, John Hancock, Benedict Arnold, and other such people. It was also very neat how Sarah Holman put some of their quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Memorable historical moments are touched on. Meetings between some great men of the Whigs peeked in to. Wonderful travel through history! I love the 1700s/Revolutionary War era, and this book definitely did not disappoint! Though Sarah Holman explains what happens in history after A Different Kind of Courage ends, I do rather hope there’ll be a sequel someday! *smiles*

There was an altogether sweet romance—all clean and quite beautifully come about. Lively midnight escapades with “The Door”, (you’ll just have to read the book to figure out what that’s all about! *wink*). We had some poignant themes of finding your worth in God alone, and other such faith matters. It was all very soul-touching. So very happy to have read another book that shines a conservative view and glorifies God, while also providing exciting adventure and rich history.

So yes. An amazing novel! I enjoyed it thoroughly and totally recommend!