A Robertson Family Christmas Book Review

 

Book Review of A Robertson Family Christmas

  by Miss Kay Robertson
with Travis Thrasher
"The crazy story of one troubled teen who finds the true meaning 
of Christmas where he least expects it."


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

    For all of you Duck Dynasty fans out there - you will just love this little novella from Miss Kay Robertson.  It has all the charm and nuttiness that the Robertson clan can bring.  The book is based on the real Robertson family Christmas traditions; and will give you a window into the heartwarming and sometimes-zany moments shared by their family.  This Christmas story opens with a  Chicago-based teen, Hunter, winning a Christmas week with the Robertson's in Louisiana.  Hunter reluctantly takes the trip.  From duck hunting, to present opening, and meeting Phil, Hunter does it all.  You'll have to read the book to see what happens to Hunter.
     This is a simple and charming read from the matriarch of the Duck Commander family.  There is nothing complicated about her Christmas message.  Just the truth and simplicity of Jesus' birth, and the true meaning of Christmas.  If you can't get enough of the Robertson's you will love this book.  If you are looking for a good Christmas read by a strong author, this may not be for you.  Although Miss Kay Robertson brings her deep Southern charisma to the book, the story-line is a bit cliche and predictable.  I would recommend this book for anyone 12 and up.  Warning: There is a mention of Hunter smoking marijuana in the Chapter 33.  This is a fun little read for the holidays that will  bring warmth and cheer to your heart.

I AM GIVING AWAY THREE COPIES OF THIS BOOK DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER - CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN! 

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as a request to review this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

 The Book of Revelation Made Clear by Tim LaHaye and Timothy E. Parker

Wisdom of the Sadhu by Sundar Singh

Raising a Mondern Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna

No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan 

Life Before the Lottery Book Review

 

Book Review of Life Before the Lottery

  by Ashlee Bratton
"The 30x30 List...Living Beyond the Bucket"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

    Ashlee Bratton and I know each other through a "friend-of-a-friend," and she sent me a signed copy of her book to review here for you.  After receiving the book in the mail, while flipping through the pages, I was immediately hooked.  This book is Fantastic!  (Note the capital F).  First of all, Bratton's writing has ease of reading.  The words flow with mastery and straightforwardness.  Her humor, emotion, and quirky spirit shines through her work.  So let's talk details: This book was written to inspire others to get moving on their life and dreams, through the author's own personal story of living out her own 30x30 list.  Waiting for the winning lottery ticket is a waste of time and your life.  This book will teach you how to "live beyond the bucket," so your dreams don't have to wait.  She touches on tithing, God's timing, facing tough obstacles, really bad days of loss, enjoying others company, learning to enjoy yourself, and so much more.  All through the book she has included "list-making" hints, fill in the blank questionnaires so you can get serious with your goals, and awe-inspiring quotes from others.  Oh, and there are great pictures too!  This book will help you on your way to making your own 30x30 list; or if you are like me (and over 30), your 40x40 list, or beyond. 
     I finished reading this book on a ship heading back from the white sandy beaches of Mexico this week.  That night, I sat on the deck under the moonlight and officially started my 40x40 list.  It was exciting to see my goals, innermost desires and thoughts come alive on paper.  I'm feverish to begin my 40x40 journey, and see where it takes me.  What a special gift this life is.  Let's not waste a moment of it.
     I recommend this book for anyone ages 13+, and every single person you know who is in a slump and needs motivation to begin living life with purpose.  At $15, this book is a steal and a great gift idea for Christmas.  

(I received this book free from Ashlee Bratton as a request to review this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

 The Book of Revelation Made Clear by Tim LaHaye and Timothy E. Parker

Wisdom of the Sadhu by Sundar Singh

Raising a Mondern Day Princess by Pam Farrel and Doreen Hanna

No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan 

A Robertson Family Christmas Book Giveaway!

 

TO GET YOU IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WE WILL BE HOLDING A BOOK GIVEAWAY - FEATURING A ROBERTSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS  BY MISS KAY ROBERTSON, OF THE FAMED DUCK DYNASTY TELEVISION SERIES.  I WILL HAVE THREE COPIES TO GIVEAWAY (INSIDE THE US).

A bit about the book:

Hunter Clarke wanted one thing for Christmas: to spend it with his dad and his brother. He misses being included in any guy trips since his parents divorced and he went to live with his mom. So he’s less than happy when his mother tells him that he won a contest to spend Christmas in West Monroe, Louisiana, with a family named the Robertsons. For some reason, they’re supposed to be a big deal. How did he win a contest he didn’t enter? Besides, he’s never heard of them and sure doesn’t want to spend Christmas in a swamp with a bunch of strangers.

Korie Robertson is excited to open her heart and home to Hunter and show him what the Christmas season looks like for the Robertson family. And like it or not, Hunter experiences it firsthand. From duck-hunting disasters with the bearded guys, to learning to cook with Miss Kay, Hunter quickly discovers what it’s like to live with this boisterous, yet loving family. Putting on his headphones and ignoring them is not an option. Before long, Hunter begins to let his guard down. But with Christmas and the end of his trip fast approaching, will it be too little, too late? Or will Hunter be open to the greatest gift of all?

HERE'S HOW TO WIN!

During the month of October (2014) post a comment here and tell me your favorite Christmas tradition.  Then, share this giveaway link on Facebook (using the Facebook icon underneath the video below).  Enter as many times as you'd like, there is no limit to the entries.  Three entries will be drawn at random on November 1, 2014.  The book will be shipped to the three random picks. 

Here's the whole clan to get you in that Christmas spirit, and remind you of their crazy antics...

The Healing Quilt Book Review

Book Review of The Healing Quilt

  by Wanda E. Brunstetter
"Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club"


REVIEW BY:C. Szymoniak

     I read this book for my daughter's blog, and this is "my kind of reading."  I loved the book because it exemplified all the healing God can do in people's lives just by the little things we do, the acts of kindness, a listening ear, and encouraging one another.  I also enjoyed the snippets of Scripture that are interlaced throughout the story.  Emma and Lamar Miler are living in a winter home in Sarasota, Florida.  As usual, Emma brings her quilting supplies and begins to offer classes.  Wounded and hurting people from all walks of life come to the classes.  Through  Emma's tender hand, and loving, encouraging spirit, healing is brought to her students.  People facing illness, hard knocks, and more, Emma loves them, even when romance is thrown in the mix.  I would recommend this read for women ages 13 and up.  This is a beautiful story of healing and encouragement and quilting!

(I received this book free from Handlebar Marketing Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

A Deadly Business Book Review

Book Review of A Deadly Business

  by Lis Wiehl
"A Mia Quinn Mystery"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     You already know I love, love, love anything from Lis Wiehl.  She's my favorite modern thriller author, and this new book doesn't displease.  A Deadly Business picks up where A Matter of Trust left off.  Right from the beginning, Mia Quinn is physically attacked in the courtroom, making your heart pound.  She is then thrust into a new case involving minors, in which she spends countless hours deliberating if they should be charged as juveniles or adults.  The pros and cons of both sides, will keep you guessing.  In the midst of all of this, sidekick detective Charlie Carlson brings to light that Mia's dead husband may have been murdered.  There is scandal, mayhem and intrigue, in true Wiehl style. 

     I love all of her books, and this one is no different.  She left a good cliffhanger on where Mia's love interest will go in the next installment.  This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, as her books always do.  I recommend this book for 14 years old and up, as there is violence, attempted murder, euthanasia, murder, and prostitution mentioned.  It's a quick and easy read for the mystery-lover in all of us.

(I received this book free from BookLook Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

Blind Descent Book Review

Book Review of Blind Descent

  by Brian Dickinson
"Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest"


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      I read this book because it sounded very interesting.  Here is what the book blurb states...

"Former Navy rescue swimmer Brian Dickinson was roughly 1,000 feet from the summit of Mount Everest—also known as “the death zone”—when his Sherpa became ill and had to turn back, leaving Brian with a difficult decision: should he continue to push for the summit, or head back down the mountain? After carefully weighing the options, Brian decided to continue toward the summit—alone. Four hours later, Brian solo summited the highest peak in the world. But the celebration was short-lived. After taking a few pictures, Brian radioed his team to let them know he had summited safely, and got ready to begin his descent. Suddenly, his vision became blurry, his eyes started to burn, and within seconds, he was rendered almost completely blind. All alone at 29,035 feet, low on oxygen, and stricken with snow blindness, Brian was forced to inch his way back down the mountain relying only on his Navy survival training, his gut instinct, and his faith. In Blind Descent, Brian recounts—in fantastic detail—his extraordinary experience on Everest, demonstrating that no matter how dire our circumstances, there is no challenge too big for God."

    Don't do as I did and get your hopes up for a good read.  This book has nine painfully long chapters.  The first seven (that's right, SEVEN) just discuss tools needed to summit a mountain, explain the long road to get to the various mountain side camps, and other nonsensical rantings that have nothing to do whatsoever with the blind descent we all want to read about.  You will get about thirty minutes of the actual account of descending blind.  Also, do not be led astray that he descended the entire mountain this way.  He descended the beginning of the mountain, until his buddies found him.  Now, the actual blind descent is miraculous, and awe-inspiring.  And, I wish the author would have written the majority of the book about it, and went into detail about the one-on-one experience he had with God on the side of the mountain.  But, you won't get any of that here.  If you are big into climbing mountains, you may want to read this book.  If you aren't...just read chapters 7-9 and you won't miss a thing.

(I received this book free from Tyndale Blog Network as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Fall.... 

The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

A Deadly Business by Lis Wiehl

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

A Robertson Family Christmas by Ms. Kay Robertson

Daisies Are Forever Book Review

Book Review of Daisies are Forever

  by Liz Tolsma


REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

      If you enjoy historical (circa 1945) fiction, you will truly enjoy this new novel by Liz Toslma.  She expertly takes the real life stories of two German women who survived World War II and the subsequent retaliation on Germany; and joins them into one story of one woman that takes the horrific journey from Heiligenbeil, East Prussia to Berlin, Germany. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the bloodshed is unimaginable and the turns are surprising, but it is also full of heart and the will of the human spirit to survive.  God's love, and the hope of a better future urge the characters on and into the unknown.  You will certainly come to love Mitch, think the elderly sisters are amusing and adorable, and want to rock poor Gisela to sleep on your lap.  I recommend the book for mature teens and older.  There is much reference to killing and rape.  This is an excellent story, from an exceptional best-selling author. 

(I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer.... 

Blind Descent by Brian Dickinson