A Place Called Blessing Where Hurting Ends and Love BeginsBy John Trent with Annette Smith

Synopsis by Booksneeze.com

Five-year-old Josh and his two older brothers lose their parents in a drunk-driving accident. A series of foster homes and a shocking tragedy eventually separate them, leaving Josh alone, angry, and distrustful of most everyone. At age eighteen, Josh strikes out on his own to find work. With only a high school education and few life skills, he is one step away from homelessness when Providence brings him to a place where he finds much more than physical shelter. For the first time in his life, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing."

The book includes an introduction and reader’s guide designed to identify and discuss the five elements of the biblical blessing that every person needs. Through the power of Josh's story, readers are shown how to give this gift to their children and others as outlined in the more than one million copy bestseller, The Blessing.

My Comments

I received this wonderful book from the Publisher, Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.

What I can say is that I like this book. It was heart rending reading about Josh and the condition which he grew up with. It's no wonder that Josh does not trust people easily and preferred to keep to himself. After all, a person can only takes so much heart break  .

I love the way, how the author brings Josh back and how he linked Josh's past to his present. It was rather shameful how his brothers had behave towards him although at that time they were still kids. But the one could also argue that his brothers are older than him. Who didn't the make the first move? Why should Anne be the one who made the effort?

It makes me sad to what happen to Anne and her family at the end. I wish the scenario would not be like that but am not the author.

Overall, I give it 4 stars out of 5. It's a good read but there are still room for improvement.

Brush of Angel's Wings By Ruth Reid

Synopsis from Booksneeze.com

Rachel and Jordan's feelings for each other are hostile at first, but angelic intervention helps the two discover peace . . . and perhaps love.

The youngest and last unmarried of four sisters, Rachel Hartlzer spends most of her time helping with barn chores. Her role abruptly changes when her father hires Jordan Engles, the son he always wanted.

As Jordan takes on brotherly roles around the house, like escorting Rachel to the youth singing, the enmity between the two grows. Besides, Jordan has one foot in the Englisch world and is determined not to get involved with an Amish girl.

Neither realizes that God has sent an angel, Nathaniel, to help mend their hearts. The angel’s intervention helps them find peace and healing in accepting God's will for their lives.

My Comments

I have read several Amish fiction and usually I love them.  However, I regret to say that this book some how disappoints me.

For me the characters seems a bit stiltled. Both Racherl and Jordan just doesn't seems to "connect". Rachel is deemed to be impulsive and some what rebellious but when I read the book, her characters seems so boring.

Jordan is from the outside world but it seems quite illogical that he can assimilate his life in the community so fast and his problem just does not sound convincing enough.

The redeeming point of the book is the "battle" between the angel Nathaniel and demon Tangus.

The plot is also slow for me. I had a hard time finishing this book.

However, as I have always said, read the book for yourself before you judge as each person taste in books is different. What I like, you may not like and vice versa.

For me it rated 2 stars out of 5.

Disclaimer : I have received this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange of an honest review.

Winner of "As One Devil to Another By Richard Platt"

Sorry for the delay, guess some of you might know what had occurred last week.

Well, here it is. The announcement . Kindly watch the following video to find out the who is the winner of "As One Devil yo Another by Richard Platt" giveaway.



Congratulations! to the winner. Mamarazzi will  be contacting you shortly.

As One Devil to Another By Richard Platt

Synopsis at Tyndale Media Center

As One Devil to Another is an astonishing debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer and foremost Lewis authority Walter Hooper calls “a stunning achievement, the finest example of the genre of diabolical correspondence to appear since this genre was popularized by C. S. Lewis.” Enter into this chilling and diabolical tale, one that reveals the very tricks and strategies of Hell. Through a series of letters between devils created by Platt, senior devil Slashreap trains his young protégé, Scardagger, to win an individual soul away from Heaven and into their clutches. As the devils plot their way to triumph, they reveal the spiritual dangers and risks we face in today’s society. Their frighteningly accurate perspective on issues such as contemporary technology and sexual mores is interwoven with timeless matters such as the power of prayer, the purpose of suffering, and the promises held out by Heaven . . . and Hell. Destined to become a modern classic, As One Devil to Another is a brilliantly written, deeply unsettling perspective on twenty-first-century society . . . a glimpse of ourselves through the eyes of those who have embraced their underworldly existence.

Here is a little about the author - source Tyndale Media Center

Richard Platt has been in love with words and the music of language all his life, but he did not begin writing until his early forties. He is a contributor to the literary quarterly Slightly Foxed and was a finalist for a 2012 San Diego Foundation Creative Catalyst Fellowship for his one-man play, Ripples From Walden Pond: An Evening with Henry David Thoreau. As One Devil to Another, his first novel, is dedicated in grateful homage to C. S. Lewis. Richard and his wife, Susan, live in California.

My Comments :

'As One Devil to Another' is a rather peculiar book, I must say. It's nothing like the books that I have read before. It's very unique, and quite a revelation in itself. When I first flipped through the book, I feel awkward reading correspondences between devils. I feel rather uncomfortable reading the book at first. It's rather...queer and diabolical, but I got used to it and I have to say that I kinda enjoy the originality of it's storyline. This book makes me think, and I'm sure that you could relate to what the devils is doing in order to corrupt the world in this story.

This story is not for everyone, I suppose as it brings you into a strange, underworld perspective and you got to keep your mind open when you read this book and take it as it is.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. Highly recommends it for thinkers and scholars alike.

Want a copy of this book? Leave a comment and random commenter will be chosen to win a giveaway of this book. This giveaway ends midnight 30th April 2012.


 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher Tyndale House . 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The 13th Tribe By Robert Liparulo

Book Description

Their story didn’t start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment—endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since—by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

My Comments :

When I read through the first few chapters, I was going to give this book 1 or 2 stars only.

It was because the first few chapters were very confusing to me.  Too many characters were introduced. For example Jagger who works as Security which has a prosthetic arms. In the beginning, I had the impression that he was something like Robocop but something just does not ring true/logic. How many would hire people with prosthetic to be the Head of Security?

This and  add on with various member of the Tribe and introduction of their higher technology- invisible cloak and what not made me lot track of the story. I was not sure how to view the story - futuristic? Sci-fic? Moreover, their unique names of the Tribe members like Creed, Phin, Elias and the most confusing was Arella who happens to be neaveh; who happens to be the word "heaven" spelled backwards; made my head spin.

In the beginning, it was not specified how many are they in the Tribe and their ages. Thus, I was quite surprised when there was kids in the Tribe too. Ageless.

Another thing was the mysterious plan "Agag" by the Tribe. The plan seems rather complicated to me and at parts quite technical which I have difficulties in following.  

I was getting tired reading this but half way through the book, the story starts to grow interesting as the pace picks up. Am glad I was able to go through the book.

I love the unexpected twist in the end of the story. I liked this book well enough but I think this is one of those books that I would read once only.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blue Moon Promise By Colleen Coble

Book Description by Booksneeze.com

“Tell me, Miss Marsh, are you a Christian?”

“Why, yes sir, I am.”

“I thought as much. God has led me here for a purpose…

I have a proposition for you.”

Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

My Comments :-


Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Colbie is amazing, and I have to say that I admire the heroine's determination to keep her family together and do things that she thinks is right.

A wonderful book to read if you happen to feel that the world is against you. The main theme of this story is love, faith, hope and courage and we are constantly reminded to persevere and not give up in this story. I just love the heroine's character. The things that she did was truly admirable, and of course, if you're a fan of sweet, subtle romance, this book will tickle you fancy too. There's some romance and a little bit of courtship in this book.Highly recommended to people who enjoy an inspirational read. I rate this book 4 out of 5.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publish in exchange of fair and honest review. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl

Book Description from Booksneeze.com

The Triple Threat Club novels follow three fiercely intelligent women—a TV reporter, a Federal prosecutor and an FBI agent—as they investigate crimes as current as today’s headlines.

The Triple Threat women have faced intense situations before…but never such a cunningly cold-blooded murderer.

Elizabeth Avery is a stunningly beautiful woman. But her perfectly managed exterior hides the ice cold heart of a killer. She ingeniously manipulates everyone who crosses her path to do exactly as she wishes--from crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, who thinks Elizabeth is her new best friend, to a shy young man Elizabeth persuades to kill for her.

As Elizabeth leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI agent Nicole Hedges must piece together clues from seemingly unrelated crimes. Can they stop her before she reaches her unthinkable, ultimate end-game?

My Comments :

I find that this book is amazing to read. Fast pace and a page turner.

The character I love the most is Elizabeth Avery. She is just so deliciously "evil". Reminds me of someone that I know but too bad that particular friend doesn't have Elizabeth's skill in manipulation and ruthless. Am rather surprised that this is classified as a Christian book. 

Initially when I read the synopsis, I thought this book would be just like any other thriller but it is not so. Apart from the suspense, the author also incorporated the "personal" sides of the three main characters. It makes them more real and believable to read.

Nevertheless, I think some maybe put off in the beginning as each chapter introduces new person and their life. To me that might be the biggest huddle coz by the time the author go back to the story, readers may have got mixed up what happen to who and who is who.

Anyway, I did enjoyed reading this. Hope to get my hands on more books by this author

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Happy Winter Solstice Festival To Everyone

Sorry again. Haven't been updating this blog for a long time.


Just popping in to Wish Everyone a Happy Winter Solstice Festival!


What have we been up to..well...a lot of things. 


If you wanna find out more, do drop by www.smallkucing.com.


Have a nice day!

There You'll Find Me By Jenny B. Jones

Synopsis by Booksneeze.com

Grief brought Finley to Ireland. LOVE WILL LEAD HER HOME.

Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen-year-old. She’s witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will.

She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will’s travel journal. It’s the place he felt closest to God, and she’s hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane.

Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She’s the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide.

Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise?

Then she experiences something that radically changes her perspective on life. Could it be God convincing her that everything she’s been looking for has been with her all along?

My Comment:-

For the moment there I thought this would be just another Young Adult book with the usual Boy-Meets-Girl theme. However, I was dead wrong about it. As the saying goes, "do not judge a book by its cover" and may I expand it to " by it synopsis too".

The author, Jenny B Jones, did not only injected romance in the story but also loaded it with pain, humour and faith in God's will.

It was fun to read how the two of them, Beckett and Finley, met. Amazing to see how their path kept crossing. At first Finley wanted to avoid Beckett due to his Playboy reputation but slowly she discovered that what is reported is not what she sees.

I love Cathleen Sweeney. She is an old woman dying from cancer. She is full of bitterness and her past does not help with that. Nevertheless, she was assigned to Finley as a School Project. Their relationship begins and it gradually helps Finley with her grief.

Overall, this has been a good read. I love the author writing style and I hope to read more of her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson

Synopsis from Booksneeze.com

Welcome to East Salem: A deceptively sleepy town where ancient supernatural forces are being awakened.

A high-school girl is found murdered in a park in Westchester County, New York. The shocking manner of her death confounds the town and intrigues forensic psychiatrist Dani Harris, who is determined to unravel the mystery. All the suspects are teenagers who were at a party with the girl—yet no one remembers what happened. Could one of them be a vicious killer? Or is something more sinister afoot—something tied to an ancient evil?

But it's not just Dani’s waking hours that challenge her. Each night, her eyes open at 2:13 due to troubling dreams—dreams filled with blood, water, and destruction. Is it a clue—or a sign?

Across town, former NFL linebacker Tommy Gunderson finds his security system has been breached by an elderly woman who attacks him with preternatural strength. Before he can process the attack, someone close to him is implicated in the high-school girl's murder. He agrees to help—and finds himself working with Dani, the only girl who could resist his charms when they were in high school.

It will take astute analysis and forensic skills to solve the crime. But Dani and Tommy suspect there's more to the mystery than murder, more to their growing friendship than chance . . . and more to the evil they're facing than a mere human killer.

My Comments : 

This is Book 1 of The East Salem Trilogy, highly recommended to me by a friend who had read this author's work before. 

I was hooked from page one. Love the plot. It's cleverly woven to keep the readers asking "What's next?". It's not only a suspense and thriller type of book but the hint of romance in it makes the book more attractive; at least it was for me. Some may not like it.

Love the way the author throw in some unexpected twist in it.

Another good thing about this book is that it's clean. No four letters words like some others nor violent sex scene. Just a hint of blossoming romance.

The downside of this book that at certain place, I find it a tad long winded. Maybe more editing needed?

Overall, this has been an enjoyable book and I look forward to the next two books. Hope they will be available soon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  

The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead

Synopsis from Booksneeze.com

Uncover a land that has been hidden for over a thousand years.

Beneath the land of Britain, a great army is sleeping. On a visit to an old church, Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds awaken two ancient knights from a centuries-old slumber. They are kidnapped and taken to an underground city that stands in peril, besieged in all directions by a vicious warhost. Nidergeard is the only thing protecting the upper world's blissful ignorance of mythical forces that have been held at bay since the creation of the world. In order to return home, Daniel and Freya must strike at the heart of the opposer's power.

Fast forward eight years. Daniel, now homeless, still wages what he believes to be a righteous war against those he judges to be evil. Freya has tried to put the past behind her and concentrate on getting an education, a job, and a life. When they reconnect in Oxford, unseen forces begin to ally against them. Daniel is pulled through a portal and into another world. Freya is abducted by someone—some thing—posing as her professor and drugged to keep her in a delusional state. After they finally break free, neither can deny the truth . . . they must return to Nidergeard and resume the battle.

With a thrilling narrative that draws heavily upon British mythology, The Realms Thereunder will quickly establish Ross Lawhead as a major new voice in fantasy.

My Comments :


This is the first book of The Ancient Earth Trilogy by Ross Lawhead.

First of all am not really a fan of fantasy fiction and I find that fantasy novel are hard to follow and relate to. What made me request this book was the synopsis sounded great. Well, am happy to say this book did not disappoints me.

Initially, I find that it was rather hard to for to start reading this book as there are several stories being revealed simultaneously. It was rather confusing for me

However, once I have grasps who is who in the story and what timeline the story being told, I found that it's a really exciting book to read. Still, I finds the constant flash back was a bit disturbing.

The positive side is that there were a few unexpected twists in the story. I love that in a book.

I found that the characters are well developed. It was really heart warming to see them showing concern for each other well being.

Although this book is classified as Christian novel, am glad it's not preachy sort. In fact, there  were a few instances where some crude language are spotted. In my opinion, this can't be help as that was what being called in that situation.

After reading this Book 1, I hope to be able to read the other two books when they are published.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Book That Changed My Life "Alien Snow by Dahl Pares"

Mamarazzi is a bookworm. She makan books for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even before I was born, she already tried to infect me with this disease.

Books everywhere. Books within ones grasps instead of the TV remote control is the best way to encourage someone to start reading.

See! She went borong so much from BookXcess. Bought these even before am born!

Very dahsyat punya. Mamarazzi said, reading will give you opportunities to see the world in different ways and can go to many places in the world without taking the car or plane.

Hmmm... good also... by reading can travel to so many places without using car. Save petrol and less environmentally pollution. Can avoid accident summore!

Some driver really ganas one. Drive like F1 racer or drive like in an amusement park Bumper Car game.

Sometimes you don't langgar people, people will langgar you or Acts of God. Hmmm....wondered why it's called Acts of God not Acts of Devil???

*YAWN* I am very sleepy. Usually, Mamarazzi will read me a bedtime story from Enid's Blyton books or one of the books that she grabbed from warehouse sales

which I had to drag home. 

But today, I want something different. Papa bought a "Share Share Computer". Mamarazzi said it's a "Tarak boleh" coz I kept monopoly the "Share Share Computer". Papa said it's a "Tabulet".

I don't care la. I want Mamarazzi to read the e-Book which Auntie Little Bird sent me for my "Share Share Computer".

Title is 'Alien Snow'. Eh Eh? This buku is about my Alien kor kor kah? Oooo... rupanya it is not. It is betul betul about alien worr.


This book is fairly new. It was just published on 1st August 2011 by Capstone Publisher.  The author's name is Dahl Pares. The cover looks a bit scary, isn't it? But the story is really interesting.

It is about a young boy who visits an antique shop.The shopkeeper  then shows the boy his snow globes collection, but the boy is not interested in it.

Yuck! snow globes.. That's for girls lah. For me, I'm only interested in toy cars, but Mamarazzi said am so "ganas".

 Never appreciate the toy cars she bought for me. 

Anyway, back to the story. 

Den...tup tup tup.... suddenly the boy found himself trapped inside the snow globe! Just like me trapped in the "kandang" last time.

Gosh! the shop owner is a bad fella and likes to collect human inside the snow globe. So the boy's adventures begin, and he have to find a way out from the snow globe or be trapped inside of it forever!!

Wah, so scary... he cannot see his Papa and Mama anymore if he cannot find a way out of it.

The story is very interesting. It got me hooked, and can see illustrative picture from the "Share Share Computer".

There's two version of the story. One on the boy's side, another one is on the alien's side. Hmmm... good vs. evil. Interesting. This book tells the story from both side. Good right? Like that reader wun be biased and simply judge who is good and who is bad.

Personally, I think this is a good story. It makes me think that sometimes, good people can be bad, and bad people can be good and have their own reasons for doing things.

People always kesian those good people who seems to kena bully all the time. But in truth, you cannot just look on the surface. Sometimes, bad people in those stories are just misunderstood.

This book is a thought provoking read. It teaches me not to simply judge people. I highly recommends this book to little boys like me. It is a fun, easy and exciting book to read.

I give this book full stars because I think this book will change my life forever.

Okay, maybe that is exaggerating, but in some ways, it does change my taste for books. 

Now I like adventure kind of books more.

I am going to ask Mamarazzi buy this kind of books more for me from the next Big Bad Wolf Sale and/or BookXcess.

Food For Thought

Saw this in a friend's Facebook status.

1 - Open Google Maps (directions).
2 - Type China as your starting point.
3 - Type Taiwan as your destination.
4 - Choose travel by car.
5 - Read step 48 

6 - When you stop laughing, type this in your profile so others can laugh too!

Have tried it....indeed it's funny. I wonder who was the person who asked for the direction in the first place.

What Is This?

Life Support By Robert Whitlow

This is the first book of Alexia Lindale Series by Robert Whitlow. Alexia is a young and prominent lawyer who specialise in divorce cases.

One day, she was approached by Rena to help her with her case. Rena does not want and divorce. Instead she want her husband to be taken off the Life Support system. She told Alexia that is what her husband Baxter Richardson would have wanted. Standing in her way was her father in law.

At first I thought this book is something like John Grisham or Sue Grafton sort of book. However, it's not. I guess each author will have their own style of writing.

It was interesting to know that who pushed Baxter over the cliff in the beginning. However, I wished I know what's the motive.

It's very frustrating to see Alexia being duped into helping the murderous Rena. And I understand how Baxter's father must have been feeling. 

Along the way, Alexia encountered the Lord. It was interesting to see how the plot changes from then.

Overall, this has been quite a good read. There are still room for improvement.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”