"Waiting on Wednesday"/"Can't Wait Wednesday" is a weekly meme now hosted by Wishful Endings, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating! Today, I am happy to be participating in the official cover reveal of Nadine Brandes' next historical fantasy, Romanov!

Title: Romanov
Author: Nadine Brandes
Release Date: May 7, 2019 by Thomas Nelson

© 2019 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book:

"The history books say I died.

They don’t know the half of it.

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them . . . and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of survival are to either release the spell, and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya’s never dabbled in magic before, but it doesn’t frighten her as much as her growing attraction for Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her . . . That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other."

Why I'm "WoW" about Romanov:
So when everyone thinks about a historical fantasy retelling of Anastasia Romanov's story, I'm sure most picture the 1997 Don Bluth animated musical ... Or at least, I did as seen in my bookstagram post below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Artist Librarian (Jen) (@theartistlibrarian) on Sep 27, 2018 at 1:35amPDT

While the actual life of Anastasia Romanov is quite tragic, she's had a vivacious fictional life in various films, novels, and even a Broadway musical mostly based on the aforementioned animated movie. Because of my love for Don Bluth's Anastasia and enjoyment of Nadine's previous books ... Let's just say my expectations are high! It's gonna be a loooong wait until May 2019.

Also, this cover!  My initial reaction was that while the layout was well composed and designed beautifully (art school wasn't a total waste, guys, haha) --I was concerned that it doesn't quite scream YA fiction --it looks like it could be an adult historical novel (perhaps an intentional thought?) ... nothing says fantasy about it either. But it is growing on me the more I look at it and I have seen similar YA fic covers ... =)

To get updates and learn more about author Nadine Brandes, be sure to check out her website!

What do you think of the cover? Have you read any historical fantasy novels? Want to talk about the animated (or Broadway) Anastasia? Leave a comment below! Also, if you've participated in "WoW" feel free to share!

Throwback Thursday to a novel I read for my Books and Literature for Young Adults course during "library school." We had to chose an ALA (American Library Association) Teens' Top Ten nominated novel and write a "booktalk" and review for it.

© Scholastic

Title: The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1)
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Published: 2012 by Scholastic

"One of the great books I finished last week was The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen, whom you may know as the author of the Underworld Chronicles, a humorous fantasy series.  This is the first book in the Ascendance trilogy, and was voted #2 of the 2013 Teens' Top Ten. If you enjoy medieval styled fantasies (or even if you don't), The False Prince is definitely worth a look.

'Four boys, one treacherous plan, and an entire kingdom to fool.'

The land of Carthya hovers on the brink of war and needs a strong king to lead its people.  Nobleman Bevin Conner schemes to save the kingdom (and gain some power himself) by placing King Eckbert's long lost second son, Prince Jaron, onto the throne.

There's just one problem:  Most of the nobles assume Prince Jaron to be dead after pirates attacked and destroyed his ship five years ago. 

Taking four orphan teens who resemble the young prince, Conner gives them two weeks of intense training in swordsmanship, riding, history, manners --the education of a royal. The deception will give them a life of wealth and power beyond their dreams. But only one boy can be chosen:

Will it be quiet and humble Latamer?
Tobias, intelligent and eager to please?
The most athletic and strong, Roden?
Or will it be Sage, a defiant street thief?

When it is revealed just how devastatingly far Conner is willing go for his deception to succeed, the teens realize their lives hang perilously at sword point.  Can they even trust each other in this world of secrets, intrigue, and lies?  Full of action, readers will keep the pages turning in this fast paced adventure novel.

Can a pauper become a Prince? 
Find out in book one of the Ascendance trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielsen."

Medieval style fantasy worlds were my favorite as a teen. While only 342 pages long, The False Prince has 54 short chapters. I wouldn't be surprised if it was written with reluctant readers in mind.

Our protagonist Sage has sarcastic, quick wit, and an even quicker tongue which often gets him in trouble. While female characters were a bit lacking, they were there in a supportive friendship role, but I think it worked with this type of fast paced, tight plot. Oh, and that plot twist! Maybe some will think it cheap (I felt almost betrayed for a moment), but I don't think teens would be disappointed with the ending.

The novel also plays with themes of identity:  Is your role in life something you can pick up, try out and cast aside? Teens often experiment with who they are as they discover or mold their identity, how they want others to see them, etc. so I saw echoes of that in this story, though with much higher stakes. One review I read called it "Game of Thrones meets The Hunger Games." Content-wise, it's a bit of an exaggeration, but you can see elements from those series such as medieval political intrigue and teens caught up in a life or death, high stakes competition.  All in all, I enjoyed this novel and quickly went to seek out the remaining books in the trilogy.

Anyway, you probably noticed my blogging frequency totally drop these last few years and I'm about to tell you why ...

After graduating from library school, the only full time librarian positions I could find were temporary, substitute positions. I basically was a substitute librarian for about a year which was both exhilarating (both confirming my love of children's and teen librarianship and that this was what I felt God was showing me I was meant to do) and nerve-wracking (the uncertainty of temporary positions, having no work benefits and paying for my own insurance and things like that).  I learned A LOT and then I was interviewed for and hired for a permanent position as a Circulation Assistant in my local public library system.  I took it, seeing it as "my foot in the door" since my librarian applications seemed to go nowhere (it appears that I didn't have enough experience as a librarian to be interviewed).

But while I know it's a blessing to have a permanent full time job and also have learned a lot in my current position, I've really struggled with my desire to be a librarian ... It's been hard to watch other librarians and reference staff do their job and wish that I was there instead.  I've also been on a handful of librarian interviews during the past year and not been selected each time ... Perhaps internally, I was a bit arrogant in assuming that I'd be able to find a permanent librarian position easily within a year of graduation.  I used to think, "If I could just get interviewed, just give me a chance, and I'll get in." But I haven't been the right fit for all these libraries, I guess ... or maybe I'm not good at interviews?  These experiences have been very humbling and also make me doubt myself at times, though I'm really trying to look at these "rejections" through a positive lens.


However, I came across a box of these "received for review" books recently ... Even if I've ordered or promoted these titles in person, I still have a backlog of reviews I should write about and submit online.  I apologize deeply to the authors and publishers who have been waiting for so long.

So my plan is to post at least 4 times a month, ideally 1-2 times a week, half of that being reviews and the other half fun stuff like lists, pics, cosplay progress/tutorials (like I've wanted to forever), maybe some posts about my new hobbies (i.e. collecting K-Pop albums and music since last year and Bullet Journaling this year) ... I also would like to update my blog with a new look or layout, BUT my priority will be posting new content first.

My first read of 2018! I'm glad the review date got extended for this tour, but I can't believe I never got around to reading one of Roseanna M. White's books before! Music and mystery in Europe during the first world war makes for an intriguing storyline...

Title: A Song Unheard [Shadows Over England #2]
Author: Roseanna M. White
Published: 2018 [Bethany House Publishers]

About the Book:

If Betraying Her Heart Means Saving Countless Lives, Will She Find the Courage?

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a critical task at the outset of World War I--to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only distraction he finds from his worry is in meeting the intriguing and talented Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that key, or her own family could pay the same price his surely has.

The Artist Librarian's Review:
I first heard of Roseanna M. White when she was still an indie author, but I'd always wanted to read her historical fiction.  Now I'm wondering why I took so long to do so!  

A Song Unheard continues not long after the events of A Name Unknown (the first title in this series). Though there are slight spoilers regarding the protagonist of the previous book (as usual with trilogies in the romance genre), I felt like it can be successfully read as a stand alone (since I haven't read the first book yet).  Willa Forsythe's adoptive family of street urchins and strays possess unique "talents" that lead mysterious Mr. V to recruit them for secret government assignments. The musically gifted Willa is tasked with getting close to violinist Lukas De Wilde, whose father was a cryptologist and is perhaps in possession of a valuable cypher key.


Though some might say that Willa's photographic-musical-memory is too much of a trope (she can pretty much play any piece of music after hearing it once), I think it was plausible just enough to work --or at least, I had a willing suspension of disbelief.  I liked that the mystery/suspense aspect isn't as intense ... it was like a romantic historical cozy mystery (with spies)!  I also enjoyed the second storyline that takes place in Germany-occupied Belgium.  While the climax and conclusion wraps up a little too neatly, as a HEA (happily ever after) fan, I can't really complain.  The romantic and faith elements were satisfying to me as well, but my favorite part was Willa's brother, Barclay --I sincerely hope he's the protagonist of the next book (I ... think I personally connected with him as much as Willa).  I also felt like the historical elements were such that I felt like I learned a lot (just because I was less familiar with the time period) but without info dumps.  So overall, I enjoyed my first Roseanna M. White novel and am planning to find a couple of her previous historicals to read this year.  Do you have any suggestions?

About the Author:  

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

 What's the most memorable novel you've read that features music (historical setting optional)?

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

Can you believe it's a new year? Hoping to make this blog more active in 2018 --What have you been up to lately?

Title: A Song Unheard [Shadows Over England #2]
Author: Roseanna M. White 
Published: 2018 [Bethany House Publishers]
About the Book:

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales. Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe. But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Behind the Scenes with Roseanna M. White:
I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music. We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D♯ that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep. That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew? That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words. This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.” But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord. I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.” Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it!

A Song Unheard ~ Book Trailer from WhiteFire TV on Vimeo.

Thanks for the inside look Roseanna! Check back for my review later this week!

About the Author:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

[Disclosure: I received a copy of  this album via #FlyBy Promotions for review purposes.]

Fifteen years after his CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) debut, singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp's latest album, The Answer, contains the meaningful lyrics, strong vocals, and the musicality this artist is known for.

Album: The Answer (Preview songs here)
Artist: Jeremy Camp
Released: 2017 by Capital CMG

Though I've enjoyed listening to his singles on the radio, I haven't had the opportunity to listen through a whole Jeremy Camp album since I first started following CCM as a teen.  However, the things that first drew me to his music, namely his distinct vocals and lyrics that make you listen closer, are still very present in his 15th(!) studio album.

Camp writes that he was primarily inspired by "the present" when penning the songs on this album.  He co-wrote all of the tracks on The Answer, minus the final one, "Awake O Sleeper."  The following is the complete tracklist of the album with my commentary:

1. Word of Life [The only song I had heard previously on the radio.  I liked it from the beginning!  It has a sort of modern worship/contemporary beat to it. Official music video and a behind the song video can be found on Jeremy Camp's YouTube channel.]
2. My Defender [One of my favorites for the lyrics alone ... the official music video is here.]
3. The Answer [The title track from this album.  I enjoyed the simple focus on the piano and vocals.]
4. Storm [One of my favorites song on the album --I might a thing for ocean/storm themed songs, haha.  I also feel like this could be sung during worship at a church service --it has a contemporary/modern worship vibe to it.  Official MV.]
5. My Father's Arms [I think this one also has worship music feel to it.]
6. Never Stopped Loving [This is in my top 3 songs from this album.  I'd love to see someone take full advantage of the potential for some great harmonies in this song --I think this has duet written all over it. Listen to the official MV for yourself!]
7. Tell the Whole World [Camp's guitar is highlighted here.  Another great contemporary worship song.]
8. Heaven's Shore [A soaring song of Camp's envisioning of meeting Christ in heaven.]
9. Carriers [I like the music in this song, but the term "carriers" sounds really off or awkward to me.  Other than that, the lyrics are strong.  Maybe it'll grow on me over time, haha.]
10. Love So Great [Obsessed. My favorite track from this album, I think it's so catchy and upbeat.  Like a Hillsong-type of tune!]
11. Awake O Sleeper [The only track on the album that Camp didn't have a hand in writing, it's authored by Nicholas Kirk & William Wilkerson. I'm in love with the Southern Rock/Gospel feel to this one.  Camp's vocals really suit the genre.]

Overall, a great album for Jeremy Camp fans and those looking for songs with modern worship/CCM crossover!  I'm definitely going to try and keep more up to date with Camp's music in the future.

[Disclosure: I received a copy of  #TheAnswer via #FlyBy Promotions for review purposes.]

This latest novel from Lynette Eason brings her Elite Guardians series to a satisfying conclusion --read on for Mrs. Bookworm's thoughts!

We also previously reviewed the first two books in this series, Always Watching and Without Warning.

© 2017 Revell

Title: Chasing Secrets [Elite Guardians #4]
Author: Lynette Eason
Published: 2017 [Revell]

About the Book:

When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan's life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone. In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

Mrs. Bookworm's Review:
Lynette Eason does not disappoint! Chasing Secrets, the final book in the Elite Guardians series, is filled with action-packed, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat scenes intertwined with an easy flowing romance between the main characters, body guard Haley Callaghan and police detective Steven Rothwell.

There's danger, intrigue, threats, compassion, kindness, hope, love --I felt a whole gamut of emotions through the characters in this novel.  I highly recommend this book (and series) for fans of the romantic suspense genre.

[Disclosure: A complimentary copy of this book was received from the publisher for review purposes.]

Thanks Mom! We need to find you another series to review for The Artist Librarian soon! =)

I know my blog has been inactive for awhile --What have you been up to, friends?

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, and Moving Target in the Elite Guardians series. She is a winner of two ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Read on for my full review and a chance to win the whole series!

About the Book

Book: For Love & Honor
Author: Jody Hedlund  
Genre: Young Adult Historical  
Release Date: March 7, 2017

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

The Artist Librarian Review

I've always enjoyed Jody Hedlund's historical romances, so I was excited to learn she was going to write YA novels. When I learned they were to be medieval historicals, that excitement doubled. For Love and Honor closes her first teen-aimed series with more sweet medieval romance that will leave you with a satisfying sigh ...

Sabine and Bennet's tale is told through alternating first-person narration: Sabine's in a serif font (text with the little "tags" at the ends of the letters) and Bennet's in a sans-serif font (without the "tags").  I thought this was a nice visual way to differentiate, though I read my review copy digitally and despite the font being the same, I never was confused between whose point-of-view I was in.  I felt that Jody Hedlund made their voices distinct.  I am unsure if the e-book version features different fonts for the alternating chapters, but I enjoyed it in the print version!

For Love and Honor follows Hedlund's previous tales in this loose trilogy: An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice.  However, these can be easily read as stand alones, since each novel features different protagonists. Though I read the first book, An Uncertain Choice, when it first was released, I didn't really remember much about Sir Bennet, other than he was a knight, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the novel.  I was quickly introduced to Bennet and Sabine.  Both were likeable protagonists and both were holding secrets from each other that, as a reader, I knew would eventually be found out, but how?  At under 300 pages, this romance was a quick read that I finished in one night!

I've been reading some darker graphic novels/comics recently, so reading For Love and Honor was like a breath of fresh air!  I loved that Hedlund's first novels were on the ... "steamier" side of your typical Christian romances, but the best way to describe her YA series is sweet medieval romance.  It's perfect for tweens and young teens beginning to be interested in romance novels, but perhaps not yet ready for some of the more edgy romantic fare in many general YA titles.  Fans of  Melanie Dickerson's novels are sure to enjoy these.  To me, the spiritual thread isn't overbearing and appropriate for the time period, so I see some potential cross-over appeal.  As a librarian, it can be difficult to recommend well written Christian YA (when I was a teen, there was hardly any), so I hope that Hedlund continues to write for both teens and adults!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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Giveaway

Do you have a favorite medieval book, film, or tv show?

I almost didn't give this Bible to my mother for her birthday --it was so nice, I wanted to keep it for myself!  Read on for my full review and a chance to own a copy yourself!

Title: The NKJV Woman's Study Bible [Full Color Version]
Publisher: 2017 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book:

The Woman’s Study Bible poignantly reveals the Word of God to women, inviting them to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation.

Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman’s Study Bible under the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

Features Include:
—Beautiful full-color design throughout
—Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
—Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
—Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
—Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
—Book introductions and outlines
—Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
—Quotes from godly women throughout history
—Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
—Topical index
—Concordance

The Artist Librarian's Review:
Featuring an attractive, full color design, the NKJV Woman's Study Bible from Thomas Nelson contains copious notes, maps, charts, and other supplemental materials written with women in mind.

I turned to the book of Ruth to sample this revised version.  The introduction to the book contains information on the author, date, background (such as setting, purpose, audience, and literary characteristics), themes, and an outline. 

Footnotes include scholarly details and/or cross-reference other passages.  My favorite part was discovering these full color maps and charts (as seen in my photos).  These are helpful for giving historical or thematic context and assisted me in getting a more full picture of what was going on in these passages (even with a familiar story such as that of Ruth's).

If I had any criticism, it would be that the little chapter headers and some of the chart headers are in a cursive-type of font.  I think this is a lovely feature and gives a feminine touch to the text, but some may find it harder to read, such as those who struggle with dyslexia or simply have older eyes.

Overall, I think this would be a wonderful gift or purchase for ladies looking for more content than your basic Bible.  When I gave this my mom for her birthday earlier this month, she said it was like everything she needed was right at her fingertips to dig deeper into God's Word!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Litfuse.]

What is one feature that is a must-have for any Bible you own?

About the Publisher:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word. Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

... Or "Welcome back to book blogging." ... If anyone still reads my blog, LOL.

© 2017 by Kregel Publications

Title: Welcome to College (2nd Edition)
Author: Jonathan Morrow
Published: 2017 by Kregel Publications

About the Book:

Is there a more frightening question for a graduating high school senior than 'What will you do with your life?' In college, whether they realize it or not, students will answer that question every day with each decision. All of the new friends and new experiences of higher education will shape their future. It’s critical that students know how to handle college before they’re in the thick of it. Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years, including:

—How do you grow spiritually?
—How do you manage your time to both study well and have fun?
—Is all truth relative?
—Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
—As a Christian, how should you view issues like dating and sex?

Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible. Grounded in both his own extensive experience and biblical truth, Morrow’s book is full of quick, easy-to-read chapters and excellent advice.

The Artist Librarian's Review: 
Jonathan Morrow's Welcome to College covers over 40 topics and questions young Christians may face or wonder as they begin to navigate life on their own as they pursue higher education.  Though some teens and young adults might balk at reading a 400+ page tome, Morrow's prose is reader-friendly and contains short chapters that allow for reading a few chapters at a time, or even reading out of order, based on topic. 

First published in 2008, this timely 2nd edition provides updates such as recently published studies and books for further study, along with newer pop culture references (e.g. the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film is mentioned) and social media mentions such as Instagram which didn't even exist nine years ago.  The chapters themselves cover both spiritual and philosophical topics such as "What is faith?" or "What is the purpose of the Church?" along with more practical, day-to-day topics such as scheduling, health, or creating a budget.  Each chapter takes about 5-10 minutes to read and closes with a brief summary and resources for further reading.  There are copious notes, along with an appendix of additional philosophy resources, discussion questions for each chapter, a suggested 1st semester devotional reading plan, and more.  

I think this would make a great graduation gift for young Christians looking to engage in the world around them while still keeping  rooted in their beliefs.  This book will challenge them to think for themselves and analyze what they hear and see, along with living out their faith in a respectful yet confident way.  Definitely passing this on to my younger siblings to read.

About the Author:

Jonathan Morrow (DMin, MDiv) is the author of several books including 'Questioning the Bible' and he speaks nationally on biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture. He is adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University and director of cultural engagement at Impact 360 Institute where he teaches high school and college students. Jonathan is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. Find out more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathanmorrow.org.

 What is the best advice you have for someone entering college? 

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes with participation in this blog tour via Litfuse.]

Also ... Litfuse is running a giveaway & author chat on Facebook to celebrate this book release --$100 worth of giftcards!  Learn more and enter here by April 11!

Since the month of February is Black History Month in America, take a look at these board books that introduce two of the most well-known figures from the U.S. Civil Rights movement in the mid-20th century!

© 2016 Worthy Publishing Group

Title: The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
Author: Johnny Ray Moore
Illustrator: Amy Wummer
Published: 2016 by Worthy Publishing Group

About the Book:

This little book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and how he excelled in school, became a minister; and worked to end segregation in America.  Parents can use this book to introduce Dr. King to the very young child.
 

About the Author: 

Johnny Ray Moore is a poet and children's author. His other books include Meet Martin Luther King Jr. and But Still, We Dream (a novel in verse). Johnny is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and three daughters. 

© 2016 Worthy Publishing Group

Title: The Story of Rosa Parks
Author: Patricia A. Pingry
Illustrator: Steven Walker
Published: 2016 by Worthy Publishing Group

About the Book:

This little book introduces Rosa Parks, who is called the "mother of the civil rights movement."  Here is the story of her courageous decision to remain on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action that resulted in arrest and, ultimately, a victory for civil rights.

About the Author: 

Patricia A. Pingry has written dozens of children's books and edited hundreds more. Among her best-known titles are the previous edition of this book and its companion, The Story of Christmas. Together thee two titles have sold more than 2 million copies. 

The Artist Librarian Review:
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. and The Story of Rosa Parks are succinct introductions to these well-known figures for young children and toddlers.  Each double page spread is limited to 1-3 brief sentences.  The text covers basic information such as their birth, parents, early life, racial segregation, and their contribution to the Civil Rights movement.  If I had any criticism it would be that perhaps it is too simple to fully capture the complexities, issues, and challenges African-Americans faced in the mid-20th century, but it is appropriate for the target age group for board books (i.e. birth to five years).  I doubt that a child that young would be able to comprehend such things completely, so these books are good starting-off points, with more information and concepts to be introduced when the child is older (e.g. Dr. King's story ends at his "I Have a Dream" speech, but assassination probably isn't something a parent or teacher wants to explain to a toddler).

The illustrations also lend well to the stories.  Amy Wummer's loose watercolor illustrations are outlined with graphite which detail Martin Luther King Jr.'s transition from a young, round faced boy to a leader of the Civil Rights movement.  Meanwhile, Steven Walker's canvas paintings have a softness reminiscent of pastel work, which lovingly illustrate Rosa Parks' life from a young child to a married working woman.

Finally, though the size of these books were a bit smaller than I expected (about 4"x7.5"), they are a nice size for a young child to read and are comparable to other board books.  A nice addition for board book fans and collections.

[Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of these books from the publisher for review purposes.]

Do you have any favorite children's book recommendations for Black History Month?