Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are. – Mason Cooley.
Author: Excel Andy
Hello! My name is Excel. I love reading books,reviewing them,talking about books to friends. My favourite genre is the Christian fiction genre.I am a big fan of Historical Fiction especially those set around the WW1 and WW2. I am a professional Health Educator and a Teacher. I am also a creative writer. You can find me on Instagram @thebook_chic and on Facebook and Goodreads as Excel Andy. Thank you so much.
When Hetty Huggins made a promise to her dying mother that she would look after her younger sister and brothers, little did she know how difficult this would be. But despite the threat of being turned out onto the streets by the unscrupulous tallyman and the neverending struggle just to exist, Hetty is determined her family will never starve or want for a roof over their heads.
Book Review
A mother’s promise by Dilly Court.
Dilly has been one of my favorite author of historical fiction. I always watch out for her books. She writes amazingly well.
Hetty the heroine of this novel is so brave and adventurous. I could see a bit of myself in her while reading through the lines. Every character in this book was central to the plot.
There were so many themes to learn from this book and I highly recommend it. I reviewed a copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Author’s Bio
Dilly Court grew up in North East London and began her career in commercial television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown up children, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband and large, yellow Labrador.
Book can be purchased online or wherever books are sold.
Book Blurb
From the bestselling author of Jewel of the Nile comes the thrilling tale of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands. The beloved daughter of Jewish captives in Babylon, Keren is sold into Daniel’s household to help her family survive. She becomes Daniel’s most trusted scribe, while taking lessons and swordsmanship training alongside Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared.
But after a tragic accident changes the course of her life, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, charged with a mysterious task: teaching a shepherd boy how to become a lord. When she overhears whispers that hint at his true identity, she realizes she must protect him from the schemes of a bloodthirsty king.Jared cannot forgive Keren. Still, he finds himself traveling over mountains to fetch her back to the safety of home. When he discovers the secret identity of Keren’s pupil, Jared knows he must help protect him. Love battles bitterness as they flee from the king’s agents, trying to save the boy who could one day deliver their people from captivity.
My Review
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar.
Such a sweet and delightful book. I finished it few minutes after 3 AM. I couldn’t help flipping page after page reading through the lives of amazing loveable characters.
Tessa as usual blew my mind with her great imagination. Cyrus, Jared and Keren were indeed characters I could relate to realistically.
There are major themes to glean from this book and I will leave that for you to figure out.
The title and the book cover are worthy of your attention. I am rating this book five golden stars because this is so good to read. I really enjoy biblical fiction and I am pleased Tessa Afshar did not disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
About the Author
TESSA AFSHAR is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of historical fiction set in biblical times. Her novels include Harvest of Gold which won a Christy Award and Land of Silence, which won an INSPY. The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, Afshar’s critically acclaimed Bible study, won the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award, 2021 in the Bible Study Category. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for a year. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Contact Tessa at tessaafshar.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/
I know that I have been absent from my blog for a while. Life has been happening but I am fine.
I went to a bookstore with my friend and we saw lots of books on clearance. I had a hard time picking the books I wanted to buy. I felt sad not picking some books being the book lover I am.
My friend on the other hand was picking the books she wanted. She included a book I wanted and paid for it. She said it is a gift from her.
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg.
It is Christmas season in few weeks and I cannot wait to see how it goes.
What are your favorite Christmas books? Have you gotten books as gifts? Let me know in the comments.
Hi! I know this is an unusual blog post but I have been overwhelmingly busy for a good cause.
I got these books from my friend. She has a mini library in her house and it felt magical touching the spines of those books.
The books from my friend’s mini library.Who Brings Forth The Wind by Lori Wick. Oldie but goodie!
I have taken a liking to ebooks so seeing physical copies of books make me to marvel at the pages I must have read in ebook format.
Reclaiming Nick by Susan May Warren.
These are pictures of some books I saw in her mini library. My friend is an extremely avid reader. I am sure I can’t keep up with her pace in reading. We do friendly competitions sometimes.
Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden.The Preacher’s Wife by Brandi Boddie.Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden. I have reviewed one of her books on this blog. You can check it out.
Let me know which book appeals to you and I might do a book review on it in my spare time.
A collection of books I borrowed some time ago.Just look at these books! Can you spot any familiar books?
Thank you for sticking around. I appreciate all my amazing subscribers and visitors. I love you all!
Ever since witnessing a sacred ritual, Rhenna of the Free People has been isolated. Not outcast, yet not part of her tribe, she walks alone, guarding the land’s borders. And growing more troubled by the changes in the wind. Anger and war are rising. The mountain-dwelling shapeshifters–partners to the Free People–are disappearing, and word has come of an evil new god:The Stone God, whose followers are known by the red stones they hold and the chaos that accompanies them.
So when Rhenna hears that a shapeshifter has been captured by the Stone God’s servants, she must rescue him. Now Rhenna is embroiled in a dangerous game as the forces of evil and nature fight to control humanity’s future.Together with a growing band–the enigmatic shaman Tahvo, the panther shapechanger Cian and the rebel Quintus of conquered Tiberia–she must travel the world, seeking to prevent its destruction.
Whatever danger lies ahead, the downfall of the Stone God has begun….
Book Blurb for Hammer of the Earth
The Stone God is building in power….
Defeating an empire takes many weapons, and Rhenna and her band–including shape-shifting panther Cian–must brave unpredictable dangers, crossing vast deserts, trackless jungles and impenetrable swamps to seek the Hammer of the Earth.
Yet the Exalted Ge, who holds the Hammer in her stronghold, has set deadly traps that rise out of the Earth itself. Even if Rhenna and her companions can defeat a goddess, do they dare trust each other when the Hammer has done its work?
Meanwhile, in Karchedon, their ally Quintus must decide if working from within the Emperor’s palace will aid in the downfall of the Stone God or simply betray all he holds dear.
Despite every battle won, the power of the Stone God still stands against them. And the ultimate victory may demand the ultimate price….
Book Review
Shield of the Sky by Susan Krinard.
I was drawn into the pages by the author. This book is unlike any book I have read before. I tried to classify the genre while reading but the pages had my attention.
There are two books in the series. Book one introduced us to the characters and the deadly adventures they had. It was the war of good and evil. I had favourites in the book. Tahvo, Rhenna and Cian.
The plot was so great I had to get book two so fast.
Hammer of the Earth.
This is book two of the series. I enjoyed reading the book as I followed the adventures of the characters on a mission against evil ; the Stone God.
New characters were introduced and the suspense were building a deep crescendo in my head. I devoured each page hungrily while rooting for my characters.
I got to the last page and I must confess, I was disappointed that there was not any book three. I could not believe the book ended there. I am suffering from book hangover. These series really grabbed my utmost attention.
Susan Krinard did an excellent job with her series.
I voluntarily reviewed the books. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Author Bio
Susan makes her home in New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment,” with her husband, Serge, her dogs, Freya, Nahla and Cagney, and her cat, Jefferson. Susan’s interests include music (just about any kind), old movies, gardening and getting out into nature. She also bakes a mean chocolate cake.
Aya, daughter of Zebulon of Tarsus, does not want a traditional life. Because she has always lived in the shadow of her brilliant brother, she wants to use her gifts and be something more than a wife and mother. When her traditional father insists she marry Avidan, a Torah student, she reluctantly agrees, but when Avidan leaves for Jerusalem, she seizes an opportunity to fulfill her deepest yearning, realizing she may never have another chance to do so.
After moving to Jerusalem, she expects to be bored in her role as wife to a Torah student, but finds herself fascinated by her husband’s studies. And when her brother Sha’ul makes a life-altering decision, she finds herself faced with a troubling question: How can she remain true to all she’s been taught since infancy and still love her blasphemous brother?
Book Review
THE APOSTLE’S SISTER BY ANGELA HUNT
This is the first time I am reading Angela Hunt books and I admire her style of writing.
The book plot is a biblical retelling of Apostle Paul. This author did a nice job writing about his fictional family particularly his younger sister, Aya.
I love the book cover and the suspense in the book.
Although, I was busy with responsibilities, I was able to read the book during my free hours.
The meals in this book made me hungry and I could envy the people in the Bible says over their choice of meals.
Overall, this is a good book. I am rating it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Author Bio
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 150 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children have reached their thirties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
A delightful new western romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.
1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper―and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say―and publish―whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.
Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead―and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.
Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.
Book Review
The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers.
I enjoyed this book. I followed the adventures of Kathryn in Calvada and her hero Matthias.
This book really gave me an edge of the seat feeling and I was pleased with the ending.
The themes of love, kindness and forgiveness were well addressed in the plot.
I waited almost a year to get a copy of this book and I am pleased I wasn’t disappointed.
I reviewed a personal copy of this book gotten by me. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
About the author
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America’s coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Visit Francine online at http://www.francinerivers.com and connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers) and Twitter (@FrancineRivers).
It was her wedding day… the roses and bluebells were blooming and their sweet-scent was filling the air, so why did Daisy feel the cold fingers of fear run down her spine? Spring in the village, April 1869 It’s spring in Little Creek and wedding bells are ringing. After their hasty marriage the Christmas before, Daisy is overjoyed to be finally marrying dashing Jay properly, in front of the whole village. But then, on the evening of their wedding, amid the festivities, Jay disappears. Daisy doesn’t know if Jay is dead or alive, if she’s his wife or his widow. And what’s more, without her husband, she has no means of supporting herself or her household. Refusing to give up hope, Daisy must draw on all her strength and courage – after all, she has people who depend on her. But the secret of Jay’s disappearance is more scandalous that she could haveever imagined…
Book Review
A Village Scandal by Dilly Court.
Dilly Court has been one of my favorite authors for all books historical fiction. Her heroines are brave women and this particular book was indeed Dilly’s style.
In this book, the book plot and themes synced together. The female protagonist, Daisy displayed so much wisdom and bravery for someone so young.
There are lots of characters to choose from. My favourite are Ivy, Jack, Marius, Judy and Mary. You cannot help loving them.
I highly recommend this book. The book cover is beautiful too.
I voluntarily reviewed this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
Author’s Bio
Dilly Court grew up in North East London and began her career in commercial television, writing scripts for commercials. She is married with two grown up children, and now lives in Dorset on the beautiful Jurassic Coast with her husband and large, yellow Labrador.
Mossy, a Florida manatee who is unusually more green than gray, only has one wish- to feel the snow on Cape Cod. But because manatees can’t stand such cold weather, Mossy must do the impossible and find a way to make the journey. With the help of his mom and dear friend, Mossy learns that when he embraces what makes him unique, even his wildest dreams can come true!
This book is suitable for ages 5-8.
Book Review
Mossy the Manatee.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is a delightful book for young children and can double up as a bedtime storybook.
Reading through the book reminded me of my childhood where I found joy going on adventures with animals as the main characters. In this case, Mossy the Manatee has lots of themes to glean from his life.
In a world where everybody is alike, Mossy the Manatee teaches us to be unique and follow our dreams.
I must commend the author for her great imagination and choice of words. They are easy to understand for preschoolers and toddlers alike.
The book cover is beautiful and the illustrations in each page held my attention.
Overall, I am rating this cute book five bright stars for capturing my attention.
I reviewed this book and opinions expressed in this review are mine.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
1. Welcome to the Book Chic Blog, please do introduce yourself to our wonderful readers.
Hi, there! My name is Nika Tomljenovic. I’m an author, playwright, scriptwriter and video game writer. I live in Croatia with my boyfriend and Bernedoodle, Jole, who is very fluffy and enjoys swimming in the sea. I am originally from Toronto, Canada and have had my plays produced throughout North America, and a short film I wrote in a London Film Festival. Since the pandemic, I have found myself writing for children’s literature and the GameFi space.
2. What is an interesting thing about your book?
Mossy the Manatee was originally an idea for a script of a short animated film.
3. How many other books have you written?
I am currently writing a chapter book that is being released in segments to a growing crypto community. The book is associated with the token’s video game.
4. What inspired you into writing this book and writing in general?
The inspiration behind Mossy the Manatee stemmed from my childhood fascination with manatees. Because I always knew odd facts about them, when I decided to include a manatee as the central character, a simple, cohesive storyline came together quickly and naturally.
And with writing in general, I found playwriting through drama and acting which was the world I always grew up thinking I would end up in, that is, until I discovered creative writing. Through playwriting I delved into other mediums like books, films, games…pretty much anything that incorporates storytelling.
5. Who is your favourite character in this book?
Mossy, of course! I feel Melissa (the illustrator) did an outstanding job making him full of life and his own personality. I also can’t help but root for the little guy! We all have a dream we want to see fulfilled, making him the most relatable character.
6. When did you first consider yourself an author?
Funny question, I still don’t consider myself an author as I never imagined I would get into book writing. But I surprised myself and absolutely love it, so here I am! But regardless, I’m more of the type of playwright/ scriptwriter/ game writer/ author who thinks of herself as a creative writer above all else. I think it’s a hard time to keep working as a writer if you’re too rigid.
7. Tell us about your most recent work?
Aside from Mossy, I write for a blockchain game that is in the works. This includes game characters, items, locations, tools, a chapter book and creative lore entries. This material is continuously released, in phases. Currently we are in two of eight.
8. Do you have favourite authors and books?
The Catcher in the Rye
9. What is next for you?
Definitely more children’s books- I have plenty of ideas and really enjoyed this process! There has also been a potential book (creative non-fiction) deal in the pipeline, though I can’t say much about that, yet! If not, with the return of theatre, I hope to get a longtime idea I’ve had for a play up on its feet.
10. Any words for your readers and where can they contact you?
I hope you all enjoy Mossy the Manatee as much as I did writing it, and that its message resonates with all! Thank you so much for reading! I can always be contacted at nika.tomljenovic@yahoo.ca
Despite being trapped in an abusive marriage, Maggie still feels blessed with her eight-year-old twins, Danny and Lizzie, and baby girl, Lucy. But when the Second World War begins it seems that her blessings may have run out.
Although the war lets her escape her husband when he’s sent to the front, she must also lose the twins, as they’re evacuated to North Wales. Lizzie seems to be in the perfect family, while Danny is left with a man who seems to resent his presence. But appearances can be deceptive, and while Maggie struggles to survive the bombings at home, her children face danger of a different kind.
Book Review
Moonlight and Ashes by Rosie Goodwin
I must confess, Rosie had my full attention with this particular book. From the first pages to the last pages, I was hooked to the plot.
Maggie, Danny, Lizzie, Eric, Soho Gus and Sparky were loveable characters I watched out for.
Of course, the effects of war on people leaves them traumatized and clinging to hope of being alive. From the themes in the book, love and life won against all odds.
I could relate with Maggie and Jo when they had to make hard decisions for their lives.
Overall, this book is a fantastic read but grab some tissues because you will definitely get emotional at some scenes.
I voluntarily reviewed this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
About the Author
Rosie Goodwin’s first book, The Bad Apple, was published in 2004 by Headline. Since then she has gone on to write many more classic and contemporary sagas. She is also the first author in the world to be allowed to follow three of Catherine Cookson’s trilogies with her own sequels. Before becoming a published author, Rosie worked in Social Services. She is now amongst the top 100 most borrowed UK authors and her books regularly appear in the Heetseekers charts. Rosie has children and lives in Warwickshire with her husband and her four Shihtzu’s.
The Book Chic Blog 