The American Patriot's Almanac by William Bennett

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb
This book is about America and our history. It is well done and each chapter is based on months. January: Flags of the Revolutionary War; February: The History of the Stars and Stripes; March: Fifty All- American Movies; April: Fifty American Quotes; May: Flag Etiquette: Guidelines for Displaying and Handling the U. S. Flag; June: How the Declaration of Independence was Written and Signed and The Declaration of Independence; July: How the Constitution Was Written and Ratified, The Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights and Amendments of the U.S.; August: The Gettysburg Address, The Emancipation Proclamation, The Pledge of Allegiance and The American's Creed; September: Songs of American Patriotism; October: Poems of the American Patriotism; November: Faith and the Founders and December: State Flags, Facts and Symbols.
There are Daily Readings and each had meanings. A lot of research has gone into this book and the reader will find so much of American History in the book.
At the end of each chapter is a calendar of some events. December 7, for example, has "1787 Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the U. S. constitution" and 1805: "Lewis and Clark camp near the mouth of the Columbus River at a site that becomes Fort Clatsop; their winter quarters".
Before the chapters begin there are Twelve Great Reasons to Love a Great Country on pages xx-xxiii. Prayers by a number of our Presidents and people in our history are included; President Lincoln's "Prayer for Our Country" and from President George W. Bush's "Prayer for Times of National Grief" after the tragedy of 9-11.
The American Flag gets a lot of respect in the book; how to fold the Flag, how to display and when and how to acquire a flag that has flown over the U. S. Capitol. The Pledge of Allegiance and the history is on pages 542-543.
There are so many people that belong to our history in this book. I was reading one Daily Reading and there was something on Vietnam; I looked up John McCain and did not find him in the book. I realize only so many people can be in a book but because I am giving my opinion, I will say I was a little disappointed.
This book is one not to be on a shelf but on a table to be read daily. Parents can use this as a history book to read with their kids, anyone who loves facts will enjoy The American Patriot's Almanac as well history buffs. Everyone will learn something about America.
A wonderful Christmas present for those on your list who have everything or a birthday present for someone.
I received a complimentary copy of The American Patriot's Almanac from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review. I will post my review on booksneeze.com, LibraryThing.com, Facebook and my blog: mnleona.blogspot.com.The opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Petra:City of Stone

Petra: City of Stone by T. L. Higley
First, I would like to thank the author for the complimentary electronic version of the book, this is my first time to read T.L.Higley.
The book begins with Julian leaving Rome because of religious persecution and the next chapter is about Cassia who has left Damascus with her son Alexander because of the death of the father of her son, Aretas. Cassia knows that Aretas is from Petra and wants to find his family.
Julian and Cassia meet at the Nymphaeum Fountain in Petra where Alexander and Julian quickly become friends. Julian also meets Malik at the fountain; Malik plays an important part in the lives of Cassia and Julian.
Cassia is robbed and attacked the first night in Petra and awakens to find herself and Alexander under protective care of Malik and his followers. It is here she finds that her son is the grandson of the king, Rabbel and heir to the throne. Alexander's father was the estranged son of Rabbel. Rabbel's first wife, Gamilath, Aretas' mother died; King Rabbel remarried and had a son with Hagiru.
Cassia takes Alexander to the Royal House to see the King but his wife, Queen Hagiru, refuses to let them see him because she said the King was unavailable; later the King comes into the room and does acknowledge Alexander is his grandson. Hagiru is upset because she thought her son, Obadas, would be the heir to the throne. The King leaves the room and Hagiru tells Cassia her son would be raised by them and she should leave Petra.
Julian finds Cassia injured and takes her to Malik. From there the story is based on trying to get Alexander back to Cassia and the finding of Christianity for Cassia.
I liked this book and the history of Petra was evident. I thought it would be more on archaeology but found it is based on Christianity. My major is Anthropology/Archaeology and I always have an interest in this subject. I read somewhere that Petra:City of Stone is a book for adults but would highly recommend it for young Christian adults. This is a good book for a book club for a church group or one interested in history.
Some tag words I found are Jesus, one God, sandals, amphitheater, death, sacrifice, suffering, strength, stone sculptors, power of Jesus, figs, triclinium, incense, siq and gods which bring you into the time era of the book. Some historical names are Petra, Damascus, Jerusalem, Nymphaeum Fountain, Temple al-Uzza. Petra and Paul of Tarsus. Faith and love are two words used quite a bit. Jesus is very involved with the characters in the book and the reader could sense that with feelings. At one point the "faces" are described as peaceful and there was singing from the Christian group.
I found the last chapters of the book more powerful and emotional as Cassia and others try to rescue Alexander from the evil Hagiru.
The book definitely has history and encouraged me as the reader to do more research on Petra. Check out some sites on the Internet for more information. I did find T. L. Higley (Tracy) on Facebook. She has traveled through Greece,Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Italy to research. I look forward to reading more of her books.

The Story Teller Tymes

The Story Teller Tymes by Irish Monahan.
I received a complimentary copy of this online magazine to read and review from LibraryThing. The opinions are my own.
I reviewed the October issue about Halloween and things in the Fall Season. Lots of poetry and suggestions to help keep the children safe. There is a small charge for the magazines and can be in print or pdf.
This is also a free site for young children between the ages of 8-12. It is so educational and fun. There are sections for education, parents, exercise and more. The magazine may be downloaded or in print for a charge. There is so much on this site a young child could be kept busy for hours. They use U Tube for exercise and videos (I watched the one on sharks and it is a little strong) but the company suggests that you do his with your child and learn together and the parents can talk to their child/children about the topics.
The Index is: Playhouse News, Story Garden, Learning Center, Entertainment, Coloring Book, Irish's Backpack, Parent's Place and Contact Irish.
I am a grandmother and will check on some of the publications in their Book Shop for Christmas and/or birthdays.
They are looking for submissions.
Go to their site www.irishstoryplayhouse.com for more information. There is so much, I cannot put all the information here. This is a wonderful magazine and I do not think a parent or grandparent will be disappointed.
Leona Olson

Snare of Serpents by Victoria Holt

Snare of Serpents by Victoria Holt
The book begins with the main character, Davina Glentyre, who lives in Edinburgh with her parents. Her mother dies in the first few pages of the book and she gets a new governess, Zillah Grey, replacing her old governess, Lilias Milne who has been accused of theft.
The death of her father, David Ross Glentyre, from arsenic is blamed on Davina and she is judged not proven, which is neither innocent or guilty but an acquittal. (This is a term still used in Scottish courts). Her lawyer, Ninian Grainger, believes her innocent and he becomes an important part of her life.
Davina changes her name and begins a new life in South Africa with her old governess and friend, Lilias.
The mystery of her father's death continues and so does her relationship with Ninian and Zillah.
The book has mystery, love, betrayal, death and questioning. There is also some historical facts such as Holyrood House, a palace in Edinburgh (I have visited there in the past-Leona) and the use of the word bawbee, an old Scottish coin. There are letters written to Davina and her replies, which I think add to the book. Descriptions are good and brings interest to the Snare of Serpents. As usual, another good read and page turner from Victoria Holt. Usually, I can get through these books quickly and can lay down the book and come back to it; this one was different.
Enjoy the read.

The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey

The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey.
Great books for all ages. I requested this book because I have heard Dave Ramsey on the radio and I have seen him on the Fox Business Network.
A short but simple book on managing your money and how to do it. Follow the money rules and you should be able to make it. Dave Ramsey is against spending more than you have and does not like the use of credit cards.
There are chapters for debt, saving and investing, automobiles, insurance, college, real estate and more.
The author uses quotes from the Bible as well as many known and (to me) unknown people. Some quotes: "More people talk themselves into failure then talk themselves into success" Zig Ziglar, "Well done is better well said" Benjamin Franklin, "Many a man has failed because he had his wishbone where his backbone should have been Ronald Reagan and "Those who work hard will make a profit, but those who only talk will be poor" Proverbs 14:23.
This is an excellent book for a wedding present but better yet, one to give as a shower gift. It would also be a good graduation present for a high school or college graduate.
As far as Dave Ramsey is concerned, you should start young to begin to learn how to use your money and he has topics for parents.
He has a list of web sites in the back of the book for additional resources.
Everyone will learn something.
Leona Olson
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book reviewers program. The opinions are my own.

Mozan and the Return of Magic

Mozan and the Return of Magic is a fantasy book for younger teenagers, however as an adult I enjoyed it. This is about five children of royalty who have special abilities or talents, kingdoms and an evil sorceress. The main characters are Mozan from the Kingdom of Mozolean, Harah of the Kingdom of Antorell, Jonas of the Kingdom of Jonatu, Lyra from the Kingdom of Zobora and Floro of the Kingdom of Zianna. The evil sorceress is Alexa, daughter of King Anzon and Queen Mae.The time has come for the coronation of Mozan's brother and everyone is busy; as a second son to the King and Queen, Mozan is ignored when he tries to tell his father that his tutor, Stilpon, has disappeared when they are playing the game the Dragon Hero.
The five children are kidnapped and taken through a portal to the Kingdom of Fyonhaireshizer. There they find that there are really 11 kingdoms and not just the one they live. By using their talents: Mozan is a warrior, Harah has the talents of a beast talker, Jonus can create weather, Frolo is a tree shaman and Lyra controls fire, they try to work together to fight the evil Alexa.
The book had demons, gargoyles, evil, good, fantasy, magic and dragons. Mozan and the Return of Magic has good descriptions such as a smell like rotten cabbage and vile green smoke that I think this age of kids would like. There is a map at the front of the book and it adds to the story.
The book reminds me of a Harry Potter type book and it keeps the pages turning. I first though it would be like the games the kids play but soon discovered it was not. There will be other books to follow in this series.
A good book for the Christmas Holidays or a birthday present. This will keep the kid's attention and encourage them to read. It has messages of good and evil, working as a team and not realizing how important someone was until they are gone.
I received a complimentary copy of Mozan and the Return of Magic to read and review from Library Thing and the author, Stephan Davied. The opinions are my own.

Again by Diana Murdock

First, I want to thank LibraryThing and Diana Murdock for the opportunity to read Again by Diana Murdock.
This short novel by Diana Murdock is based on two main characters in different time eras. Both of the main characters have men in their lives that are possessive and the women are looking for passionate romance; the knight on a white horse type of man. The story is about a woman's feelings for real love. The men in the novel are all physically fit and are described as such.
Eryn is the modern character and is a successful photographer; she is married to Bryce. Lady Catherine is the medieval noblewoman and it is assumed she will be married to Galen, someone she has known since childhood. Eryn has recurring dreams that bring her back to the time of 1501, the time of Catherine. The chapters switch back and forth between the two women. Both of the main characters have similar happenings in their lives.
The book is somewhat based on reincarnation. A book called Twin Souls- Life Beyond Life and a necklace sent to Eryn by her brother are some mentions of the view of reincarnation.
I liked the short novel but would have liked more substance in the writings.
I received this complimentary ebook to read and review from LibraryThing. The opinions are my own.
Leona Olson

A Land Beyond Ravens By Kathleen Cunningham Guler

This is a book about the time of Arthur, the future king of England, and Merlin the Enchanter. It is the fourth and final book of the Macsen's Treasure Series .Marcus ap Iorwerth is a spy for the High King, Uther Pendragon, the father of Arthur. Marcus is the lord of a small stronghold in the kingdom of Gwtnedd called Dinas Beris. Claerwen is the wife of Marcus. Lady Claerwen is clairvoyant and has "fire in her head" with visions of the future and not is very strong because of her health. Arthur is hidden by the druid, Myrddin Emrys, the nephew of Uther until he comes of age to become the King. He is known as Merlin the Enchanter.This tale takes place in the Dark Age of Britain in the 5th century. It is a battle between Britons and the Saxons and also involves the Christian Church. The book is historical and mysterious; a good read and a book that can be read more than one time. There is loyalty, betrayal, love, hate, anxiety, sadness, loss, softness and hope for the future. I appreciated the fact that the language is not vulgar and the love scenes between Marcus and Claerwen are personal and caring. As a reader you did not intrude into their time together, but you can feel their love for each other.The author, Kathleen Cunningham Guler, gives enough history and background, so her books do not have to be read in order. I always prefer to read a series in order and will now read the rest of the books. She reminds me of Mary Stewart, an author of a trilogy of novels of Merlin.The book is fiction but leaves the reader wanting to do more research of this time period. The pronunciation guide/glossary is very helpful as well as the map at the front of the book. The chapters have the names of the locations in the chapter and the date.I would like to add, I emailed Kathleen Cunningham Guler and she responded right away.I look forward to reading her other books.Leona Olson ( )

Snare of Serpents by Victoria Holt

The book begins with the main character, Davina Glentyre, who lives in Edinburgh with her parents. Her mother dies in the first few pages of the book and she gets a new governess, Zillah Grey, replacing her old governess, Lilias Milne who has been accused of theft. The death of her father, David Ross Glentyre, from arsenic is blamed on Davina and she is judged not proven, which is neither innocent or guilty but an acquittal. (This is a term still used in Scottish courts). Her lawyer, Ninian Grainger, believes her innocent and he becomes an important part of her life.Davina changes her name and begins a new life in South Africa with her old governess and friend, Lilias. The mystery of her father's death continues and so does her relationship with Ninian and Zillah.The book has mystery, love, betrayal, death and questioning. There is also some historical facts such as Holyrood House, a palace in Edinburgh (I have visited there in the past-Leona) and the use of the word bawbee, an old Scottish coin. There are letters written to Davina and her replies, which I think add to the book. Descriptions are good and brings interest to the Snare of Serpents. As usual, another good read and page turner from Victoria Holt. Usually, I can get through these books quickly and can lay down the book and come back to it; this one was different. Enjoy the read. ( )

Vermilion by Phyllis A. Whitney

The book begins with Lindsay Phillips learning of the sudden death of her father, Jed Phillips. Her half-sister's husband, Rick Adams, brings the body back to Connecticut to bury him. At one time, Rick and Lindsay had feelings for each other but Rick married Sybil and they moved to Arizona. Lindsay's half-sister, Sybil, and Lindsay have never had a good relationship. The mother who raised Lindsay dies a few months after the death of her father. Lindsay continues her career as a fashion designed in New York.About a year later, Lindsay receives an anonymous letter telling her she should go the Sedona to find the truth about the death of her father and her half-sister's connection to it. She goes to Arizona and stays in the guest house of Sybil and Rick. The book is filled with many characters and the reader is trying to make the connections with all the facts that are given. There is death, mystery, love, hate, malice and uncertainly in the book.Descriptions of Arizona, the sunsets and landscape is visual and vivid. History of the Hopi and their beliefs make the book interesting. The men did the weaving at one time as an example and there were clans of the tribe. The word Silvercloud has more than one meaning for Lindsay. Rick is interested in Lindsay continuing her fashion design in Arizona and the book is full of details on design. For readers who like to sew, Lindsay uses a red tomato pin cushion; those are the little details that help make the book.I liked this book as a quick read and not so detailed to make it a hard read. Leona ( )

The King's Christmas List

The King's Christmas List
by Eldon Johnson and Illustrated by Bonnie Leick
As you open the book the drawing looks like a pretty fantasy land to me. The illustrations help tell the story and are well done.
Emma receives an invitation to the King's birthday party that has come through her glowing mailbox. She brings a Christmas cake she has made with her mother as a gift to the King. Emma and her dog, Shu-Shu, ride in a carriage sent by the King. Along the way Emma and Shu-Shu meet people in need and she gives them gifts that relates to their needs.
The story does send a message about giving and sharing and it helps the child to understand this practice, but I find parts of the books would be hard for a very young child to understand. There is a verse from Matthew 25:37-40 about the message of helping others.
My problems with the book is Jesus is supposed to be the King; this King looks like a Black Man, he is on a throne with a crown and lives in a castle. Perhaps, I am thinking too much in the box and am not expanding my imagination.
The "advertising" at the end of the book also bothered me because this book is for a very young child and I am not sure they understand this message. I would have preferred using an idea like the Marines who have Toys for Tots and the child could then buy a gift, with their money, and take it to a place where the Marines collect the toys. This is something the child could see and understand.
I received this complimentary book from Tommy Nelson, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers to read and review. The opinions are my own.

A Christmas Prayer

A Christmas Prayer by Amy Parker, Illustrated by Marijan Ramljak.
This is such a wonderful book for children and adults. The cover is soft and the colors are softly blended. The illustrations on the cover and in the book make you smile and feel warm. This book is about giving thanks for the happenings that gave us Jesus such as thanks to Gabriel,the donkey and the manger. It is short and rhymes, which children like. Put it on your Christmas list for your child or grandchild, especially a young child. This is a book to read to a child over and over and a teaching guide for our Christmas gift, Jesus.
I received this complimentary copy of A Christmas Prayer by Amy Parker from Thomas Nelson Publishers to read and review. Ths opinions are my own.

William F. Buckley

William F. Buckley by Jeremy Lott
I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers to read and review on Booksneeze. The opinions are my own.
This is a very interesting book about William F. Buckley (1925-2008) and portions of his life. It has politics, religion, magazines, history and the United States of America among other interesting facts that surrounded the life of Buckley. The contacts this man had in his lifetime were a range of people and their beliefs; some very controversial. His family and religion (Roman Catholic) were a major part of his life as well as his magazine (The National Review), his TV show (Firing Line on PBS) and political beliefs.
There are many political names in this book: The Kennedys, President Richard Nixon, President Gerald Ford and other political figures that helped make history. I had forgotten that President Nixon was a Quaker and it was just mentioned on FOX the other day.
The book is a small paperback that holds a wealth of information. A good book for a discussion group and especially during an election year.
Leona Olson

Animals In Heaven?Catholics Want to Know

I won a book on LibraryThing.com to read and review called Animals In Heaven?Catholics Want to Know by Susi Pittman. Published by iUniversity,INC. Published 2009. I really find it interesting. This book has references to God's creatures and lots of passages. This is a book, only 121 pages, that can be left on a table and you can pick and choose a chapter to read when you have a minute. Part l:The Truth Out There, Part ll:Recognizing God's Plans, Part lll:The Way of the Soul, Part lV:Saints and the Animals, Part V:Personal Animal Miracles, Part Vl:Animals and Grief, Part Vll: I finished the book yesterday and there were a couple of chapters that were very emotional. I think most of us has had the experience of losing a pet and the heartbreak it brings us. Susi Pittman lost her husband from cancer and before he died, he encouraged her to write the book. I find her a very emotional and sincere person who lives and practices her faith and she does have faith. Order it for yourself or a gift for someone who loves their pet friend.
Leona