The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey

Here is the book summary:

A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a 13-year-old self-proclaimed book nerd whose world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.
 
Piper reaches to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt’s home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.

“What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, dear Reader. Quite the contrary. Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath.
Let me show you.”—Novus Fabula
 
Full of mystery and intrigue, The Edge of Everywhen story bridges the chasm between faith-based and fantasy kid-lit genres. It is a book-lover’s book, carrying the reader right into the adventure as Piper and Phoenix embark upon a life-changing journey, in search of their father and of a faith to call their own.

And now, my review:

The following is a review through the eyes of a teenager.  The Edge of Everywhen gets you into the people.  It can be very frightening and sometimes make you shake to your bones.  Other times it’s pleasant with your lemonade or hot cocoa in hand as if someone is talking to you.  Personally, I think that this book should be for ages 15 or higher because there are war scenes in it.  At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from people, sometimes from the Bible.  

Some downsides, in this book they mention other books including Harry Potter, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.  I don’t like or want to know anything about Harry Potter because there is nothing Christian about it.  They also talk about magic.  I don’t like that word unless you’re meaning Supernatural.  They talk about superstition which isn’t fun to read about either. 

The author does have prayer, the Bible, and believers in there.  Along with food, intrigue, danger, and adventure.  So, buckle up for the strangest ride of your life.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Everywhen-S-Mackey/dp/1535992611/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+edge+of+everywhen&qid=1596042374&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-edge-of-everywhen/a-s-mackey/9781535992619/pd/992610?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-edge-of-everywhen-a-s-mackey/1132106916?ean=9781535992619

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren

Here is the book summary:

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.

And now, my review:

This is book 4 in a series of adventure, intrigue, and romance by Susan May Warren.  I’ve personally read a couple of the others in this series.  This was a book that could stand alone but adds on to the other 3 if you’ve read them.  I found myself very drawn into this one.  The characters are loveable for the most part and “real.”  I love it when a book teaches me while I’m enjoying a fiction read and this book did just that for me.  Now every time I see a wave I think about what this book has taught me.  I also love the dialogue between a couple characters and one of them is saying, what happened to you and how did you come into relationship with God all of a sudden.  The reply was, I went through a hard thing just like you did and God provided just what I needed.  OH so true!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Troubled-Waters-Montana-Rescue-Book-ebook/dp/B0741FGCW9/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524935993&sr=8-2&keywords=troubled+waters

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/troubled-waters-susan-may-warren/1126332869?ean=9780800727468#/

https://www.christianbook.com/troubled-waters-4-susan-warren/9780800727468/pd/727463?event=ESRCG

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren

Here is the book summary:

Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he's remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana's rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can't seem to find his footing--or forget the woman he loved, who betrayed him.

Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the limelight as the second-youngest senator in the country. But she has a secret--one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.

When Ella's brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park's most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn't so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he'll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother, a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.

But old sparks relight as they search for the missing snowboarder--and suddenly, they are faced with emotions neither can deny. But when Ella's secret is revealed, can they learn to trust each other--even when disaster happens again?

And now, my review:

Mountains, snow, skiing, friendships, helping others, and love… what a great mix of things this book has to offer to the reader.   I found that the author pulled me in to the world of skiing and the beauty of it along with the danger.  It makes you want to schedule a journey to the mountains of Montana for some intense skiing.  This book is well named because there are trust issues all over the place.  Made for a great read and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Matter-Trust-Montana-Rescue-Book-ebook/dp/B01MYR22CG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506087492&sr=8-1&keywords=a+matter+of+trust

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-trust-susan-may-warren/1124824712?ean=9780800727451#/

https://www.christianbook.com/a-matter-of-trust-montana-rescue/susan-warren/9780800727451/pd/727457?event=ESRCG

Welcome Home, Beaver! by Magnus Weightman

Here is the book Summary:

Beaver is seeking adventures, but he has lost the way. Now he wants to go home again. Does he live in that hidden hole underneath an oak tree? In the nest high up on the roof? Or in that big tower of mud?

Architect Magnus Weightman takes you along on a visit of numerous fabulous animal dwellings. Will you help Beaver to find his own home?

And now, my review:

What a delightful children’s read of an adventure with a Mr. Beaver and his adventure dog friend.  They travel all over the world, high and low, in a hot air balloon discovering housing and habitats in which other creatures live.  The illustrations are really wonderfully done and you can’t help but wish you could escape reality and climb inside some of them to have a meal, maybe a slumber party and fellowship with the family there.  I recommend this wonderful children’s book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Beaver-Magnus-Weightman/dp/1605373923/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499966397&sr=8-1&keywords=welcome+home+beaver

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/welcome-home-beaver-magnus-weightman/1125337766?ean=9781605373928

The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer

Here’s the book summary:

The battle is real.

As brothers, Xavier and Evan are used to battling each other. But now they’re discovering that there is a much bigger battle going on all around them. And it’s their turn to fight. Based on Ephesians 6:10–18, The Prince Warriors is the first book in Priscilla Shirer’s epic new series that brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm. Xavier, Evan, and their friends have typical lives until they enter a mysterious land called Ahoratos. There they meet their guide, Ruwach, who offers wisdom and direction as the kids’ initial adventure begins—an adventure filled with armor and danger and a very real enemy.

And now, my review:

The battle is real and this book is a great encouragement to read about it.  The book draws you into the characters and situations that they face and it keeps you reading as they face things that are sometimes scary and sometimes funny.  This book is very imaginative, creative, and inspiring.  If you are looking for a great chapter book read on the Spiritual war around us and the need for putting on the Armor of God, I recommend this one.  We are looking forward to reading more in this series.

We received a copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Priscilla-Shirer-ebook/dp/B01E4G238M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1486783409&sr=1-1&keywords=the+prince+warrior

https://www.christianbook.com/the-prince-warriors-a-novel/9781433690198/pd/690198?event=ESRCG

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-priscilla-shirer/1123129358?ean=9781433690198

Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail by Angela Spady

Here’s the book summary:

High-Flying Adventure to the Wild West!
When fourth-grade artist Channing O’Banning unearths something very weird on the school playground, she’s sure it’s going to be the biggest thing ever to happen at Greenville Elementary. But things take a rocky turn, and Channing never wants to show her face at school again.

Thankfully, Channing finds lots of rocks to hide under when her family visits the American West. With her signature colored pencil stuck in her ponytail and Teeny, the coolest pig on the planet, by her side, Channing discovers that art comes in many different forms—and that God is the greatest artist of all.

And now, my review:

If you have read any of the Channing O’Banning books you’ll want to read this one too.  It has a lot of adventure and suspense.  It is a nice chapter book.  There are parts that have you laughing out loud. 

Overall we really liked the book, but there are a few parts to it that we talked about and I thought I would mention.  Those parts would include the use of crossing their fingers for luck and other luck comments.  Also, the lack of Scripture involved throughout the book although there seemed to be some great places to include some.  It gave us a great opportunity to talk through those.  Maybe in the future it will have more to it than a couple mentions of God making it a “Christian” book.

https://www.amazon.com/Channing-OBanning-Turquoise-Trail-Angela/dp/0718032365/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486779151&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=channing+obanning+and+the+turquois+trail

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/channing-obanning-and-the-turquoise-trail-thomas-nelson/1121749114?ean=9780718032364

https://www.christianbook.com/channing-obanning-and-the-turquoise-trail/angela-spady/9780718032364/pd/032364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=032364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Channing OBanning and the Rainforest Rescue by Angela Spady

Here’s the book summary:

What Happens When Your Least Favorite Person Is Your Only Hope for Rescue?

When Channing O’Banning’s BFF goes gaga over new boy Marco, Channing wishes she could send him back to where he came from. Her wish turns into her worst nightmare when Marco tags along on her family’s dream trip to Marco’s home country of Costa Rica.

With her secret sketchbook in tow, a colored pencil stuck in her ponytail, and adorable pot-bellied pig, Teeny, by her side, Channing embarks on a high-flying adventure through the Costa Rican rainforest. But when the feisty fourth-grade artist makes a few wrong turns and gets lost in the jungle, she discovers that maybe Marco isn’t so bad after all.

Through her wild escapades, Channing learns just how important it is to keep the earth—and friendships—healthy.

And now, my review:

A story with adventure, funny parts that have you laughing out loud, very loveable, has some friendship quarrels, and learning that people are not as you often first think they are.  There was encouragement to extend grace, forgiveness and love.  This was a great read!  One of the BEST parts, they have an adorable pet PIG J

We received a copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Channing-OBanning-Rainforest-Rescue-Angela/dp/0718032624/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486572666&sr=8-1&keywords=channing+o+banning

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/channing-obanning-and-the-rainforest-rescue-angela-spady/1114955514?ean=9780718032623

https://www.christianbook.com/channing-obanning-and-the-rainforest-rescue/angela-spady/9780718032623/pd/032623?product_redirect=1&Ntt=032623&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Clue in the Papyrus Scroll by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Here is the book summary:

In this all-new very special mini-series, the Aldens have been recruited by a secret society to return lost artifacts and treasures to their rightful locations―all around the world! The Aldens arrive in Egypt but the agent they’re supposed to meet has gone missing! With the help of a puzzle in a papyrus scroll, they figure out their next mission―to deliver a tiny ancient pharaoh statue to an archaelogist at the Pyramids! Along the way they outwit a thief who tries to steal all the treasures. Their next mission is to England, to return one of the “crown jewels of Stonehenge.” But someone is following them! Could it be someone from the powerful Argent family, ruthless antique collectors and bitter rivals of the Silvertons?

And now, my review:
This is a great Boxcar book!  We enjoyed the places that they visited in this one because it is places that we have been studying in school this year.  The adventures are exciting and the suspense is fun to read through.  The ending kind of leads you into another story, but that might be “normal” for this series.  Overall, a great school read for the whole family.


https://www.amazon.com/Papyrus-Scroll-Boxcar-Children-Adventure/dp/0807506982/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485997028&sr=1-1&keywords=A+clue+in+the+papyrus+scroll

Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida

Let’s start with the book summary:

Nick Newton is not a Genius. He’s just a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero's greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

And now, my review:

You’ll want to check this one out!  What a great mystery!  This was a page-turner for sure.  The people were very creative and funny.  The book is well put together with a great story line.  It was not predictable and it kept the attention of all ages of readers (elementary, middle school, and high school).  We are looking forward to reading it again soon! 

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Newton-Genius-S-E-M-Ishida/dp/1628562358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484237727&sr=8-1&keywords=nick+newton+is+not+a+genius

Crossroads in Galilee by Elizabeth Raum

Let’s start with the book summary:

Imagine you lived at the time when Jesus was beginning His ministry in Galilee and were a child who observes what He does. At numerous points in the book, you choose what comes next, and every choice changes the outcome of the story. When one journey ends, a new one awaits.
This is a companion book to Christmas Crossroads.

And now, my review:

I love it when a book puts you the place that you’re reading.  This book was great in the story telling as well as the choices that they gave you to choose an outcome.  Reading books that give you this option makes for reading the book often to see what else could happen.  Great adventure awaits …  If you like books like that, you’ll want to pick up a copy of this one!  Check it out on the links below.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-Galilee-Elizabeth-Raum/dp/1628562404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483989975&sr=8-1&keywords=crossroads+in+Galilee

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crossroads-in-galilee-elizabeth-raum/1125023559?ean=9781628562392

https://www.christianbook.com/crossroads-in-galilee-elizabeth-raum/9781628562392/pd/506386?event=ESRCG