REVIEW: The Jesus Dynasty by James D Tabor

Title: The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of  Jesus, His Royal Family and the Birth of Christianity
Author: James D Tabor
Series: none
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: April 24, 2007
ISBN: 9780743287241
Buy It Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: The Jesus Dynasty offers a startling new interpretation of the life of Jesus and the origins of Christianity that is grounded in careful analysis of the earliest Christian documents and recent archaeological discoveries, including the much-discussed "Jesus family tomb."
In The Jesus Dynasty, biblical scholar James Tabor brings us closer than ever to the historical Jesus. He explains the crucial relationship between Jesus, a royal descendant of David, and his relative John the Baptizer, a priestly descendant of Aaron and Jesus' teacher. When John was killed, several of his followers -- including Jesus' four brothers -- joined with Jesus, who continued John's mission, preaching the same apocalyptic message. After Jesus confronted the Roman authorities in Jerusalem and was crucified, his brother James succeeded him as the leader of the Jesus dynasty.
James Tabor has studied the earliest surviving documents of Christianity for more than thirty years and has participated in important archaeological excavations in Israel. His reconstruction of the life of Jesus and his followers, and of the early years of Christianity, will change our understanding of one of the most crucial moments in history.

Review: I borrowed a copy of this book out from my local library.
This book was so cool to read. I loved how the author used more sources than just the Gospels, outside sources, and explained things in a cultural perspective. This year I have tried and tried to sit down and read the Bible, even a little a day and get through the whole thing. In January I did really well. As the days progressed though, it became harder and harder for me to fit it into my schedule, and the readings seemed to get longer and longer. However, the little that I did read either brought up more questions, or some suspicion. After all, did Noah really live to 900ish years?
Getting back to the point, the author of this book made it very believable in his hypotheses, even using statistics to lend a very credible air to his argument that the probability of the "Jesus tomb" being the tomb of the one in the Bible was pretty darn convincing. The way that he explained the way Jesus probably thought culturally, was inspiring.
The only thing I didn't like was towards the end, the author seemed to be very anti-Paul. However, maybe it should be, maybe the real Jesus would have been.

BLAST and GIVEAWAY: Country Girls by Tressa Messenger

County Girls by Tressa Messenger

Adult Contemporary Romance Marissa left town as soon as high school ended, carrying with her deep dark secrets that she never intended to divulge, but once she went back home after twenty years for her high school reunion she knew that was exactly where she wanted to be. Once back in her home town in North Carolina it all comes rushing back to her, both good and bad, even the uncontrollable desire for her first love, who happened to be her best friend’s husband. Marissa and her three best friends could never have imagined the events that would take place once these once inseparable County girls are back together again or the hot nights that are sure to come.

Buy on Smashwords | Amazon | Paperback

About the Author:

I am a small town girl with big dreams. I grew up in a small coastal community called Pamlico County in the town of Reelsboro North Carolina. Growing up in such a rural area there wasn't much to do, so I developed a wide fantasy finding solace in writing poetry and songs. After high school I left my little secure coastal town to discover other parts of the country. It was a sad and lonely time, but also a fun and exciting time in my life. I had too many emotions to process so I started to put it all down on paper. That became the start of my first novel, which I have yet to finish. My first complete novel entitled Protector was a dream come true, although I found out during the process, at 31 years old, I am dyslexic. Reading was always a struggle throughout my life and finding out why has really made a difference in me and my writing. It was such a wonderful and daunting process but I have succeeded in doing something I never thought I would do. I have 3 novels published, Protect, Protect Me and Too Close To Home and 2 more on the way. Writing is such a passion of mine and will continue to be whether I become successful with it or not. I currently live out side of my home town with my husband and daughter.

Follow Tressa: FaceBook | Twitter | Website

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REVIEW: Lost to the Desert Warrior by Sarah Morgan

Title: Lost to the Desert Warrior
Author: Sarah Morgan
Series: none (yet)
Genre: romance
Publisher: Harlequin
Published Date: 8/20/2013
ISBN: 9780373131778
Buy It Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: "Walking into the lion's den unprotected, Princess?"

For Layla, princess of Tazkhan, her arranged marriage means one thing—a lifetime of cruelty and captivity. Such an unendurable prospect drives her to throw herself at the mercy of Sheikh Raz Al Zahki—her family's greatest enemy!

Raz demands one thing in return for the safe haven Layla is seeking—this brooding desert king wants to make her his queen! Her freedom might be secured, but now her heart is at risk, for soon she's lost to the scorching heat of their marriage bed. However, it will take more than fire to thaw her guarded husband….

Review: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The one thing that caught me in this book was the immediate action. It hooked me in and kept me there till the very last page: from the moment when Layla and her sister are trying to escape till the final showdown, it just kept me reading.
The exotic location helped to transport me outside of my everyday life, and isn't that why most people read? To escape? I can't wait to read the continuation for Layla's sister's story.

REVIEW: Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

Title: Once Upon A Prince
Author: Rachel Hauck
Series: Royal Wedding #1
Genre: Christian Romance
ISBN: 9780310315476
Publisher: Zondervan
Publish Date: 5/7/2013
Buy it Links: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

Synsopsis: Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life. 

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

Review: I received a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a cute, light little romance, typical of modern day fairy tales, with Christian overtones. This was the first Christian romance book I've read and I wasn't sure how I would like it. This was also the first romance book that I've read that didn't have a single kiss in it till the end. Really?!

I've read some pretty raunchy books, and enjoyed them. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I enjoyed this book just as much. That the raunchiness wasn't necessary for the enjoyment.

However, I will say that there were parts of this book that dragged, but in the end it was nice to see that true love overcomes all. It being a Christian romance, God had a big hand in it. 

REVIEW: Chivalry by Zach Hunter

Title: Chivalry
Author: Zach Hunter
Series: none
Publisher: Tyndale
Published Date: June 21, 2013
ISBN: 9781414376356
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: A generation is rising up to care for the hurting and oppressed. Committed to changing the world, they are passionate about justice and willing to fight for it. But what would that same justice look like if we lived it in our private lives—close to home, with our family and friends? 
In Chivalry, Zach Hunter dares young men and women to view their lives as a quest, challenging them to develop their own personal code that will prepare them to defend others and live with civility and integrity. 
Zach reframes chivalry in a modern context. He looks at everyday life as a grand adventure and shares ancient wisdom from the Bible, insightful stories, and practical examples to help you develop your own code of honor—and live a life of significance.

The 10 principles:
I will not go on this journey alone
I will never attack from behind
I will practice self control and selflessness
I will respect life and freedom
I will fight only for the sake of those who are unable to defend themselves, for in the defense of justice.
I will honor truth and will always keep my promises
I will fear no evil
I will always follow the law, unless it goes against what is moral and good
I will live and die with honor
I will never abandon my quest

Review: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Many people, I know I see it and experience it time and again, want to help the world. We want to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, home the homeless. But how many of us bring that spirit of humanity into our own lives with the people that we live with and work with? We're willing to go the extra mile for people we don't know but when we get home to our family we're yelling at our kids, rolling our eyes at our spouses, or gossiping about our co-workers.
This book shows you, through real examples, how you can bring that spirit of helping and Christianity into your own lives and closer to home.
It's hard not to write a book like this without sounding preachy or holier than thou, but Zach seems to do just that. It was an enjoyable, practical read that I can see myself re-reading when I find myself slipping into the old habits.

REVIEW: The Companions by RA Salvatore

Title: The Companions
Author: RA Salvatore
Series: The Sundering #1
Publish Date: 8/6/13
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
ISBN: 9780786963713
Buy It links: Barnes and Noble | Amazon
Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: This latest installment in New York Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore's beloved fantasy saga, The Companions moves Salvatore's signature hero Drizzt into a new era of the Forgotten Realms. As Drizzt's fate hangs in the balance, he reflects on the lives of the trusted allies who stood by his side throughout his early life—the friends now known as the Companions of the Hall. Meanwhile, the first stirrings of the Sundering begin.

Review: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Its been about 12 years since I've read any books by RA Salvatore, but I remember devouring the entire Drizzt series in the span of a few weeks. R.A. Salvatore is such an incredible world builder, and I've loved immersing myself in his books. His characters are unforgettable. Drizzt, Wulfgar, Cattie-Brie, Bruenor, Regis...they are all there.
The plot twist that the author had to come up with to bring these characters back years after their death seemed a little contrived to me, but its fantasy and more importantly, its Dungeons and Dragons fantasy, so anything goes.
The fans of The Companions of the Hall will love this book, but if you're looking for a lot of Drizzt, you won't find it in this book. The author devotes perhaps 8 pages in total to Drizzt in this book. That's not a bad thing however. After all, RA Salvatore is bringing back 4 people back from the dead, one book as the groundwork is fine. And a very fine groundwork it is!

GIVEAWAY and BLAST: Ragesong: Awakening by JR Simmons

When the peaceful kingdom of Fermicia is enslaved by a power-hungry renegade, its only hope lies in a band of unlikely heroes: two children whose musical abilities allow them to harness the power of Ragesong, and their shape-changing guides. Jake starts his first day of junior high completely oblivious to the fact that he has been chosen for something incredible. That same afternoon, he learns that he has been marked as one with the power to save an entire kingdom. Through the course of his journey, Jake discovers that his advanced musical abilities are peculiarly connected to a mysterious power known as Ragesong. Joined by a shy, young girl with similar musical talents and two Changelings that hold a fierce loyalty to their homeland and king, Jake must learn to harness this ability in order to survive the dangers of a hostile new world.

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About the author:

JR Simmons lives in Northern Utah with his wife and 4 boys. He loves spending time with his family and coaching his kids in all of their different sports. He is an avid gamer and is very excited that his boys are picking up on his hobby. JR was recently introduced to triathlons and has since found that he loves the sport. Most nights he can be found either sitting down with a good game or hunched over his iPad writing.

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