Skip to main content

Posts

Review: Zenith of Tea - Apron Strings Tea Tales

Since Asian Heritage Month is the Canadian name for the month-long celebration in May, it makes sense to feature a book set in Canada. Zenith of Tea by R.F. Whong (pen name for Ruth Wuwong ) is a standalone novella in the Apron Strings Tea Tales series and it pretty much encapsulates who I am as a Chinese-Canadian Christian, featuring main characters who share the same identity and background. I am thrilled to have discovered it and it makes me very grateful that Christian Bookstagram introduced this book to me. Inspired by The Nightingale , this story relays a dark moment in Canadian history while offering hope through Christ. Book Synopsis A cookbook, a glimmer of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope. In the early 1920s, accomplished martial artist Wang Mijen is haunted by her past and the red birthmark that she believes prompted her family to abandon her at six. She survives by robbing ancient tombs and living in a cave concealed from the soldiers. When she sav...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Review: Becoming a Friendlier Church

Continuing with more reviews for Asian Heritage Month , I was delighted to be able to read Becoming a Friendlier Church by Matthew D. Kim a few weeks prior. It's a fantastic resource for all churches and intentionally includes a cultural lens that can often be missed in books regarding ecclesial life and practice. Churches and congregants desiring to become more hospitable will find that this is a friendly and encouraging way to move beyond the status quo of civility into genuine warmth. Many thanks to Baker Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Help visitors become members Recognize what prevents visitors from feeling welcome Discover methods to welcome new members into your church Identify how you and your church can grow in hospitality In Becoming a Friendlier Church , Matthew D. Kim calls attention to the crisis of unfriendliness that prevents many churches from welcoming new peop...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Healer's Blade - Enemy's Keeper #1

I've been saving this review for Asian Heritage Month as I'm so thrilled to discover a Chinese-Canadian Christian author who has written such a neat series that incorporates the author's medical expertise in an alternate history setting. Healer's Blade by Kyrie Wang is the first book in the Enemy's Keeper series , offering a clash of worlds between the Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights, both on land and at sea. It's age appropriate for 13 years and up and showcases medieval medicine, which is fascinating to learn about throughout the ages! Book Synopsis A healer on the run. A rogue knight bound by secrets. Love was never part of the plan. At just eighteen, Aliwyn has already failed as a healer’s apprentice. Haunted by her mistakes, she withdraws from the world as a rebellion ignites against William the Conqueror. But when she agrees to hide an endangered orphan, Aliwyn is plunged into the deadly revolt. A daring escape entangles her with the young rebel lead...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Top of the World - Far and Away #2

It's not a secret that I'll drop nearly everything in order to read the next  Elizabeth Camden  book, whether it's historical or contemporary fiction now. I love that no matter the era, I can expect a deeply intriguing storyline with fascinating details pulled from history and characters who pop off the pages. This next book in the  Far and Away series , The Top of the World , delivers exactly that. With war secrets, complicated family histories, and a military base literally stationed at the top of the world, this book will make you feel the chill of the Arctic north while experiencing the most heartwarming romance. Book Synopsis They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: In the Company of the Weary

It shouldn't be surprising that we live in a world where there are many troubles, but it is still a painful experience to encounter them. For Christians who have been fatigued to the point of being unable to adopt the usual spiritual practices, In the Company of the Weary by Becky L. McCoy presents suggestions for alternate ways to worship or spiritually engage with God that don't have to feel like additional burdens. The author's personal story is heartbreaking, and it's completely by the power of God that she has been able to endure, become resilient and reliant on Him, and help guide others facing similar journeys by sharing her spiritual beliefs and practices. This book doesn't quite align with my theological perspectives, but other Christians who are interested in contemplative spirituality will find this to be a thoughtful and well-written story and handbook. Many thanks to  Kregel Publications  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Through Each Tomorrow - Timeless #6

Just in time for the release of the next  Timeless series  book, I'm delighted that I'm all caught up and able to enjoy my soon-to-arrive pre-order. I'm grateful that I've been able to read several of the previous books as ARCs and although I missed out this time,  Through Each Tomorrow by  Gabrielle Meyer  was the perfect post-Christmas gift to myself. And what a gift it was where I could savour the story and enjoy returning to this world. Now I'm all set for what's next! Book Synopsis In 1883, Charles enters elite circles entwined with intrigue, but suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust. In 1563, Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while her stepbrother Charles seeks to save the ailing monarch. As their futures hang by a thread, they must race against time to prevent their secrets from ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. Source:  Amazon Book Thoughts What an adventure this book takes you on! From the intrigues at Queen Elizabeth's court ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Tangled Up in Love - Trinity Lakes Romance #9

Rounding out the last of Carolyn Miller 's books in the Trinity Lakes Romance series  for me to read, I was thrilled to catch Ellie Reilly's story in Tangled Up in Love . There was so much I could relate to, including having wanderlust captivate you to the point of wanting to pick up everything and move abroad, so I appreciated getting to relive those experiences through her perspective. Content to be aware of : brief reference to vibes and speaking things into existence Book Synopsis One kiss didn't mean much. One kiss could mean everything. When Ellie Reilly returns from a dream overseas trip, a too-long hug from her best friend Jasper Cohen clues her in that his feelings might be more than what she suspected. He's unsure about pushing their friendship further, and doubly uncertain when her European friend, Sebastian, seeks her out in Trinity Lakes. Uncertainty is something Ellie knows all too well. Since returning from her vacation, Ellie feels like she doesn't f...
Post a Comment
Read more