This is a collection of three short youth books about the Berlin wall. Aimed at youth, they follow a family as the city is first divided, then in the middle of the years of conflict, and again when the wall comes down. They don't give a lot of historical/political information. The books briefly talk about how the Russians have control of one side of Berlin and Germany, and the Americans are helping to protect the opposite side. The books focus more on what it was like for the characters as they deal with life behind the wall. I enjoyed these books, there was enough action to keep you going, and I enjoyed the characters and the way the same family and storylines were continued through out the books. As an adult, I'm glad I had the opportunity to read all three at once, it really gives the young reader the full feel of each of the three time periods. The third book brought tears to my eyes as there was more of the family history revealed. I would recommend this to young readers, probably as early as upper elementary for advanced readers, but definitely for middle grades and high school. I enjoyed them as an adult and they have whet my appetite for more historical fiction about the Berlin wall and the Cold War. I enjoy historical fiction but have tended to read mostly about World War 2 and for some reason, really have not had a lot of exposure to the Cold War through Literature, so I'll be looking for more!

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is book aimed at younger readers, I'd say middle school age (the main character is in 7th grade). I think it's a great new series for girls to read about a strong, smart girl who loves God and has good goals for her future. "Sam" wants to be a reporter like her mom when she is older; For now, she writes for the middle school paper and when she and her best friend are at the movies and help discover a bomb, she gets herself assigned to the story. She investigates on her own, writes her conclusions and has to deal with the consequences of her stories, both good and bad. Her dad is the detective in charge of the case, and the story tells of the dynamics between them as well, as she tries to get the scoop for the paper. I love how the mystery is interesting and engaging but there are also other great side stories as well. When one of Sam's friends reveals that she knows about God but doesn't believe in Him, Sam is confused and goes to her sunday school teacher for help on how to reach her friend. Through the story, the readers get great advice on planting seeds and being patient. Sam also has to figure out how to fix her relationship with her dad when he feels she has betrayed his trust by pursuing a story he told her in confidence. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book for young girls and will definitely be saving this one for my daughter when she's a little older! It was definitely a great well-written book with great teaching about faith.

I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Samantha Sanderson series that follow middle schooler Samantha in her investigations as a reporter for her school's paper. This installment deals with the subject of bullying, as Samantha finds out that an acquaintance, the best friends of Samantha's least favorite person at school, is receiving nasty notes, texts, emails and unwelcome surprises in her locker. She determines to find out who is doing the bullying and to bring awareness to the issue by doing a series in the paper. Samantha again show her good character by the way she treats Nikki, and her unwillingness to identify her because of her promise to Nikki to keep her name out of it. The character of Sam is a great role model for young girls as she is responsible, honest and cares for others. I definitely recommend this for young girls and will be sharing it with my daughter when she is old enough.

I recieved a copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great book for young readers (elementary age) that gives a peek into the Revolutionary War. The books are a spin off of the radio series, and this book follows cousins Patrick and Beth as they are sent back in time by Whit at Whit's end in the Imagination Station. This is book 14, and though I've never read any of the others, they appear to jump off of each other. In this book there is a brief introduction of their past adventure (from book 13 I assume) where they went to meet Paul Revere. A musket ball strikes the Imagination Station and breaks the windshield, and they end up on an American ship when they thought they were going home. Young readers get an exciting look at the life of soldiers at sea during the Revolutionary War and meet young James Forten. I really liked how the end included a page of "Questions about this book", in this case, 3 questions that clarify the story as well as what was real and what was fiction. There is a lead in to the next book in the series as well. I think this book was well written and while being full of adventure to entertain the reader, it also provides a lot of information about history. I'd recommend these to young readers and feel that they are a fun way to learn about history while enjoying an exciting read.

I recieved this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was the third in a series apparently, but don't let that scare you away. in guessing they are not really interrelated as I never once felt like I had missed something. The premise of this novel was so intriguing. when the DuFrane family's baby daughter dies from what is labeled an accidental death, the mother Marguerite cannot believe this and begins her crusade against 12 year old Dana Lundgren who ends up spending 20 years of her young life locked away in prison. The story begins with and being returned to the DuFrane family residence as coheir with young Celeste and is revealed through Dana's telling of the story, flashbacks of Celeste childhood, and the confessional writing of Marguerite DuFrane. The story was engaging as Celeste learns that things were not as she thought, and struggles with reentry into a completely new lifestyle from the one she left at twelve, and the mystery of what happened to the family is revealed. This is an excellent novel for those looking for clean engaging mysteries. While it is a Christian novel, I don't find it overwhelmingly so, and actually found myself wondering for most of the novel where the faith aspect was. It wasn't quite as inspiring with regards to faith as other Christian novels but does lend itself to a wider audience as I don't think nonchristian readers will be so overwhelmed. A excellent read, and I definitely wouldn't mind reading the others in the series or other by this author.

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

This is the third book in the series (don't worry, I think you can read them on their own, I read 2 and 3 without ever reading 1). I enjoy what I've read of this series so far, this mystery was no exception. The mystery is intriguing and keeps me guessing. I enjoy the characters as well; Drew, the wealthy gallant young man especially. He's not your typical heir, instead genuinely cares about people, like his estate manager who is a good friend, and treats those of all stations with respect and kindness. Madeline is Drew's American fiancé, and while I enjoyed her character in the previous book, I found myself quite annoyed with her in this book as she seemed to flip flop between being whiny about wanting Drew to drop the detective case of investigating a murder in which his ex-girlfriend is. A suspect, and understanding why he felt the need to investigate. Even when another person of interest offers him information about the birth mother he has been searching for in exchange for clearing her name, Madeline gets upset and says that she doesn't understand why it can't be left in the past (though previously in this book and the previous one she is in full agreement with his desire to find his birth mother, Her immaturity and poor attitude throughout the book did detract from the story for me. The mystery was great though and perhaps I'm just terrible with figuring out the who-dun-it, but it was not who I thought it might be!

This is labeled Christian fiction, but it honestly is very sparing in that area. A few of the characters mention God rather vaguely and Drew prays several times, especially towards the end about his Spiritual life, but I don't think it would be overwhelming for non-Christian readers looking for a clean mystery/romance. I enjoy this series and would definitely read more!

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

I really was interested in reading this book after reading the promo. Kylie, who is honorably discharged from service in the Civil War where she enlisted disguised as a man, is now homesteading also disguised as a man. The land surveyor, Aaron, quickly realizes she is far from a man when he inspects her property and meets her. He gets caught up in investigating and protecting her when someone tries to scare her off her property.

Most of the novel was interesting, and enjoyable to read. Its a easy, noncomplicated adventure of sorts. The main part of the mystery is wrapped up easily and that is where it was kind of ruined for me... the rest of the novel seems like they just tacked on the there to round out the story, and that part of the storyline comes out of nowhere. There were several inconsistencies, such as the fact that their indian friend Sunrise, first touted as the best tracker there is, doesn't hear someone sneaking up on them yet the entire group quickly finds them for the rescue. There is hardly any talk of faith throughout the book, yet at the end they are suddenly extremely spiritual. The entire ending was odd to me and didn't fit the book well at all.
I imagine readers of Christian fiction would enjoy this book, however the ending section really spoiled it for me.

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