Book Review: A Tale Of The Western Plains


A Tale of the Western Plains, by G. A. HentyA Tale of the Western Plains

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 1892

Pages: 344

Genre: American West, Cowboys

Time Period: Mid to late 1800s

A good read aloud!

Age Range: 9-15

Review:

When Hugh Tunstall, a young English lad, embarks on a journey to the American west, he is unprepared for the challenges he is to face. Join Hugh as he faces life on a cattle ranch, encounters hostile Indians, makes daring rescues, chases kidnappers, gunfights, and so much more! At the end of it all, he discovers a secret that will shape his life forever! An excellent read, there is only a couple mentions of things that happen on the frontier, so parents might want to read through the book first. Over all, an awesome book!

In a nutshell: An awesome read and gives a good representation of what life was like in the Wild West. A great book!

Book Review: The Farm Mystery Series Book 3


Midnight Sky, By Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Castleberry

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 1998

Pages: 153

Genre: Farm Life, Fiction

Time Period: 20th century America

A wonderful read-aloud!

Age Range: 7-12

Review:

The Nelson family is back and are solving more mysteries on their homestead farm. Who owns the dog that came late at night to the Nelson house? Who (or what) is making the mysterious bumping noise? And who is taking the tools from the Nelson tool shed? Find out the answers to these and more mysteries in ‘Midnight Sky.’ I like this book as much as the other ones, and it make for a wonderful read-aloud!

In a nutshell: I recommend this book for all ages because, just like the previous books, it is a good, clean read!

Book Review: The Farm Mystery Series Book 2


The Mysterious Message, by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Castleberry

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 1997

Pages: 155

Genre: Farm Life, Fiction

Time Period: 21st Century, America

An awesome read-aloud for the whole family!

Age Range: 7-12

Review:

From the back of the book: “The Great Detective Agency is at it once again, solving mysteries on the Nelson farmstead. Why is there a pile of rocks in the woods? Is someone stealing gas from the mill? How could a railroad disappear? You will have to read this second book in the Farm Mystery Series to find out.”

Just like the first one, this book has literally nothing wrong with it! Wonderful read-aloud. Jason and Andy have fun solving mysteries with their loving family helping them on the way. Awesome read!

In a nutshell: I highly recommend this book for all ages as a way of refreshing your soul with some good, clean fun.

Book Review: The Terrestria Chronicles Book 3


The Search for Everyman, by Ed Dunlop

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 2006

Pages: 159

Genre: Allegorical, Fiction

Time Period: Allegorical Days of Knights

A very good read-aloud!

Age Range: 8-14

Review:

From the back of the book: “Join Prince Josiah, Princess Gilda, and Prince Selwyn in this third Terrestrian adventure. It’s a race against time as they set out on a dangerous quest to deliver the King’s pardon to Adam Everyman, a prisoner condemned to die. Argamor’s evil forces are determined for their mission to end in failure. Will the three young people overcome the obstacles, locate the Dungeon of Condemnation, and deliver the royal pardon in time?

The Terrestria Chronicles was written to focus the attention of twenty-first century Christians on their King and draw their hearts back to things that really matter to the kingdom.”

Just like the first two, this book strengthens your faith in our King, Christ Jesus. This book delves into the problems of sharing the Gospel with others. Highly recommended!

In a nutshell: I highly recommend this book for all ages, as a way of strengthening your resolve to share the Gospel with the world. I really like this book!

Book Review: The Farm Mystery Series Book 1


Footprints in the Barn, by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Castleberry

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: Second Edition,  2001

Pages: 162

Genre: Farm Life, Fiction

Time Period: America 21st century

A wonderful read-aloud for the whole family!

Age Range: 7-12

Review:

From the back of the book: “Who is the man in the green car? What is going on in the hayloft? Is there something wrong with the mailbox? And what’s for lunch? The answers to these and many other interesting questions are found in the book Footprints in the Barn. Join Jason and Andy as they try to solve mysteries on their farm. Often used as read-aloud-to-the-family books, parents can be assured that there are no murders of other objectionable elements in The Farm Mystery Series books. The boys learn obedience and responsibility while having lots of fun. No worldly situations, language, or boy-girl relationships. Jut happy and wholesome Christian family life, with the everyday adventure woven in.”

I practically love this series! It is the only series I have found that has literally not one thing wrong with it! The main characters are Jason and Andy Nelson, who live on a farm in Tennessee with their family. They have lots of fun adventures and learn about many Christ-like character traits along the way.

In a nutshell: I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a refreshing story, Christian values, or just a plain good, clean story! More reviews on the subsequent books coming soon.

Book Review: Crown and Covenant Series Book 3


Rebel’s Keep, by Douglas Bond

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 2004

Pages: 275

Genre: Historical Fiction, History

Time Period: Scotland, 1600′s

Not a good read-aloud due to graphic examples.

Age Range: 11-18

Review:

From the back of the book: “Brothers Duncan and Angus team up again to stand for the Covenanter’s cause and fight the king’s injustice. Will they be forced to flee to America, leaving behind their beloved homeland? Or will they save the home and land they love?”

Just like the two preceding it, the last book in the series is a very good example of Christian bravery. I recommend this for older children due to some graphic examples that actually happened during this time period. This book wraps up the story of the M’Kethe family in Scotland, but you will have to see where they go in the book! I really enjoyed reading about manly Christian bravery in this book.

In a nutshell: I would recommend this book to avid history learners and just plain readers as a fun and exciting read to the very last page!

Book Review: The Wingfeather Saga Book 3


The Monster In the Hollows, by Andrew Peterson

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: 2011

Pages: 348

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult

Time Period: Fictional 3rd Epoch Period

Not a good read-aloud for younger children.

Age Range: 12-17

Review:

Janner, Kalmer (Tink), Leeli and their mother and grandfather have escaped from the ghastly Fangs to a refuge known as The Green Hollows, the place of their mother’s, Nia’s, birth. Just when they think their problems are over, that is when their troubles really start. Join the adventure as the Jewels of Anniera face the problems of starting a new life. This book has barely any, if  any at all magic in it, but I am giving a higher age ranking just because of the plot and some blood. (There is a battle.)

In a nutshell: I enjoyed reading this book as a 13 year old, so if you are younger you might want to have a parent look through this book first. I thought it was a very good read with an engaging and fast moving plot.