Jaclyn and the Beanstalk by Mary Ting is set in the 16th century, giving a new twist on the old fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Jaclyn, along with her mother and father have a quaint life in the country, until one day Jaclyn eavesdrops on a private meeting held by her father and other villagers in the dark of the night. As a backdrop, Jaclyn has been hearing haunted voices whom she thinks are demons trying to get to her soul. These nightmares become a large fear that she fights inwardly. Facing Black Mountain, monsters, with elements of mythical tales from the past, her worst fears are proven. But with determination and a profound love for family, she advances as a strong, almost princess warrior.
Jaclyn is the heroine in the story, somewhat different from most girls her age, and at the tender age of 16, she wanted to find love first before settling down into a housewife role, as expected by society. Jaclyn is independent, witty, fun and stubborn all at the same time. She knows what she wants and desires, and being more of a tomboy, prefers pants instead of dresses. Her passion for life burns ever brightly throughout the story, as readers find out that many a day was spent training on how to wield a sword with her father.
Tender words of wisdom given by her father, adventure, suspense, a dreary dark side with a curse and a twist make this a delightful story for young teens seeking their path along life. “Lead with love in your heart”, are some words to live by given by her father seemingly inspire, teaching that life is a journey wrought with trials, but good times do come like the sunshine. Knowing your heart, truth and love, all give this story a strong steeping in Christian values. With a strange take on the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side and a telling of Mary Magdalene, Jaclyn finds out a long held secret in her family’s life. Still, love overcomes all evil in this wispy, fast-paced novel.
Mary Ting writes with an adventurous heart, a clever pen, introducing young readers to a classic that meets fantasy, shedding light on the family devotion and a love story that buds to completion by the end.
This short novel comes as a highly recommended read for parents and young adults that prefer fantasy fiction with a Christian-based theme and a creative perspective.
Mary Ting is one of those writers to notice and watch.
For further information about the author and her books, visit
Tangled Tales of Ting. You may get your copy of
Jaclyn and the Beanstalk at Amazon or in
Kindle as a download. A CBM Christian Book Review ~ 10 out of 10.0 stars
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A highly recommended powerful read - Blowing Sandstorm by Horace Crenshaw Jr. describes his life-story leading up to his deployment in 2003 during Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF).
Beginning from his childhood upbringing in Butler, Alabama, describing his youth as a young African American boy during the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. Coming from a Christian upbringing by a Christian mother, he covers his schooling, football to college, as his autobiography leads up to an adventure of a lifetime in the Army Reserves Active Army Reserve (AGR).
His aim in writing this book is to, “… make the average person understand the hardships and challenges that the military’s junior executives or company commanders face in modern day operations and warfare.” His goal is accomplished within this vibrant account, mixed with faith and endurance that were developed in him, giving hope to others in the military and beyond.
Inner-workings of a military officer (Officer Commander) during deployment are revealed that include: Tactical techniques and itineraries that relate operations-based protocol, concepts, and leadership before military advances begin and end. The high integrity of soldiers, commanders and officers reveal a highly organized unit that our military operates within. For the average non-military personnel (as myself) I found it interesting and amazing.
Obviously, a military person would be perhaps more interested in the author’s biography, but for one not in the military this comes as a highly recommended read also as to understand the inner-workings of the military and what soldiers have had to endure during certain past years of deployment to Iraq.
The author personally experiences a time that has since passed as things have calmed down since 2001 to say the least. One will also become familiar with certain protocols and models used for leadership and action within a unit. Of particular interest is the technical, but relevant, “Rocket Model” which spearheaded Crenshaw’s leadership of his unit.
Leadership Through Mentorship is a particularly interesting chapter giving a summary of the life he lives and serves well as a outline to live life by. Other well-rounded chapters lend to the author’s experience as a Commander in the Armed Forces such as: Personal Background, Years After the Tuskagee Experience, The Staff Professional, Staring Out as New Commander, Building the Team Using the Rocket Model, Preparing the Unit for War, Leadership Through Mentorship, & Conclusion.
Readers will also appreciate the intertwining of Scripture, morale boosters for soldiers that kept him and his unit going, as one will truly come to appreciate anew the sacrifices made by our military. Faced with over 130 degree heat during the day, and 110 degree nights in Iraq with pesky mosquitoes and sand mites, shortages of water, pre-made ready to eat meals (MRE’S) & no toilet facilities, one will gain a new perspective and respect for those who defend our country.
In the end, he adds pictures of Iraq and himself on duty. I personally welled up in tears at the man in uniform who would put his life on the line for me and our country. You will feel the same. I did get concerned when he expressed the lack that the military faced and a “take from Peter to pay Paul” type situation and realized that military expense and suffering of our soldiers is something not to be taken lightly but that should be put as a priority in all our lives. May our government fund our military as they should is my thoughts and maybe yours too. All in all this book did stir great patriotism and was a much-appreciated breakdown of one’s life in the military.
This is a memorable well-written account of a life used unto the glory of God and a highly recommended read for those that may be in the military and would like inspiration during times of trial. A CBM Christian Book Review - 10.0 out of 10.0 stars Get your copy of
Blowing Sandstorm at Amazon.
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Fun and exciting - Little Bit & Big Byte, Go Green by Craig T. Feigh delights children with colorful illustration and fun learning on how to “Go Green.” -10.0 out of 10.0 stars
The Romie family learns that it’s a good thing to save the environment and recycle. Going green is great in the month of March too! In March one may wear green for St. Patrick’s Day. Green is a good color and is their favorite color in “Saving the Environment.” See how all the fun ways one can “Go Green” with the Romie family.
In this cute little children’s book, going green means you can recycle all different types of products – mainly three are recycled – paper, plastic & aluminium. One can save energy to help save our planet by going green too. There are many ways to conserve energy and go green as well.
Conserving water and using less electricity is a way the Romie family learns to be a part of the going green community which helps our planet and conserves the Earth’s natural resources like: water and electricity. In this way, we can give back in our daily lives. Even using public transportation helps conserve and save our planet. Find out how that works.
Craig T. Feigh has created a wonderfully fun and easy way to teach children to conserve energy, save natural resources, recycle and go green for a better environment. In this way, children understand that conservation is necessary not only for those who live now, but for the Earth to be protected for future generations. Children and parents alike will adore the Romie family that live in our everyday modern-lives through our computers and phones.
“Little Bit & Big Byte, Go Green is very colorful and teaches children what to do to help our environment, it also gives examples of what not to do which is very important. I think it is a very cute book that will teach youngsters how to help the environment in their daily lives as they grow up and that is something that we all should do.” Little Bit & Big Byte, Go Green at Amazon.
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Be sure to get your copy today at Amazon or in Kindle. The God Squad Episodes are an upcoming series to watch!
As a parent, I would highly recommend this book to young middle school and high school girls. What a blessing to have a positive Christian perspective applied to the issue of bullying that plague our schools in many different ways!
God Squad Mission Him-Possible II: The Giant Slayers by Darlene Laney depicts a group of high school age girls at Carver Preparatory Academy. Carver Prep is a prestigious school, yet there are some serious issues within the school that the God Squad addresses.
The God Squad is a group of young girls led by Ms. Foster, their school-site advocate, in a program called the Peer Mentor Program. This program is geared to help encourage students in all aspects of school life through a peer mentorship. The God Squad girls are all peer mentors and they are sent to help Taylor.
Taylor is a normal girl who encounters a series of bullying that ends climatically, as the bullying turns into a violent assault upon Taylor. With the God Squad, they help mentor Taylor through it all, meanwhile addressing the issues of bullying.
Bringing a Christian perspective into the mix, the girls seek a proactive approach, offering solutions to mend the school. Vibrant, filled with witty dialogue, readers will be kept glued to the pages with the interaction of the characters throughout the book. The author also presents some of the basics of the Christian faith and spiritual warfare, namely “Prayer Power” as the girls call it, while teaching essentials of the armor of God.
This book comes as a highly recommended and unique work for tweens, teens, students, teachers and parents addressing the issue of bullying, offering solutions and a godly way of handling trials. Coupled with a Christian perspective on prayer, spiritual warfare, each student learns the importance of being a team player, treating others with respect and adhering to godly ways, in which prayer and honor are the first and foremost within the God Squad ethic.
Wonderfully inspiring, with well-developed characters that the author has created brings to life the principle of becoming “Giant Slayers” in God. God Squad Mission Him-Possible II: The Giant Slayers at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.
