[Disclosure: I received a copy of  this album via #FlyBy Promotions for review purposes.]

Fifteen years after his CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) debut, singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp's latest album, The Answer, contains the meaningful lyrics, strong vocals, and the musicality this artist is known for.

Album: The Answer (Preview songs here)
Artist: Jeremy Camp
Released: 2017 by Capital CMG

Though I've enjoyed listening to his singles on the radio, I haven't had the opportunity to listen through a whole Jeremy Camp album since I first started following CCM as a teen.  However, the things that first drew me to his music, namely his distinct vocals and lyrics that make you listen closer, are still very present in his 15th(!) studio album.

Camp writes that he was primarily inspired by "the present" when penning the songs on this album.  He co-wrote all of the tracks on The Answer, minus the final one, "Awake O Sleeper."  The following is the complete tracklist of the album with my commentary:

1. Word of Life [The only song I had heard previously on the radio.  I liked it from the beginning!  It has a sort of modern worship/contemporary beat to it. Official music video and a behind the song video can be found on Jeremy Camp's YouTube channel.]
2. My Defender [One of my favorites for the lyrics alone ... the official music video is here.]
3. The Answer [The title track from this album.  I enjoyed the simple focus on the piano and vocals.]
4. Storm [One of my favorites song on the album --I might a thing for ocean/storm themed songs, haha.  I also feel like this could be sung during worship at a church service --it has a contemporary/modern worship vibe to it.  Official MV.]
5. My Father's Arms [I think this one also has worship music feel to it.]
6. Never Stopped Loving [This is in my top 3 songs from this album.  I'd love to see someone take full advantage of the potential for some great harmonies in this song --I think this has duet written all over it. Listen to the official MV for yourself!]
7. Tell the Whole World [Camp's guitar is highlighted here.  Another great contemporary worship song.]
8. Heaven's Shore [A soaring song of Camp's envisioning of meeting Christ in heaven.]
9. Carriers [I like the music in this song, but the term "carriers" sounds really off or awkward to me.  Other than that, the lyrics are strong.  Maybe it'll grow on me over time, haha.]
10. Love So Great [Obsessed. My favorite track from this album, I think it's so catchy and upbeat.  Like a Hillsong-type of tune!]
11. Awake O Sleeper [The only track on the album that Camp didn't have a hand in writing, it's authored by Nicholas Kirk & William Wilkerson. I'm in love with the Southern Rock/Gospel feel to this one.  Camp's vocals really suit the genre.]

Overall, a great album for Jeremy Camp fans and those looking for songs with modern worship/CCM crossover!  I'm definitely going to try and keep more up to date with Camp's music in the future.

[Disclosure: I received a copy of  #TheAnswer via #FlyBy Promotions for review purposes.]

This latest novel from Lynette Eason brings her Elite Guardians series to a satisfying conclusion --read on for Mrs. Bookworm's thoughts!

We also previously reviewed the first two books in this series, Always Watching and Without Warning.

© 2017 Revell

Title: Chasing Secrets [Elite Guardians #4]
Author: Lynette Eason
Published: 2017 [Revell]

About the Book:

When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan's life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone. In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

Mrs. Bookworm's Review:
Lynette Eason does not disappoint! Chasing Secrets, the final book in the Elite Guardians series, is filled with action-packed, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat scenes intertwined with an easy flowing romance between the main characters, body guard Haley Callaghan and police detective Steven Rothwell.

There's danger, intrigue, threats, compassion, kindness, hope, love --I felt a whole gamut of emotions through the characters in this novel.  I highly recommend this book (and series) for fans of the romantic suspense genre.

[Disclosure: A complimentary copy of this book was received from the publisher for review purposes.]

Thanks Mom! We need to find you another series to review for The Artist Librarian soon! =)

I know my blog has been inactive for awhile --What have you been up to, friends?

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, and Moving Target in the Elite Guardians series. She is a winner of two ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

Read on for my full review and a chance to win the whole series!

About the Book

Book: For Love & Honor
Author: Jody Hedlund  
Genre: Young Adult Historical  
Release Date: March 7, 2017

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

The Artist Librarian Review

I've always enjoyed Jody Hedlund's historical romances, so I was excited to learn she was going to write YA novels. When I learned they were to be medieval historicals, that excitement doubled. For Love and Honor closes her first teen-aimed series with more sweet medieval romance that will leave you with a satisfying sigh ...

Sabine and Bennet's tale is told through alternating first-person narration: Sabine's in a serif font (text with the little "tags" at the ends of the letters) and Bennet's in a sans-serif font (without the "tags").  I thought this was a nice visual way to differentiate, though I read my review copy digitally and despite the font being the same, I never was confused between whose point-of-view I was in.  I felt that Jody Hedlund made their voices distinct.  I am unsure if the e-book version features different fonts for the alternating chapters, but I enjoyed it in the print version!

For Love and Honor follows Hedlund's previous tales in this loose trilogy: An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice.  However, these can be easily read as stand alones, since each novel features different protagonists. Though I read the first book, An Uncertain Choice, when it first was released, I didn't really remember much about Sir Bennet, other than he was a knight, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the novel.  I was quickly introduced to Bennet and Sabine.  Both were likeable protagonists and both were holding secrets from each other that, as a reader, I knew would eventually be found out, but how?  At under 300 pages, this romance was a quick read that I finished in one night!

I've been reading some darker graphic novels/comics recently, so reading For Love and Honor was like a breath of fresh air!  I loved that Hedlund's first novels were on the ... "steamier" side of your typical Christian romances, but the best way to describe her YA series is sweet medieval romance.  It's perfect for tweens and young teens beginning to be interested in romance novels, but perhaps not yet ready for some of the more edgy romantic fare in many general YA titles.  Fans of  Melanie Dickerson's novels are sure to enjoy these.  To me, the spiritual thread isn't overbearing and appropriate for the time period, so I see some potential cross-over appeal.  As a librarian, it can be difficult to recommend well written Christian YA (when I was a teen, there was hardly any), so I hope that Hedlund continues to write for both teens and adults!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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Giveaway

Do you have a favorite medieval book, film, or tv show?

I almost didn't give this Bible to my mother for her birthday --it was so nice, I wanted to keep it for myself!  Read on for my full review and a chance to own a copy yourself!

Title: The NKJV Woman's Study Bible [Full Color Version]
Publisher: 2017 by Thomas Nelson

About the Book:

The Woman’s Study Bible poignantly reveals the Word of God to women, inviting them to receive God’s truth for balance, hope, and transformation.

Special features designed to speak to a woman’s heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman’s identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

Now with a beautiful full-color redesign, The Woman’s Study Bible reflects the contributions of over 80 women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Since the publication of the first edition of The Woman’s Study Bible under the editorial guidance of Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley, this landmark study Bible has sold over 1.5 million copies.

Features Include:
—Beautiful full-color design throughout
—Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
—Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
—Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
—Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
—Book introductions and outlines
—Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
—Quotes from godly women throughout history
—Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
—Topical index
—Concordance

The Artist Librarian's Review:
Featuring an attractive, full color design, the NKJV Woman's Study Bible from Thomas Nelson contains copious notes, maps, charts, and other supplemental materials written with women in mind.

I turned to the book of Ruth to sample this revised version.  The introduction to the book contains information on the author, date, background (such as setting, purpose, audience, and literary characteristics), themes, and an outline. 

Footnotes include scholarly details and/or cross-reference other passages.  My favorite part was discovering these full color maps and charts (as seen in my photos).  These are helpful for giving historical or thematic context and assisted me in getting a more full picture of what was going on in these passages (even with a familiar story such as that of Ruth's).

If I had any criticism, it would be that the little chapter headers and some of the chart headers are in a cursive-type of font.  I think this is a lovely feature and gives a feminine touch to the text, but some may find it harder to read, such as those who struggle with dyslexia or simply have older eyes.

Overall, I think this would be a wonderful gift or purchase for ladies looking for more content than your basic Bible.  When I gave this my mom for her birthday earlier this month, she said it was like everything she needed was right at her fingertips to dig deeper into God's Word!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Litfuse.]

What is one feature that is a must-have for any Bible you own?

About the Publisher:

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God's Word. Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

... Or "Welcome back to book blogging." ... If anyone still reads my blog, LOL.

© 2017 by Kregel Publications

Title: Welcome to College (2nd Edition)
Author: Jonathan Morrow
Published: 2017 by Kregel Publications

About the Book:

Is there a more frightening question for a graduating high school senior than 'What will you do with your life?' In college, whether they realize it or not, students will answer that question every day with each decision. All of the new friends and new experiences of higher education will shape their future. It’s critical that students know how to handle college before they’re in the thick of it. Jonathan Morrow tackles the tough questions that arise during these formative years, including:

—How do you grow spiritually?
—How do you manage your time to both study well and have fun?
—Is all truth relative?
—Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
—As a Christian, how should you view issues like dating and sex?

Each chapter of this new edition has been updated, and the author has included a new chapter on Christianity, homosexuality, and the Bible. Grounded in both his own extensive experience and biblical truth, Morrow’s book is full of quick, easy-to-read chapters and excellent advice.

The Artist Librarian's Review: 
Jonathan Morrow's Welcome to College covers over 40 topics and questions young Christians may face or wonder as they begin to navigate life on their own as they pursue higher education.  Though some teens and young adults might balk at reading a 400+ page tome, Morrow's prose is reader-friendly and contains short chapters that allow for reading a few chapters at a time, or even reading out of order, based on topic. 

First published in 2008, this timely 2nd edition provides updates such as recently published studies and books for further study, along with newer pop culture references (e.g. the 2016 Captain America: Civil War film is mentioned) and social media mentions such as Instagram which didn't even exist nine years ago.  The chapters themselves cover both spiritual and philosophical topics such as "What is faith?" or "What is the purpose of the Church?" along with more practical, day-to-day topics such as scheduling, health, or creating a budget.  Each chapter takes about 5-10 minutes to read and closes with a brief summary and resources for further reading.  There are copious notes, along with an appendix of additional philosophy resources, discussion questions for each chapter, a suggested 1st semester devotional reading plan, and more.  

I think this would make a great graduation gift for young Christians looking to engage in the world around them while still keeping  rooted in their beliefs.  This book will challenge them to think for themselves and analyze what they hear and see, along with living out their faith in a respectful yet confident way.  Definitely passing this on to my younger siblings to read.

About the Author:

Jonathan Morrow (DMin, MDiv) is the author of several books including 'Questioning the Bible' and he speaks nationally on biblical worldview, apologetics, and culture. He is adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University and director of cultural engagement at Impact 360 Institute where he teaches high school and college students. Jonathan is passionate about seeing a new generation build a lasting faith. Find out more about Jonathan at http://www.jonathanmorrow.org.

 What is the best advice you have for someone entering college? 

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes with participation in this blog tour via Litfuse.]

Also ... Litfuse is running a giveaway & author chat on Facebook to celebrate this book release --$100 worth of giftcards!  Learn more and enter here by April 11!

Since the month of February is Black History Month in America, take a look at these board books that introduce two of the most well-known figures from the U.S. Civil Rights movement in the mid-20th century!

© 2016 Worthy Publishing Group

Title: The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
Author: Johnny Ray Moore
Illustrator: Amy Wummer
Published: 2016 by Worthy Publishing Group

About the Book:

This little book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and how he excelled in school, became a minister; and worked to end segregation in America.  Parents can use this book to introduce Dr. King to the very young child.
 

About the Author: 

Johnny Ray Moore is a poet and children's author. His other books include Meet Martin Luther King Jr. and But Still, We Dream (a novel in verse). Johnny is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and three daughters. 

© 2016 Worthy Publishing Group

Title: The Story of Rosa Parks
Author: Patricia A. Pingry
Illustrator: Steven Walker
Published: 2016 by Worthy Publishing Group

About the Book:

This little book introduces Rosa Parks, who is called the "mother of the civil rights movement."  Here is the story of her courageous decision to remain on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action that resulted in arrest and, ultimately, a victory for civil rights.

About the Author: 

Patricia A. Pingry has written dozens of children's books and edited hundreds more. Among her best-known titles are the previous edition of this book and its companion, The Story of Christmas. Together thee two titles have sold more than 2 million copies. 

The Artist Librarian Review:
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. and The Story of Rosa Parks are succinct introductions to these well-known figures for young children and toddlers.  Each double page spread is limited to 1-3 brief sentences.  The text covers basic information such as their birth, parents, early life, racial segregation, and their contribution to the Civil Rights movement.  If I had any criticism it would be that perhaps it is too simple to fully capture the complexities, issues, and challenges African-Americans faced in the mid-20th century, but it is appropriate for the target age group for board books (i.e. birth to five years).  I doubt that a child that young would be able to comprehend such things completely, so these books are good starting-off points, with more information and concepts to be introduced when the child is older (e.g. Dr. King's story ends at his "I Have a Dream" speech, but assassination probably isn't something a parent or teacher wants to explain to a toddler).

The illustrations also lend well to the stories.  Amy Wummer's loose watercolor illustrations are outlined with graphite which detail Martin Luther King Jr.'s transition from a young, round faced boy to a leader of the Civil Rights movement.  Meanwhile, Steven Walker's canvas paintings have a softness reminiscent of pastel work, which lovingly illustrate Rosa Parks' life from a young child to a married working woman.

Finally, though the size of these books were a bit smaller than I expected (about 4"x7.5"), they are a nice size for a young child to read and are comparable to other board books.  A nice addition for board book fans and collections.

[Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of these books from the publisher for review purposes.]

Do you have any favorite children's book recommendations for Black History Month?

After a surprising time-skip, The Returning brings Rachelle Dekker's dystopian Seer Trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. Read on for the full review!

© 2017 Tyndale House

Title: The Returning [The Seer Trilogy #3]
Author: Rachelle Dekker
Published: 2017 by Tyndale House Publishers

About the Book:

Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant's baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they've never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he's ushered the city into a new era of "peace" -- one where the Scientist Roth Reynard's Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.

But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned -- a truth she'll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.  

The Artist Librarian Review:
Reviews of previous titles in the trilogy:  The Choosing (#1) & The Calling (#2)

I was almost scared to read The Returning.  Let me explain --I have a love/hate relationship with Ted Dekker's novels.  He's a great writer and I was immersed in his worldbuilding and characters, but his series endings never gave me the satisfying conclusions I was personally hoping for.  For example, both the prequel/sequel Green in his Circle Series or what I personally felt was a disconnected, "did-this-have-to-be-written" last two novels of The Lost Books.  His series' finales never completely met the full potential that the previous books built up, leaving me bittersweet, slightly disappointed feelings toward his series.  I realize that this doesn't really have anything to do with his daughter, Rachelle Dekker, but irrationally, all of this was in the back of my mind as I began to read The Returning.  Fortunately, Rachelle's Seer Trilogy closes with a satisfying, though some might say quick, conclusion.

I was taken aback for a moment when I first heard that The Returning would take place 20 years after The Calling.  I was fully expecting book three to continue immediately after.  Though Carrington and Remko have roles in this book, the main character truly is Elise, who we last saw as an infant.  New characters, such as the seven young people chosen to infiltrate Authority City, were great.  I wish we had more time to learn more about them --Kennedy and Kane Brant, Elise's younger sister and cousin, along with Willis Lane, the son of one of the Authority members, were the most highlighted of the Seven, though even then, I still wanted to know more.  Maybe some e-novellas or short stories could be possible ... I definitely would enjoy that!

In my previous reviews, I mentioned that though this is a Christian dystopian trilogy, I felt that it still could crossover to the mainstream market without being being "preachy."  The Returning felt like it had more blatant spiritual elements of this trilogy because of constant referrals of embodying light and darkness.  Personally, as a Christian, these elements really stuck out to me, but there were also things that weren't clear enough to be distinctly "Christian" --it seemed like the spiritual elements focused on finding the light within yourself and though it's inferred that the light was given or placed there by the Creator or a higher power, it's abstract enough that it might not sit well with some Christians theologically.  I give it pass since it's a fantasy world, but it did personally give me a slight pause, like something was "off."  Also, the light and darkness gave people supernatural powers that made it seem "too easy" at times, but again, this is a fantasy novel ... However, I did like the emphasis Dekker placed that even "the bad guys" or those who were consumed by darkness also were originally "children of light" and could still be redeemed.  In the current world we live in, I think it's good to keep the perspective that God loves all people, even those who oppose him.  If the main theme of The Choosing was identity and The Calling's was fear, I think The Returning's theme is forgiveness ...  

Overall, I enjoyed the Seer Trilogy and am intrigued to see what Rachelle Dekker will write next!

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.]

As a part of The Returning blog tour, read on for a brief interview with Rachelle!

Set the scene for The Returning. What has happened since The Calling ended?

Well, it’s been nearly 20 years, and the world has changed. I don’t want to give too much away  for those who haven’t read the first two, so I’ll just say the world is very different and much more dangerous than it once was. But something is brewing under the surface. Change is coming, and people know it.

I admit, the 20 year time-skip threw me off when I initially heard about it --I really expected book 3 to continue pretty close to the end of The Calling! =)

The Returning focuses on Carrington and Remko’s daughter Elise. Tell us more about
Elise’s character and her growth throughout the book.

Elise starts the book in a pretty dark place. She grew up without parents, believing she was abandoned, only to discover there’s an entire world that has been kept from her. Her journey can be divided into two parts, in my opinion: first, learning who she really is; and second, learning how to live that out. It’s the same journey we all take, and I believe that makes her pretty relatable.

I really wanted to follow Carrington and Remko at first, but I really enjoyed reading about Elise and the other "new" characters.

Aaron is a somewhat mysterious character throughout the series. What is he supposed to represent and what kind of spiritual leader is he?

I like to leave this one open, which I know isn’t really the answer you want. I want the reader to decide who he is to them. For me he’s a guiding light, an angel maybe, a representation of the spirit who communicates with us and leads us. He can be many things — mostly, though, he’s a great way to hear truth.

LOL, you're right, but I'll accept it!  Last question: How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?

I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same.

Thank you so much, Rachelle!  Looking forward to seeing what you'll write next!

About the Author:

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing was her critically acclaimed debut novel. Rachelle graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. Visit her online at www.rachelledekker.com.

Want to talk about Rachelle Dekker's Seer Trilogy? Are there any dystopian titles you're anticipating for 2017?  Leave a comment and let me know!