Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland and Lynn Vincent

The stirring narrative of Unsinkable tells sixteen-year-old Abby Sunderland's remarkable true story of attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world.

More people have flown into outer space than have sailed solo around the globe. It is a challenge so immense that many have died trying, and all have been pushed beyond every physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual limit. In Unsinkable, readers follow Abby Sunderland into those depths. This biography delivers a gripping and evocative firsthand account that starts prior to her departure, travels through her daring (and sometimes near-death) encounters on the open sea, to her dramatic rescue in the remotest corner of the Indian Ocean, and the media explosion that happened upon her safe return to dry land.

Along the way, readers discover what it means to boldly face any challenge, to strive after something great, and to plumb the depths of faith, fear, and desperation only to emerge changed, renewed, and emboldened. In this day and age, when the most productive thing a teenager may do is play video games, Abby's ambition and tenacity is a real-life parable of what can happen when we choose to exceed our own limits, embrace faith, and strive after what all the naysayers say is impossible.

I really, really, really liked this book. And I've said before how I'm a fiction gal and usually stay away from biographies/autobiographies. I heard about Abby when I read Start Here by the Harris twins and they mentioned her in the book. It got me was interested in her story and I'm really surprised I never heard about it at all last year because it seemed like the media made a big deal about it. But I usually never watch TV and I never ever watch the news...

Abby's family sounds really awesome. I would have died of excitement if my parents bought a boat and we sailed around for three years. I mean, how cool is that?! My parents never took me and my sibs on a boat (except for that one time in Tallahassee, and that was so much fun), but I felt like I had a lot in common with Abby. She's one of seven kids, I'm one of six kids. She is home schooled, I was home schooled. She's 17, I'm 16. We're both Christians. We both have dreams that sound a little crazy to other people.

The book really did surprise me that I liked it so much. It was exciting and even though I know nothing about sailing, I made it through with only a couple of "yeah, I have no idea what that sailing term means, I'll just keep reading." There was a glossary in the back, but I hate those things and never use them.

I thought it was a great book, especially for teens. It gives hope, seeing what she did at such a young age. Or it might give you a kick in the butt to get motivated and chase after your own dream. For me, it was a little of both.

Way to go, Abby Sunderland!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

How to be God's Little Princess by Sheila Walsh

A fun guide book for God’s little princesses.

What does it take to be a princess? Sheila Walsh has some important answers to share for every little girl. This trendy design features black & white line art and a two-color pink and black interior. The art will tie to each how-to topic in the book—how to make the best pink cookies, how to wear a tiara, how to earn money at home, how to care for a royal dog, how to be respectful, how to use good manners, how to help Mom, how to follow Jesus, how to act like a princess when things go terribly wrong, and many more.

How to be God's Little Princess was a cute book for girls. My little sisters "oohed" and "ahhed" when they saw the pretty pink book.

Walsh starts and ends the book with a little note for the girls telling them they're always God's little princess - even when they mess up or aren't always perfect. Then she launches into the royal tips for manners, etiquette and true beauty for princesses. The book is full of fun quizzes, "what's wrong with this picture?" activities, recipes, and craft ideas.

I thought it was a very cute book and my little sisters loved it. It was an easy read and entertaining for young girls. Definitely the perfect rule book for any of God's little princesses!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Changed By Faith by Luis Palau

What difference does faith make?

You might believe in God, but do you feel that he has truly changed your life? Are you on an amazing, world-shaking spiritual journey—or are you feeling restless and dissatisfied, wondering if this is really the best that faith in Jesus has to offer?

International evangelist and speaker Luis Palau has encountered people from all walks of life who believe in God but who have never experienced real, defining transformation. In Changed by Faith, he offers a gritty, up-close look at the broken world around us, the true redemptive power of the gospel—and what it means for your life today. Through dramatic personal stories and a solid Scriptural perspective, Luis walks you through the practical changes that come when you follow the true teachings of Jesus Christ, and shows you how God can take the ashes of your life and transform them into something beautiful.

Changed By Faith was a very good read. I loved all the stories about "broken" people who became saved and accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Lius wrote about many precious people who went through a lot before they got saved. He also wrote about faith, showing that we really live day to day on faith. "Faith is a part of our everyday lives" he wrote. I totally agree with that. He also had a very good argument to go along with it, explaining how we use faith everyday.

I thought it was a good book, but it isn't omg-that's-the-best-book-ever kind of book. It was just a good book. Bit I do think that the book really depends on the person. Someone who is struggling with faith might read this book and it could change their life. It all depends on who is reading it. As for me, I liked it, but didn't love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Ale Boy's Feast by Jeffrey Overstreet

The king is missing.

His people are trapped as the woods turn deadly.

Underground, the boy called Rescue has found an escape.

Hopes are failing across The Expanse. The forests, once beautiful, are now haunted and bloodthirsty. House Abascar's persecuted people risk their lives to journey through those predatory trees. They seek a mythic city - Abascar's last, best hope for refuge - where they might find the source of Auralia's colors.

They journey without their king. During a calamitous attempt to rescue some of his subjects from slavery, Cal-raven vanished.

But his helper, the ale boy, falling through a crack in the earth, has discovered a slender thread of hope in the dark. He will dare to lead a desperate company up the secret river.Meanwhile, with a dragon's help, the wandering mage Scharr ben Fray is uncovering history's biggest lie - a deception that only a miracle can repair

Time is running out for all those entangled in The Auralia Thread. But hope and miracles flicker wherever Auralia’s colors are found.

I've wanted to read Auralia's Colors for, like, years, but never got the book to read it. It was very confusing starting the series off by reading the fourth book, but pieces clicked together as I read further (I would recommend starting at book one!). I actually didn't know this book was a sequel to Auralia's Colors until I got it in the mail...surprise!

It was a great read for fantasy fans and the story was awesome and very descriptive. I loved all the names of the characters, who were, by the way, delightful and very real. The whole book definitely had a other-world feel to it.

Like I said, it was confusing and I didn't get into it as much because I hadn't read the three previous books, but I liked it. A great read for ages 12 and up!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Izzy's Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing

I really liked Izzy's Popstar Plan. It's a really cool novel about a girl who dreams of becoming a popstar-and those dreams might be coming true! But the coolest part is that it can be read in the form of a 90 day devotional.

I loved how the book was written like it was Izzy's online blog. Also, I liked how you could see her struggle through difficult decisions in her life, and all the ups and downs she seemed to be having in relationships with her family, friends, and sometimes God. I would recommend this book to girls, but not if they were under the age of eleven or 12, because of some romantic content.

I think the message I felt the most from reading the book, is to do what you know God wants you to, and to trust Him with the rest. It may not turn out how you would like, but in the end, God knows what he's doing.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.