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ARCH ENEMIES by Marissa Meyer YELLOW LIGHT AGE: 9TH GRADE - COLLEGE (YA - NA) Arch Enemies is the continuing fast-paced story of the battle between the Renegades and the Anarchists-two superhero groups that are attempting to gain and maintain control of Gatlon City. Following primarily the stories of two superheroes, Nova and Adrian, readers are caught up in trying to determine what the true motivation is behind both of the groups. Are they good (fighting for the benefit of the citizens) or bad (attempting to gain ultimate power in a takeover)? Nova finds herself caught between both groups. In Renegades, her family perished due to the fact that the Renegades didn't show up to save them. Her uncle, the head of the Anarchists, saves her, and naturally, as a result, she joins forces with him. As a result, her job now is to attempt to learn more about the Renegades and their plans by infiltrating the group. The problem is that when she does, there's a lot to like and admire, but it's hard to get past the fact that they failed her, and she owes her uncle. Adrian is the adopted son of the heads of the Renegades. Frustratingly, he has found that at times his hands are bound when attempting to help due to laws or regulations the Renegades have enacted. Because of this, he takes on the unknown dual identity of a rogue superhero that can show up whenever and wherever he wants. The problem is that situations have gotten out of control, and it's unclear to either the Renegades or the Anarchists whose side he's really on. To increase the intensity, the Renegades have developed a new weapon that leaves both Nova and Adrian wondering about how ethical its use is. HEADS UP- There is a small amount of language (less than Renegades). No f-bombs. -Adrian continues to have two dads. There are no intimate details and less focus on it in Arch Enemies than Renegades.

SPOOKY RIVERS by Geo Rutherford GREEN LIGHT AGES: 4TH - 8Th GRADE Looking for a little natural thrills and chills to add to this time of year? Check out Spooky Rivers, follow-up book to Spooky Lakes. This large, 96-page, nonfiction book features 25 worldwide rivers that have spooky traits to them such as dangerous chemicals, extreme temperatures, disappearing underground caverns, weird creatures, and more. Some of the rivers' names will be recognizable; some will be unfamiliar. Either way, each river will capture you with its eerie elements. While reading through this book to review, my husband walked by and saw it. His comment to me was, as a kid, that was exactly the type of book he would have enjoyed. Lots of bright, comic-styled illustrations; true, captivating content: and a good air of mystery. This is not a book that you have to read in its entirety or in order. There is the option of reading it cover-to-cover or flipping the pages to see what catches your attentiion. It's a win-win either way! Use it as a read-aloud or as a read-by-myself, It's perfect for either! HEADS UP - There are a couple of references to evolutionary content (millions of years).

THE JACKAL'S MISTRESS by Chris Bohjalian YELLOW LIGHT WITH CAUTION AGES: ADULT The Jackal's Mistress is a hauntingly beautiful story set in the midst of the strife of the Civil War. Before I get into the book, I want to mention that while I was captivated by the story, there are a couple of elements to know about before you jump in, so be sure you check out the HEADS UP section. Libby Steadman has found herself the caretaker of the family lands and mill while her husband is away fighting for the confederates in the Civil War. Even though he's fighting on the side of the south, he and Libby released their slaves before the war began due to their personal convictions. Those that wanted to remain would be treated as hired hands and paid for the work they did around the mill. Two remained - a husband and a wife. Now, the three of them, along with Libby's niece, try and keep operations going as much as possible to provide grain for the southern forces. When they come across a starving, almost dead Union officer who is far from home and has been left behind in the neighboring, abandoned farmhouse, Libby faces an intense dilemma. Does she take him home defying the side her husband is fighting for, or does she leave him for dead? Deciding that if her husband were to be in the same position she would hope that someone would care for him, she takes Captain Jonathan Weybridge home. In doing so she knows that she has put not only herself but also the others living with her in grave danger. Thus begins the hiding and long recovery of Captain Weybridge (The Jackal), As is often the case where secrets are concerned, it doesn't take long before the rumors begin to fly and the real danger begins. Be prepared for unexpected twists and turns. HEADS UP - -Profanity - There is some language including a handful of G**d***s used. There are no f-bombs. -Sex - There is an attempted rape with very little detail that is unsuccessful. - There are a couple of flashbacks with no intimate detail about sex between married couples - once between Libby and her husband and once between Captain Weybridge and his wife. - SPOILER ALERT - In the end, Libby and Jonathan have sex one time. There are no intimate details to this. I have to add that to me this was such a let down after all they had been through together.

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi I am mourning as I sit and write this last post. I am mourning the end of this book and knowing that there isn't another book as meaningful or heartfelt in my TBR pile to go to next that I am aware of. (Please, Allen Levi, keep writing!) I think it's very telling how much readers want books like this by how many times it has been recommended by those who have read it. The popularity of this book has spread like wildfire, and it's primarily been by word of mouth. As I sit here writing this last post, I am blessed to be next to water. The sun is reflecting off of it, and it feels like such a fitting way to reminisce over these last chapters and then bid adieu to Theo. Also fitting is the fact that as soon as I finish this post, my copy is headed straight into a pair of hands of someone else waiting to read it. Could anything be more perfect? Well, I've put off wrapping this book up for long enough. Let's dive in and cherish this last little bit of the journey together. CHAPTER 61 - Did you see this coming? Even after he is buried and gone, the workings of Theo, his kindness and attempts to connect family together, still shine through. Willa. I am going to do something I have refrained from doing so far in this book, and that is comment on material that is coming up. We get Theo's commitment to family now, don't we. We understand his mission, his plan, and the desire he has to strengthen and unite as many families together as he can. Think back a moment with me - the first bestowal was to Minette who desires with her whole heart to start a family. Think back a step even before that to when Theo chooses her portrait out of all the others. Remember the eyes? He knew who those eyes belonged to. In a way, she was an extension of his own family even though not directly by blood, but by love. Think about Kendrick and Lamisha - supporting them so they could heal and grow together in the best way from the accident. Simone and bringing his family to the recital so they could be together. We see all of these interconnected bonds, but then outside of all of this is the family that Theo is constructing together through the giving of the portraits. Willa was the perfect cherry to top all of that (so far)! I have got to throw in a hurrah!! for Mrs. Gidley here. We have grown to love the old battle ax, haven't we? CHAPTER 62 - It's time for us to understand what this Plan has been all about. I know you have been waiting for this moment as much as I have. Admittedly, I entered this chapter with a bit of a lump in my throat and rightfully so. Asher and Theo, it all makes sense. The three letters given to Asher by Mr. Ponder were pure perfection. To hear Theo talk to us one more time, even if it was only through his letters, was a true gift. But wait! We have to back up a moment, because Allen Levi prepares us for what is about to happen with Asher pulling the blue cloth off of the painting and noticing that even though it is a beautiful portrait of him, it's Theo's eyes that stare back. Theo tells Asher about a valuable lesson he learned in his life. It is a father passing down words of wisdom similarily to Solomon from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. There was a period in his life that he didn't realize was the most precious time he would ever have until it was gone and couldn't be brought back, a time when he fell in love with the gift of painting and fell in love with a woman. They lived a happy and simple life, but then the promise of prestige, fame, and money came crashing through, and Theo chose those over the relationship. (Is anyone feeling a Scrooge vibe from A Christmas Carol here?) Too late, he realized what he had lost, and it was gone. For one fleeting second, he got to speak into the young boy's life that was the lasting result of that moment just like a fisherman once spoke into his. TIme passed by and as he looked back, he realized that what was left of true value was in Golden where for one season of his life he could use the result of his gift for good in other people's lives, and that is what we are privileged to see here. I have to stop here a moment and just ask the question directly that Allen Levi is asking each of us through this story. How are we using our time and talents that we have been given? Are we using them to build our own kingdom or to further the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, who Theo refers to as the Great Artist so eloquently, by caring for others? That really is the purpose of this book, isn't it? One of the most beautiful parts of this last chapter is understanding the Me, Painting You, Painting picture, and then learning that it was one of a pair done on that day. A painting completed by each of the lovers painting each other, and then gifting it to each other A piece that lets us know that despite the choices made (that were made for good reasons) the memory of the past was still treasured - not denied or hidden away, but left in the past where it belonged. Thank goodness Allen Levi didn't do what so many current authors think is the necessary solution to lost loves from the past. One partner busts back into the life of the other, they have a moment "in the hay" that forever rocks the stability of their family. Puke! There is still a mourning of what could have been had different paths been chosen but a respect of what was done because of the decisions made. There is also no shying away from what Theo lost because he chased fame and fortune over true value, but we are at peace with how it wraps up. Theo is a gentleman, and he desplays that all the way to the very end. As a parting gift, we have the Epilogue. Thank goodness! We know that everyone is not only going to be okay, but they are all better off because Theo chose to care about them. Now, they in turn are impacting the people around them. So now that we've encountered Theo, what are we going to do with our lives? That is the question. I hope that you enjoyed this book! I'd love to hear about it! I am so grateful that multiple people encouraged me to read this one. I am definitely recommending it to others!

Libertad by Cassandra James GREEN LIGHT with CAUTION AGES: 9TH - 12Th Grade Now that Ximena has left the empire and the elite Cazadors and sails the oceans as the notorious pirate Gasparilla with her sister, Marquesa, she thinks the days of backstabbing and underhanded politics are in the past. They're actually just beginning. When serious mistakes are made, a mad scramble for control in the pirate world begins, and the man leading the charge is one la Pantera de la Noche whose true identity has been a closely guarded secret for a reason. Ximena and Marquesa find themselves in constant peril from the seas they sail, the enemies they encounter, and the mythical creatures that track them. Despite the continuous difficulties they encounter, the goal remains the same: bring freedom to the lands the empire is literally choking the life from. Overall, I enjoyed this read. Author Cassandra James is a Christian, and her desire is to write clean books for YA readers that glorify the light winning over the darkness. However, there are some elements that parents may struggle with in this book. HEADS UP - This is a pirate story, so there is a decent amount of alcohol consumption and smoking of cigars. There is one d*** used. The biggest element that may cause some issues is the use of magic and sorcery. While not always present, it is a theme that comes up multiple times. For the spell to work, blood is required.

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi Nooooooo! We knew it was coming, but still, it's such a shock when it happens. CHAPTER 56 - Simone's concert winds up and the applause is thunderous. He comes back with his encore. the most amazing gift that he offers up to Theo and the crowd, an original piece created by Simone entitled Fado for Theo. Fado means "fate" or "destiny," but literally as my eyes read across the title, the word "fade" jumped out at me - the fading of a life. But tonight, it is a joyous bestowal on the man that has bestowed so much on the small community of Golden. Could there be a more perfect or beautiful gift?! In fact, as Theo leaves to return to Ponder House, he thinks to himself that he has tasted heaven tonight. I found myself thinking over and over as I read this chapter about the difference one person can make in the life of another or in this case, many lives. This doesn't have to be something that just happens in stories. We can each choose to stop and listen to people around us, to care, to see, to lend a helping hand. Despite the feeling of heavenliness this chapter provided, we still reside on the fallen Earth, and there was no way this moment of perfection could last. CHAPTER 57 - 58 As soon as the words "bad dream" appeared in the first sentence of the chapter, we knew the moment of doom was upon us. I don't know about you, but dread slowly unfolded its cold fingers, reached in, and wrapped them around my heart. The stupidity of fools that can never leave well enough alone. The endless pursuit of tormenting another for a moment of selfish pleasure, is it really worth it? Innocent Ellen sits in front of the Feder basking in the glow of the perfect evening. For just a moment, the world probably feels right to her. Can you see her in your mind's eye? I can. It's as if I'm standing behind the park bench and can see her in front of me. The hat perched on her head, the frumpy silhouette, the Noble Invention parked close by, and then she is attacked. Leave her be, I mentally scream at the book. Simone rushes in from somewhere on the side of my mental movie screen. A leaping figure with his precious cello perched percariously, but he is no match. People that we hove come to love our beaten before our very eyes, and we can do nothing to save them. And the cello - the cello that sang its heart out only hours ago lays smashed to pieces. As if that wasn't horror enough, our gaze turns to a bundled heap on the ground. Theo. The thread that brought each of these wonderful people into our lives. The warm-hearted soul that set himself aside for the care of those around him, lays dead after falling off the balcony while witnessing the horrendous scene. CHAPTER 59 - The moment we have waited for the whole book finally arrives. We learn who Theo was, but this isn't how I wanted to find out. He was an artist, and internally I say, Of course he was! Nothing else would have made sense. Zila, the world renowned, but reclusive artist whose paintings were highly sought after and prized. The pieces fall into place. Ahhh, of course, that's why the portraits were the perfect avenue for the plan, that's why he saw beauty all around him, that's why he brought more beauty into the world. CHAPTER 60- There is so much to love about this memorial service but first, a question. Which part of the man do you think made the most lasting impact on people - Zila, the gifted, the wealthy or Theo, the kind, the caring? Professor Gobelli plays Simone's Fado for Theo that is now a requiem, a musical composition written for someone who has died. Then Father Lundy speaks, and he creates this perfect segeway from Theo, the artist, to the Ultimate Artist, Christ. Theo isn't Christ, but he embodied some true, Christ-like characteristics. After all, isn't that what being a Christian is all about? He came not to be served but to serve. That was Theo. But wait a minute! We still don't know what the plan was.

THE LEAF THIEF by Alice Hemming. Illustrated by Nicola Slater. One of you wonderful members recommended this super fun picture book to me! I added it to my order and am so glad I did! This is another great example of a picture book that was published in the UK first, and then here. If you have little ones at home and you're on the hunt for a humorous, fall book with just a tad bit of a science lesson mixed in, this one is for you! Squirrel is in a panic! He is convinced that there is a thief about stealing all of his beautiful fall leaves. He starts noticing his neighbor animals with their leaves, and he asks if they've taken them from him. He finally makes his way to Bird who shows him who the real Leaf Thief is! You'll want to check out the end pages of the book that give some great facts about fall! Illustrator Nicola Slater gives us the perfect artistic rendition of an overactive, slightly-crazed squirrel in The Leaf Thief. It's not hard to imagine a squirrel flipping out, and the hurried, jerky movements that would follow the intense searching. Slater captures this perfectly! Highly recommend!

THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND by Daniel Nayeri GREEN LIGHT AGES: 5TH - 8TH GRADE This book is headed straight onto my SARAH'S FAVORITES BOOKLIST. Wow, I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did, but it was fantastic! If you enjoy moving historical fiction, if you love WWII stories, if you are tired of the typical WWII stories but enjoy the revelation of unknown events, if you are interested in the relationship between Iran and the Jews, then this book is for you! The Teacher of Nomad Land is a story about the position Iran took during WWII and war orphans. During the war, Iran found itself caught in the middle of the Allies and Axis powers because of its massive oil reserves. Hitler wanted the oil, and the Allies knew that if he got it, it had the potential to heavily influence the outcome of the war. So, the Shah chose to declare Iran as neutral. Britain still came in and gained control of the oil verifying that the Germans could not. In the process of Britain coming in, several Iranians died leaving behind orphans. That is where this story comes in. Babak and his younger sister, Sana are two of those orphans. In order to survive, Babak and Sana attempt to join a nomad group. In order to do so, Babak must have a beneficial skill to bring to the group The only thing he has is his father was a teacher, so Babak offers his abilities to teach the nomadic children. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey of acceptance into the group and then rejection. Babak and Sana continue on the extremely difficult journey by themselves, and in the process meet a German soldier who is hunting down a Jewish boy. Babak and Sana end up finding the boy, and together they travel under immense danger and struggle. I was absolutely hooked as I read this story, but I found myself asking how much of this was really true due to the relationship between Iran and the Jewish people today. I was very surprised to find out that Iran opened its borders to the Jews during WWII taking in refugees including 1000 predominately orphaned, Jewish children from Poland known as the Tehran Children. The majority of these refugees survived and later settled in Israel. HEADS UP - While not gruesome, this book does deal with war themes including death.

Orris and Timble: Star Stories by Kate DiCamillo> Illustrated by Carmen Mok. GREEN LIGHT AGES: Read to me: 4-6 years old. Read by myself: 1st - 3rd grade I have come to really love the Orris and Timble series. Now that fall is in the air, and we are hearing the owls hooting at night in the woods around our house to each other, I pulled the newest Orris and Timble book, Star Stories, out of my TBR pile to enjoy. This unlikely pair of friends have been through the thick of things together, and this time it's about trust. TImble (the owl) has offered to take Orris (the mouse) for a ride out into the night sky, and that is definitely pushing Orris way out of his comfort zone. Can Orris put his fear aside long enough to have the experience of a lifetime with his friend? This book is perfect for kids that are ready for easy chapter books, or if I had littles still at home, I would use this as a snuggle down and read aloud book for ages 4-6 before nap or bedtime. It is such a sweet, cozy read, and the illustrations are fantastic. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

LET US DO GOOD by Frank Siller Just like millions of Americans, I vowed to "never forget" what happened on 9/11. Every year as the date approaches, I take a few minutes and thiink about what I want to do on this year's anniversary to remind myself and my family of the horrendous tragedy that occurred on that perfect September morning. This year, I read Frank Siller's (Tunnel to Towers Founder and CEO) book, and man, was it gut-wrenchingly moving. There are so many parts of this book that will continue to stay with me in the deep parts of my soul. No day is promised, so don't take your loved ones for granted. No one stepped out of their house that morning knowing that it was going to be their last day on earth. We have a choice what we do with tragedy when it happnes. We can either stay in the grief or use it as a vehicle to "Do Good." God is an everpresent help in times of trouble. Courage can show up in the most amazing times and ways. The countless, moving stories of families who lost loved ones The fact that loss continues today from 9/11 as people struggle with intense health concerns, especially cancers, from Ground Zero. The importance of faith, family, and friendships during hard times. Despite the hard topics that make you want to weep from deep sorrow as you read the book, the beauty that literally rises from the ashes even today, will make you want to weep with awe and gratitude. By the way, Frank Siller is the perfect voice for this story. The humbleness, the genuineness of this man and his commitment to his faith, his family, and this cause is evident with every word written. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. HEADS UP - There is a very small amount of language that occurs primarily in quotes. There is one place where you know an f-bomb was said, but only the first letter is given.

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi Closing the book after reading this week's chapters, I find myself with a mix of emotions. Yes. Theo is back, but there is a feeling of foreboding in the air that I can't shake. There is a hint of death inserted into the chapters, and I find myself mourning despite the fact that Theo has returned to Golden and spring is...well, "springing" in all of its beauty. CHAPTER 51 - How interesting that Theo slips back into Golden one night. Despite his desire to quietly slide himself back into normal life, people have noticed his absence and genuinely missed him. It's amazing when you think about how one person can change the entire feel of a place with their presence. Theo does that for the whole town of Golden! Levi gives us a snapshot of how Theo has changed people's lives by showing us what those he is closest to are up to. Wasn't it soul-satisfying to see how Theo's influence is continuing on in these special people's lives? The pursuit of great things, contentment, and creatvity just ooze out of this chapter. The pleasure of seeing this is comparable to a warm, gooey brownie fresh from the oven waiting to be devoured. All feels right with the world. BUT - there is one thing. Theo delivers a folder of documents to Mr. Ponder. Brain flash! Are these his last wishes- his will? CHAPTER 52 - A year has passed. Typically, we would just mark the passage of time as an unimportant realization, but we know that Theo is in Golden for a year. I fear the clock is winding down, and there are a couple of strange topics that arise in this chapter that point in that direction as well. First, when Theo talks to Tony, he mentions that he "hopes he can remain open for one more week." Is that just teasing back and forth since Tony always says he's on the brink of going out of business, or are we actually looking at something siginificant happening over the next week? Second, there is the section dedicated to the beauty, yet toxicity and death, of the azaleas. In addition, we have the mention of life being "too short for azaleas in black vases." Also, Theo thanks Asher for "being so kind to me this past year." There is an air of saying goodbye, of wrapping things up in those words. CHAPTER 53 - Ellen's birthday. I have to admit with the hints given throughout these last chapters about things coming to an end, it threw me for a bit of a loop when Theo tore up the card for Ellen and said, "maybe next year." I love how much he wants to honor and remember people, in this case, Willa. But Ellen is stabilizing for the first time in who knows how long. It's easy to see how Theo would not want to threaten the balance she has found. CHAPTER 54 - 55 Simone's recital The tribute to music in this book is fantastic! Have any of you been listening to the pieces mentioned? I plan on pulling up the pieces and listening to them, so I can truly appreciate Simone and his ability. Overall, Simone is not nervous. He has slight flutters about performing for his friends and loved ones both in the audience and streaming (I'm wondering if Theo has arranged for some other special people to be listening to Simone.), but this cello has literally become an extension of Simone. It's as much a part of him as his arm or leg and as necessary and natural as his heart beating in his chest. What's to be nervous about when it's a physical part of him? I loved Theo's description of music to Lamisha. As I was reading, I, too, was envisioning all of the notes flying around the room. What a beautiful picture! I look forward to enjoying those images reappearing while listening to the actual musical pieces. Thoughts? Comments? I'd love to hear them!

A VISUAL GUIDE TO BIBLICAL APOLOGETICS by Joseph M. Holden and Sarah R. Enterline. Illustrated by Todd Hampson. GREEN LIGHT AGES: 9TH GRADE _ ADULT In today's world, what Christian couldn't use a little help with their apologetics? That's where the Visual Guide to Biblical Apologetics comes in. This 119-page book is a great, reference tool for sharpening your knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and how to defend it. Topics such as 4 Methods of Defending the Faith, 5 Ways to Show God Exists, Arriving at a Worldview, Cults at a Glance, Can We Trust the Bible, 15 Examples of How Archaeology Confirms the New Testament, and many more pack this wonderful resource! Honestly, when you read through the 55 different topics, it is so easy to get excited about the truth that exists. Even bigger than that is the fact that there is a resource that helps equip you for sharing the Gospel with others. We are called to be a light, a city on a hill, and our world today desperately needs to hear the truth. This book is a perfect read for teens and adults alike. Read through it personally, add it to your teen's Bible curriculum, or use it in a family devotions setting. You will never go wrong strengthening your Biblical knowledge. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.