Branwen's Quest by Kaetlyn Buxton

Young Branwen, filled with guilt from her past and dreading her future, is summoned by the royal herald for a Tournament of Warriors. A talented archer; she wins her discipline and is sent on a dangerous quest with 3 other champions. The implications of the success of their journey affect the welfare of the kingdom!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and I connected with them early on. There was tension and conflict and twists along their quest that drove the plot and character development along.

Kids will love this book. This will be an epic journey for them. I find kids want to dream and be part of a larger story. They want to go on a quest. And this story will connect with kids like that.

I think 10 years old would be a good starter age to read this book. I also think it’d be a great book for parents to read aloud to their children.

As a twenty-something guy; I enjoyed sitting down and reading this book. Kids will enjoy it even more.

* The author offered a free download of this book. This is my honest review. No compensation was received. *

About the author:

Born, raised, and homeschooled in Oregon, Katelyn Buxton has always been a storyteller, picking up writing during her early teen years. When she graduated high school, her love of the craft finally culminated in the publishing of her first eBook, a standalone adventure, Tè Nan Lezar. Since then she has published seven more books belonging to the Warriors of Aralan series, with many more on the way. Katelyn is a Christian, and her passion is to write stories that are not just enjoyable to read, but lead people to Jesus. 

You can learn more about Kaetlyn by visiting the following links:

Personal website

Goodreads

Twitter

Amazon

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Synopsis:

A loving threesome, they ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn, Little Ann had the brains -- and Billy had the will to train them to be the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too.

Recommended for ages 10+.

Product description; Christianbook.com

What did I think?

Where the Red Fern Grows was one of the first novels read to me; and was immediately a favorite. Years later, I am still impressed by the story.

Not only am I impressed by the story, but I am more impressed with how faith in God is included in this novel. I never took notice of Billy Colman’s prayers or the prayers of his mama the first time it was read to me.

I believe this book is best if it is read by a parent to their children over a long period of time. I don’t find it’s a typical novel that makes you flip page after page, but you are still interested to see how the story will play out. A chapter a day with your kids could be just great.

There are great lessons in this book for people of all ages. It’s possible some people won’t be interested in the middle of the book where we see Billy’s hunting adventures, but if  a kid’s parent is reading the book; they’ll enjoy it. 

There are lessons that will last for life. What an endearing story it is.

Author:

Wilson Rawls grew up on a small farm in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. There were no schools where he lived so his mother taught Rawls and his sisters how to read and write. He says that reading the book The Call of the Wild changed his life and gave him the notion that he would like to grow up to write a book like it. He shared his dream with his father, and his father gave him the encouraging advice, "Son, a man can do anything he sets out to do, if he doesn't give up." Rawls never forgot his father's words, and went on to create two novels about his boyhood that have become modern classics.

You can buy Where the Red Fern Grows at Christianbook.com

Rebel Glory by Sigmund Brouwer

Synopsis:

At 17, star defenseman Craig McElhaney likes his chances of making it as a pro hockey player. Yet, a string of recent "accidents" threatens to knock his team out of the playoffs and ruin his promising career. Craig has begun to question how many "accidents" can happen before they become more than a coincidence. But it's not a good time for questions. Not in the spotlight of high-pressure hockey. Not when the team needs him most. And not when he has some important lessons to learn about life. For Craig, however, there is no choice. Unless the questions are answered, the team's season and his promising career will surely end.

Product description; Orca Books.

What did I think?

I remember reading Rebel Glory when I was in elementary school and doing my first ever book report on it. It was a great book that contributed to my love for reading. 

As a kid I focused on the hockey aspect of the book a lot, but realize now that the mystery in the book was very captivating.

I highly recommend this book to your hockey loving kids.

About the author:

Sigmund is married to songwriter recording artist Cindy Morgan. The couple and their two young daughters divide their time between Red Deer, Alberta and Nashville, Tennessee. As a novelist, Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

If you want to learn more about Sigmund, check out his website.

Chief Honor by Sigmund Brouwer

Synopsis:

Lauren Cross is the first female player on a WHL team—goaltender Joseph Larken's team, the Spokane Chiefs. For Joseph, the prospect of a season in the publicity shadow of a new female goalie promises to be a nightmare. Hiding behind a carefully built wall of anger, Joseph is relieved when a scandal knocks Lauren off the team until he begins to believe she was framed. 

Product description; Orca Books.

What did I think?

Chief Honor might’ve been my favorite book growing up. Any young hockey player would love this book (along with the rest of the Lightning on Ice series).

You will be entertained by some hockey action, and quite the mystery that must be solved. Brouwer does a great job integrating back story into this book, and also has some great, non-preachy points on faith.

I highly recommend this book to your hockey loving kids. I’m an adult and I still enjoy reading this book. It’s truly a great read.

About the author:

Sigmund is married to songwriter recording artist Cindy Morgan. The couple and their two young daughters divide their time between Red Deer, Alberta and Nashville, Tennessee. As a novelist, Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

If you want to learn more about Sigmund, check out his website.