Book Reviews , ,

Book GIVEAWAY & Book Review!!! – Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

Dayo Benson

ImageI love this book so much that I am not just reviewing it, but I am also giving away a free copy!!! To enter for the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment (either on facebook or on my blog) about a book you’ve read that you really enjoyed, that changed your life, or that impacted you in some other way. It doesn’t have to be an essay, even if you just write the title of the book that’ll do. I will select a winner at random on Saturday morning. So excited!!!

Anyway, on to the review:

Unlocked is one of the best books I read last year. It is truly beautiful. When I saw that it was about a guy with autism I didn’t know what to expect, and I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy it. But it was amazing and I was so glad I gave it a chance. Warning: you will need tissues on one particular part.

My favourite character in the book is Ella Reynolds. She is amazing and a truly beautiful character. She’s not just a pretty face but she’s has a heart of gold and bucket loads of confidence. She stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t let anyone push her around. Everyone needs a friend like her. The way she sticks by the autistic guy, Holden, is great, because she really doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Holden is also a sweet character. My heart really broke for him.

There are also some extremely ugly characters in the book, like Jake and his friends. And there are some truly pitiful characters; I felt sorry for Ella’s mum a lot.

The two main things I took from this book are:

  1. It’s important to love people.  As Christian we’re supposed to be loving and accept people for who they are.
  2. The prayers we send up during the course of each day are actually heard by God. I knew that before reading this book, but there are characters in this book that are constantly praying and it just made me more aware that God really is listening.

This book gets five stars from me. Here’s the synopsis

Before You Take a Stand … You Got to Take a Chance. Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal—on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the ‘in’ crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him … the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery—she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden’s praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.

If you have already read this book what did you think of it?

Purity

My Love (Wait For You)

Dayo Benson

I think this poem is absolutely beautiful. The wait is worth it. Enjoy xx

 

No matter what is said, I wait

I wait for you, my love

I don’t know your name or when we’ll meet

I wait for you, my love

Some will laugh and others scold

Perhaps some understand

Purity is precious and deserving

Of protection from evils of man

And so I wait, day after day

For the appointed time we’ll meet

Until that day, my heart is God’s

Within Him, buried deep

From before the first second of time

God has known you and me

Giving us gifts of integrity and chastity

In temptation, the promise of peace

Let no man stain

What God has washed white

Let no woman break

The fortress of the mind

My love, I do not know you yet

But I pray for you day and night

That your mind will be on things pure

Just, holy and right

Be strong in the Lord

Find rest in His book

Flee from temptation

Don’t take a second look

And as I wait for you

Will you wait for me?

Don’t settle for a little

When His will is everything

Some people think I’m crazy

That I save myself for you

But is it really so bad

To fight for what is true?

My heart is buried deep in God

I wait for you, my love

If you want me, you’ll go to Him

I wait for you, my love

by http://officialkaileymarie.wordpress.com: My Love (Wait For You).

Book Reviews , ,

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – A book review

Dayo Benson

ImageOne of my New Year’s Resolutions is to write book reviews on my blog. This is partly because I’m always shocked when I get messages from my readers about how they wish there were more Christian writers. There are absolutely tons of Christian writers, many of them far better than myself. I’m just a beginner. One of my favourite Christian authors is Francine Rivers. She’s one of my favourite, not because I read all her books (I don’t), but because she wrote one of the best books I have ever read in my life (this is includes non-Christian books). And I’ve read plenty.

Overview

Redeeming Love is the story of a prostitute, Angel. Angel has really lived a hard life. Your heart will break for her as you read this book. And just when you think you know about all the awful things that have happened to her, Francine hits you with more awful things from the poor girls past. I mean, just how much does one woman have to suffer? The hero in the book is called Michael Hosea. He’s a Christian and he wants to marry Angel. He is really cool. He’s good for Angel, but she doesn’t know it. I’m all for freedom of choice, so at first I was thinking he should just give her a break, you can’t force someone to marry you, but  well, it’s all good (desperately trying not to give any spoilers here).

Why I love this book

  1. It’s different from your average Christian book. A lot of Christian authors tread a little too softly around certain issues, but Francine just goes for it. The book is realistic about the life of a prostitute and the life of a husband and wife.
  2. It’s the story of Christ and the church. Angel represents the church and Michael represents Christ. I read some negative reviews about the book on amazon, and one reviewer was saying they didn’t like the fact that Angel was naked in some scenes. Well, uh, she wasn’t just naked for the sake of it. And there was nothing explicit at all. I think she just removed her clothes to show how a Christian should approach God, i.e. we need to bare all.
  3. It’s based on the book of Hosea. After I read Redeeming Love I went and read the book of Hosea and it’s really a powerful book that’ll make you want to be more faithful to God.
  4. The use of names is really artistic. I loved how Michael called Angel different names in different situations. It was beautiful.
  5. The ending was very moving, for me anyway. It’s one of the most life changing books I have read. Reading about Angel’s journey to spiritual freedom and liberty was so inspiring for me.
  6. The book encouraged me as a writer to write whatever is on my heart and not be hung up about being ‘safe’. Obviously it’s not about being shocking just for the sake of being shocking. It’s about being true to God and being realistic.

I was an aspiring writer when I read this book and I was green with envy when I finished it. It’s that awesome. I made lots of my friends read it. My brother even gave in and read it, which is saying something because he doesn’t read. Huge props to Ms Rivers.

The book synopsis is:

A Story of Love That Won’t Let Go – No Matter What!

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening comes overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does…the One who will never let her go.

A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

Uncategorized

New Year’s Resolutions

Dayo Benson

ImageHappy belated 2013 everyone!! Hope you’ve had a great start to the year.

This year I took a few days before deciding my resolutions because I really didn’t want to rush into making decisions and then feeling guilty when things don’t go as planned. I also wanted God to help me focus on what’s important. Sometimes, I have this tendency to focus on things that will take care of themselves.

I finally took time out yesterday to spend some time with God and pray about the year, and work out what my resolutions should be.Here’s a VERY abbreviated/watered down version of my resolutions:

1. To walk closer with God

Something along this line is on my resolution list every year. It takes the top spot because I know that anything I achieve without God is meaningless. Like Scriptures say: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things shall be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33).

2. To be a better wife and mother

This encompasses oh so many things. I have come to the conclusion, in the short time that I’ve been married, that only God can teach you how to love.

3. To release my Tough Girls series

I’m really excited about this series, but I’m trying to reign my excitement in as excitement can make you release a book before it’s ready. I do think this series is pretty cool though. I hope it outdoes my beauty for ashes series. I want each book I write to be better than the last.

4. To drive more slowly

I’m ashamed to admit this, but I turn into like this maniac once I get behind the wheel. I seem to have this need for speed that’s really not good. So far this year I’ve been good. It killed me at first and my foot was itching to press down further on the accelerator, but I’m getting better now. I’ve been keeping to 30mph and I hope to keep it that way.

5. To write book reviews

It surprises me every time I get a message from one of my readers saying that they wish there were more authors like me, or more authors that write for Christian teens. There are! Lots of them. So, I’m going to start posting book reviews on my blog.

I have more resolutions, but I’ll spare you. What are your resolutions and have you accomplished any of them yet?

God bless.

Drew Ashley Series

Brand New Book Available

Dayo Benson

breakingpointDrumroll please…Breaking Point is now on sale!!! I am so excited to introduce you all to the opinionated, determined Drew Ashley. Teen readers, sorry this is not a teen book, but I think you’ll enjoy it anyway. I’ve been wondering what category it is because it’s not young adult and it’s not proper adult either. Well I’ve found it belongs to the New Adult category. It’s pretty chicklit-ish too, with a crime/suspense element to it.

Here’s the blurb:

It’s every girl’s dream to find Mr Right, but what happens when there are two candidates who fit that description? Drew Ashley finds herself torn between the logical safe choice and what her heart really wants.

Drew experiences the ultimate heart break when she finds out that both men have secrets. She is forced to do some rethinking, especially since she has a secret of her own. A secret that she has never shared with anybody: she sees visions!

Add a zany mother and a series of shocking crimes to the mix, and things are bound to go slightly off-kilter.

Breaking Point is Christian Chick Lit with an edge!

You can buy it here. Don’t forget to post a review on Amazon after you read it, to tell the world what you think, whether you liked it, hated it, or are indifferent.

God bless xx

Drew Ashley Series

Book Cover for Breaking Point!!!

Dayo Benson

 

Finally…my new book has a book cover. I absolutely love it! I think it portrays what kind of book it is as I’ve taken a break from the world of teenage angst and drama, and written a chicklit novel. Personally, I’m not really into Chicklit as a genre as it always seems to be about young women who eat way too much junk food and slug back insane amounts of coffee. I love junk food and coffee but when all a character does for 60% of a book is drink coffee and eat, it gets annoying. I have read some great Chicklit and indeed Christian Chicklit though. Anyway, rant over.

So, this book is called Breaking Point and is about a twenty-something woman, Drew Ashley, who lives in London. It’s Chicklit with a twist because it incorporates a bit of suspense (as some shocking crimes take place) and a little about spiritual gifts (as Drew sees vision). And it wouldn’t be a Dayo Benson book if it didn’t include some sappy romance 🙂 The book is in it’s final round of editing so it should be out soon. Watch this space…

Drew Ashley Series

Arrrrgh

Dayo Benson

Drew Ashley is not as easy to write about as Lexi Dixon. In fact, I’ve considered doing something to her like changing her name or her love interest, or her personality to make the ride a little smoother for me. She’s so hard to write and I’m really not sure why.

Anyway, I’m taking it very slow because I know that reading a book is an investment. It’s time that the reader can never get back, and I really do the respect your time, which is why I really don’t want to put out a book that I am not confident in. Anyway, I’m going to post the first chapter soon.

Actually, I’m seriously considering not even publishing it. Maybe I’ll just post a chapter a week on my blog. Dunno. I might feel better about the book tomorrow. Ya know? Joy come in the morning and all that…

By the way, no the blond woman isn’t me. She only represents how I feel right now.

Christian Living

We’re God’s Children

Dayo Benson

The other day I got home from work, and the living room door was slightly open. I heard it open wider as I shut the front door, so I assumed it was my husband coming out of the living room. When I turned I found that it was actually Rhema. She started walking properly  a few weeks ago on our second wedding anniversary, but this was the first time she’d walked out of the living room. I can’t explain how I felt when I saw her. I was so happy and so proud of her just for walking out when she heard me come in. The smile on her face was priceless and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. It made me wonder whether this is how God views us. Many times we’re hung up on our imperfections and inadequacies when God doesn’t see imperfection and inadequacy when He looks at us. He sees a child that He is proud of.

I have never for one moment told Rhema off if she was trying to walk and fell over. I have never for one moment been annoyed at her for falling over or getting something wrong. Instead I pick her up, or hold back to see whether she can remedy the situation herself. And I celebrate every milestone, every tooth, every baby step, every word (which at the moment are: no, uh oh, and wow. Occassionally she’ll say thankyou and daddy) and every new trick she discovers.

God is like a parent. He just wants the best for us. He’s not looking to condemn us but to help us and encourage us. If only we knew just how much He loves us, maybe we’d beat ourselves up less.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…” 1 John 3:1a (NIV).

Beauty for Ashes Series

A Real Life Lexi Dixon

Dayo Benson

Okay, I’ve never actually heard of Kylie Bisutti. Here in the UK Victoria’s Secret isn’t what it is in America, but we do know about it. I think there’s even a Victoria’s Secret store in London, and a few more scattered around the country. Anyway, Kylie B is apparently a Christian Victoria’s Secret model, or should say she was. Dunno if everybody already knows about this since it happened in February apparently (I’m a little behind the times!) but she quit, and said: “My body should only be for my husband and it’s just a sacred thing…I didn’t really want to be that kind of role model for younger girls because I had a lot of younger Christian girls that were looking up to me and then thinking that it was okay for them to walk around and show their bodies in lingerie to guys.” Good for you Kylie B (For those interested, read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/192809/kylie-bisutti-christian-victorias-secret-model-quits/#A2B6Zd16tAGLXsTq.99)

She must have had the same concerns about it as Lexi did in my book Refiner’s Fire. This news warms me on two levels. 1. Lexi’s struggle was realistic (patting myself on the back, lol). 2. Kylie B must be feeling so relieved, and her Christian fans must be so encouraged to make decisions that might seem hard at first.

Anyway, the emails I’ve had over the past few months have been very touching, especially when they’re from young people who say ‘I was really encouraged by your books.’ Each time I read something like that I really feel the pressure to continue to write things that help people, and entertain them at the same time. In fact, I’m trying to move into writing more adult themes (not ‘adult’ as in ‘X-rated’ but as in ‘grown up’) but any time a young person emails me I feel like throwing out the books I’ve been working on and just writing a teen series.

I wrote Prodigal and Raw Deal when I was 19/20 so it was pretty natural for me to focus on teens. Then I had a break for a few years where I wasn’t able to complete a full book because I met my husband (although he wasn’t my husband then obviously) and everything else went out the window. C’mon who can focus on anything when you have a hunk to obsess over, lol. Anyway, so by the time I wrote Red Carpet and Refiner’s Fire I wasn’t in the teen fiction frame of mind anymore. I will write more teen books, in fact I have a series lined up for me to write later in the year or early next year (by God’s grace!), but I want to write about adults now. I’m so torn.

Anyway, I’ll post the first chapter of my next novel sometime over the next few weeks. Watch this space…

Beauty for Ashes Series , , ,

Raw Deal FREE on Kindle!!!

Dayo Benson

Well, I’ve been finding  it pretty unfair that Amazon has been allowing the big publishers to make their authors’ kindle books free, but they haven’t been offering the same service to Indie Authors. Well, now they do, but only if you put your book in KDP Select, and only for 5 days. Well that’s good enough for me. Raw Deal is free for five days so go ahead and download it, if you haven’t already 🙂

So why would any author offer their book for free, after all the HARD WORK!! Yes it’s hard work, and it takes commitment to finish a book, but offering a book free means that people who wouldn’t normally read it, will. Everyone loves a freebie, right? So, potentially it could expand your audience, and maybe even minister to someone who on a normal day would rather die than download a Christian book.

I will keep you posted on any more of my books that might be free in future.

Download Raw Deal (in the UK)

Download Raw Deal (in the US)

Every blessing xx