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The Case of the Four-Legged Friend

February 9, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

9 Feb

The Case of the Four-Legged Friend cover

Title: The Case of the Four-Legged Friend
Author: Becca Wierwille
Series: Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, book 1
Major Themes: Dogs, Camps, Fantasy
Synopsis: After a dog ate her dictionary, Scout set to work to find the dog’s owner and why the dog was where no dogs were ever allowed.

A couple of years ago, I read a book that featured a bookstore owner planning a book release party for a real book. After hearing about the book all the way through, I wanted to read it, so I downloaded the audiobook for Road Trip Rescue and listened to it. I enjoyed the book immensely, and somewhere along the way, I signed up for the author’s newsletters. Recently, she launched a new middle-grade series, and while I wasn’t immediately interested The Case of the Four-Legged Friend, the first book in the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries series, I did take advantage of her offer of a free digital copy, so that I would know whether I wanted to share these books with my children.

Publisher’s description:

Ten-year-old Scout is reading a mystery novel when a dog springs from the forest and steals her dictionary. Then he eats it, page by page. And everything changes. Scout doesn’t want to like this dictionary-digesting dog. But somehow, he works his way into her heart. Now she’s on a mission to find where he came from—before the camp director sends him to the animal shelter.

My thoughts:

My first impression was that I wasn’t interested in a book like The Case of the Four-Legged Friend. It sounded like fantasy, which is not among my preferred genres. I decided to give it a try, anyway. I decided I liked it, enough that I will likely buy the series for my dog-loving little girl eventually. It’s just a fun story about what if a dog ate an entire dictionary, causing him to suddenly understand human speech. The dog couldn’t talk, but communicated with gestures that a dog really could make. I liked the way Scout interacted with people and tried to honor her parents and obey the adults in her life, while still caring for the dog who needed her. The gentle mystery about how the dog ended up at the camp is fun, too. This is a delightful book for children who are ready for chapter books a step or two above easy readers, especially if they love dogs or other animals. I know my youngest will love it, and I’m hoping I can buy the series in a year or so when she’s ready to read books at that level.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

No warnings!

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne

February 6, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

6 Feb

Title: The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne
Author: Laura Alary
Major Themes: Cecilia Payne, Astronomy, Scientists, Harvard University, Chemistry, Science
Synopsis: From a curious little girl, Cecilia grew into a woman who wanted to find out all she could about the stars.

As always, whenever I see a picture book biography offered for review, I quickly requested a copy of The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne. Of the three books in this genre that I reviewed this month, this one has turned out to be my favorite. My little girls liked hearing it when I read it to them, too.

Publisher’s description:

Cecilia Payne loved learning to see nature’s wonders, even things other people called impossible. While studying at Cambridge, she dreamed of becoming a great astronomer like the ones she read about in the library. But too many people thought women didn’t belong among stars or atoms.

So, Cecilia packed her bags for Harvard, where she could surround herself with women who also loved astronomy and physics. These “Harvard Computers” shared their treasures with her―thousands of photographs of starlight. Cecilia found a way to read the patterns in these photos and started asking big questions. Could these photos show her what stars are made of? What if they showed Cecilia something all the great astronomers called impossible?

With stellar gouache and watercolor art and thrilling scientific details, this biography is a loving tribute to the joy of curiosity, the value of community, and the struggle to find confidence in your own voice. Extensive back matter helps readers learn through an author’s note, timelines of Cecilia’s life and of discoveries that led to hers, a list of Cecilia’s honors and awards, and resources for further reading.

My thoughts:

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne tells the story of an inquisitive woman, from her first discovery as a little girl (of a flower that her mother didn’t believe grew in their area), to the in-depth study of the stars as an adult. I learned a lot about how scientists learn about the stars; there is a wealth of information packed into the sparse text in this beautiful picture book. Cecilia’s story should help to encourage everyone to be more curious, to keep wondering and searching for answers to their questions, and to marvel at the complexity and beauty of God’s creation. This book is a great addition to any collection of picture book biographies.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

No warnings!

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Transgender to Transformed

February 4, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

4 Feb

Title: Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free
Author: Laura Perry Smalts
Major Themes: Homosexuality, Transgender, Abuse
Synopsis: Laura wanted with everything she had to be a man—but that didn’t end up satisfying her the way she wanted.

While I was staying with my mom for a little while, I noticed a book on her shelf whose title was intriguing. Because of the current political and social climate of our country, along with most Western countries, I wanted to read Transgender to Transformed. I happened to have a long enough break one afternoon to finish this easy-to-read book quickly.

Publisher’s description:

Today’s culture is drowning in the lies of the “born that way” ideology that claims desires and feelings cannot change or be overridden. Transgender to Transformed chronicles the story of Laura Perry, a former transgender, who believed those same lies and was determined to never return to being female, no matter what it cost her. And cost her, it did.

Like many who feel trapped in the wrong body, Laura “transitioned” to the opposite sex through irreversible surgeries, hormone injections, and a legal name change. Yet, despite her initial elation at living as a male, her new identity failed to bring her the peace and fulfillment she longed for. Realizing that she was living a lie, what was promised to be freedom had instead become a prison cell.

Filled with raw, honest emotion, Laura’s story sheds light on the common deceptions about the transgender lifestyle, and exposes the frustration and hopelessness of living with a self-created identity that is in opposition to who God created. It bravely leads the way out of the darkness and into the light of freedom that transgenders may desperately be seeking.

In Transgender to Transformed, you will find:

Practical insights into the mind of a transgender to help you understand how to better love them
How to deal with loved ones who are transitioning
Hope and help for those who are struggling with gender dysphoria

My thoughts:

I will not say I enjoyed reading Transgender to Transformed. I can not enjoy a subject like this. However, I quickly became engrossed in the story and kept reading to find out how Laura found freedom. That took a long time, though; her journey from the beginning of the spiral into confusion and sin, to the end where she found freedom in Christ, lasted for at least twenty years. Though there were many ugly scenes along the way, as she slipped deeper and deeper into sin and confusion, it was amazing to see glimpses of God’s love and care for her throughout the journey.

One thing that really stood out to me was how nothing satisfied for very long. Laura always had to have more and more in order to find any enjoyment, and her pleasure didn’t last. Another thing that impressed me was her realization that there was a fundamental difference between her and real men, something that could not be imitated. She simply didn’t think like they did, though she lived and acted like a man. As well, I was impressed with the parallels between the transformation/rebirth the transgender movement promises and what God promises—one is a counterfeit of the other.

My favorite part of the whole book was the section at the end with advice for those interacting with transgender people. One piece of advice that stood out was to always speak the truth—use their given names, not assumed names, and the pronouns that go with their biological gender, no matter how hateful they say that is. It made me think of the verse, “The truth shall make you free.” This is a book that should be read by every Christian today, because this issue is so widespread.

WARNING: Not for children; there are short descriptions of s*xual abuse, frequent mentions of s*x, and descriptions of the ways Laura tried to become a man, as well as brief descriptions of some of her demonic encounters.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

The Search & Rescue Files

February 2, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

2 Feb

Title: Off the Itinerary: The Search & Rescue Files
Author: M. Liz Boyle
Series: Off the Itinerary, book 4
Major Themes: Wilderness, Rescues, Survival
Synopsis: Seven short stories describe search and rescue events that Marlee found herself involved in in this fourth book in a series.

Several years ago, I got to read the books in the Off the Itinerary series. They were among the few recently published young adult books I’ve come across that I liked! The only problem with them was that people in their mid-teens were involved in relationships with the opposite gender, but even that was healthy and wholesome, the way it was done (my sons just didn’t appreciate it!). So, when I was offered The Search & Rescue Files, it appealed to me.

Publisher’s description:

Marlee and Marshall are now students at the Professional Outdoor Guides School, where Sawyer just graduated. Meanwhile, Lydie is busy training a search-and-rescue dog. In this special edition with seven search-and-rescue stories, the Off the Itinerary characters face new adventures (and misadventures). Adrenaline is high as Marlee faces her fears in a cave rescue, a helicopter evacuation, a swift water rescue, and more! Will Marlee trust that her misadventures are part of a greater plan? If you loved Avalanche, Chased, and Ablaze, you won’t want to miss this collection of short stories.

My thoughts:

One of my sons is involved with search and rescue in our local area, so we hear about their operations. My impression was that the scenarios described in Off the Itinerary: The Search & Rescue Files were fairly accurate. I don’t think the teenagers in these stories would have been allowed to join searches like they were, without being full-time members of the local organization, but otherwise, the stories sounded quite plausible. I am waiting for feedback from my son, though!

I liked seeing Marlee a little more grown up than she was in the other books. Her character has grown and matured a lot through the series. Her relationship with Marshall seems quite healthy, and other than the occasional hug or mention that they enjoyed being together, there was no romance, although it is quite clear that they were a couple.

Marlee had things to work through; she had a couple of traumatic experiences that affected the way she related to people and lived life, but she recognized that and worked to overcome the effects of the trauma. In one story, she made a mistake as a leader of a group, and people suffered from it; she had to learn to forgive herself and move on. She did well at praying or asking others to pray before starting off on a hike or a rescue.

The Search & Rescue Files is good for any teenager who loves the outdoors and being in the wilderness. It is also good for people who like to read about rescues or survival. The scenarios described are portrayed in enough detail that if readers happened to find themselves in a similar situation, remembering these stories could save a life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: There are a few life-threatening situations, but nothing graphic. The worst would be a story in which the missing people had been abducted.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 12 – 15
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

With Mercy’s Eyes

January 30, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

30 Jan

Title: With Mercy’s Eyes
Author: D. T. Powell
Major Themes: Homosexuality, Suicide, Death, Grief, Acting
Synopsis: After his husband died in an accident, Lane Harris, a struggling actor in Hollywood, was facing the end of everything he ever had—was there any hope for life to get better?

When the offer of review copies of With Mercy’s Eyes came up, I glanced at the description and decided it was not my style. A few weeks later, the request was sent again, because more reviewers were needed. That time, I read the description more closely and decided I could read and review this one.

Publisher’s description:

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

– – – – – – –

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

My thoughts:

What a story. As soon as I started With Mercy’s Eyes, I had a hard time putting it down. I was quickly drawn into the story of Lane as he floundered in his grief, and faced one blow after another. We lost a son a number of years ago, and since then, I have said that I can’t fathom how people can survive such a loss without knowing God—this author has given me a glimpse into that. My heart hurt for Lane as he headed into a downward spiral, and I had to keep reading to see how he would snap out of it (because the book is fiction, I knew he had to, although in real life the story could easily have ended any other way).

There are so many minor themes in this story, besides the main one. My mom has mentioned some in the email I quoted from below. One I really loved was the contrast between a Christian’s view of death versus someone who has no faith in God. That was encouraging! I loved the simple faith of a child, and how a child can reach people where an adult can’t. While I cringed all the way through the book at the frequent mentions of Lane’s husband, it was good to see how a Christian should respond. There was a conversation about that at one point in the book that I want to find again and read a few more times.

In short, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to minister to people who are caught up in the “alphabet community,” with the caveat that the author’s warnings, printed in the front of the book and repeated below here, are heeded.

From my mom, who received the physical copy of the book before I read it: When I read the back of With Mercy’s Eyes, red flags started shooting up. The first paragraph was a zinger when I realized that it was a man talking about his “husband”! I really wondered what you had gotten into, but felt compelled to read and find out whether the “Biblical” thinking was the way we see it—and it was! This turned out to be quite a read, and I really appreciated it!

If you have the e-copy, you probably have the disclaimer page at the beginning that lists all the probably objectionable scenes and the suggestion that the minimum age of the reader ought to be 25. I appreciated that! The author was reasonably discreet in those passages, but even so, there had to be enough there to make the scenario clear. I also appreciated the discussion of her interpretation of gifts of the Spirit at the end, though I am not sure I altogether agree. She does make the point, though, that we need to heed what the Lord/Bible says about how to legitimately use our gifts, and I appreciated that.

The main character’s downward spiral and the way Vic told her story and used her writing to draw him to Christ are entirely believable! The contrast is also right there about legalistic or hypocritical Christianity and the real thing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: Mostly from the author’s note in the beginning of the book: Homosexuality, suicide and suicidal thoughts (chapters 28, 34, 39, 42, 46, 60, 70, 74, 85, 85, 127), sexual assault (chapters 7, 10, 14), infant loss (chapters 28, 42), terminal illness, death (chapter 1, 137), domestic violence (chapter 6), depression, mentions of abortion (chapter 9), violence (chapters 56, 124). Not recommended for people under 25.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com