Sunday, September 13, 2015

"Scents and Sensibility: A Chet and Bernie Mystery" by Spencer Quinn

A missing safe and with it Bernie's grandfather's watch, possible cactus smuggling, a kidnapping from the past, and a cult are all parts of this new Spencer Quinn novel.What will Chet and Bernie unearth about the crimes, their neighbors, and the missing watch? Come and solve the mysteries alongside these two loveable crime solvers.

This is book eight in the series by Spencer Quinn, featuring Bernie (a private detective) and his dog, Chet. In this installation, Chet and Bernie have just come back from visiting Bernie's girlfriend, when Bernie finds that his wall safe is gone. Whoever took it has his grandfather's watch, one of his most precious possessions. They also find out that the Parsons (next door neighbors) have an illegal cactus in their backyard, and an investigation is underway. What happens when Chet and Bernie get involved? What happens when they get too close?

I love these books and have been a fan since, "Dog On It." It is fun to read a book that is written from the dog's perspective, seeing things people wouldn't normally notice. I like the introduction of "Shooter" this time and the inuendo surrounding his parentage. This book gave me the opportunity to follow the sleuthing, and also to feel how much the characters mean to me. (Pick up the book and you will understand.) If you enjoy books that are fun, written from the perspective of a loveable dog, and let you follow the crime solving, this book is definitely for you. I got a review copy through Net Galley and will now go buy a copy for my library.

Chet The Dog: www.chetthedog.com 
Chet's Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChetTheDog 
Chet the Dog on Twitter @ChetTheDog

Saturday, September 5, 2015

"Israel's Mission Discovery Guide and DVD" Ray Vander Laan

Want to take a walk through some of the most precious places in Israel? Want to know more about God's plan for His people? In this new video lesson series, Ray Vander Laan takes his viewers on an inspirational, educational, and awe inspiring trip through God's plans for His people.

History and culture have a lot to do with what is in the Bible. The settings could be rough, they could be restful. Ray Vander Laan takes a group to the Middle East to explore the history and culture surrounding some of the beloved people/stories of the Bible. Come walk where Abraham and Sarah walked. See how they lived. Look at the parable of the lost sheep/lost coin/prodigal son from a new perspective. And, there is much more. The DVD incorporates active, alive teaching with journeying through the holy land. The study book lets you dive deeper. The topics covered are:
Abraham and Sarah and Three Strangers
Israel at Sinai: The First Great Commission
Jesus Renews His Mission: Seeking the Lost
The Lost Son: In a Far Country
The Seeking Father: The Lost Son Returns

I really enjoyed this DVD and book! My husband and I watched it together, then studied deeper together. It is something that we will watch and explore again. Ray Vander Laan is an excellent teacher and I would love to be in his class! If you enjoy learning, especially from a master teacher, this set is for you. If you want to learn more about Israel's Mission, this set is for you. I received my review copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Tour info
About the DVD:

   
What's your mission?

God gave the assignment to His people thousands of years ago: to bring "lost sheep" back into the love and safety of His kingdom. He said to become a "Kingdom of Priests," and put God on display to show the world what He is like. It's still our task today. In this thirteenth volume of the That the World May Know ® film series, you'll glimpse the urgency and rewards of welcoming the strangers and prodigals the Lord longs to embrace. Discover the mission that can give your life - and the lives of those around you - greater meaning than you ever imagined.

Join renowned teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan as he guides you through the lands of the Bible. In each lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures. Filmed on location in the Middle East and elsewhere, the That the World May Know ® film series will transform your understanding of God and challenge you to be a true follower of Jesus.

Designed for use with That the World May Know: Israel's Mission Discovery Guide.

Filmed on location at these biblically significant sites in Israel and Jordan:
-Back to the Father's House - Negev Desert
-Show Them the Way - Timnah
-Prodigal Sons and Daughters - Qatzrin
-Return from the Far Off Country - Jerash
-Welcome Home - Qatzrin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1KsCFRr
About the author:
Ray Vander Laan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and creator of the Faith Lessons video series with Focus on the Family. An ordained minister, he holds the chair of biblical cultural studies as a religion instructor at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Esther, have four children and fifteen grandchildren.

Find Ray online:
website









Sunday, August 30, 2015

"It's Good to be Queen" by Liz Curtis Higgs

The Queen of Sheba had so much wealth, knowledge, things. But, she had heard of King Solomon's wisdom and glory and had to find out for herself if all of it was true. Come, journey with Sheba as she travels to discover the truth about King Solomon.

The Queen of Sheba was wise, especially when it came to discovering the truth behind the things that were told to her. She sought after the truth, asking all the right questions, travelng as she needed to. It took about three months for her to reach Solomon, and she had a great company and great wealth with her. The visit would last almost as long so that the camels could rest before the return trip, so she brought a fortune with her, not only as a gift for King Solomon, but also to defray the cost of the stay. As she met with Solomon, she discovered that this was a man of immense wealth, but more so, he was the wisest person she had ever met. There was no romance between them, rather a sharing of questions and answers and the one true God. This is a story that will inspire you to be more thoughtful and careful in asking questions, bold questions that can change  your life.

I love Liz Curtis Higgs' books! She always brings real life to her characters and topics. While there isn't a lot written about Sheba in the Bible, Liz Curtis Higgs pulls out meat and shows how important it is to ask questions, deep questions. If you enjoy learning more about the people and times of the Bible, you will enjoy this book. I received my review copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

"Lazarus Awakening" by Joanna Weaver

The full title of this amazing devotional is Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God. It is the third book in Joanna Weaver's "Bethany" trilogy and shows through the life of Lazarus how we can have newness to our lives.

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, friend to Jesus, had died. Jesus physically showed His sadness with tears, but then raised Lazarus from the dead. How can this apply to our lives? In this new devotional, Joanna Weaver lovingly looks at Scripture and shows how God loves us as He did Lazarus. We all have a place in God's heart, but many times blockages happen to make us feel that we are alone. Through devotionals like, "When Love Tarries," "Tomb Dwelling, and "Unwinding Graveclothes," she shows powerful examples of how God's love is shown and is there for the taking. 

I really like Joanna Weaver's devotionals. They are practical and life-changing, and this one is no different. I especially enjoyed the bonus material in each chapter; one of my favorites being, "Hurts, Hang-Ups, and Habits." I also like the Study Guide and Appendixes at the end of the book. If you enjoy devotionals that encourage you in your walk with Christ, this one is for you. I received my review copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

"Sherlock Holmes Devotional" by Trisha Priebe

Sherlock Holmes, a beloved fictional detective who could always uncover the solution to a crime. Using practical and observational knowledge, he put the pieces together to find the answers. Could this same logic be used to study the Bible? Come along and find out!

In this wonderful devotional, Trisha Priebe brings Holmes to life in a Biblical setting. Readers are not only treated to some of Sherlock Holmes' best moments, but they are tied in to practical Bible study. Devotional titles include: "The Art of Listening," "A Study in Silence," "The Not-So-Humble Holmes," and "Person of Interest." These studies will not only help readers delve deeper into the Scriptures, but will also bring out some of the Sherlock Holmes found in all of us.

I really enjoyed this book and will continue to pick it up. Having always enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes stories, this was a no-brainer to pick up. But, I did wonder how it would all work. It is really neat to apply the skills we can find in Holmes to my study of the Bible. If you enjoy a devotional that challenges you and helps you to dig, this one is for you. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

"The Behemoth Dinosaur in the Land of Uz" by Maryluz Guerrero Salas

In this story, Job is a youngster who has a pet dinosaur named Dippy. Job likes to teach things, like sharing, but Dippy presents some problems along the way. The story follows Job and Dippy as even Dippy learns that sharing the fruit and vegetables is the best way.

While this is a cute story, it is written in both English and Spanish
, which can make the reading confusing. There are also some grammatical errors that probably resulted from translating from the Spanish version. I liked the drawings because they look like they were done by children, so children would be easily drawn into the story.

I wish I liked the book more because I think it was written with wonderful intentions, and I love studying and reading about dinosaurs. I also think the story may work better in Spanish. I received my review copy from Book Look in exchange for an honest review.

"Believe Kids' Edition" Randy Frazee General Editor

How to Think, Act, and Be like Jesus - what an awesome goal for each of us! In this new book, children are given a step-by-step guide to help them in their daily walk with God. They will develop the reasons for believing what they believe.

Parents work diligently to teach their children about God. Going to church, reading the Bible, and giving them their own Bible are some of the tools that parents use. This new book is written from a kids' perspective and helps them go through the steps of learning the "why's" to their beliefs. Each lesson has a Key Question, a Key Idea, a Key Verse, something to think about, a lesson, and then ends with Discussion Questions. The format allows each child to study on their own, or study with their parents. It is designed to help give them the foundation for things like: having a personal relationship with God, what compassion is, what is worship?, information about spiritual gifts, and how to share their faith. Each lesson also has wonderful drawings to draw the reader into the story. The Scripture passages are written out with the reference, so that you can read from your chosen Bible version as well as the NIV.

I really like this book and will be incorporating parts of it into my Children's Church ministry. It is interesting, written so that kid's will be able to read and understand, and I love that it takes things step-by-step through how to "Think, Act, and Be Like Jesus." If you are a parent looking for a good study guide for your child(ren), a children's ministry leader, or anyone who likes to keep a library for visiting children, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Book Look in exchange for an honest review.

"Rise of the Fallen" by Chuck Black

Validus is an angel, the least among them. He was always ready to fight for the Lord, but didn't think it would happen. There were so many others! But, over time, Validus had seen so much war between demons and angels, that when he got the chance to lead, he did it well. He became respected as a leader. But then there was another job he was called to do, something he thought was menial. Was Validus right in feeling demoted, or was there a much higher purpose for his life?

Validus was a good leader. He didn't ask any of the angels in his command to do anything he wouldn't do. Together they fought many battles against demons, but, then a change was made. Validus was called to be the guard of one man; and unbeliever at that. Why was he taken from the important task of fighting the demons? Why was he demoted? As Validus worked to protect Drew, he found that there was more to this man than he had thought and he was an extremely important person. Would Validus be able to keep Drew safe from the forces that wanted to destroy him? What was so important about Drew? Would he ever become a believer?

The battle between good and evil always provides a great backdrop for a story, and this one is no different. I really like the character of Validus and felt like I got to know him. The author draws in his readers by providing a good story with fleshed out characters. If you enjoy stories that deal with the battle of good vs. evil, angels vs. demons, this book is for you! I received my review copy from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, July 13, 2015

"Tattered and Mended" by Cynthia Ruchti

Repair, mend, fix - terms used to deal with something that is tattered or torn. Lives can be tattered and torn causing them to need to be mended. In her new book, Cynthia Ruchti uses examples of repaired artwork to demonstrate how lives can also be mended. 
It's a worthless and can't be repaired! That's too tattered and scarred to be useful! Words that can be said about things and about lives. What is seemingly useless to one person, is a gem to another. Cynthia Ruchti uses objects to show how a broken life can be repaired and made to shine. God doesn't give up on us. Instead He encourages and remakes those broken lives. Feeling broken, discouraged, battered? Christ wants to help you heal and this book may just be what you need.

I really enjoyed the parallels Cynthia Ruchti makes with "things" and lives. It is easy to overlook something because of a scrape or a tear, and it is easy to overlook a person with a scar. This book will make you look at your life and see how God can mend (has mended), and that the ability to mend should be shared with others. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.


Book info

About the book:
Tattered and Mended: The Art of Healing the Wounded Soul(Abingdon, July 2015)

A crumbling statue. A torn tapestry. A discolored painting.

Artisans can reclaim exquisite beauty from the broken, frayed, and hopefully shattered---perhaps once thought beyond repair. But what about us? What of the wounds that keep us from living the life we want to live?

In Tattered and Mended, readers walk through a gallery of reclaimed and restored art as well as broken and restored lives of those who have gone before us. With a gentle touch and personable wisdom, Cynthia Ruchti shows how even the most threadbare soul can once again find healing and hope.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1H8k2LE
About the author:
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories "hemmed in hope." She's the award-winning author of sixteen books and a frequent speaker for women's ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.

Find Cynthia online: websiteTwitterFacebook
 Blog Tour Schedule


Saturday, July 11, 2015

"Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor" by Melanie Dobson

Secrets, mystery, a mysterious death, family turmoil, anger, and resentment all combine to form the storyline of Melanie Dobson's new book, "Shadows fo Ladenbrooke Manor." Come along with Heather Toulson and uncover the mysteries hidden for over sixty years.

Heather was in love with a man who left her, but not before she found out she was pregnant. Desperate and afraid, she marries Walter Doyle but doesn't tell him she is pregnant. Thus begin her acts of deception. Her daughter is born, and Libby is a handful from the start. With a father who is a postman and a mother who works as a housekeeper at Ladenbrooke Manor, Libby finds it easy to meet Oliver, heir to Ladenbrooke Manor. This is a scandal, especially when people believe they care about each other, and Oliver drowns. Was it an accident or was it murder? Libby finds out she is pregnant and has a daughter, Heather. Readers will then take a time jump to pick up Heather later in her life. She is divorced, her daughter is now married, and her parents have just died. What will she find when she goes to clean, empty, and prepare their house? What secrets will come to life? Who will be there to catch her when so many truths hit the light of day? Readers will be kept reading trying to figure out all the mysterious secrets of Ladenbrooke Manor.

I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It has mystery, romance, possible murder, family problems, and other twists and turns that kept me reading. If you enjoy books with stories that seem real, characters who are fleshed out, and are page turners; this book is for you. I received my copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.
Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor 
by Melanie Dobson    
Mystery
Howard Books  

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents' cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.
Libby, a free spirit who can't be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft ofLadenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver's death.
Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family's cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She's mourning her father's passing but can't let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family's belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family's history.
Award-winning author Melanie Dobson seamlessly weaves the past and present together, fluidly unraveling the decades-old mystery and reveals how the characters are connected in shocking ways.
Set in a charming world of thatched cottages, lush gardens, and lovely summer evenings, this romantic and historical mystery brings to light the secrets and heartaches that have divided a family for generations.
Praise for Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor
Dobson handles sensitive issues with tact, careful to avoid too much detail but remaining honest. Mysteries are solved, truths revealed, and loves rekindled in a book sure to draw new fans to Dobson's already large base.
    ~ Publishers Weekly
How far do patterns of behavior echo through generations? Are they passed down through a family's DNA --- or through choices subtly modeled by one parent after another? 'Armchair psychologists' will love how Dobson tackles these intriguing questions in this past-meets-present page-turner, and Anglophiles will find the manor, cottage and butterfly garden settings irresistible. Perfect with a pot of English tea!
    ~ Christian Book Distributors

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Share this tour with your friends!  
     
Curl up with hot tea and a good book. @Litfuse looking for readers for @MelBDobson's newest mystery.http://bit.ly/1DJSpZV
 Meet the Author
Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of 14 historical romance, suspense and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana in 2010.

Dobson received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She worked in publicity and journalism for more than 15 years, including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel. Prior to launching her own public relations company in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family.

Dobson and her husband, Jon, enjoy living in the Pacific Northwest with their two daughters. When she isn't writing or playing with her family, Dobson enjoys exploring ghost towns, line dancing and reading historical fiction.

Find Melanie onlinewebsiteFacebookTwitter  

Saturday, June 27, 2015

"Zoo" by James Patterson

What if the animals of the world began attacking the human population? What if that happened all over the world from savannahs to zoos to homes to city streets. This is the premise of "Zoo" by James Patterson. Pick it up, if you dare!

Jackson Oz is a biologist who knows there is something wrong with the animals. His theory, HAC: Human: Animal Conflict, is being ridiculed by most people. But then things start happening that can't be ignored. While there are still sceptics, some people do come around and try working on the problem. Will they discover what is causing the abberrant animal behavior? Will they get people to pay attention? Will any of this be in time to save mankind?

I really enjoyed this book and read it in a few hours. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what would happen next. If you enjoy books that pull you in right away and keep you guessing about what is coming, this book is for you. While some of it is predictable, it is well worth the read. 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

"A Horse in the Wilderness" by Debbie Eckles

Brent Travis is a schoolteacher who has come to Orchard Springs, Arkansas to get away from the people who had hurt him. Autumn Parker wants to move into the house her parents rent out, but it is rented. Add to their troubles vandalism, a missing horse, and a missing boy, and you have situations that draw these two together. Will their problems be resolved?

Brent wants a clean start. Too many Christians have hurt him and he just doesn't trust them anymore. He relocates to teach and rents a home from the Parkers. Autumn Parker had wanted to move in there, but finds out Brent is there. Collision of wills? Add to the story a missing horse and a missing child and you have a story full of interesting people and occurrances. Will Brent's heart begin to heal, and will he be able to trust again? Where does Autumn fit in? What about the horse and the boy? Pick up the book to learn the answers to all these questions and more.

This was an interesting book and I liked the characters. If you are looking for a book that has you guessing and smiling along the way, this book is for you. If you enjoy stories with horses, nice characters, and God's moving in lives, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Book Look in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

"Every Father's Daughter" by Margaret McMullan

Fathers and daughters have a magical connection that trancends the years. In this new collection of essays, readers are treated to the in's and out's of these relationships that can travel some winding roads.

Relationships between any two people will have their up's and down's, but fathers and daughters almost always end up together in the end. In this new book, twenty four women open up to readers about the relationship they had with their dads. Some were work-a-holics, some absent for stretches of time, some had difficult problems to overcome. All remember fond memories and the lessons learned from the man who held their heart. Through the good and bad experiences, these women give readers a picture of love, perseverance, loyalty, and devotion.

What a book! No, not every father daughter relationship is perfect or even ends up well, but there are always lessons to be learned. This book will remind readers of that significant point. This is a book for anyone who wants to learn more about the father-daughter relationship and the impact it has on both lives. I received my review copy from Pr by the Book for participation in their blog tour. It is a great book!

Every Father's Daughter
Twenty-four Women Writers Remember Their Fathers
Selected and Presented by Margaret McMullan
With an Introduction by Phillip Lopate
302 pages, 6 x 9 hardcover
978-1-62054-013-8, $29.95
Publication date: April 9, 2015


“What is it about the relationship between fathers and daughters that provokes so much exquisite tenderness, satisfying communion, longing for more, idealization from both ends, followed often if not inevitably by disappointment, hurt, and the need to understand and forgive, or to finger the guilt of not understanding and loving enough?” writes Phillip Lopate, in his introduction to Every Father's Daughter,a collection of 25 personal essays by women writers writing about their fathers. The editor, Margaret McMullan, is herself a distinguished novelist and educator. About half of these essays were written by invitation for this anthology; others were selected by Ms. McMullan and her associate, Philip Lopate, who provides an introduction. The contributors include many well-known writers—Alice Munro, Jayne Anne Phillips, Alexandra Styron, Ann Hood, Bobbie Ann Mason, Maxine Hong Kingston, among others—as well as writers less well-known but no less cogent, inventive, perceptive, lacerating, questioning, or loving of their fathers.

KIRKUS REVIEWS 1/18/2015:
A collection of essays on the father-daughter dynamic. Editor and novelist McMullan (Literature and Writing/Univ. of Evansville; Sources of Light, 2010, etc.) presents 24 ways of "knowing" one's father by accomplished, independent daughters, each with a folksy introduction to help situate the relationship in place and time. For many of these authors, the father was a tall, handsome, impossibly romantic character in the family, removed from the quotidian, often remote, and whose approval the daughters tried to maintain. In a twist on this theme, Jane Smiley writes how ultimately relieved she was not to know her father—who perhaps suffered from PTSD and divorced her mother when the author was a toddler—because his absence allowed her the space to grow up "free of preconceptions." Some of the contributors offer reminiscences following their fathers' deaths—e.g., Jill McCorkle in "My Dad." In "My Father's Daughter," Bliss Broyard fills in a deeper portrait of her philandering, brilliant, bookish father by talking to his lively, lifelong best friends in Greenwich Village, concluding ruefully that she should have paid more attention to her father when he was alive. Melora Wolff offers an excellent view of the glamorous world of visiting fathers from the first-person, plural view of young ladies at New York City's Brearley School, while Barbara Shoup describes her father's vanishing into alcoholism in her excruciating essay "Waiting for My Father." Throughout, fathers often represent the world of work, whether in the "special places" like the gambling house that Maxine Hong Kingston describes in "The American Father" or the sacred writing den that was strictly off limits to boisterous children, as depicted in Alexandra Styron's "Reading My Father." Other contributors include Jayne Anne Phillips, Antonya Nelson, Ann Mason and Alice Munro, and Phillip Lopate provides the introduction. Consistently elucidating portraits.

From the Foreword by Margaret McMullan
“After my father died, I couldn’t read or write, perhaps because, in the end, my father was unable to read or write. I didn’t know it then, but I was looking for a collection of intensely personal essays, written by great women writers telling me about their fathers and how they came to know their fathers, a collection which might help me make some kind of sense of my own very close relationship with my father. I wanted to know from women, replacement sisters, if they had similar relationships with their fathers as I had with mine. Or, if their relationships were altogether different, I wanted to know how exactly these relationships were different. I wanted to know if the fact that my father was southern had anything to do with anything. I suppose, more than anything, I just wanted to know that I wasn’t alone in my love, my loss, my loneliness. I wanted to read this anthology, but it did not exist. Writers write the book they want to read. Editors do the same. This book came out of a need, my own, personal, selfish need.
“Eventually, I contacted the authors I loved and admired—some of them friends, some of them friends of my father’s. I never wanted this to feel like an assignment, but I suppose it was. I simply asked these women to tell me about their fathers. They took it from there. For some authors, the idea of writing about a father just clicked, and they wrote their essays, often within days of the request. We all have stories about our fathers, even if it’s a bad story or a non-story, it’s a story. If you write, you will read these essays and feel the need to write your own.
“I kept my father’s tastes very much in mind during the difficult but joyful process of selecting essays for this book. This collection reflects my father, and, of course, other fathers as well. These essays are a sort of collage or mosaic of fatherhood and all the ways daughters communicate or don’t with their fathers. Of course, there’s a long list of wonderful women writers not included here—this anthology really should extend itself into another volume.”

Margaret McMullan is the author of six award-winning novels including Aftermath Lounge, In My Mother’s House, Sources of Light, How I Found the Strong, and When I Crossed No-Bob. Her stories and essays have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Ploughshares, Southern Accents, TriQuarterly, Michigan Quarterly Review, and The Sun, among several other journals and anthologies. She has received an NEA Fellowship in literature and a Fulbright award to teach at the University of Pécs in Pécs, Hungary. She currently holds the Melvin M. Peterson Endowed Chair in Literature and Writing at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

"A Friend in Me" by Pam Lau

Too many times older women are separated from younger women not just by age, but by fear or the differences we find in music, books, etc. But that shouldn't be! All women share a special bond and it is up to the older women to set an example of love and friendship, and to become a "safe haven" for younger women. Are you having trouble on either side of this coin? This book is for you.

Yes, they're different. They probably like different music, clothing and hair styles, etc. But, they are still women and are in a place older women have been before. It is time to break down the barriers and befriend the younger women, not with a pushy attitude, but with grace, gentleness, and example. When we seek God and ask Him to direct every aspect of our lives, HE will open the doors and offer the opportunities. We who are older simply need to follow His lead. Friendship is hard anytime, but it is so worth the work. Mentoring requires time and effort, but the product is amazing. Reach out to other women today and see how your life will change.

I really enjoyed this book. I am an older woman and enjoy being around my younger friends. It wasn't always easy, but I was on the other side too. This book makes sense and offers gentle helps on how to be the friend and mentor God wants you to be. So, if you are a woman seeking to be the best friend you can be, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.




Book info

About the book:
A Friend in Me (David C. Cook, June 2015)

Young women long for relational connection with women further ahead of them on the journey. Yet, without realizing it, many of us tend to distance ourselves from those in younger generations.

Can we really have close relationships with women who have different thoughts on church, different experiences with family, and different ways of talking about God? Where do we start?

In A Friend in Me, Pam Lau shows you how to be a safe place for the younger women in your life. She offers five patterns women need to internalize and practice for initiating relationships and talking about issues such as faith, forgiveness, sexuality, and vocation. Most significantly, she reminds you that there doesn't need to be a divide between generations of women. Together, we can have a global impact---and experience a deeper faith than we've ever known.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RXNAmd
About the author:
Pam Lau is the author of Soul Strength and numerous articles for such publications as Christian Scholar's Review and Christianity Today. She has taught writing at George Fox University and speaks around the country at conferences and retreats. A graduate of Liberty University and Colorado State University, Lau lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three daughters.


Find Pamela online: websiteTwitter
 Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 8, 2015

"The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest" by Melanie Dickerson

A female Robin Hood who is also a teacher. A man whose job is to hunt down and stop poachers however he needs to. Jorgen and Odette, two people drawn together, yet inevitably pushed apart. Who will win the battle?

Odette loves the people in her village. She teaches the children, she knows their needs. So by night, she hunts. The problem is that she hunts on the margrave's land and that is against the law. Enter Jorgen, a man who really hates poachers because one killed the man who raised him, the man who had his job before him. Little do these two know that they are on opposite sides of the law when they meet at a community festival. Little does Odette know that the children she hunts for are not getting the meat. What will happen when the black market is exposed? What will happen when Jorgen and Odette realize who the other is? This wonderful story will pull you in until you know the answers to all your questions.

I really enjoyed this book. It was familiar, yet different; a fairy-tale with a twist. I found myself feeling all kinds of emotions as I read - excitement, happiness, anger, and hope. If you enjoy books that are purely fiction and fun with a twist of adventure and danger, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the Book Sneeze program in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

"Detained" by Don Brown

Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp, Cuba; two Lebanese nationals accused of treason, and Navy JAG officer Matt Davis - these are the pieces of Don Brown's newest novel in his "Navy JAG" series. When Matt is challenged with defending these two, he is faced with the challenge of his career. What will he find? Are the Makaris guilty?

Matt Davis enjoys his job as a Navy JAG officer. He is able to fight for justice and truth, but that is tested when he is tasked with defending two men accused of terrorism. Amy Debenedetto, the woman he loves and fellow JAG officer, is tasked with prosecuting them. How will they overcome the obstacles placed in their paths?  Hasan and Najib Makari came to America for freedom, but instead found themselves arrested, charged with treason, and thrown into Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Now they are fighting for their lives with a lawyer they don't know nor trust. Will Matt and the Makaris be able to put their differences away and work together for their freedom? Will they be proven guilty or innocent? Reading this book will definitely push you to fight for one side or the other.

Don Brown weaves a facinating, suspenseful tale. His characters are fully fleshed out, and he pulls his readers in so that they feel for the characters. This book will have you learning a little about what JAG officers do and why they do it. I enjoyed reading the story and definitely want to read more. If you enjoybooks with suspense and the law, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Book Look in exchange for an honest review.
 

"The 11th Demon" by Bruce Hennigan

Jonathan is a demon hunter and he loves to hunt and annihilate them. They have taken so much from him, from the people he cares about. But now he has new motivation - a new partner and the nephew of his mentor. What will protecting them cost him?

Jonathan Steel hunts demons, but not because it is his calling. He does it because he is trying to find out about his past and protect those around him. He has defeated two but now there is another one rising in an attempt to stop his quest. One of the demons Jonathan killed was the husband of Vivian Darbonne, and she is out for revenge. She wants the world to descend into chaos so that it takes out everyone, not just Jonathan. Both Jonathan and Vivian are searching for the Ark of the Demon Rose, which will yield the owner power over the Council of Darkness. Will someone find the Ark or will it stay hidden? What are the consequences? Will this be the end of Jonathan's demon hunting? Open the pages of this book and find yourself in another world that will give you the answers.

This is the third installment in Mr. Hennigan's "Jonathan Steel Chronicles," and I will now go and read the other two! The characters and their engagements pulled me right in and I found myself caring about the outcome. Do I want more? YES! If you like supernatural tales of good versus evil, especially those set in a series, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the BookLook Program in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, April 27, 2015

"The Inn at Ocean's Edge" by Colleen Coble

A new series (Sunset Cove novels) by Colleen Coble begins with "The Inn at Ocean's Edge." An Inn - a name that makes us picture peacful relaxation, safety, and nostalgia. That is what Claire Dellamare was looking for when she went to the Inn at Ocean's Edge. What she found made her think she was losing her mind.

As Claire looked back on her life, her childhood seemed like a fairy tale, perfect in every way. Now it was time for a little time away and she settled on the Inn at Ocean's Edge. It was a celebration and she had the perfect place. BUT, once inside the Inn, Claire is uncomfortable and full of dread. She knew something was wrong, but not what. Then she witnessed what she thought was a murder, but there was no evidence. Was she going crazy? Was this all a product of her mind? Luke Elwell was on leave and heard the story. It connected with him because his mother had gone missing years ago and no one ever found out what happened. Was it connected to what Claire had "seen?" Together, Claire and Luke work to unravel the mysteries and remain safe at the same time. Come follow the twists and turns of Colleen Coble's newest novel and discover the answers to what, if anything, happened at the Inn at Ocean's Edge!

I love Colleen Coble's writing. Her books immediately draw me in with interesting stories and well developed characters. This book was no different. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else comes along to provide that extra twist or turn. If you enjoy novels that contain mystery, suspense, and a love story, then this book is for you. I received my review copy for participation in the Litfuse Blog Tour.


The Inn at Ocean's Edge 
by Colleen Coble    
Romance/Suspense
Thomas Nelson
Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson are teaming up with Colleen Coble to get theword out about book one, TheInn at Ocean's Edge, in her newest series Sunset Cove.

A vacation to Sunset Cove was her way of celebrating and thanking her parents. After all, Claire Dellamore's childhood was like a fairytale. But with thehelp of Luke Elwell, Claire discovers that fairytale was really an elaborate lie . . .

The minute she steps inside the grand Inn at Ocean's Edge, Claire Dellamare knows something terrible happened there. She feels it in her bones. Her ensuing panic attack causes a scene, upsetting her parents. Claire attempts to quiet her nerves with a walk on the beach, to no avail. She's at too great a distance to make out details, but she believes she witnesses a murder on a nearby cliff. When local police find no evidence of foul play, they quickly write off the "nervous" woman's testimony as less than credible.

But Luke Elwell, home on leave from the Coast Guard, has reason to believe Claire. Years ago when his mother went missing, Luke's father suspected she'd been murdered. He died never having convinced the police to investigate. So when an employee of the grand hotel doesn't show up for work, Luke steps in to help Claire track down the missing woman.

As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.
 
 
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 Meet the Author
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has sold over 2 million novels worldwide. Her romantic suspense novels including Tidewater Inn,Rosemary Cottage, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.Visit her website atwww.colleencoble.com Twitter:@colleencoble Facebook:colleencoblebooks