"Vixen" by Jillian Larkin

The Roaring 20's, radically different from today. Really? Are people or their choices really different today, or is it the day in which we are living. Seventeen seems to be the age of stretching and reaching beyond the bounds, and that is true for Gloria Carmody, Lorraine Dyer, and Clara Knowles. While Gloria and Lorraine come from the privileged life of Chicago, Lorraine grew up in PA, but ran away to NYC. The three are brought together for the upcoming wedding of Gloria to Sebastian Grey. But when illegal activities like drinking and the speakeasy life beckon; or unheard of relationships like those between a black man and a white woman or the opportunity for a relationship with a gangster come into focus, what will their choices be? "Vixen" will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more!

I had the privilege to read "Vixen" as part of Barnes & Noble's First Look Group. Jillian Larkin has a hit on her hands with this YA novel, a novel that will appeal to readers of all ages. Her study of the time period and attention to detail transported me to the time of flappers and speakeasies. Her characters are real, as are the situations they find themselves in. I found myself cheering, booing, and becoming teary-eyed while reading. This is a great book for young adults, as well as those not quite "young" anymore, and for reading/discussion groups. There are three promised in The Flappers series, with "Ingenue" coming out in August 2011, and after that "Diva." Not only will it be difficult to wait for "Ingenue" to come out, but I hope there will be more than three in the series! Well done, Jillian!

"Heaven is for Real" - audio version - by Ted Bumpo

Writing this book, "Heaven is for Real," must have been a challenge for Ted Burpo. After all, he had lived it. He and his wife had almost lost his son. Colton was four years old when he was misdiagnosed after his appendix burst and poison spilled into his body unchecked for days. They thought they would lose him. Thankfully, God had other plans. Once, healed, Colton began to tell his parents about heaven and what he saw there. It came out at odd times and in short spurts. While everything was matter of fact to Colton - the "markers" on Jesus, the angels singing, meeting his great grandfather and unborn sister, etc. - it was anything but to his parents. This story should bring hope and wonder to everyone who hears it.

I had the privilege of reviewing this audio book through the Oasis Audio Review Program.As a listener, I was totally drawn into the story with its roller coaster ride of emotions. There is a difference between reading a book and hearing the characters in your mind, and actually hearing a participant in the events read it to you. It was easy for me to hear the pain and anguish of a parent, the wonder and amazement of a child, and the hope and spirit of a Christian whose view of Heaven is expanded and renewed. This audio book would be a wonderful choice for anyone who is traveling; a great choice for families to listen to and discuss together; and as a choice for book discussion groups.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this audiobook free from Oasis Audio as part of their Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"To Fetch a Thief" by Spencer Quinn

Chet and Bernie are on the trail of a missing elephant and her trainer, but much more comes to play as their investigation unfolds. There are exotic animals showing up in odd places, a circus going down in ruin, a soon to be ex-husband complicating their case with vengeance of his own, and then there is Suzie Sanchez; all pieces in this third installment of the hit series by Spencer Quinn. Chet, the canine member of the Little Detective Agency, narrates the story. The elephant goes missing and as the investigation heats up, Leda is stalked. Who is stalking her and what does it have to do with the case? How is Marvin Winkleman involved and what is his double standard? How will things end up for Bernie and Suzie? The many twists and turns in this story will keep you reading and asking for more. Come find out more about Chet, Bernie, Suzie, Popo, and Peanut as their story unfolds.

"To Fetch a Thief" is another hit from Spencer Quinn. I love reading the story from Chet's point of view. The writing in interesting and the characters are captivating. I can't wait for the next installment and recommend the entire series to anyone who loves animals and mysteries. The other two books out already are, "Dog On It," and "Thereby Hangs a Tail." You also might want to check out Chet's website at: http://www.chetthedog.com/

"Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo w/ Lynn Vincent

He's just a little boy, only four years old. Could he really have visited heaven and come back to tell us about it? Colton and his family had gone on vacation to try to relieve some of the stress of his father's illnesses. But Colton ends up in the hospital with an emergency appendectomy. It gets worse as he has to undergo another surgery a week later. Thankfully he recovers and the family is on the road again. Colton relays some interesting information to his family about angels singing to him and sitting in the lap of Jesus while his father was praying and his mother was on the phone. How could he have known that? He also talks about other things he sees in Heaven (like Jesus' red "markers," gem/crown colors, wings) leading the family to wonder just what happened to Colton during surgery. This story is amazing.

This wonderful story gave me goosebumps as I read it. Did Colton really experience these things? I don't know. Some people may say that he is just repeating things he has heard in Sunday School, church, and at home. But I do know this, Heaven is for real! I recommend this book to people who love inspirational tales and will be giving it as gifts. Thank you to the Book Sneeze program for the opportunity to review this book!

"Face of Betrayal" by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

A missing Senate page, a grieving family, a Senator, a stalker, and more await you in "Face of Betrayal" by Lis Wiehl. The main conflict of the story is that of Katie Converse, a high school senior and Senate Page. She left her home to walk the dog and never came back. What happened to her? While following this story, we meet the women of the "Triple Threat Club," a police officer, a reporter, and a federal prosecutor. Each has her own life with its problems, and we get to see their vulnerabilities as Katie's story unfolds. The intriguing story also leads to a homeless man and his daughter who have been living in the park for about two years. Do they have anything to do with what happened to Katie? Who is stalking Allison? What will happen with Rick and Cassidy? What about Nicole? And, how does Katie's story end? This fast-paced book will keep you guessing to the end.

What a great book! I love crime stories, but especially those that entwine the lives of the investigators and bystanders into them. This book filled all the requirements and, while I had a suspect at the beginning, I didn't know for sure until the end. Hats off to Lis Wiehl and April Henry. It was interesting to find more than one "Face of Betrayal."  I can't wait to get a copy of "Hand of Fate."

"Deeply, Desperately" by Heather Webber

A missing woman, a lost love, and complicated romances are just part of "Deeply, Desperately" by Heather Webber. Lucy Valentine is working hard to start her own portion of the family match-making business. She is also working hard at keeping Sean (the man she loves) at a safe distance due to the family "curse." But, will that last? She is also getting threatening letters from someone. While the police are investigating, she still worries. Who is behind the letters and do they mean her harm? Come join Lucy as she works to find lost items and people in this latest "Lucy Valentine" novel.

I enjoyed reading this book as much as the first installment, "Truly, Madly." It is a fun, sometimes comical read with lots of real detective work thrown in. So, if you like to mix up your reading, why not add this latest novel by Heather Webber. You just might find yourself smiling and laughing as much as me.

"A Suitor for Jenny" by Margared Brownley

"Where men and women are concerned, there's no such thing as a perfect match," he said. "There's only a God match." pg. 68
"The Bible says that no matter your plans, it's the Lord's plan that prevails." pg. 175

Rocky Creek, TX, will never be the same. "Colonel" Jenny Higgins loves her sisters and promised her father she would take care of them, so she brought them to Rocky Creek to find husbands. Can manuals give the right advice in husband selection? Or should they consult God and His plans for their lives? And, what would happen to all of Jenny's plans if her sisters followed their own hearts and strayed from her carefully laid path? Jenny is also alone, but feels certain she can take care of herself and doesn't need a husband. Until Rhett steps into her path. Will love find a way, or will the past haunt both of them? "Guilt was more isolating than prison bars, self-punishment the worst possible kind." pg. 306

I was privileged to receive a copy of this book through the Book Sneeze program, and totally enjoyed it. The cover was the first thing to draw me in, then the cast of colorful characters and scenes carried me along to the end. I was cheering for all of them, wondering how each bit of the story would be worked out. I had never read anything by Margaret Brownley, but am now a big fan. Her books are on my gift and recommendation lists!