"Storm Warning" by Billy Graham

Today headlines scream to us about various destructive actions of nature (earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, etc.), the banging for angry drums between countries, worry over the stock market and monetary systems around the world, and so many other negative things that impact our lives that it is hard to find something positive in our day. "Storm Warning" helps explain what is going on in relation to what the Bible has to say. Rev. Graham points out that first, man needs to accept salvation through Christ to provide security for the future, then he can understand what is happening. Rev. Graham took the time to update his original book to be reflective of today's concerns, and then also explains about the "four horsemen of the Apocalypse."

 

I enjoyed reading this book. It is heavy, intense, and thought provoking, but also full of explanation. I was drawn into Rev. Graham's descriptions of his crusades in Germany, etc. It was fascinating to read about those open doors and the many people who accepted Christ as their Savior. While I have studied and heard many messages about the four horsemen, I also found myself drawn into his descriptions of the end times. This book is for anyone who wants to understand more about the dilemmas occurring around them and the Biblical solutions available to all. It would be great for book discussion groups.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larssen

This novel begins with the Wennerstrom scandal and works its way into the Vangar family secrets. Throughout the maze of crime and passion, two characters work to uncover the truth. Lisbeth Salander and Mikail Blomkvist, unlikely companions, find themselves drawn into not only one missing person's case, but also into industrial espionage. While both cases are separate, Salander and Blomkvist work together on the solutions.  There are many twists and turns to the climax of each case. What they find can tear them apart or bring them together. It might even be the death of them.

I had a very hard time getting into this novel, probably because there were so many people to try to keep track of. But, I was determined to keep trying because of the recommendations I had been given. It finally caught my attention about a third of the way in and by the half way point, I couldn't put it down! While I did figure out parts, there were twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I will eventually read the other two books in the series, which means, I guess I am hooked too.

"The Map of True Places" by Brunonia Barry

"It is not down in any map; true places never are."
                                   --Herman Melville

"The Map of True Places" is a wonderfully woven tale of love, loss, and finding where you belong. Zee is a psychologist working to help people understand and change unhealthy behaviors. She is also dealing with a mother who committed suicide, a gay father with Parkinson's Disease which is adding Alzheimer's to its repertoire, an engagement that doesn't seem to fit, and learning to be a caregiver. With all of this and more going on,  Zee works to find her "true place."  Why does she feel guilty about Lily, and who is following her?

I really enjoyed this book! Brunonia Barry did a lot of research and produced a believable story that held my attention all the way through. There is a decidedly nautical theme with each section introduced by interesting navigation information, and has a setting that moves around the Boston/Salem area of MA. There were times I was cheering for the characters, and moments when I was sad or worried. Individuals and groups alike will enjoy the story and the interesting facts and tidbits woven throughout. You really should take the time to come meet Zee, Mattei, Finch, Melville, Jessina, and Hawke. They, and others, have a story to tell.

"The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" by Alan Bradley

"Unless some sweetness at the bottom lie,
Who cares for all the crinkling of the pie?" pg. 419

Flavia is an eleven year old girl with a huge imagination, a gift for chemistry, and a love of "solving." She lives at Buckshaw with her father and two sisters (Ophelia - 17 y.o., and Daphne - 13 y.o.). After a dead bird is found by their door and a dead body in the garden, Flavia sets out to solve the crime. Did someone in her own house do this? If so, who? If not, who acted unnoticed around them? Flavia calls on all of her knowledge to puzzle out pieces to the puzzle. But, will she figure it out in time? Will she be found out?

I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. While it was hard to think of an eleven year old working through some of these scientific puzzles, it was also intriguing to step into her mind. It was fun to read about her process for extracting poisons from plants. The characters are fun, and the story drew me in. If you haven't read a fun mystery lately, this is the book for you! I hope it becomes a series so that I can follow her exploits!

"Forget Me Not" by Vicki Hinze

Kelly is carjacked, attacked, and left for dead. She has amnesia and the only clues to who she is are a cross necklace and a business card. Thankfully, she still has her faith in God. Ben lost his wife and son to a murderous shooter three years ago, along with his faith in God. They meet through the Crossroads Crisis Center, and when they meet, there are fireworks. What is the tie between them? What is NINA? Can Kelly remember who she is before it is too late? Murder, amnesia, NINA, and more suspenseful moments await you as you open "Forget Me Not" by Vicki Hinze.

I won this book through the "Summer Suspense Giveaway" at WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers, and am so glad I did. It is a murder mystery filled with suspenseful twists and turns that kept me reading. It is a great read and is for anyone who loves suspense! I will definitely look for more books by Ms. Hinze.

"The Heart Mender" by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews writes a beautiful story of love and the process of forgiveness. As the story begins, we are introduced to two people destined to meet. Josef is in the German Navy against his will. Helen is angry with everyone because of the death of her husband in the war. Can each help the other forgive the ravages of war? The characters and story line immediately draw the reader in and push you to keep reading until the end. Is the story truth, fiction, or a mixture of both? Readers everywhere will decide that for themselves.

I received this complementary copy of the book as part of the "Book Sneeze" program at Thomas Nelson Publishers.  It has definitely made it to my favorites shelf!  The characters, setting, and story were realistic and the plot was believable. It is a great gift book for the broken-hearted; will lead to great discussions as a book group selection; and is wonderful for personal spiritual growth. Here is one of my favorite passages from the book.

"Warming to the thought, Margaret asked, "Billy, where is it written that for one person to forgive another, the offender must ask for forgiveness? Where is it written - not in the Bible, for sure - that for one person to forgive another, the offender must deserve it?" Margaret stood. Eyes narrowed, head cocked, she asked, "how about this...where is it written that for one person to forgive another, the offender has to approve it, accept it, or even know about it?" pg. 157

"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory

Adventure, intrigue, romance, court politics, double-dealing – these are all part of “The Other Boleyn Girl.” This work of fiction is truly a masterpiece. Philippa Gregory gives us a wonderful view of court life as she tells us her story of the Boleyns and Howards. Family loyalty reaches new heights as the women are expected to do anything, and do. Family rivalry also reaches new heights as the futures of two sisters clash. Children are pawns as the adults try to figure out who is going to come out on top. What would you be willing to do to see your family rise in rank, prestige, and power? Can true love ever prevail?

I totally enjoyed this book and felt like I had stepped back in time. The characters are real, and I had empathy for most of them and anger for some of them. The story drew me in from page one and I could hardly put the book down. It is a great book for either individual readers or groups, lending itself to some topical discussion.