Four Reviews

To say I am an eclectic reader is an understatement, as you will see from the following reviews.  I spent some time reading the last two days. I was without grand kids and therefore was able to get several books read.  Getting reviews written is something else.  I was constantly interrupted by parent emails,   calls about houses, yes we are still trying to find a place to move. But, I did manage to get four reviews written today.  I hope you find something to make you add them to your wish list.

The Templeton Twins Have an Idea - Ellis Weiner
Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Pages:  232
Source:  Won a copy for review from LibraryThing
Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

I loved this book and I think my students will love it as much as I did.  In an age where we test our students to death, any book that throws jabs at testing is going to be loved.  The narrator in this story reminded me of the narrator in "A Series of Unfortunate Events", one of my favorite series.  John and Abigail are the children of an inventor.  Their mother is dead.  They are kidnapped by another set of twins.  The "evil twins", Dean and Dan want an invention their father have created.  They got the bright idea of getting their hands on it by kidnapping Abigail and John.  They didn't really know what they were getting themselves into by kidnapping these two kids.  You'll have to read the book to see what I mean.  The book also contains questions "for review" at the end of each chapter.  They contain clues to help you as well as letting you KNOW how great the narrator is.  This seems to be a recurring theme throughout the book.  I have to say he was my favorite character.  This is a terrific middle grad book and one I can't wait to put on my shelves at school.

The Thompson Twins: Las Vegas Adventure - Lesa Hammond
Publisher:  Achievement U
Pages 90
Source:  Review copy from author
Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Carlos and Letty are twins.  They and their father are in Las Vegas when they run into Mr. Wilson.  Mr. Wilson and their father were friends when they were children.  Mr. Wilson invites all of them for a tour of the place he works, The New York New York Hotel.  The children are very impressed.  They want to know how he became so successful.  He is more than happy to explain how he became successful.  He focuses on doing their best in school and going to college.  When society is trying to show kids get rich quick schemes, it is important for kids to read books like this one that go in the opposite direction with a realistic and positive message.  So many kids think they can sing, dance, act, or perform in sports  to become successful.  They don't realize that most of those who are successful first put forth the effort in school and college.  I will highly recommend this book to my students.  The great thing is that at only 90 pages, my reluctant readers will see this book as readable.

The Upside of Ordinary - Susan Lubner
Publisher:  Holiday House
Pages: 136
Source:  Received a copy for review from publisher
Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Jermaine Davidson, eleven years old, is like so many kids today who want to be superstars.  What originally starts out as a "reality show" turns into chaos.  It seems that Jermaine thinks her family is boring.  It is this thought process that leads her to stage many scenes for her "show".  These are the beginnings of catastrophies.  Jermaine is typical of many middle schoolers who think only of themselves.  I say this as a middle school teacher.  They don't always think things through first.  This is a great, or off limits.  I heard the voices of many of my students in my head commenting, "if that was my sister she'd be in so much trouble." This is an extremely believable and humorous book.  I loved the decision Jermaine finally makes.  What?  You don't know what I'm talking about?  Then you really must read the book.  I can't wait to do a book talk and recommend it to my students and  our media specialist.


And now one for the adults who read my blog.

Short Straw Bride - Karen Witemeyer
Publisher:  Bethany House
Pages: 365
Source:  Review copy from publisher
Genre:  Adult, Christian, Historical Fiction

I actually started this book the day I received it.  I got through the first chapter, then life happened.  I was so glad to pick it back up.  It is one of many I have begun and not had a chance to finish.
This is the story of a set of brothers known as the Archer Boys.  They are reclusive and are doing everything they can to keep and protect their land.  Meredith, at the beginning of the book is a young girl.  A bully takes her lunch pail and tosses it away.  He didn't mean for it to go onto the Archer property.  After all, everyone has hear all of the stories about what happens to people when they go on the Archer land.  Meredith has to decide whether to be brave enough to go find her pail, or face her parents and tell them the lunch pail is gone.  It is a no-brainer.  She enters the woods and finds the pail only to step in one of the traps laid out by the Archers.  Travis Archer finds this young girl.  Through the entire ordeal she tries to put up a brave front.  He can't get that or the look in her eyes out of his head as he takes her home.
Several years pass and Meredith has been sent to her uncle's house.  It is while she is hear she learns of a plot to take over the Archer land.  She has has a crush on Travis since the day he rescued her.  She figures the least she can do is warn them.  Remember, this is a time when what people perceived or thought could ruin your reputation.  Meredith must stay overnight and thus her reputation is ruined.  The boys must draw straws to decide who will do the honorable thing and marry Meredith.  Truth be known, Travis has never been able to get her out of his mind, so he fixes the straws so that he wins.  They are married.  Meredith is a lovable character who seems to always bumble things or get hurt while trying to prove herself worthy of Travis' love.  Travis comes across as her rescuer, usually rescuing her from herself.  This is a wonderful romance.  Themes of honor, love and trust in each other and in God abound throughout the book.  This is a definite recommendation to all lovers of historical fiction and romance books.

Raider's Vendetta - Karen Arnpriester

Publisher:  Createspace

Pages:  334

Source: Review copy from author

Genre:  Adult, Christian Suspense

Synopsis

Charley knew what God wanted from her. She was willing to trust and obey as she protected the others in the bank. Then He would save her from her captor.
There was no way she could have anticipated the rage that would be unleashed in response to her prayers and her faith in God.

Raider was desperate, hardened, and his past had set the stage for an insane game of survival and spiritual warfare. The vendetta was in motion and Charley discovered that she needed her God to provide extraordinary miracles to keep her alive.

My Thoughts:

What makes one person feel that people are on the wrong track when they start talking about God?  What can we do to help them find the path to God?  Read Karen’s book to find out what a difference one person can make.

Once I started reading this book  I had difficulty putting it down.  We are introduced to a scenario we see too often on the news.  A robbery gone bad and hostages taken.  In Raider’s Vendetta we meet God fearing Charley, an elderly woman who finds herself one of the hostages.  When things go wrong the second robber takes hostages.  Charley decides to call him Raider because of his baseball cap.  She feels God’s presence even in this situation.  She comforts and helps the other hostages.  Raider is able to think on his feet.  He plans his escape.  He will need one hostage.  God makes it clear to Charley that she should be the one.  From this point on in the book the reader is treated to one suspenseful even after another.  Charley is tested beyond what most people could endure.  God sends a protector and miracle after miracle.  How far will God allow things to go?  Will Charley be able to make a difference in Raider’s life?  Will either of them survive?

This is a must read book.  My daughter came in to pick up her kids and took one look at the tears running down my cheeks and asked, “Good Book?” to which I replied, “No, Great Book!”

This is a book I will reread again because I know there are lessons I can learn about my walk with God.  I loved the way Karen brought in a character from her first book.  I am honored that she asked me to review her book.  This is so good.  I believe it would make an excellent movie. 

Check out Karen’s website where you can order her book and watch her book trailer.  This is one book that should be in every Christmas stocking.

America at the Tipping Point - Gary Frazier

Pages:  232
Source:  Borrowed from my mother
Genre:  Christian


Goodreads:
"Books abound on the dilemma's facing America. We recognize America is in trouble. However, America at the Tipping Point is a fresh and bold word not only about the economic and political issues but also about the moral choices that have led us to the brink. How did we get here and what can we do...read what Gary Frazier has to say and you will see " Tim LaHaye, Co-author of the Left Behind series "What a sobering reading experience. Dr. Frazier will rock your world and challenge you to make some changes in your world view." Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic, Author, Extreme Dreams Depend on Team "Gary Frazier writes with passion and conviction and motivates like few people I know to live with a sense of urgency in these turbulent times. Read this book because you will be filled with hope and faith to make a difference in the world." Dr. Jack Graham, Sr. Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church "I have long respected Dr. Gary Frazier's prophetic voice, but his new training book, America at the Tipping Point, captured my attention as a patriot. In a day of white noise rants against our beloved country, many have prematurely trumpeted taps. Dr. Frazier has stepped up to sound reveille and lead us to action." Dr. Jay Strack, President, Student Leadership University Gary Frazier is a respected and recognized speaker and writer on the subject of Bible prophecy and current events. He is a former pastor and has traveled to Israel more than 100 times since 1971. Gary is founder and President of Discovery Ministries located in the Dallas Ft. Worth metro area. Gary holds both a M.A. and a Ph.D. from Louisiana Baptist University and was honored with a Doctor of Humanities degree from Liberty University. He has appeared on numerous television programs as well as speaking on radio nationwide. Gary and his wife Sandra reside in Arlington, Texas.


My Thoughts:
My mother asked me to read the book before she shipped it to my sister.  I sat and couldn't put it down.  This book looks at the moral decline America is unfortunately in and shows us how it is getting worse and going to continue to do so if we as Christians don't do something to stop it.  This nations was founded on Christian principles and we need to stand up for those principles.  Unfortunately as a teacher in the public school system I see the moral decline.  We teach tolerance and multiculturalism beyond what was originally meant.  We step on the rights of many for the few.  


Gary has done an excellent job of backing up what he says with the Bible and other resources.  He goes to great lengths to give a list of those resources at the back for further investigation.  One of the toughest  areas of his book was the section on abortion.  I can definitely see the parallels of desensitizing our nation to abortion and euthenasia with what Hitler and many others have done.  We give it a different name and put a little make up on it and pass it off as something less harmful.    I think every teen should be forced to read, along with their parents the section in the back on abortions.  If we did so we would maybe have less abortions.


This is definitely an eye opener and one I am glad my mother asked me to read.

Submerged - Dani Pettrey

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  320

Source:  Received a review copy from publisher

Genre: Christian, Romance, Suspense

From the Publisher:

A sabotaged plane.  Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again.  She has a past, and a reputation—and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget.  She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives.  He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town.  But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge.  She broke his heart…but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago.  And he’s not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

My Thoughts:

This sucked me in right from the beginning.  We get a good look at how things we do in our teens can scar us.  It doesn’t matter if we come to the Lord and he takes away our sins, we have a tendency to hold on to things because we thing we don’t deserve forgiveness.  This  is how Bailey feels.  When she has to return to the home of her teen years she believes EVERYONE will remember her the way she was and not see her for the person she has become.  I loved how Cole could see the difference and instead of pushing Bailey to recognize and accept the change in herself he prayed that God would open her eyes. 

The suspense was awesome.  I know this is only the first book in the series.  I can’t wait to find out more about Landon and Jake, and the mysterious missing brother Reef.  We were left with just a small look at their character.  There is so much more to be learned.  If you are looking for a book that will hold you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, this is it.  If you are looking for a book that has a Godly message but doesn’t preach at you, then this is definitely the book for you.  You will fall in love with Piper who is  one of the kindest, most loving people.  She would do anything for you.  Cole is the very protective brother who runs the business with his siblings. Gage is the bottomless pit who always has Coles back as long as he is well fed. Kayden comes off as tough.  It is almost as if she THINKS she must prove herself to be equal in a man’s world. 

Landon the cop, and Jake the mysterious man who drifted into Yancey and works for Cole leave us wanting to know more of their life.

I must mention one other thing about this book.  I would never have thought I would become interested in Russian History.  This book not only teaches you a lot of Russian History, but if you are like me, you feel you must do more reading on the subject.  I love books that make me want to learn more.  I will definitely recommend this author and look forward to reading more of her books.  Shattered, the second book in her series should be out in February of 2013.

Author Website 

Author Bio  

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Tandem - Tracey Bateman

Publisher:  WaterBrook Press

Pages:  320

Source:  review copy from publisher

Genre: Adult, Christian, Fantasy

About This Book:

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers.  Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?

My Thoughts: 

I will be the first to admit that I grew up loving vampire stories.  I always felt sorry for them because, raised as a Christian I always wondered, what happened if you were a Christian and were bitten and became a vampire.  Evidently Tracey Bateman had these same kind of thoughts.  One thing I really loved about this book is that it showed both kinds of vampires.  It showed those who were evil and those who truly wanted not to be what they were.

I loved the way Amede decided to follow in her father’s footsteps believing there was the possibility of redemption.  I also loved the way she helped Lauryn McBride realize the changes she needed to make in her own life so that she would not have the regrets that Amede had lived with.  I enjoyed the fact that I didn’t feel preached to.  The reason this is so important is that I have a student who has been reading adult books for quite a while.  She will devour anything about vampires.  

I know that she will be just as surprised at the ending as I was.  It took a major twist that has made me think about this book all day long.  Will I recommend this book?  You’d better believe it.  It was very good.  Since this was the first book I’d read by this author I figure I’d better check out some of her others.  I had read about “Thirsty” quite some time ago.  I was afraid I wouldn’t like it.  However,  I now have it on my to be read list.  If you aren’t sure whether this is a book for you then click on the link below and read the first chapter.  I guarantee you will like this book.

Author Bio:

Tracey Bateman lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and family.  With more than thirty novels in print, including Thirsty and Tandem, Tracey spends all her time telling tales, creating characters, and dreaming of other worlds.

Links:

Tracey Bateman's Web Site 

Tracey Bateman featured in Christianity Today 

More Info 

Read Chapter One 

  

FTC Disclaimer:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange 

Implosion – Joel Rosenberg

Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Pages:  400

Source: I received a free copy of this book for review from Tyndale House Publishers.

Genre:  Christian Living

From Goodreads:

Bestselling author and international political expert Joel C. Rosenberg tackles the question: Is America an empire in decline or a nation poised for a historic Renaissance?America teeters on a precipice. In the midst of financial turmoil, political uncertainty, declining morality, the constant threat of natural disasters, and myriad other daunting challenges, many wonder what the future holds for this once-great nation. Will history's greatest democracy stage a miraculous comeback, returning to the forefront of the world's economic and spiritual stage? Can America's religious past be repeated today with a third Great Awakening? Or will the rise of China, Russia, and other nations, coupled with the US's internal struggles, send her into a decline from which there can be no return? "Implosion" helps readers understand the economic, social, and spiritual challenges facing the United States in the 21st century, through the lens of biblical prophecy

audience, I tend to think that he's right.

My thoughts:

Joel Rosenberg takes a look at current events with a Biblical eye.  He shows us that no matter how dismal the outlook, there is always reason for hope.  He has taken current events and put them into perspective through a prophetic end-times view.  He has four chapters in his book just devoted to what way we may implode as a nation; war/terror, financial ruin, natural disasters, and finally the rapture.  He showed that spirituality is on a roller-coaster.  When things are bad people turn to God and pray and then when things start to get better we kind of shove God to the side.  An example he gave of this in the book was the way the nation turned to God after the events of 9/11.  Just a couple of months later it was like, okay back to the norm.  We read and know the end-time prophecies but seem to sit back and take the attitude that we can’t do anything about it.  I believe God will continue to use us until HE is done with us.  We need to turn back to Christ and cling to him with all we have.  It is just my opinion that everyone should read this book.  It gives us a great look at where we are headed if we don’t wake up.

As One Devil To Another - Richard Platt

Publisher:  Tyndale House

Pages:  208

Genre:  Adult, Christian Fiction

Source: Review copy

Giveaway: To Win A Copy of the Book from the publisher, leave a comment below along with an email address.  I will use Random.org to choose the winner Friday, May 18 at 9pm EST.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing address.  I will send the certificate  from the publisher, to the winner for their free copy.

From the Publisher:

As One Devil to Another is an astonishing debut work that C. S. Lewis’s biographer and foremost Lewis authority Walter Hooper calls “a stunning achievement, the finest example of the genre of diabolical correspondence to appear since this genre was popularized by C. S. Lewis.” Enter into this chilling and diabolical tale, one that reveals the very tricks and strategies of Hell.

Through a series of letters between devils created by Platt, senior devil Slashreap trains his young protégé, Scardagger, to win an individual soul away from Heaven and into their clutches. As the devils plot their way to triumph, they reveal the spiritual dangers and risks we face in today’s society. Their frighteningly accurate perspective on issues such as contemporary technology and sexual mores is interwoven with timeless matters such as the power of prayer, the purpose of suffering, and the promises held out by Heaven . . . and Hell.

Destined to become a modern classic, As One Devil to Another is a brilliantly written, deeply unsettling perspective on twenty-first-century society . . . a glimpse of ourselves through the eyes of those who have embraced their underworldly existence.

My thoughts:

I have always been a fan of “The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.  After reading this book I can say that if C.S. Lewis was still alive I would believe that this book was a sequel to his book.  We meet Slashreap and Scardaggar.  Slashreap is a demon who is mentoring his nephew Scardaggar in the fine points of corrupting people.  This is a book that points out the subtle ways Satan makes every day things we do appear to be benign.  It’s scary to read a book like this and realize as you are reading, ‘Hey that was me’.

The letters from Slashreap to his nephew Scardaggar focus on everything from gluttony and  over-consuming, to sexual depravity.  You know those things we don’t need that we buy, “just because”, and those movies that have just a little bit of sexual content to them.  Slashreap wants to make sure his nephew does everything he can to bring the “client” to the gates of hell.  They speak of Christ as the adversary.  I am sure that is how Satan sees him.

I was taken aback by how easily our society has slipped up.  We isolate ourselves with gadgets.  We separate ourselves from our friends and children, wasting valuable time we could give to God with “things”.  This is not only a modern retelling of “The Screwtape Letters”, but so much more.  This should be read by every Christian.  So many of these things didn’t seem important to me until I had finished the book.  I had to look at the book and realize there were so many areas I actually became the “client”.  This was something that I then needed to spend time praying about.   

I received this book free from the publisher.  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."

A Perfect Square - Vannetta Chapman

Publisher:  Zondervan

Pages:  352

Source:  Won a copy from author

Genre:    Amish, Romance, Mystery, Christian

From Goodreads:

There's more to the quaint northern Indiana town of Shipshewana than Amish-made furniture, immaculate farms, and close-knit families. When a dead girl is found floating in a local pond, murder is also afoot. And Reuben Fisher is in jail as the suspect. Reuben refuses to divulge any information, even to clear himself of a crime Deborah is certain he didn't commit.

My Thoughts:

I love a murder mystery, especially if it has been taken up a notch by placing it in an Amish setting.  Callie and her friends are once again trying to solve a mystery.  Reuben has been locked up in jail as a suspect in the death of an Amish girl.  No one in the community believes Reuben could or would have done such a thing.  While Callie has her hands full with one mystery, an old Amish gentleman comes to her seeking her help.  His daughter had disappeared during the 1965 Palm Sunday tornadoes.  I remember those tornadoes and the feel of our house being lifted off of its foundation.  Now Callie must try to make the connection between the two mysteries to solve them.

I love reading books by Vannetta Chapman.  It is a great blend of Amish and English, Romance and Mystery.  The Christian aspects are not preachy.  I can’t wait until the third book in this series, Material Witness, comes out this fall.  If you want to see what Vannetta is up to go to her Facebook page.

The Consuming – Todd Boyer

Publisher:  Outskirts Press

Pages:  230

Source:  Received a review copy

Genre:  Adult, Christian, Fantasy, Thriller, Suspense

Don’t let the genre “Christian Fiction” through you off.  This will appeal to both Christians and non-christians.  The was interesting.  What would happen if a demon were “trapped” in a human body while they tried to possess it?  This is what happens to the demon Ike in this story.  To make it interesting Max, another demon, decides to save his demon friend.  It is during his mission  to help his friend that he learns about a demon named Garrock.  Garrock is a warrior and is making plans to do away with Lucifer and bring on the apocalypse.  It was at this point my mind started racing.  As a Christian I kept thinking, “wow, I wonder how Lucifer would feel having the tables turned on him?”  To stop Garrock, Max has to become friends with Jack, the possessed man.  Then the three of them must stand together to try to stop Garrock.  I let my mother read this first.  She didn’t like it.  When I asked her why she said it was to much fantasy for her.  I knew then that I was going to love this.  Anytime you can mix all the genres I love together we have a win-win situation.  I was right.  I did love it. 

I also loved when the demon’s eyes were opened to the truth.  There is so much to love here on so many levels.  The characters were well thought out.  For me the story flowed so smoothly it kept me reading from beginning to end.  This is a must read for all fantasy, thriller, suspense lovers out there.  I guarantee you there is something for everyone in this book.  This is just the first book.  I can hardly wait for the second one to come out.

Seeing Through Heaven’s Eyes – Leif Hetland

Publisher:  Destiny Image

Pages:  240

Source:  Review copy from author

Genre: Adult, Religion

You can’t work your way into Heaven and you can’t buy your way into Heaven.  However, Love IS the answer.  God’s love for us when he gave his son to die for our sins and  demonstration of God’s love through us is what is required.  As I read this book it made me think back to a job interview.  I’m a teacher and the principal was interviewing me for a position at his school.  He asked  me how I handled those kids that are not real lovable and easy to get along with.  I never hesitated in my answer because it is what I do each day.  My prayer each morning is, “Dear Lord, please help me love the unlovable.  Today the unlovables seem to be….”  My sister and I were having some problems earlier in our life.  She told me it would be so much easier for her to deal with me if I would just hate her.  When I told her I couldn’t hate her, she was my sister and I loved her, she hung up on me.  No matter what evil thing she did to me I still loved her.  This is not easy to do, but it is required by God.  God does everything through love and that is what this book shows us.  We must live this way daily to transform our lives.

I will gladly place this book into the hands of my pastor.  He recommends books to our congregation all the time and I believe this is one  that should be in our church bookstore.

Two by Alice J. Wisler

Rain Song 

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  304

Source:  I received a copy for review

Genre:  Adult, Realistic Fiction

From Goodreads:

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does.

My Thoughts:

Nicole Michelin has had a lot of heartache.  She was born in Japan.  Her parents were medical missionaries.  At the age of two, she lost her mother in a fire and she and her father moved back to the United States. Like many children, Nicole has fears related to things she doesn’t fully understand.  Her father refuses to talk about the past so she is left without answers and too afraid to seek them out.  Then she meets Harrison Michaels through a website.  He knew her as a child in Japan .  He knows there are many in Japan that can answer some of those questions.  This means Nicole will have to takes some steps of faith and courage.  This is accomplished through the love, encouragement, and wisdom of her grandmother.  There are other side stories that add to the warmth and depth of this story.  This was a wonderful book.  One that lets the reader know that we have to let go of fears and lean on our faith.  This is an author to watch out for.

How Sweet It is 

Publisher:  Bethany House

Pages:  320

Source:  I received a copy for review

Genre:  Christian, Romance

From Goodreads:

Deena Livingston leaves behind a broken romance and her chef job in Atlanta to spend time at her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. But her grandfather has an odd request: he wants Deena to teach cooking classes to the ragtag group of middle-schoolers who attend the local afterschool program, The Center. Reluctantly, Deena agrees, but how is she supposed to convince these kids that cooking at home is better than eating at McDonalds? And after all she went through in Atlanta, why is she attracted to Zack, the social worker at The Center? Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a curly-haired basketball player, and a group of middle-schoolers change Deena's outlook on life?

My Thoughts:

Oh this one touched close to home.  Deena Livingston and her boyfriend are involved in an accident.  He doesn’t bother to come see her, he just sends her flowers.  When I read this I thought about my cousin.  The night she became engaged she and her fiancé were involved in an accident.  After emerging from a coma she had to learn to talk all over again, as well as learn to walk.  She actually overheard her fiancé tell a friend outside of her door at the hospital that there was no way he would marry her.  When the friend asked why, he replied that he would not marry a retard.”  He had caused the accident.  She was so hurt yet determined to move on with God’s help.  Deena is just as determined.  She moves to a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina.  Her grandfather left it to her with the stipulation she will teach cooking classes to a group of middle schoolers.  You could see the hand of God in all of this as she begins to heal not only on the outside, but on the inside.  It is through learning to know these children and the scars they hide within themselves that she begins to heal.  I know as a teacher I often have kids dealing with some pretty terrible things.  Sometimes those things resonate with me and I find myself thinking about how much I have felt some of the same things and have harbored hurt or hatred even.  It is through helping others we often help ourselves. 

I enjoyed this book more than her first one.  I look forward to reading more by her.

Multiple Reviews: Random Souls, Scored, The Goodbye Man

It is my hope and desire that I can read and post 2 - 3 book reviews throughout my winter break.  My family has given me the gift of quiet.  They are leaving me alone to do what I love best.  Read and write.  So here are three more books that I have read and reviewed. As you can see, I am a very eclectic reader.

Random Souls - Deanna Rutledge

Publisher:  WestBow Press

Pages:  320

Source:  Review copy from author

Genre:  Adult, Christian, Realistic Fiction

In This Day and Age, it is not uncommon to turn on the television and find a scandal involving a church or members of its staff.  So it is with "Random Souls".  Aloha Community church is no stranger to scandal.  This tends to make the congregation stay alert.  Then we have Miss Lottie.  She seems to always be on the lookout for the negative or evil that may or may not exist.  She isn't content to look for trouble, she gossips about what she "thinks" is happening.  When Pastor Jason makes a mistake in the way he handled a situation with a woman he was counseling, Lottie sees it, puts her own spin on it and then her tongue goes to wagging.  God uses Pastor Jason and the events that threaten to destroy this church to actually begin the healing process.  Lives are changed because God shows that love conquers all.  Love for fellow man and church.  This was a wonderfully written book.  It demonstrates how rumors can ruin a church.    I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

  

Scored – Lauren McLaughlin

Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers

Pages:  240

Source:  I received a copy from The Picnic Basket for review

Genre:  YA, Dystopian

From Goodreads:

Set in the future when teenagers are monitored via camera and their recorded actions and confessions plugged into a computer program that determines their ability to succeed. All kids given a "score" that determines their future potential. This score has the ability to get kids into colleges, grant scholarships, or destroy all hope for the above. Scored's reluctant heroine is Imani, a girl whose high score is brought down when her best friend's score plummets. Where do you draw the line between doing what feels morally right and what can mean your future? Friendship, romance, loyalty, family, human connection and human value: all are questioned in this fresh and compelling dystopian novel set in the scarily foreseeable future.

My Thoughts:

As a teacher, I’m always trying to get my students to work hard.  We all know that the state test scores determine so much for a student.  It looks like someone finally wondered what it would be like if we went to the extreme and came up with this awesome book.  Imagine a world where you are continuously watched and judged.  Imani is a teenager who has bought into the whole ScoreCorp garbage.  Why?  She has a high score.  Everything affects your scores,  who you are friends with, who you date, who you work with or help in school.  There is no privacy.   Step out of line and you could ruin your whole life.  Of course, isn’t it funny that ScoreCorp is the one in control?  Only the rich can afford to go to college.  If you want a chance then your parents must agree to have you scored.  Imani’s score drops.  She is paired with Diego to complete a project.  Diego doesn’t have a score because his family is filthy rich.  This pairing up opens Imani’s eyes to many things that are going on around her.

I have to say this would be a wonderful book to read together in class.  The debates that could occur would be great.  I could see picking an issue from the book and using Socratic circles to discuss those issues.  I guess I see it this way because I am a teacher and we see so much pressure put on teachers and students about test scores.  I think this is a book that parents, teachers and students will enjoy.

I hope there is more from this author on this topic.  If not I look forward to reading more of her work.

The Goodbye Man – Chad Barton

Publisher:  AuthorHouse

Pages:  220

Source:  I received a review copy from his publicist

Genre:  Adult Thriller

From Amazon:

As more people filled the packed church, Jack was forced to move down the wall toward the front, until he was very near the altar. From that vantage point, he could see the young mother's face. He found himself staring at her, unable to look away. He didn't know why. Perhaps it was the terrible sadness in her face. He watched her intently as she clutched a little brown teddy bear and a picture of her daughter, who now lay only feet away in a small casket. The size of it made him wince. Jack felt the anger rise within him At sixty years old, Jack Steele has long since retired from putting criminals-especially those that hurt children-in prison. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he built a successful multimillion-dollar company, allowing him financial freedom in his golden years. Following the unexpected loss of his wife, Sarah, however, he withdraws into himself. He becomes a loner whose only companion is his German shepherd, Sadie. Sick of a court system that lets monsters out of prison to torture and kill again and again, he decides there is only one way to stop them. Using his own resources, his credentials as a retired police officer, and his .380 Walther, he and his dog begin to hunt-bringing justice to those whom the system cannot control. After all, enough is enough.

My Thoughts:

The Goodbye Man is one of those books that makes you think about heinous crimes and vigilantes.  As I read about Jack Steele who takes justice into his own hands I thought back to all of the Charles Bronson movies I watched when I was younger.  I understood why he exacted justice, yet I did not completely agree with it.  If we let vigilantes rule the world we go back to the beginnings of the Old West days when people exacted their own justice. In the book, I understood the Jack’s feelings.  Let me give you a personal example. 

I graduated with a young man who was nice looking, extremely polite, expected to marry his high school sweetheart and become a success.  He did all of that.  His wife, also a girl I graduated with was best friends with a family with whom I attended church.  This young couple often babysat the niece of this family.  When this man’s marriage began to fail, his wife temporarily moved in with her friends.  Out of anger and revenge toward his wife, he picked the young girl he had babysat up on her way home from school.  No problem for her, no fear, she had been picked up by him before.  This six foot two, 280-pound man raped, murdered and cut up the body of this sweet little seven year old.  I was devastated when she went missing as we had lost a young girl who lived at the end of our street the year before. They hunted for her.  The parents who were in the Bahamas trying to reconcile their own marriage flew back.  A month later hunters found the girls body.  When the young man was convicted, I danced around the room.  We had the electric chair at that time and I watched for years as he sat on death row waiting his turn.  When it finally came, I was glued to the TV because I wanted to know it was over.  The funny thing is, I was not thrilled like I figured I would be.  My heart ached because another family had lost a child.  True it was due to  his own fault.  The young girl’s family had met with this young man on several occasions and let him know that they forgave him.  They were vilified for doing such a thing.  As a Christian, I understood why they did so, and understood why I felt so bad about my own feelings.  Do I believe in capital punishment?  You bet I do.  However, I have known of several cases where people were wrongfully convicted, served time and released and then the courts system comes back and says, “Oh yeah, we found the guilty party but didn’t have enough evidence at the time and someone had to pay.”  That was a true story.  That person’s life was ruined.  His reputation was ruined.  It didn’t matter what the law said, because they had been convicted, so there had to have been some element of truth to the matter.  On the other hand, I have seen people go free on technicalities or lack of good evidence only to repeat the same offence.  We all want to see justice done.

Now that I’ve gotten off my high horse let me finish my review.  The characters were well fleshed out and it was an on the edge of your seat read for me.  It kept emotions flowing throughout.   I did enjoy it for that very reason.  I enjoyed it because I know the difference between fiction and reality.  I can justify reading something like this because we all feel like Jack Steele at times.  It gives us an out for those feelings.  Would I recommend this book?  You had better believe it.  If I didn’t like crime novels like this, I wouldn’t read them in the first place.  This was a very good book and I will definitely read anything else this author writes.  I highly recommended it.

First Sunday - Donald and Aura Elton

Publisher:  CreateSpace

Pages:  256

Source:  Review copy from publisher in exchange for review.

Genre:  Religion

The whole week after 9/11 we walked around in shock.  We rode the roller coaster of emotions.  Anger was an extremely hard one to deal with.  Through this book, a collection of sermons from different pastors from different denominations we discover that it is okay to be angry.  It is not okay to sin in our anger.  The pastors struggled just as we did with what to say and how to react.  Yet , on that first Sunday after the attacks they gave us a reason to push forward.  They let us know ad feel like we were not the only ones feeling this way.  They let us know it was okay to feel the emotions we were feeling.  This is an inspiring book that reminds us that we find our strength in God.  This is an uplifting book that needs to be read by everyone.



The book is available at http://FirstSundayBook.com

Day Two of Catch Up Reviews

Last Night I was looking for an empty sheet of paper to write notes on.  I pulled out a notebook I had not used at home or school for at least a month and a half.  I worked my way back toward a blank sheet and suddenly found some reviews I had previously written. I went to my blog to see if I had already posted them and lo and behold I had not.  My husband stood in the doorway to my office chuckling.  He thought it was funny that I had misplaced eight book reviews.  I kept thinking I was losing my mind.  I knew I had read the books but couldn't find the book reviews.  This is what happens when you have so many different notebooks for different purposes.  You know, one for each of your WIPs, one for school, one for reviews.  Then when that student who has no paper comes up and asks for some, you grab the first notebook you can get your hands on and then forget what you had done.  So today we will start off with four of the eight reviews I had written.  I know the authors will be happy.  They must have thought I had forgotten them.  I am trying to get things caught up and organized so that I can start the new year fresh.

Tithing and How to Get There - Paul Stephensen
Publisher:  Lulu.com
Pages:  66
Source:  Review copy from author in exchange for review
Genre:  Religion, Financial Planning


This was very appropriate for this time of year.  I know God allows things to happen for a reason.  We look at Christmas as a time for giving.  We give to others all the time but, how often and how much do we give to God.  In this book the author takes us on a short course of tithing.  He started off defining stewardship and giving examples.  God promises to bless us.  There are examples all throughout the Bible of God doing just this.    The author points out that tithing is a privilege and that it is a symbol of total service to the Lord.  It show our willingness to serve him wholly.  For me Chapter 6 was the most important in the entire book.  It was full of budgets, and worksheets and all the things I truly need to get myself back on track.   I have no credit cards.  My philosophy has always been if I didn't have the cash then I didn't need it.  Unfortunately this book made me look at my spending habits.  When I got paid the first thing I would do is buy books.  It didn't matter that I had 300 unread books on my shelf, I always bought more.  I would buy 2-4 books a month.  That may not seem like much but when you have nothing to start with and you are spending what you don't have it adds up.  This is a book I will definitely recommend to friends.  It is a book that Christian and Non-Christian alike can benefit from.  I am thankful the author sent me a copy for review, even if I did lose the review.

Flashes From the Other World – Julie Ann Weinstein

Publisher:  All Things That Matter Press

Pages:  160

Source:  Received a copy for review

Genre:  Short Stories

Product Description:

Magic without the hocus pocus, these stories explore the ethereal blur between reality and not, between dream and sleep, between love and 'other than' love. They present relationships with a tender wackiness. Tossed into the mix are mischievous ghosts, who give the talking plants and even the seductive and vocal grains of sand a run for their money. Quirky and offbeat, these stories will touch your heart, although they may tug at your funny bone first.

About the Author

Julie Ann Weinstein has published over ninety short stories and is a Pushcart Nominee. She is an editorial consultant and a flash fiction workshop leader in the Southern California area. Julie is also published under the name Julie Ann Shapiro. She currently lives in Encinitas, California, where she is working on future short story collections.

My Thoughts:

This is metaphorical writing at its best. The author has divided her book into three parts.  Part one is a collection of paranormal stories.  The are very short and bizarre.  Not bizarre in a bad way.  Bizarre in the sense they make you think.  They have a depth to them that makes you wonder if there is a deeper meaning, a hidden meaning.

The second part of the book is called relationships.  The first story grabbed me and made me hold on.  Maybe it is because my mom has to live with me now that I could see parallels between the relationship the daughter had with her mother and my own.  It takes great talent to write from the heart and attain such a deep meaning that will be read and interpreted differently by each reader.

The third part of the book is called Surreal.  I enjoyed “Blue Moon Carbs”.  This is a book where the reader is free and encouraged to make all kinds of connections.  As I try to lose weight this one story stood out.  It felt like I was reading the battle that goes on in my head every time I eat something that could potentially cause me to gain weight.  I loved it.  My favorite part of this book was actually in the back where the author explains what inspired her to write each of her stories.  Her explanations made me go back and re-read some of the stories as I looked at them through the eyes of what inspired her.  It put a truly different spin on it.  This is not an easy book to describe.  I will recommend it.  Just don’t pick it up for a quick read because that is the one thing it is not.

Justifiable Oregon – Pamela Wright

Publisher:  Reaction Press

Pages:  296

Source: Review copy from publisher

Genre:  Adult Thriller

Have you ever wished something bad would happen to someone evil because God and the law took too long? There are those that risk it all for the rest of us. This novel is about those few and the risks they take on our behalf, and the bystanders that unwittingly get caught in the fray. Duplicity, is the exquisite yacht manned by such men. Men intent on luring the world’s wealthiest human traffickers out of their million’s and into their final moments on earth inside Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

My Thoughts

After reading the first few chapters  the “Dexter” series came to mind.  In case you don’t remember it, or you’ve never seen it, Dexter was a cop who worked in the police lab.  His specialty was blood.  At night he hunted down and killed those who managed to get off for some technicality, and justice was served.

Often we hear cases of criminals getting off scott free.  What if there was a force that took care of those criminals that were put back on the street?  In Justifiable Oregon that is just what happens.  There is a group of people who take those very criminals out to the Tilamook Rock Lighthouse  in Seaside Oregon.  There the criminal arrives drugged up.  As they come to they are tortured and then their bodies are cremated.  Who are these criminals?  They are members of a drug cartel, and those who traffic in humans.  Want to know more?  Read the book.  Be forewarned that this is not a book you can start and stop at will.  This is a book that demands to be read from beginning to end.

Fury – Elizabeth Miles

Publisher:  Simon Pulse

Pages:  384

Source:  Received a review copy from publisher

Genre:  Young Adult, Paranormal

From Goodreads:

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

My Thoughts:

The setting of this book sets the over all tone or mood.  It is freezing cold, and snowy.  That is exactly how this story leaves you feeling, cold and empty inside.  You have Emily who is best friends with Gabby.  But what kind of friend flirts with your boyfriend?  Emily does.  She is sure that she and Zach are made for each other.  First reason to hate a character in this book.  Emily is selfish and so full of herself.  Then we have Chase who is not financially in the same league as the rest of his friends.  He tries to make up for his past by becoming something he really isn’t.  He tramples on people to get where he wants to be.  To make Emily and Chase pay for what they have done to others the three furies Ty, Meg and Ali pay a visit.  Ty is so hot that she has Chase fawning all over her.   Can you say revenge.  The job of the furies is to seek revenge for those who they feel need it against those they deserve it.  This  whole book has a creepy movie feel to it.  I could actually see it come out on the big screen.  Although the characters so so many wrong things and justify it to make you hate them they are so wonderfully developed you can’t help love them.  This is the first book in this series and it will definitely not be the last one I read.  The ending definitely leaves you hanging for more.  Definitely one to recommend to all of your friends who like creepy, paranormal, mythical type things.