The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell February 29, 2016

Book Description:

In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace.

My thoughts:

Wow. This is such an emotionally charged book.

From the beginning I was in fear for these girls because you know something is going to happen it was just a matter of when. And Julie drags you around for a bit and does some amazing foreshadowing.

The ground work laid is amazing and speaks such truth.

The marriage between Amanda and Carl is so true to many marriages today, it’s actually very sad that it is true.

It was really interesting to watch Katrina unfold and how it impacted people and revisit this horrible tragedy that took place in our nation.

This is book that I had trouble putting down  until the end. It was very good and I highly recommend it.

Visit Julie here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the BookLook Blogger program in exchange for an honest review. 

The Prophetess by Jill Eileen Smith February 26, 2016

About:

Canaan has ravaged Israel. The people are in hiding. All that stands between surrender and hope is one untested woman.

Deborah will never forget the day her father and brothers left to worship at the Lord’s tabernacle–or the wails of her mother after finding their bodies at the city gates. The memories of Canaan’s cruelty haunt her and all of Israel. Now in this dark time, the Lord calls on Deborah to lead His people away from the idols of other nations and back to Him.

Deborah never asked to be a prophetess or a judge over God’s people. Still, she cannot deny His voice or the visions that accompany it. Can her family ever understand? Will her people believe God’s calling on her life? And can the Canaanite menace be stopped?

With her trademark impeccable research and imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel’s most powerful woman in this intriguing and inspiring novel.

My thoughts: 

I love Jill’s books. I don’t know how she does it but she always manages to bring her stories to life in a very powerful way.

This book is no exception.

The Prophetess brings us Deborah, honestly someone I have never given a lot of thought of in the Bible. But her story is amazing when you think about it. A woman stepping into a leadership role in her day was unheard of, yet men found themselves going to her seeking her wisdom.

The way Jill portrays Deborah’s encounters with the Lord are astounding, But here’s the thing, we can have those encounters today, they aren’t just for those long ago. God wants us to desire to have those moments in His presence. Why don’t we seek them out? I think we would be surprised the way He would meet us if we took the time to seek Him more.

Another great book, I highly recommend.

Visit Jill here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

God’s Daily Word by Jerry Stratton February 25, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK:

God’s Daily Word is a daily devotional Bible study that includes a daily chuckle, inspirational quote, and conversational commentary on a scripture. Filled with wisdom, insight, and humor, author Jerry Stratton offers a morning dose of caffeine for the soul.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Jerry Stratton grew up as the son of a Baptist minister in the beautiful mountains of Northwest Arkansas. He is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army for a total of 30 years and retired in December, 1984. Upon retirement from the Army, Jerry sensed God’s call to vocational ministry. In his 28 years of ministry, he has served as minister of education and administration, director of Missions, pastor, and interim pastor. For the past eight years, he has published a daily devotional via e-mail and his personal blog. In addition to his internet devotional ministry, Jerry continues to minister through his local church and substitute preaching. Jerry and wife, Dotse, met at Ouachita Baptist University. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in August, 2015 and make their home in Copperas Cove, Texas. Their two wonderful children have blessed them with six fantastic grandchildren.

My thoughts:

This is a great book for a quick daily devotion. Each day starts with a chuckle, which actually did make me chuckle, I loved that.

If you have trouble finding time to get into the word each day this is a great way to do it. It will get you thinking about many aspects of your faith.

I love when you read a day and it seems to fit your needs perfectly. Totally God right there.

Recommended for anyone but especially those who need something to jump-start their daily quiet time.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million,  or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Review and Giveaway: Always Watching by Lynette Eason February 22, 2016

About:

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.

When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians to protect his son. But when Wade’s bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap.

Olivia’s skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade’s stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him–including Olivia. But in her mind, even more dangerous than the threats to her life is the hold her handsome client has on her heart.

My thoughts and giveaway:

This book is amazing. Probably one of the best I have read by Lynette and I enjoy all of her books.

I wondered how I would adjust to having a woman protecting a man and how Lynette would write that without making the man seem too “soft” but she managed to pull it off.

Olivia is a strong character  but she definitely has her weaknesses. I really liked her.

Wade is a strong man who wants to take care of his daughter who has issues of her own.

I had an idea about who the stalker could be but Lynette kept me  guessing until the end and wondering if I was correct or not.

I also loved the reminder and play on the title that God is always watching. Even though there might be an enemy out there who is watching us God has way more power.

Overall, a great book for anyone who loves romantic suspend, highly recommended.

Visit Lynette here. 

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

Leave a comment by March 7th for your chance to win a copy. One winner will be chosen by random.org. (U.S. addresses only. I am not responsible for books lost or damaged in the mail.)

A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund February 19, 2016

 

About:

1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan

In a Town Mired in Darkness,
She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it’s too late to replace her. Tessa can’t help but thank him and say she is in his debt.

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

My thoughts:

In true Jody Hedlund form, she has created a cast of characters for us to love (or not, depending on the character).

Tessa comes from the book before this one (however, if you haven’t read the previous book don’t let that stop you from picking up this one but the other books in this series are amazing). I wasn’t a huge fan of some of Tessa’s choices in the previous book but she is looking to redeem herself and that alone puts me on her side.

She meets Alex and is a hero from the very beginning, a kind and strong man who can see Tessa’s true beauty.

I also love that fact this book takes place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I love northern Michigan, there is so much beauty so it was wonderful to visit this part of my great state.

Another great book by Jody, you won’t be disappointed.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Shadows by Travis W. Inman February 17, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK (220 pages): Secret societies, dangerous passions, and untold millions await Justin “Flip” Grey when he arrives at a banking conference for a weekend seminar. Little does he know he is being auditioned for inclusion in The Lair, a group of businessmen who influence more than the economy. And they are going to test Justin. Enter Dahlia, the world’s most dangerous temptress, who has been assigned to seduce Justin. He must choose his future: his wife or his passions? Travis W. Inman then allows Justin to make both decisions, and creates duel realities. In the first, Justin remains faithful. In reality two, Justin becomes “Flip” and chooses the seductress.
One choice a future makes. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Travis W. Inman grew up in the ranch country of West Texas and worked as a cowboy for his first 20 years. Travis graduated from seminary in Dallas, Texas, and later served a year in the mission field in Mexico and South America. Upon his return home, he married Sarah, his wife of more than 20 years. They have two children whom they home school. Over the years, Travis has applied his skills to a variety of fields, ranging from marketing and real estate to criminal justice and law enforcement. Travis served in the United States Army where he overcame a devastating hip injury and was able to walk again despite the odds.

Writing is a life-long passion for Travis. His short stories and poems have been selected for publication in a variety of newspapers and on Internet sites. Travis’ writing includes children’s literature, action adventure, short stories, one act plays, love stories, westerns, sci-fi, thrillers, and drama.

Travis and Sarah Inman currently reside in Idaho.

My thoughts:

This book took me a little while to get into. I was actually a little confused for a while what was taking place. But then it clicked and I couldn’t stop reading.

One choice has altered Justin’s life the reader gets to see both sides of that choice. It’s very interesting to read and then think about your own life and the choices we make and how that can totally alter our futures.

I would say push through the confusion of the beginning and you will enjoy this book a lot.

Visit Travis here. 

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to my through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

Whose Are You? by James Bars February 16, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Join us as we travel back through the travail of millenniums to a galaxy far, far away. Witness the birth of darkness. Be there as our Liberator begins His counter-intuitive and radically irreligious war for universal dominion and each living souls’ allegiance. Discover the Spirit, the Way and the true story behind the veil of History. The vital messages contained within this riveting work will help enable you to walk through the valley of decision and perpetually surrender to the True Force of life. You will know Whose You Are and be shown the Way to eternal victory as your mind and heart are awakened to the well-hidden truth of what is really happening in and around you even as you read this sentence. There exists a deadly conspiracy, the magnitude of which is beyond unenlightened human comprehension, yet to the chosen – it has been revealed. “Many are called but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 NKJV Answers are available to these crucial questions: Have I been chosen? Why am I here? Who am I? Whose am I? Come with us and perhaps a clearer dawn will shine upon your own journey homeward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.” — Nikki Giovanni That certainly describes James Bars as he came to the end of self-sufficiency. When life became meaningless and desperation consumed him, James began a search for hope, purpose, meaning and wholeness. It is not by any virtue that James Bars has discovered how to help others. Rather his failures are the bedrock upon which God began to reach him and move him to share the hard lessons learned. You are on planet earth. You know many of the same struggles. But do you know the Way up? Do you have a system for success?

My thoughts:

This book started strong. I enjoyed the reminder of who I am.

But as I read on I kind of felt like the book lost its focus. Not that is was bad it just wasn’t what I expected. The author went into a lot of history of how our enemy came to be, and that was interesting.

I  have read a couple of other books by this author and I kind of felt like it said a lot of the same things. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t more new material. I also felt like the writing style wasn’t consistent, that it changed abruptly between chapters.

As always, this is my opinion only.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

Break Every Chain by Barry Napier February 15, 2016

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Can you imagine what it would be like for a person who has no real faith to be thrown into a situation in a foreign place where his faith is the only thing that can save his life? After running his life into the gutter through alcoholism and sexual addiction, Ryan Fulbright takes part in an impromptu mission’s trip in an attempt to redirect his life. Ryan visits a rescue home for underage girls in Nicaragua who have been rescued from sexual slavery. Seeking answers, he quickly finds himself at war with his fragile faith. In the midst of this, he becomes involved in an ill-advised rescue attempt that leaves him stranded and wounded in the mountains of Nicaragua. With only a six-year-old girl to help, Ryan needs to not only figure out how to survive, but also how to save several young girls who have recently been sold into sexual slavery.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barry Napier is a published author with more than fifty short stories and poems in print and online. Novels, short story collections, poetry collections, and a chapbook have been published by small press venues. His poetry and short fiction have appeared in publications as wide ranging as a Norton anthology with Peter Straub and Joyce Carol Oates to a small press horror collection thematically based on The Wizard of Oz. Barry lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, with his wife and three children. Find Barry on Facebook, Twitter (@bnapier), Instagram (bnapierwriting), and his blog at www.barrynapier.wordpress.com.

About:

This is a very powerful and heart wrenching story. You will be immediately thrown into the life of a little girl who is being sold to the highest bidder. I thought she was much older until the author reveals her true age which broke my heart.

Then we meet Ryan who isn’t so sure about God but finds himself surprised by these Christians he meets that don’t force Jesus down his throat. Underneath his doubting exterior he is a nice guy who  God will redeem and draw to Himself.

The back and forth between the horrible world of these young girls and the hope of Jubilee House is a stark contrast. Your heart will ache for freedom for these girls, for them to either escape or be rescued.

The saddest part of all is this is truly happening in our world. Not just overseas but in America as well.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review. 

A Reluctant Melody by Sandra Ardoin February 10, 2016

 

About:

Kit’s alcoholism ruined more lives than his own. Now sober, he wants to make amends by opening a mission for drunkards. But the most suitable location belongs to Joanna Cranston Stewart, a love from his sordid past.

Friends of her late husband blame Joanna for his death. Although eager to flee from the rumors, she will let the walls of her rundown property crumble around her before she allows Kit back into her life.

When a blackmailer threatens to reveal Joanna’s long-held secret, will she risk losing everything she owns to Kit … including her heart?

My thoughts:

This book will have you guessing from the beginning. What happened to Joanna? What was her encounter with Kit? My mind was guessing at something, but was it correct? That alone kept me reading more.

I really enjoyed both of the characters, they obviously had been changed by circumstances. I loved the way Kit allowed the love of Jesus to redeem his past and then make a difference in other people’s lives. He had no fear in reaching out, which is exactly how we all should be with our lives.

Joanna seemed a bit unsure of herself but as the book progressed she changed too and became stronger.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Visit Sandra here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

The Power of a God Given Imagination by Ray McCollum February 9, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK:

God has already given you the power to create your own future…you just need to learn how to use it. The Power of God–Given Imagination is about awakening the dreamer within you. It demystifies the power of imagination and shows how we all instinctively use this power without realizing it. It shows how faith and prayer cannot operate without imagination. Author Ray McCollum also debunks the false notion that the power of the mind, the imagination, and dreaming takes one into New Age mysticism or the secular realm of “positive thinking.” The power of the human mind belongs to the church, and God expects us to use it. Within the pages of this book, you will discover exactly what this power is, how it works, and how you can use it to both transform your personal life and transform the culture around you by releasing the kingdom of God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ray McCollum came to the Lord in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1971 while working in radio broadcasting. In 1975, he moved to Nashville, where he eventually started an advertising company. A friend who managed a local Christian radio station offered Ray fifteen minutes each day to teach the Bible, and the success of that program led him to start a Bible study that eventually grew into a church plant. In 1984, he sold his company and became pastor of Bethel World Outreach Center, where he ministered for sixteen years. In 2000, he resigned from the church to travel the world teaching the Bible. In 2009, Ray and his son planted Celebration Church in the Nashville area.

My thoughts:

This book introduces a lot of interesting ideas and reminds the reader of the power of imagination and our mind.

I loved the reminder that God first imagined the world and then we came to be.

But, as non-fiction books tend to do for me, I felt like I was reading the same thing stated several different ways. I wasn’t overly excited to keep reading.

Yet, overall, a very beneficial that will give you some things to think about.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com, Books-A-Million, Deeper Shopping or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through The Book Club Network Inc. in exchange for an honest review.