What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson February 8, 2023

About:

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy–but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. All of that changes when she’s asked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter’s belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.

As the long-abandoned investigation moves forward, old wounds and long-buried secrets are exposed. Will these two women, whose lives have never been the same, finally get the answers they need to reconcile the past and the future?

My thoughts:

This was a very interesting story that packs a good message. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to not know what happened to your child for thirty-five years.

I liked Faith a lot and her own story of moving on. I also loved that she was a podcaster because I love podcasts. I enjoyed the reconnections Faith made when she returned to Deep Valley.

If this wasn’t claimed to be a Christian book I would have nothing but good things to say, but because this claims to be a Christian book I do have an issue. Faith referenced the Ennegram at least three times in the book. So many Christians think this is okay but if they did their research they would see that this has demonic roots, it is something Christians should stay away from. I wouldn’t care if I saw this in a secular book and would have never said a word but it concerns me deeply that Christians are falling into this and have no idea of its roots.

Other than that I really did enjoy the overall story, it had a very satisfying ending that made me smile.

Visit Christina here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbooks.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett February 2, 2023

About:

Is there a new reformation happening in the church? It depends on who you ask.

The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) is a popular and fast-growing new movement of Christians who emphasize signs and wonders, and teach that God is giving new revelation through new apostles and prophets. But is this biblical Christianity?

In Counterfeit Kingdom, apologists and NAR experts Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett show how the NAR’s key tenets distort the gospel, twist the Scriptures, are influenced by New Age practices, and lead faithful Christians to shipwreck their faith. They also offer practical suggestions for readers who are already influenced by the NAR, curious about it, or concerned about loved ones who have been swept up in the movement.

What used to be on the fringes of the church is now mainstream, and many are being influenced by it unaware. This book is a wake-up call.

My thoughts:

This is a book that you have to be ready to read. I was and I loved it. It spoke so much truth and reminded me of all that I have walked away from. I was do deep into this counterfeit kingdom and it made me so angry at God when he didn’t answer my prayers.

Thankfully God opened my eyes to the truth and pulled me out. People that are deep into this movement will be offended when they read this book, but I pray that anyone who picks it up will allow God to soften there hearts and hear the truth. I feel so much freedom now that I don’t believe all the lies I once did.

Visit Holly here.

Visit Douglas here.

Grab your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.