Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Review of "Tandem" by Tracey Bateman

Review of "False Witness" by Randy Singer

Jamie Brock is an assistant DA with some very specific beliefs.  She is known for her unwillingness to plea bargain - ever.  Part of her passion lies in the fact that her mother was murdered in their home when she was 16, and this truly sets the tone for the course of her life.  During the time period of this story, she is under extreme stress for a number of reasons - the execution of her mother's killer is looming, her father has had a stroke and is on life support, things at work go a tiny bit haywire.  Additionally, (in a sub- yet related storyline), a well known local lawyer is arrested for allegedly killing his wife - and while in jail creates a serious stir with the gangs in the system, where no one will take a plea of any kind (and those that do, they or their loved ones are killed.)  This greatly affects her workload, and she is most definitely in need of a break.

It was nice to catch up with Jamie Brock again (a character originally introduced in "False Witness", where she was a law student) - this time as a full fledged lawyer.  This book focuses a great deal on ethics and behind the scenes of the justice system, as well as the death penalty.  I love reading Randy Singer because he obviously knows a lot about the law, so the rules, etc. ring very true - but he also knows people.  And these characters were interesting to me.

This was a very well done mystery, lots of detail but not ever overwhelming, and I enjoyed trying to figure out "who done it"....(and I was half right!)  :)

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Review of "Whole" by Lisa Whittle


The holes in your life can ultimately be what make you WHOLE.  Very thought provoking.  Lisa Whittle shares her heart and life to illustrate the truth that although we will have challenges, things that shake our beliefs and life in general, that God still wants us to be whole.  Our experiences can be just that - experiences.  Not the sole definer of all that He has made us to be and the end of our story.

She is very transparent in her story (it seems she holds nothing back!) and I admire her for that.  From her notes at the end, I thought it was interesting that she felt she was supposed to "come at the book from my failures, not my successes".  It's an interesting perspective and a powerful one, I believe.

I was really excited to read this book, as I have so much in common with Lisa Whittle.  She is a pastor's daughter, she's been married the same amount of time as I have, they planted a church (we are planting now with our 1st anniversary in a few weeks), and we have both experienced holes - as well as some wholeness through a deeper relationship with God.

My favorite part is towards the end of the book; due to a number of circumstances she is feeling pretty raw, and God says to her, "Lisa, I love you.  I know you are hurting right now, and I know why.  But in these months of doing Thrive Church, have you gotten to know Me better?"

She answers yes.  He says, "If then you have gotten to know Me better and you were created for that purpose, how can you consider your experience with Thrive Church a failure?  It is instead a wild success."

I was so moved by this because I've been there (challenging circumstances, feeling like a failure, when will things ever "get better", and although I wouldn't want to live those specific circumstances again, necessarily...I am grateful for the result of knowing Him better.  Priceless.  A wild success.  :)

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Night Mare" by Dandi Daley Mackall

Ellie James is ready for the perfect summer, enjoying her family, friends, and especially Dream, her backyard horse.  Through a sad series of events, it turns out that Dream was not abandoned as they all thought, but ran away from her owners and now they want her back.  Although it's clear that the boy who owned Dream (he named her Jinx) can't possibly love the mare as much as Ellie, she struggles to do the right thing and let Dream go graciously.  Just when you think there might now be a happy ending, the author provides a creative (and not cheesy or overdone) way for everyone's dreams to come true.  And the miracle touches more lives than just Ellie's.


This was probably my favorite book of the series.  Whether you have a horse crazy girl in your house, as I do, or you just want a fun and poignant story to read, please check out this series!

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Review of "Chasing Dream" by Dandi Daley Mackall

Fourth grade is almost over, and Ellie James is loving having her own "backyard" horse.  She wants to do everything she can to make sure the world knows just how wonderful Dream is.  So she creates the "First Annual Fourth Grade Horse Race" and focuses her energies (at the expense of her promises to her family, friends, school work, etc.) - but when Dream doesn't win the race, she begins to question her worth.

This is a wonderful story of a girl trying to do the right thing but learning that God doesn't love you for what you do or how perfectly behave....He loves you because you're YOU.

I completely recommend this series.  Whether you have a horse-crazy girl in your house like I do or just want to check out a good story, please read these books.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Review of "Draven's Defiance" by Paul McCusker

It's 1979, and Scott Graham and his friends decide to check out a railroad tunnel.  He hits his head and comes back out of the tunnel to find that everything has changed.  Odyssey is gone, and in it's place is a very strange land where time seems to have stopped.  Completely.

Scott (Elisha) meets Draven (Elijah) and quickly figures out that Draven is the mortal enemy of Supreme Commander Mobeck and his wife Skalaw (King Ahab & Queen Jezebel).  Mobeck & Skalaw, along with their advisers, come up with many reasons why time (literally) has stopped, but in reality only the Unseen One can make it start again.  He does, in a huge way, and afterwards Draven confronts Mobeck & Skalaw.  However, things don't go as he expected and he retreats, completely undone.

This one is different from the rest of the Passages books, in that Scott never returns to Odyssey.  His parents always knew that God had called him to something special.  Also, back in Odyssey, Whit & Jack are talking with James Curtis and he asks them if they believe...when they express that they aren't sure, his disappointment is evident and they don't speak again.  We learn in book 6 that James has "disappeared' from Hillingdale Haven.  Could he be permanently in Marus as he wished?

This retelling of the story of Elijah & Elisha was one of my favorites of this series - I really enjoy the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. As with the other books, this was a wonderful way of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story. I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Seal of God" by Chad Williams

Chad Williams is an aimless kid - always on to the 'next' thing.  Successful one minute and making horrible decisions the next.  Going all out - and then burning out.  He has excelled in a number of pursuits, but always moves on to something else....so when he tells his parents he is going to be a Navy SEAL, you can imagine their reaction.  His dad finds someone to train him (US Navy SEAL Scott Helvenston), and Chad so respects their relationship that he takes the workouts very seriously and subsequently begins to change.

Just before Chad is scheduled to begin basic training he turns on the television (to begin his workout!) and sees a newsflash that his mentor and friend has been brutally murdered - ambushed - in Iraq.  Now more than ever, Chad is determined to become a SEAL and make Scott proud.

Chad details the super-crazy-extreme-hard-really hard-life changing things one must go through to become a SEAL.  He also shares his own complete life 180, committing to follow Christ which transforms him in so many other important ways.

I loved reading Chad's life story.  This is a world I don't have much experience in and I just found it fascinating, as well as inspirational.  Please read this book!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Unplanned" by Abby Johnson

Wow, this was such an interesting book to me.  I really respect the transparency the author shows and appreciate that she decided -and had the courage!- to share her story.

Abby Johnson, an idealistic-about-certain-things college student, is recruited to volunteer at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Texas.  Her goals, that she believes align with Planned Parenthood's, are to serve women in crisis, help prevent pregnancies, and therefore make abortions rare.  She graduates with her degree and begins working for Planned Parenthood, eventually becoming the Clinic Director.  She is an excellent employee, being named her affiliate's 2008 Employee of the Year.

Throughout the course of her tenure, she repeatedly interacts with a group called the Coalition for Life; those on the 'opposite side of the fence'.  Although she disagrees with them on many topics, she has a growing respect for how they treat others and watches them closely.  One day she is asked to assist with an ultrasound abortion, and the course of her life is forever changed.

No matter what you believe about this topic, her story is compelling.  I definitely recommend this book.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Review of "Problems in Plymouth" by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger


In book six of the Imagination Station series, Mr. Whittaker has a lead on when/where Hugh is, as well as an idea of how to get him back to 1450.

So cousins Beth & Patrick, armed with a mystery brown leather pouch and a beautiful golden hand mirror with an eagle carved on the back, arrive in Plymouth - it's 1621.  They find Hugh right away, but he tells them he doesn't want to go back, because he knows he will be thrown into the tower.  They meet Indians, and are kidnapped; already captive is John Billington Jr., a Pilgrim boy.  Some of the Pilgrim leaders come to the Indians to trade for the children, and the Indians are very impressed with the hand mirror!

Hugh starts a rumor that Squanto has been kidnapped, and then in the confusion steals a musket - all of which almost starts a battle.  Eventually his ruse is discovered and the Indians realize that the Pilgrims have honored the treaty.  They decide to hold a feast to celebrate - yep, it's the first Thanksgiving!
Since everyone is preoccupied with the feast, Beth & Patrick begin to be concerned that Hugh is up to something, and he is.  He lures them to the storehouse, and in the confrontation/confusion, Hugh thinks he has Mr. Whittaker's ring...but it's really Albert's, and he's sent straight back to 1450, where he is captured and yes, sent to the tower!  Finally!  (Hugh has been a troublemaker for six books now.)

I recommend these books for your early reader!

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Review of "Attack at the Arena" by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

In their second adventure, cousins Beth & Patrick must travel to ancient Rome to find a silver cup (chalice).  Upon their arrival, they are almost eaten by a tiger in the arena!  They are startled by the disregard for life in Rome.  Beth is essentially captured by an overzealous guard who thinks she is a runaway Roman slave for Emperor Honorius, who she finds to be very young and a little crazy.  Patrick meets monk Telemachus, and through a wild series of events, both Beth & Patrick end up at the arena again, where Beth is assisting the emperor with his birds and Patrick is being escorted into the arena to fight to the death!  The entire adventure allows them to assist Telemachus in helping to end the Roman games once and for all.

There were many such dramatic moments in this book, and again history and fantasy are combined to entertain as well as teach a lesson.

I think these are great books for an earlier reader.  I recommend this series!

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Review of "Voyage with the Vikings" by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker

Beth & Patrick are cousins in Odyssey who, after meeting Mr. Whittaker and taking a peek at the Imagination Station, are surprised to find out that *they* can make it work - and travel in time!  

It is the year 1000, and their mission is to find a Viking sunstone.  When they arrive, they discover that Vikings are pretty fierce, and they don't shake hands.  They meet Erik the Red and his son, Leif, who is a Christian (his dad doesn't approve).  They also get to see the Northern Lights and teach the King about kindness and loving your enemies.

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader. The combination of history and fantasy (they are able to take their knowledge of historical events and make educated decisions on how to behave, etc.), really adds to the story.  I recommend this series!

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Review of "Strange Journey Back" by Paul McCusker



This four books in one compilation has us visiting Odyssey, this time with new kid in town Mark Prescott.  He is there because his mom & dad are separated - temporarily, he hopes, but in the meantime he just plain wants to be back at home in Washington DC.

He quickly learns there are lots of things to love about Odyssey, Mr. Whittaker, the Imagination Station, a local "gang" that only does good, a new friend-who-is-a-girl Patti (you can be friends with girls, who knew?) and lots of mystery as well as life changing lessons.

I really enjoyed this compilation of books about Mark & Odyssey.  I especially appreciated the author's choice to not always have things solved quickly and easily.  I think this is a great series/book compilation for kids and I can easily recommend it.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Review of "Night of the Living Dead Christian" by Matt Mikalatos

So. For the first 50 pages, I didn't get it at all.   So confused.  For the next 50, things got a little clearer.  And then....I was totally on track with the crazy (but so worthwhile) writings of Matt Mikalatos.

Matt, the newly self appointed king of the neighborhood watch, finds that his 'hood is overrun with zombies (blindly following 'Christians'), vampires (super-selfish), and werewolves (those lacking self control with possible anger issues).  He meets Luther, who has a very interesting background - don't we all - and who has also recently started to abuse his wife.  He also has pastor dad issues; but above it all, is still seeking to figure out who he is and who Jesus really is, too.  Along for the ride to crazy are the Hibbs 3000 android/robot, mad scientist Dr. Culbetron, and former high school classmate turned neighbor (also former vampire), Lara.

As mentioned, I had a difficult time getting into this book at first.  This is my second Matt Mikalatos book, and I have to say, he might be an acquired taste....but it's a worth it taste.  Read this book as well as his first, "Imaginary Jesus" - you will be glad you did.  And you will have lots to think about like I do.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Review of "Arin's Judgment" by Paul McCusker


This one was a little tougher for me.  I didn't dislike it, just can't say I loved it as much as the others I've read.

Wade Mullins is a pretty smart schoolkid in the 1940's just post WWII.  He and his best friend Bobby are fascinated by airplanes, bombers, and bombs.  Bobby's cousin Lee has just sent him some drawings that are top secret, as they are related to the creation of the atomic bomb.  Through a series of events Wade ends up with the drawings and is attempting to burn them when he is transported from his basement in Odyssey to Marus. Interestingly in many ways, Marus is quite technologically advanced, using solar for everything - but it has led them to begin to worship the sun instead of the Unseen One.

Wade is quickly taken as a "guest" of Tyran and Tyran's top sidekick, Dr. Liszt.  He shares with Dr. Liszt the atomic bomb drawings and the information is quickly used for evil and not for good.  Also, the flu Wade had before arriving in Marus has far-reaching consequences....

This is a retelling of the story of Noah, but at times I wondered if Hitler was in there somehow (Tyran was awfully similar in his attempts to take over the world). All in all, I am still enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Fendar's Legacy" by Paul McCusker


Brothers Danny, Wayne, and their cousin Michelle are spying on a hippie party in the summer of 1968 when they fall into Trickle Lake.  They are shocked (to say the least) when they come out of the water and discover they are in a fountain - and they're not in Odyssey anymore.

What the children don't know is that their arrival has been foretold and has great meaning....and not everyone views their appearance the same.  Michelle chooses to stay in the palace with the King (Pharaoh), while Danny & Wayne help Fendar (Moses).

This retelling of the story of Moses & Pharaoh and the quest for Pharaoh to let God's people go, was great!  I continue to enjoy the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. The truth is well told and the story is compelling.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Showdown With the Shepherd" by Brock Eastman & Marianne Hering


Cousins Beth & Patrick are again, off on a great adventure, traveling to the Holy Land, 1000 BC.  They are still in pursuit of Hugh to get Mr. Whittaker's ring.  They don their costumes, get into the Imagination Station and off they go! They find Hugh shortly thereafter, and surprise, he is hanging out with the Philistines and using his knowledge of 1450's England to attempt to change history.  Beth & Patrick get to spend time with David the shepherd as he confronts the giant Goliath.  As always, there seems to be a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, too....

I think these are wonderful books for an earlier reader.  The combination of history and fantasy (in this case Beth & Patrick are entering a real-life Bible story), adds a layer of concern - they wonder if the timeline could change if Hugh is successful.  They are brave and learn a lot.  Your early reader will, too!

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Review of "The Great Mogul Diamond" by G.P. Taylor

Some time has passed since we last saw identical twin sisters Sadie & Saskia Dopple, and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger.  The sisters have been adopted by Muzz Elliott and Erik is living with Lord Gervez and assisting Dorcas Potts, who has just opened a detective agency.  We begin with Muzz Elliott being blackmailed, and she decides to take a 'vacation' to Cannes, via train and boat.  On the trip a few mysterious things occur and the mystery deepens.  Meanwhile, the twins have managed to contact Erik & Dorcas who follow a different route and meet up with some less than savory characters along the way.  Someone is re-enacting scenes from some of Muzz Elliott's books, with eerie, real-life consequences.

I think this is my favorite book of the series so far. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new (Illustra-Novella). I still think these books require (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some 'adult-who-has-read-it-too' discussion. Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Glennall's Betrayal" by Paul McCusker

More clues to solving the mystery that is the land of Marus....in this manuscript, James Curtis is an orphan living with his Aunt.  He is running away (for the millionth time) when he finds himself transported to another world, the world of Marus and Palatia.  He meets Glennall, and helps to rescue him from the mine his brothers have thrown him in.  Glennall and James' futures are quickly entertwined and together, with guidance from the Unseen One, change the course of history.

This retelling of the story of Joseph was great!  Again, I am really enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review of "The Cause Within You" by Matthew Barnett



I.Loved.This.Book.  What a wonderful composite of real life story, inspiration, hard truths; a great example of someone who is willing to back up the cashing of every check his mouth writes with real action.

Matthew Barnett is the son of megachurch pastor Tommy Barnett.  At 20, he began pastoring in Los Angeles and shortly after became very discouraged.  The church was in a challenging neighborhood, people weren't coming, and the plans he had made weren't coming to fruition.  One night he felt very impressed to go to Echo Park and there he specifically heard God tell him that he must build the people, and God would build the church.  This was a big turnaround to how he perceived he was supposed to handle things....but it was exactly what he needed to do.  Fast forward about 15 years and Matthew Barnett has seen God do amazing things both in his life and the lives of those around him.

I especially appreciated the obvious humility Mr. Barnett displays throughout the telling of stories in this book.  He is a real person following his God-given cause to change people's lives through serving.  We can all take serious notes both from his example and the service-driven approach to finding your personal cause.

Please, go buy this book. Then read it.  You will be glad you did, and proceeds go to assist the work they are doing at the Dream Center LA....then go find someone to serve.  It will change your life.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Winning Balance" by Shawn Johnson


I was so excited to get to read this book - I received it around the 2012 Olympics, and as someone who pays close attention to gymnastics, especially at Olympics time! -I was super excited to hear Shawn's story.

Being an elite gymnast is not a simple or carefree lifestyle, and I loved that Shawn's parents were determined from the beginning that she choose it - she would not be forced - and that it stay fun and she have as typical a life as possible.  Shawn has a fun sense of humor and it's clear she doesn't take herself too seriously, but she is definitely a hard worker and clearly loves the sport.

I loved Shawn's openness in sharing her thought process regarding both her struggles and victories; I loved the 'Lesson I've Learned' feature at the end of every chapter; I appreciated her transparency in sharing her poetry in the book....all in all this was a special book and I can highly recommend it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Secret of Indigo Moon" by G.P. Taylor


Again as stated in my review of the first book in this series, I was really interested in this concept - and it took some getting used to - but I do like it. I think it mixes things up a bit and will definitely catch the interest of those who may not describe themselves as "big readers".

Identical twin sisters Sadie and Saskia Dopple and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger just can't seem to stay out of trouble - mysteries just surround them, begging to be solved.  In this book we meet several new characters (as well as one or two from the first book) and are introduced to a number of secret passageways that are hiding some important information about the Isambard Dunstan School for Wayward Children and it's staff, past and present.  Throw in a antiquities theft ring, an investigative reporter with interesting relatives and some more freedom for our main characters, and I am eager to get to book #3.  This fast-paced novel was less 'dark' than the first and I appreciated that, as I had concerns the first one seemed to have less hope.

Again, I am starting on book 3 now and the characters are growing on me. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new! I still think these books require (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some 'adult-who-has-read-it-too' discussion. Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The First Escape" by G.P. Taylor



I was really interested in this concept - and I'll be frank, it took some getting used to - but now I have to say I like it.  I think it mixes things up a bit and will definitely catch the interest of those who may not describe themselves as "big readers".

Isambard Dunstan's School for Wayward Children is the setting for this first book in the Dopple Ganger Chronicles.  Identical twin sisters Sadie and Saskia Dopple were left at the school by their mother (an actress), and as of yet she hasn't returned for them.  They tend to get into a bit of trouble and gain too much notice from the headmistress.  One day, a well to do author (who appears to be a sponsor of sorts to the school) 'adopts' Saskia - but not Sadie.  They have never been separated before and are definitely not ok with this turn of events.

Sadie and their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger escape the school to find Saskia, but not before stirring up enough trouble to chase them to the mansion that Saskia is now living.  While there, they discover a horrible plot and can't decide who is telling the truth - and it may just cost them their lives.

Compared to C.S. Lewis and Harry Potter and set in the UK, at first read this novel seemed pretty dark to me.  However, I am starting on book 3 now and I've since changed my mind. I can recommend this book & series to a pre-teen or teen who can handle some on-the-tense-side scenes, or an adult who wants to try something new!  I do think it requires (especially for younger or more impressionable readers) some adult-who-has-read-it-too discussion.  Check it out, you might like it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Review of "Horse Dreams" by Dandi Daley Mackall


Ellie James dreams *and* day dreams about her very own horse - a black stallion to show!  She can't stop thinking of, praying, and begging for one, but she doesn't have one yet.  It seems like everywhere she goes she sees this horse of her dreams - until one day while in school, she looks out the window and sees a 'backyard horse', a pinto who has been severely mistreated and is literally running around town after escaping from the rescue farm it was brought to.

Ellie's family is awesome - her mom is a super volunteer, her dad works for a marketing company, and her younger brother Ethan, is a super athlete who happens to be deaf, so Ellie and her best friend Cole know sign language and communicate throughout the story with it.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this great series!!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Betrayal" by Jerry B. Jenkins


We ended "The Brotherhood" with Chicago Police officer Boone Drake being shot and seriously wounded during the transfer of gang kingpin Pascual Candelario.  PC as he is known, has undergone a spiritual conversion and is becoming an informant in one of the biggest stories to hit Chicago in decades.

It is quickly determined that the transfer was exposed - and the entire takedown is at risk - due to a traitor, and Gang Enforcement department secretary Haeley Lamonica (also Boone's new girlfriend) is being framed...but is she responsible?  As Boone investigates he is hard pressed to know who he can trust, as the coverup seems to go to the highest levels in the CPD.

I am really enjoying these books - I read #1 and this one immediately thereafter - and am impressed with both.  I can't wait to see the conclusion to this great series!  Highly recommended.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Review of "Peril in the Palace" by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker


Cousins Beth & Patrick are on a great adventure, traveling to find Kublai Khan in 1271 - all they need is one of his golden tablets, to save Mr. Whittaker's relative Albert.  They get into the Imagination Station (a time machine of sorts), packing some gifts Mr. Whittaker knows they will need, and off they go!  When they arrive in China they make several (cultural) mistakes almost immediately, but are quickly saved by Marco Polo (yes, *that* Marco Polo).  They travel with Marco and his family to the palace of Kublai Khan.  Eventually they meet his granddaughter, Beki, who loves Jesus!  It turns out that the gifts that Mr. Whittaker sent are timely and perfect, and they get the tablet they need.  There's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, too....

I am looking forward to seeing more in this series, it was fun!  I love the combination of history and fantasy.  Well done!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Last Sacrifice" by Hank Hanegraaf & Sigmund Brouwer

Helius, Nero's right hand man holds onto a lot of hate for Vitas, and has conspired to have him sent to the arena.  We begin 'The Last Sacrifice' with "Vitas" being in the arena (but it's not him! someone has taken his place), and the real Vitas is smuggled onto a ship with John.  Later, Helius discovers the switch and is desperate to have Vitas found and killed before Nero discovers his failure.  He also figures out that Sophia, who was invited to suicide by Nero, has actually faked her demise and escaped as well.  More plotting.  Nero's madness increases.  Vitas' brother Damian continues to follow the clues to find his brother.  Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the rebellion increases and we catch up with Valeria, Quintus, and Maglorious again.  Annas the Younger is as evil as ever and is making moves to regain his position as high priest.  John & Vitas arrive in Patmos and the plot thickens.

This book was so complicated to me.  I had a hard time keeping all the plotlines straight.  Some obscure storylines from the first book appear - and sometimes for a few pages only - in this one.  I know this won't be a popular opinion -and maybe I was just mentally tired- but trying to keep up with it all, and keeping straight who was plotting against who was exhausting.  I can't say it wasn't interesting, just challenging.  I felt like this book was a transition to get us to the final book in this series.

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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review of "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn

"Real Gold Fears No Fire."  This book was tough to read for me - but in the best way.  It was enlightening, eye opening, moving....

Ben Fielding and Li Quan were roommates at Harvard back in the day.  Following Ben's example, Li Quan becomes a Christ follower and eventually returns to China.  Ben gets married and has kids, drifts away from God, becomes very successful in business - then gets divorced and is generally disillusioned in life but just can't figure out why.

Li Quan goes back to China, marries, and has his one 'allowed' child.  He continues his relationship with Christ and in fact risks his life and livelihood to participate in the underground church in China.  Ben is required to travel on business to China and asks if he can stay with Li Quan and his family, for research.  He quickly discovers that after 20 years things are very different than what he expected, and the longer he stays the stronger his convictions that things in China need to change.

I strongly recommend this book.  Especially if you live in the US, your eyes will be opened to the differences and lack of freedoms that many other countries experience.

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Review of "The Atonement Child" by Francine Rivers



I read this book some years ago, and not to be terribly dramatic, but it actually changed my life.  It really encouraged me to look at some beliefs I had held for years, from a slightly different angle.  I am grateful that Francine Rivers was willing to write what she did, because I imagine she took a few hits for the stand she chose.  When I re-read it this week, I was reminded once again that this is still a thought provoking book.

Dynah Carey is a college student at a small private Christian school in the midwest.  An only child, her parents live in San Francisco where she grew up.  They encouraged her to 'spread her wings' and she met her fiancee there.  One fateful night, her car in the shop, she takes the bus back to campus and is going to walk the last blocks.  She is attacked and finds out later that she is pregnant.  Everyone is horrified, some for all the wrong reasons - and no one seems to understand what she needs to hear.

This begins a journey through which Dynah learns that only God can be her source and He can ultimately turn something unspeakably terrible into something for good.

I recommend this book - no matter what you believe about abortion, it may make you think.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.




Friday, August 10, 2012

Review of "Bees in the Butterfly Garden" by Maureen Lang


Set in the Gilded Age, Meg Davenport is a young woman about to come of age who finds out - after his passing - that her father was not the rich businessman who had no time for her as she had long believed - but is, in fact, a thief.  A very good one, but a thief nonetheless.  His protege, Ian Maguire, about the same age as Meg, intends to take over as leader of the "family" business he left behind, and so does Brewster (a thief with no scruples and a bent towards violence); and a power play begins.

To establish her right to be her father's daughter, Meg offers up the Pemberton family (extremely wealthy, and former classmates at Madame Marisse's, from whom she has an invitation to spend the summer and design their garden) and therefore potential access to their rumored gold.  She proposes that she summer with them and discover what she can about the gold and then pass that information along.

Will Meg be able to live successfully in both worlds?  Will she and Ian find love?  Will anyone do the right thing?

I loved the quotes from both Madame Marisse's Handbook for Young Ladies as well as from thieves that begin each chapter.  I loved the Pemberton family dynamic and their love and respect for each other (grace, mercy, or justice?) as well as their staff and friends.  I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!

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Review of "Darien's Rise" by Paul McCusker

It's the summer of 1958 and Kyle and his sister Anna couldn't be more bored.  They are staying for a month this summer with their grandparents in Odyssey and are looking for a little adventure.  Their uncle tells them of an old house in the woods and they decide to find it.  When they do, what first appears a decaying, abandoned house actually is a portal to another world - the world of Marus, where kings and generals and swords are the norm.  Soon both Anna & Kyle discover their calling - she the 'voice' and he the 'protector'; and their lives, both in Marus and Odyssey, will never be the same.

This retelling of the story of David, Saul, and Samuel was wonderfully done, and I love the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey. In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.  I highly recommend this series, both for children and adults.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Annison's Risk" by Paul McCusker


It is the 1920's and 'Dreamy Madina', or Maddy as she is known, has come with her family to America from Russia to escape the Russian Revolution.  She now lives in Odyssey and often has dreams of a fairy tale princess who asks for her help.  She loves to read and has many fanciful ideas.  While playing hide and seek with a neighbor boy she is transported to a palace in Marus - where she sees the princess from her dreams.  She can only jump into this real life fairy tale with her whole heart, and she just might learn something - and help save the kingdom.

This retelling of the story of Esther was wonderfully done, and I am really enjoying the author's take on Biblical stories through the lens of Odyssey.  In the few books I've read so far, they have done a great job of depicting the truth while telling an interesting and poignant story.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Review of "The Scarlet Thread" by Francine Anderson



Sierra Madrid has spent much of her life getting her way.  When her husband Alex has the job opportunity of a lifetime (that he has been dreaming about for years) he jumps on it - and then informs her of  his decision, even though the transition requires them to move.  She is not consulted, she is brokenhearted - and she spends the next few years being angry.  And we are off on the journey of a marriage with communication gone seriously wrong.

I'm celebrating my 15th anniversary today.  It has not always been easy; it's not always been hard, either.  :)  But I know from experience, the miscommunications people have in marriage can really lead to major heartache, and Sierra and Alex's story is a perfect example of this.  Francine Rivers writes a moving tale of heartbreak and ultimately renewal that is not only a great read, but a lesson everyone can learn from.

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Review of "My Imaginary Jesus" by Matt Mikalatos

Matt and his best friend Jesus are having lunch in a cafe in Portland, when a guy named Pete comes in and a few minutes later, punches Jesus in the face!  And so the adventure begins - an adventure that involves a talking donkey, an unlimited amount of different "Jesus-es" (I think my personal favorite fake Jesus was a toss up between Magic 8 Ball Jesus and Testosterone Jesus) and even a few bible characters.  Throw in a great deal of personal discovery and I found a winner.

I must admit, I was initially a little skeptical that I would enjoy this book....but I truly did!  I thought it was clever, witty, entertaining, AND seriously thought provoking....not always a simple combination to achieve.  I enjoyed the sense that it was a bit autobiographical, although it was technically a fiction book.  The author's sense of humor is evident (I laughed out loud a few times), but it's in no way irreverent or insulting.  His nods and inside jokes resonated with me.  I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Mr. Mikalatos.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "Beckon" by Tom Pawlik

Welcome to Beckon: You're not here by chance.

The story of three people who arrive in the same town, around the same time, for very different reasons:
Anthropology student Jackson Kendrick wants to validate his father's research and find out the truth about his disappearance.
Police Officer Elina Gutierrez is searching for her cousin, who disappeared in a suspicious manner...did he find a job, or was he kidnapped?
Devoted husband and retired businessman George Wilcox is desperate for his wife Miriam to be healed from Alzheimer's.  He will do anything for their lives to go back to the way they used to be, and he has been searching for a way to fix this for four years.
Once they (individually) arrive, crazy things begin to happen - and it just gets stranger and stranger.

This was an interesting read for me.  I'm not typically a huge fan of the "thriller" genre, and even after waiting a few days to write this review, I remain lukewarm towards this book.  I did appreciate the author's style of introducing each "main" character's story separately, but then weaving everything together without much retread - it was seamless and impressive!  Be aware that this book is pretty graphic and descriptive in regards to the human sacrifices.  Ultimately, I just have mixed feelings.

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Review of "Skip Rock Shallows" by Jan Watson

I've missed Jan Watson books!  So glad to get to revisit one of my favorite characters, Lilly Gray Corbett.

Lilly is all grown up and is a doctor now, and is at her first "post" in Skip Rock Shallows.  Skip Rock is a mining town and therefore injuries are common.  Initially she is ostracized and people are suspicious (after all, this is the early 1900's and women doctors are unusual); but after she saves a local's leg and they discover she is the cousin of a prominent family, she is accepted.  Throw in some conspiracy and a tiny bit of a love triangle, and we've got a story!

I enjoyed Skip Rock Shallows and can easily recommend this book (and all of Jan Watson's books, for that matter).

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Review of "The Last Disciple" by Hank Hannegraaf & Sigmund Brouwer

Set in the first century, and based on the book of Revelation (the 'Last Disciple' refers to John), this book offers a different take on the Tribulation than the Left Behind series.  I find it interesting that both series are published by Tyndale House, especially considering the Afterword.

That said, here are my thoughts:  I felt this was a well written and intriguing book.  However, there are so many characters and subplots that at times I (and this could just be me) was a bit challenged to keep it all straight.  It well illustrates the excesses of ancient Rome and the abuse of power and corruption so common then.  I appreciated the author's research and seeming understanding of the times.

I can recommend this book; however, I don't feel that it's one I would personally care to re-read over and over.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Review of "The Tehran Initiative" by Joel C. Rosenberg


It's the sign of a great read when you find yourself (days later, and even after you've started a new one!) reviewing things and trying to reason them out in your mind.  This was one of those books.

In the sequel to "The Twelfth Imam", we rejoin CIA Operative David Shirazi and jump right back into the action, picking up immediately where The Twelfth Imam left off.  The crisis continues to escalate.  Even with nuclear weapons now in play, the White House is quite passive in their response to David's intel, and Israel is taking more and more action.  David's life is further complicated by his mother's cancer, as well as his growing re-connection with Marseille.

In a subplot, Dr. Malik (who David helped flee Iran) is now in a safe house in the US, but he is compelled to take to the airwaves as well as establish a Twitter account, sharing with his countrymen about his conversion and gaining tons of followers almost immediately.  (I loved the several technology nods to social networking, even in a number of different countries, throughout the book).

I can't wait for the next in this series, and I highly recommend both it and the first book, "The Twelfth Imam".

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Review of "Not in the Heart" by Chris Fabry

Truman Wiley.  Once a famous and celebrated newsman, he has separated from his wife, is estranged from his two children (one of whom is awaiting a heart transplant), and has a dangerous gambling problem.  Oh yeah, and he loves cats.

He is approached to write the story of a death row inmate who wants to donate his heart post execution to Truman's son.  As he delves deeper into the story, the information he discovers just may reveal a different killer - but if it does, what will happen his son?

I LOVED this book.  I loved the mystery, the heartache, the moral dilemma....all well written and touching - I can't say enough good things about this book.  You must get it and see for yourself!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Review of "The Twelfth Imam" by Joel C. Rosenberg

I'm not typically drawn to books set largely in the political arena, but I am so glad I picked this one up.

The Shirazi family escaped Iran in the late 70's, and has lived in the US ever since.  Following the events of September 11, their youngest of three sons, David, is driven by love for a girl named Marseille, and a hate for Osama bin Laden.  He is recruited by the CIA while still in his teens and they begin to put his extreme intelligence and background to use.  Meanwhile, the Twelfth Imam or Mahdi begins to appear, seemingly fulfilling Islamic prophecy.  Nuclear war is at stake, specifically intended to bring about the "End of Days", and many lives hang in the balance.

The author is excellent at building the "backstory" on the characters, and yet we move at such an intense pace.  This was my first time reading anything by Mr. Rosenberg.  It was incredibly intricate and truly, it's a long book - but never slow - and I just couldn't put it down.  I even found myself shushing my family.  :)  I also loved all of the real-life press citations that were used throughout the book.

I've just started book two, I can't wait to see what happens next, and I highly recommend this series!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Review of "The Touch" by Randall Wallace

Dr. Andrew Jones, "Jones" to most everyone who knows him, has a gift.  An off the charts, special-like-no-one-is-special, gift.  However, a tragedy in his life has impaired him in a number of ways, and he is teaching others - but not practicing personally.

Dr. Lara Blair is the intensely smart and seeking researcher that on the surface has everything - beauty, brains, billions - and she is not truly satisfied in life or with herself.

The author employs a tiny twist and we are taken on a journey to discover that the most important "touch" of all.
I really enjoyed this book.  I would highly recommend it - it's a great, fairly quick read - and hopefully it will make you think as it did for me.

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Review of "Promise Me This" by Cathy Gohlke


This is the second book I've read recently related to the sinking of the Titanic - and I loved this perspective.

Siblings Annie and Owen Allen are orphaned in England and their wealthy (and awful) Aunt Eleanor is calling all the shots.  When Owen decides to sail to America on the Titanic to make a better life for he and his sister, he has no idea what impact that decision will have on all of their lives.

Michael Dunnagan is another orphan who has known no kindness since his parents died and his beloved younger sister was stolen away.  He and Owen strike up an unlikely friendship, and the intense circumstances surrounding the Titanic will change all of their lives forever.

I really enjoyed not only the story, but the obvious research the author did and how she went one step further into history, writing about WWI.

I highly recommend this book and I will definitely be seeking out the past and future books of Cathy Gohlke!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Review of "The Search Committee" by Tim Owens

A church in the south is looking for a new pastor and a group of individuals who are to represent the church's wishes are sent on a number of church "field trips" to find one.  They are all struggling in different areas, some on several serious topics, and we see glimpses of them not only together but in their individual lives, trying to figure things out.

As a pastor's daughter, sister, and wife (yep -surrounded), the concept of a Search Committee is not new to me.  I can't say I've ever read a book about one though...so in theory, this book's premise was super appealing to me.

In reality, in complete honesty I had a hard time finishing it.  I thought the writing was fine, especially for a first time author, and initially I had a hard time putting my finger on what specifically I didn't love, but the bottom line?  It just didn't come together for me.  I think the primary reason is that I found many of the main characters unlikeable.  I get that they were supposed to be "flawed" (and that is a large part of the point), but I just didn't find it to be enough.

I did enjoy the differing viewpoints and the layering approach the author seemed to take in revealing more and more about the main characters as the story goes on.  And the ending seems fitting!  Ultimately, I will be happy to read more by Tim Owens but this one, for me, wasn't my favorite.

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Review of "Flame of Resistance" by Tracy Groot

This is the first book I have had the opportunity to read by this author.  The setting is just before D-Day in Normandy, and the Nazis are not making France a pleasant place to live. Brigitte Durand is an interesting main character - she is a prostitute at a Germans-only brothel, who longs for not just her freedom but her country's as well, and she is willing to fight however she can for it.  She has a deep love for France and struggles with the choices she has made to get to this place.  Tom Jaeger is an American fighter pilot shot down during a battle, discovered by the Resistance.  Because his appearance is so strikingly 'German', he is pressed into service with Flame, a resistance cell - and things begin to change very rapidly.

Although I enjoyed this novel and overall would recommend it, it took me some time to really get going, to truly get a feel for it.  I also struggled at times to understand their "languaging", especially since many of the references (some historical, some the expressions of the times) felt a little obscure to me at first.  However, once I got a little further along it all began to come together.  And the end made it all worthwhile!

I will look forward to reading more from Tracy Groot.  Enjoy!

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Review of "Accused" by Janice Cantore

Janice Cantore is a former police officer and this book is the first in a new series focusing on the main character, Carly Edwards.

Carly is a veteran member of the (fictional) town of Las Playas in Southern California.  Recently divorced because her fellow cop husband, Nick, cheated on her, she is on the verge of becoming bitter, and is often defensive towards just about everyone she comes into contact with - work, friends, and family alike.  Additionally, her father died of cancer five years ago, and she just cannot reconcile God loving her with Him allowing her father die.  This thought process, combined with her husband's infidelity, has very much shaped her into the person we meet in this book.

The plot focuses on solving the murder of Las Playas' mayor, complicated by a potential corruption in the police department that appears to have very far reaching tentacles.  Carly just isn't sure who she can trust, but is compelled to solve the mystery.

I had mixed feelings about this book....I enjoyed knowing the author clearly knew what she was writing about, but felt that some of the conversations were stilted and seemed unnatural.  However, overall I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery along with Carly, and I will read the second book in this new series when it comes out.

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Review of "Trauma Plan" by Candace Calvert

Riley Hale was a great ER nurse before being cruelly attacked - she was pushed down a flight of stairs and broke her neck.  A year later, she still hasn't fully regained the use (to the level she needs to return to her former position) of her dominant arm - and her frustration is mounting.

Dr. Jackson Travis is somewhat of a maverick who runs a local community clinic.  This clinic is the source of ire for the upscale neighbors, and they are determined to shut it down.

Cross the paths of these medical professionals, add in a little heiress angst and daredevil doctor along with some excellent supporting characters, and you've got a great story!  Although I guessed the "mystery" portion of the plot early on (and I was right), it in no way diminished my enjoyment of this book.  It was great to see how she brought it all together.  I highly recommend it!

Visit www.TyndaleRewards.com for more information about the publisher of this and other great books.

Friday, June 15, 2012

"The First Gardener" by Denise Hildreth Jones


I'm not sure I can say ENOUGH nice things about this book, but here goes.

Let me preface this by sharing that Denise Hildreth Jones is one of my all time favorite authors.  I have read every book she has written.  Some more than once (I can't get enough Savannah...I laugh out loud - even in the second and third readings....but I digress) and "The First Gardener" truly exceeded my expectations.  It's true, I was prepared to like it, but really, I *loved* it.

We begin with the enviable and lovely life of the first family of the great state of Tennessee.  They are beautiful inside and out, successful, in love, kind to others...the happy list goes on and on.  They long for many children but have only one, their 5 year old daughter, Maddie.  She is the light of their lives and a delight to all.  Jeremiah Williams is the Head Gardener of the governor's mansion and has been tending the first families' gardens for 25 years.  He has a special place in his heart for this entire family.  When tragedy strikes and all of their lives are forever changed, he is an integral part of their healing.

The entire story is handled in ways that I found realistic without being hopeless; funny, yet never irreverent; and most importantly, it communicated biblical truths without being even a little trite - especially in the face of such major heartbreak.  At the risk of sounding a little dramatic, The First Gardener actually changed my life.

I can't recommend it enough.

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Review of "The Shadow of Your Smile" by Susan May Warren

I love coming back to Deep Haven, and I don't even like snow!  :)

Noelle & Eli Hueston have been married for many years, but the last few have been, well, worse than routine.  Struggling already, things were compounded by the death of their only daughter, and at the point we meet them, they have genuinely lost their way.  The book begins with Noelle attempting to evade a robbery when she slips and falls on a patch of ice and suffers a head injury, which in turn causes some pretty serious amnesia.  She doesn't remember being married or her children, she definitely doesn't remember her daughter Kelsey, and she thinks she is in college -she is very upset that her (deceased) parents won't come visit her in the hospital!  You can imagine the confusion this causes, as the amnesia lasts for some time.

There are also several great "sub"-story, one that includes her oldest son & Kelsey's best friend, and I really enjoyed how they were all tied together in the end.  This book deals with a number of serious issues and still manages to retain a sense of humor and emotional pull, all without being overdone.  Well played, Susan May Warren!

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Review of "Heart Echoes" by Sally John

This is book number three in the Side Roads series by Sally John.  They have all been great books and I appreciate that they are all stand-alone titles, but still have the same feel and style to them.

We begin with a massive, life changing earthquake, and Teal Morgan-Adams will never be the same.  She is a woman with a huge heart, a passion for life, and a big secret.  For 17 years she has never discussed her daughter Maiya's dad.  With anyone.  EVER.  Estranged from her family in Oregon, she lives in LA with her husband River and Maiya.  And although River is the awesomest stepdad ever, Maiya begins to act out and wants to know the truth about her heritage.  This begins their journey (literally and figuratively) to forgiveness and healing, and what a path it is!

River, by the way, is one of the most understanding men I have ever seen.  Just saying.  :)

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Review of "Forsaking All Others" by Allison Pittman

This is the sequel to "For Time & Eternity", continuing the story of Camilla Fox.  A young girl desperate for love from the father who doesn't understand her, she is drawn to Nathan Fox and marries him almost immediately.  Set in the early days of Mormonism, they are madly in love and soon have two little girls but when tragedy strikes and their third child, a boy, dies, things begin to unravel.  Her husband brings a second woman to their marriage, a "sister wife", and Camilla truly cannot live with it.  She literally escapes and "Forsaking All Others" begins with her rescue from a snowstorm, by the United States Army.

In "Forsaking All Others", we follow Camilla as she tries to reconcile her deepened faith and relationship with God to surviving the separation from her children and husband.  One of the main takeaways I got from this book is that God had to be most important to her, and at times her sole source of courage and strength.  I thought she was inspiring.

This book is beautifully written and all of the historical aspects, the rules, the faith ring so true.  At the end of the book Allison shares that her husband is a former Mormon, which I thought was so interesting to have the perspective while writing this amazing book.

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Review of "Dry as Rain" by Gina Holmes


On some levels this was tough book to read.  I don't mean that in a negative way, more in that it made me think a lot.  Anyone who has been married would probably relate to some aspects of this story, and for those that aren't, perhaps it would provide some cautionary elements.

Eric & Kyra Yoshida have been together for about 20 years, married for most of that time.  They have one grown son, Benji, and used to be madly in love but are now experiencing some serious problems.  During their separation, Eric has an affair, Benji is discharged from the military, and Kyra is in a car accident serious enough to cause some memory loss.  Conveniently for Eric, who has now decided he wants to reconcile, Kyra doesn't recall their separation and views him in a way she hasn't for quite a while.  Although he wants to tell her, he wants her back more and justifies that on some level, being completely honest isn't in her best interests.

There are a lot of layers to this book, and although I would overall be glad to recommend it - Gina Holmes is an excellent writer (loved Crossing Oceans), there were times when reading it was a challenge. Since the main character wasn't extremely likeable to me, I had a hard time rooting for him when I just wanted to give him a good shake.  And then kick him in the shins.  That said - it's a worthwhile read.

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Review of "Attracted to Fire" by DiAnn Mills

I have read numerous books about the police, FBI, CIA, etc. but don't typically come across (fiction) books about the Secret Service.  So, reading "Attracted to Fire" was fun!  Special Agent Meghan Connors is currently assigned to protect the VP's daughter, who has a reputation for not only being badly behaved, she has a drug problem.  Meghan, daughter 'protectee' Lindsay, and the other agents are sent to a ranch in Texas for Lindsay to receive treatment and be out of the public eye.  While they are there some very strange and dangerous things begin to occur.  There is also romantic tension with the Special Agent in Charge (I had fun figuring out some of the abbreviations) Ash Zinders.  Overall Meghan is to be admired, Ash eventually has a softer side, and there is a mystery to solve - who can be trusted?  Whose motives are pure and whose are deadly?

I've read a few other books by DiAnn Mills and this was definitely one of my favorites.

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Review of "The Last Plea Bargain" by Randy Singer

Jamie Brock is an assistant DA with some very specific beliefs.  She is known for her unwillingness to plea bargain - ever.  Part of her passion lies in the fact that her mother was murdered in their home when she was 16, and this truly sets the tone for the course of her life.  During the time period of this story, she is under extreme stress for a number of reasons - the execution of her mother's killer is looming, her father has had a stroke and is on life support, things at work go a tiny bit haywire.  Additionally, (in a sub- yet related storyline), a well known local lawyer is arrested for allegedly killing his wife - and while in jail creates a serious stir with the gangs in the system, where no one will take a plea of any kind (and those that do, they or their loved ones are killed.)  This greatly affects her workload, and she is most definitely in need of a break.

It was nice to catch up with Jamie Brock again (a character originally introduced in "False Witness", where she was a law student) - this time as a full fledged lawyer.  This book focuses a great deal on ethics and behind the scenes of the justice system, as well as the death penalty.  I love reading Randy Singer because he obviously knows a lot about the law, so the rules, etc. ring very true - but he also knows people.  And these characters were interesting to me.

This was a very well done mystery, lots of detail but not ever overwhelming, and I enjoyed trying to figure out "who done it"....(and I was half right!)  :)

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