Review of "Rhinestone Jesus" by Kristen Welsh

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I found that the author and I have much more in common besides the "proper" spelling of our names, :) -we've also been married for about the same amount of time (and to pastors or former pastors) AND have daughters named Madison - who are about the same age! Who knew! :)

Described as a "spiritual adventure story" she writes consistently about how her "YES" to Jesus continues to turn into much more than she had ever bargained for. It is written much like a memoir, and she seems very honest and transparent - telling story after story of her real family that is simply trying to do what they believe that God is calling them to do. Their "path" may not be everyone's; but it is inspiring regardless. She gives practical advice but primarily, it's very much a memoir of her journey to date.

Inspiring and touching, I can easily recommend this book.

Review of "Visible Threat" by Janice Cantore

We catch up with Police Officer Brinna Caruso following the death of her nemesis, and although she is still the "Kid Crusader," in this book she is thrown into the fire surrounding the human trafficking industry. While helping with a rescue that leaves another officer permanently disabled and Brinna herself injured, they discover much more than they bargained for. The funding for Brinna's K-9 partner, Hero, has just been cut and she is concerned.

Happily married and a mother of twins, specialty shop owner Magda Boteva has a secret that not even her husband knows - and she has been living in fear for far too long. She is just about to her breaking point - no matter the cost.

Office Jack O'Reilly is moving past the death of his wife and may be beginning to have feelings for Brinna that are moving past friendship...but does she feel the same way?

This is the second book about Brinna Caruso, written by real-life retired police officer Janice Cantore. You will enjoy the mystery, suspense, and behind the scenes police info you'll find in this book!

Review of "All For a Sister" by Allison Pittman

The final book in the "All For A..." series by Allison Pittman, I think this one is my favorite. All are set in the Roaring Twenties with some link to the evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and here in "All For a Sister," the author has even provided a mystery.

Celeste DuFrane has grown up in a life of privilege, while Dana Lundgren has been in prison for 20 years. Marguerite DuFrane is wealthy but bitter woman with many secrets, and her husband Arthur is a scientist trying to develop color for the movies - with a sad propensity for affairs.

Told in an interesting format, the author combines several different perspectives - the Confession of Marguerite DuFrane; Celeste (different ages); movie scripts that tell Dana's backstory; and I especially loved the present day Dana stories with titles such as "Dana Goes to Warner Brothers" and "Dana Goes For A Drive And Learns To Hold On To Her Hat." Personally, I found it interesting that although the author bounced around I still easily understood and followed the story. It also contributed to maintaining a high level of interest as the secrets began to unfold. I recommend this entire series as well as this great author!

Review of "Left Behind: The Kids" by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye

Based on the best-selling Left Behind series for adults, this youth fiction book tells the story of four teens (Judd, Vicki, Lionel, & Ryan) in the suburb of Mount Prospect, Illinois. They are connected in ways they won't begin to understand until later in the series, but for this book they are all greatly impacted by the disappearances of millions around the globe. They soon find out their loved ones have been "raptured" - as believers in Jesus, they were taken to heaven in a flash. Judd, Vicki, and Lionel's families are all gone, as they were the only ones who chose a different path; Ryan's parents die as a result of the disappearances, and he is actually orphaned.

This is a strong beginning to the "Young Trib Force" books and I can easily recommend it for your pre-teens and teens.

Review of "Overwhelmed" by Perry Noble

Pastor Perry Noble has written a book about overcoming difficulty that is heavily rooted in personal experience, having gone through a lengthy season of depression and despair. Interspersing his own stories with principles that are biblically based (lots of scripture that support the topic) as well as common sense, he presents his points in a friendly and conversational style that many will find appealing. He provides the reader with a number of perspective shifts, and is totally willing to be transparent about his personal struggles. Although I clearly don't know him personally, it doesn't seem like he is holding back.  I found a number of different ways to view challenges and I bet you will, too!

Review of "Claiming Mariah" by Pam Hillman

Set in Wyoming in the late 1800's, Mariah Malone's father has recently passed away and she is struggling to keep the family ranch afloat. Slade Donavan's alcoholic father died years ago, but not before making known that he was the sole owner of the gold that the Malone's ranch was purchased with. He arrives to claim what he believes is rightfully his, and Mariah sadly acquiesces. He has lots of baggage from growing up too soon; she is rocked by the revelations that her father may not be who she always believed; and their attraction to each other is at times inconvenient, but nonetheless real.

This is a sweet romance set in a (somewhat) simpler time. The author also weaves a mystery throughout the story of forgiveness, trust in God, and how family pride can be helpful OR hurtful. I can easily recommend this book.

Review of "Saving Casper" by Jim Henderson & Matt Casper

Interesting premise. "Saving Casper" is a follow up to the book "Jim & Casper Go to Church" (which I had not read prior to reading this; it is now on it's way to me. If you have not read the first one, I would suggest doing so before picking up this book; I think your understanding and experience would be a little more enriched that way!)

Jim Henderson is a former pastor, and Matt Casper is "currently" an atheist. They embarked on a journey to visit a number of churches, with Jim asking Casper questions and engaging in dialogue about his observations and thoughts on things that could be improved. This follow up book discusses their next steps as well as further reflection on that experience. The format is a back and forth conversation of sorts between the two (the book uses different fonts for each writer to help you more easily discern who is saying what) and no matter what you think about religion or atheism, it is certainly interesting. What I took as the overarching point was that we should be willing to engage in dialogue and then LISTEN, be open to hearing other perspectives, and be respectful of other's beliefs, even if they are not your own. Relationships will change everything.