Review of "Wish" by Jake Smith

James McConnell has had one wish for a very long time, and it's that his son, 9 year old Aaron, didn't have leukemia. Although Aaron has been in remission for some time, when the cancer comes back James is devastated - and angry.

Aaron's wish is to see his dad (who was a college baseball star with solid pro potential before deciding to get married and have a family was more of a priority to him) play in the major leagues. Jake Smith's debut novel, "Wish" is the story of one family's journey to peace no matter the outcome.

Baseball fans will especially enjoy the play-by-play descriptions and Aaron's savant-like stat knowledge. Check it out!

Review of "Haunted Waters" by Jerry B. Jenkins & Chris Fabry

The first book in the Red Rock Mysteries series, 13 year old twins Ashley and Bryce are still missing their father, who died unexpectedly. Four years have passed, and in that time they've moved to Colorado from Illinois, and their mother has recently remarried. Although they like their stepfather Sam well enough, adjustments are still happening. When Sam plans a weekend trip to see a historic "vug," they are excited, until crazy things - including crime and danger!! - begin to happen. And you'll just have to read it to find out what happens next!

An interesting book for your pre-teens and younger teens, Ashley and Bryce are real kids with real problems, handled in a healthy way. I especially liked how Ashley handled disobedience. An unusual premise, I am eager for my pre-teen to enjoy this series and look forward to getting the next one.

Review of "30 Days to a More Beautiful You" by Kylie Bisutti

A devotional book for pre-teen and teen girls, Kylie has given a wonderful tool to teach truth about developing REAL inner beauty. A former Victoria's Secret model, Kylie left modeling (you can read her story in the book "I'm No Angel") because she felt that ultimately the job was compromising her true beliefs.

Every day's reading has a Bible verse, topic, some thought provoking questions, and a True Beauty Tip. She talks about things like your worth and value, your uniqueness, and finding our true identity in Christ - seeing yourself how He sees you.  It is seriously easy to recommend this book as a devotional for your daughter -or a gift for a girl you love!

Review of "In the Secret Service" by Jerry & Carolyn Parr

This was such an interesting book! An autobiography of the Secret Service Agent who was protecting President Reagan when he was shot, Jerry Parry has led a very interesting life. He was born during the Depression and as a child had a dream of working in the protection industry after seeing a movie starring (who else (!) Ronald Reagan as a Secret Service Agent. He was able to watch history unfold literally around the world at a very close up level. He served his country for several decades and saw the Kennedy assassination, Watergate, several presidential elections, protected heads of state and royalty from around the world, working with integrity and along with his accomplished wife, raising a family (three daughters) at the same time. Following his retirement, Jerry & Carolyn began to serve their fellow man as Jerry studied to become a counselor, pastor, and missionary. His wife Carolyn is a federal tax judge and they have dedicated themselves to serving God and others.

I found this book fascinating and well written. I can easily recommend it!

Review of "The Advocate" by Randy Singer

Author Randy Singer's book, "The Advocate" is a powerful story covering about five decades during the reign of Rome. Mr. Singer is a great storyteller in general (you'll like them all, my personal favorites are "The Judge" and "Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales") but typically bases his novels on present day fiction. This is his first piece of historical fiction.

This novel tells the story of Theophilus, the person referenced in Luke & the book of Acts ("Most Excellent Theophilus"). We begin with a powerful sentence, "I was fourteen years old when I learned what it meant to be crucified" - and the story races off from there. Spanning decades during the time period that include the crucifixion of Christ (Theophilus is portrayed as Pilate's assessore, or advisor during that time), his time as an advocate defending cases he believes in, the reign of numerous Emperors, the rise of the "Way" or what was the early church, to the burning of Rome...this is a novel not to be missed. Full of intrigue, humor, suspense, and emotion, you will definitely want to read this book.

Review of "LEAD...For God's Sake!" by Todd Gongwer

This book was totally not what I expected. I assumed, based on the title and endorsements, that it was a leadership/coaching "how-to" book....and it sort of is...but not exactly. It's actually a story, yes, about leadership, however, the author employs a parable, an inspirational story to get his point across.

Coach Rocker is one of Kentucky's top high school basketball coaches, and he is highly motivated to win. Married with two children under the age of 10, he is in the midst of what was supposed to be a championship season. His team is losing steam and he can't figure out why.

His friend Grant is a highly successful businessman - everything he touches turns to gold - but his personal life is falling apart, and he's drinking too much. Both men desperately want to find out what they must change to be successful, but are they truly willing to examine themselves and find out some of the responsibility lies in their leadership (or lack thereof?) Pick up this book to find out what happens; you'll certainly learn something, too.

Review of "Just 18 Summers" by Rene Gutteridge & Michelle Cox

Friends, family, neighbors are shaken by the recent tragic death of their beloved Jenny. Her sudden absence from their lives leaves a major void that awakens them to the fact that life can be very short and they must figure out a way to make it count. 

Told from the less common "every chapter is told from a different character's view point" style, this touching and still quite humorous book teaches a lesson about what is truly important; people. Not things. The authors manage to make even the most (initially) unlovable characters human without being cliche. I laughed AND got a little teary at times - and I can easily recommend it!! I found it to be both enjoyable and thought provoking without being bossy about its message.