Fascinating! ' God's Hostage' - by Andrew Brunson with Craig Borlase

About the book:

When God called, he answered

In 1993, Andrew Brunson was asked to move to Turkey, the largest unevangelized country in the world, to serve as a missionary. Though reluctant at first because of the daunting task that lay ahead, Andrew and his wife, Norine, became convinced this was God's plan for them.

What followed was a string of difficulties and threats, but there were also successes in starting new churches in a place where many people had never met a Christian. As their work with refugees from Syria, including Kurds, gained attention and suspicion, Andrew and Norine acknowledged the threat but accepted the risk, confident that this work was part of their assignment.

In 2016, they were arrested. Though the state quickly released Norine, who remained in Turkey, Andrew was imprisoned. Accused of being a spy and being among the plotters of an attempted coup, he became a political pawn whose name was soon known around the world.

God's Hostage is the incredible true story of his imprisonment, his brokenness, his faithfulness . . . and his freedom.

My review:

This was a fascinating and extremely honest look at what Pastor Andrew Brunson went through as he was held for two years in Turkish prisons.  Almost immediately Pastor Brunson seemed to be breaking down, even when his wife was still with him.  He had trouble sleeping and overwhelming anxiety.  He admitted that while he admired many missionaries who had been imprisoned for their faith and who said they had such joy or peace while in prison, that was not the case for him.  He struggled daily with questions about why this was happening and if God was even there and then came to a place where he praised God and asked for his help to get through.  He went through this cycle almost daily.  It was frustrating to read about the corrupt court system and how it was ruled by higher-ups.  It really makes me grateful for the system and the freedoms we still enjoy for the most part in the United States.  I was amazed, too, at how much President Trump and other politicians worked on his behalf.  There were also people all over the world praying for him throughout his ordeal.  If not for those two groups, he'd still be there to this day.  I highly recommend this book if you want to read about one man's honest struggle with faith!

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Authors

1. 

   Andrew Brunson

   Andrew Brunson is an American pastor. He holds a PhD in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Andrew and his wife, Norine, were involved in starting churches, training believers, aiding refugees, and a house of prayer in Turkey for...
   

   Continue reading about Andrew Brunson

2. 

   Craig Borlase

   Craig Borlase is an author based in Reading, England. His books include God's Gravity, The Naked Christian, William Seymour: A Biography, and The Art of Compassion.
   

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Wonderful Resource! 'Living Beyond Pain; A Holistic Approach to Manage Pain and Get Your Life Back' - by Linda S. Mintle, PhD & James W. Kribs, DO

About the book:

If you are one of the 100 million Americans living with chronic pain, there is hope.
In Living beyond Pain, a physician and a therapist offer a whole-person approach to pain management, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of pain and providing alternative strategies that don't rely on opioids. Through education, pain triumph stories, daily guided cognitive activity, and as-needed pain rescue techniques, you can reprogram your neurologic pathways, increase functioning, and experience improvement in your symptoms. If you suffer from pain, this book offers real, research-based hope that there are better days ahead.

My review:

This book had such wonderful information!  The authors started out with a section on understanding pain, from explaining how pain works to the toll it can take to the types of pain.  They talk about the impact our thoughts can have on our pain and how connected our mind and body are.  They're incredibly encouraging and point out that improvement can be made, even if you might not be able to get rid of the pain completely.  The next section gives tools to improve your pain.  They talk about traditional and nontraditional methods to pain management, such as medication and retraining your brain.  They also point out it could be a structural issue that needs addressing and that the underlying issue needs to be addressed, if at at all possible, rather than just treating the symptoms.  It was especially interesting to read how much our thinking and beliefs affect our bodies.  We need to understand what our beliefs are about pain, the negative thoughts running through our heads about it and learn to reframe those thoughts in a positive way.  They talk about stress and ways to minimize it and point out lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact as well, such as losing weight, eating well and getting enough sleep.  Making sure we exercise or get some movement in is also helpful.  I especially liked the chapter where they pointed out it's helpful to find meaning in our suffering with a wonderful real-life example, which they had many of throughout the book.  In the end, they encourage us to make a plan, set realistic goals and never give up.  There were a lot of great tips in this book that I'm going to implement as this is an issue I've struggled with for years.  I'm also going to recommend it to a lot of people I know.  I highly recommend this book if you struggle with pain or know someone who does!

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

About the authors:

Linda S. Mintle, PhD, is a national speaker, blogger, radio host, and bestselling author of twenty books. With nearly thirty years of clinical practice as a therapist and coach, her current clinical and academic efforts are being directed toward the development of an interprofessional approach to pain management given the present opioid crisis and the need for nonpharmacological approaches to deal with people in chronic pain. She lives in Virginia.

James W. Kribs, DO, is a practicing physician. Board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine with a subspecialty in pain medicine, his clinical practice focus includes osteopathic manipulative medicine, manual sports medicine, medical orthopedics, and interventional pain management. Additionally, Dr. Kribs has served on the academic faculty of two medical schools, and is involved nationally in advancing osteopathic medicine curriculum initiatives. He lives in Virginia.

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Narrative Apologetics - by Alister E. McGrath

About the book:

The Bible is a narrative--the story of God's creation, humankind's fall, and God's plan of redemption. And it is filled with countless smaller stories that teach us about people, history, and the nature of God. This comes as no surprise. After all, we are hardwired to tell stories because we are created in the image of God. Despite this, we often attempt to share our faith with others not through story but through systems, arguments, and talking points--methods that appeal to the mind but neglect the imagination.

In this groundbreaking book, scholar and author Alister McGrath lays a foundation for narrative apologetics before considering the many ways in which it can be used. Exploring four major biblical narratives, enduring stories such as Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, and personal narratives from figures such as St. Augustine and Chuck Colson, McGrath shows how we can both understand and share our faith through the use of stories.

My review:

This was an interesting book but I didn't realize it was more of an academic work than a how-to on using stories to discuss your faith.  McGrath explained some of the history of narrative apologetics, its importance and the different ways we can use it.  He also pointed out that something is lost when certain aspects of faith are explained factually instead.  Jesus used parables and there was a very good reason He did!  There's a reason we were given an imagination and there's an important place for it.  I loved all of the quotes from C. S. Lewis and also Dorothy L. Sayers and J. R. R. Tolkien.  He also pointed out how some of the core questions we have as human beings can be best answered through the Christian narrative and how that might come about.  Finally, he talked about the different narratives we can use, Biblical, personal and cultural.  I think Bible teachers, pastors or anyone who wonders at the validity of using narratives when discussing their faith would find this book interesting.

I received this book from Baker Books.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Alister E. McGrath

   Alister E. McGrath (DPhil and DD, University of Oxford; Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion. He is the author of many...
   

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Cute Story! 'Love Me Darling' - Love Me #4 - by Laura Burton

About the book:

A short Christmas romance to warm your heart this winter.

Lottie: I hate Christmas.

The LED lights give me a headache.

I can't sing. And I get sick. Every. Single. Year.

This year is the worst. My Nan is practically on her deathbed and has planned for the biggest Christmas party this world has ever seen. Everyone will be there. Lucas Green is invited. My childhood crush. The guy I've been stuck in the friend zone for years. This is my last chance to get him to notice me. But how do I stop looking like an idiot with all the Christmas cheese at every turn?

Lucas: It's the best time of year.

Business is booming.

Ada's about to give birth any day now.

The town is full of cheer. And Lottie is coming home for the holidays.

This is it. The year I finally make a move. Otherwise, I think Ada will kill me. Problem is, every time I see her, my legs turn to jelly and I act like a total idiot. I need to woo her with lots of Christmas surprises. I mean, who doesn't love Christmas? Nothing can go wrong.

An adorable Christmas story including all of the couples from the 'Love Me' series. Laughter, tear-jerking moments and swoon-worthy romance all wrapped up in Christmas gift wrap. 

My review:

This was a really cute story perfect for Christmas!  I loved Lottie and Lucas.  She was introverted, quirky and fun while he was a sweet guy who put his family first and worked hard.  I loved the banter and funny one-liners!  He did do something really stupid that I couldn't believe but did apologize later.  It was cute to watch Lucas try to tell Lottie how he felt while Lottie felt like it couldn't be real.  The romance was really sweet and this was a clean story.  There was one point where living together was mentioned. There's no mention of faith.  I liked the British setting and there were a few crazy situations happening.  I did feel a little lost about who the couples were as I've never read the first three stories in the series.  Meeting them intrigued me, though, and I'd like to read about them, too.  I would recommend this story if you're looking for a cute Christmas romance!

I received this ebook from StoryOrigin.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

To Marry a Morgan - Romantic Pathways 1 - by Cinnamon Worth

About the book:

A secret, an unseen witness, and a misunderstanding threaten to keep apart two people who have loved each other their entire lives. When these barriers to love are finally lifted, can she overcome her own insecurities and finally see the truth? 
Racked with guilt and blaming himself for his brother’s death, Phillip Heartford left his ancestral home five years ago.
After losing the love of her life, the beautiful Allison Morgan is resentful and angry. She has rejected countless suitors, and now, in the middle of her third season, she may be out of options.
Allison’s younger sister Julia is an ugly duckling. At least that is how she sees it. Although a happy marriage seems out of her reach, she hopes to one day live a quiet life as a spinster. If she cannot have her own fairytale ending, she is determined to do anything to help her sister and her dear friend, Phillip, find their happiness.
Little does Julia know that Phillip has always loved her. Unfortunately, he believes that it was this love that caused his brother’s death and destroyed Julia’s chance for happiness. He must now take a bride. Having convinced himself that his brother would want him to protect Julia, Phillip intends to become her brother by marrying Allison.
Returning home to fulfill his duty, will Phillip be able to follow his conscience or will his heart interfere?

To Marry a Morgan can be read as a stand-alone romance, though it is part of a sweet Regency series. It is a childhood-friends and second-chance romance.

My review:

I enjoyed this story set in the Regency time period.  I liked Julia and felt for her in her insecurity, especially since she had such a gorgeous sister.  It was nice to have a heroine who's not a size 2, though she was self-conscious about her weight.  I loved that Phillip encouraged her to eat sweets; that was a cute scene.  Phillip, too, was a wonderful character, honorable and caring, though a bit misguided in what he thought was best.  I loved that he rescued a kitten and kept it; that was so sweet!  There were a few cute moments between Phillip and Julia but I did wish for a bit more to show how they felt.  I had to listen to the book at 1.5 speed as normal speed felt way too slow.  The narrator was okay; I've listened to others with British accents I've liked better.  This was a clean read.  There was mention of God but it's not meant to be a Christian story.  If you like Regency stories, you'll probably like this one.


I received an Audible copy of this story from StoryOrigin.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

The Moon is Always Round - by Jonathan Gibson

About the book:

Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God’s goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.

In this beautiful, two-color illustrated book, he allows readers to eavesdrop on the conversations he had with his young son in response to his sister’s death. Father and son share a simple liturgy together that reminds them that, just as the moon is always round despite its different phases, so also the goodness of God is always present throughout the different phases of life.

A section in the back of the book offers further biblical help for parents and caregivers in explaining God’s goodness to children. Jonathan Gibson reminds children of all ages that God’s goodness is present in the most difficult of times, even if we can’t always see it.

My review:

While this was obviously a sad story I think it would be helpful to a child struggling to understand that God is good even when bad things happen.  It's a simple yet profound analogy.  I liked the colorful illustrations and that that there's a section in the back where we're told how this story came about.  The two lessons in the back explaining more about the moon analogy and Good Friday were helpful, also.  I would recommend this book for parents trying to figure out how to explain difficult circumstances while believing in a good God.

I received this book from New Growth Press.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

She Did It Again! ' Misleading Miss Verity' - Regency Brides Daughters of Aynsley 3 - by Carolyn Miller

About the book:

Verity Hatherleigh has a mind of her own—but her actions do not impress her viscount papa. When she gets into one scrape too many, he sends her off to the wilds of Scotland to rethink her headstrong ways.

Anthony Jardine relished his role as curate, but his new duties as laird of Dungally aren’t always to his liking. Though he thought his new inheritance would be a blessing, somehow he’s finding nothing but trouble on these estates. And the intelligent, compassionate, feisty lass who was sent to rusticate in his territory is one of the biggest problems. He’s falling in love with her, but she doesn’t share the faith that’s his foundation—not to mention he’s been lying to her about who he really is. For the truth-loving Verity, that may be unforgivable.

The tangled web these two have woven may spell disaster for their happiness—and for the tenants of Dungally.

My review:

This was another wonderful story by Carolyn Miller!  I loved this whole series and I've been looking forward to Verity's story since being introduced to her in the first book and it did not disappoint!  She's such a wonderful character, so bright and witty, straightforward and honest but also cared so much about people.  I really enjoyed the banter between her and Anthony, with their funny play on words.  My heart broke for her and the pain she felt from how her parents viewed her and treated her instead of loving her for who she was.  She had a hard time believing anyone, including God, would find her lovable.  Anthony was also a great character, honorable, witty, self-sacrificing and a strong Christian.  I admired his determination to keep God first and not become unequally yoked.  He did want to be judged for himself, not being the laird, so he didn't tell everyone who he was at first and that lie of omission got out of hand.  I also thought the scene at the end was a bit odd but I'm not sure how else it could have been resolved at that point.  The romance was wonderful; I loved that we got both of their points of view.  There was also some excitement with a horse race and an almost kidnapping!  This book worked well as a stand-alone but I highly recommend the first two in the series about her sisters.  This is definitely a must-read!

I received this book from Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

My Bedtime Bible Prayers - by Karoline Pahus Pedersen

About the book:

My Bedtime Bible Prayers is creatively designed to encourage Bible reading and prayer as a natural part of any nighttime routine.

Inside are 44 prayers, each based on a Bible verse and Bible story, along with a takeaway question. The whimsical illustrations featured throughout depict both Bible scenes and contemporary life. With this caring guidance, children ages 6-8 will learn to share their hearts and thoughts with God--while also discovering how much He loves them!

My review:

I loved the colorful pages and it almost had the look of a scrapbook inside.  The prayers were straightforward and I liked that they were addressed to "God" or "Dad."  I also liked that a Bible verse was included and that there was a question to think about, sometimes a really easy one, sometimes a little harder.  There were a lot of great topics addressed, from forgiveness to loving each other.  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book from Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Amazing! 'My God Loves Me Bible' - by Cecile Fodor

About the book:

This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, My God Loves Me Bible shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"

My review:

I loved the uniqueness of this board book in that at the beginning of each Bible story it tells the theme of the story, such as "He gives me courage when I am scared," tells the Bible story, then brings it back to the child by saying that God is with you and you don't have to be afraid.  Each theme and story shows a way that God loves you and me.  The stories are told in a very basic way but the passages are given if you want to find it in the Bible.  The illustrations are bright and cheerful.  There's a wonderful handle so the child can carry it easily.  I highly recommend this comforting book full of God's truth!

I received this book from Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Gus Loses His Grip: When You Want Something Too Much - by David Powlison

About the book:

Gus, a raccoon who loves all things sweet, learns what happens when you want something too much. After Gus gets caught taking candy from the store, Papa reminds him that temptation might be strong for us, but it’s not too strong for Jesus. Both Gus and Papa can ask Jesus for help when they want something too much.

The last page contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are tempted. Together children and parents will be guided into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.

Also included is a tear-out page of “Back Pocket Bible Verses” that will give children a practical way to remember God’s words when they want something too much.

A new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family—bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces.

My review:

This was an excellent story about temptation and how even good things can become too important to us if we want them more than Jesus.  I liked how the dad realized he was doing this, too, with his fishing lures just as Gus was with candy, though the dad didn't steal any!  This was a good reminder for me and probably for everyone, young and old alike!  There were fun illustrations of different animals dressed in clothes, at a market, etc., behaving as humans do.  I liked how Gus asked forgiveness for stealing and the shop owner forgave him rather than just glossing over it.  The gospel and sin is explained in a relatable way and there's an excellent resource in the back for helping your child with the "I Wantsies" as they call it.  I highly recommend it!

I received this book from New Growth Press. I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Why Do We Say Good Night - by Champ Thornton

About the book:

Why Do We Say Good Night?

Going to bed and turning out the light can be a hard time for many children. Award-winning author Champ Thornton wrote this beautifully designed and illustrated book to help parents comfort their children with three truths about God. As a mother and her little daughter talk, they remember together that God made the night, he sees in the dark, and he watches over them just like a shepherd protects his sheep. Children and parents will want to start a new nighttime tradition of reading together about why we can say that the night is good.

In this important, engaging children's book, parents can bring comfort and encouragement to their children, reminding them Jesus is near.

My review:

I loved the bright colors and creative illustrations in this hardcover that explains that God is watching over and protecting us as we sleep.  The girl keeps imagining scary creatures in the dark and wondering what that sound was but her mom tells her God made the night and He can see in the dark just as if it's light.  At first, the girl was seeing creatures in her room but at the end everything looks normal again.  This book is a great reminder in a fun rhyming style that God is always with them.  It's recommended for 3-5 year olds.

I received this book from New Growth Press.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

God Made Me Unique: Helping Children See Value in Every Person - by Joni & Friends

This was a sweet story about a new girl coming to Sunday School who has special needs.  The teacher is explaining to the class in a fun rhyming style how God makes each one of us different and unique.  Each person also has a different part to play for the church body, with different talents and abilities.  She talks about different types of disabilities, seen and unseen and reminds the children to treat each other kindly and that they're just like us.  There's a section at the back for parents to go deeper in teaching their child about what the Bible says about disabilities, how Jesus responded to those with disabilities and how to be a friend to someone with a disability.  There were fun, colorful illustrations in a nice hardcover.  This is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers or caregivers to show children how to treat others and understand them better.

I received this book from New Growth Press.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

About Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends is an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Founded in 1979, their mission is to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability. The organization authors numerous books including the new releases The Gospel in Hard Times and The Gospel in Hard Times for Students (study guides about suffering in which participants are guided to look to Jesus to understand who God is in the midst of their own suffering and the suffering of others), God Made Me Unique (a children’s book helping parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God), and a series of minibooks providing personal insight & encouragement for tough circumstances. You can learn more about Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org.

Hold On To Your Seat! ' Protecting Tanner Hollow' - by Lynette Eason

About the book:

Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal Homecoming: Nolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal Conspiracy: When professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . .

Lethal Secrets: Someone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal Agenda: When Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together.

My review:

These stories were incredibly suspenseful; you definitely need to hold on to your seat for the wild ride!  They move at a pretty fast pace since they're novellas with plenty of action and some romance thrown in.  They had varying levels of faith content as some of the characters were Christians, one even an interim pastor, and others had turned their back on their faith because of tough circumstances.  I liked how Nolan and Jason turned up in other stories than just theirs so there's more connecting the stories than just the town.  The characters were great, strong women and tough men.  There was also an incredibly cute and funny little girl in the third story that made me laugh out loud.  It was great to see a St. John story here as I had finished that series not too long ago.  I haven't read the rest of Eason's books yet so I wondered if there were more fun connections I was missing.  I highly recommend this book if you like suspense!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Mary Denman

   Lynette Eason

   Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards,...
   

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Amazing! 'A Match for Emma' - Mitchell's Crossroads 3 - by Pepper Basham

About the book:

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

My review:

This was an amazing story I didn't want to put down!  I loved the modern day retelling of 'Emma' but with a little twist since it was set in the Blue Ridge mountains and they were also trying to catch a thief!  It was so cute to watch Emma and Jon's relationship develop from best friends to something more as the story progressed. This is one of my favorite tropes, best friends falling in love, and it was done so beautifully here.  The romance was amazing!  The banter was funny and there were so many wonderful quirky characters in this small town.  I also loved that the faith element was strong; most of the characters were Christians and Emma grew a lot in this story as she realized she was being prideful and not treating someone right.  She also gave some wonderful advice about a man not being able to solve the real problem in your heart; that only God can do that.  There's also some discussions about hard things, like losing a parent and dealing with that grief, or having a bad childhood, though the story doesn't dwell on these things.  It does give the story some depth so it's not all light-hearted fun.  This worked well as a stand-alone, though it looks like some characters overlap.  I can't wait to read her other books!  I highly recommend this one!

I received an ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

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Wonderful! 'Deadly Deceit' - Harbored Secrets 2 - by Natalie Walters

About the book:

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason -- to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth -- and the next big story -- is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called the Watcher force Vivian to fight for answers -- and her life.

My review:

This was a wonderful story, suspenseful and with such a cute romance!  I liked how this book had more emphasis on the relationship aspect than a lot of other suspense stories do.  It was fun to see how Vivian and Ryan interacted and I loved all of the references to superheroes!  They had some amusing banter and so did him and his sister.  There were cute little nerdy things Ryan did that just made him so endearing.  He wasn't perfect as he did do something stupid but he tried to fix it right away.  He also had a strong faith but I did think it was odd that they didn't discuss it much other than he knew she was uncomfortable when he wanted to pray for their meal.  We see her struggle with her faith and turn to God more throughout the story but he doesn't see it and they don't talk about where she's at or think maybe they shouldn't rush their relationship so I was a little disappointed with that. There's talk of faith and forgiveness and some good conversations about God.  There were some good suspenseful moments.  This book works as a standalone as I hadn't read the first book yet and didn't feel lost but there were characters from the first book in this one.  I can't wait to read the first one or for the last one to come out!  I highly recommend this book!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

The Red Journal - The Mosaic Collection - by Deb Elkink

About the book:

Flirty globetrotter Sybil badgers her friend Libby to travel along in seeking out the world’s “sacred places”—a monastery in Japan, a mountaintop in Africa, a mosque in Istanbul. Her footloose wandering far from family values costs her more than money.

But Libby can’t afford to travel, and she’s plagued by a different kind of restlessness. Grieving the recent death of the grandmother who raised her in their inner-city Minneapolis tenement now slated for demolition, Libby faces homelessness in both heart and habitation.

When Libby discovers a cryptic message from beyond the grave and an antique ring pointing to a mystery in an inner room of a mansion museum in North Dakota, she sets out on a quest of her own for the meaning of heritage and home.

My review:

I actually had a really hard time getting through this book.  Sybil drove me nuts as she only cared about herself and when the story was told from her perspective it had so much detail about new age practices and her reminisces about guys she'd hooked up with that I ended up skimming her parts after I was halfway through the book.  There were hints that she wondered if there was a different way to live but she quickly squelched those.  I liked Paige more as she was a pregnant grad student trying to finish her thesis before her baby was born.  She worked at the museum and her thesis focused on the builder of it but her sections also had so much detail about the history that I got a little tired of it.  I liked Libby a lot and felt for her trying to find her place in the world after her grandma died.  She wanted to make a forever home somewhere but worked for a horrible boss and lived in a bad part of town and I wondered if she would ever see her dream realized.  The story felt slow as she finally discovered the message and ring quite a ways into the book.  Her grandma seemed to have faith in God based on some of the things she said but it seemed like she never explained to Libby what that meant so she was wandering around in the dark.  She would have these strange memories or dreams and I was curious to see what that was about.  I'm glad everything is explained at the end.  There's at least one true story told in the book about the "Black-Bearded Barbarian" which was interesting.  I googled it and found out he was a real person.  The story deals with forgiveness and discovering the truth.  This might appeal to someone from a new age background or who likes less religious content in the stories they read. 

I received an ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Amazon

Enjoyable! 'A Christmas Haven' - An Amish Christmas Romance 2 - by Cindy & Erin Woodsmall

About the book:

For fans of holiday romances and Amish life comes a new Christmas tale of surprising expectations and discovering miracles.

Old Order Amish Ivy Zook is wrestling with her need to shed her community's ways so she can grow the business of her dreams: planning parties. As long as she's stuck living without modernization, she can barely get her business on its feet. But if she leaves too soon, she'd cause trouble for her sister, Holly, who is planning her wedding to Joshua Smucker. All of their plans become twice as complicated when an old car crashes into the storefront of Greene's Pharmacy, carrying a Swartzentruber (ultra-conservative sect) Amish man, Arlan, and his very ill sister.

The Zooks take in Arlan and Madga, tending to the woman's illness and Arlan begins helping around the family farm. Ivy and Arlan are on different tracks, one wanting to leave her community and the other to return to his. But both young people are trying to discover what God has in store for their futures and what miracles might lie around the corner this Christmas season. 

My review:

I enjoyed this story about Ivy as she tried to figure out where she fit in the world.  It was interesting to learn about the Swartzentrubers as I had never heard of them before.  I had a hard time with Arlan at first because of his judgmental ways but he, too, was trying to figure out his faith and how that fit with his ultra-strict upbringing as compared to the almost worldly Amish (in his opinion!)  It's hard to fathom this sect and how strict they must be if they won't even associate with Old Order Amish!  I really enjoyed Ivy's and Arlan's conversations as they challenged each other.  It was also nice to see Arlan's journey as he saw what a family could be like as they were open with each other about their thoughts and feelings and he realized he wanted that.  There was a hint of romance to the story and we also see Holly planning her wedding to Joshua but running into a snag with his bishop and her plans to work at the pharmacy and become an LPN after they marry.  This worked well as a stand-alone but you'd probably enjoy Holly and Josh's story, too, in book one.  I enjoyed the themes of freedom and grace.  I would recommend this story if you like Amish fiction.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Fire - San Juan Shadows 1 - by Lynnette Bonner

About the book:

She’s a first-year teacher in a school where kids are dying because of a new drug.
He’s an undercover cop who’s been sent in to find the dealer.

Years ago, Kyra Radell’s brother died from a drug addiction, so when students in her new school start buying a new street drug called Fire—and dying because of it—she’s determined to help in any way she can. Even if that means putting her own life in danger.

Case Lexington, an undercover cop, has been sent in to pose as a high school senior. He wants her to stay safe and mind her own business. The only problem is, she’s not willing to listen to a mere student.

Can he protect her and keep his cover intact? More importantly, will he be able to find the drug dealer before any more students—or teachers—die?

My review:

I really enjoyed this story that kept me guessing!  It was hard to tell who the bad guy was and it was fun to watch Kyra and Case run into each other at the school after they met before he went undercover.  Talk about awkward!  He's worried about his cover and she thinks she might have flirted with a high school student!  I liked the investigation and I especially liked how both Kyra and Case had a strong faith in God and showed it by praying regularly.  I liked Kyra's intelligence and determination to get out of some sticky situations she landed in.  There were some good romantic moments and some exciting action, also!  I would recommend this is you like romantic suspense!

I received this ebook from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon



Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Free for Kindle!

Free for kindle!

Amazon

Deadly Commitment - Deadly Secrets 1 - by Kathy Harris

About the book:

When Danielle Kemp walks out of her downtown Nashville condominium, she gets the eerie feeling someone is watching her. As days go by, she becomes convinced the homeless man outside her building is stalking her. But after learning the real identity of the intimidating stranger, she faces something even more threatening--the truth about her fiancé. Deadly Secrets is a new fiction series with southern charm and big-city twists. Set in the author's hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, it is filled not only with intrigue and suspense but subtle glimpses into how God is at work in the lives of ordinary people doing ordinary jobs . . . or maybe they aren't so ordinary after all.

My review:

This was a suspenseful story with some unexpected exciting moments! I had a hard time connecting with Danielle as she was dating a guy she couldn't seem to make up her mind about.  One minute she was going to break up with him, the next she's making a lifelong commitment.  There were so many red flags about him, yet she kept making excuses.  She didn't really know if he was a believer but then she seemed like she'd strayed far from her faith, too.  I did enjoy seeing her making her way back with the help of her best friend, Jaycee, who I really liked.  She was a strong Christian and spunky.  Both Danielle and Caleb had baggage they were dealing with, which affected their relationships.  Caleb, especially, had a hard time forgiving himself for something terrible he'd allowed to happen years ago and couldn't quite believe God would forgive him.  I also felt like Danielle made some dumb decisions about her safety.  There was a little bit of romance.  If you like suspense, you might want to check it out!

I received this ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Non-Stop Thrill Ride! 'A Cross to Kill' - Shepherd Suspense Novel 1 - by Andrew Huff

About the book:

A gripping debut thriller pits a man of God against terrorists—and his own deadly past 

John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf—an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow—even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer . . .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

My review:

This story took off like a shot and didn't let up!  I loved all of the action and the fight scenes were incredible!  I could see everything playing like a movie in my head.  I liked both John and Christine as they're strong people, determined to stop the bad guys.  It was fun to see how Christine handled herself in tough situations as she wasn't trained the way John was and didn't have his experience.  I admired how John shared his faith  with others and was committed to not killing again, even when it was hard to keep that vow.  I liked that the gospel message was clear.  There was a hint of romance as John and Christine are drawn to each other but she doesn't share his faith so he's determined to not let it lead anywhere, which I also admired him for.  I would highly recommend this book if you like suspense!

I received this book from Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

The Horse of My Dreams - Edited by Callie Smith Grant

About the book:

Truly the horse is one of the finest creatures on earth. In it we find embodied all of our own hopes and dreams. Our longing to live noble lives. Our need for companionship. Our desire to do good and helpful work. Our yearning to feel truly free.

With contributions from both well-known and up-and-coming writers, this heartwarming collection of true stories is the perfect way for you to decompress from the day's stresses and remember God's good gift to us in the majestic, calming, inspiring, and even silly horses he created. Here you'll meet a stubborn Shetland pony who teaches her girl the importance of hanging on. You'll see how a young woman learned to trust again after a serious riding accident. You'll fall in love with a stray donkey who finds a home--and a friend. And so much more.

So make yourself a cup of tea, open up this book, and claim a few refreshing moments on a busy day for yourself . . . and the horse of your dreams.

My review:

This collection of true stories made me smile, cry and think about my own fond memories of horses when I went riding on vacation or at my friend's house or even remembering wonderful books I'd read about horses.  Different authors share their stories of how a horse helped them through a tough time, befriended them when they were down or connected them to people they would be friends with for years.  Many learned the power of perseverance while saving for a horse or training one they bought.  Some passed on their love of horses to a sibling or child while others saw a parent pass it on to them.  There were all different ages portrayed here.  Some interesting side bars talked about the history of sidesaddles or why we measure horses in hands.  There were even a couple about Civil War generals and their attachment to their horses.  There's a few references to God and prayer.  I would recommend this book if you love horses!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Unscripted - by Davis Bunn

About the book:

Line producer Danny Byrd is well known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner--and former best friend--makes off with their investors' money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.

LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to impossible bosses, only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it--even though she's not entirely clear what "it" is.

Danny and Megan are each other's best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other's best hope for love.

My review:

This was an interesting story about second chances and a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made.  I liked Danny and Megan but felt I didn't get to know them very well.  We're told a little about their pasts and what kind of people they are and I did root for them, especially as the stakes got higher as the story continued.  There wasn't really much to the romance and just a couple of references to God and the Bible.  Most of the story was about discovering a young teen's star quality and helping her channel her grief over the loss of her father into acting while figuring out a plot and writing a story that audiences would resonate with all on a limited budget and time frame!  It got a little stressful and made me wonder how any movie gets made and also made me understand how they can fall apart before they get very far.  If you like seeing behind the curtain, you might like this story.

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   © Paul Wheeler

   Davis Bunn

   Davis Bunn (www.davisbunn.com) is the award-winning author of numerous national bestsellers with sales totaling more than seven million copies worldwide. His work has been published in twenty languages, and his critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for...
   

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Sweet Amish/Englisch Romance! 'Summer's Promise' - Harvest of Hope 3 - by Barbara Cameron

About the book:

Can she leave everything she knows for love?

Summer Carson has lived near the Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania, all her life. Now she's following in her father's footsteps and earning her degree in agricultural science so she can continue his work helping local farmers.

In her job at the county extension office, Summer moves between the Englisch and the Amish worlds. While she sometimes finds herself speaking—and even thinking—in Pennsylvania Deitsch, the transition isn't always easy. But what has come naturally to Summer is her attraction to one of the farmers: Abram Yoder is handsome, steady, and hardworking. He's everything so many of the Englisch men she knows are not. And Summer quickly realizes that she's caught his eye as well.

Can Summer give up the comforts she's always known for a life with this Amish man? And is Abram willing to let her try?

My review:

This was a sweet story about two people from different worlds.  I enjoyed getting to know both of them and seeing their attraction grow.  Summer really had a lot on her plate as she was going to school, working two jobs and worried about her mother's health problems.  It was interesting to try to figure out with them what was going on with her mother.  I admired Summer's strong work ethic and also that she had taken time off to help take care of her dad when he was sick.  She had her priorities in order.  By contrast, Abram had a very peaceful life, able to work at his own pace and his parents were actually on an extended vacation in Florida.  She was struggling some with her faith as she was angry at God for letting her dad get cancer and die while Abram's faith seemed to be strong.  It didn't really seem like she addressed those feelings other than being glad she visited church again.  I liked that Summer and Abram became friends first and got to know each other and that their romance developed slowly from there.  Even though this was book three, it worked fine as a stand-alone.  I had read the first book and it was nice to catch up on the characters from it.  There was a little glossary at the back of Amish words and a few recipes.  I would recommend this book if you like Amish stories!

I received this book from Kregel Publications.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Another Winner! 'Wyatt' - Montana Marshalls 4 - by Susan May Warren

About the book:

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again...

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives...

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar...

But when he discovers she’s in danger...

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?

What will it cost them to save her?

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending.

Continue the breath-taking Montana Marshalls series!

My review:

This was another story that was hard to put down but that's pretty much how I feel about all of Susan May Warren's books!  I've been loving the Montana Marshalls series and this one did not disappoint.  I loved how Wyatt was tough but also more emotional than his brothers.  He felt more alone and separated from his family and always felt like he couldn't live up to his incredible siblings.  He felt like a disappointment to his dad and that colored his perceptions and influenced his choices.  He looked to his status as a great hockey player to make him feel good enough but it was never enough.  He needed to realize that God loved him just because and he couldn't earn it.  He was incredibly brave to go after Coco, both emotionally and physically as she kept running away from him and she was in danger.  The romance was wonderful, of course, and there was some great action, too.  I liked Coco a lot, too, but was a little frustrated with her withholding the truth for so long.  She struggled with feeling unwanted and unloved.  It was great that the Marshall matriarch was more involved in this story and that she was so tough and also wise.  She had some great advice on turning to God.  I also loved that a character popped in from the Christiansen family series.  I can't wait to continue Ruby Jane's story in the next book as she's been through the wringer since the last one and we'll finally see how her and York's story ends!  I really liked how there were multiple stories going on.  I highly recommend this book!

I received this ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Amazing! 'Ford' - Montana Marshalls 3 - by Susan May Warren

About the book:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?

And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

My review:

This was an amazing story I didn't want to put down!  I fell for Ford in the last book as we were introduced to him and Scarlett in Tate's story and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop further in this story.  Ford was such a wonderful guy, protective and tough and self-sacrificing.  He was wonderful at putting Scarlett first as he knew what she'd gone through in her past and he wanted to be respectful of her.  I really liked Scarlett, too, as she was tough and could take care of herself.  I loved the adventure as they travel to Russia to save Ford's sister, RJ, as she's wanted and doesn't know who to trust.  We also get her story as she's on the run with York, the man who saved her life and is trying to protect her from everyone, it seems!  I liked both of them a lot, too.  RJ couldn't just sit idly by and do nothing to stop a terrible incident and I admired her a lot for that.  Ford was used to depending on himself and he needed to learn to depend on God instead.  Scarlett felt like God was never there for her and she had to learn that He really was.  There's some great action and some amazing kissing scenes.  I would recommend reading Tate first as Ford and Scarlett's story starts there.  I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read about Wyatt, the next Marshall brother!

I received this ebook from JustRead Tours.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

A Thrilling Ride! 'The Gryphon Heist' - by James R. Hannibal

About the book:

Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them.

With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where criminal minds and unlikely strategies compete for access to the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault that hovers in the mesosphere. But is Tyler actually helping her? Or is he using her for his own dark purposes?

My review:

Well, talk about an exciting thrill ride full of spies, cons and heists!  You're never sure who to trust as Talia goes from new spy to being involved with a group of thieves looking for a payday.  Talia was a great character with a strong sense of justice, always trying to do the right thing and not believing in the end justifying the means.  She avoided God because she felt like He had punished her by taking her father so if she lived a moral life, He would leave her alone.  Her beliefs get turned on their head when she meets one of the thieves, who seemed to have a strong relationship with God and who knew forgiveness firsthand.  I admired Talia's smarts but on the other hand, sometimes she seemed a little too trusting.  I liked Eddie, too, for his chivalry and comedic relief.  He was her partner and resident tech geek/hacker.  The rest of the team were unique and interesting, too.  There's plenty of action, smaller cons leading up to the big one, cool technology and fast cars.  There were some funny one-liners, too, and a hint of romance.  If you like action and suspense, you need to check it out!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   DigiSmiles Photography

   James R. Hannibal

   James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. A former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, he has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a two-time Silver Falchion...
   

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Wonderful Debut! 'You Belong With Me' - by Tari Faris

About the book:

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents.
Unfortunately, selling houses isn't one of them.
When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully restore her disgraced family name. But she'll need help to do it.

As a foster kid, Luke Johnson never truly felt he belonged. Now he has a chance to earn his place in his hometown. But he doesn't anticipate how his relationship with Hannah will set into motion events that reveal the truth about who he is--and who he was.

My review:

I absolutely loved this book!  Best friends who have secret crushes on each other and a bachelor auction!  What more could a girl ask for!  Luke was my favorite character, a good guy who wanted a family of his own and to belong, yet felt like he wasn't enough.  He's always supported Hannah but sometimes she goes too far with her ideas.  Hannah has tried to control everything ever since her mom left when she was a kid.  She would like a happily ever after for herself but doesn't want to be rejected again.  There were a lot of cute moments between Luke and Hannah as they fight their feelings for each other.  I liked that we got a second story line about Hannah's brother, Thomas, and his ex-girlfriend, Janie.  Janie was a strong Christian but was questioning what God was doing in her situation with Thomas and Hannah and Luke both were struggling a bit with their faith.  I loved Nate, the new pastor, a tattoo-wearing, motorcycle-driving guy who's full of wisdom for everyone but seemed to have a bit of a relationship problem himself.  He gave wonderful wisdom about putting God first.  The conversation about adoption brought tears to my eyes; there were also some funny parts in the story.  I loved the references to the movie, "Say Anything."  I highly recommend this book if you like romance!

I received this book from Revell.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

           The Author

1. 

   Tari Faris

   Tari Faris

   Tari Faris has been writing fiction for more than 10 years. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she works for My Book Therapy, manages learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury...
   

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