Code 13 ~ Review

Code 13
The Navy JAG series #2
By Don Brown

It was an assignment she never expected to get and if she's not careful it may be her last!

Caroline McCormick, a Lieutenant Commander with the JAG Corps of the US Navy, is about to be reassigned.  It's just a question of where.  And her new assignment in Code 13 is one she never saw coming nor was the chance to again serve with P.J. MacDonald.

But Code 13 has come to the attention of several groups who wield power because of a proposed bill that has been sent to them ~ legalizing the use of unmanned drones for military and domestic purposes.  The legal opinion handed down by Code 13 may make or break this deal before it makes its way to Congress.  And the JAG officer tasked with providing the legal opinion has just landed in the sights of those both for and against this technology.

When JAG officers assigned to the Project Blue Jay legal opinion start dying Caroline and a small group JAG and NCIS officers determine to bring whoever is involved to justice.  There's just one problem they don't have any leads.  And without any leads Caroline just became the next potential target.

For readers who like an intense thriller that will keep you guessing as to who "pulled" the trigger Code 13 is your next logical reading choice.  Don Brown writes in a style that will keep the reader's attention as the story unfolds.  If you haven't read any of his previous books don't worry you can pick this one up and not get lost in characters whom you are unfamiliar with.  This could easily be a stand-alone title.

I was provided a copy of this book through BookLook in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Books

THE U.S. NAVY’S BILLION-DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR 

THE SALE OF DRONES LANDS TWO NAVY JAG OFFICERS 

IN THE GUN SIGHTS OF A KILLER.

Caroline is just getting her feet wet at the prestigious Code 13, but is thankful for at least one familiar face—her old flame, P.J. MacDonald. He loops her into the assignment he is currently working on—the legality of a proposed drone-sharing contract with Homeland Security that would allow the sale of drones for domestic surveillance. The contractor wants a legal opinion clearing the contract for congressional approval. But the mob wants the proposal dead-on-arrival.

When P.J. is gunned down in cold blood and a second JAG officer is killed, one thing becomes clear: whoever is ordered to write the legal opinion on the drones becomes a target. Which is exactly why Caroline goes to her commanding officer and volunteers to write the legal opinion herself. She is determined to avenge P.J.’s death and trap the killer, even if that means making herself a target.

It is a deadly game of Russian roulette for the sake of justice, but Caroline is determined to see it through, even if it costs her life.

Cute Horse Pictures

Just wanted to share some cute pictures of our mini horse Jay.  

Jay decided he wanted to check-out our deck and the stairs.

Jesus and the Jihadis ~ Review

Jesus and the Jihadis
Confronting the Rage of ISIS
By Craig A. Evans
   and Jeremiah J. Johnston

ISIS is almost constantly in the news, but what do we really know about this ideology?  Craig Evans and Jeremiah Johnston offer thoughtful insight through this book.

To get an understanding we must go back thousands of years to Abraham and the choices he made when he followed God out of the land of his father. Abraham was promised a land for his descendants, a land that would be theirs. But the children of Abraham and Sarah had a problem - they were forever turning from God, worshiping other gods, going through periods of captivity and restoration. Israel's history comes to it most important moment with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is one of the most important differences between Christianity and Islam - God died for us while Allah desires that you die for him.

Jesus came from a world that had stability with synagogue attendance, knowledge of Scripture, and prayer. Muhammad came from a world of paganism, polytheism, and tribal rivalries.  But Muhammad was free to develop his religious system how he desired - the monotheism of Judaism appealed to him, as did Jesus as a prophet - not as God's son. He combined these with some of the beliefs of his own upbringing.

With nonviolent beginnings, Muhammad's preaching and evangelistic works became coercive and militant in the face of opposition from the Arabs of his day. Where Jesus commands us the love our enemy, Muhammad's God does not want us to befriend or love our enemy or his.  This is a noted difference one that can be traced to the differences in one's understanding of who God is. To battle one's enemy is the greatest service one can do in the name of Allah and live or die one will be rewarded in pleasures.

In order to counter the threat that the has come to our very doorstep we must learn about the religion of Muhammad. Shockingly this was a sentiment put forth nearly 500 years ago by Martin Luther as Europe was under the shadow of the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Our very ignorance is undermining our sharing of the grace of God and the hope found in Jesus and His sacrifice.

This is a book that will make you think more deeply about the world we live in and the ever present threat that we now live with.  To understand ISIS we need to know the roots from which they grew. This was not an overnight transition but one that has been centuries in the making. The saying knowledge is power couldn't be more true.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Book:

The book that Christians want 

and need

For this urgent hour in history   

As ISIS dominates news headlines, attention is given to the terrorist group’s ideology… when the true motive of their mayhem is actually revealed in their theology!  

Major General Michael K. Nagata of the Special Operations forces in the Middle East explains that “we do not understand the movement… and until we do, we are not going to defeat it.”
 
The key to defeating ISIS’ regime of terror is understanding its theology.
 
This is why two leading Biblical scholars offer this go-to guide to understanding ISIS’ distorted theology. Through fresh historical and Biblical insights, discover how ISIS’ acts of violence, terrorism, and persecution impact your life and your faith today.
 
Get revealing answers to questions such as:

• How did three faiths come out of one man—Abraham?
• Why does ISIS utilize social media and technology for terrorist propaganda?
• Is ISIS Islamic and would Muhammad himself join this group?
• How do the Gospels and the Qur’an see Jesus differently?
• How does Biblical history address the development of ISIS?

 
The question millions are asking is Why? Why the hate? Why the persecution? Why the murder? To find the answer, you will trace the origins of ISIS’ radical theology and discover why these acts of terrorism are happening, what they mean, and where they are taking us.

About the Authors:

Craig A. Evans received his Ph.D. (1983) in New Testament from Claremont Graduate University. Evans appears regularly in various specials on History Channel, History Television, Discovery Channel, Day of Discovery, National Geographic Channel, BBC, and NBC Dateline. For fun Evans participates annually in archeological digs in the Middle East and volunteer-teaches at schools world-wide. Professor Evans lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia, with his wife Ginny; they have two grown daughters and a grandson.

Dr. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, teacher, apologist, and speaker. His passion is equipping Christians to give intellectually informed accounts of what they believe. Dr. Johnston completed his doctoral residency in Oxford, in partnership with Oxford Centre for Christian Studies, and received his Ph.D. from Middlesex University (United Kingdom) with commendation.

Dr. Johnston currently serves as the founder and President of Christian Thinkers Society, a resident Institute at Houston Baptist University where he also serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Christian Thought. For more information, visit www.ChristianThinkers.com.

Lead Me Home ~ Review

Lead Me Home
By Amy K. Sorrells

He thought he was doing God's will, until his life started coming apart.  Who ministers to the minister when he needs an ear to hear his pain? For more 20 years James Horton has been leading the Sycamore Community Church and over the last few they have slowly been trickling away to the grand mega church just down the way.

Time has run out on the church James has called home, the bank loan has come due and there is nothing he or anyone can do. With weeks left before the property is auctioned off James needs to find a new purpose in for his life. 

When life as we know it changes where do we call home?  Is it the chance to start over?  Is it where we have always been?  Or is it somewhere in between?

Across the road Nobel Burden is at a crossroads in life as well, with an opportunity to leave behind the hard labor of farming behind he has a choice to make. But is the dream of his heart truly what he wants? Or is his heart's desire at home in Sycamore, Indiana?

As a crisis once again threatens everything these two hold dear, second chances and new beginnings are a possibility as their eyes are open to what is most important in their lives.  Sometimes we are offered the world and at other times the world is taken from us - but either can help us see what we were blind to before.

I really think this line taken from page 205 really sums up this book, "...sometimes leaving ain't the answer for our pain. Sometimes the dreams God has for us, the biggest difference we can make in the world is right where we are." 

I also liked one character's statement regarding the church (page 186) "But programming, new-fangled music and technology, that's not what keeps a church alive. It's depth, James. It's the gospel. And whenever you choose the depth of the gospel over new and shiny, you're gonna have a battle on your hands, The battle wll be worth it, but it'll be a battle all the same."

This is a book that will entertain you while making you think at the same time.  I highly recommend this book, would be an excellent book club selection.

I was provided a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Amid open fields and empty pews, small towns can crush big dreams.

Abandoned by his no-good father and forced to grow up too soon, Noble Burden has set his dreams aside to run the family farm. Meanwhile, James Horton, the pastor of the local church, questions his own calling as he prepares to close the doors for good.

As a severe storm rolls through, threatening their community and very livelihood, both men fear losing what they care about most . . . and reconsider where they truly belong.

Silence in the Dark ~ Review

Silence in the Dark
Logan's Point #4
by Patricia Bradley

Bailey Adams is in trouble and she needs help if she plans to live through it. One problem - the person who can help her is Danny Maxwell the man she never stopped loving, even when she broke off their engagement.

Bailey and her young young charge are being hunted by the Calatrava - getting out of Mexico is their only hope. But how do you avoid the most dangerous drug cartel in Mexico when they control everything? And why have Bailey and Maria become targets?

Danny Maxwell has been trying to determine who has been the recipient of the gun running operation that was using Maxwell Industries. When he has a chance encounter with Bailey Adams he is stunned to she her in the most dangerous region of Mexico.  Even more shocking is the fact that she has been targeted by Calatrava. Determined to help the woman he loves, Danny must find her before the cartel does.

Silence in the Dark is the fourth book in the Logan Point series and it is a page turner.  With a cast of characters who could easily be "guilty" of  an association with Calatrava - the old saying about keeping your enemies close may not be an option but rather a forced reality.

Patricia Bradley knows how to capture the reader's attention and keep it from cover to cover.  Having completed this book I'm looking forward to re-reading the whole series again.  And if you have yet to pick up the previous books treat yourself and read them all back-to-back.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Bailey Adams is running for her life . . . again.

When Bailey Adams left Logan Point two years ago she thought she was getting away from her problems. Running into her ex-fiancé Danny Maxwell was not part of the plan--neither was being chased through the city by the local drug cartel, the Calatrava. Now despite her best efforts, Danny is her only chance of escaping the people chasing her and getting back to Logan Point safely. Can Bailey find the strength to face what's coming? And in the midst of the chaos, can she keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

With lean, fast-paced prose that will keep you turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.

Every Bride Has Her Day ~ Review

Every Bride Has Her Day
Brides with Style #3
by Janice Thompson

Katie Fisher has her dream dress and she finally has the groom-to-be of her dreams. All she has left is her trip down the aisle with Brady James - what could possibly go wrong?

Everyone has plans for Katie's special day and she's not sure how to tell them all what her plans are. Between Dallas and Fairfield her options are endless.

As Katie plans her day she celebrates the loves and joys that are coming into the lives of her friends and family.  But trouble is coming in a way Katie never anticipated.

Every Bride Has Her Day is the third book in the Brides with Style series and it is a delightful conclusion to the series.  The entire Fisher clan is a total hoot! They are the family one would be scared to claim and yet loath to be without. And this family has grown through the series and this book is no exception.  Lori-Lou is expecting baby number four any day. Her brothers are finding love.  And then there is Aunt Alva who still can't figure out Bluetooth technology with some very amusing phone conversations taking place

This book will make for an amusing reading escape over a long hot summer week-end.  Weddings have never been quite so numerous and Fairfield, Texas, may never be the same.  This is one series you really need to read in order to fully enjoy and appreciate.  Would be an excellent book club selection.

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Katie's determined to make it down the aisle this time--but it may be easier said than done

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can't wait to start planning their life together. But it's hard to focus on her own happily ever after when her calendar is filling up with celebrations for friends and family. Beyond that, it seems everyone around her has an opinion--and a strong one at that--on what Katie's special day should look like. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for her storybook wedding? Or will her overzealous friends and relations make a mess of everything?

Murder Comes By Mail ~ Review

Murder Comes by Mail
A Hidden Springs Mystery #2
By A. H. Gabhart

Welcome back to Hidden Springs a quiet small town where nothing exciting every happens - unless you count murder.

A trip into Eagleton seemed innocent enough. What Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane didn't expect was a jumper on the bridge of the Eagle River. Saving the jumper catapults Michael to hero status within the Hidden Springs community.  But saving this stranger may become one good deed Michael may live to regret.

A killer has made his presence known in Hidden Springs, taunting Michael, the sheriff's office and Hank Leland editor of the Gazette. As each victim gets closer to Michael personally it is obvious the killer has made Hidden Springs and Michael a target.  Can they stop the killer before he strikes again?

If you're looking for small town charm and mystery you've found it in in Murder Comes by Mail. This is the second book in the Hidden Springs Mystery series and it is every bit as entertaining as the first book Murder at the Courthouse.  This who-dunit will keep you guessing as to the killer's ultimate goal and wondering who will be next. If you haven't read the first book don't worry you can easily follow this book without scratching your head wondering what you are missing.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Doing a good deed never felt so bad

Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn't particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses--a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn't last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs' concerned citizens. 

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves--because the killer could be targeting one of them next.