6.19.2016

Centralia ~ Review

Centralia
A Jed Patrick Novel #1
By Mike Dellosso

He thought he knew who he was and what his life should be, but now he's not so sure.  His wife and daughter are missing.  Were they killed in the fiery accident as he was told, or are they alive and in trouble as his instincts lead him to believe?

When he discovers a clue that could lead him to the truth he seeks, he finds his life suddenly in danger.  Not knowing who he can trust Peter finds himself on the run.  But those who are hunting him are determined to bring him down and they will use any means necessary to do it.

With not only his life on the line but the lives and safety of his missing wife and daughter as well, Peter discovers skills he never knew he possessed.  Discovering who he is may be the key he needs to survive, but he'll need to put his trust in something other than his own strength.  Peter Ryan needs to rediscover his faith.

A scrap of paper with a clue is all he has to go on - now Peter needs to learn the truth about Centralia!

This is an incredible book that will keep you wondering who is Peter Ryan?  There are layers that need to be peeled back if the truth is to be exposed.  But whose version of truth is real and whose is an elaborate lie?  This is a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

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


About the Book:
       Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. 

         Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. 

         On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.


About the Author:
Mike is the author of seven novels of suspense and several short stories. He also writes family dramas under the pseudonym, Michael King. In addition to his novels he's written for periodicals, websites, and is a regular conference teacher and speaker. 

Born in Baltimore, Mike now resides in Pennsylvania. He is also a colon cancer survivor and speaks often about dealing with suffering. 

Find out more about Mike on his website, www.MikeDellossoBooks.com.

Forever Safe ~ Review

Forever Safe
Beacons of Hope #4
By Jody Hedlund

Three times Victoria Cole has been a bride-to-be, hopefully the third time will see her actually make it down the aisle and back again.  But something has kept Victoria Cole from actually saying "I do."   Nathaniel Winthrop III is perfect - he has wealth, an elite name, handsome and fashionable appearance, and he'll do anything for Victoria.  What more could a young lady of refined society want?

But something could stand in the way of Victoria's happily ever after someone has threatened her life.  And it is no idle threat as her long time bodyguard nearly lost his life protecting her.  With her marriage just weeks away Henry Cole has no choice but to hire Tom Cushman to guard his daughter.

But when another attack almost succeeds, Victoria is hidden away in a secluded location known only to her father and Tom.  But to pull off Tom's plan to keep her safe, the two must pose as newlyweds and convince Tom's parents of their "wedded bliss".

One problem with Tom's plan - Victoria has to leave behind the luxuries and comforts of her pampered life.  Can Victoria survive a month of making due without maids and a housekeeper?

Keeping Victoria safe is Tom's number one goal. But he must keep her at arm's length if he is to finish the job with his heart intact.

But even if Victoria's attacker is caught will she ever truly feel safe?

Forever Safe can be read without reading the previous Beacons of Hope books, but it is interesting to see the series progress and read about the various light houses and the history behind them and the characters upon whom the draw on. Unlike the previous books in this series this book is not set in the Great Lakes region but rather the East Coast. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this book and fans of Jody Hedlund will enjoy this continuance in her series that has a touch of mystery that will keep you in suspense.

I was provided an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Race Point, Massachusetts, 1876

Will she ever be able to stop running, even when she believes she’s finally safe?

Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancĂ©. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard.

Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe.

As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for?

6.12.2016

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.

6.09.2016

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.









6.03.2016

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.

5.30.2016

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.