Lightning ~ Review

Lightning
Stone Braide Chronicles #2
By Bonnie S. Calhoun

Selah has been reunited with the father she never knew about, but Glade is so focused on his quest to reach the West and the Third Protocol of Landers that Selah seldom spends much time with him. And since they arrived in Tic City Selah hasn't seen much of Bodhi.  The bond between them seems broken, but Selah still feels it.

Having become a novarium has left Selah with more questions than answers and there is no one she can ask.  There are no other living novarium that she can ask and the information she has is limited and vague.  Even more unsettling are the symptoms that she is experiencing - flashes of power and visions of destruction.

As Selah tries to adjust to the changes she is undergoing, she is being drawn into a situation that could very well leave her imprisoned with the Mountain. Time is running out as Selah must find her family and save them from the coming disaster.  A disaster which Selah fears she may be the cause of.  Little does she realize just what she is about to bring about and the sacrifice that she will be called upon to make.

Fans of Thunder will definitely want to check-out the newest addition to the Stone Braide chronicles.  And, yes, you need to read the first book first, and if it has been a few months since you closed the cover  pick it and give yourself a refresher.

This book has more action in it and less "romance" which should please those who were a bit put off by the romance in the previous book.  Also be prepared to possibly shed a tear or two as there are a few scenes that are a bit heartbreaking. Have a tissue handy.

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

About the Book:

Selah's past and her future are about to collide . . . and time is running out.

Selah Rishon thought that finding her real father would solve her problems. Instead it has created a host of new ones. She is feeling strange, destructive flashes of power within her body. The family she left behind is being sequestered in the Mountain. And if her father and his team cannot find the key to the West and make contact with the Third Protocol of Landers, Selah will fracture.

Selah is trying to accept this new world, but none of the facts she's learned about novarium or Landers are adding up. Determined to find answers, she launches a new rescue effort to the Mountain. But will the prison that holds her family become Selah's grave?Bonnie S. Calhoun loves to write, but it doesn't make her happy unless there are the three Bs: body count, blood, and blowing things up. She is the author of Thunder, Tremors, and Aftershock, all part of the Stone Braide Chronicles. Bonnie lives in a log cabin in the woods on fifteen acres and shares her domain with a husband, a dog, and two cats--all of whom think she is waitstaff. Learn more at www.bonniescalhoun.com.

Rescuing Finley ~ Review

Rescuing Finley
A Forever Home novel #1
By Dan Walsh

Amy Wallace has just made the biggest mistake of her life and she is going to pay for it.  In fact it will cost her several years.

Finley's life is a series of upheavals when his beloved owner enlists to serve in Afghanistan.  Finley needs one-on-one human interaction to help him get over the depression he falls into after ending up in a local shelter.

Chris Seger has sacrificed much for his country and he has the scars (physical and mental) to prove it. He needs something to help him get past the bad days.

These three are about to be just what the others need.  A program to train specially selected shelter dogs as service dogs for vets suffering from PTSD offers Amy a chance to get out of the general prison population.  Finley is given a chance to heal and find someone who needs him.  And Chris is given a chance to find the peace that has escaped him since he was injured.

This is a story that will touch your heart and offer hope.  The idea that unwanted dogs can be given a purpose that will help them find a home while at the same time bring healing to those who have been injured is beautiful.

As someone who loves dogs (and all animals) this is a refreshing story that is told from the various points of view of the main characters (including Finley).  I appreciate a book about animals in which the animal doesn't die nor is it the object of abuse.  I am also looking forward to the future books in this series.

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

About the Book:
Amy Wallace has made plenty of mistakes in her young life, but she didn’t see this one coming. Chris Seger is a marine serving in Afghanistan. His life is forever altered by a single, fateful step. A mother of another Afghan war vet suffers a devastating loss, which changes the course of Finley’s life for good. Finley is a mostly golden retriever, who suddenly finds himself alone and confused in a dog shelter. Later, he’s brought to a local prison to be trained in a special program for female inmates. Could this prison actually become the place where Finley finally finds freedom? Rescuing Finley tells the story of how one rescue dog powerfully impacts three tragic lives and puts all of them on a road toward redemption and healing.

The Aleppo Code ~ Review with Trailer

The Aleppo Code
The Jerusalem Prophecies #3
By Terry Brennan

Will history's most powerful weapon 

trigger humanity's most horrifying days?

They thought they had discovered all the pieces to the puzzle, but they were wrong.  A long hidden treasure has been hidden for several millennium.  A treasure that could be the most powerful weapon the world has ever known.  

Tom Bohannon and his team have gathered again in Jerusalem to examine a copy of the tenth-century Aleppo Code, which may hold the answers they seek. What they discover leads them to search for the Ark of the Covenant and its true source of power.  But these two artifacts have been separated since the time of Jeremiah, but the time has come for them to be reunited. 

This is an intense action driven book though there are times of reflection on what their quest has cost them up to this point.  With the world ready to erupt in war and tensions boiling in the Middle East Tom Bohannon's team is in even more danger as they try to stay ahead of the Prophet's Guard.  But the Prophet's Guard is determined to stop them and control this ancient power. 

Fans of Indiana Jones styled adventures will find much to enjoy in this third installment of the Jerusalem Prophecies series. This book appears to be the last in the series, but one never knows something could pull them back for more adventure.

An enjoyable book that needs to be read within the series structure so as to understand the references to previous events.

I purchased this book which is published by Kregel and it was worth the investment of both my money and my time.

About the Book:
Will the code reveal history's most powerful weapon for destruction--or humanity'’s only hope?

The living members of Tom Bohannon's band of adventurers gather again in Jerusalem--physically battered, emotionally exhausted, spiritually challenged, and in various stages of shock--to examine a copy of the tenth-century Aleppo Code, the oldest complete text of Jewish scripture. What the clues inside reveal could lead to the reuniting of the Ark of the Covenant with its true source of power, a weapon that could lead to victory for this ragged bunch trying to save the world.

Hunted by the relentless assassins of the Prophet's Guard and caught in the web of an international conspiracy plotting the conquest of Europe, Bohannon's team searches the ruins of Ancient Babylon. Their search lands them amid the chaos that engulfs western Iraq, but they must press on to accomplish one of the most pivotal pieces of end-times prophecy. This intrepid group will uncover secrets that require them to risk everything for their faith, their country, and the peace of all mankind.

Unfolding against the backdrop of an Israeli/U.S. strike against Iran and the planned economic overthrow of the European Union by the sinister, secret head of the international Muslim Brotherhood, The Aleppo Code is a heart-pounding race. Brennan takes an epic story on a grand scale and tells it primarily through the eyes of one man who is desperately trying to save the world as he follows God's purpose for his life.

Every Girl Gets Confused ~ Review

Every Girl Gets Confused

Brides with Style #2

by Janice Thompson

Katie Fisher is back and she's still trying to figure out her life.  Not an easy thing to do when figuring out life when trying to make sense of her love life with romance surrounding her on all sides - from her grandmother Queenie to her younger brothers.  What's a girl to do?

New boyfriend Brady James hasn't come out and said the three magic words she longing to hear. And her once-upon a time boyfriend Casey Lawson seems to be interested in her again.  Talk about confusing.  For years she dreamed about what her life would be like with Casey until he broke it all off - just when she was sure he was about to pop the question.  But for nearly a year Katie has been getting to know Brady James, the man who has now found a place in her heart.

But life in Fairfield doesn't stand still.  Her parents have taken up traveling,  Her grandmother is getting married to a minister in the wrong denomination.  And her brothers are all finding the path to true love faster than Katie is.  But at least Katie has her dream wedding dress and the hope that she'll someday wear it as a bride and not just model it for a magazine.

Every Girl Gets Confused is a Thanksgiving / Christmas  story that takes a look at the seasons of life. We all go through seasons of life, some are times of success and plenty while others are times of pain and loss.  How we handle these seasons speaks about our heart.

If you're a fan of Janice Thompson's previous books you'll enjoy the second book in her Brides with Style series.  If you're familiar with small town living believe me this book definitely gives you a glimpse of it.  Everyone knows everyone else's business even if they have their facts totally wrong.

I think the most amusing part of this book is Aunt Alva's mistaken belief that Katie's Bluetooth  conversations are in fact a radio drama.  Get ready for some  interesting car rides.

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

How can she choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath? Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. Katie's almost-fiancé Casey is back in Fairfield, ready to rekindle their relationship. And there's nothing Katie's parents want more than for their small-town girl to leave Dallas and come home for good. But can she really leave Brady behind? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won? Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series, as well as Every Bride Needs a Groom. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.

The Christmas Joy Ride ~ Review

The Christmas Joy Ride
by Melody Carlson

Christmas stories from Melody Carlson have become a Christmas standard.  Each of her Christmas stories is a unique experience. Are you ready for the newest Christmas experience from Melody?Get ready for to meet Christmas this year from an RV!

A move that is going to be done in unique style taking Route 66 from Chicago to Phoenix via RV.  Joy has finally agreed to leave her home and join her sons and their families in Arizona.   But she's going to do it her way and spread some Christmas Joy along the way.  Joining Joy is her neighbor Miranda who is going through difficulties in her own life.

This is one Christmas that will never be forgotten.  Joy is a special person who is determined to help those who need a little extra holiday joy added to their lives.  We could benefit from more Joys in the world.

This is a lovely little book that is under 200 pages - perfect for a little holiday down time.  Curl up with your favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa and a Christmas cookie or two for several hours of reading.

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

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, and The Christmas Cat. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more atwww.melodycarlson.com.

Ella ~ Review

Ella
By Jessilyn Stewart 
                     Peaslee

        The shoe fits...
                       but she may not 
                                          want it back

Her father's death changed everything, and her most precious treasure is her one hope for the future.  But Ella's step-mother seems determined to discover Ella's secret and to crush her into submission.

For 10 years Ella has served in her own home.  Watching it slowly fall into disrepair as the furniture is sold off to purchase clothing for her step-mother and step-sisters.

Through it all Ella has one true friend who sees her life for what it truly is and not the illusion her step-mother has created.  Will knew and loved Ella's father almost as much as she had.  But Will cannot rescue Ella from the life she finds herself now living, a life she wasn't born into.

When Prince Kenton announces a ball that will secure his future queen all the young women are excited with the prospect of being chosen.  Ella has no such hopes, but Will is convinced that this is Ella's chance.

Can a young woman, who has spent the last 10 years living as a poor peasant in her own home ever become queen?

This is Ella's story - a story of true love.  A story that depends not on magic but on one's own character and determination.  This is a truly lovely story and a masterful twist on Cinderella. Not everyone has a fairy godmother...

If you want a clean romance you will love Ella.

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


About the Book:


Reserved yet resilient, Ella Blakeley lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, without hope of escape—until the day Prince Kenton announces a ball that changes everything. Even without mice, magic, or fairy godmothers, Ella might discover a life that’s better than she ever dreamed. This intricately woven twist on Cinderella is an enchanting book you won’t be able to put down.

About the Author:

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children to a family of avid readers, movie quoters, and sports fanatics. She graduated with a degree in English from Brigham Young University in 2004. She is a mother of five rambunctious, adorable boys and while you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be.

Keeping Christmas ~ Review

Keeping Christmas
By Dan Walsh

Dan Walsh is superb when it comes to delving into the heart of the family and Keeping Christmas is no exception.  The Winters family has just spent its first Thanksgiving with the kids all grown and away from home.  A two person Thanksgiving is not Judith's ideal holiday celebration and Christmas is promising to be the same.

With just her semi-retired husband Stan around, Judith can't seem to find any holiday joy this year. Her decorating was always shared with the kids and grand-kids, but this year it is just her.

Judith's depression has Stan worried, but he comes up with the perfect present to help her.

Keeping Christmas examines and celebrates family and the love that they share.  Often what we have is enjoyed, but until it is no longer a certainty in our life we often do not fully appreciate what we have.

Keeping Christmas  takes us from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  All too often there are those around us and in our daily life who struggle with Christmas, not because they hate Christmas but rather because they miss what they once had.  This is a lovely and touching story that you'll want to share with friends and family.

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

Keeping Christmas
by Dan Walsh

Stan opened the ugly ornaments box and pulled out the top three ornaments, the ones wrapped in green paper, the kids' favorites, and set them on the coffee table. He picked up the first one, the biggest one--Anna's blue pinecone--and began to unwrap it. Without thinking, Judith walked up, stopped him, and gently took it out of his hand. She wrapped it back up, set it carefully in the box. Then picked up the other two ornaments, put them in the box, and closed the flaps.

"What's the matter?" Stan said. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I don't think I can do this."


Nothing is more beautiful than family

For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking--some were downright ugly--but they were tradition.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .


Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more atwww.danwalshbooks.com.