Thursday, June 30, 2011

My Foolish Heart by Susan Mae Warren-Would appeal to many

Issy a radio talk show host operates "My Foolish Heart" a daily program where she gives relationship advice to a diverse group of listeners. She sometimes cannot help feeling a pang of jealousy from her callers successes. When her ratings start slipping her talk show is rejuvenated by an instant "popular guest".Caleb Knight is Issy's new next door neighbor who deals with the realization of his past and how others view him. Caleb is vying for a football coaches job left vacated by a former star coach and is finding his competition fierce and very well known. But there is something about the pretty "girl next door" if only he could get to know her. Other characters are brought into the storyline, to round out the novel. The book is creatively fun and at times it tugs at your heart, at times it will have you laughing. This book is part of a series but can easily stand alone. I did connect with the characters and the scene worked well. This novel could be entertaining for gals as well as guys because of the heavy sports writing intermingled with a bit of romance. Not being a fan of sports I felt that some of the novel drug some but overall it was a good read.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Soul Harvest Left Behind #4- Held My Interest!

After the devastating earthquake, Nicolae Carpathia seems to be immune to the suffering around him which draws suspicion. Rayford and Buck search for their loved ones among the wreckage and chaos. People are watching events happening while prophecy is beginning to be fulfilled.Belivers can easily idenify one another as the search for others like them begins.The novel is suspenseful and the reader feels drawn into the story. The continuation of familiar characters along with the introduction of new characters in the book brings with it new excitement. Like the first 3 novels in this series, this one also challenged my faith bringing a new understanding of end times prophecy in a novel format. I would recommend this sequel to others as it was enjoyable and enlightening.

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Twelfth Imam-Thought Provoking

Charlie and his wife Claire discover that it is very dangerous to be an American in Tehran. Hamid watched as his dying master struggled to remain alive. Allah is in control after all.Najjar witnessed a family being gunned down by masked terrorists, but then the AK 47 was turned on him. With a host of many characters the reader will find the pace easy to keep up with. A suspenseful filled pounding novel of international terrorism proportions that will keep you turning the pages to the end. Excellent character development, dialogue and scene pulled the novel together. I found the overall message inspiring and would recommend this book to others.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven- A book that went from ok to wow!

I had gotten this book in audiobook format that I listened to while driving. The book was written in the voice of Kevin the dad, and Alex the 6 yr old with side notes from different people. While driving Kevin was distracted and he and Alex were involved in a collision. Alex died but was revived then slipped into a coma. Upon waking he was able to recall his experience in heaven and gave reference also to the darker side. As Alex talked about his experiences I found them to be unique, comforting, different and very interesting. The love of Alex by Kevin was very evident throughout the book as was the amount of support the family had. Quite an inspiring journey that Alex had and I hope upon reading or listening as I did that what he had to share will bring more people to Jesus. Very well written! 5 Stars!

Nicolae my review

All seems to be coming into place as Potentate Carpathia begins ruling with an iron fist. The tribulation force joins together to try to win souls while Buck risks his life for a fellow believer. The wailing wall becomes a place of controversy, curiosity and media intervention as two individuals create quite a stir in those left behind while attracting the attention of Carpathia. Another extremely hard to put down novel, the 3rd in the series. If you have not started reading this series as of yet drop the book you are reading and dive in, I highly recommend them.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Bound by Guilt-Perfect!

Irene and Diego were as close to a family as Roxi has ever known, trouble was they are not the typical kind of family. Traveling in an RV scouting out bookstores stealing rare copies of books to earn a living. Roxi is starting to have second thoughts about their little business. Christy store clerk discovers a collection missing then something goes terribly wrong. Abby a police officer puts her life in jeopardy everyday. When she is notified of a shooting she vowed she would find the perpetrator wherever they were. But what she finds is not what she sought after. A suspenseful invigorating read that I highly recommend a perfect book to spend the afternoon with. A book that kept me plowing through the pages and on the edge of my seat guessing to the end. Took me less than 8 hrs to read it. I was able to follow the story quite well because of the excellent character development. Definately 5 stars well done!

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Brotherhood (Precinct 11) my review Jerry B Jenkins author

The novel revolves around the lives of Boone Drake a young officer and wife Nikki with their son Josh and Jack Keller senior officer. Both officers in the Chicago beat partners on 2nd watch. Tragedy struck the life of Boone leaving him with his thoughts and struggles. Upon his return to the police force he aquired arother partner, Garrett Fox and life seemed to become better for Boone as he focused his attention on his job and not on his personal life. But when he got the assignment of a lifetime he found himself staring at the most dangerous face he has ever encountered in his career. But what happens when the fright becomes reality? Novel does drag a little in certain parts but overall an entertaining, enlightening and suspenseful read! Satisfying plot would recommend this book to others.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Jesus Lover of a Woman's Soul A Must Read!

Are you hurting, rejected, misunderstood, lonely or just searching for your place in this world? Or do you know someone who is? Reading this book has made a difference in my life and I know it can be for others as well. Buy it for yourself or for a gift or request it from the library as I did. You won't regret it. At one time or another all women have endured or have witnessed prejudice or indifference. This book has shown me that no one is alone and as women Jesus cares so deeply for us. Traditionally women have been left out of personal contributions to the churches. The reader can relate and take something from each chapter even if the title may not apply to you. Each chapter has prayers at the end and bible passages and stories that correspond with the topic being addressed. The reader gains an exclusive glimpse into the lives of other women whose stories are highlighted in the chapters. Very inspiring and comforting I highly recommend this to others.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tribulation Force Great Sequel!

The name of Nicolae Carpathia becomes more well known as he tries to unite the world into one government and religion. His opposition comes in the form of The Tribulation Force consisting of Rayford, Chloe, Bruce and Buck. Deals are struck with Carpathia and people seem to be following him blindly. Will The Tribulation Force be able to have an impact on stopping the doom that has fallen on Earth? As the second in the series I found it to be more intense than the first as each so far has me reading into the night. Suspense, drama, inspiration and thought provoking this book has it all! I highly recommend this book!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Love this book!

A friend of mine told me some time ago that I needed to read this series and now I understand why! So perfect for this time in the world's history. Rayford a pilot for Pan Continental married to Irene has now focused his attention on his flight attendant Hattie Durham who is much younger than he is. Cameron (Buck) Williams journalist, a rising star in the writing world, aboard a flight Rayford and Hattie are serving. Buck is known for capturing the world in words and one of his greatest pieces involves his now friend Dr Rosenzweig an inventor whose purpose is to make Israel the most profitable country on earth. During the flight passengers vanish while in air causing Hattie, Buck and Rayford and the other passengers that are left behind wondering what had happened the only things remaining from the disappeared passengers are their clothes and personal belongings. Upon landing they discover other people missing including family members, friends and others too numerous to count. Rayford is led to the church of his wife and meets Bruce, one of those left behind. Together they search for truth and answers. Excellent character development and dialogue make this book the start of an must read series. This book took me about 10 hours to read and went very fast. It held my attention to the end and I am eager to read the next book in the series. I was challenged in my faith and was entertained. I would recommend this book to others.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Enlightening and Inspiring

Dr. Levy, a California neurosurgeon, recalls his conversations with his patients in the exam room before entering into their surgery. Good rapport with a patient is a necessary part of the surgery process, and, with the element of adding prayer, can make a profound difference in the few moments before surgery and can add calm and peace to an otherwise tense situation. I found this book very enlightening and although it was about another peoples lives I thought about my own while I was reading and was able to apply some of the advice he encouraged his patients to practice and I too felt a sense of peace. What is truly remarkable about this surgeon is that he went outside of the box and the medical "comfort zone" with his patients, prayer with a patient is a practice which I feel is sorely lacking in the medical field. This doctor is a medical professional who considers the health and soul of a patient and strives to make a difference. The message of this book is quite inspiring and uplifting and I highly recommend it to others.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sons of Encouragement a review

This book encompasses the lives of 5 important men in the history of Christianity and helped to shape the time as it was then. #1 Aaron (The Priest) Aaron the brother of Moses was the chief priest and who helped Moses lead God's chosen people from bondage to safety and away from the hands of Pharoah. Aaron heard God's voice but was despised by the people who thought him to be a traitor.#2 Caleb (The Warrior) Caleb rallied around Joshua, increasing his faith and confidence to lead the people after the death of Moses. Caleb's leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. #3 Saul (The Prince) Honor is important to him and he is concerned with pleasing of his men, however in the midst of battle one cannot discredit their enemies. Sauls son Jonathan sees much and he is God fearing. He (Jonathan) joins forces with David. After David's marriage to Michal Saul becomes violent.#4 Amos (The Prophet) Amos was a shepherd carer of lambs and goats who felt cheated by the temple. Joram the temple overseer was interested in amassing great wealth through wool. God helped Amos and showed him a vision of what is to come. Amos kept his faith strong but he was bullied by others who were oblivious of what was to come. #5 Silas (The Scribe) Secretary to Peter, Silas could write as well as speak both Hebrew and Greek fluently. He spoke of being present when Jesus taught and was eyewitness to the crucifixion.
Watching these men "come alive" through the writing of Ms. Rivers was quite enjoyable as I was transported to another time period. My favorites were Amos and Saul. I recommend this series to others as these are novellas which can each be read in a sitting.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Her Daughter's Dream a review

Hildie becomes ill and Marta(Oma) comes to stay with the family while Hildie is sick. Marta and Carolyn become very close, so close it creates problems between Hildie and Marta resulting in Marta returning home leaving Carolyn. Whithout Marta Carolyn is lost and she feels and turns to Charlie her brother to comfort her. When the family relocates Carolyn has trouble fitting in, but soon finds out what can happen when someone acts out of desperation. Hildie then starts working again and like her mother before her she is always gone and not home when her children need her the most. Years pass and with it war comes bringing tragedy and Carolyn clinging to her thoughts withdraws deeper within herself. Thoughts have a way of grabbing you and not wanting to let go and whether Carolyn wished them to or not some things always have a way of coming to the surface. After the birth of Mayflower Dawn "Dawn" Carolyns life seems to be coming together. As Dawn grows up she becomes strong in her faith. This novel comes full circle covering a span of over 30 years. A poinant story of love, loss and tragedy that is quite lengthy so do not expect to finish it in a few hours.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

My Review of Beneath The Night Tree Excellent!

At age 24 Julia loves taking pictures capturing the world through the lens of her camera. She and her brother Simon 10, and her son Daniel 5 live with Grandma Nellie on the DeSmit farm. Her boyfriend Michael speaks of future plans and asking her to leave all she knows behind but Julia realizes that Simon and Daniel have a stake in this too. After all what would her life be like without the 3 of them? When she was on her computer going through her email she came across a message which causes her to remember the past she has tried so hard to forget. What will happen with the email and how will it impact the relationships she now has? Not having read the first two in the series I have to say that I was able to become attached to the characters right away and feel that the novel stands alone. An excellent novel that I throughly enjoyed and I would recommend it.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Imaginary Jesus-inspiring

Matt does not have your ordinary everyday life experiences. He is in search of Jesus and is counteracted by a bunch of imaginary Jesuses. Everywhere he looks Jesus takes the form of hippie Jesus, Eightball Jesus, politican Jesus just to name a few, and along the way he meets some unusual and interesting characters each with their own stories and goals. In his search how will he know who is the real Jesus? This is a very creative, engaging, and thought provoking book seeming to be the perfect balance between ficion and nonfiction and after the conclusion of the book I felt very satisfied and challenged in my faith. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted, entertaining and inspiring read. I thoughly enjoyed it!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Pompeii City on Fire by TL Higley A most unforgetable and hard to put down novel!

Journey to the ancient city of Pompeii and witness corruption and evil firsthand brought to life through the eyes of a most gifted author! Stroll through lucious grape orchards thriving in the black soil made rich by the Vesuvius, walk into courtyards and gaze at frescos that illuminate the walls, witness and cheer great battles in the arena without ever leaving your chair! Thrilling and page turning along with excellent character development make this book unforgetable and a must read for the summer. Follow the lives of Cato and Ariella as they battle against the forces that threaten to destroy them and the ones they hold most dear. I highly recommend this book and perhaps you will find that you will not be able to put it down either.