Nick of Time by Tim Downs

I have to admit a fondness for Tim Down's character, Nick. I have read every book Mr. Downs has written with Nick Polchak as a main character. In this novel, the Bug Man has proposed to Alena, the dog trainer, and is getting married in less than a week. Nick goes to a meeting of other like-minded individuals and notices that his friend, Pete Boudreau, whom he was to meet, is missing. Nick can't resist finding out what has happened to Pete and he goes to his home. Of course, while he is there, he discovers that Pete is probably dead. With the clock ticking down to his wedding, he takes off to unravel the mystery of Pete's disappearance. Along the way he discovers the truth about Pete's death and the truth about his true feelings for Alena.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tim Downs keep the plot moving along and the reader wondering about what will happen next. The twists were totally unexpected, but satisfying. I found myself ready to read the next installment of the Bug Man novels. I hope Tim won't leave his readers hanging for long! If you enjoy quirky characters and a good mystery, don't miss this book! You'll enjoy it even if you are new to the Bug Man series.

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

This book gives an account of Rahab's life. The author bases the story on the information given in the Bible (specifically Joshua 1-10, Ruth and Matthew 1:1-17.)

I enjoyed this book and it gave me a greater appreciation for Rahab's faith and the struggles she might have endured to become a member of the Israelites. It also contained some sound principles for dealing with an ungodly past. If you enjoy historical fiction, I think you would appreciate this book.

Red Like Blood by Joe Coffey and Bob Bevington

The subtitle of this book is Confrontations with Grace. Although confrontations seems a strong word, the book overflows with stories of people whose lives have been changed by God's grace. Some of the stories seem too good to be true. Others are almost unbelievable. Regardless, they leave you with a hunger to experience grace for yourself.

The writing style is conversational and the tone is such that you feel like you are having an extended discussion over a cup of coffee. When I finished this book, I was sad that it was done. I would certainly read another book by these authors. Red Like Blood would also make it onto my list of books I'd like to read again. Some of the materials was simple but profound and would merit a second more in-depth look.

If you enjoy books composed of essays and real life stories of hope, Red Like Blood should be on your list of books to read.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Abilene is a young girl who has been sent to Manifest, a small town, by her father. As she lives there, she discovers the town's secrets, but really desires to find out more about her father's past. She meets and grows to love the townspeople of this struggling town. As their stories transport her into their past, she can understand their present.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the plot unfolded at a pace that kept me reading. I would recommend Moon Over Manifest.