Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate

Hope Springs is the little town where Grandma Geri’s family and friends come together to support her during her cancer diagnosis.  Her family members are surprised to learn that she has hidden a secret from them for years.  In revealing it, she puts herself at risk of rejection by those she loves.  Meanwhile, her granddaughters are also dealing with difficult life lessons and encountering lost loves. 

Kim Cash Tate weaves themes of family, loyalty, love and loss throughout this book.  Not having read any of her previous books, I found it difficult to keep up with the many different characters.  Her theme of racial reconciliation was presented plainly.   However, because it was difficult to keep the characters straight, I wasn’t always sure of their racial heritage, and that made understanding the plot trickier.  Now that I have been introduced to the main characters, I would consider reading her previous books.  As a Christian author, she handles modern-day issues of sexual purity and pregnancy outside marriage sensitively.  Her characters, though flawed, learn and grow in grace from their mistakes.  The book didn’t have a “perfect “ending, but a realistic one.  I am grateful for the free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review. 

Hot Dogs and Hamburgers by Rob Shindler

 

Rob Shindler writes an inspiring story of a father’s determination to help his son learn to read.  Rob, like many fathers,  had difficulty accepting his child’s learning disability.  After he denied his son’s problems for a while, Rob determined to do something to fix the situation.  But first he must understand how to teach a person to read.  He joins a literacy organization in Chicago and begins to tutor adults how to read.  The adults love his unorthodox approach and he begins to see the inklings of success.  Through the process of teaching the adults, he realizes what it is exactly, that his son needs to do in order to read.

I loved this story.  As a teacher, this story rang true.    It was very inspiring.  Rob’s honesty about his situation is refreshing.  So is his unorthodox approach to teaching adults to read.  I applaud his determination to help his son.  This book made me want to investigate volunteer options in my own city.  I hope that Rob continues to positively impact the lives of illiterate adults.  Read this book and his story will influence your life, too.

House of Mercy by Erin Healy

 

Beth Borzoi lives on a ranch and loves animals, especially horses.  She aspires to be a vet.  Because of a freak accident involving a wolf and another rancher’s valuable horse, her family will lose their ranch and ministry.  Her father believes that her estranged grandfather, Garner Remke, holds the key to rescuing their ranch.  Shortly before her father’s death, he urges Beth to search out Garner and bring him home.  She goes in search of him on horseback, but is followed by a mysterious wolf, perhaps the same one that caused her catastrophic accident.  She manages to find Garner, but he is fighting for his life and Beth must now try to save him from probable death. 

Erin Healy is one of my favorite Christian writers.  This book had layers of plot that kept me reading, despite the fact that I am not a fan of Western novels.  The author weaves a thread of the supernatural throughout this book, and I find myself still trying to grasp the symbolism.  The book ended, but left me wanting to know more of what happened after the last page.  I hope there will be a sequel as many questions were left unanswered.  I intend to read as many as books as Erin Healy writes.  She is an excellent writer and I highly recommend her works.  My thanks to Booksneeze, which provided the free e-book for me and this is my honest review

The 13: Fall

 

 

The United States is in dire trouble.  Her military is weak from years of budget cuts.  China, on the other hand, has become strong and decides the time is ripe to expand its borders by striking the US. The Prophet contacts the president with a warning that the US needs to repent and return to God.  The president must find out if the Prophet’s message is bona fide or a hoax.  He commissions 3 specially equipped people to hunt down the Prophet.  As the situation goes from bad to worse, Boz, John and Taylor must do their best to find the Prophet before it is too late.  Will the Prophet have the answers that they need?  Will they be able to find him?

This book was a compelling read.  The authors had done their homework in current events.  It seemed a bit too close to reality for comfort but the plot kept me reading.  The story ended at a hopeful point and left me wanting to read the next book.  For a first novel, I thought it was a good book.     

The Choice by Robert Whitlow

 

Sandy Lincoln, popular cheerleader, dating a football player finds herself pregnant her senior year in high school.  Despite the temptation to abort her baby, she decides to carry him to term.  Her boyfriend deserts her and she must make a temporary new home with her aunt in another city and another school.  As her pregnancy progresses, she begins to think that she is carrying twins.  At a gas station a stranger approaches her and tells her that the babies must be separated at birth.  Sandy follows this advice and the boys grow up ignorant of the fact that they each have a twin.

Sandy goes on to establish a successful life for herself as a teacher, but still wonders where her boys are and how they have fared in life. She becomes involved in helping a student who is pregnant and in a twist of fate she meets one of her sons and then the other.  She must decide if she should reveal  her secrets.

I have been a Robert Whitlow fan and have read all of his previous books.  This one, however, left me disappointed.  The writing seemed flat and I had to force myself to finish the book.  It did pick up speed and suspense in the last 30 pages, but previous to that I read out of duty and not enjoyment.  I appreciate Mr. Whitlow’s underlying message, but thought that his writing didn’t carry it effectively.  If you are a Robert Whitlow fan, stick with his other books.  I appreciate the publisher giving me a free copy and this is my honest review.

The Reason by William Sirls

 

This book’s plot revolves around the idea of what might happen if Jesus returned to earth as a carpenter today.  How would He impact the lives of those around him?  Whom might he heal?

The little boy in the story has contracted leukemia.  As his mother pursues treatment for him, she comes in contact with several doctors and a carpenter, Kenneth.  The doctors do their best to treat him and Kenneth tells her that her son will be made well if she will only believe.  Meanwhile, miracles seem to occur in Kenneth’s proximity—things that he will not explain.  Despite their relationship with Kenneth,  the little boy worsens.  Will her faith be rewarded?

The author gives one of his characters an answer as to why the miracles occur—because God loves you.  However, this raises more questions.  Why was the blind minister healed but not his mentally challenged son?  Does God not love him?  The story was interesting, but I found that the theology left me with questions.  However, the author’s personal story at the end of the book was very fascinating and made as good reading as his novel did.  I enjoyed this book but found it wanting for some strong theological underpinnings.

God Loves You--He Always Has and Always Will by David Jeremiah

God Loves You—He Always Has and Always Will by David Jeremiah

Dr. Jeremiah recounts the many ways that the Bible shows God loves each one of us.  Although many of these are very basic, to review them is a powerful thing.  He includes examples from the Ten Commandments and the parable of the prodigal son, among others. 

This book is well-written, packed with many interesting illustrations.  It is a captivating book, because who wouldn’t want to believe down deep that God always has and always will love them?  Although Dr. Jeremiah quotes scripture to make some points, it is never preachy, but rather feels like the author is holding a conversation with the reader.

I would highly recommend this book to mature Christians and non-Christians alike.  Dr. Jeremiah has something valuable to say to both groups.  In short, it is a worthwhile book for everyone.

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

 

Fifty-year old Darlene Caldwell, her twin Carlene and their younger sister Magnolia, find themselves under one roof again—at Sycamores, their childhood home and the aging estate of their grandfather.  Life together isn’t easy as Darly and Carly have secrets in their past to overcome while the clock is ticking down to the time when Sycamores will revert ownership to the county.  Darly, widowed, and Carly, recently retired from Broadway, along with Nolie, who has never left the estate, must learn to forgive each other free each other from past offenses.

Angela Hunt, one of my favorite authors because of her varied subjects and plots, deals with sin, love, forgiveness and second chances.  She peels back the layers in the story one at a time, allowing the reader greater understanding of the characters and the plot.  Despite this process, she keeps the reader’s attention and encourages the reader to examine his or her own past and its relevance to the present.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its characters.  I would recommend it highly.  The publisher provided my free copy and this is my honest review.

Running For My Life by Lopez Lomong

 

At a church service, six year old Lopez Lomong was torn from his parents, thrown into the back of a truck with other children and then forced to endure weeks of harsh captivity.  If he survived the deprivation of food and water his only choice was to become a child soldier in the Sudanese civil war.  Unbelievably, he is cared for by 3 “angels” as he calls them and is led in a dangerous escape into Kenya, where he is taken to a refugee camp with other “lost boys.”

Despite many hardships he perseveres and learns to live without his biological family.  As part of his daily routine, he runs and plays soccer, and attends school. In an unusual circumstance, he watches Michael Johnson win the 400-meter dash on a small black and white television during the 2000 Olympics and it changes Lopez’s life. He now dreams of being an Olympian. 

When he has the opportunity to come to the United States, Lopez is taken in by Rob and Barbara Rogers in New York.  His account of learning to live in the United States is very touching.  After seeing his natural ability in running they encourage him to pursue his dream.  The book spells out the rest of his story and how his dream comes true.

This is a story of faith, hope and perseverance.  Lopez has a refreshingly positive attitude and is a great role model for budding athletes.  I intend to watch his career and life to see what other amazing feats he will accomplish.  This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson and this is my honest review.    

Beauty to Die For by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark

Juliette Taylor is a retired super model with her own line of spa products.  On her way to a conference at a world famous spa she runs into Raven, a former co-worker and super model.  Raven, definitely a selfish diva, has the potential to make Juliette’s weekend miserable, but before that can happen Raven dies during a mud wrap.  Was it murder?  And if so, who would want to kill her and why?  While running the conference Juliette tries to piece together the facts of Raven’s death.  In doing so, she finds herself in danger, too.

This novel  definitely took place in a different setting than most novels that I have read.  It was an entertaining read.  The plot was not too much of a surprise.  It seemed a bit formulaic.  The characters were interesting as much as they were developed.  I found myself drawn more to Crystal, one of the supporting characters, rather than the main character Juliette.  I would hope that a future book might include more of Crystal’s story, as her character had more depth and facets than Juliette’s.  If you enjoy a murder mystery with a bit of romance in a unique setting, you would enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the free e-book and this is my honest opinion. 

Brink of Chaos by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall

This is the third book  in the End Series featuring Joshua Jordan, an American hero.  He has fled the United States because of being falsely accused of treason.  He is the designer of the RTS defense system, which has made him welcome in Israel, but also hunted by Israel’s enemies.  His wife, Abby, is a high profile lawyer, trying her best to clear his name so that they may be together again.  She must work behind the scenes because she has refused to be tagged by the government and is on their list to be apprehended.  Also included in the story are their adult children, Deborah and Cal.  Joshua survives several attempts on his life and must make a difficult decision to sacrifice himself to save his family.

This book surprised me.  I was expecting another Left Behind series, and it did have some elements of that.  However, the writing was fast paced and kept me turning pages.  It has some interesting parallels to politics and world events today.  It made me think about possible end times scenarios and my response to them.  In short, it was a good, well-thought out story and had a satisfying, but surprise ending.

If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, but want something with a bit more relevance to today’s events, this book should satisfy you.  Even though it was the third in the series, I could easily follow the story line.  I think many readers will enjoy it like I did.  I appreciate receiving a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review. 

Faith and Other Flat Tires by Andrea Palpant Dilley

I appreciated Andrea’s honesty in sharing her story.  As a parent, I found it very enlightening.  I was impressed by her upbringing and was glad that she said her departure from faith was not due to anything that her parents had or hadn’t done.  I was encouraged that God was big enough to work in her life despite her doubts and searching.  I would be able to recommend  this book to others looking for  honest answers to life’s questions.

I enjoyed  Andrea’s descriptive writing.  I appreciated the way she laid out the facts of her life without judging others and without giving inappropriate details.  Her book reminded me a bit of Donald Miller’s book, Blue Like Jazz.  Both of them chronicled their spiritual journeys in ways that non-Christians can relate.  I look forward to reading her future books.  Thank you, Zondervan, for the free copy.  I enjoyed it and this is my honest opinion.    

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

Lisa Newberry has been traumatized by life. She has experienced several miscarriages.   Her husband has died, she has been attacked and she can’t muster up the strength to face life.  An empowerment chip implanted in her brain offers her hope of a new tomorrow.  She undergoes the surgery and immediately feels better.  However, she begins having horrific nightmares or visions of a murder.  She is convinced that it is from the newly implanted chip.  She fears that it is a memory of a murder that has taken place.  But why does she have those memories and where have they come from?  Who is the woman she sees murdered?  Who is the murderer?   Though terrified, Lisa is determined to answer these questions.

Brandilyn Collins’ book is a real page-turner.   She keeps the plot moving along.  She develops the character of Lisa in a realistic manner and allows the reader to feel Lisa’s pain and fear.  She brings the story to a heart-pounding climax with an unexpected twist.  Then she resolves the story in a satisfactory manner.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others as a great summer read.  I appreciate the publisher for giving me  the free e-book and this is my honest review.

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

Chris, this one is for you!

My oldest son has been telling me that I need to read this book for awhile now.  And so I have!  Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down.  Don Miller writes in a very conversational style.  I felt as if I knew him once the book was done.  I appreciated his honest and fresh perspective on the Christian life, which he calls Christian spirituality.  I had been afraid that I would find things in the book that I would object to, but I found that wasn’t usually the case.  Don seems to have a good grasp of his subject matter.    He emphasizes salvation, sin, grace, confession, love, worship and community.

He challenged me to see my world and the people in it differently.  He challenged me to love God more and to share His love with others more.  There may be subtle points at which our theologies differ, however, it seemed that he nailed all the really important ones. I was very glad to read the part he wrote on tithing, as I think that is often overlooked today. If you enjoy a book that may stretch your thinking in matters of living out your faith, you should probably include this in the pile in your night stand.  Thanks Jan, for loaning me this book.

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry

  

Billy Allman is a simple man living in the small town of Dogwood, located in the hills of West Virginia.  His goal in life is to live to the glory of God, although  things are hard and never seem to go according to his plan.  His life seems unimportant and unnoticed by others.  However, Heaven has not overlooked him.  Malachi, an angel sent to watch and protect him, wonders what the Creator’s plan is for Billy.  As Billy’s life unfolds, Malachi begins to sense the music in Billy’s life and the plan God has for him.

What can I say?  I love Chris Fabry’s books for several reasons.  They are set in West Virginia, the state I grew up in.  He handles difficult and real life situations with grace.  He writes from a Christian perspective, and his characters capture my heart.  Almost Heaven was no exception.  Chris kept my attention with a well-paced plot and interesting characters.  I loved the fact that “June Bug” from a previous book showed up in this one, too.  I look forward to reading many more of Chris’ books.

The Guest Book by Mary Beth Whalen

Every year, Macy Dillon has drawn a picture in the guest book at the beach house where her family has vacationed for years.  An anonymous artist responds to her drawing every summer, and at long last writes a letter in the book to invite her to meet him.  Due to a tragedy in her family, the meeting never takes place.  Now, after many years, she and her family have returned to the same beach house.  Her greatest desire is to find the anonymous artist and to finally meet him.  She prays to find him and God brings three men into her life.  Any one of them could be her mysterious artist.  How does she find him?

The author writes about Macy’s family’s grief over her father’s death and how they grow through it.  As a reader, I wanted to keep reading to find out which man was  Macy’s mysterious artist.   The twist at the end of the book was a nice surprise.  If you are looking for an easy beach read, you would enjoy this book.  I am grateful to Zondervan publishing for allowing me to read this book and this is my honest opinion.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

“Bod” Owens grows up in a graveyard.  He is cared for by the inhabitants there after a man named Jack murders his family.  He learns the ways of the dead from the ghosts and his other-worldly guardian Silas.  In the graveyard he comes to know many diverse characters including a Hound of God, ghouls, and the Sleer.  His adventures include a trip to the land of the ghouls and a brief foray to school.  Eventually, he must leave the graveyard permanently, but what will happen when he comes face to face with his family’s murderer?

This book’s setting and characters were a bit bizarre.  However, I found it very readable and difficult to put down.  As a parent and a teacher, I would want to have read this book before I let my child or student  read it.  Mr. Gaiman does not write from a Christian worldview and his view of death is in direct opposition to the biblical view.  In my opinion, younger children, even avid readers, should not read this book.  They do not have the skills to think critically about the characters and story.  Even though I enjoyed this book, loaned to me by our school librarian, I would not recommend it, unless the reader is an older child able to handle the contents and characters.

Two Crosses by Elizabeth Musser

I have read several of Elizabeth Musser’s previous books and enjoyed them.  This book seems to be a departure from her previous style.  It takes place in France and centers on Gabrielle, David Hoffman, and Mother Griolet during the late 1950’s when Algeria was struggling for its freedom from France.  Gabrielle is a student visiting France to learn its culture and language and she finds herself drawn by American David Hoffman into an operation to rescue children.  She must decide to forgive for secrets uncovered and trust God and David for dangers that are before her.

I enjoyed this book, but found myself disappointed at its ending.  The author leaves the story hanging at a pivotal point and I will need to read the sequel to have my questions answered.  I prefer her previous series of books, which are set in the United States, but learned some interesting facts regarding this time in history.  This book is historical fiction with a dash of romance and a smidgen of suspense, which kept me reading.  If you enjoy these genres, this book is for you!   

Making Piece by Beth Howard

Beth Howard shares her grief over the death of her husband Marcus, and how pie helps her come to peace with it.   She tells her story in an honest and candid manner.  Those who have suffered a loss as she has will no doubt identify with her pain, but will also experience hope of healing. 

Because she has lived an interesting and varied life, her book is easy to read.  Despite the difficult topic, she keeps the reader captivated.  Her writing style reminded me a bit of Ann LaMott—full of personality.  After completing the book I felt as if I knew Beth.  Read this book if you are dealing with grief in your own life or simply to appreciate another person’s life story.  Serve yourself a warm wedge of pie and dig in!  I am grateful to the publisher for the copy of the book and this is my honest opinion. 

Digital Winter by Mark Hitchcock and Alton Gansky

Jeremy Matisse, a colonel in USCYBERCOM, stationed in Fort Meade, must figure out what has caused the massive power outages that return the United States and most of the world to the 1800’s. Civilization grinds to a halt and yet no one seems able to determine what has happened. Will his life and the lives of the rest of the people on earth return to normal? What has caused these blackouts?

This book is a new take on end time events. The book’s premise seemed entirely too credible to me. It brought the prophesied events from the book of Revelation to a realistic conclusion. Having read all of the Left Behind series, I found this book to be interesting as well as different. It would appeal to those enjoying end time fiction, but shows how the technology we so depend upon could end up being a curse rather than a blessing. I enjoyed this book as I have Alton Gansky’s other books and would recommend it. I appreciate receiving a free copy from the publisher through netgalley.

Downfall by Terri Blackstock

Downfall is a quickly moving story of Emily Covington, a recovering drug addict and her family. She is targeted by Jack Tyson, a man whom she sent to jail for selling drugs. He fancies himself as the Avenger and plots to destroy her and her family for revenge. To carry out his schemes, he befriends her younger brother Lance and his friend April, and murders 2 of Emily’s acquaintances from the drug rehab center. As Emily tries to sort out the truth and warn others of impending danger, she is sucked deeper into Jack’s plot. The murders are pinned on her. Lance is drawn into danger by trying to rescue April from Jack.

The author kept me reading by moving the plot along quickly. Even though this was the third book in her Intervention series and I hadn’t read the first two, I still enjoyed it. Though I have little experience with drug addicts, she made Emily’s struggle believable. It gave me a greater appreciation for what some families must go through when a loved one is addicted. Readers who enjoy suspense and a page-turner will most likely enjoy this book. I am grateful to the publisher, who provided a free e-book for me to read and this is my honest opinion.

The Boy Who Met Jesus by Immaculee Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin

Segatashya was a pagan boy in a small village in Rwanda. One day Jesus appeared to him and gave him a message to share with the world. He believed the apparition and began to share his message. He traveled to other countries to let others know of the message entrusted to him by Jesus and the Virgin Mary. In 1994 he was murdered in the horrific genocide in Rwanda. Immaculee, who had the privilege of meeting him, shares his story with the world.

Segatashya’s story was not one that I would have picked up in a book store because I would have leafed through the book first and seen references to the Virgin Mary and her appearances to him. I do not endorse the Roman Catholic beliefs in Mary. I read this book mainly to see if Jesus had appeared to the little boy in a small African village. Apparently the Roman Catholic church has or is investigating his story to see if the visitations of Jesus and Mary were true. However real they might have seemed to him and to others, I doubt the veracity of them. However, I did appreciate his simple belief in what he “heard” from Jesus and Mary. He obeyed what they told him and left his family and small village to do what they asked, which is a good reminder to me to obey what the Scriptures say, no matter the cost. I received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Lit! by Tony Reinke

Lit! by Tony Reinke

Tony Reinke writes to encourage Christians to become readers. Despite demands on our time we must read and read well. He tells us why we must read, helps us outline a plan to discipline ourselves to read, and even goes into how to read a book.

I found his book challenging to my current pattern of reading and yet it was a very enjoyable book, one that would be worth purchasing to keep as a reference. Because of his recommendations, I have a few new authors to try and a new sense of adventure regarding reading which is already one of my favorite pastimes. This is a book that I would heartily recommend to other Christian readers because it asked and helped me to answer some valuable questions regarding reading and literature. I received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Illusion by Frank Peretti

Dane and Mandy Collins are a very-much-in-love couple who have successfully made their living as magicians. Just as they retire, Mandy is killed in a tragic automobile accident. As Dane struggles to adjust to his loss, he meets a young woman who reminds him of his wife at age 20. She, too, is a magician with remarkable illusions. As the story progresses, we get to know Eloise and to understand what has happened to her. Gradually we come to understand that she is Dane’s wife, but that something astounding has happened to her. Dane continues to seek for the answers to this puzzle, but they don’t come easily.

Peretti writes of an interesting concept regarding time. Much of the scientific explanation, even in layman’s terms escaped me, but it didn’t cause the story to falter. I found that the story was a bit too long for my liking—I think he could have shortened it up a bit and not lost the punch. At times, I was tempted to quit the book, but I did want to know how he resolved it. His explanation did make some of the pieces of the book fit together. If you enjoy Peretti’s style and a science fiction read, you would probably like this book. I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Into the Free by Julie Cantrell

Millie Reynolds, a young girl in a small town in Mississippi, dreams of a better life for herself and her mother. Trapped in a difficult situation with an abusive father and a struggling mother, she longs for the strength to change her life. Then, her father is killed and her mother dies and Millie is left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. She hopes to understand her mother’s depression and her father’s abuse. She seeks answers in a long-buried box of her mother’s, but it raises more questions than answers. She is offered a job at the rodeo where her father died and discovers that she has a natural ability with horses. Now she must choose between two men who love her and decide the course of her life. Will she let life shatter her or will she find healing?

Julie Cantrell writes a riveting book which deals with many difficult issues that much of Christian fiction ignores. Abuse, rape, bitterness, and forgiveness are woven together in a redemptive way in this beautifully written novel. She shows religiosity for what it is and true grace-laced faith for what it is. I eagerly anticipate reading the sequel to this novel. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Amaryllis, Mississippi, is a small town, where in the past 3 years 5 unsolved murders have terrified its population. All the victims were women who lived alone and each was killed in similar fashion while asleep in bed. But when the sixth murder occurs, 3 of the women of the town suspect 3 different men to be the murderer. Cherrie Mae, Tully and Deena join forces to solve the crimes. After examining the evidence and piecing the events together, they are certain they know who the killer is. But they find out that they were wrong and come face to face with the killer as he targets one of them.

The plot in this book moves along quickly, and I enjoyed it, but I found the character development a bit lacking. I didn’t feel that I really got to know the three women, which left me a bit detached as a reader. I did enjoy the surprise ending, though. If you enjoy a plot that moves swiftly and want some easy and entertaining reading with a surprise ending, you would enjoy this book. I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

Audrey Woods and her husband Pastor Geoff have just been asked to leave their church. They decide to remain in their small town and open a bakery to capitalize on a love of bread baking. As Audrey comes to work early one morning, she collides with a motor scooter in dense fog. Even though it is obvious that the scooter driver has been injured, there is no sign of her. The missing woman’s husband is the town detective and the person that masterminded Audrey and Geoff’s ouster at the church. He is convinced that Audrey has murdered his wife, Julie, and hidden her body. As the police department’s frustration grows at not being able to find Julie, her husband takes matters into his own hands. Audrey must act quickly in order to find Julie and to rescue her husband and son.

This book was a very enjoyable read. The plot moved along and kept me interested. I found the characters to be very real, even though it was obvious that they represented different types of believers in Christ. The author’s message of grace and humility versus legalism and unforgiveness was plain to see. The ending, although it did not completely satisfy my curiosity, left me with hope for the characters. I would highly recommend this book for its writing and the story line. This is my honest opinion and I thank the publisher for this free copy.

Rooms by James Rubart

The main character, Micah Taylor is a very successful software engineer. He has started his own company and lives his life in the fast lane. Completely unexpectedly, his strange Uncle Archie leaves him a mansion overlooking the ocean. This is no ordinary home, however. The rooms of his home reveal what is in his heart. Micah must decide where his true life is—as a software engineer or as a follower of Christ. He is given a rare gift—the ability to see what changes occur as a result of his actions and decisions.

It is an interesting concept that leaves the reader with much to think about. At first the writing style put me off and I was tempted not to finish the book. The author did take quite a bit of time developing the plot, but once I got into the book a bit, I wanted to see how it turned out. The twists in the plot did catch me by surprise and kept me interested. I do wish, however, that the ending had been a little more specific. This book would be a good read for those who like science fiction combined with some romance. The publisher gave me a free copy to read and this is my honest opinion.

Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry

Chris Fabry writes an excellent novel about Truman Wiley and his struggle to be the husband and father his family needs. As a journalist, Truman has traveled extensively and interviewed many news worthy subjects. As a father and husband he has failed his family by gambling away their resources and abandoning them. When he is at his lowest point in his career and his son is dying in the hospital, Tru is offered the opportunity of writing a book about a convicted murderer on death row. This convict, Terrell, has agreed to donate his heart to Tru’s son. As Truman investigates the murder in order to write the book, he begins to uncover evidence which leads him to question Terrell’s conviction. These questions carry him into danger personally and professionally. His decisions may cost either his son’s or Terrell’s life.
I have read a couple of Mr. Fabry’s novels and enjoyed them. This one was no exception. I appreciate his writing style and humor. The characters are well-fleshed out. The plot and Truman’s struggles kept me reading. Even though I was disgusted at Truman’s choices during some of the story, I came to appreciate him for his humanity. I give Mr. Fabry kudos for his treatment of sin and sinners in a way that shows sin for what it is and yet makes readers able to identify with the sinners. I devoured this book in less than three days and highly recommend it. The publisher provided me with this free book and this is my honest review. This book is scheduled for publication in April.