Nuclear Power Plant Setting in Legal Thriller

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

Kieran Mullaney works at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation on a night when the unthinkable occurs.  He is swept into a web of deceit and cover ups.  While trying to unravel exactly what has happened, he needs legal representation and calls upon former college friend, Emily Hart, now a lawyer.  Her father Ryan, also a lawyer, reluctantly agrees to help also.  Going to battle against Hanford will be no easy task, but Kieran has no choice.  However, more is at stake than what the three of them know.  The truth will come with a price and perhaps their lives.

Author Todd Johnson has written a legal thriller laced with suspense and unexpected turns.  What sets it apart from other legal thrillers is its setting in a nuclear power plant.  Although the plot took time to develop, once the story reached critical mass, it was difficult to put down.  I enjoyed the satisfying way that the author developed his characters and resolved issues between them.  However, he did not answer all my questions and left me wondering what would happen in the future to Emily, Kieran and Ryan.  Readers who enjoy legal thrillers will enjoy this book if they persevere to where the plot picks up pace.    

Australian Setting Enhances Romance

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

  The winter of her husband’s death, her mother’s disconnection and her daughter’s recent departure to college make Lily’s life  seem very bleak, but things are about to change as she goes in search of her lost twin sister.  Her distant mother has told her that she has a twin and that her twin lives in Australia.  She hopes to forge a relationship with her sister that will compensate for the dismal relationship she shares with her mother.  When she arrives, she is swept off her feet by Marcus, who says he will help her find her twin.  Australia proves to be more than what Liz has expected.

I enjoyed this book.  The setting in Australia made it more interesting.  Although some parts of it were predictable, the author did manage to surprise me with some of the twists of the plot.  I enjoyed the unfolding story and the revelation of the author’s characters.  I would recommend this to those readers who enjoy a novel laced with some romance

Great plot with a touch of the supernatural

When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

This is the story of how the magic came to Leah Norcross, daughter of Tom and Ellen Norcross, new residents of Mattingly.  They were outsiders in this little town and had moved there for a new beginning.  Leah, their daughter, was very insecure, stuttering and shy.  Her parents threw a huge ninth birthday party for her and invited the whole town. Of course, Leah wanted none of it.  While she was  hiding, the Rainbow Man comes to her. He tells her things that she needs to share with others.   Because he is invisible to everyone except Leah, no one except her friend Allie believes her.   He gives Leah the ability to paint pictures that can predict the future.  She gives one to her new friend Barney at the direction of the Rainbow Man and Barney plays the numbers in the picture and wins the lotto.  Her second picture contains numbers, too, along with a devastating storm.  But unlike Barney’s picture, these numbers don’t win. They mean something else entirely.   She does her best to convince the people of the storm, but because of the numbers, very few believe her.  Most of them, including Allie shun her.  Is the Rainbow Man right?  Will there be a storm?  Can Leah convince them to believe?

I had never read any of Billy Coffey’s novels, but wanted to.  I was not disappointed.  He weaves themes of love, forgiveness, faith, hope and the possibility of change through this novel.  The touch of the supernatural kept me reading and wondering where the plot would lead.  I will say that he surprised me at the end.  This story was not at all predictable.   I would have loved to have read this with a book club to see others’ reactions to the many questions it raised.  I would definitely recommend this book and will look for his others to read in the near future. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Historial Fiction of the story of Nehemiah

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar

The author uses research and her imagination to fill in the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  Sarah and Darius, a young couple in an arranged marriage are summoned by the king of Persia and then sent on a mission with Nehemiah to Jerusalem.  In the royal courts in Persia and  the destroyed city of Jerusalem  they face many struggles to learn to love each other.  Sarah comes to love Darius, but he cannot admit that he loves her.  She cannot bring herself to tell him that she is pregnant with their child, which further estranges him once he does know.  How much longer can she live with a broken heart? 

Harvest of Gold is an historical fiction with a love story woven through the tale.  Tessa Afshar has done much research to present the reader with an accurate portrayal of life during the days of Nehemiah.  Using the relationship of Darius and Sarah, she paints in detail the cost of betrayal, the value of forgiveness and the necessity of faithfulness.  This book was the second in the series, but the author fills in the background for the reader so that it can be appreciated without reading the previous book.  I found the historical highlights regarding life in the king’s court and life in Jerusalem fascinating.  I would definitely consider reading another book by this author.  The publisher provided a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown in Christian suspense

Blood and Bone by Don Hoesel

Jack and Espy Hawthorne have put their archaeological adventures aside for a decade after having 2 boys, until they are given 5 minutes warning by Jack’s friend and ex-CIA operative, Ducky.  He warns them to take their boys and leave their home immediately.  A rogue CIA agent is after the bones of Elisha, which Jack and Espy buried in the desert in Australia ten years ago.  The CIA agent’s wife is dying and he is desperate to cure her and only Jack and Espy can help him retrieve the bones.  In order to convince Jack and Espy to help him, he kidnaps their 2 sons.  Thus begins the wild chase across several continents, battling powerful ancient organizations and the Mossad to procure the bones in order to free their sons from the grip of the rogue CIA agent. 

Hoesel writes an adventure tale that keeps the reading continually guessing. Although this is the second book about Elisha’s bones, it stands alone as well.  His work is meticulously researched and he creates an interesting storyline complete with many twists and turns.  His main character, Jack, is incredibly resourceful and reminds the reader of Indiana Jones.  The ancient powerful organizations and their intricate history sound something like Dan Brown would create.  If you enjoy suspense written from a Christian world view, this book should be on your list to read.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Dollar Store Serendipity

The Mighty Queens of Freeville

Amy Dickinson, or “Ask Amy,” as her syndicated column is known has written a memoir about her life in a small town and the extended family that raised her and her daughter.  She starts from the dissolution of her marriage and chronicles the circumstances that kept returning her and her daughter to Freeville.  She includes some of her life’s stellar moments, as well as some of the not-so-stellar ones also.  The reoccurring theme in her book is the importance of her family and her daughter.

Amy writes with understated humor and empathy.  She speaks as an ordinary mother, sister, daughter, niece and aunt.  Her transparency easily allowed me to identify with her.  Anyone who respects the importance of family will enjoy this book.  Anyone who is a mother or a daughter will give an inaudible sigh of relief seeing that despite our foibles and failures, family buoys us up and give us hope to go on.  I discovered this book at our local dollar store and certainly got more than one dollar of enjoyment from it and I think you will, too.

   

Fast-Paced Suspense

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes

Jack and Pamela Crittendon’s idyllic life is shattered when an intruder breaks in and then begins to stalk them.  He takes their wedding picture and cuts out Jack’s picture.   He plants pornography on Jack’s computer and tries to have Jack put in prison.  Finally Pamela realizes who the stalker is and what he wants.  Meanwhile, Jack, a newspaper reporter is covering a story of a missing pastor.  As he continues to investigate this story, he uncovers facts that point to something sinister happening at the church.  While he investigates his story, Pamela disappears.  Jack will stop at nothing to find her, but can he find her in time?

Creston Mapes’ book is aptly named.  His story plays on fears common to many of us.  I found myself identifying with Pamela, Jack, Evan and Wendy and their problems.  Their Christian faith is a stronghold for them in times of trouble, but they struggle with life’s trials like the rest of us.  Because the story had 3 or even 4 story lines running concurrently, the book kept my attention.  The writing flows and carries the reader along.  I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy suspense.  I received a free copy of this digital book from the publisher and this is my honest review. 

Walsh and Smalley Marriage Metaphor

The Dance by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Marilyn Anderson has had enough.  She packs a few belongings, leaves a note where her husband  Jim will find it and leaves him after 25 years.  He has hurt her deeply, beginning at their wedding reception when he refused to dance with her.  And the hurts have continued for years as he has ignored her and treated her more like property than a person.  She doesn’t know what the future holds for her and Jim—or whether they will have a future together.  But she knows that she can’t continue to live with her harsh and selfish husband.  Jim is shocked and clueless as to why she would leave him.  Slowly he comes to understand what she has felt for years.  As he begins to change, including learning to dance, he can only hope and pray that Marilyn may change her mind and return to him.

Walsh and Smalley write a true-to-life tale of the problems many married couples face.  They use dancing as a metaphor for a couple’s relationship.  Along the way, they sprinkle to storyline with wise bits of advice and sage pieces of healthy relationship principles.  Although I had a general feel for where the story was going, the twists and turns kept me reading it.  This story should give hope to those in a stale or difficult marriage relationship, as was the authors’ purpose in writing it.  Some readers may find it easier to read and more enjoyable than a “marriage manual.” Either way, it is a book worth reading.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Lazarus' story

When Jesus Wept by Brock and Bodie Thoene

This is the first book in the Jerusalem Chronicles.  The Thoenes are prolific and accomplished writers and researchers.  In this book they cover Jesus’ relationship to Lazarus.  Lazarus was a vineyard owner in Bethany.  He was quite successful and was well-known in his hometown and Jerusalem.  The Thoenes create a scenario where Lazarus nurses the homeless boys in Jerusalem through a deadly plague.  He is exposed to the illness and becomes very ill.  Jesus delays in coming to him and Lazarus dies.   When  Jesus does arrive , he brings Lazarus back to life.  The interesting part of the story is that it is told from Lazarus’ view point in heaven.

Of course, the storyline is no surprise because it follows the Biblical narrative.  However, the Thoenes enrich it with many probable details to make it flow.  I found the details to enhance the story, rather than detract from it.  I was captivated by their portrayal of Lazarus and found myself disappointed when the book seemed to end rather abruptly.  This is a very enjoyable book and it moves quickly through the plot due to the Thoenes ‘clear prose.  I found myself wanting to read the next book.  I appreciate receiving a free copy from Booksneeze and this is my honest opinion.

"Incredible" Story

Love Does by Bob Goff

Bob Goff is one secretly incredible man.  He is the type of guy who makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a girl he admires and leaves them under her windshield wiper.  He has an “office” at Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland.  He took his kids on a world tour to eat ice cream with heads of state.  And now, he has written a book about his life and the lessons he has learned.

His writing style is very similar to Donald Miller (they are friends) and the chapters are very short and readable.  He doesn’t spend time preaching at the reader, but rather shares what he has learned about love, which is love DOES something.  I found this book to be entertaining and thought-provoking.  If you are a fan of Donald Miller and like books that fall in this genre including Anne Lamott, no doubt you will enjoy this book.

Perplexed Pastor's Wife

The Sky Beneath My Feet

Beth is a pastor’s wife.  Her husband, who works at a megachurch, has the month of October off.  She figures that the family will go someplace to take a much needed vacation.  What she doesn’t realize is that her husband will spend his month in their garden shed praying and not speaking to anyone.  She doesn’t know what to make of this and he won’t tell her.  Her two sons are astonished by their father’s behavior.  While her husband is holed up in the shed, she tries to figure out what his actions mean.  She must deal with her younger son’s experimentation with marijuana and her older son’s falling in love.  And then, there’s her husband’s friend with the job proposition for him—what is she to tell him?

This book, like Lisa Samson’s other books includes rather quirky, but loveable characters who struggle with everyday challenges.  The plot takes several turns, but comes to a satisfying conclusion.  I found it entertaining and thought-provoking as well.  I highly recommend it and thank the publisher for the free copy.   

Entertaining Book on Pastors' Wives

Pastors’ Wives by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen

Ruthie Matters is caught off guard when her stocker broker husband surprises her with the news that he wants to become a pastor.  They join the staff of a mega-church and her life is forever changed.  She becomes the prodigy of Candace, the senior pastor’s wife.  Candace schools her in the fine art of maintaining a marriage and a mega-church, handling problems with aplomb and lots of behind the scenes finagling.  Ruthie the novice pastor’s wife also develops a friendship with Ginger, Candace’s daughter-in-law, who is a pastor’s wife with a past.  Ginger must take some definitive action once she learns that her past is no longer a secret.  Will her risky actions place her children, her marriage and her husband’s career in jeopardy? 

Pastors’ wives must be among the most misunderstood and unappreciated people on the planet.  I have known my share of them and don’t see any of them represented in Cullen’s book.  The ones that I know have also been called into their positions and live accordingly.  I felt that the author probably didn’t have much personal experience with pastors’ wives.  However, her book was very interesting.  I was glad when I saw personal growth in the characters.  I was also happy to note that though difficult, their marriages survived and thrived.  If you enjoy a peek behind the scenes of a mega-church, you will enjoy this fun book.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Challenging Book on Prayer

Draw the Circle:  The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker has written a devotional for readers participating in 40 days of prayer.   He has collected stories containing answered prayers.  He draws on his own experiences and those of others.  Each daily selection is an encouraging and faith-building devotional.  He style is conversational and easy to read.  His enthusiasm and faith is contagious.

I found myself looking forward to reading the next selection every morning.  This devotional is a great way to focus on prayer and God’s faithfulness.  I heartily recommend it for those readers who want a lively and enthusiastic shot of faith.  I received a free copy from Zondervan and this is my honest review.   

An Inspiring Story of True Love

Joni & Ken

An Untold Love Story

With Larry Libby’s help Joni and Ken Tada share their love story.  It is an unusual story, and not the stuff of fairy tales.  This princess is held captive in a wheelchair and the prince, though loving, cannot free her.  He fights dragons of isolation, frustration, pain, loneliness and selfishness, among others to come to her rescue.  She struggles to ward off the debilitating effects of chronic pain and then the giant of cancer.  Despite their struggles, the prince comes through for the princess and this story does have a happy ending.  The prince and princess fall even more deeply in love and continue to live happily ever after in their Father’s earthly kingdom.

I enjoyed this book very much.  It was written in a very transparent style and I felt myself part of their world, riding in their van or relaxing in their living room.  Joni, although honest, has sweetness about her as she talks about her relationship to Ken.  It has to be a challenge to allow myriads of readers to take a peek inside your private life, but Ken and Joni stand up well to the scrutiny.  Despite knowing more about their personal flaws, I found myself appreciating them more.  Their personal growth was evident.  Readers will find this book inspiring.  I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Great Scholarship How-to Information

Confessions of a Scholarship Winner by Kristina Ellis

Kristina Ellis, winner of over half million dollars of scholarship money, shares her how-to tips on scholarship success.  She writes about how to create a better application, how to understand college financing, and how to succeed in the scholarship interview, among other topics.  She breaks down the process into easy to do steps, so that every student, whether stellar or not can highlight his best attributes. 

As the parent of a high school junior, I found this book to be a very valuable workbook to walk students and parents through the scholarship process.  It is filled with helpful illustrations and questions to guide families through what could be a difficult and overwhelming task.  I received a free copy of this e-book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Fiction with Supernatural Elements

Afloat by Erin Healy

Vance Nolan has a vision for spectacular low cost housing on the water.  He has partnered with  investorTony Dean to make his dream come true.  Danielle, Tony’s assistant, and her 5 year old son, Simeon, and the other residents are happy with their life in the floating condos.  But things are not what they seem.    Zeke, Vance’s friend and mentor, comes to warn him of impending danger.  Nevertheless, something goes terribly wrong and many of the residents and workers are caught in the middle of a desperate situation.    Vance relies on his mentor’s word that he must stay and that those who stay with him will be safe.  With the world falling down around them, he must try to convince the others to remain there with him rather than trying to reach land.  Danielle is torn between staying with Vance or going with Tony.  Will Tony be able to keep her safe, or will Vance be the one she should trust?  And just what are those silver lights floating beneath the condo? 

I have read several of Erin Healy’s novels and enjoyed them.  This one was no exception. It was fast-paced and led me deeper into the story with every chapter.  Her characters are realistically drawn.  The plot contains an element of the supernatural.    In ways, this one reminded me of Tedd Dekker’s novels.  I enjoyed the novelty of the setting, the plot and the way she delved into her characters’ motives.  Readers who enjoy a good plot laced with some supernatural elements, along with well-fleshed out characters will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to Thomas Nelson for the free e-book and this is my honest review. 

Spiritual Fantasy/Adventure

Soul’s Gate  by James Rubart

Reece Roth has received a prophecy that he will teach four persons to fight for the hearts of others by entering into their souls.  They will wage spiritual warfare and bring freedom to those oppressed by the enemy.  Now he must convince the four of that calling.  Dana, Brandon and Marcus seem willing, but what of the fourth?  This task is not without many dangers, as Reece well knows.  As his protégés become stronger, the enemy takes notice and their families and Reece come under attack.  Are Dana, Marcus and Brandon ready to take on the challenge to stand against the enemy and deliver Reece?   

James Rubart writes an intriguing novel based on the premise that spiritual warfare can be waged inside a person’s soul.  Rubart admits that this possibility doesn’t really exist, but it makes for an interesting read.  This novel reminded me a lot of his novel Rooms, which I found interesting as well.  His style is straightforward and the plot moves along, although I found the beginning of the novel to be confusing when he was introducing multiple characters at once.  It didn’t help that for some reason the copy I received from the publisher would not display the first page of each chapter on my nook.  As I continued to read, I became more involved in the plot and found myself challenged to spend more time in prayer.  This story, because it is fiction, may not be found to be doctrinally mainline, but it does challenge the reader not to settle for a blasé faith.  If you enjoyed Peretti’s Piercing the Darkness novel, you will enjoy this one, too.  The publisher gave me a free copy and this is my honest opinion.

Life with an Incurable Disease

Seeing Through the Fog by Ed Dobson

Ed Dobson is a familiar name in the Grand Rapids area as the well known former pastor of Calvary Church.  I have never had the privilege of hearing him preach or attending his church, but know others who have.  His book gave me a glimpse of the man behind the reputation.

Ed writes about his diagnosis of ALS.  He transparently shares his thoughts and emotions concerning life with a debilitating disease.  His honesty regarding his struggles will encourage many grappling with the same issues.  I have to applaud his willingness to be real with his readers.  This book may well turn out to be one of his greatest ministries yet.  He approaches his disease and life with faith, but does not use it to sugar-coat his situation.  His book is a practical tool for others traveling the same road.   Even those who do not suffer from a debilitating disease will profit from his insights. I have a new respect for him and highly recommend this down-to-earth book.   The publisher provided me with a free copy and this is my honest review.     

Sensitively Rendered Story of Family Relationships

Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

Heart Like Mine tells the story of a family’s shattering loss as seen through the eyes of 3 women.  Kelli is Victor’s ex-wife and is struggling because of the divorce and past hurts in her life.  Ava, her 13-year old daughter, is adjusting to the fact that her father is no longer at home.  Grace, Victor’s fiancée, is floundering while trying to establish a relationship with Ava and her brother.  Then Kelli dies and it changes everyone’s life.  The stress and the secrets kept threaten to destroy the family. 

Amy Hatvany writes a sensitive story dealing with depression, past hurts, and the possibility of second chances.  She pinpoints the emotions in difficult family situations.   She writes of mistakes made and forgiveness extended, of despair and of hope.  Her writing drew me into the story and challenged me to look past the surface into a person’s heart.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.   The publisher furnished me with a free copy and this is my honest opinion.

Constantly Twisting Plot Makes for Riveting Read

Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle

 

Christina Robin Duncan is an ex-marine who has a goal.  She wants to care for her ailing niece who needs an expensive medical operation.  The best way to earn some cash is to take an assignment in the Congo to find the terrorist who is raising a guerrilla rebellion against the efforts of her employer, Ares Solutions, to mine molybdenum.  But when she arrives, she is surprised to learn that a former marine buddy, Michael Stewart, is also nearby as part of Doctors Without Borders.  They had last seen each other when he was medevacking her injured brother from Afghanistan.  Michael's promise to her to keep her brother alive had been broken.  But nothing is as it seems and Chris is thrust into a dangerous situation where the truth may kill her.

 

Jeanette Windle has written a carefully researched and suspenseful novel.  Although it was a bit difficult to get hooked on this book, once I was, the pendulum swings and constant shifting of the plot kept me off balance and reading.  Her writing is easily read and yet covers some meaty topics like suffering, sin and God's love.  Her main characters express their (and I assume the author's, as well) biblical viewpoints in well-thought-out ways.  Their viewpoints give the reader much to ponder.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its plot, its well-drawn characters and the setting.  I heartily recommend it.  The publisher provided a free copy for this review and this is my honest review. 

A Fresh Take on Grace

Dirty God by Johnnie Moore

 “Jesus’ love and Jesus’ grace are so great it’s scandalous—too much to bear, and too easy to get, and that’s why it’s always been so controversial,”writes Johnnie Moore.   His book addresses a centuries’ old concept in a fresh and balanced approach. He says  that grace is not freedom to live life the way we want.  It is not cheap grace, but rather costly grace that persuades us to flesh out Jesus’ love to others.

This book is well-written and thought -provoking.  It changed the way I viewed my relationship to God.  It caused me to savor the grace offered to me and to want to give it away to others.  The author also deals with the abuse of grace, which he calls one of the most dangerous illnesses within the body of Christ today.   This review is a poor reflection of the impact this book has.  Read the book!  I thank the publisher for the free copy that I received and this is my honest opinion.  

Well-written book on suffering

Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian

The problem of suffering grasps most of us around the throat at some point in our lives.  Tullian Tchividjian, author and pastor, says it is not a question of why but rather who?  Most of the questions we ask, like Job’s, are beyond us.  Instead of trying to moralize (find the why) or minimize (my pain isn’t that bad) our suffering, we should dwell on the presence of our suffering Savior, who understands our pain.

Tullian Tchividjian takes a fresh, compelling and compassionate look at suffering.  He uses examples from his own life and from the lives of others, including Job.  His book takes an honest look at our pain and helps us to use it to seek comfort from our Savior.  This book gives new insight into ministering to others in painful circumstances.  It is a must read for everyone who has ever suffered or ever will suffer.  I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

New Christian Sci-Fi

Asylum  The Circea Tales by Ashley Hodges Bazer

Captain Chase Leighton, a member of the rebel Ghosts, has been fighting against the cruel forces of the Legacy.  He and his wife, Trista will soon celebrate their first wedding anniversary when disaster strikes.  While sent out on an assignment, Trista is taken hostage by the enemy Legacy and is used as a medical experiment.  Her memories of Chase and her previous life are wiped clean and replaced with new memories and a new identity among the Legacy.  Chase is determined to rescue her, but his attempt fails and he and his crew are being held on a spaceship for the insane, undergoing shock treatments to ensure their compliance.  Will he be able to escape and rescue her, or has he lost her forever?  Will she ever remember him?

The author writes a tale with many twists and turns in a sci-fi setting.  The plot kept me reading, although the names and the abbreviations of some of the people and equipment confused me.  Ms. Bazer did not fully explain “Logia” which further added to my confusion.  However, once I deduced the meanings of the words and abbreviations, I enjoyed the story.  (She does include a glossary at the end of the book, but I wasn’t aware of it until I had finished the book.)  I would read a sequel if one is available.  If you enjoy sci-fi with a slice of romance, you will enjoy this book.  I appreciate receiving a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.