Nicole Hedges, Cassidy Shaw and Allison Pierce are three friends from high school who have recently reunited. Nicole is a FBI agent, Allison is a federal prosecutor and Cassidy is a TV crime reporter. In this book they meet Elizabeth, who is a personal trainer at Cassidy’s gym. As the story develops, the readers learn that Elizabeth is a sociopath who uses people to attain her own selfish goals. The three friends are drawn into a relationship with her while she commits murder to make sure her boyfriend is undistracted by his ex-wife and son. The three friends must stop her, but that proves to be very dangerous.
Lisa Wiehl writes a story that carries the reader along. Even though this was a part of a series about the three main characters, I found it easy to follow. The author left some questions unanswered regarding Nicole, Allison and Cassidy, and I would definitely consider reading the sequel. Readers who enjoy suspense, mystery or crime novels would enjoy this one. Booksneeze provided me a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker
Immanuel's Veins is Dekker's forray into Vampire literature. I am not a fan of Twilight or the other books, but Dekker uses this genre to make a startling contrast between vampires and Christ. His main character, Toma, is assigned to protect twin sisters in an important aristocratic family. He is torn between duty and his growing love for one of his charges, Lucine. A coven of vampires moves into a nearby castle and Vlad van Valerik, their leader proceeds to court Lucine because Toma cannot seem to declare his love to her. As she becomes more entangled in the affairs at the vampire castle, Toma must rescue her, but how? Dekker connects this story to his previous Circle series and one of the "lost" books makes its way into Toma's hands. Toma must figure out how to use the information in the book to rescue Lucine.
This book is an interesting read and contains Dekker's trademark complex plot. The story weaves elements of the gospel into a new and completly different setting that caused me to think. If you enjoy Dekker's works and vampire fiction, this is the book for you! Personally, vampire literature isn't something I would choose to read, but for Dekker, I made an exception. I found it worth the read.
This book is an interesting read and contains Dekker's trademark complex plot. The story weaves elements of the gospel into a new and completly different setting that caused me to think. If you enjoy Dekker's works and vampire fiction, this is the book for you! Personally, vampire literature isn't something I would choose to read, but for Dekker, I made an exception. I found it worth the read.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Soul Reader by Gerard D. Webster
Ward McNulty has an unusual gift. He can look into a person’s eyes and read their soul. His father, who had the same gift is now dead and Ward cannot forgive the man who has killed him. In order to protect Carrie Hope, the woman he loves, he must investigate the situation which caused his father’s death. This leads him to Culebra, a trained assassin in South America. But Culebra isn’t the man that Ward expects. The book’s ending has some interesting twists, but not all of them are completely unexpected.
I thought this book was easy to read, despite being the second in a series where I hadn’t read the first. It was a bit different from the Christian fiction that I normally read because it featured Catholic believers and talked about saints and the rosary. This did not distract from the story, but seemed to fit nicely given the experience of some of the characters, especially Dona Rosa.
Having read this, the second book in the series, made me curious about what had transpired in the first book. I also wondered if there will be another book featuring Ward. Although it ended with many of the loose ends tied up nicely, I suppose I would read another book of the same main character, especially to see what would become of Ward and Carrie’s relationship. Booksneeze provided my complimentary copy and this is my honest opinion.
I thought this book was easy to read, despite being the second in a series where I hadn’t read the first. It was a bit different from the Christian fiction that I normally read because it featured Catholic believers and talked about saints and the rosary. This did not distract from the story, but seemed to fit nicely given the experience of some of the characters, especially Dona Rosa.
Having read this, the second book in the series, made me curious about what had transpired in the first book. I also wondered if there will be another book featuring Ward. Although it ended with many of the loose ends tied up nicely, I suppose I would read another book of the same main character, especially to see what would become of Ward and Carrie’s relationship. Booksneeze provided my complimentary copy and this is my honest opinion.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn
The Encounter by Stephen Arterburn
Stephen Arterburn writes a story based on an encounter that he observed between a homeless woman and a rich, well-dressed young man. His novel fleshes out the fictional circumstances that bring these two unlikely characters together. It is written as a parable and contains questions to help the reader apply the principles illustrated in the book.
Jonathan Rush returns to Fairbanks, Alaska, to search out the woman who gave him birth and to find out why she abandoned him. As a successful businessman, he needs to find the key to why his personal life is in shambles. With the encouragement of his pastor, he reluctantly goes in search of answers. During his search he retraces his steps and finds the answers he needs.
As a story, this book didn’t offer much in the way of unexpected endings or surprises along the way. It’s real value would be to encourage the reader to take another look at his past and attempt to come to terms with his past hurts. The book may be used as a discussion guide, with questions provided at the back of the book. The story didn’t speak to me personally, but I would recommend it to a friend. Booksneeze provided me with a free copy and this is my honest opinion.
Stephen Arterburn writes a story based on an encounter that he observed between a homeless woman and a rich, well-dressed young man. His novel fleshes out the fictional circumstances that bring these two unlikely characters together. It is written as a parable and contains questions to help the reader apply the principles illustrated in the book.
Jonathan Rush returns to Fairbanks, Alaska, to search out the woman who gave him birth and to find out why she abandoned him. As a successful businessman, he needs to find the key to why his personal life is in shambles. With the encouragement of his pastor, he reluctantly goes in search of answers. During his search he retraces his steps and finds the answers he needs.
As a story, this book didn’t offer much in the way of unexpected endings or surprises along the way. It’s real value would be to encourage the reader to take another look at his past and attempt to come to terms with his past hurts. The book may be used as a discussion guide, with questions provided at the back of the book. The story didn’t speak to me personally, but I would recommend it to a friend. Booksneeze provided me with a free copy and this is my honest opinion.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Canary List by Sigmund Brower
Sigmund Brower writes a tale of suspense that keeps the reader guessing. I read this book over Halloween and found that the subject matter was appropriate to the season. The beginning of the book was a bit confusing and intense, but I kept reading.
The main character, Crockett Grey, a school teacher finds his drunken solitary vigil for his dead daughter interrupted by one of his students who is in danger. Crockett does his best to protect her while not allowing himself to be drawn into her situation. Circumstances and powers greater than he is combine to trap him in a web of deceit and intrigue. In order to clear his name and to regain custody of his son, he must dig deeper into Jaimie’s past. In the course of his adventure, he meets a psychiatrist, a Vatican exorcist, a high-powered lawyer, a computer hacker and the man next in line to be pope .
If you enjoy a suspense novel which raises some interesting questions about the Catholic church, this book should be on your reading list. I enjoyed his writing style, especially the way he developed both the plot and the characters. I found his subject matter fascinating and appreciated his bibliography at the end of the book to substantiate his research. I was sorry to finish the book. I would definitely read another of his novels.
Sigmund Brower writes a tale of suspense that keeps the reader guessing. I read this book over Halloween and found that the subject matter was appropriate to the season. The beginning of the book was a bit confusing and intense, but I kept reading.
The main character, Crockett Grey, a school teacher finds his drunken solitary vigil for his dead daughter interrupted by one of his students who is in danger. Crockett does his best to protect her while not allowing himself to be drawn into her situation. Circumstances and powers greater than he is combine to trap him in a web of deceit and intrigue. In order to clear his name and to regain custody of his son, he must dig deeper into Jaimie’s past. In the course of his adventure, he meets a psychiatrist, a Vatican exorcist, a high-powered lawyer, a computer hacker and the man next in line to be pope .
If you enjoy a suspense novel which raises some interesting questions about the Catholic church, this book should be on your reading list. I enjoyed his writing style, especially the way he developed both the plot and the characters. I found his subject matter fascinating and appreciated his bibliography at the end of the book to substantiate his research. I was sorry to finish the book. I would definitely read another of his novels.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Indelible by Kristin Heitzmann
Kristen Heitzmann writes a novel of suspense with a touch of romance. Trevor MacDaniel, a search and rescue volunteer, rescues a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion. Soon afterward, he begins receiving unsettling photographs in the mail. Fearful that others are being put in danger, he does his best to protect those he loves in the small ski village where he lives. Danger casts its shadows over Natalie, his girlfriend and her friends, too. He must face it head on to defeat it.
The author writes a story that keeps the reader in suspense. As per her other books, this story features a strong male protagonist who demonstrates self-sacrificing love for those around him.
Although I found this book confusing at times because I hadn't read the previous book in the series, the interesting characters captured my attention and made me want to read any succeeding novels in this series.
The author writes a story that keeps the reader in suspense. As per her other books, this story features a strong male protagonist who demonstrates self-sacrificing love for those around him.
Although I found this book confusing at times because I hadn't read the previous book in the series, the interesting characters captured my attention and made me want to read any succeeding novels in this series.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin
Tucker Rain faces many difficulties in his life, chief among them the disgust he harbors for his father. The only hope he has as a child is found in his nanny, Miss Ella. She cares for Tucker and his half-brother Mutt, the way a loving mother would. After Miss Ella’s death, Tucker must deal with life the best way he can, which is to bury himself in his work as a world class photographer. One day, his life changes. During a chance encounter, he rescues his long-lost childhood sweetheart,who is on the run from her abusive husband. Her presence in his life forces him to deal with old issues of unforgiveness. When his half-brother disappears from the residential mental hospital where he has been confined, Tucker must face more of his past demons. Through it all, he is guided by the wisdom of Miss Ella and sees the answers to her prayers.
Charles Martin writes a compelling story of love, pain, forgiveness and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt like I knew the characters when the book was done. If the book had a sequel, I would put it on my reading list, however, the ending was satisfying enough to stand alone. I enjoyed the tone of the story. It was not too romantic nor too suspenseful, but was a tantalizing blend of both. This was the second of his books that I had read and I would definitely read more. Booksneeze provided me with a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.
Charles Martin writes a compelling story of love, pain, forgiveness and grace. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt like I knew the characters when the book was done. If the book had a sequel, I would put it on my reading list, however, the ending was satisfying enough to stand alone. I enjoyed the tone of the story. It was not too romantic nor too suspenseful, but was a tantalizing blend of both. This was the second of his books that I had read and I would definitely read more. Booksneeze provided me with a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.
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