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.

The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

In this apocalyptic novel, Paul Bender, a historian, has been chosen from birth for a special calling. He receives an unusual message, which launches him on a search for an ancient manuscript. Along the way he finds others who help him piece together ancient wisdom and prophecies to escape the end of the world.

I didn't enjoy this book for several reasons. It was very confusing. It was too difficult to follow the plot. The authors took little time for character development, perhaps because there were so many important characters. Because of the worldwide scope of the setting, the story continually jumped around. The authors also left unanswered some questions regarding the plight of several main characters.

If a reader enjoys a story where The DaVinci Code meets Left Behind, he would appreciate this novel. I do not recommend it, although I did learn some interesting tidbits along the way. Booksneeze provided me with a complimentary copy of this book and I am giving my honest opinion of it.

The Chamber by John Grisham

Sam is a member of the KKK who has planted bombs in synagogues and other public places. His last bombing attempt goes awry when he kills 2 boys and severely injures their father. Despite a couple of trials with hung juries, he ends up on death row in Mississippi. His grandson Adam, who has grown up estranged from Sam, becomes his lawyer in the final days before Sam's scheduled execution. The book chronicles Adam's attempts to save Sam from the death penalty. In the process, he comes to know and respect and even love his grandfather. Adam learns more about his family's dysfunctional past and brings a measure of healing to his family.

Having read several of Grisham's other books, his style was familiar to me. What caught me by surprise was the lack of the trademark Grisham twist at the end of the book. I was disappointed. It seemed to me that Grisham wrote this book solely to express his feelings regarding the death penalty. The story did make me think, but it did not change my opinion. I don't think I would recommend this book. Grisham has written many other books and this is not one of his best.

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

Father Tim and Cynthia have finally taken their long-awaited trip to Ireland, only things are not as they had expected. Cynthia re-injures her "historic" ankle. A strange man darts from their wardrobe and a valuable painting is stolen. As the story progresses, they find themselves embroiled in a difficult family situation. Should they leave to find a more restful respite or stay where they are obviously needed?

Fans of Jan Karon's fiction will enjoy the further adventures of Father Tim and Cynthia. The addition of selections from the inn's ancient journal added interest to the story and supported the over-arching theme of forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.