Category Archives: Book Reviews

REVIEW: The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker

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The story feature a young girl (17) named Rachelle. Rachelle finds herself caught between two worlds–Earth and Other Earth. When she sleeps in one of the worlds, she awakes to find herself in the other world. Are they merely dreams or two different realities?

When Rachelle wakes up in Other Earth, (a place she’s never been before) she discovers she’s more than just a girl–she’s The 49th Mystic. Thus begins her spiritual journey that will cross over between both her worlds–Earth and Other Earth. Her actions in one world has consequences in both worlds. As with any spiritual journey it’s not an easy thing. She has enemies in both worlds who want her to fail. And they are willing to do anything to make sure she fails–even if they have to kill her.

This book is definitely what I call a modern-day parable. What’s a parable? An earthly story with a heavenly message. There are many spiritual truths that are demonstrated in this book. However, if you just want an exciting story that will keep you turning the pages, this book fits the bill for that as well. Dekker had done a wonderful job crafting a story that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you choose to embrace the spiritual message or only enjoy the earthly story, this book is definitely worth your time.

The 49th Mystic is on my short list to read again!

ENCLAVE by Thomas Locke

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Enclave

Enclave by Thomas Locke is the first book I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be the last.

I found the book to be a slower pace than many books these days–and that’s a good thing. It gave me time to get to know the characters in a way that fast-paced books can’t.  It reminded me of the classic cowboy novels of times past. and yet it’s set in the future.  A future that is rather dismal but certainly possible. Fifty years before there was a Great Crash that left America not just fractured but broken.

This story will keep you reading but it will also make you wonder–could this happen to America?

Definitely worth reading!

 

Here’s the back cover blurb:

It’s been 50 years since the Great Crash and what was once America is now a collection of enclaves, governed on the local level and only loosely tied together by the farce of a federal government. Catawba, one of the largest and most affluent enclaves in the southern states, is relatively stable and maintains a successful business of trade with nearby enclaves, including the one at Charlotte Township. But when a new vein of gold is found beneath the feet of those in Catawba, it’s only a matter of time before trouble finds them.

Now the future of Catawba may be in the hands of an untried 21-year-old trader named Caleb. And Caleb knows that if his secret were ever to come out, he would never see another dawn.

 

God Bless & Good Reading!

 

Book Review: Shift Your Thinking For Success by Dean Del Sesto

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Shift Your Thinking for Success: 77 Ways to Win at Work and in Life

I believe in Proverbs 23: 7. It says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (NKJV). I believe what we think  can and does change our life. So when I had the chance to read Shift Your Thinking For Success by Dean Del Sesto, I thought it would be a good fit. And I was right!

There’s so much wisdom in this book, this book should be offered to anyone who wants to be or needs a life coach. In fact think of this book as a life coach in a book! The subtitle of the book is 77 ways to win at work and in life. A lot of the information is just good old-fashioned ideas–something that’s in short demand today. But also a lot of it fits in with today’s thinking on branding and how to best use that branding in your business and private life.

For example the 9th way to win is all about integrity. It goes on to give 25 ways to have more integrity. Those 25 ideas alone are worth the price of the book. Another winning way talks about relationship over agenda. Another talks about preparation. Many of the ideas are not new but they are needed. This book is a great way to jumpstart your career and your life.

This book is a definite 5-star book!

Book Review: Praying God’s Promises by Linda Evans Shepherd

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Praying God's Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures

 

God has given us many promises and yet so many of us do not see those promises fulfilled. Linda Evans Shepherd has written a wonderful book that will help us move from being frustrated with our prayer life to basking in God’s love.

This is not a book to be read in a day or even a week. This is a book that can change how to think about God. I’m currently using it as part of my daily devotions. Each time I open the book, I look forward to what I’m going to learn that day. The Promise Garden is part of each chapter. It gives verses that are relevant to that chapter’s topic along with a prayer that agrees with God’s Word.

Some of the topics covered include: comfort; faith; healing; joy; peace; and protection. And that’s just a few of the topics. No matter where you are in  your spiritual walk, this book will lead you further down the path.

A big thank you to Linda Evans Shepherd for writing this book!

BOOK REVIEW: The Edge of Over There by Shawn Smucker

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The Edge of Over There is the second in the series with The Day The Angels Fell being the first. It’s classified as a YA book, young adult. After having read the book, I’m not sure I would recommend it for younger teens but I think 15 and above would find the story interesting.

Because I hadn’t read the first book, I think that put me at a disadvantage at the beginning of the story. I was more than a little confused. Eventually the fog of confusion lifted and I enjoyed the book. But getting to that point took longer than I would have preferred.

Having said that Mr. Smucker is an excellent writer and certainly knows how to spin a tale with both suspense and supernatural components. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian stories with a twist of the supernatural.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

A Book Review–If I Run by Terri Blackstock.

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Wow! I knew it had been a while since I posted here but I had no idea it was before Christmas.  Anyway, I just finished book 3 in the IF I RUN series by Terri Blackstock so I thought I’d do a review of the series. I love Terri Blackstock books. In fact the first time I read one of her book, I said to myself–she writes like me! So, of course, why wouldn’t I love her books?

The If I Run Series Collection: If I Run, If I'm Found, If I Live

Anyway…the series contains three books–If I Run; If I’m Found; and If I Live. I’m not going to talk about each of them individually but as a group. As always, the story is filled with loveable characters as well as villains to hate, lots of action but some sweet moments as well. All three books follow Casey who has gotten herself in a big mess–not of her own doing but still a mess. Even as Casey runs for her own life, she’s brave enough not to turn her back on others when she can help them.  And, of course, she falls in love during the course of the stories but I won’t ruin it by telling you who it is. The story has a strong Christian content which I enjoyed as well.

So, I loved the story but and it’s a big but for me, the story is written in first person present tense instead of the traditional third person past. If you don’t know what that means and there’s no reason to unless you’re a writer or a speech pathologist or an English teacher, I’ll demonstrate it for you.

3rd person past:   As she walked down the street, a man jumped at her.

1st person present: As I walk  down the street, a man jumps at me.

A lot of young adult novels are written in the 1st person present tense. Personally I don’t like it but Terri Blackstock is such a masterful writer that I was able to overcome my dislike of the format–this time.

So I’d definitely recommend the books if you’re looking for some romantic suspense with a Christian theme.

 

Until next time…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

 

 

The Christmas Admirer–A Book Review

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So a few weeks ago, Laura Hilton was my Friday Friend and she was here talking about her new book Christmas Admirer.

I read the book so wanted to review it for my readers. Keep in mind that Amish fiction is not my favorite genre but I do read it and enjoy it from time to time. So what’s the verdict on The Christmas Admirer?

I LOVED IT! It’s actually one of the best Amish stories I’ve read. Laura Hilton has crafted a wonderful story. I loved the authenticity of the characters along with the plot. One of my biggest complaints about Amish fiction is that it’s not all that realistic. I happen to live in Amish country in Ohio and so I know a little bit about the culture. Laura Hilton kept it real while still creating a great story with a Christmas theme. My only complaint–it ended a little too soon!

Great job, Laura.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

OVER MAYA DEAD BODY–A Book Review

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OK so as a writer of suspense and mystery novels, I LOVE THIS TITLE!  I mean really, how cute is OVER MAYA DEAD BODY? It’s one of those times when I say to myself, why didn’t I think of that.  Anyway…Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard is the continuing saga of FBI agent, Serena Jones. I read and reviewed ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DALI last year. Yes, another cute title!

I enjoyed Another Day, Another Dali so I decided to read and review Over Maya Dead Body and… drumroll please…I loved this one even more! Lots of suspense and action as well as just enough romance to keep my attention. This book kept me guessing–almost to the end. I definitely recommend this one if you love suspense, romance, and a little comedy thrown in for good measure!

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

A Primary Decision by Leman & Nesbit

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BOOK REVIEW

A PRIMARY DECISION by Dr. Kevin Leman & Jeff Nesbit drew me into the characters’ lives and made me want to get to know them better. The story centers around the Worthington family, their dreams, their secrets, and their struggles. Wealthy and political, the Worthingtons are always in the news for one thing or another–sometimes for good and sometimes not so much.

The patriarch of the family has set the bar high for his children. The main character of A Primary Decision is Sarah Worthington but the rest of her siblings have more than bit parts in this story of political intrigue as well as personal struggles as they all aim to be worthy of the Worthington name.

I enjoyed the story and would recommend it but it’s not a political thriller if that’s what you enjoy. It’s well written but is a slower-paced story. In other words nobody’s running for their life or getting shot at but you don’t always need that in a story to make it a good read. And this one is definitely worth your time.

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!

This Shadow by Jerusha Agen

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A BOOK REVIEW

I have to be honest. I wasn’t sure I was going to like THIS SHADOW by Jerusha Agen. After reading about 1/4 of the book, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to like it but not liking a book doesn’t stop me from finishing it!

And in this case I’m glad I finished reading it!

Somewhere between the beginning and the end I fell in love with the characters and their stories. The problem I had with the book is that it was set in an urban school district. I retired from just such a district  so I know what urban schools are like and THIS SHADOW didn’t feel real… until it got very real. Which is much like what teaching in an urban school is really like.

Jerusha Agen has done a great job creating real characters with very real problems and yet shows them at their best and their worst. And yet shows how God can work through even the most difficult of situations to bring peace, joy, and love to his children.

I would definitely recommend THIS SHADOW by Jerusha Agen.

AMAZON LINK

UNTIL NEXT TIME…GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!