Tammi's book blog

The Chair by James Rubart

2011-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Chair

By James Rubart

Published by Broadman and Holman Publishers

This is the second book of James Rubart's that I have read, and my favorite of the two.

The Chair is the story of Corin Roscoe, an antiques dealer with a business in trouble, who is given a special chair from a seemingly random woman one day. When she gives him the chair, she claims that it is a special chair made by the best carpenter in the world.

As Corin tries to find the true origin of the chair, he encounters miracles along the way. A young boy is healed of his asthma after sitting in it. Is this chair able to perform miracles?!

His research takes him to the depth of danger as he soon finds out that he is not the only one interested in the origin of the chair, and that he is not the only one who will do anything to possess it.

The story is one of faith and longing. Of love and betrayal. Of hope and longing. Of miracles seen and miracles denied.

The Chair is a book I would highly recommend. And the best part of the book is the end. :) Read it. You'll be glad you did.

Hiding My Bruises While Singing In the Choir

2011-11-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hiding My Bruises While Singing in the Choir
By Jan Juliano Balzer

Have you ever had a book that you just couldn't put down? One that called your name when you weren't there, beckoning you back again?

Well, this book did just that for me.

As you may know, I'm really a Christian fiction kind of girl. Give me a good mystery, thriller, or Christian romance, and let it take me away from it all. It's my escape.

So for a non-fiction book to grab me, it has to be good. And I can name only a handful that have kept my attention all the way through.

Hiding My Bruises While Singing in the Choir is the true story of a lady who I am proud to call my friend. We met because of another friend's book.

It's the story of a little girl with big dreams that grows up to have those dreams shattered, and then put back together again through the grace of Almighty God.

Jan's book had me gasping, holding my breath, and then breathing a sigh of relief. The tragedies played out in this book are turned into life lessons that we can all learn from.

The book had me thinking, and praying, and considering what God is doing in my life that will someday help someone else.

A highly recommended book for anyone who needs to be encouraged in rough times.

Thanks, Jan, for sharing your story, and for allowing me the privilege of reviewing it!

The Mercy

2011-11-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

The Mercy - By Beverly Lewis
Published by Bethany House Publishers

The Mercy was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my posted review.

The Mercy is the third book in The Rose Trilogy, written by Beverly Lewis.

The Rose Trilogy follows the life of Rose Ann, an Amish young lady, youngest in a family of 9 I believe.

The Mercy finds both Rose and her sister, Hen, (a nickname for the name Hannah), both longing for change. As Hen takes care of her injured husband, Rose gets another chance at love.

Rose has recently released her beau (and fiance) from their engagement, after finding out he was pining for a friend of hers. As she deals with this loss, her brother and sister -in-law decide to play matchmaker. Will the young man they set her up with be the man of her dreams after the heartache she's endured?

And if so, why does her mind keep reminding her of her former best friend, Nick? He's been shunned after all, and has brought shame on his family in the process.

Read the series to find out what happens to sweet Rose, and her beloved sister, Hen.

Falls Like Lightning

2011-11-27T19:07:00.001-08:00

Falls Like Lightning - By Shawn Grady
Published by Bethany House Publishers

Falls Like Lightning was provided to me free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

Silas Kent is a smoke jumper - a man who jumps out of a plane, and then fights fires from the ground - WITHOUT water.

He never expected to meet Elle again, but when she is assigned to pilot the plane Silas and his team are jumping from, Silas begins to regret the mistake he made with her years ago. Elle, on the other hand, has her hands full being a single mother with a high risk job. She's been hurt enough, and wants no part of Silas anymore.

Before they can start to at least rebuild their friendship, Silas is assigned to fight a huge forest fire in the same forest that Elle has flown over inch by inch following a horrible tragedy with her father. So naturally, Elle is assigned to pilot the plane yet again.

When a freak accident leaves Silas on the ground, barely escaping with his life, and Elle possibly dead from the plane crash, Silas sets out to find the downed plane even while fighting the fire with a new crew.

As he searches, he realizes he has much more to fear than the raging fire itself.

Falls Like Lightning was a good read. Not a favorite book of mine, but good for contemporary Christian Fiction/Suspense. I learned a bit about Fire Jumping and the sacrifices men and women make for our communities every day. And for that I am extremely thankful.

An Unlikely Suitor

2011-08-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser
Published by Bethany House Publishers

This book was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

Life is tough for Lucy Scarpelli and her family. After moving to the United Stages from Italy to pursue a better life for their family, the Scarpelli family is crammed into a 2 room tenement apartment with no private bathroom and no hot water.

To make matters worse, the tenement they've lived in for years is scheduled to be destroyed in a matter of days.

With her father gone and her uncle and aunt moving out West to be with their son, the burden of finding a mew place to live falls on Lucy's shoulders.

After a quick prayer for guidance, Lucy sets out to find such a place. Little does she know that finding a place for her family to live will change their lives forever.

For Lucy not only finds a place for her mother, sister and herself to live, she also finds new jobs for all of them at a dress botique - Madame Moreau's Fashion Emporium.

There Lucy forms a special bond with Rowena, a girl with a disability that Lucy is able to help hide with her abilities as a seamstress.

Their blossoming friendship prompts Rowena to invite Lucy along to her family's summer retreat in Newport, Rhode Island. Lucy jumps at the idea, never having the opportunity to visit such a place.

While there, much to Lucy's surprise, she meets a dashing young man, and love begins to take bloom. But Lucy resists this love, wondering why a man of his station would fall for a poor dressmaker like her.

Meanwhile, Rowena faces an arranged marriage to a young man she is not in love with. But can she hope for anything else, being crippled as she is?

And finally, Lucy's younger sister, Sophia, begins to fall for a man above her station, too.

Will the 3 girls find love in the end, or will all their hearts be broken.

An enjoyable historical fiction book with just enough twists to keep you guessing til the end.

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2011-06-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Published by Bethany House Publishers

This book was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my posted review.

Set in the early 1800's, The Girl in the Gatehouse follows the life of Mariah Aubrey, a young lady who has to leave the only home she has ever known to live in the gatehouse of a distant relative - an aunt by marriage, named Mrs. Prynn-Hallsey - because of a scandal surrounding her name.

Having no money to her name, Mariah must support herself and her trusted servant, Miss Dixon, the only way she knows how - by writing novels. This can only compound the scandal already attached to her name. You see, women writing novels in the early 19th century is frowned upon!

So Mariah writes anonymously. Trouble presents itself, though, when the man who offers to publish her book wants to meet her in person. Should she allow this? Can she trust him? Or will he be the one to ruin it all for her?

As the meeting looms, a wealthy Navy captain, Matthew Bryant, comes to rent the estate from Mrs. Prynn-Hallsey's step son following her death. He sees the publisher going to visit Mariah, and wonders what a man would be doing visiting "his" estate's gatehouse.

When he checks it out, he realizes there is a young lady who lives there. And she is quite beautiful. Kind, too. As he gets to know her, and discovers she has a secret to hide, he becomes aware that befriending a young lady with scandal attached to her name is not the best idea.

Add to all this drama some mystery surrounding the gatehouse itself, 2 servants falling for the Miss Dixon at the same time, and the fact that although Captain Matthew is drawn to Mariah, he is determined to win back an old flame, and you have a book Jane Austen fans will enjoy.

The Alarmists - By Don Hoesel

2011-05-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Alarmists - by Don Hoesel

Published by Bethany House Publishers

The Alarmists was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

I have to say I was so excited to receive the book The Alarmists. It is a fiction book about the theory of the end of the world coming in conjunction with the end of the Mayan Calendar in December 2012. Now I love a good mystery. I ask questions all the time, and want to know things like if paranormal activity or UFOs are real. I watch all I can about alien space crafts, Area 51, and the Bermuda Triangle. So this seemed right up my alley.

I started reading with enthusiasm, but was not impressed. The story line was not bad. It was, though, in my opinion, too wordy and the plot was too drawn out. I felt there were too many characters to keep up with.

Please don't get me wrong. I love details. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

The entire book takes place within 21 days, but it felt like it took me that long to read it. I finally had to skip to the end just to see how it would end. Even the ending was a bit disappointing to me, because of it's abruptness.

Wish I could have given it a better review. But I have to write it like I read it. Sorry, folks.

Max on Life - By Max Lucado

2011-04-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Max on Life - By Max Lucado

Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers

(This book was provided to me free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my agreement to write a review on it.)

Have you ever wished you could ask Max Lucado some really tough questions? Questions like, "Why am I here?"

"What should I do when all hope seems lost?"

"Is there really a hell, and is it eternal?"

How about questions about sex and marriage? Questions on how to discipline your children?

Well, you're in luck. Even if you, like me, have never physically written him a letter or an email. Because Max's new book Max on Life answers these questions and so many more!

This book, to me, was like another version of God's Promises for Your Every Need. Max Lucado style.

In the easy to read format Max is known to us by, he answers the hard questions we desperately want answers for, and he does it all without beating us over the head with the Bible.

Oh, he uses the Bible to answer all the questions. Many different versions (which I personally loved!) But in the end you don't feel beat up or preached at. You feel the compassion I think Jesus would have portrayed.

The references had me searching my Bible more than ever. Which is what I think Max would have wanted. And I'm POSITIVE God wants me to do that.

So, thanks, Max! You drew me closer to God through your research and answers. I can't wait for your next book to come out.

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

2011-02-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

Published by Zondervan

I've been a fan of Karen's books for several years now, but this one was especially meaningful to me due to the fact that the main character is a teenage boy with Autism, and I have a 13 year old son with an autism spectrum disorder.

Unlocked is based on the true story of a friend of Karen's who showed amazing progress because of music.

Holden Harris is an 18 year old boy with Autism that renders him non-communicative. He lives locked in his own world - one that no one understands. He's considered an odd kid at school.

But Ella meets Holden and feels an immediate connection. She is determined to be his friend no matter if Holden stays locked in his own world or not.

Can Ella, with the help of God, find the key to Unlock Holden's world?

If you're looking for a great book, "Unlocked" by Karen Kingsbury is for you!!!! Happy reading!

The Vigilante's Bride

2010-10-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris

This book was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House publishers in exchange for my posted review.

The Vigilante's Bride was set in the Montana Territory - December 1884. Luke Sullivan is on his way away from a job that he's grown tired of when he overhears the travel plans of his enemy - the man who robbed his father many years ago. So, on a spur of the moment decision, Luke decides to hold up the stage coach and get back what he feels is rightfully his.

Only one problem. The coach was not just carrying the banker and cash, but also a young lady who Luke finds out it a mail order bride for his enemy. So rather than just taking the money and running, Luke also kidnaps the girl. And she does NOT take kindly to this!

But what if Luke turns out to be the man of her dreams? What if he really is the man of her dreams?

Follow Luke and Emily's journey as they discover how to tolerate each other as they both try to escape the dangerous man Luke has crossed.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Western style fiction.

Love's First Bloom By Delia Parr

2010-10-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr
Published by Bethany House Publishers

I received this book for free through Bethany House Publishers book review program. I am under no obligation to write a positive review on the book.

That being said, I AM going to write a positive review. I have become a full fledged fan of Delia Parr's now. This is her second book, and I have had the privilege of reviewing both. When I saw that Bethany House was offering her second book to reviewers, I jumped at the opportunity!

Now for the review.

It is March of 1838, and Ruth Livingstone's life is about to change forever.

Ruth is the daughter of Reverend Livingstone, a man who loves God and ministers to the prostiutes who work in New York City's brothels. His ministry is known as The Prodigal Daughters.

Then the unthinkable happens. One of Reverend Livingstone's "daughters in the faith" is found murdered, and he is accused of her murder. After being granted a few days to put his affairs in order, Mr. Livingstone sends Ruth off with a toddler in her arms to live with a family she's never met under the assumed name Widow Malloy.

As Ruth adjusts to her new surroundings and identity, she spends her days praying for her father, and reading the local papers, hoping for word of his acquittal. As another tragedy threatens to consume what's left of her feeble faith, Ruth takes solace in the one place she can find peace - her garden.

There, as she prepares the soil to accept new beauty in the form of flower starters, she meets Jake Spencer, a man who also has secrets. He both annoys and inspires Ruth. As both Jake and Ruth discover their attraction to each other, will the secrets they both keep be too much to overcome? Will Ruth be able to find ANYONE to trust? Will she be able to keep her identity, and the identity of the precious little girl in her care, a secret as she tries to protect her from the newspaper men trying to find them?

A little intrigue, a little romance, and a lot of what we as humans really feel all combine to make this a book - and an author- I would highly recommend.

Thank you, Bethany House Publishers, for allowing me the privilege of reviewing this book for you. And, Ms. Delia Parr, keep on writing. I'll keep on reading!

A Scarlet Cord of Hope - By Sheryl Griffin

2010-06-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

A Scarlet Thread of Hope - Written by Sheryl Griffin and published by Westview Inc., Nashville, TN

First of all I want to thank Sheryl herself for making herself vulnerable to me every time we meet. She gave me this copy of her book, and even autographed it for me. :)
I agreed to publish a review of it on my blog. What an honor she gave me in the gift of her book.

A Scarlet Thread of Hope is the true story of one very courageous woman - who happens to be a friend of mine - and her journey through guilt, shame, and fear to Hope. To quote Sheryl, "This book is not a book complaining about my childhood or being a victim. This book is not meant to tell every aspect of my life."

This being said, it does go into details of Sheryl's childhood through present day and the strands of thread that, when woven together, formed a scarlet cord that hung heavily around her neck. These details are the ones that she believes were the keys to her eventual diagnosis with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is a book that I couldn't put down when I started reading. It is one that I think I'll have to buy copies of for a few friends and relatives.

My favorite parts of the book came at the end of each chapter. These sections were labeled What I Know Now. I loved these parts, because that's where Sheryl shared the truths she received from God through her healing process. The story is a very sad one throughout most of the book. But the "What I Know Now" sections make it so very worth the read.

Sheryl likened her journey to healing as finding and putting together the pieces of a puzzle that in the end would form a picture that finally made sense to her. Read it to find the picture she found. It's moving and WORTH THE READ!!!

Thanks again, Sheryl, for sharing this with me, and with the many others who I hope and pray will read it and begin or continue on their own road to healing. Many blessing on you!

Hearts Awakening

2010-05-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hearts Awakening - by Delia Parr Published by Bethany House Publishers

Two lonely people. Two lonely children. A proposal of convenience. And enough twists and turns to make it a truly enjoyable read.

Elvira ("Ellie") Kilmer is a 32 year old spinster living off the "charity" of her cousin, Mark and his wife Olivia due to the fact that her parents are both deceased and she has no inheritance.

Jackson Smith is a young widower with 2 very young sons and a past soaked in scandal because of a marriage gone awry.

Ellie needs a job and Jackson needs a housekeeper. So cousin Mark "offers" Ellie's services for 2 weeks for FREE!!! But Ellie must take the job, as she is hoping for a recommendation so she can become a housekeeper in a larger city and move from her cousin's home.

Ellie takes the 2 hour walk one way to meet Jackson - whom she finds VERY attractive - and who finds her VERY plain - and begins her work for him.

As Ellie begins finding a place in her heart to love 2 very active boys, Jackson realizes that her presence in their life may be the answer to two of his most pressing needs - a caregiver for his sons, and the scandal of his first marriage.

When Jackson offers Ellie a proposal of convenience, will either he or Ellie find the companionship they need? Or will the secrets they both harbor tear them apart even more.

I found Hearts Awakening a book so hard to put down, I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to read, even though I have 4 sons of my own and a job! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Delia Parr, you have yourself a new customer!

I did not find Amana somewhere I belong.

2010-05-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Somewhere to Belong - By Judith Miller

I'm sorry. I hate writing bad reviews about books. I LOVE reading, and am so thankful to be part of the review board for Bethany House Publishers. It lets me receive books for free.

But this book just hit a raw nerve with me. I grew up in a cult like religion, and the unbending and unwritten rules in this book just got under my skin. They reminded me of how no one can measure up under those circumstances.

I didn't like the fact that Berta was labeled "rebellious". When I had to abide by unbending rules with no grace involved, I was considered rebellious too. :( And the fact that Johanna was punished because of the supposed wrongdoings of Berta made me feel angry too.

I was expecting a book more along the lines of Beverly Lewis's Amish books, which I adore! But this book is nothing like them, in my opinion.

All in all, I won't be reading any more of the books in this series, and probably won't read another book by Judith Miller.

Beguiled By Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

2010-04-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Beguiled is written by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand and published by Bethany House Publishers

Rylee is a dogwalker for wealthy clients who live "South of Broad" in Historic Charleston, South Carolina. She has a ring of keys that would rival a jailer's with her at all times. She loves animals, and the dogs and their owners alike trust her with their lives and possessions. As a matter of fact, they have come to rely on her at any time of the day or night.

Rylee's been walking dogs for years, and, having grown up in Charleston, has never been afraid of the streets, even after dark. As a matter of fact, she can frequently be seen walking a dog as late as 2 am. But all this is about to change. A series of burglaries and a stalker put Rylee in fear for her safety and ultimately her life for the first time.

Logan Woods is a reporter. He's following the burglaries in hopes of getting material for his true crime book. As he digs into the mystery of the "Robin Hood Burglar" (dubbed this because the burglar donates the stolen objects to local charities), Logan finds out that Rylee seems to be in the middle of everything.

As the attraction between Logan and Rylee grows, Logan must proceed carefully. How should he go about his investigation? What if it all points to Rylee? Should he even pursue the story at all?

Is Rylee involved? Why is she being stalked? Is she the beguiler or the beguiled?

Read Beguiled to find out.

The Hidden Flame - By Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

2010-03-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Hidden Flame - written by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke Published by Bethany House Publishers

The Hidden Flame is the continuing saga of the first century church. The "Followers of the Way" are growing by leaps and bounds. Thousands are being won to Christ, and many more are being healed by the Apostles.

Enter Abigail, a beautiful and mild mannered Follower who finally found home and family with the group of growing believers. Abigail had lost her entire family to the Romans - or so she thought. But, through a friend, Leah, and her husband, Alban, new followers of the Way, she has just been reunited with her brother, Jacob. She is also being mentored by none other than Martha and Mary, specifically Martha. She works hard despite a debilitating wound on her leg that causes her so much pain she can barely walk.

Two suitors are drawn to this beautiful, determined, yet orphaned young lady. One, Ezra, is a widower in need of a mother for his children. The other, Linux, is a friend of Alban's - a Roman soldier captured by her beauty and faithfulness. He could definitely provide protection for Abigail, and maybe even the love she desires.

But neither have captured her heart. As Abigail struggles with the uncertainty of being a woman who's future is in the hands of her guardian - Alban has the final say on who she will marry, and he will listen to Peter - she learns important lessons in faith. Will she be able to continue to trust God through this time of uncertainty?

And what will she do when the Sanhedrin and the Romans both see the Followers of the Way as a threat that needs to be stamped out? Will she survive with heart and faith intact as she faces persecution the followers never saw coming?

To find the answers, I recommend reading The Hidden Flame. But for even more enjoyment, and a fun history lesson on the early church, begin with The Centurion's Wife.

Both The Centurion's Wife and The Hidden Flame have me wanting to go back to the book of Acts to read more about the early church and the people God used to help it grow so much that even today, we are still affected by "The Followers of the Way".

By Reason of Insanity - By Randy Singer

2010-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

By Reason of Insanity was written by Randy Singer and published by Tyndale Fiction

Looking for a good courtroom drama that will keep you interested til the end? How about this book by Randy Singer? I haven't read many of John Grisham's books, but others have said Randy Singer is just as enjoyable a writer as he is.

Randy is a vetran trial attorney, so he knows his stuff.

By Reason of Insanity is a book about Catherine "Cat" O'Rouke, a newspaper reporter who, after a series of kidnappings and murders, begins to have visions about them. These visions provide so many details that she ends up becoming the main suspect in the serial murder investigation.

Enter Las Vegas lawyer Quin Newberg. He's a wonderful (though high priced) lawyer who has just made his name famous by specializing in insanity cases. Catherine just covered a story of him defending his sister in a murder trial involving the plea of insanityl Because there is no reason for Cat to have had these visions if she's not the killer, she hires Quin to help her plead her case as guilty by reason of insanity.

As the trial ensues, we are taken on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Will Catherine be found guilty of the serial murders? Is she really insane, or is she a cold blooded killer? Or is she really innocent and being framed, as she is inclined to believe.

For a great read, and a surprise ending, I recommend By Reason of Insanity.

Fearless By Max Lucado

2010-01-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Fearless by Max Lucado

Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers 2009

This is my 2nd Max Lucado book I've read, and I want you to know that he has now joined Brennan Manning as one of my favorite non-fiction writers, which is saying a lot since I much prefer fiction to non-fiction! He is an author that begs to be read. A man that can put profound thoughts into simple sentences. He writes books that capture me from the first chapter, yet are still easy enough for my 12 year old son to read and understand. I'm thinking of having him do just that!

Now, the review.

In a world peppered by fear - fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of H1N1 virus, fear of terrorist plots, fear of earthquakes and tornadoes, where can we turn? The media scares us more and more every day. Newspapers are filled with bad news. Watch any 6 o'clock news program, and you'll want to go crawl in a hole - or even better - a bomb shelter. Even prescription drug commercials are filled with so many possible side effects that you never want to take another pill in your life!

How can we overcome that fear to become "Fearless"?

The only way we can is by listening to the words of Jesus - the One who spoke the words "Fear Not" many more times in the Bible than I had ever known. He used this phrase with his disciples, his followers, and with those who had never met Him before. He calmed the fear of the man paralyzed from birth before He healed him. He calmed the storm and then asked his disciples why they were afraid. And He tells us not to fear - we are worth more than sparrows, and He sees every one of them that falls, and feeds them too.

To quote Max himself, "There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Let's be among those who stay calm. ... Let's be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's."

Reading this book gave me the tools to put that into practice. As so many of us do, I struggle with fear. But as Jesus becomes bigger in my life, my fear begins to shrink. Faith begins to replace that fear. What would it be like to always live like that? I don't know yet. But I want to find out! And this book gives me the tools to begin to life my life like that.

It is a book that you will not want to miss. It is a book I intend to read and re-read. And yes, a book I intend to give to my son to read. Please, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy for your self. You have nothing to lose but fear itself. :)

Update - January 1, 2010

2010-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Guys! I haven't been able to read for a long time. I started "Fearless" by Max Lucado, and am still reading it. I hope to have it done before I go back to work on Wednesday of next week. I've been sewing a gift for my sister in Alaska, and then my youngest son had surgery. But the sewing's almost done, and my son is on the mend. So back to reading I go~ very soon. Hope to post several more reviews in the near future.

The Shack - By Wm. Paul Young

2009-11-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Shack is written by Wm. Paul Young and is publishe by Windblown Media

Once again, my friends, this is a review of one of my all time favorite books. I have read/listened to the book 2 times, and will read it many more. I love this book so much, that I have currently given away something like 14 copies. I will ALWAYS be thankful for Mr. Young, and the way he showed the love of God to me in such an unconventional way.

The Shack is about Mackenzie Allen Phillips, known as "Mack", who have had a horrible tragedy in his life. While on vacation with his children the week before school begins for the year, his youngest daughter, Missy, goes missing. Evidence found in a shack up in the nearby mountains suggests that her life came to a violent end.

Thus begins "the Great Sadness" in Mack's life. He feels depressed and abandoned by God, even though his wife, though sad about the tragedy, has clung to her faith, and even calls God "Papa". As his depression deepens, he goes to check the mail on an icy day, and finds a suspicious letter addressed to him with no return address.

The note says "Mackenzie, It's been a while. I've missed you.
I'll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together.
- Papa"

Who would dare write him a note like that?! Is it the killer trying to lure him and his family into his trap, so that he can take more lives precious to him? Is it a horrible prank?

But, against Mack's better judgement, he decides he'll go to the shack and see what's going on. He can always turn around and come back. H secretly leaves for the shack, not telling his wife, Nan, so as not to worry her, to spend a weekend with Papa.

What will he find there? Will he see God, or find the killer waiting for him? If it really is God there, what will He look like? Will he be condemning? Will he be comforting?

I can tell you that what he does find there will change his life forever. As it has changed mine.

This book is a must read for all, whether you are searching for God, or already know Him. It will change your perspective of Him in ways you've never expected. It will take Him out of the neat little box that most of us have put Him in, and make Him real. It may even change your life!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SHACK !!!!

Blink of an Eye - By Ted DeKker

2009-11-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Blink of an Eye is written by Ted Dekker and is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I've had Blink of an Eye sitting on my shelf for over a year. If I'd known how great a book it was, I would have read it long ago!

Blink of an Eye is a story about a Saudi Arabian princess named Miriam running from an arranged marriage to a horrible man, and a certified genius, Seth who meet under unlikely circumstances in California.

No one would think that the life of a Saudi Arabian princess would be one to run from. But after seeing her best friend murdered by her own father for refusing to follow Saudi rules for a young wife, and then meeting the man to whom she is betrothed, even though she is in love with another man, Miriam thinks it really is time to run.

The reason for the arranged marriage is purely political, hopefully resulting in a coup. This is the worst thing that could happen in Saudi Arabia.

Miriam flees to California, where she meets Seth who saw her in a vision before she encounters the man looking for her.

Seth's "visions" of the future continue, and will throw the two of them together in a high-stakes chase in which they don't know who to trust and who not to trust. As they flee for their lives, with the enemy on their tails, and no time to sleep, will they make it through alive?

This is one of Ted Dekker's older novels, and I enjoyed it very much. If you like action, adventure, and a little romance, this is a book for you!

Thr3e - By Ted DeKker

2009-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

Thr3e is by Ted DeKker and is published by West Bow Publishers

I must start out by telling you that Thr3e is one of my favorite stand alone novels of all time, and definitely my favorite stand alone novel of Ted Dekker's! As soon as I read it, I became a fan!

The book starts out with Kevin Parsons, genius and budding theologian, in his car, when he receives a very threatening phone call. Apparently a killer is after Kevin, and if Kevin doesn't tell his secret for the whole world to hear within 3 minutes, the killer will detonate a bomb in Kevin's car.

The only problem is, Kevin doesn't know what secret he's supposed to tell! He wracks his brain, but can not figure it out. 3 minutes later, the bomb explodes. And so begins the suspense filled novel that got me hooked on Ted Dekker, and many of my friends also.

As Kevin tries to figure out what the killer wants before the town in general, and he himself in particular, are targeted once again, he is joined in his search by Sam, a childhood friend of his, and by Jennifer, a law enforcement officer. Both ladies want to help protect him.

Join Kevin, Sam and Jennifer as the three of them try to solve the killer's riddles before it's too late. What does Kevin need to confess? How many more innocent people have to die? Read this page turner to find out!

Double Minds by Terri Blackstock

2009-11-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

Double Minds by Terri Blackstock is published by Zondervan Publishers.

I bought Double Minds because of the title and cover art. As you will notice book covers tend to be one of the main selling points for me as a reader! I also chose it because I am a big fan of Terri Blackstock's suspense.

I must tell you that I didn't even read the back cover before I bought this book. I just thought the title Double Minds was referring to someone with multiple personalities or something like that. I was mistaken!

The title Double Minds comes from a Bible verse saying that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways." It's also the title of the most famous of contemporary Christian artist Parker James' songs. You see, she is a song writer living in Nashville, TN, hopefully on her way to stardom herself. Right now, though, she writes songs for her best friend, Serene, to sing. Serene is the epitomy of an entertainer, having the perfect voice and the perfect body for the part.

But Serene has a secret. And it's Parker's job to help Serene see it for the destructive truth it is.

And someone is stealing Parker's songs, too! How can this connect with the dead body sprawled in front of Parker's desk where she would have been sitting if she hadn't traded nights with that girl?

Read the book to find out.

I would give this book 3 stars out of 5. It wasn't my favorite book of Terri Blackstock's but it's worth a read, especially if you live in or near Nashville, TN as I do.

The Edge of Recall - By Kristen Heitzmann

2009-11-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann is a Christian fiction book published by Bethany House Publishers

I chose the book because of the cover, and the intriguing captions on the back of the book.

The Edge of Recall is about a young lady named Tessa Young. Tessa is a landscape architect who specializes in labyrinths. She makes them out of anything from rock to flowers and hedges. She has chosen this profession because of the healing labyrinths bring to people. To Tessa, they represent a path to God, her search for Him amidst life's journey.

She is also fascinated by them because of one of very few memories she has about her father before he disappeared when she was 6 years old. She remembers flying with her father over a labyrinth, and talking to him about it. But that's where her pleasant memories with her father stop. The others are just on the "Edge of Recall".

What do labyrinths have to do with her dad? Why can't she remember more about her childhood? Was there something so traumatic that happened in a labyrinth? Or is a labyrinth really the path to her healing.

The answer will come to her when she takes on the biggest and most profitable labyrinth project of her life along with a future friend who betrayed her in the past. Will she find healing in the project? Or will her work with Smith make everything worse?

I highly recommend this suspense/romance book, and look forward to reading many more of Kristen's books!