"Recruits" Book Review

This was a doozy! Author Thomas Locke (aka Davis Bunn) created a fast paced sci-fi fantasy novel that's had me hooked. It's the story of twin brothers who find they have powers they didn't know they possessed. And with those powers comes the realization that the universe is much more populated than previously thought.

I think part of what makes this book so intriguing is that we all have an unspoken desire for more. It's like our inner self knows we were meant for greatness. So to read a story of young men who have their greatness realized feels like a book written about ourselves except it hasn't happened yet in our own lives.

The plot moved along as a great pace and the dialogue was concise, not cyclical (always a bonus). I still didn't quite feel like I knew the characters intimately by the end of the book but knew them well enough to form an opinion about whether they were friend or foe.  And for the most part, I could make a clear mental picture of the scene unfolding based on what was written. The final battle was a little hard to visualize but not impossible.

The only downside to "Recruits" (which isn't really a downside) was that it was a couple of teens saving the universe.  And that is so often the story. Cops and military can't get the job done so let's hand everything over to two teens with no life experience.  Please don't take this 'downside' too strongly though. After all, these particular teens had unusual powers. And as we all know from Marvel and DC Comics, that changes everything.  :)

I highly recommend "Recruits". It was enjoyable. A couple of times I had to put it down because I was just starting to get scared and I don't like to read anything scary at bedtime.  Having said that though, this isn't a scary book. It just has a couple of intense moments.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"Words of Grace" Book Review

I love the concept of this book!  A devotional with an adult coloring page for day. Brilliant. When I was a child, I loved to color but I have yet to get on the adult coloring bandwagon solely because I think I would find it stressful. The perfectionist in me wouldn't be able to handle it. However, those who like it, LOVE it and this little book would make a perfect gift for them.

"Words of Grace" is a 30 day devotional. Each day has one page of reading and then one page to color. Here's a shot of day 7.

I love how the illustrator, Dee Arrand, incorporated a verse into each coloring page. The idea is that you meditate on the verse and the encouragement you just read while you color. The readings are to encourage you and remind you of how much God loves you. They aren't heavy. No Greek or theological debating here. If that's your cup of tea then this book isn't for you. But if you are intent on simply enjoying your Savior's presence with pencil crayon in hand, then I can think of no better book than "Words of Grace" by Jacqui Grace.  It is sure to delight many.  My sister's birthday is tomorrow. She loves adult coloring and God. (Not in that order) I'm excited to give her this book.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"Justice Delayed" Book Review

Patricia Bradley I applaud you. "Justice Delayed" was fantastic. Like most people, I'm addicted to my phone. I'd rather scroll through Facebook than watch a movie but this mystery novel managed to get me to put my phone down and leave it down. That, my friend, is a mini miracle.

Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic but it find a mystery novel that has a nice blend of romance and intrigue is lovely. Throw in action sans gratuitous violence, and you've got yourself a winner. Admittedly, I kind of saw the ending coming but there was still enough of an "Aha!" moment that I was satisfied.

My one tiny complaint about the book (complaint is too strong a word) is that the men around the main character, a woman, always feel the need to come to her rescue and to treat her like a child. Granted, our heroine does dive head first into danger repeatedly but it made the book feel a little too much like so many romance novels where the knight in shining armor comes to the rescue of the helpless fair maiden.  Can they not ever be equal partners?  Oh well, I like fairy tales. And again, to call it a complaint is too strong a word.

"Justice Delayed" is a faith based novel but the author did a great job of weaving it in so that it didn't come off sounding like you were reading a sermon. Just a touch here and a dab there.  I happily gave this novel to my teen daughter to read because I know it will entertain her and there's nothing that was too mature or possibly disturbing. Plus, the small mentions of God brought out the message that He is good - even when life is bad.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."