"The Cost of Betrayal" Book Review

My daughter insisted I get this book because it was her three favorite authors all in one.  Far be it for me to not indulge her love of reading!

Thankfully for her sake, the three novellas in "The Cost of Betrayal" are signature pieces.  If you've read enough of Ms. Henderson, Ms. Pettrey and Ms. Eason's works you'd likely be able to guess who wrote which one.  I can't say I'm a huge fan of Dee Henderson's work. The overuse of people's first names in the character's conversation results in stilted writing. It might seem a pithy point but I found it grating. In truth, I almost stopped reading the first novella, "Betrayed" because of it.

The second novella, "Deadly Isle", by Dani Pettrey was engrossing. In it's own way, it was a blessing in disguise that it was not a full book because this has been one crazily busy season of life for me and I didn't want to put it down but felt the pull of other responsibilities. (or maybe I just wanted an excuse to not tackle the to-do list) Either way, I had a hard time putting the book down once I started.

The last novella, "Code of Ethics", by Lynette Eason so deeply resembles her other books that it made me chuckle. The main character always seem to have the entire family of first responders.  Or at least the entire circle of acquaintances. And I never really buy it when the victim is allowed to be actively involved with the case. But if you can forget about that, "Code of Ethics" was a fun read that will have you wishing it was longer.

Because I almost didn't make it through the first novella, I can't give this two enthusiastic thumbs up. However, the other two were great so I will give it two thumbs up. Just not enthusiastic ones.

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

"River to Redemption" Book Review

I'm sitting here trying how to be fair with this review.  "River by Redemption" wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either.  To be honest, the part of this book I found the most fascinating was the 'Author's Notes' at the end where I discovered the book was based on a real person.

I appreciate that author Ann H. Gabhart highlighted the evil of slavery without getting graphic. And certainly, if you're looking for a book where you don't have to worry about feeling uptight, this would be a good one.  Perhaps that's the reason I wasn't gripped by this story line - there didn't seem to be much of one. Sure there were some conflicts but nothing really surprised me. In fact, I almost stopped reading it altogether numerous times. The only thing that kept me going was knowing I had to write a review.  Thankfully, the last couple of chapters became engrossing but it was hard for me to get there.

I can't say I recommend this book only because I found it to be a tad dull and the character's conversations and thoughts were a bit cyclical.  If you're looking for fluff, this might be a book for you but if you're looking to be pulled into a wild ride of a tale, keep looking elsewhere.

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

"Rise of the Mystics" Book Review

If being bitten by a spider turned Peter Parker into Spiderman, than I'm pretty sure Ted Dekker was bitten by a unicorn. The imagination on this guy! "Rise of the Mystics" is definitely in my top three books of the year. Not only was it engrossing and entertaining, it catapulted my faith light years ahead.

I'm not making that last statement lightly. By the end of reading "Rise of the Mystics" I honestly felt like God had used it to tear away a veil from my eyes and I was free to love and trust. One of my co-workers had been giving me a hard time regardless of the kindness I showed her and suddenly, it didn't matter anymore. I was free to love her.

For better or worse, "Rise of the Mystics" is book two of the "Beyond the Circle" series and in all truthfulness, if you're going to grasp what's going on, you need to read the "Circle" series first. That means to get to this book, I highly recommend you read 5 others first. But don't dismay - those 5 books are amazing too. I LOVED the Circle series. Because they are an allegory for the story of God and Man, it gave me an appreciation for what we lost at the Fall and what we gained at the cross in a new way. Plus, they are fantastically entertaining.

Don't let the title make you think this is a New Age novel. Not even close. This is a novel that invites you to rise above what your eyes see and understand the huge inheritance we have as Children of God - an inheritance that starts now, not after we die.

I can not recommend this book highly enough!!! Two extremely enthusiastic thumbs up.

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

"The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond" Book Review

It's funny, I have big feelings about this book. I just don't know what they are. 

I'm going to go with positive ones though.

"The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond" is really two stories in one -set generations apart. Slowly, as the book moves forward, the two stories become increasingly intertwined. Author Jaime Jo Wright did a great job of bringing them together - especially since at the beginning they seem to have nothing to do with one another. The many plot twists and reveals was great too.

My only criticism, and it's totally likely to be on my part, not the book's, is that at the beginning, I couldn't keep the characters straight. Maybe there were too many introduced all at once. It's a hard hill to overcome though given that, like I already mentioned, this is two stories in one book so double the names is needed.

Though there is violence, there's nothing gruesome or disturbing. Just an enjoyable mystery with many "I didn't see that coming!" moments.

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

49th Mystic by Ted Dekker (Review)

Things to know before reading "The 49th Mystic".
1. Do not, I repeat, do not read this book until you've read The Circle Series by Ted Dekker. (which I promise you will love)

2. Know that this is book one. Argh! I have to wait until October 2018 for the second one.


Even though it's plain to see, right there on the cover the words "Beyond the Circle", I didn't realize "The 49th Mystic" was an off shoot of that series. I LOVED the Circle Series so it was a pleasant surprise but if you haven't read that first, you might feel lost.

Ted Dekker has an incredible mind that sees the world and God's plan is a fresh new way. I've grown up in church and love Jesus but still, when I read the Circle series and now "The 49th Mystic" some truths, perhaps because they are turned into allegories, suddenly seem obvious.
*Of course what we are is beyond what we see!
*My real identity is not what the world has named me. My identity is In Christ. That's how I could sign my letters.
How is it I needed a novel to re-enforce that? I kept having small epiphanies.

I also loved that, just like The Circle Series, there were two interconnected stories going on at once. One of the stories takes place in a different time in a seemingly different realm. Perhaps the reason this resonated with me is because there ARE two realms. The natural and the spiritual. And they are connected. Yet separate. Yet connected.

Mr. Dekker's ability to bring a story to life in vivid fantastical color is astonishing. Sir, I applaud you!

Unfortunately, even though I would easily score The Circle Series a 10 out of 10, I found "The 49th Mystic" a little repetitive. The story line is awesome. Who thinks of these things? But as the main character learns God's deep truths, they are repeated a lot. It got to be a bit much. However, I'm already anticipating getting my hands on book 2.

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

I.LOVE.THIS.BOOK!

Admittedly "A Light on the Hill", with its biblical backdrop, is part of my favorite genre so it already had that going for it but man oh man did I enjoy it. I love when authors take a biblical concept, in this case cities of refuge, and build an entire story line on them.  In "A Light on the Hill", the main character, Moriyah, has to run for refuge after accidentally killing two people.

Before reading this book, I hadn't given refuge cities much thought other than they they showcased God's love of justice. But the way author Connilyn Cossette marries the character's distress over her own guilt with the tension of being chased was amazing and thought provoking. What happens when the next of kin wants to kill you? What happens if they don't? How are you going to manage to flee to a far away city with basically only the clothes on your back before the next of kin reaches you?

Thankfully, we had a few days of good weather when I started reading this book because all I wanted to do was lie in my backyard hammock with "Light On the Hill" in hand. It pulled me in like few books do and I found myself surprisingly upset when it was over. I had come to care about the main characters and wanted to know what happened next to them. This isn't to say the book didn't have a satisfactory ending. It most certainly did. It was more like when you binge watch an incredible TV series only to come to the end of its last season. The characters have become almost like friends and you're sad to say goodbye.

I can not recommend this book highly enough. Nor can I wait for book #2 to come out.  Well Done!!!

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

"Beneath the Surface" Book Review

My poor daughter. She adores romantic mysteries. Every few hours, I'd see her curled up ravenously reading a few more chapters of "Beneath the Surface" by Lynn H. Blackburn only to then suffer a concussion from falling down the stairs before she could finish it.  Now reading hurts and she's on doctor's orders not to read anything for a couple of weeks. Her exasperation is palpable. "It's SUCH a GOOD book!" is her cry.

Even though, technically, I'm the book reviewer, seldom to I get the chance to read the novel before her. She's so quick to scoop them up while I'm doing other frivolous things like setting the table or paying the bills.  "Beneath the Surface" would have been no different except for her untimely accident.  When I went to her room to request the book, she reluctantly passed it over but only after making me swear to not move her book mark.

Once into the story, I can see why she enjoyed it so thoroughly.  From the first chapter, "Beneath the Surface" had me wondering 'who done it'. I'm not sure exactly how to comment on the mystery part of the book without giving anything away so I'll just leave it at that.  As far as the romantic side of the book. It was sweet but not sickeningly sweet. Well written.

The only part of "Beneath the Surface" that made me raise an eyebrow just a hair was how often the police stayed at the victim's house. Sure, she's known to them but do cops really include a victim in pretty much every facet of an investigation? Even bunking at her house? For all I know, it really does play out that way in real life.

Don't let that last paragraph throw you off. This was a delightful book that, while centering around fairly grisly murders, isn't graphic.

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

New YouTube Channel for Your Tiny Tot

I"m very excited to announce the launch of my brand new YouTube channel for preschoolers called "My Living Room".

"My Living Room" is designed to gently engage your child in the world around them through interaction with songs and stories.

Please subscribe!

Reviews:

D from Ontario - Okay... My son loved this. He answered all your questions, blew you a kiss back and is now singing the colour song! Great video Gabe!!!!

M from Ontario - My son was spell bound :)

"In Places Hidden" Book Review

I can feel a trilogy percolating.

"In Places Hidden", by Tracie Peterson, tells of three young women who meet on their way to San Francisco.  As fate would have it, they are each looking for a lost relative. Since they are all in similar situations, they decide to band together to aid one another in the search.This novel is the tale of Camri's search for her lost brother who is feared to be either shanghaied or murdered. It also includes a budding  romance between Camri and a certain Irishman which will require Camri to let go of some of her prejudices.

It's hard to describe the plot of this book because it sort of seemed like nothing happened, nothing happened, and then Ta-Da! The End.  All the action was packed into the last chapter or two and yet, it was enjoyable all the way through. Perhaps the best way to put it is to say it seems like this book was laying out all the background information needed for Book 2. But in an entertaining way. I think you'll find yourself cheering for the characters and coming away with a smile on your face.

I also appreciated the personality of the main character. She's opinionated and yet willing to admit when she's wrong. She is also determined yet willing to let another take the lead when it's the wise thing to do.

All in all, I'm looking forward to book #2.

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

"Keturah" Book Review

"Keturah" is the story of three single English sisters who travel to Nevis to take over their father's sugar cane plantation after he dies in a time when women simply didn't do that sort of thing. 

I enjoyed the main character, Keturah, and how author Lisa Bergren explores the healing process she goes through after an abusive relationship. It was nice to have a heroine who, at the same time as being deeply flawed, strives to put the needs of her sisters before her own. A heroine who throws off comfort and social construct to get needed tasks done. In contrast to the thousand ways slothfulness and immaturity is celebrated on social media, this book was refreshing.

To be honest, I can't say I felt happy while reading this book. There was something about the plot line that kept me tense. (maybe that's the sign of a great story and well written antagonists) Whenever there are slaves involved or men circling women, I find myself with heightened anxiety - just waiting for the attack. Thankfully, unlike real life, nothing was too graphic. However, it still managed to bring to life the hardships endured by so many at this time and place in history.

One aspect about the book that pleased me was the love story. It wasn't ridiculous and more importantly it wasn't 'missionary dating'. Countless faith based romance novels show a believer getting involved with a non-believer only to have them come to faith. Thank you Ms. Bergren for writing a story I can share with my teen daughter without having to launch into the 'don't be unequally yoked' lecture first. (I've given it so many times as I'm handing her a novel that she now preemptively says, "I know Mom. Don't date non-believers." 

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

"I Will Not Fear" Book Review

It's been a while since I've read an autobiography. Am I ever glad I started up again with this one! What a powerful book!

On the back of the book it says:

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But her story of overcoming didn't start - or end - there. 

Ms. Beals' story is mind boggling. Maybe it's because I live in Canada, a very multicultural country, or maybe it's because it's 2018, but I just can't wrap my head around people thinking so lowly of other races. It makes me very grateful for the strong men and women who have stepped up for change. 

I don't want to give away the incredible details of this book. Sufficed to say, every couple of pages, my husband would hear me call out, "You aren't going to believe what they put this woman through!"The bible wasn't lying when it says "The heart is deceitful above all things and DESPERATELY WICKED..."

Before starting into "I Will Not Fear", I mistakenly thought it was solely about her time at Central High however this is not the case. It spans from her birth until the present. All of which is quite fascinating. And quite the roller coaster.

As a white person, there have been times when I've been made to feel as though I should be ashamed of my color. That somehow I'm responsible for the oppression in the world. What I deeply appreciated about this book was that Ms. Beals tells of how God brought her through her understandably deep seated fear of white people.  I also loved how Ms. Beals kept the emphasis on the true source of her strength - God and rightly using His word.

(Slight Spoiler alert)

The only part of the book that holds me back from proclaiming, "This ought to be mandatory reading!" is the section about her divorce.  Even if it wasn't Ms. Beals' intention to portray the idea that God sort of blessed her divorce, that He wanted more for her than being stuck in her marriage, that's how it came across. God is not okay with divorce. True love is sacrifice. Both Ms. Beals and her husband put their own desires before each other. It might seem like I'm being extremely harsh,  but she wasn't being abused nor was her husband being unfaithful.  I honestly have nothing but compassion for divorced people, but it concerned me that the wrong message might be implied. Yes, God heals after divorce. Yes, God uses us after divorce. Yes, God blesses after divorce. But He is not in favor of it.

Other than the potential for that wrong message, and please hear me, it's a very small part of her powerful story, this book will have you mesmerized and asking yourself some hard questions. Good questions that need to be asked.


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

"Paul Apostle of Christ" Book Review

A few weeks ago I wrote a review on the movie that this novel is based upon. To sum up that review would be to say it was okay. Not horrid but not fantastic. The novel, on the other hand, gets a completely different rating.

As per author Angela Hunt's norm, she did a bang up job breathing life into the story. Though, even still, I wouldn't call this book riveting (and I am a huge Angela Hunt fan). In my opinion, which is always open for scrutiny, it was a matter of there simply not being enough plot for her to work with. (this novel is based on the screenplay)

If you had to chose between seeing the movie and reading the book, there's no question, read the book. It gives more insight into how Paul ended up in prison and how he went from Christian killer to lead Apostle. Plus it explained some of the scenes from the movie that kind of confused me.

One thing to remember is that this is fiction based on truth. As such, the author took liberty. I've never minded when additional characters are made up to help the story along but as the reader, we must keep in mind that some attributes placed on true historical figures are of the author's making and not to be seen as truth. There were a few times in this book where I cringed ever so slightly at assumptions being made. But again, I reminded myself that this is fiction.

One way to tell if a book is good is whether it leaves you impacted after you've closed the last page. This definitely happened. Seeing all that Paul went through and how passionate he was for spreading the kingdom hit me like a brick wall as I compared it to my cushy Christianity. Is there any hunger in me at all? A good question for us all to ask.

I did enjoy "Paul Apostle of Christ". It just isn't as amazing as "Delilah" or "Bathsheba" (both also written by Angela Hunt) Her style of writing was great and this book was no exception.  I would not discourage you from reading it but I also wouldn't suggest you start with it if you haven't read any of Ms. Hunt's other books.

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

Paul Apostle of Christ - Movie Review

Whenever someone says a Christian movie was really good, I ask, "Was it a good movie or did it have a good message?" Cuz there's a big difference. I was quite excited to hear "Paul Apostle of Christ" was being made because I enjoyed "Risen" immensely (which was made by the same people as this movie). Unfortunately, in my opinion, "Paul" feel a bit flat.

Perhaps it was because I assumed it would be a telling of Paul's life, not of Luke writing it down but there just didn't seem to be much of a plot. Plus, as so often is the case, I wonder at why scriptwriters feel the need to have biblical characters say lines other than ones straight out of Scripture when the lines from Scripture are so powerful and easily understood. (I completely understand not using only Scripture - both for ease of understanding as well as creative license.)

One moment in the movie hit me in a profound way though. Paul says (seriously paraphrasing) - "If you are holding a handful of water, you must work very hard to keep it. Yet still it slowly drains away. Why work so hard to keep a handful of water when it's the ocean we've been offered?" Boom!

Indeed, more than the movie "Paul", the life of Paul should inspire us to press hard after the ocean instead of the handful. 

I truly hope that many will be touched by this film. I was. In a small way, as mentioned above. For this reason, I was hesitant to write this review for I hate to turn anyone away from watching it. But I also don't want anyone going in with their expectations too high. It isn't an exciting movie but it was a movie with an exciting message.

"Film has been provided courtesy of Sony Entertainment Releasing Canada (Affirm Films) and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

"Judah's Wife" Book Review

I love Angela Hunt's work. Whenever I'm asked to review one of her books, I get all bubbly. As per her norm, with "Judah's Wife", she did not disappoint.

Important disclaimer: I've never read the Apocrypha.

Does this book hold true to the historical records? Sorry, couldn't tell ya. All I know is that I loved it.

When I first saw the cover, I assumed the title was referring to Judah, the son of Israel. It's not. It's about Judah Maccabeus.  This was a pleasant surprise only because, like I said, I'm know very little about the Maccabean revolution. (Hopefully Ms. Hunt didn't lead me astray. Yes I know this is only fiction)

To be honest, reading this book inspired me to be a better wife. What? From a fiction???  Yep. Something about seeing into the heart of a man who is fighting, fighting, fighting coming home and only wanting one thing - a supporting wife, made me question my own life. Am I doing all I can for my husband who has his own daily stress? Sure, he isn't leading an army, but he does face battles.

Due to the nature of the people this book is based on, there are some graphic parts. However when you think about how gory it could have been, I think Ms. Hunt did a fantastic job of finding the line between realism and decorum.

I also loved how God is honored and Judah's trust in HaShem is honored without sermons. (If I was in the mood for sermons, I'd read a non-fiction)

Once again, Angela Hunt, you wrote another winner. If I had a ribbon, I'd give it to you!

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

"Cold Water" Book Review

I remember back in the 80's when Cabbage Patch Kids were all the rage. There were riots over those things!  Were they ugly or cute? It seemed like no one could quite make up their mind.  This is how I feel about "Cold Water" by Samuel Parker. Was it good or not? Can't decide.

At first, I was enthralled but about 3/4 of the way through, the redundant nature of the writing started to wear thin.  The story line had so much potential but instead of exploring the nuances of each new discovery, the author replayed the inner workings of everyone's mind. Especially the main character's. Not only that, unless a paragraph was strictly moving the plot forward, it felt like one sentence told 3 or 8 different ways.

For example:

            There was no escaping it. It was inevitable. The choice he had made as a child was a constant variable in each and every action he would commit. The world would not allow otherwise. He would never be able to wipe the slate clean and start as a new creature untainted by past crimes, just as the spider hatchling would never question the devouring appetite that spurred it on in its feast. 
The future was set in stone. Hardwired.

Written alone, the above paragraph might not seem so bad but look at it again. And then imagine this sort of redundant writing on every other page of the book. And always about how dark and inescapable the past is.

I also finished the book thinking - What did I just read? I felt that way after reading another of Samuel Parker's books, "Purgatory Road". It's as though he's trying too hard to be allegorical.  When the characters were actually doing something or interacting with each other, it was great. I suppose that's why I'm back to the whole Cabbage Patch Kid dilemma. Was it good or not?

I guess I'll let you decide but I can't completely recommend this book. It just didn't quite hit the nail on the head.

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

"A Dangerous Legacy" Book Review

Author Elizabeth Camden, you knocked this one out of the park!  

One of the biggest hurdles romance novels have to overcome, in my opinion anyway, is cheesy predictability. But in "A Dangerous Legacy" there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. I even felt my blood pressure rise a time or two when the hero was seemingly in over their head.

If you have read anything my Ms. Camden, you'll love this book. I think it's her best to date. 

Oh, and I accidentally learned a few factoids. At this rate, I'll be ready to appear on Jeopardy around the age of 225.  All joking aside, the plot was fantastic, I found myself caring about the characters and the chapters had a good rhythm to them.

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

"Free Of Me" Book Review

Have you ever read a book that you had to keep putting down because it kept making you reevaluate your whole life? That was "Free of Me" by Sharon Hodde Miller for me. I happened to be reading it while travelling across the US in the backseat of my parents' car. Constantly I'd find myself torn between keeping my mouth shut about what I was reading because my inner thoughts were in such upheaval and having to read them snippet after snippet. For the record, the beginning of a vacation isn't the best time to start a book on dying to self. Nor is it the worst. 

For some reason, when I step out of routine, all self control seems to fly out the window and the universe starts to rotate around me. No wonder tourists are annoying. By nature, while on vacation, life does become all about us and pleasure. But after awhile, if life continues that way, depression sets in.

Each chapter of "Free of Me" focuses on a different aspect of life that commonly becomes about us. Life, ministry, family. Doesn't everyone know how amazing I am? I fully believe this book will help anyone see each arena of life in a whole new light.  It certainly did for me. And it wasn't like I was trying to be self-centered. But my need for continual affirmation says otherwise.

One warning about this book. 

God is a gentle God, not a task-master. If you know you struggle with co-dependency issues, it might be wise to seek therapy before diving in. I say this only because it you already have a bend towards the lie that says you need to serve others with your dying breath, you might accidentally think this book is saying you don't matter in the grand scheme of things but that's hogwash.

I was very tempted to start up a short weekly bible study based on the chapters of this book. It's that profound.  

Yes, this book holds some profound insists. The author isn't a wordsmith by any means but I don't need a poet, I need help getting over myself and this book did just that.

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