"Traces of Guilt" Book Review

Oh Man! Was my mystery loving teen daughter excited to see this one arrive on our doorstep. Fortunately I read it first because she's not. No it isn't gruesome. No it isn't smutty. But it does deal with sexual child abuse and, for better or for worse, I don't want my 13 year old to have to deal with that any more than necessary.

In truth, I thought author Dee Henderson did a good job of dealing with the subject without going into detail. However, I didn't like how it was stated over and over that the victim (who is now an adult) needed other people protecting them - as though they can't think for themselves. Victims of abuse have often been told what to think and how to act - against their will. They don't need us to continue on making their decisions. What they need is for us to support them in their decision making, not treat them like a porcelain doll.

I must say "Bravo!" to Ms. Henderson for writing a mystery with many false starts and mis-turns. This book kept me guessing and I didn't see the ending coming. The characters were believable and the plot moved along nicely.

Unfortunately, there is one aspect of Ms. Henderson's writing that grates my nerves. The characters say each other's names too often. No one talks like that in real life and it makes for every conversation sound harsh - like they are being taught or reprimanded all the time. (Ha, I bet if you didn't notice it before, it'll annoy you now.) My daughter asked how I was liking the book and I mentioned this to her and for fun we spoke to each other, throwing in each other's first name as often as the book does. Hilariously rude sounding. It sounded like we were ordering each other around.

All in all I enjoyed this mystery.

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

"The Domino Effect" Book Review

Author Davis Bunn uses "The Domino Effect" to bring to light questionable practices financial institutions follow in their never ceasing quest for the next big payoff.  Admittedly, I'm not a numbers guru. My money expertise ends at the age old wisdom of "Pay off your credit card every month."  And truthfully, real life news of Wall Street rarely captures my attention. However, the way Mr. Bunn tied real life events, such as the lead up to the 2008 crash, had me continually having to remind myself that this was indeed fiction.

On the back cover, "The Domino Effect" is categorized as suspense. Umm, I'd say that's a bit strong of a word. In other write ups, it's described as a thriller. Nope. I kept waiting for the action to start and, well, it never really did. That's not to say it was boring. The first two chapters took a mild level of determination to get through. (Again, because I'm not easily engrossed by banking terms.) But I'm not sorry for having read this book. In fact I think I accidentally learned some stuff.  It's just that it's an over sell to call it a thriller. It would be better classed as a financial fiction based on reality-ish.

The writing is clean and the characters memorable though the plot is, well, slightly contrived. The main character's allies are a tad too able. That's okay. Lately I've been needing more sleep so the last thing I need it to get worked up over a fantasy person right at bedtime.

I would give this book 4 stars except that, again, it is being over sold. Just don't go into it thinking it's going to get your heart pounding and I bet you'll like it.  Oh, and for the record, there is no sexual content, course language or violence. However, there is the threat of violence

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

"Cold Shot" Book Review

Parenting requires making hard choices. "Cold Shot" by Dani Pettrey required me to make yet another hard call. Do I let my 13 year old daughter read a fast paced action packed book that I know she'll love or do I keep it from her and preserve a little slice of her innocence because it is, after all, a murder novel and violent by nature?

For awhile I opted for choice number 2. "Cold Shot" is a great book but it's grisly in some parts. (Not as bad as some books out there by why push?) Then I gave in because I know this is her favorite genre and, like I said, it's mild compared to others. I kid you not, she's reread it over 12 times. And truthfully, I like having her read about men and women who are flawed and yet willing to do the hard thing. Okay, maybe we aren't all called to action but are we even willing to raise our voice? And what Christian fiction wouldn't be complete without a hint of romance? Okay. a large dose of romance.

I can definitely see the need for some sequels - well, spin offs really - because the secondary characters' stories would make for more great reads.

The following is the official synopsis:

Four Best Friends.
And Then One Went Missing . . . 
In college, Griffin McCray and his three best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore Police Department, Declan Grey would head to the FBI, and Parker Mitchell would study to become a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled. 

Now years later, Griffin has left the police and his friendships behind. Still trying to forget a case that went bad when he was a SWAT team sniper, he's living a quiet life as a park ranger at Gettysburg. Quiet until skeletal remains are uncovered near Little Round Top--and they aren't Civil War-era. 

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Grey steps in to take over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

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

"The Artisan's Wife" Book Review

I haven't been feeling well lately and whatever it is that's throwing my body into disarray has tremendously affected my ability to focus. This bit of info is only being shared so that you take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt. While I enjoyed "The Artisan's Wife", it was easy to set it down. No plot twists or conundrums marked its pages nor were there any dire situations for the main characters to overcome.

Now, having said that, I'm glad I read this romance novel. It was light and pithy and just what the doctor ordered. At first I couldn't seem to get into the story but as the chapters passed, I grew to enjoy the lives of Ainslee McKay and Levi Judson and cheered for their successes as they, together, fought to better the lives of the patients of the local mental hospital as well as run a tile factory. And sometimes it's nice to read a story that doesn't worry you in the least. Real life has enough worries of its own.

Author Judith Miller did a great job of setting a good pace for the story. Plus the way she intermingled faith based subjects without it seeming preachy was well done.  I also appreciated the way she dealt with the love between the main man and woman. Love was shown for what it truly is and the pie-in-the-sky Hollywood version was left out. For this I thank you. Young gals need more stories of couples coming together because of love and not because they felt their soul burning within them. lol

While "The Artisan's Wife" might not tempt you to burn the midnight oil it was an enjoyable read and I recommend it for anyone looking for a light read.

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

"Live On Forever" By the Afters - Album Review AND GIVEAWAY

Maybe I'm getting old. I can hear the 'back when I was your age' tone in my inner voice but what ever happened to songs that didn't repeat the same line over and over again? (deep breath) The following is a verse from "Time of My Life"

Above the diamonds in the sky
Below my feet is gold and I'm
Never gonna leave never gonna leave this place
Never wanna leave this place
Like a scene from a different life
Like a dream that we'll never die
Never wanna leave, never wanna leave this place, never gonna leave this place

The chorus is just as repetitive

Tonight I'm having the time
I'm having the time of my life
My life
Tonight I'm having the time
I'm having the time of my life
My life

There's no doubt, "The Afters" are a massively talented group. Their sound is reminiscent of most other Contemporary Christian groups on the radio right now. But in order to make out half of what they were saying, I had to turn the bass to -5 and the treble to +5 (which in my car is the max and min settings).  While listening, there were three teens in the car accompanying me. Two weren't fans, one liked it.

Here is my free tip for all songwriters - especially Contemporary Christian songwriters - Don't have any two lines that share the same words, don't repeat the chorus more than three times and if you can't think of more lyrics, hire a lyricist. Or stop the song. Better a short song than one that repeats until your listener feels compelled to press OFF.

If you are a big fan of contemporary Christian music, you'll like "Live on Forever". This album just wasn't for me. And here's the best news...

SWEEPSTAKE TIME

Comment before September 20th for your chance at winning a totally free copy mailed right to your house. Good luck.


"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant  per mailing address, per  giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

"A Tapestry of Secrets" Book Review

I don't quilt, It seems to be one of those activities that define a person. One doesn't just quilt. They become a quilter. It's their identity. And when I see the works of art the quilters in my life create, I am in awe. The story of "A Tapestry of Secrets" surrounds two women - a grandmother and granddaughter both blessed with the ability of sew works of art.

I quite enjoyed how this book dealt with not judging a person's surface and the secrets that hide in every family. It was a story of redemption, of letting go of the past and of overcoming personal failure. It was also inspiring to read of a young person willing to set aside personal aspirations for the sake of loved ones. (even if it is only fiction) While there is most definitely a romantic aspect to "A Tapestry of Secrets", it is secondary to the main story line.

"A Tapestry of Secrets" by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a nice, rainy day read however, it isn't one I would read over and over again. The story moved at a nice enough pace but it didn't captivate me.

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

"A Sunday Horse" Movie Review

I suppose I should start off by admitting that I wouldn't qualify as a horse lover. I think they are beautiful majestic creatures but I would never kiss one on the snout. Oh, and before watching this movie, I didn't know what a 'sunday horse' was.  There are a few people in my life who are horse lovers. It's almost like horses give them a reason for living. While I don't understand it, their passion makes me smile.

"A Sunday Horse" is the true story of a woman who managed to not only enter the for-the-rich-only world of show jumping but excelled. Just as she arrived at the top of her game, this woman, Debi Connor, then fell from her horse and spent months learning to walk again. Determined not to give up, she overcame huge obstacles to once again successfully compete in show jumping.

Because, as I said, I'm not a horse lover, horse movies aren't my go-to form of entertainment. However, I quite enjoyed "A Sunday Horse". My husband and I discussed the quality of acting and we both felt that the actress playing Debi's mother was painful to watch. However, I don't know the real life mother. Maybe this portrayal was spot on.  My one teen son was annoyed by the obviousness of the outcome of each competition. But as I explained to him, if she didn't win, there wouldn't be a movie on her life.

This was a movie that's great for the whole family with the exception of teen sons. Both of mine only watched it because I had chips. And afterwards, I wish they hadn't. They would look at me with a "Are you kidding me?" face whenever the main character got emotional about her horse. On the other hand, my teen daughter had tears in her eyes. (She loves horses) There are a handful of d-mns spoken and one instance of the main character declaring she 'has the balls' to ride. Other than that, this movie is completely family friendly. Plus there is a strong faith element to the story line.

If you like horse movies, you'll really enjoy "A Sunday Horse". If you don't, you'll likely think it's unremarkable as it mirrors many of the sport comeback story movies out there. I'm glad I watched it but I wouldn't watch it again.

"Movie has been provided courtesy of Mongrel Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."