NO LOVE ~LOST~ by LYNN BULOCK

From Back Cover:

THE CASE OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE TURNED CORPSE...

I seem to be gathering quite a collection of murder victims: first my husband, then my contractor.  And now my ex-husband's fiancee has turned up dead.  But I, Grace Lee Harris, am on the job - much to the dismay of my boyfriend, homicide detective Ray Fernandez.  I've enlisted the ladies of the Christian Friends to help me figure out who killed my ex's sweetie not long before their wedding.  My ex is the prime suspect, but his fiancee kept secrets that might have been deadly.  I just pray that her secrets don't get me killed!

My comments:

What a trip!  Not only does Grace  have her own live to take care of, but now her ex is depending on her to clear his name.  Will Grace be able to satisfy all the men in her life at this moment, or will she find herself the object of everyone's attention?  What secrets were her ex's fiancee been hiding, that would have caused someone to kill her?  

This book was a fun read.  It was easy to picture someone in this position in real life.  I could relate to Grace, when she was trying to keep the communication open between her son and his father.  Lynn Bulock, the author, takes the reader on journey of a woman that is trying to keep her own life separate, yet at the same time help those that she loves.

I give this book a 4.5 rating.

TWIN TARGETS by MARTA PERRY

From back Cover:

BREACH OF IDENTITY

The Witness Protection Program was supposed to keep Jade Summer's sister safe.  So why is U.S. Marshall Micah McGraw saying her twin is dead?  Jade doesn't get the chance to ask because their meeting is interrupted  Ruby's killers.  The mob is after Jade...but neither Micah nor Jade know why.  Somehow, its connected to a decades old crime.  Finding the truth could be disastrous, but lives depend on it.  Several women are in danger...and Jade is the first one in the killer's sights.

My comments:

I love watching "In Plain Sight" on television, so when I found this book, I knew that I wanted to read it.

Once, I opened the book to the first page, I was hooked.  It is so refreshing to read a clean mystery, that is full of promise.  Marta Perry takes the reader into the lives of people that have had to give up their own choices and live a life just to be safe.  I am looking forward to reading the other books in the "Protecting the Witnesses" series.

I give this book a 4.5 star rating.

BOOK REVIEWS

THE LAST BRIDGE HOME

by LINDA GOODNIGHT

From the Back Cover:

Zak To The Rescue

Doing the right thing always came easily to firefighter Zak Ashford.  So he can't refuse taking in the dying wife he thought divorced him long ago - and watching over her three troubled children.  The only person Zak can turn to is his cute neighbor, Jilly Fairmont, who  helps him and the children through their loss.  And not just because she secretly cares for Zak.  Yet it isn't long before Zak realizes what this honest, compassionate woman means to him. too.  Can he convince Jilly that his life would be complete if she agreed to share his future?

My Review:

Zak Ashford just thought his life was in control.  A bachelor, enjoying his work as a firefighter and dreaming of a career in baseball, and a best friend, named Jilly Fairmont.

The day that Crystal drove up in his driveway, with three children and fainted, changed not only his life, but Jilly's.  Crystal, dying with cancer,  has brought her three children in hopes of finding them a home with Zak.  She knows that she only has a small space of time to find someone that will love her children as their own.

Will the friendship that  Zak and Jilly have, be able to weather the changes?  What changes will Crystal's children bring in the next couple of weeks?  Is there a plan that the Lord is trying to show Zak and will he answer the call?

This is the last book in the "Redemption Series" by Linda Goodnight.  I have the privilege of reading all the books in the series.  The last book was as exciting as the first.  I have fallen in love with the characters in each book.  I would give the author a 5 star rating.  Once you start, you won't want to stop.

HER ONLY PROTECTOR

by LISA MONDELLO

From Back Cover:

HER BABY NIECE HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED!

A perilous journey to South America is the only way to retrieve the child.  With her missing brother's daughter back in her arms, Sonny Montgomery finally feels safe.  Until a handsome, cold-eyed bounty hunter stops her moments before boarding a plane to the U.S.

Gill Waite is after her brother.  All he cares about is "finding the fugitive" and collecting his money.  Sonny won't betray her family.  Yet she has no choice but to go with Gil.. A man whose rugged exterior hides the heat of a hero.

My Review:

All Sonny wanted was to get her brother's baby daughter and get out of Colombia.  Just steps away from boarding the plane, she feels someone grab her arm.  Knowing that she cannot afford to make a scene, she goes with him.

Gill has been watching Sonny and knows that she is the link to finding her brother.  Has his desire to find the fugitive clouded his thinking and put not only himself, but his team in harm's way?

With the whole country out looking for the baby, will Gil and his team be able to get Sonny and the baby out before someone finds them?  Or will Gill be so intent on his job that it becomes costly to others?

STORM WARNING 

by LINDA HALL

From Back Cover:

A SAFE HAVEN

The rustic lakeside homestead is supposed to be a refuge for widow Nori Edwards.  However, the moment the single mom arrives, strange and frightening things start happening.  Former police officer Steve Baylor - the only resident who'll step foot on the "cursed" property - vows to protect Nori.  And catch the shadowy someone dead set on terrorizing her.  For the first time, she feels safe.  But danger won't stay hidden forever...and neither will Nori's stalker, who's waiting for a chance to let a deadly storm roll in.

My Review:

Nori knows that she has been under a lot of stress, since her husband died.  Buying the place on Whisper Lake was just the thing that Nori thought would help her to move forward.  With doors and windows being left opened, that she was certain that she had closed, is someone trying to scare Nori from her place of peace?   Will Nori find herself in danger before the culprits are found?

RIVERS OF SECRETS 

by LYNETTE EASON

From Back Cover:

WHERE HAS SHE SEEN HIM BEFORE?

The amnesiac patient in the makeshift Amazon hospital looks familiar to visiting American nurse Amy Graham.  This isn't the first time she's seen those blue-gray eyes, the hard lines of his handsome face.  When Amy sees his birthmark, she knows exactly who he is: Micah McKnight, the presumed-dead Navy SEAL.  Her best friend's brother.  The man her own mother set up to die.

Amy can't bear to tell him the dangerous truth about his hidden past.  But her secrets are about to explode, because now someone is after them both.

My Review:

Amy's own mother is the one that was responsible for the attack on Micah McKnight's team.  Now, here he is in the hospital with amnesiac.  Growing up with Micah, Amy was over at his home visiting with his sister.  The day in the forest, Amy sees the birthmark and is sure that it is Micah.  How can she tell him, when he has begun to trust her.  Will the truth be more than Micah can handle?  What will become of the relationship between Amy and Micah?

FROM THE HEART OF A WOMAN: LOVE LETTERS TO MY LORD

 The author, Sylvia Hensel, states in her book that so many times, she finds herself transported to another place.  She talks about the feeling of being wrapped in God's love.


This was a different style of book I normally review.  As I opened the book, I knew right away, that it was going to be one of richness.  So many times, I get down to pray and my mind is still racing with all the things that need to be done. This book would be a great one to have along side, in that closet of prayer.  Just to open it up and begin reading, caused me to feel like I was reading love letters to my "Heavenly Father".


This is a book that each woman could use at any moment of the day.  I found as I was reading, my heart begin to take on each word, as if it was coming from my own heart.


I received this e-book as a complimentary copy to read and post my honest opinion.  This would be a book that I would give as a gift to my friends.  What a lovely book full of prayers.

THE NEXT TARGET by Nikki Arana

Austia Donatelli, never dreamt the paths her life would take the day she watched her husband, David, board the airplane on his way to minister to the Muslims.


Now, with the passing of David's death, Ausita, has felt the Lord leading her to continue his ministry.  Working at the Career Center, she is helping the Muslim women learn the English language. When women begin to come to her, to learn about Jesus, she knows that she is not only putting their lives in danger, but her own.


When one of her students, Sabirah, a Muslim, is found shot, Austia, knows that her family were responsible. Had she been careless in her ministry?


Zaki, a Muslim man, comes in shortly after and applies for a job to be an interpreter for the Muslim men that come to the Center.  Has he been sent to find out if Austia is the one, responsible for Sabirah becoming a Christian?  Could he be the one that not only ends her ministry, but her life?


I first become acquainted with the author, Nikki Arana, when I reviewed her first book, "The Winds of  Sonoma".  This was the first in the series, "Regalo Grande".  I fell in love with this author.  When she asked if I would be interested in reviewing her new book, I absolutely jumped at the chance.


"The Next Target" is completely different that the first three, and I was taken in by the first page.  I started reading it at night and found that it was 4am, when I finished.  This is a book that I will share, but I definitely want back on my shelf.  


In this book, I was given a glimpse of what Muslim women have to go through.  Freedom, that I take for granted.  I highly recommend this book.  Nikki Arana, has written a book that will take the reader on a journey, that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.  Just remember to breathe.


I give this book a 5 star rating and I am looking forward to more books from this talented author.

101 BIBLE ADVENTURES, THE ULTIMATE QUEST FOR TRUTH!

My girls are now past the age of this style of book, but I wish that they weren't.  I was given this book to do a review on and I was excited.  They have taken the stories of the Bible and have broken them down to the point that young children, that can read will enjoy reading God's Word.  Not only will they enjoy reading, they will learn the Word and realize,  at a young age the importance of having God's Word, a part of their daily life.


I loved the way that they introduce each story with a "What's Up".  Then at the end, they have a "Now What?"  This is like a conclusion of the story and how it applies to their life.  If my grandchildren were smaller, I would buy each of them one of these.  Each story even has a cartoon and what child doesn't like cartoons.  I think that this would be a great book to give as a devotion.


As I mentioned, I was given this book by Tyndale House to do a review.  I was not required to give a positive or negative, but my honest opinion.  After going through the book and seeing the book for what it was intended to be, I am excited to give the book a 5 star rating.  I love books that let our children know how precious they are in God's eyes.

THE ENCOUNTER by STEPHEN ARTERBURN

Is it possible to go back in your past to find peace and love for today?

This is just what Jonathan Rush is hoping to do.  With the encouragement from his pastor, he has found himself in the coldness of Alaska.  For this is where his life began and at the age of four he felt like it had ended.


Now as an adult and a CEO of his own computer company, Jonathan finds himself with three ended marriages and one attempt at suicide and his life is still empty. 


Arriving in Alaska, he finds himself at dead ends.  Not one that ever trusted the press, he finds himself teaming up with one.  Will they be able to find information about his past and find his mother?  He doesn't even know her name.  Why would she have left him at the age of four?  Was it something that he did?  When he finds her, will he be able to forgive and finally move on with his life?  Or will the knowledge only cause him to harden more?  He knows in his heart that he needs to forgive and forge a relationship with the person that left him all alone, his own Mother.  Will he have the strength to do the right thing?


This book was one that I wondered if I would be able to get into.  Wow, from the first page, I was hooked.  I didn't put the book down until I had finished the last page.  I can't remember the last time that I have done this.  It touched places in my own heart and caused me to look keep inside myself and my relationships.  The author, Stephen Arterburn, takes the reader on an adventure.  I loved the easy flow of the book and the way the characters came alive.  Stephen Arterburn, did an outstanding job.  You will look at the relationships in your own life different after reading this.


I was given the book to review by Booksneeze.  I was not required to give a positive review, but after reading, I have no choice but to give it a 5 star rating  I am already thinking how some of my friends would enjoy this book.

Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter

FROM THE BACK:


Faith ran away from her Amish home ten years ago and is now chasing an unusual dream - of being a comedian.  Recently widowed, though, she wants to find a stable home for her six-year-old daughter so she can travel for work.


Noan Hertzler is a bit of an oddity in his community - he enjoys cooking and often bakes desserts that he gives to others.  He likes to attach a verse of scripture to each gift, hoping to feed the recipient's soul as well as body.


Can Noah's method reach Faith's soul before it's too late?  Is Faith's life just one  big joke - or will she find her true identity and the love she's needed for so long?


MY REVIEW:


Growing up Faith was always told that jokes and yodeling was not accepted in the Amish community, by her family.  When she became of age, she left to pursue her dream of being an entertainer.


Now ten years later, her husband is dead and she realizes that the road is no place for her daughter.  Faith believes that she will give her daughter time to adjust to a life among the Amish, living with her family, and then leave.


Renewing friendships, Faith is at a crossroad of decision.  Will it be best to leave her daughter and follow her own dream?  Or will she open her heart and allow the Lord to show her what can complete her life?


I love any book by Wanda E. Brunstetter.  This book was not an exception.  I would give this book a 5 star rating. The author has taken the reader into the Amish community and allowed us to get a glimpse of what a life with the Amish would be like.


**This Christmas, are you away from your family?  Put your faith in God and allow Him to take you back home where you belong.  Nothing is too tall that He can't hurdle over.  May each of you find yourself with family this season.

STUMBLING INTO GRACE by LISA HARPER

STUMBLING INTO GRACE by LISA HARPER, was a great and interesting book.  One of the biggest draws for me to want to read the book was the picture on the cover.  This was first book to read by this author and I was not disappointed.  This is a book that you can read like you would a devotional, a book to take notes on, or one that you can sit down and thoroughly enjoy.  But be prepared to laugh until you have tears running down your face.

As I read the book, there were times that I found myself walking right along with her.  You know, the times that we ladies think that we are the "superwoman", the one that hides behind a mask and lets the world think that, we are this strong person and our world is perfect?  Yet, all along, the Lord knows all about it?

This is a book that I would love to have others read.  I think that anyone could reap something by the end of this book.  I would give it a 5 star rating.

This e-book was given to be to do a review on by "Booksneeze".  I appreciate being able to read the book and give my honest opinion.

Backyard Horses

Daydreaming.  If there is anything that will end up sending Ellie to the principal's office, it would be daydreaming.  It seems that she just can't stop dreaming of one day of owning her own horse.


Sitting at her desk. gazing out the window, she sees a horse on the loose.  Will anyone believe her or will they think she is just imagining it.


This is the first book in the "Backyard Horses" series by Dandi Daley Mackall.  It is a Kids/Juvenile/Fiction book.  I would most definately recommend this book.  It was easy to read and even for those that aren't horse lovers are surely to enjoy it.  Looking forward to reading the next in the series.


I give the book a 5 star rating.


This is a book that I received from Tyndale House to review.

The Daughter's Walk

When I first requested the book “The Daughter’s Walk” by Jane Kirkpatrick, I was not sure if it would be a book that I could get into.   The picture on the cover is what had drawn me.  Knowing that it was based on a true account, I knew that I wanted to read it.  

When the book arrived, I was intrigued with the account of Clara and her Mother, taking on the challenge to walk across the United States in the year 1896.  I found that I could not put the book down.  Two women, on a journey in hopes of being able to save their land.

After many delays, they make it, only to be told that they were a few days late.  Arriving back home, they find that there were deaths in the family.  The consequences that follow are hard to accept.

Clara has found out that she really is not her father’s child and starts out on a journey to find who she is.  With the help of two ladies Clara starts on her own walk and is faced with her own challenges.

The author, Jane Kirkpatrick has brought to the reader a novel that is full of facts with just enough fiction to tell their story.    My heart ached at times and yet the tenderness of Clara towards a family that wanted to hear nothing of the journey, helped me to understand that family should always matter. 

This was family: people who shared griefs and joys and didn’t let the love of money set  the tone, people who accommodated each other, stepped aside at times without, “It’s my way or no way at all.” (page 223)

I would rate this book a 5, due to the storyline, facts given and the ease of being able to follow the characters from the start to the finish.  This book will be one that I will remember and will share with others. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES FAITH MAKE?

You might believe in God, but do you feel that he has truly changed your life?  Are you on a amazing, world-shaking spiritual journey - or are you feeling restless and dissatisfied, wondering if this is really the best that faith in Jesus has to offer?

International evangelist and speaker Luis Palau has encountered people from all walks of life who believe in God but who have never experienced real, defining transformation.  In Changed by Faith, he offers a gritty, up-close look at the broken world around us, the true redemptive power of the gospel - and what it means for our life today.  Through dramatic personal stories and a solid Scriptural perspective, Luis walks you through the practical changes that come when you follow the true teaching of Jesus Christ, and shows you how God can take the ashes of your life and transform them into something beautiful.  (from the back cover of the book)

In Changed by Faith, the author Luis Palau  takes us on a journey.  His father, who died when Luis was 10 years old, had a lasting effect on his life.  he talks of how his father stood up in the middle of a service, proclaiming his faith. He recalls seeing his father living his faith out ever day, by reading the Word and witnessing to others every chance he had.

This book is not a hard book to get into, but if you are like me, you want to have a notebook handy.  Luis, shares a number of not only his experiences of walking by faith, but of others.

You will not only read of people that were not raised in a Christian home, but those that were.  Their stories may differ from each other, but in the end, it all comes back to your faith in God.

Although, the book can be read easily, it is full of the scriptures and can be a guide to help you, if you find yourself lacking in faith.

I would recommend this to my friends, but I would ask that you take the time to really think about what you are reading.  This book has the potential to turn your life around from doubting to having the faith that God would want you to have. 

i received this book from Tyndale House, to do a review.  I was only asked to read the book and give my honest opinion on it.  I have tried to give my honest thoughts and hope that as you read it, that you will find your own faith soaring.  I give this book a 4.5 rating.

Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze

Vicki Hinze is a delightful author, who takes the reader on a  journey of emotions.  The characters are full of personality.  Throughout the story, you will find life changing truths that one could apply to their own life.  This was a new author for me and I will be looking to read more of her writings in the future.  I would rate this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to my friends.

Lisa Marie Harper lost her loving father at the early age of seven to death.  The man, Dutch Hauk, that her mother later marries, turns out to be anything but a loving father to Lisa.  To protect Lisa from the cruelties of Dutch, Annie gives full custody to a close friend.

Twelve years later, not being allowed to see Lisa, except for stolen glimpses.  Lisa and Annie are now taking the chance to be apart of each others lives.  Except, that neither one can fathom the depths of Dutch's anger.  Determined to keep them apart, Dutch enlist his associates in the crime world, that are feared beyond fear itself.  Lisa though, has Mark Taylor in her life and he has special connections to his own team of Special Operations.

Can this team of Mark's stand up against the reputation of Dutch and his special connections to NINA?  Will Lisa and her mother find that place of having a home together or will it be too late?

I received this copy to do a review and I am so embarressed to admit it, but I have lost the paper that had the people who sent the book to me.  As soon as I find it, I promise I will post it.

Today, Friday, Feb. 25th, I was looking through my desk and found a folder titled "Reviews".  Now why I did not look here before, is beyond me.  Yes, the info was there and now I can say that this book was reviewed for free from WaterBrook Multonah Publishing Group.