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Friday, August 5, 2016


PROOF by JORDYN REDWOOD

I am a huge fan of medical mystery books like Richard Mabry writes. This book is definitely right up there with his caliber of writing . I just discovered that the author has written a couple of other books that will be on my list to buy next. I'm excited that I found a new author that writes suspenseful books with a medical theme.

 As Lilly works in the ER of a hospital, I can visualize her movements with perfect precision. She is very skilled and well liked at her job. One day the unthinkable happens to her. She has been viciously raped and the police suspect several other cases are similar to hers. Her emotional state was well written and I could feel her sinking deeper into depression. Her work is being affected and she is borderline on the brink of a nervous breakdown when she discovers something that happened after her rape. What is it that will cause her to  turn away from her friends? What secret Is  she  hiding? I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be alright. I felt her pain and her despair.  Have you ever thought that you couldn't handle a situation?  "Sometimes , God will bring you to the end of yourself so that all you see is him."

The medical aspect of the story is riveting and I loved the knowledge the author shows about DNA in her writing. It is very detailed and really gave me insight into something I was not familiar with. I appreciate the intricate storyline and how one things ties to another. I loved the spiritual references throughout the book and how some of the characters relied on their faith and were comfortable praying for situations. I loved the mention of sacrifice. It was well placed in the story and reminds readers that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

The ending is an on the edge of your seat action packed thrill ride. How far would you go to prove your innocence?

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Thursday, August 4, 2016


BURIED by ELIZABETH GODDARD

From the first page, the action is a big adrenaline rush. Leah is running for her life . The powerful description of being buried under snow was impressive. I could feel my skin turn cold as Leah struggled to reach the surface and freedom. She is a very strong and determined woman.

Leah's troubles begin when she witnessed a murder. Who did she see get killed? Who is the man chasing her and why does  he think she has something thst is valuable to him? The story is riveting and keeps readers on the edge of their seat. The author does the an amazing job of developing the characters. I loved Cade and his strong desire to to rescue people. The details of the avalanche was intense and showed how dangerous and fast they are.

Cade and Leah are a great team, but something is holding her back. She has big trust issues that hold him at bay. Danger lurks in every corner as Keah tries desperately to escape the man who is after her. Will she let Cade help her? I loved the fast oace action and the scriptures that were scattered throughout the story. It was nice to see the characters rely on their faith as they tried to stay out of danger. The author really gives a great intriguing story that keeps you guessing till the end. Will Cade and Leah be able to keep their faith and learn to trust each other as they face a dangerous man? Be sure and grab a copy of this explosive story that is filled with intrigue, faith, deceit and trust.

"Not my place to decide if someone is worthy of being rescued. That's God's job." I really loved this quote from Cade. It is true that God is the only one who should judge . Our job is to follow and obey Him.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Monday, August 1, 2016


THE ALLIANCE by JOLINA PETERSHEIM

What would you do if one day your computer, phone, TV and car stopped working? As you go outside to see what is going on, you hear a plane as it crashes onto your land. Do you start to think the end of the world is here? When the pilot of the plane approaches you, are you scared? These thoughts must have been going through Leora that fateful day. The Mennonites live in a quiet community with little luxuries, but they are being told that there is no electricity, cars are not working and there is no way  to call for help.  Towns  everywhere are without power. The Nennonites  are strong and they help each other out. They don't believe in violence. But that soon may change as Moses tells the community was has happened.

Everyone has just experienced an EMP which is an electromagnetic pulse. It is capable of taking out the power grid and ceasing all electric devices. Moses is trying to explain what is going on, but there is some doubt among the people. I think if I was in that community, I would start to blame Moses for everything. I loved Leora  and her fierce determination to care for her family but she does have a problem with control. I sure know how trying to control everything can cause destruction and trust issues.

The town comes  together to make  a safe place for the families and is only allowing a few English people into their compound. The author really delivers on writing the raw  emotions of desperate people as they try to survive. How do you turn away children who are starving? It was so emotional to read the struggles that  people faced . I loved the struggle that had some doubting their faith. They had always been taught to never fight and always open their home to others. The story is gripping, full of action and I enjoyed how the author touched on trust issues. We all have a time where we start to doubt our faith and wondering if we can ever trust anyone. Will the Mennonites be able to protect themselves  from outsiders trying to break their barricade? Can they trust each other or will they turn and fight amongst themselves?

The story is riveting and brings to light the impact an EMP would have on each of us. I can't imagine having to beg for food, look for shelter and keep my  family safe. The author has written such a compelling story that I couldn't put it down. The ending is dramatic, powerful and an adrenaline rush.  There is a moment in the book where the compound comes together to eat. I loved when the author wrote, "Sometimes it is necessary to celebrate life, despite being faced with defeat and death." It reminded me of the Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples. He knew what was coming, but He wanted that time with His disciples.   We all need to be reminded that we are not guaranteed one day on this earth, but while we are here we need to make every moment count. Make sure you don't miss this gripping story  and be sure to check out the discussions questions at the end of the book. The author has included an excerpt from the next book that you won't want to miss reading.. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this unforgettable story and know it will be just as explosive as this one was.

"We'll find protection in the shadow of his wings."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Sunday, July 31, 2016


THE LOYAL HEART by SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Is it possible to love a book so much that you want to re read it or even beg for it to be made into a movie? This book is exactly the book I am talking about. It has all the elements for a beautiful film to be made and watch the story come to life. With the author's wonderful writing style, I can visualize the story vividly. I loved the historical seeting and great detail that was given . I may be a bit partial to the setting of Galveston, Texas since I live so close to it. As the characters walked the strand, I saw the majestic buildings that graced the town. There are many historical houses there and I loved the description of Miranda's house.

When a group of  Confederate soldiers are thrown together in a prison cell on an Island in Lake Erie, they become very close. It is a hard life and at times they wonder if they will survive and get to see freedom. I thought that the bond the men had was written with such grace and showed how trust can help you get through tough times.  As they sit there in prison, they make a pact to each other. They agree from this day forward until the war is over, they are to look out for each other and their wives.  I could see them gathered in a small cell each looking at each other with determination and a look of comradely in their eyes.

When one of the men does not make it out alive, Robert Truax is sent to check on the man's wife. He is a great character with charm, integrity and a mission to fulfill. When he arrives in Galveston to see Miranda , the wife of the fallen soldier, he is surrounded by horrible gossip being spread about his fallen friend. Where are these vicious rumors coming from? He finds Miranda barely hanging on as the gossip has taken a toll on her. She knows in her heart that her husband has not done the horrible things being said about him. She has become frail and withdrawn. Is someone trying to run her out of town , so they can get her house? Is her life in danger?

The story is well written with  a theme of intrigue, deceit, forgiveness, trust and loyalty. How far will Robert go to protect Miranda and honor his pact made in a prison cell? I loved the suspense around the mysterious letters that are being sent to Miranda. What is in those letters that scare her and makes Robert angry? Can Phillips's good name be restored ? The story is well written and the characters come to life in this intriguing story that shows the importance of loyalty and trust. How far would you go to be loyal to your family , friends and God?

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

THE STEEPLECHASE by CARRIE FANCETT PAGELS

What a wonderful story that takes you to an era that is rich in history. A war is soon to break out and chaos will set in. I really loved the historical setting and the way the characters spoke with such proper manners. Martha is a very likeable character. She is headstrong and fiercely protective of her family . She finds out her brother Jonny is unhappy away at school and wants to come home. What scheme will Martha try to bring her brother back home?

There is a horse race coming up that seems to have a policy that no women are allowed in the race. What a silly rule that must be for Martha to absorb . It will not stop this determined woman. She is already making plans to compete in the steeplechase. She needs to win this race . Will she be able to fool people and join in the race? Will her horse be faster than others?

The story is fast pace  with lots of action that keep readers glued to the book. I loved reading about the impending war of 1812. Will Martha find someone to help her bring her brother home. I loved Martha's big heart and love for her family. Will secrets be revealed that could cause problems for the town ? I loved the intrigue, and how Phillip came to know Martha. Will he help her with her desire to win the race? It is interesting to read about a strong woman in this time period. It is refreshing and made the story so enjoyable to read. The writing is great as the author made me think of horse races I have gone to. The animals are so beautiful and strong. They are focused and ready to do their job. Thank you for writing a book that is wonderful to read and reminds me to always have faith and trust God.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

THE RINGMASTER 'S WIFE by KRISTY CAMBRON

Sometimes I find it difficult to review a book. I can't find the right words to say or my thoughts can't seem to come  together. This book is one that I will never be able to truly do justice for. It is without a doubt , one of the most masterfully written stories that I have  ever read. The description of the "Greatest Show On Earth" was so vivid I found myself closing my eyes for a moment. I could hear the laughter of the children as they watched the clowns.. I heard the gasps from the audience  as the trapeze artists flew flawlessly across the sky. The animals were magnificent and the performers were perfect. The author has written a story that gives us a glimpse into the circus life. It is hard work and often times exhausting. But the show is always spectacular and breathtaking.

I loved how the author weaved history and fiction together to give us a story filled with sorrow, hope, expectations, trust, faith , forgiveness and devotion. I enjoyed reading about how  Mable met John Ringling. It was fascinating to read how the circus started and all the behind the scenes that took place. Mable was a kind and giving woman. She loved the circus and knew how important it was to her husband. What I liked most about her was how she didn't like the limelight. She was content in being  on the sidelines and doing things behind the scenes. She didn't want any recognition for who she was or what she did. She was a true humble woman who graced the circus world with her warmth and integrity.

Rosamund who is a fictional character in the story finds herself traveling to retrieve her beloved horse who has been sold to Colin to use in the circus. Their chemistry was instant it seemed and I really liked how the characters had a fierce loyalty to their dreams. Rosamund is a very experienced horse rider and has been doing tricks on her horse with ease. Colin was very keen on her abilities and is determined to get her into the show. Will Rosamund leave the luxury of her life and fall in love with the circus? What dangers will she face ? Will Colin be able to win Rosamund's trust?

I loved the history at the back of the book. It is very detailed and really brought the story to a remarkable visualization of everyone that was involved in the beginning of the circus. There were a couple of things that really stood out to me in the book. I loved Mable saying this,"Maybe He's always been here, we just haven't really looked to see Him. Maybe there's something bigger at work than the two of us." We don't know our future, but with His  direction He will guide us if we allow Him to. The characters all had dreams, just like we do. Can we trust God to help us see our dreams come true?

"It's never too late to be what you might have been."

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.










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