Saturday, May 14, 2016
CROOKED LINES by HOLLY J. MICHAEL
What a wonderful book about two people from different countries whose stories seem to weave together . . Rebecca who resides in America is dealing with the death of her younger sister. She blames herself for the tragedy and wants to go away for awhile. Maybe she can find out what plans God has for her life. It must have been such a burden for Rebecca to carry guilt over her sister's death. Rebecca wants to travel to India and hopefully get some healing from the heartache she feels over her sister.
Sagai lives in South India where he is a priest. He yearns to draw closer to God, but he feels he is only grower further away from Him. As Rebecca searches for answers, she goes to a church where there is a priest speaking. The priest is friends with Sagai and Rebecca shares her desire with the priest about traveling to India. I really enjoyed how Rebecca and Sagai became pen pals with the priest. They started a friendship that lasted many years. The author does a great job of telling a story about two people looking for the same answer. How many times have we asked God for help? Have we ever felt like He isn't listening or has left us? What if we hear His voice clearly, but decide to take a different path instead?
The book is well written and definitely makes you take a look at your own life. Did we take the road God showed us, or did we take the crooked road which led us to trails, struggles, unhappiness and a feeling of loneliness for Him? It is a very engaging book with wonderful characters who draw you in with their desire to find answers and seek God. As I read the book, it made me really search my heart and think about the choices I have made. Did I follow the crooked lines or listen to Him and follow the straight lines that was my destiny?
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Sagai lives in South India where he is a priest. He yearns to draw closer to God, but he feels he is only grower further away from Him. As Rebecca searches for answers, she goes to a church where there is a priest speaking. The priest is friends with Sagai and Rebecca shares her desire with the priest about traveling to India. I really enjoyed how Rebecca and Sagai became pen pals with the priest. They started a friendship that lasted many years. The author does a great job of telling a story about two people looking for the same answer. How many times have we asked God for help? Have we ever felt like He isn't listening or has left us? What if we hear His voice clearly, but decide to take a different path instead?
The book is well written and definitely makes you take a look at your own life. Did we take the road God showed us, or did we take the crooked road which led us to trails, struggles, unhappiness and a feeling of loneliness for Him? It is a very engaging book with wonderful characters who draw you in with their desire to find answers and seek God. As I read the book, it made me really search my heart and think about the choices I have made. Did I follow the crooked lines or listen to Him and follow the straight lines that was my destiny?
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
FAITH OF A FATHER BY FRANK BARBEHENN
Have you ever read a book that touched you so deeply, that after finishing it all you could do was cry. This book was one of the most powerful and touching books I've read in a very long time on a subject that is difficult to talk about. The author had real questions about if there really was a God as he struggled through trauma growing up. I'm sure it was very difficult to have an alcoholic mother who didn't seem to care about him and an emotionally abusive father. It's hard to feel like anyone cares when you feel unloved .
I was so impressed how the author found scriptures that helped him through this difficult time in his life. He found his way to God and realized that his belief was in the truth that Jesus came back to life. With that knowledge how could he not believe that God existed? The book is a letter to his daughter but for many of us it is a letter of healing , forgiveness and hope. He explains that although there was a time he cried out for protection and a feeling of rage, that we must remember as victims it is not our fault. It is so easy to say "If I had done this differently , maybe I would not have been treated so badly." There is no truth in that and it is never the victims fault. " Courage, real courage , is no quick fix. It doesn't come in a bottle or a pill. It comes from discipline. From taking everything life hands you and being your best either because of it or in spite if it." That statement really hit home for me. Through everything I went through as a child I always tell people I would not change a thing. It made me stronger and gave me a deeper trust in God. I believe things happen for a reason.
The author endured many traumas but I admire that he was able to find courage and with it came joy and hope. His love for God, his children and grandchildren is evident as he shares his story. He has given them a legacy that shows how no matter what you go through , God is there. He loves you and He will never leave you. The book is one I will return to often to give me encouragement as I strive to overcome my childhood trauma. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book that reminds us that God loves us and we are free. We don't have to live with emotional pain, but can be set free .
I received a copy of this amazing book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
I was so impressed how the author found scriptures that helped him through this difficult time in his life. He found his way to God and realized that his belief was in the truth that Jesus came back to life. With that knowledge how could he not believe that God existed? The book is a letter to his daughter but for many of us it is a letter of healing , forgiveness and hope. He explains that although there was a time he cried out for protection and a feeling of rage, that we must remember as victims it is not our fault. It is so easy to say "If I had done this differently , maybe I would not have been treated so badly." There is no truth in that and it is never the victims fault. " Courage, real courage , is no quick fix. It doesn't come in a bottle or a pill. It comes from discipline. From taking everything life hands you and being your best either because of it or in spite if it." That statement really hit home for me. Through everything I went through as a child I always tell people I would not change a thing. It made me stronger and gave me a deeper trust in God. I believe things happen for a reason.
The author endured many traumas but I admire that he was able to find courage and with it came joy and hope. His love for God, his children and grandchildren is evident as he shares his story. He has given them a legacy that shows how no matter what you go through , God is there. He loves you and He will never leave you. The book is one I will return to often to give me encouragement as I strive to overcome my childhood trauma. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book that reminds us that God loves us and we are free. We don't have to live with emotional pain, but can be set free .
I received a copy of this amazing book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
To Catch A Treat
by Linda O. Johnston
Sometimes, I think loving cats is perquisite for enjoying a good cozy. This story is proof that dog lovers can hold their own as the furry best friends are the real stars…
~I Read What You Write!
~I Read What You Write!
I enjoyed this one. The atmosphere is welcoming and fun.
~Shelley’s Book Case
~Shelley’s Book Case
To Catch a Treat (A Barkery & Biscuits Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2016)
Paperback: 312 pages
E-Book ASIN: B01A5OGVOE
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2016)
Paperback: 312 pages
E-Book ASIN: B01A5OGVOE
Synopsis
Carrie Kennersly, veterinary technician and owner of the Barkery and Biscuits bake shop, agrees to a day of hiking with her brother Neal mostly because she wants to meet—and critique—his latest romantic interest, Janelle Blaystone. But instead of judgment, Carrie has only sympathy for Janelle, whose beloved black Labrador, Go, was recently dognapped along with many other purebred pets.Janelle thinks the culprit is Ada Arnist, a wealthy homeowner spotted at the dog parks where Go and the others were stolen. Soon after Janelle confronts her, though, Ada is found dead. With Janelle and Neal on the suspect list, Carrie must solve the mystery before the police bark up the wrong tree.
About The Author –
Linda O. Johnston’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the year. Since then, Linda, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published more short stories, novellas, and 38 romance and mystery novels, including the Pet Rescue Mystery Series
, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries
for Berkley Prime Crime, and Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne. She additionally writes the Superstition Mysteries
for Midnight Ink. Her latest cozy mystery series, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries
are also from Midnight Ink.
, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne. She additionally writes the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink. Her latest cozy mystery series, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries are also from Midnight Ink.
Author Links:
Webpage: www.LindaOJohnston.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaOJohnsto
There is something to be said about book covers. This one really delivers brilliantly on grabbing your attention. Who wouldn't want to see what these dogs are up to? I love cozy mysteries and this book is another example of why I do. It has great characters such as Carrie who was a vet tech and now runs a bakery. Here is the great thing about this bakery; it not only offers human treats but animal treats. Guess Carrie couldn't quite give up her love of being a vet tech.
Carrie loves her job as a bakery owner but she of course she still loves animals. When she meets her brothers friend, Janelle she is upset to learn that her dog was dog napped. If you are a pet owner, you know how hard it is to lose one. Janelle is distraught over this and Carrie decides to see if maybe she can help find out what happened. Here is when the story explodes with intrigue and keeps you glued to the book. First we have a missing dog, then suddenly it reappears. I smell something fishy here, don't you? But just wait, the excitement has just gotten started . What is Janelle hiding? What tragedy happens next that will have Carrie start to question if there was a dog napping ?
Get ready for a fun ride as the adventure never stops in this story. I loved the characters and the story that kept me guessing. The story takes some twists that I didn't see coming which made me even more determined to finish the book. Fans of cozy mysteries and dog lovers will not be disappointment in this well written who dun-it book that is sure to be recommended by cozy mystery lovers. Find a comfy place to read and enjoy this wonderful book that the author has written with creativity, well rounded characters and a mystery that is sure to keep you guessing till the end.
I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for an honest review.
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Wednesday, May 11, 2016
THE AMISH FIREFIGHTER by LAURA V. HILTON
This is another outstanding book from a very gifted author. I loved this book so much, I read it in one day. Yes it is that good. It is not the typical feel good Amish story where everyone is happy and helps out. What it is though is a very intriguing book filled with shunning, accusations, mystery and an unforgettable story . Ms. Hilton delivers a very captivating story of characters that came to life.
Abigail has for some reason been sent to her aunt and uncles place to live. What would it feel like to one day wake up and be told you are no longer welcomed at your home? She is very confused by this, but of course obeys her family . She somehow gets mixed up with a group from the new town that seem to have trouble follow them wherever they go. Unfortunately one night while out with her friends, Abigail is somehow accused of a barn fire. There have been a rash of these devastating fires in the town and well you know the saying, Being at the wrong place at the wrong time. " How will Abigail convince a town that she just moved to that she is innocent of the fire?
Perhaps Sam can be of some assistance to her. He is a firefighter who seems to be positive that Abigail had something to do with it. I loved how the author wrote such strong independent characters who compliment each other well. As they get to know each other, you can feel the attraction come to life with gentle words of affection and a concern for each other's well being . Are there secrets in the town that could explain why Abigail was sent there? Does Sam have a past that he doesn't want anyone to know about? Well as the saying goes, " Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive ."
The book was outstanding and I love the Amish words and their meaning at the beginning of the book. The book captures the true meaning of forgiveness, intrigue and a bit of romance that keeps readers glued to the story.
I received a copy of this book The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Abigail has for some reason been sent to her aunt and uncles place to live. What would it feel like to one day wake up and be told you are no longer welcomed at your home? She is very confused by this, but of course obeys her family . She somehow gets mixed up with a group from the new town that seem to have trouble follow them wherever they go. Unfortunately one night while out with her friends, Abigail is somehow accused of a barn fire. There have been a rash of these devastating fires in the town and well you know the saying, Being at the wrong place at the wrong time. " How will Abigail convince a town that she just moved to that she is innocent of the fire?
Perhaps Sam can be of some assistance to her. He is a firefighter who seems to be positive that Abigail had something to do with it. I loved how the author wrote such strong independent characters who compliment each other well. As they get to know each other, you can feel the attraction come to life with gentle words of affection and a concern for each other's well being . Are there secrets in the town that could explain why Abigail was sent there? Does Sam have a past that he doesn't want anyone to know about? Well as the saying goes, " Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive ."
The book was outstanding and I love the Amish words and their meaning at the beginning of the book. The book captures the true meaning of forgiveness, intrigue and a bit of romance that keeps readers glued to the story.
I received a copy of this book The BookClub Network for an honest review.
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