2/3/17 - In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware - book review

While at the airport, waiting for my flight to Texas, I happened upon a bookstore and went in.  I had seen this title come up in my Audible feed, so I thought I'd take a look.  Inside, and on the cover, were glowing reviews.  This is not one.

Have you ever had a book that you wanted to throw across the room upon completion?  I wanted to with this one.

From an editorial review:

An Amazon Best Book of August 2015: Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood has all the hallmarks of a good psychological thriller-- a woman lured back to a past she's spent a decade trying to escape, a few unstable characters, and a shocking death. The impending marriage of Nora's best friend from that long ago time brings her to a glass-walled cabin deep in the woods, for a hen party (the U.K. equivalent of a bachelorette weekend). But why is she there when the two haven't spoken since Nora fled their college town ten years ago? As the party gets underway things start to take a dark turn that builds with each passing moment. In a Dark, Dark Wood is a slow burn, each revelation and obfuscation luring the reader at an ever faster pace towards its ultimate life and death conclusion.--Seira Wilson

Back to me:

Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood is her debut thriller and New York Times bestseller.  Set in the U.K., there were a few words, or usage of words, I was unfamiliar with.  My problem, not hers.  The main character, Leonora Shaw (aka/Nora, Lee, Leo) is a reclusive writer that receives an invitation from an unknown person, Flo, to attend a hen party (bachelorette) weekend for a friend she hasn't heard from in 10 years, Clare.  On the email invitation she recognizes a friend's name, Nina, and they decide what the hell.  Nora wrestles with this for a while because she hasn't seen Clare, or even heard from her in so long.  Why would she be invited to a weekend away, in a "glass castle" for a hen party when she hasn't been invited to the wedding.  First clue.  This glass castle is in...wait for it...a dark, dark wood.  Once there, these twenty-somethings, meet Flo, some crazy, obsessive, maid-of-honor to Clare that looks like Clare and dresses like her.  Second clue.  They also meet new mommy Melanie that both Nora and Nina have met before.  This character could have easily been removed from the script, but I digress.  They also meet Tom, yeah, a dude at the hen party.  Both Nora and Nina have met Tom before but weren't close.  Finally, after all the guests that were to attend were there, the hen, Clare shows up. 

The glass castle is Flo's aunt's summer house and she obsesses over keeping it clean, but more so on no one ruining her party for Clare.  Flo has so many sophomoric games for them to play, but no pink boa's.  They go skeet shooting, they play on the Ouija board, they play "Never, have I ever" they have drinking games, the list goes on and on.  You throw in some coke, a gun that was supposed to be loaded with blanks a scary night where an intruder is shot and then dies and you have a suspense-thriller.

I'll give credit where credit is due, after the initial disappointment of it being a "scary" book, I enjoyed the suspense.  I absolutely HATED the ending, that's where the idea of throwing the book across the room came from.  I normally write book reviews for publishers and therefore, receive the book free.  Dang it, I paid for this one.

To recommend or not to recommend...eh, it's up to you.  If you enjoy suspense thrillers, go for it.  The movie will probably be better.

10/24/16 - Today's Moment of Truth: Devotions to Deepen Your Faith in Christ by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg - Book review

Why Do We Believe What We Believe?

Leading apologists Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg present 180 insightful devotions that will give you daily infusions of spiritual truth while deepening your knowledge of the evidence for Christianity. Each devotional is based on scientific, historical, or biblical facts that will bolster your confidence in Christ. You will be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). Practical takeaway will allow you to put this confidence and knowledge into action. You’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of why you believe what you believe. In the process, you’ll find your love of truth—and your passion to share it—growing each day.

You may remember Lee Strobel's The Case for..., he and Mark Mittelberg, author of The Contagious Church, have worked together on this devotional.  So not only will you get easy background on why we believe what we do, but scripture, further thinking and truth for today.  The contents reveal any topical index you would need for the 180 devotions.  The devotions are interesting, concise and thought provoking.  One that sticks in my head is the 6 E's of the Resurrection; Execution, the Empty Tomb, Eyewitnesses, Early accounts, Extra Biblical reports, and the Emergence of the church all points to the truth of the Resurrection.

The hardcover handles well and the devotional has a ribbon to mark your spot.  This devotional may be used individually, within a small group or as a family devotional. 

I received a complimentary copy of this devotional from BookLook Bloggers for an honest review.

10/18/16 - Hidden in my Heart Scripture Memory Bible NLT - Stephen Elkins (Editor) - Book review for Tyndale House Publishers

The Hidden in my Heart Memory Bible is a wonderful addition to any family.  The age range for the Bible is 6 - 10 years of age, however, it can be useful for any person wanting to memorize scripture.  The highlighted scriptures are one hundred core verses to memorize in any of the three translations of the Bible; the New Living Translation, the New International Version and the King James Version.  The songs you can download feature the core verses.

Scripture memorization grounds, kids in the faith, equips them for the future, and solidifies relationships with Christ, family, and others. The Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible was created to encourage kids not only to read God’s Word, but also to hide it deep within their hearts. One hundred of the Bible’s core verses have been set to music by renowned children’s author and songwriter Stephen Elkins. The 100 songs include a variety of genres and are available in the New Living Translation, New International Version, and King James Version, and all songs are free with the purchase of the Bible. Additional interactive features encourage school-age kids to engage with the Word in every place of their life.  

What songs have you memorized?  The ABC song?  Twinkle, Twinkle little star?  Jesus Loves Me?  Will you ever forget them?  No you won't because you have learned them by the song.  This Bible allows your children to do the same thing with beloved scriptures.  Truly not only can children use this Bible for memorization, adults can too.  Are there some scriptures that you would long to "hide in your heart"?  This Bible is for you...and your family.  

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

10/2/16 - 365 Pocket Morning Prayers: Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day by David R. Veerman - a book review for Tyndale House Publishers

Each morning when you rise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day with joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

Veerman is the owner of The Livingstone Corp., a company devoted to helping Christians and Christian organizations improve ministry effectiveness. He currently presents Understanding Your Teenager seminars across the country.
 
This leather bound book feels so good in your hands.  It's wonderful to start your morning with a prayer and scripture.  You can use this as your morning devotions or anytime your mind wanders and you need help with prayer.  There is a topical index in the back of the book.  It will also fit in your purse, book bag or briefcase.  The days in the book are numbered and not dated so you can start anytime.  Each day you have a full page prayer with half pages for weekends.  The book cover is beautiful with a palm tree and a few seagulls and it has a ribbon book marker so you won't lose your place.  I'd recommend this pocket, morning prayers to anyone.  It will truly give you strength and joy to begin each day with.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review..

10/1/16 - The Jeremiah Project Part 1-The Scrapbook by A. J. Foltz - Book review for Book Look Bloggers

The Jeremiah Project Part 1—The Scrapbook is a user-friendly study that you cannot afford to miss. It’s like finding a few more pieces to that big puzzle of life. Some of us have a good start at putting it all together, but the picture of life becomes a little clearer and makes more sense after spending some time with Jeremiah. You will find insightful information as he, by appointment from God, delivers wisdom, comfort, and strength that will get many through the upheaval in our world. 

About the Author

As a new and upcoming author, A.J. Foltz is a career Christian who has undergone a lifetime of God's training on and off the Christian field. Foltz has been married for thirty-three years and raised three children.

The Jeremiah Project Part 1 will help you dive into the first ten chapters of Jeremiah with in-depth study and background scriptures that are needed as a history lesson.  With this study you will gain insight into the book of Jeremiah as he was one of the major prophets called by God. This study is probably used best for personal growth and not a Bible study with a group.  You are given suggestions, questions and subjects to meditate on.  You will see the prophesy unfold of Jerusalem's destruction.  I liked how the study propelled me into a deeper understanding of the book of Jeremiah which initially I had found intimidating.

Grab your Bible, this study, some paper and pens and jump into a prophet of God.  I'd recommend this book to Christians that have been in service to the Lord for a few years.  I would not recommend this as a Kindle eBook because I think this distracted me from sitting down with a hard copy of the book and doing the exercises within.

I received this book from the Book Look Bloggers for an honest review.

9/24/16 - Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal by Tyndale - Book Review for Tyndale

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale’s Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitude gives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

I am so blessed to have received this book for review.  The cover is amazing.  Not only is this a hardcover book but Tyndale has added an extra support to aid in coloring.  There are heart-felt prayers, scriptures of encouragement, space for journaling and the most fun part...coloring pages!

This is one from Tyndale's Living Expressions collection.  Gratitude is small enough to fit in your purse or briefcase.  It would be wonderful to use on your lunch break or to settle back in a comfy chair and color, pray or reflect (or all three).  Some of the pages are in black and white to give you the opportunity to express yourself and some of the pages have some color already added to jump start your creativity.

Tyndale's Pinterest page has downloadable coloring pages to whet your interest.

I have many coloring books and journals, none like this.  I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to color or would like to have a prayer and praise journal.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.  I am very grateful for them for that.

9/17/16 - Sunday Suppers by Karen Mordechai review for Blogging for Books

KAREN MORDECHAI, a photographer and stylist, is the founder of Sunday Suppers, a Brooklyn-based food community and blog that has won many accolades, including a 2013 Food and Wine Digital Award, top food blog by Saveur, and #6 in Babble.com’s Top 50 Design Blogs. Karen’s work is regularly featured in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Remodelista, New York magazine, and more. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Sunday Suppers is a beautiful cookbook from the simple gray cloth cover to the beautiful photographs within.  The recipes are sophisticated and look delicious.  The recipes are more for the city dweller with ingredients that may not be readily available in all areas of the country.  Sunday Suppers gives you recipes for Morning, Lunch and Supper.  The recipes can be used for dinner parties or intimate gatherings.

Foodies would love this cookbook.  Even those of us that don't live in or near a city can grab a few recipes from the book.  The cookbook is lovely and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received this book for free from Blogging For Books Program in exchange for my honest review.

8/24/16 - The Wired Soul: Finding Spiritual Balance in a Hyperconnected Age by Tricia McCary Rhodes book review for Tyndale Blog Network

The Wired Soul: Finding Spiritual Balance in a Hyperconnected Age by Tricia McCary Rhodes is a Christian, Spiritual growth book that is written for our high-tech life.  It is for those who struggle to pray, to read the Scriptures and to be still to know that God is God. She is the author of several books and she and her husband founded New Hope Church in San Diego.

This book is very interesting and well written AND, if you're like me, will step on your toes. I finished reading the book a few weeks ago and I think my toes are still bruised.  Ok, if you find it hard to concentrate reading the Scriptures or your mind wanders when you try to pray, but if you hear the ding of a device two-rooms away, better put on your steel-toe shoes.  When I read a book for review I don't normally write in it, not this book.  I have gathered so many useful tools that I have started to put some in place.  Here are a few tips that may help you (oh yeah, and me) grow closer to our Savior:  slow reading and deep thinking, meditation, prayer and contemplation.  Seems pretty simple right? Then you try it! Get this book!

I received this book for a fair and honest review.  I would have gladly paid as I have received a generous amount back in knowledge.

8/21/16 - The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible - NKJV - BookLook Bloggers

The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible are the New King James version of the Bible. Executive editors are Phil and Al (the beardless one) Robertson from the hit series Duck Dynasty. This Bible includes 125 articles by Phil and Al along with a special welcome note. It also includes a topical index, reading plans and supplementary scripture references.

Duck calls may be their business; but for Phil and Al Robertson, Jesus Christ is number one in their hearts. The Set Your Sights articles are core values that the Robertson's live by; Faith, Family, Fellowship, Forgiveness, and Freedom. There is an index of the twenty-five or so "issues of life" showing where it is addressed and where each of the core values is applied to the topic. Also in the index is the ABC's of salvation along with a scripture verse that applies. The Bible is packed full of extras from the Robertsons. I like the typeface and durability of this Bible. I would recommend this Bible to not only fans of the show but to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

8/12/16 - Book review of Bodie by Anne Sweazy-Kulju

I loved, loved, loved this book. While reading it I got near to the end and I didn't want to read anymore because I didn't want it to end.  This author knows how to lay out a plot, introduce characters that you'll remember and keep you wanting to stay up until the break of dawn to read.

Two sisters, unbeknownst to each other, were having the same reoccurring dream of a murder in Bodie, California.  The two sisters, Lara and Lainy had survived foster care but knew next to nothing of their family's past.  There memory was regressed by a therapist and then their world turned upside down. There destination was a ghost town in California where they wanted to find out more about this unsolved murder that took place years ago.  That meeting with the therapist/psychic started a chain reaction of hired guns chasing them, mining executives fearful of their cover-ups and the therapist wanting to tell their story.  It is a whirlwind of excitement throughout this book.

I love the characters, the paranormal aspect, the history and the well written plot that is based on a true story.  I would recommend this book to everyone from 8 to 80.

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

7/14/16 - When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado - Book review

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado is an inspirational read. Those familiar with Max Lucado's writings won't be disappointed.  If you are unfamiliar with Max Lucado, you will be delighted with his down-to-earth writing and wit. Not only is his writing witty but inspirational. Max Lucado is co-pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, TX.

 

When God Whispers Your Name will remind you that God knows you. God knew you when you were being knit together in your Mama's womb. He knows every hair on your head, and he has them counted! He loves you with such love that is hard to comprehend, He sent His Son to die for your sins. There are so many places in the book that need a highlighter. Let me quote the Pastor with my favorite.

 

IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .

No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose patience . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose kindness . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .

Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I choose gentleness . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose self-control . . .

I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

 

6/30/16 - Review of Red Roof Inn, Georgetown, IN

    Stuck in the Red Roof Inn, Georgetown, Indiana. This parking lot is so filthy that my dog, Max's, leash has gotten me and my clothes very dirty. They have boxes of stones in the front drive. When questioned about the pool being closed the owner said it has been closed for five years, five years! The grass hasn't been cut in a long time. There is no breakfast of any sort served and I probably wouldn't eat from here anyway.  A can of soda is $1. From what I have read online that this location has gone through renovations recently so some of this dirt is understandable, but the renovation is done on the inside, now work on the outside.




I hope the Red Roof Inn hasn't gone the way of Motel 6 with me. I won't ever stay at a Mo 6 again, #nomo6. I would try another Red Roof Inn, but not this one.

10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - Abraham by Charles Swindoll

Abraham, one nomad’s amazing journey of faith by Charles Swindoll offers more than just Abraham’s journey, it offers ways to stay in tune to God’s timing.

I found this book to be very interesting even though I was familiar with Abraham’s journey.  Pastor Swindoll adds life to the story.  He includes timelines and tells us the present day area that Abraham and Sarah traveled.  He shows us the bald truth about Abraham’s journey, warts and all.  Abraham, like many of us, gets impatient; at times wanting to run ahead of God.  But one thing for certain, God will do what He says and He will do it when He does.  We can’t rush Him nor can we hide from Him.  Abraham found out that God even hears our subtle untruths, Sarah was kinda Abraham’s sister but utmost, she was his bride.  Pastor Swindoll lays out the ungodliness of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction, and why.  We see the looking for a bride for Isaac and the way Ishmael was blessed.  We follow from the time he was Abram to the end of Abraham’s life.

This is a wonderful book that would be interesting for any reader, believer or nonbeliever.

I received this complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - Tyndale House Publishers book review - A Robertson Family Christmas By Miss Kay Robertson

A Robertson Family Christmas is a warm, fiction book by Miss Kay.  If you are familiar with the Robertson’s, Duck Dynasty and Duck Commander; you will enjoy this book.

This novella is based on real Robertson family Christmas traditions.  Hunter Clark misses being with his Dad and brother.  He lives with his mother who has entered him into a contest to spend Christmas with the Robertson’s; and he won.  He doesn't even know these people and had to read about them before he leaves Chicago to head to the deep-south of Louisiana.  Korie Robertson opens her home and her heart to this young man that at first doesn't fit in.  Miss Kay teaches him to cook, “The” Duck Commander takes him on a duck hunt and Hunter finds love and the true meaning of Christmas spending time with this crazy bunch.

This is a heart-warming novella that will put you in the Christmas spirit.  Any age will enjoy this story and be blessed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

10/14/14 - BookLook Bloggers book review - The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig By Chris Chamberlain

Chris Chamberlain has written a masterpiece of pig.  Chris writes for many southern newsletters or blogs from his Nashville, TN base.  He has hit a home run with this cookbook.

This is not only a cookbook; it is a lesson about the hog and also reviews of southern restaurants where you can get some good pig.  The pictures are so tasty looking you can almost smell the aroma.  I grew up on a farm until I was 8 and went to a few “hog killings” myself but I sure learned a lot more from this book.  The Southern Foodie’s Guide to the Pig not only showcases the pig; it showcases the good things that go with the pig.  You’ll see recipes for hush puppies, corn bread, cinnamon pull-apart bread and he even has a recipe of the rub to use on a whole hog.  You will find recipes for drinks, breakfast, bread, soups and salads, side dishes and desserts.

If you like pork, here is your recipe book.  Calling it a cookbook or recipe book seems so cheap compared to what is in this book.  I highly recommend this book to any cook of pork.  Go pig!

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers.

10/13/14 - Bethany House book review - Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ by Matt Papa

Look and Live is a very honest, soul-searching book.  Matt Papa has a way of writing that takes you to where he was/is.

Look and Live will bring you back to looking at Jesus and living.  What you spend the most time thinking and worrying about is what you are worshiping.  We've taken our eyes away from God.  Gaze upon the glory of God; He wants to spend time with you.  Look and Live will guide you into the how.  Our lives are so busy, we need to take time out of our busy schedule and Look and Live.

I’d recommend this book to everyone that can read.  We all need to spend more time with God.  Matt Papa is a blessing and he has blessed us with this wonderful book.

I received this book from Bethany House, a part of Baker Publishing Group.

10/12/14 - Blogging for Books book review of Meat and Potatoes by Rahm Fama

Meat and ‘taters is right up my alley.  Rahm Fama cooks up a wonderful cookbook specifically with Meat and Potatoes.

When I saw this book to review I jumped on it.  My husband, David, is a meat and ‘taters kind of guy.  The pictures in this book are mouthwatering.  As Fama says, “Simple recipes that sizzle and sear”.  He was the host of Food Network’s show Meat & Potatoes.  The book is laid out in complete meals; a meat and at least one side dish.  Even the side dishes look great.  In the introduction to the book you will learn about the cuts of meat and also how to prepare them.  It will make you look in the pantry or go to the store to get started on tonight’s dinner.

This is a beautiful cookbook with beautiful, mouthwatering pictures. You’ll find yourself wanting to lick the pages, no seriously, you will.

I received this cookbook from Blogging for Books. 

10/12/14 - BakerBooks book review - Next by William Vanderbloemen and Warren Bird

Next, by William Vanderbloemen is about Pastoral succession that works.  Vanderbloemen served for fifteen years as a pastor and thus has a great amount of background experience to write about.

Every pastor is an interim pastor.  It is not a subject to be taken lightly; however, is usually a subject that isn’t discussed in the open.  Church leaders should be looking at the onset of a new pastor for their next pastor.  This book will guide you step-by-step on ways to accomplish this task.  Next should be a book that all pastors should read as well as the laypeople that hire them.  What if something catastrophic happens to your pastor, are you ready?  This book and Vanderbloemen’s Search Group can help you.  Don’t be left unprepared.

I suggest this book for all pastors, church laypeople and any in the church that looks for their new pastor.  I may give this copy to my church.

I received this book from Baker Books a division of Baker Publishing Group.

10/12/14 - Revell books book review - Deceived by Irene Hannon

Deceived is one of many books Irene Hannon has written.  This one is the one you should pick up.

Kate has been mourning the loss of her husband and son from a boating accident; that is until she has a close encounter with a boy that looks like what Kevin would look like.  Is she crazy or just hoping against hope that it could be him?  Whomever she told would think that she was going back to her old habit of tranquilizers.  In a new city in a new state, how could it be?  They never found Kevin’s body.  She went to a Private Investigator, Connor Sullivan for help.  At their first meeting there were sparks, to say the least.  All along this boy-hunt Kate and Connor keep it professional.  An age-progression artist is called to make of picture of Kevin as he would look at this age.  Then as twists and turns will have it, the picture is found and it is brought to the attention of the man that has the Kevin look-a-like. 

I loved this book.  It has many twists and turns and the characters are described.  The whole book flows well; it was really an up late at night page-turner.

I received this book from Revell books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

10/11/14 - book review for Revell books - Thunder by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Thunder is book one of the Stone Braide Chronicles by Bonnie S. Calhoun.  This is a young adult dystopian novel.  Even though it was written towards young adults, it is well worth an adult eye.

Selah is a young woman coming of age, nearing her eighteenth birth remembrance.  She waits and watches as a Lander boat is coming ashore at her beach.  This handsome Lander, Bodhi will change the way she looks and feels about things during their journey to find Selah’s father.  Selah’s brothers try to get to her before she reaches her destination but Selah recaptures her prisoner, the Lander Bodhi.  Evil forces run amuck in the Mountain where Lander’s bring a high price.  Selah comes upon a dirty girl that has been living by herself since her mother dies, Selah can’t leave her behind.  Selah feels things for Bodhi and he teaches her to communicate other than speaking.  This helps along the way and when they reach their destination.

This futuristic novel of 150 years after the Sorrows, or nuclear war, will take you to places that may seem familiar; or may seem prophetic to today’s time.  Bonnie Calhoun’s characters are well introduced and the plot is in-depth.  This book is worth the read, for any age.

I received this book from Revell books.