Double Blind

If you enjoy a good mystery story you will enjoy reading the book "Double Blind" by Hannah Alexander.  Hannah Alexander is the pseudonym of a husband - wife writing team, Cheryl and Mel Hodde.  Mel, a medical doctor by profession, interjects his medical knowledge into the story.
Our story opens with the main character Sheila, an RN living and working in Hideaway, Mo.  As a small child she spent several years attending a Christian Boarding School on a Navajo Reservation in Twin Mesas', Ariz.  Sheila's Mother also and RN worked in the clinic in the school, and her father helped the Indian people living on the reservation.  After her mother's mysterious death, Sheila's father relocated the family to Hideway, Mo.  Upon learning of several more unexpected deaths at the school, Sheila drives to Twin Mesas' to try to discover the reason for the death of her mother and the others who died.
The authors do an excellent job of keeping you guessing with a blend of suspense, superstition and a lust for power and money right up to the end of the book.  Also their character development is well done.  I felt the story line was sometimes a little slow, and the authors used medical terms, which I didn't understand, not having a medical background.  Having said this I enjoyed the book which I received from a good friend.  The friend gave me several more books by this same writing team which I intend to read.  I recommend reading "Double Blind", and I would give this book three stars.  Enjoy

Rising Darkness

Hi again.  Let us chat about another book, "Rising Darkness", by Nancy Mehl.  Do you enjoy mysteries with characters who live their life with Christian values?  A suspenseful story with a love theme threading its way through the story line?  If so "Rising Darkness" is the next book to add to your reading list.
Our main character Sophie Wittenbauer, a person with enormous unhealthy baggage moved from Kingdom, Mo. to St. Louis, Mo.  After receiving an internship, she accepted a position with the St. Louis Times writing obituaries and restaurant reviews.  However, her life ambition was to become an investigative crime solving writer.  Pursuing  this goal led Sophie into action that resulted in changes to her life beyond her imagination.  By the author writing her story in the first person, you get into Sophie's head.  You are kept in suspense as she attempts to bring a killer to justice.  In the process she runs into someone from her past who she is trying to avoid.  The author was successful at keeping me in suspense as to the outcome.  Find out Sophie's story by reading "Rising Darkness".  Does Sophie find the light at the end of the tunnel?  This is a fun easy read.
I received this book free from Bethany Publishing House.  The above review is strictly my own thoughts.  Join me next month on a journey through another book.

On This Foundation

Have you read the  Bible book Nehemiah?  If not indulge me to share a brief historical note.  Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian's in 586 B.C., and the captives were taken back to Babylon.  There were three groups of captives that returned to Jerusalem.  In 445 B.C. Nehemiah, a Jewish captive and later cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, obtained permission to return to Jerusalem with a third contingent of Jews.  Their goals were to repair and rebuild the walls around the city, replace burned gates in the walls, and repopulate the city.  Along with being  fellow traveler, Nehemiah also acted as military leader for the peoples protection as the walls were rebuilt as well as a spiritual leader.  The Biblical text is the story of this event.
What are my reasons for sharing the above information?  Because Lynn Austin has written the book "On This Foundation"  which is a historical novel about the Biblical Book, Nehemiah.  If you enjoy historical fiction, than I highly recommend this book.  It is an excellent read.  The author is true to the Biblical text as well as being easy and interesting to read.
True to history the author reveals how small farmers were forced to turn over a portion of their poor yield, their livestock, farms and even members of their household who became bondservants as tax payment to the landowning Jewish nobility.  Nehemiah worked at social reforms as well as spiritual reforms.  The author ties her fictional story in well the actual Biblical text.  She interweaves three fictional families who were all involved in the rebuilding project.
Add "On This Foundation" to your fall reading list.  I give this book five stars.  I received this book free from Bethany Publishing House, and the above views are strictly my own.  See you next month on another review.

My Brother's Crown

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Like a diamond this book has many facets:  history, faith religion, persecution, mystery, drama and love.  All of which are tied together by a pamphlet of French poetry containing a secret.  The authors have masterfully woven all of these elements together into this story.  It pertains to two French families caught up in the Huguenot persecution in 1685 France intertwined with one of their descendants in modern day Richmond, Va.
Read "My Brother's Crown" to see how the book of poetry called the Persecution Pamphlet binds the families from different time periods together.  Also why the authors choose this particular title which you don't learn until the end of the book.  This book was a Jewel for me, and I give it five stars or five polished surfaces which sparkle.  I received this free book from Net Galley, and this review is my own opinions.  Thanks

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm

Hello readers I have another book for you to check out.  A Rebecca Raisin book called "Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm".  This is the first time I have read anything by this author.  Have you ever been a caretaker for an ill family member and been the soul financial provider for them and yourself.  If so you will be able to relate to the main character of this book.  Lucy, age twenty-eight, worked double shifts at a local diner to support and care for her mother who was in and out of the hospital.  At the age of fifteen Lucy left high school in an effort to prevent her mother from entering a nursing home.  Because Lucy had a natural talent for painting, her high school art teacher continued to instruct her on Saturdays.  However this friendship and mentoring ended when the teacher accepted a position at an art gallery in Paris.  However the teacher continued to encourage Lucy to apply for a scholarship at the Van Gogh Institute in Paris, but with no father in the picture Lucy was unwilling to leave her mother.  Because of a mothers love, Lucy's mom wanted a better life for her daughter.  So she made Lucy promise to leave their home in Detroit, travel for a year and apply to the art institute.  In the mean time the mothers care would be taken over by Lucy's aunt.  With continued persuasion, Lucy finally left Detroit on a bus and found her way to a small town in Ashford, Conn.  She lived at a bed and breakfast in Ashford and started working at a run down maple syrup farm on the outskirts of town.  The original owner of the farm had died and left the farm to a nephew Lucy's age. 
Well I am not going to reveal any more of the story.  Are you interested yet?  Does Lucy's mother live, does Lucy make friends in this quaint New England town, does she find a place to call home and find love, or does she fly off to Paris to study art.  My lips are sealed.  I really enjoyed the story and could not put it down until my questions were answered.  I did have a little problem understanding some of the slang expressions spoken by various characters.  Plus, where the author divided her paragraphs and not always knowing who was speaking caused me some confusion.  Having said that I would read another of Rebecca Raisin's novels.  I appreciated receiving this as a free read from Net Galley.  The review is strictly my own opinions.  I would give "Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm" four stars.  Check it out.

"Refining Fire"

Well it is time to write another review.  And I have discovered a new author to add to my repertoire of authors that I enjoy reading.  Her name is Tracie Peterson and she wrote "Refining Fire".  The story introduces you to two female characters with very different backgrounds, Abrianna Cunningham and Militine Scott.  Both girls attend Madison's Bridal School for girls in Seattle, Washington in 1889.  The school was run by Abrianna's two Aunt's and a close friend.  The girls were taught etiquette, elocution, French, sewing, cooking and household management to prepare them for matrimony.  Despite the intent of the school neither girl desired to marry.  The author weaves her story through the girls past lives and present events happening at school.  One girl has a very strong faith in God while the other rejects a God who would allow her to suffer at the hand of an abusive father.  Find out how their faith, or lack of, influences their attitudes and actions.  I liked how the author illustrates through her characters, that faith in God is not just lip service but, to be effective, must be put into action in their lives. Ms. Peterson brings depth  to her character's personalities.  You can empathize with what they are going through.  Her book is fun to read because she introduces characters with quirky personalities.  The story contains two villains, one a man of the cloth and you will just have to read the book to discover the other.  The author tells several story lives at once.  You will be following the adventures with Abrianna when events will switch to Militine.  There were several places in the story where the sudden switch was confusing.  Despite both girls desire to remain single you'll just have to read "Refining Fire" and discover whether the girls find a soul mate and a man to love.  I especially liked the way she ended her story.  No I am not going to reveal that.  "Refining Fire" is Book 2 in her series called "Brides of Seattle".  I look forward to reading the first book called "Steadfast Heart".  Ms. Peterson is an accomplished author, having written many books.  I give "Refining Fire" five stars.  This was a free book from Bethany Publishing House, and the opinions are my own.  Stay tuned for my next review.  Have a fun summer on the beach with one of Ms. Peterson's books.

A Untamed Land by Sauraine Snelling

Mrs. Snelling tells a story about our ancestors.  People who came to America from a foreign land for political, economic and religious reasons.  They were a proud, independent, hard working people.  They knew what they wanted and weren't afraid to go through hardships.  Unlike present generation, they had the skills and the stamina to survive.  When trials came they put their faith in God, and they persevered.  This is a story worth reading.
Our story concerns two brothers Roald and Carl Bjorklund and their wives Ingeborg and Kaaren who crossed the seas from Norway.  Roald has a five year old son by a previous marriage.  His second wife Ingeborg realizes that she is pregnant while aboard ship.  Carl's wife Kaaren gives birth to a baby girl before debarking at New York City.  After going thru customs, the five Bjorklund's board a train and then pack all their possessions in one wagon heading to the Red River Valley in North Dakota.  You must read the book "A Untamed Land" to discover their successes.  How they stake out a large plot of land by a water source and plenty of trees.  It is back breaking work to break up the sod in order to farm and to build a one room sod home for each family.  The author gives informative and interesting information about foods eaten and their preparation.  This period in our history has always been one of my favorites.  The story not only gives interesting details of the living conditions .  But also how they cope  with the extreme winters and tremendous trials and tragedies that face both families. 

I liked the way the author goes into depth in developing each characters personality.  My only negative comment is that near the end she jumps in time without the details of how she got there.  I wanted more information.  [Maybe the author was on an editors deadline.]  I loved reading this first book in her series "The Red River of the North".  In fact so much so that I am now reading the second book in the series called "A New Day Rising".  If you enjoy reading a good historical novel I highly recommend this series.  I gladly give this book five stars.  Watch out for another book that I might review for Bethany Publishing House.  See you around.

Shadow of the Mountain Exodus

Cliff Graham, the author is a retired soldier and officer in the U.S. Army.  He has his degrees in political and military science, and his graduate work in theology and military ministry.  The author has taken Caleb, a little known Bible character for his story.  Caleb briefly appears in the Bible books of Numbers, Joshua, Judges and I Chronicles.  Mr. Graham weaves his story of Caleb's life prior to his entrance in the Bible.  The author states up front that his story is fictional.
The story opens with young Caleb having grown up in the hills of the Negev, trained as a mason and wood carver.  He leaves his homeland for Egypt in search of adventure and wealth.  Because of his talents he is hired on by a stone broker.  Who is a wealthy official  of Pharaohs  court.  Although he had built a reputation as an accomplished stone mason and portrait painter, Caleb longed for a better job.  Through his employers  influence he later trains in Pharaohs elite army division, "The Red Scorpions".  By his strength and skills he became a head chariot driver, and then a training master in Pharaohs army.  Eventually Caleb becomes part of Pharaohs private place guard.
On one hand the author takes some liberties by describing what the Bible doesn't in order to develop his story.  However he does also quote some actual scriptural text from the Bible book, Exodus.  His Biblical references appear to be accurate.  After reading about the authors occupation and education I understood why he wrote the story as he did.  He goes into great detail about tactical military maneuvers and actual battles between the Egyptians and the surrounding peoples.  Someone with an interest in war stories and battle scenes would probably enjoy those sections of the book more than myself.  Plus he goes into more detail about the brutality and blood shed of war than I enjoy.  The story line kept my interest for most of the book.  If you enjoy reading about battles and war maneuvers then I recommend "Shadow of the Mountain Exodus".  I would give this book three stars.  I received this book free from Bethany Publishing House.  The above review is strictly my own opinions.  Stay tuned for my next review.

The Boy Who Granted Dreams

The old saying, "You can't tell a book by its cover applies to the book "The Boy Who Granted Dreams".  I enjoy a good historical novel.  So when I read the caption on this book it caught my interest.  It is a story of a young girl in 1909.  She leaves her homeland and comes to America to make a better life for her and her infant son.  However when I got into the story, because of the moral content and bad language, I had no desire to go any further.  It is too bad because the story line, up to that point, was interesting.  This was a free book that I received from NetGalley.  The opinions are strictly my own.  I will look forward to trying another book by NetGalley.

Finding Me

Sir Walter Scott wrote:  "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."  That certainly applies to this story "Finding Me" by Kathryn Cushman.  The author has written seven other novels; however, this is my first read of hers.  Kathryn Cushman chose the perfect title for her story.  Read on and you will discover why.  The story opens with the main character Kelli Huddleson believing that her birth mother and two siblings died in a home fire when Kelli was a year old.  Kelli was told that all of their possessions including family pictures had been destroyed in the fire.  After the fire her Dad remarried and moved to Santa Barbara, California where Kelli grew up.  When her father and stepmother were killed in an auto accident years later Kelli settled the estate in Santa Barbara.  While cleaning out the safe in her Dad's office she learns some shocking news.  Was what she believed about her Dad and her past a lie?  Is she someone other than Kelli Huddleson?  The story takes you thru Kelli's quest for answers to these questions.  A close friend gives Kelli a diary to write down her feelings and findings. 
At first I had trouble getting into the story, trying to sort out characters and put the events into the proper order.  However the longer I read things seemed to fall into place, and it became harder to lay the book down.  In Kelli's quest you meet some interesting characters.  I found the book an enjoyable read.  The characters feelings and reactions seemed believable.  Find out if honesty wins out over deceit in the end.  I am looking forward to reading more books by Kathryn Cushman.  I would give "Finding Me" four stars.  This book is strictly my own honest review of a free book received from Bethany Publishing House.  I have enjoyed the books which I have received from Bethany House and look forward to reading and reviewing more in the future.

The Pleasure Of His Company by Dutch Sheets

Do you believe it is possible to have a personal relationship with God?  The author Dutch Sheets has pastored, taught in colleges and seminaries and written books on trying to encourage the reader to have a personal relationship with God.  The chapters  in this book are concise, filled with humorous stories that fit in with the subject matter, also filled with scripture and always end with a prayer.  The author goes back to the Greek text for word definitions to illustrate the true meaning of the Bible text he is referencing.  He is not afraid to be transparent by showing that he is human and has faults.  However he seems very sincere in his beliefs that Christians  can have the kid of relationship with God that he shares.
He opens his book with who God and Jesus are and their attributes.  The author feels that many people have a misconception that God is uncaring, distant, vindictive an judgmental.  But Mr. Sheet's tries  to show how God is the creator of every thing and everyone and that he desires the pleasure of our company.  God does not force himself on us but waits for us to come to Him.  The author shares how we have become so distracted by the pressures of life that we fail to give God time.  We expect God to listen quickly to our requests and respond rapidly with the answers.  However we can only hear God when we slow down and listen.  Now why don't you sit back in your easy chair with a cup of your favorite beverage and read this book and see if you can't improve your relationship with your creator.
I have received a free copy of this book from Bethany Publishing House, and this review is strictly my own opinions.  I would give this book four stars.

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

If you are searching for adventure, suspense, intrigue, romance and characters with Christian morals then Dani Pettrey's book "Sabotaged" is the book you are looking to read.  Her story opens in the majestic state of Alaska with the exciting Iditarod trail sled dog race.  This event has taken place every year since March 3, 1973 and continues on March 7, 2015 for nine to fifteen days depending on whether they take the northern or southern route.  The race begins in Anchorage, Alaska and finishes in Nome, Alaska.  The mushers, the sled drivers, usually have sixteen dogs tied to their sled.
  One of the main characters, Frank Weber, entered the race.  However he was ambushed and told that unless he performed a specific job his daughter, Meg, held hostage, would be killed.  The story unfolds with the entire Iditarod working crew searching for Meg and Frank.  Read "Sabotaged" to discover why Frank was singled out to perform this job and what the details of the job involve.  The search crew risk their own lives as the villains continually block their attempts to save Meg and Frank.
  This book is the fourth in a series called "Alaskan Courage" written by the author.  Not having read any of the other books in the series I struggled with keeping the numerous characters straight.  I recommend start reading the series with the first book called "Submerged".  Having said that I still enjoyed reading this story.  I could visualize the characters struggling to survive the extreme Alaskan elements in order to pursue their mission of search and rescue.  The author portrays many of her characters as trying to put God first in their lives.  The story held my interest to the end.  Therefore I recommend reading "Sabotaged".  I give this book four stars.  This was a free book given to me by Bethany Publishing House, and the opinions are strictly my own.

Blindsided By God by Peter Chin

  Do you ever wonder where God is in certain situations?  This book really resonated with me, because I see good people suffering due to no fault of their own.  The author addresses that question through relating a year in his and his families life.  Peter Chin became a minister after attending Fuller Seminary.  He has a wife, Carol and two daughters, Sophia and Katie.
  The author begins his story in the year 2010 where a series of events caused him to doubt his faith and whether there was a loving a caring God.  He moved his family from Connecticut to Washington D.C. to start a new church plant in the D.C. area.  Peter and Carol were of Korean descent and moved into an all black neighborhood in Langdon, Va. where there was a high crime rate.  Upon occupancy they realized that their house had been vandalized by squatters stripping it of a garbage  disposal, sinks and ceiling fans.  "Thanks God!"  The next main event happened when Carol miscarried their third child.  "God if you are there why are you causing our family to suffer?"  The new church plant was not going well because of too few members.  "God I am a good person, and I have dedicated my life's  work to you.  Why have you deserted me?"  Then Carol was diagnosed with a very aggressive and deadly form of breast cancer for many woman Carol's age.  The Dr. informed them that the best course of treatment would be to have a mastectomy and undergo chemotherapy and radiation.  However just before the surgery the surgeon discovered that Carol was pregnant.  The anesthetic for surgery and the chemotherapy could harm the fetus, but doing nothing or delaying treatment could be detrimental  to Carol.  "God are you there and do you even care?"
  Pastor Chin's faith hit rock bottom as he was overwhelmed with feelings of fear, anger and abandonment.  In trying to find answers to his questions he pours through the Bible looking for comfort.  Through his study he saw that Jesus, before he was arrested, cried out three times to God his Father "Take this cup from me, but not my will but your will be done."  When Christ realized that was not God's will, he gets up and does what he came here to do.  Pastor Chin sees that it is ok to go through a period of lament but remaining there and wallowing in self pity was not beneficial for him or his family.  He had to accept the situation and proceed in what he felt was God's will.  Through his brokenness he relates how he became a better pastor, husband and father.
  I enjoyed how he interjects humor throughout his story, and it is an interesting read.  You get caught up in all the tragic events happening.  I found the scripture text he quotes helpful when a person goes through trials, and we all go through trials.  I highly recommend reading this book, and I think it deserves five stars.  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany Publishing House, and this review is strictly my own opinions.

Transforming Discipleship

The author of  "Transforming Discipleship" is basing the premise of his book on the scripture text Matthew 28:18-20 from the Bible which states "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . ."  Greg Ogden was a lead minister of a church for a number of years, but went back for his Doctorate and afterwards taught at the college level.  Ogden believes that the church has failed to bring Christians to maturity in Christ and to educate them to carry out Christ's great commission of making disciples of new believers.  He divides his book into three sections.  Section one reveals several reasons for the failure to mature and make disciples.  Section two relates the methodology of Jesus and the Apostle Paul in maturing people in Christ and turning them into disciple makers.  Section three applies Christ's methodology .  First you develop a relationship as a friend studying the word together to learn how to live a Christian life, and second you hold each other accountable for those requirements.  Ogden has also adapted Christ's model by using a matured Christian to prayerfully select two or three individuals who are willing to commit to a covenant relationship structured around a Bible based curriculum.  By using the above  methodology, Ogden has seen Christians transformed into Christ's likeness and the making of disciples.  I see value in this approach and am inspired to try Ogden's methods.  I would give "Transforming Discipleship" five stars.