Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

Back Cover:

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II's most dangerous secrets--a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she's an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man's memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again-and back in the killer's crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter have Murphy drawing the five bodies he discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators find has them mystified. Evidence suggests that the bodies were deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned Quonset hut from World War II only brings more questions.

As one by one the investigators who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much darker at stake. What happened on this island during the war? And who is willing to kill to keep its secrets buried?

My Thoughts:

When I read my first suspense novel by Carrie Stuart Parks, I fell in love with her writing. I was truly excited when I received her newest novel, Formula of Deception. This is a stand-alone novel that knocked my socks off.

Since I am a big fan of characterization, I tend to scrutinize the characters a little more than the plot line. Miss Parks does a great job of creating strong believable characters in this novel. But the location is also a strong character as well.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book is the historical ties to World War II. The mystery began during that period of time and carried through to the present. It will definitely keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

The ending was truly a shocker for me. I love it when I think I know what is going on, only to be proved I am wrong. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspenseful mystery.

On a 5 star-scale - 4.5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Book Look Bloggers for my complimentary copy of Formula of Deception. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client...can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie's belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister--right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene's surviving daughter, Emilie and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl--and find a future for themselves in the process?

My Thoughts:

I love suspense novels and while I haven't read many legal suspense novels I'm quickly becoming a fan. Especially after reading Cara Putman's newest release Imperfect Justice, which is her second release in her "Hidden Justice" series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in the series, Beyond Justice,  but that's okay as Imperfect Justice can be read as a stand-alone novel.

With the death of Kaylene, Emilie's client and Reid's sister, a romance seems out of the question as they are both living through a tragedy. Emilie feels guilty that she couldn't do more for her client and Reid feels guilty for being so career driven that his sister didn't feel she could confide in him. I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.

Ms. Putman has created a multi-layered suspense novel with a little romance and a secondary suspense plot laced in. She had me riveted to the edge of my seat and at times I found myself holding my breath. The plot was drawn out in perfect timing and held me captive from start to finish.

Since I enjoyed this book so much, I'm anxious to read the first book in the series and can hardly wait for book three.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel. While it is a legal suspense novel, the author writes it in such a way that the reader thoroughly understands what is going on.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for my Advance Reader's Copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Because You're Mine by Colleen Coble

Most of you who follow my blog know that I love books by Colleen Coble. Her newest release is Because You're Mine, and it may have been previously released as the book is dedicated to her dear friend in heaven Diann Hunt and it states it was Diann's favorite of all the books Colleen had written. Personally, I would have to agree. I loved this book.

The book takes place predominantly in Charleston, South Carolina and is the story of a singer named Alanna, who is in a Celtic band named Ceol. Shortly after the story begins, her husband, Liam, is killed when a bomb explodes under the car he and his best friend are in. His best friend Jesse survives. But, is it really Jesse or is it Liam as they both looked so very much alike.

Alanna is pregnant with Liam's baby and her father-in-law is wanting custody. She agrees to a marriage of convenience to the band manager in order to stay in the United States so her baby won't be taken away. But her new husband, Barry, is, well, different. He takes her to his family home which, while it is a mansion, it is a decaying one and strange things begin to happen.

Per a note on the back of the book, "A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins."

I loved the characters of Alanna, Liam, Jesse and the rest of the band. I loved the way Ms. Coble brought a lot of the Irish culture to life within the book as well as the dialect. I could actually hear the Irish brogues in my head as I read the book.

If you enjoy clean romantic suspense I would highly recommend picking up a copy and reading this wonderful novel.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for my copy of Because You're Mine.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

NKJV Know the Word Study Bible

Back of Book Jacket:

DON'T SETTLE FOR BEING A READER WHEN YOU AN BE A STUDENT OF GOD'S WORD.

Have you ever felt doverwhelmed by the thought of studying the Bible? The NKJV Know the Word Study Bible make it easy for you to understand God's Word. By breaking down key Bible topics and the books of the Bible into bite size portions, this Bible makes studying Scripture an approachable and rewarding experience. Readers can choose to study book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic. Whether you choose one approach or all three, the NKJV Know the Word Study Bible gives you practical tools to develop a pattern of regular Bible study. Gain a deeper understanding of Scripture. Grow your relationship with God.

My Thoughts:

I loved this Bible. As mentioned above, you have three choices on how to study this Bible. If you choose book-by-book you'll find a series of notes that lead you through the main points of each book of the Bible. If you choose verse-by-verse you will find notes that will help you dig deeper into God's word. Your third choice, is to study topic-by-topic. Throughout this Bible you will find topic-by-topic studies that cover 21 theological topics that will guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic.

This Bible is a red-letter edition with a concordance in the back as well as colored maps. It is easy to maneuver through and I would highly suggest it to anyone who would like a good Study Bible.

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers for my copy of NKJV Know the Word Study Bible. I received my copy for free in order to give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble

I am a huge fan of Colleen Coble. Her newest book, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens is, in my opinion, her best book yet. It is the third book in her "Sunset Cove" series. The first book in the series is Inn at Ocean's Edge (read my review here) and the second book in the series is Mermaid Moon (read my review here). You really don't need to read either of these books before Twilight at Blueberry Barrens as they can all read as stand-alone books. However, I believe reading them all will make your reading more enjoyable.

The heroine of this book is Kate Mason who cares for her family's blueberry barrens. However, as the story begins, the fruit is not producing and she is forced to finding another way to make a living. She ends up renting out a cottage across from where she lives. Her new tenants are entrepreneur Drake Newham and his two orphaned nieces. 

Drake has came to town to learn more about his brother's and sister-in-law's deaths. He doesn't believe it was a murder suicide as law enforcement would have him believe. He has every intention to prove the police wrong, but will he succeed?

Kate learns her uncle, who was in prison for murder has escaped. So, when someone begins to stalk her she believes it is her uncle...but is it? Or is someone else scaring her with their threats?

Ms. Coble has created a very suspenseful story that has several twists and turns throughout. She holds the reader captive from the very first page and I can honestly say I was kept engaged until the very end trying to figure out who was responsible for all that was taking place. I love it when I can read a book and it engages my mind in trying to discover "who-dun-nit".

The story is set on the coast of Maine and it is quite obvious Ms. Coble does her research. Her words paint beautiful pictures of the settings and allows the reader to experience the setting through her words.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Twilight at Blueberry Barrens. The characters are believable and they are perfectly woven into the setting. There is also a very nice love story woven in the mix.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Booklook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for my copy of Twilight at Blueberry Barrens. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

To Love a Stranger by Colleen Coble

I am an avid fan of Colleen Coble's work. When I was given the opportunity to read a book from her early works as an author I jumped at the chance. To Love a Stranger was previously published prior to me having ever read any of her work. I love it when publishers bring out books that are out of print, dust them off, and package them in pretty new covers.

Book Blurb from the Back

Traveling to a rugged country to meet her new husband for the first time, Bessie wonders, Can love truly conquer fear?

Bessie Randall is shocked to discover that, thanks to her sister's meddling, she is married by proxy to Jasper Mendenhall, a man she's never met. Believing she has no choice but to honor the marriage, Bessie travels from Boston to Jasper's military quarters in Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.

Jasper Mendenhall is equally shocked when he meets his wife at the stagecoach and realizes she is not the beauty from the picture he holds. But Jasper has orders to move to Arizona Territory, and he has no choice but to take Bessie with him.

Bessie and Jasper's mutual distrust is hard enough, but snakebites, Apache raids, and food shortages present even ore challenges as they head to the Southwest. A story of quiet commitment despite the odds, To Love a Stranger explores how love can grow in the most difficult land.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. It was simple yet it touched on so many feelings that it pulled me into the story and I felt like I was right there in Indian territory. I could smell the dust, hear the war cry of the Indians, feel the uncertainty Bessie and Jasper both felt of their situation. Ms. Coble has a true gift of creating characters that can draw the reader into their world and through that the reader is blessed.

I loved the spunk of Bessie and I cried when she cried about Ruthie (you'll have to read the book to find out who Ruthie is and what made Bessie cry). While most would think she was a frail young woman she proved that to be a false belief. She was strong when it counted. I loved her character.

As for Jasper, who doesn't love a man in uniform who chooses to do what is right even though his heart tells him otherwise. I truly loved his character as well. He has a sensitive side that is slowly revealed and I must say, there were times when I cried over him as well.

This is a wonderful book which let me see why I fell in love with Colleen Coble's writing. I would highly suggest this book to anyone wanting a good clean romance to read.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 1/2 Stars.

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for my copy of To Love a Stranger. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.


Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Danger by Colleen Coble

For those of you who follow my blog, then you know I am currently reading books in Colleen Coble's six book series, "Journey of the Heart". These short books are a reprint of Ms. Cobles' first two novels, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. If I had to guess, A Heart's Danger is the end of her book Where Leads the Heart as everything seemed to tie up nicely.

A Heart's Danger will be releasing in May. It continues the story of Sarah Montgomery and Rand Campbell who are now at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Relations between the soldiers and Indians are beginning to heat up and Rand finds himself in all kinds of trouble in this book.

Rand's fiance, Jessica Dubois begins to show her true colors and collaborates with Ben Croftner to try and keep Sarah away from Rand. Will they succeed in keeping Sarah and Rand apart or will it backfire on them. 

Ms. Coble is a masterful storyteller and even though this book is part of her very first book you can see the talent has been there all along. Packed with twists and turns, Ms. Coble treats the reader to a breath-holding journey in the Old West.

I am enjoying reading this series and can hardly wait for book four, A Heart's Betrayal, to hit my mailbox. It will be releasing in June and will be followed up with A Heart's Promise in July and then the conclusion, A Heart's Home in August.

If you enjoy reading clean historical fiction set in the Old West I would highly suggest picking up copies of the books in this series. They have been fun and quick to read.

On a five star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of A Heart's Danger. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble

I am such a fan of Colleen Coble and always love it when she releases a new book in a new series. Her newest series "Sunset Cove" starts off with a bang with The Inn at Ocean's Edge.

Imagine what you would do if one day you found out that your life was a total lie. That your name never really was yours and that your mother was not your biological mother. What would you do?

What if you made new friends only to find out that their mother was murdered years ago and it was linked to who you were back then.

Colleen Coble is a master at creating strong believable characters that drive her novels through twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The Inn at Ocean's Edge was no exception. Ms. Coble's characters, Claire Dellamare and Luke Rocco fill the pages as believable and almost palpable people that forge a bond while looking for answers about both of their lives.

There is so much I could say about this book and would love to do so but it would ruin your reading experience if I shed light on any other aspect of the book. Just know that The Inn at Ocean's Edge is Colleen Coble at her best.

If you are a fan of Ms. Coble's work or a fan of clean suspense novels this is definitely a book for you. The second book in the series, Mermaid Moon will be releasing in December 2015 and I can hardly wait.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Betting on Hope is the first book in Debra Clopton's new series "A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance". I have read a couple of Ms. Clopton's novellas in the past, but this is the first full length novel I have read by this wonderful author but it won't be the last.

The heroine, Maggie Hope, is an introverted advice columnist and city girl. When her friend, Amanda Jones, comes down with the flu, Maggie has to fill in for her in conducting an interview with champion horse trainer, Tru Monahan in his hometown of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maggie wasn't comfortable being in front of people as it brought back bad memories. But she does go to Wishing Springs to conduct the interview because if she doesn't she may lose her advice column.

Tru Monahan, is a handsome cowboy and a smooth talker. During the on-air interview, Maggie tries to convey that she would never be caught dead on a horse but Tru tells her he can teach anyone to ride. But then an on-air bet is extended and Tru is given two months to teach Maggie to overcome her fear of horses and to learn to ride. Will Maggie and Tru be able to work together? Will Tru be able to help Maggie through her fears? You'll find these questions answered within the pages of this wonderful book.

Wishing Springs is a small town packed full of colorful characters that have a tendency to poke their noses into other people's lives. I loved all the characters and look forward to getting to know some of them better in future books of the series.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would highly recommend Betting on Hope to anyone who loves a clean contemporary read.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Betting on Hope. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma has quickly became one of my favorite authors. First with her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips (read my review here) followed by her second book Daisies are Forever (read my review here). I could hardly wait for her newest book, Remember the Lilies. I loved each and every book, but I must admit Remember the Lilies is hands down my favorite.

Remember the Lilies is set in the Philippines during World War II. The Prologue begins the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the reader is introduced to the male lead, Rand Sterling a wealthy, womanizing American who owns two clubs in Manila and Irene Reynolds, a missionary. Their meeting was memorable for both of them even if it was close to being tragic. 

By Chapter One, both characters are being held prisoners in the Santo Tomas Internment camp in Manila. The story takes them through the war until the time Santo Tomas is liberated. The story that takes place is based on fact and I must say that Ms. Tolsma definitely did her homework regarding the camp. After I read the book, I searched on line to learn more about Santo Tomas and the pictures I found were exactly how Ms. Tolsma painted the camp. Her words made it real.

I fell in love with Rand, Irene and Irene's Aunt Anita. They were without a doubt the most well crafted characters I have encountered in my reading experience in a long time. They are believable, charming and memorable. Well done, Ms. Tolsma!

This isn't just a love story set during WWII, it's a story of two lost souls who found each other and learned to trust and forgive while trying to survive the atrocities of war. There are some twists and turns and a bit of a mystery within the pages of this wonderful book too.

The Christian thread was woven delicately through the pages and on page 343 Rand explains forgiveness to Irene and how if God could forgive him, he should be able to forgive the Japanese. It was an extremely powerful moment.

I would highly recommend Remember the Lilies to anyone who love reading a good historical novel. 

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Remember the Lilies. I was given my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

A Heart's Disguise by Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble's work holds a special place in my heart. When I heard an interview with Colleen several years ago, I went to the library and started reading her books voraciously. I haven't stopped since. I was ecstatic to hear that her publisher was going to re-release her first published series, "Journey of the Heart". The first book in the series is A Heart's Disguise and I absolutely loved it.

A Heart's Disguise is the story of Sara Montgomery and Rand Campbell and is set in Wabash, Indiana in October 1865. The Civil War has ended and Sara has been mourning the loss of her one true love, Rand Campbell for over five months. Her father has been told he doesn't have long to live and it is his wish that his daughter Sara be married before he dies.

Ben Croftner has had his eyes on Sara for some time and is trying to convince her to marry him. Sara doesn't love Ben but she loves her family and wants to make them happy. Will she say 'yes' to Ben? Or will she stay true Rand? Is Rand truly dead or was his notice of death false? The answers are all within this wonderful little book.

The series is to be issued over a period of six months. A Heart's Disguise will be issued in March and then each month there after another book in the series will be released. I can hardly wait for book two, A Heart's Obsession to be released. 

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys clean historical fiction and especially fans of Colleen Coble. The book is a really quick read as it is only 90 pages long. But it is well worth your time.

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my review copy. I received my copy for free so that I could read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma KINDLE FIRE Giveaway!

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!




 


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• One copy of Remember the Lilies


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   





{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!




Please note, you cannot enter the giveaway on my blog. Please click on the book cover in the upper right hand corner of my blog or on the icon above.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Before Amen by Max Lucado

Max Lucado's newest book, Before Amen, The Power of a Simple Prayer,  is a "how to" book about prayer. For anyone who has ever wondered how to approach God in prayer or just simply how to pray, this book is for you.

The book is small consisting of nine simple to read chapters.

1. The Pocket Prayer
2. Father...Daddy
3. You Are Good
4. I Need Help
5. Heal Me
6. Forgive Me
7. They Need Help
8. Thank You
9. In Jesus' Name, Amen

I loved the way Mr. Lucado started chapter one, "Hello my name is Max. I'm a recovering prayer wimp. I doze off when I pray. My thoughts zig, then zag, then zig again." I could have made that same statement entering 'Cindy' for Max. Let's be honest, I'm sure some of you out there start prying at bedtime and the next thing you know you are waking up and never said 'amen'. Or you're in church and the pastor is leading prayer and your mind zig's to what to fix for lunch or where you plan to go after church. I'm sure most of us have been there before. If you find this to be true for yourself, this book is for you.

Mr. Lucado shares about the different types of prayer and how we should pray during the times that are the hardest. In the first chapter, he shares with the reader his "Pocket-size Prayer". This prayer is easy to remember and should help the person who feels they don't know how to pray get started.

So many times I have heard people say, 'I don't know how to pray'. Believe me there are many people in the world that feel that way. Mr. Lucado explains, "God will teach you to pray." He also goes on to tell the reader, "Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child". 

I enjoy Max Lucado's writing. It is simple for the reader to understand. In fact, it's like he is sitting across the room talking with you. His explanations are clear and easily understood.

I would highly recommend Before Amen to anyone who wants a clear picture of praying. I truly enjoyed this book.

On a 5-Star scale - *****

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my advanced reader's copy of Before Amen. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma

When I had the opportunity to read and review Liz Tolsma's debut novel Snow on the Tulips (read my review here) I took a chance, as we all do, on a debut novelist. I was blown away by her writing so when the opportunity arose where I could read her sophomore novel I jumped at the chance. I have to say she out did herself with her newest release, Daisies are Forever.

The book begins during the final days of Nazi Germany in the year 1945. Gisela Cramer is an American living with her cousin Ella and Ella's two little girls and her grandfather who is not well. They are residing in a town named Heiligenbeil and they receive word that the Russians will be invading soon and they must leave. Gisela's grandfather refuses to go and Ella tells Gisela she must go and asks her to take her daughters with her. Gisela doesn't want to leave them because of situations in her past but she finally agrees to flee.

When Gisela started her journey she was just with her nieces and Ella's neighbor and his senile daughters. As time progresses more and more join her in her quest to reach safety in her home in Berlin. During her journey she overhears an SS officer speaking with a very poor German accent. In fact Gisela soon realizes he is British and she comes to his aid when he is about to be discovered. She tells everyone he is her husband who has been wounded in the war. From that point on, Mitch Edward takes on the persona of Herr Josep Cramer husband to Frau Gisela Cramer.

This period of time covered the Russian's invasion of Germany and the eventual fall of Berlin and the Third Reich. Ms. Tolsma based the first half of this book on the inspiration of one seventeen year old who lived through the atrocities of war and the second half of the book was based on stories her Aunt shared. Her Aunt was born in America but much like Gisela's story, her parents took her to live in Germany in the 1930s and she lived through the terrible war that raged on German soil just like Gisela.

Most everyone knows how Nazi Germany treated the Jewish people during WWII. What I didn't know before reading this book is the terrible atrocities the Russians did to the German people as well. War is ugly no matter where it happens or who is involved.

Ms. Tolsma's definitely has a knack of creating believable characters and placing them into a world torn by the agony of war. At times I heard the air raid sirens, the bombs going off, and I could almost smell the acrid smell after the bombs had exploded. Her book definitely ignites all five senses. It is a must read!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Daisies are Forever and the meaning behind the title of the book is beautiful. I would highly recommend this book to adults who enjoy reading good Christian historical fiction. Because of some of the terrible atrocities that are exposed within the covers of this book I would not suggest it for young readers.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 HUGE stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Daisies are Forever. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Reason for My Hope Salvation by Reverend Billy Graham

In the late sixties I was given the opportunity to attend the Billy Graham Crusade held at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. You see my best friend was a strong Christian and she knew I was lost and needed Jesus in my life. She and her family took me to the crusade every night for a week. Was it life-changing? You bet it was. A couple nights into the Crusade I made a giant leap toward my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When I had the opportunity to read and review Reverend Graham's newest book I leaped again.

If I were to tell you everything that is in the book, you might not go out and buy it. That would be sad as this book is powerful. It is as powerful as the man who wrote it. You must get this book, read it, share it and read it again.

 At the end of each chapter, Reverend Graham's final statement is written in all caps. These caught my eye and left me to ponder the truths shared in just a few powerful words.

To put it in simple words, this book, The Reason for My Hope Salvation is a book that Reverend Graham uses to tell the reader the truth. The truth about God, Jesus, Heaven and Hell. Nothing is sugar coated. He simply states what Christians know to be the truth. You must be born again and take up your cross daily to follow Jesus.

If anyone has ever had the opportunity to attend a Billy Graham Crusade then I am positive they will want to read Reverend Graham's newest book The Reason for My Hope Salvation.  I can honestly say that I plan on reading it again and again. The truths presented in this book are important for the Saved to remember and the Unsaved to learn.

Several times while reading this book I actually could hear Reverend Graham's distinct voice and there were several times I shed a few tears. Especially when he describes the crucifixion. We need to remember daily the price Jesus Christ paid for all of us sinners. It was powerful.

Also, in the Afterward, Reverend Graham gives an invitation for Salvation to the reader. Once again, this was a powerful book.

I would highly recommend The Reason for My Hope Salvation.  With Christmas just a few short weeks away you might consider picking up a few copies to give away as gifts. If you know someone who is searching and needs the Lord this is a perfect gift.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 HUGE STARS!!!!!

I would like to thank BookSneeze and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of The Reason for My Hope Salvation. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Memory's Door by James L. Rubart - my review

After having read the Soul's Gate (read my review here), the first book in James L. Rubart's "A Well Springs Series", I was anxiously awaiting his second offering, Memory's Door.  I find that in every book I have read by Mr. Rubart, I am not only entertained but I am drawn into each story and made to think 

While the reader doesn't have to read Soul's Gate first to understand what is going on in Memory's Door, I would highly recommend it.  The story is about Reece, Dana, Brandon and Marcus, the same four who fought spiritual battles against Satan in Soul's Gate.  They are now back and preparing to do battle with the Wolf as the second part of the prophecy has come true. Things that happen to them each individually also effects them as a group.

This is a book that will make you think about the spiritual warfare that is going on around us in a realm some might say doesn't exist but I firmly believe it does. The book helps the reader to understand that as it states in Scripture, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 KJV

This is not a book for the faint of heart.  It gets your heart pumping and your mind working and let's just say, by the time I finished the book I was exhausted yet satisfied.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars.

 I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review copy of Memory's Door.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble - my review

Those of you who have been following my blog, you know that I am a HUGE fan of Colleen Coble. It because of Ms. Coble that I started reading again. When I was given the opportunity to read her newest book, Rosemary Cottage, I jumped at the chance.  Rosemary Cottage is the second book in Ms. Coble's Hope Beach series. The first book was Tidewater Inn and you can read my review here.

The one thing that I most appreciate about Colleen Coble's books is that her characters come to life on the written page.  I have yet to encounter any of her characters that seem one dimensional.  From the moment I began reading Rosemary Cottage I knew I would love the two main characters, Amy and Curtis.

The story begins with the death of Curtis Ireland's sister Gina. She left her brother Curtis Ireland custody of her baby girl Raine and along with his aunt they accepted the challenge of raising a one year old.  Curtis, who is a member of the Coast Guard, is told his sister was killed in a tragic boating accident that happened before his eyes, but does he believe it? Amy Lange is a mid-wife who has just learned that her brother Ben has died in a surfing accident either by drowning or a shark attacked him. She idolized her brother and returns to Hope Beach to grieve. Hope Beach is where they use to spend vacations together at their family home, Rosemary Cottage. Before she arrives in Hope Beach she receives a cryptic message leading her to believe Ben wasn't killed by accident and that foul play may have had a hand in it.

Will Curtis find out what really happened to his sister Gina? Will Amy learn the truth about her brother? Were their deaths somehow related? These are questions masterfully revealed throughout the pages of this wonderful novel. Just when you think you know the answer something else happens to make you rethink everything.  I love the way Ms. Coble takes you along as she unveils her stories to the reader.  It's masterful!

I would highly recommend Rosemary Cottage to anyone who enjoys a good, clean, romantic suspense that has been crafted by a master storyteller.

On a 5-Star scale - with out a doubt, 5 BIG STARS!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review copy of Rosemary Cottage.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,