The second coming of Christ. What if? "The Sixth Station" by Linda Stasi is a big 'what if' in the second coming. Alessandra is a modern world journalist who finds herself covering the biggest story of the millennium, Ben Yosef, a man who claims he is the Son of the Son, is on trial for terrorism. Alessandra shares a surprise kiss with the accused terrorist and becomes 'the Chosen One'. Alessandra is on the story to find out if he is the Son of the Son or is he just a crazy killer. She gets caught between the good guys and the bad guys while covering the story and trying to escape being arrested herself for murder.
"The Sixth Station" is like a Janet Evanovich novel and a Dan Brown novel got together and had a baby. Alessandra is an amusing and lucky investigator who is after an ancient story with clues and nothing is as it seems. This book isn't at the level as Evanovich or Brown, but it is still pretty good. This is a fictional novel and is in no way to be taken seriously as a end of times non-fiction, it is a 'what if'. What might the second coming be like? Just because you have a certain image of the coming in mind, doesn't make that the only way. He could come many different ways; this is one. I liked it. I recommend it. I received this book through www.netgalley.com.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
spring review
Never Ending Spring by Darrell Case is murder mystery by Mr. Case. Jack Johnson is a farmer in Indiana who has endured many hardships in life but Jack is a farmer like many others we all have known who lean over and pull themselves out of all problems by pulling on his boot straps and walk forward. Jack is a good man who has endured the early death of his young son in a farming accident and is now going through the raising of his granddaughter after the senseless murder of his daughter and her pastor husband right in their own church. Jack blames the police force who is not doing a good enough job solving the crime. Jack blames God (maybe) since he says he doesn’t believe in Him or at least the hypocrites who go to his sin in law’s church. Jack blames Lonnie Greggs, the local criminal who has an alibi but it all seems pretty fishy to Jack. Then when Lonnie runs and the police refuse to go after him and bring him back to town Jack takes the law into his own hands and leaving his wife Ruth to run the farm, he decides to take onto himself this miscarriage of justice. He looks for Lonnie and even captures him but while returning to town someone shoots and kills Lonnie and tries to kill Jack also. Jack begins to have second thoughts about Lonnie. Maybe Lonnie was telling the truth. But if it wasn’t Lonnie who could it be?
As with the other Case book that I have read I liked this mystery. I thought he could have not tipped his hand quite so quick to show the reader who the killer was but the suspense was good and though the reader knew who the killer probably was they didn’t know how many bodies would stack up before he would be arrested. Mr. Case also does an excellent job of telling the story of Jack’s being saved by Jesus Christ. Life does not become perfect after accepting Christ in his life but just more manageable. I like Mr. Case’s style of writing and look forward to reading more of his work.
As an aside I wish the back of the book would have been writing in a different fashion. I am afraid that the way it is written that only Christians will read the book. I feel that with Mr. Case’s background in mission he would like to also reach the unchurched and I feel that it could be written less heavy handed. I received this book for free from the author. (submitted by CB)
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
glittering promises review
"Glittering Promises" by Lisa T. Bergen is the third book in The Grand Tour Series. This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. Cora, is a young woman in the early 20th century who was raised by poor parents, only to discover that her biological father is filthy rich as well as a mean snob. She comes to meet her siblings in the first two books, in the third she comes to discover who she will become now that she has control over a large amount of wealth and if it will change her, or if she will change the world with it.
This is a very pretty book. Everything is nice, it is descriptive, full of detail, and color. The plot seems a little improbable. She is touring Europe with her new found family and a kidnapper is chasing them, yet they don't want to give up the Tour soooo, they keep vacationing with the kidnapper following? A lot of it doesn't make sense. It isn't a deep novel, no life altering epiphanies; it's just a nice novel, an escape, if you will.
I received this book for free from the Goodreads Giveaways.
This is a very pretty book. Everything is nice, it is descriptive, full of detail, and color. The plot seems a little improbable. She is touring Europe with her new found family and a kidnapper is chasing them, yet they don't want to give up the Tour soooo, they keep vacationing with the kidnapper following? A lot of it doesn't make sense. It isn't a deep novel, no life altering epiphanies; it's just a nice novel, an escape, if you will.
I received this book for free from the Goodreads Giveaways.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
o jackie review
"O! Jackie" by Mercedes King is fictional tale of a president, First Lady, and their complicated lives. This is a fictional account, loosely based on the lives of JFK and Jackie Kennedy. Loosely. A lot of it is true, but there is plenty of rumor, probably, maybe, coulda, shoulda, and what ifs to go around. I will treat this review as a review of a work of complete fiction to protect the innocent/guilty. I will review the writing rather than the research and/or daydreaming.
The first third of this book is basically one infidelity after another on the part of the husband. Though it is repeated by the wife that she "ultimately loves him" so she never leaves, the writer never says what there is to love about him. Usually when the man is in-your-face sleeping around he hands out a fair amount of romance and gifts to the wife to get back in her good graces. This husband does not. He just keeps doing it. Its almost as if part of the book is missing; it needs some reason to keep him. The second third of the book includes that. King turns on the charm and JFK becomes more complete while still doing his extra curricular activities. The couple as characters are much more developed and the plot is more interesting. Now when you start to get to the end, you may roll your eyes or think this is waaaay out in left field!" But keep in mind that it is fiction, and then the story is riveting. This is sort of what you wish had happened. The first 1/3 needs more editing, but stick around and King won't disappoint. Just remember it is fiction! I received this book for free from the author through www.bookblogs.ning.com.
The first third of this book is basically one infidelity after another on the part of the husband. Though it is repeated by the wife that she "ultimately loves him" so she never leaves, the writer never says what there is to love about him. Usually when the man is in-your-face sleeping around he hands out a fair amount of romance and gifts to the wife to get back in her good graces. This husband does not. He just keeps doing it. Its almost as if part of the book is missing; it needs some reason to keep him. The second third of the book includes that. King turns on the charm and JFK becomes more complete while still doing his extra curricular activities. The couple as characters are much more developed and the plot is more interesting. Now when you start to get to the end, you may roll your eyes or think this is waaaay out in left field!" But keep in mind that it is fiction, and then the story is riveting. This is sort of what you wish had happened. The first 1/3 needs more editing, but stick around and King won't disappoint. Just remember it is fiction! I received this book for free from the author through www.bookblogs.ning.com.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Examine Your Faith Blog Tour
Examine Your Faith!: Finding Truth in a World of Lies
Well-meaning people want to believe that all roads lead to the same God and heaven. But wanting something to be true is far different from truth lining up with reality. Unless you make an intentional effort to examine what you believe and why you believe it, it’s quite possible you are living your life on the basis of a lie, and don’t know it.
• What is truth?
• Is it relative or absolute?
• Is it personal or universal?
• What are the differences among the various religious faiths? Can they be blended?
• Are we creating faith—a belief system—that is impotent by trying to accept all religions as equal?
(This book has been endorsed by Josh McDowell, Dr. Craig Hazen, and Dan Story.)
You can purchase Examine Your Faith! at:
~~~ Pamela Christian Ministries ~~~
~~~ Amazon ~~~
~~~ Barnes and Noble ~~~
~~~ Deeper Shopping ~~~
About the Author
For over twenty years, coast to coast, Pamela Christian, “the Faith Doctor,” has been helping people in matters of faith. Pam compassionately wants people to confidently discover and live in, life-giving truth. Her ministry experience began as Teaching Director for Community Bible Study, (an independent, interdenominational, international organization). This led to her receiving invitations to speak nationally, followed by work as radio talk-show host in two major markets. She is a contributing writer to various books and magazines. Her education includes a certificate in apologetics from Biola University. As a book author and media personality Pam's desire is to reach as many people as possible. She and her husband live in Orange County, CA, with their two grown children living nearby.
Follow me on:
Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179552.Pamela_Christian
Book Fun: http://www.bookfun.org/profile/PamelaChristian
Twitter: http://twitter.com/plchristian
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PamelaChristianMinistries
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/pamelachristian/
October 14 Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com October 15 Lindsey Zimpel, http://booksforchristiangirls.
Cassandra M's Place, http://star95011.blogspot.com
Cheri Fields, http://creationscience4kids.com/
October 28
Susan J. Reinhardt, http://susanjreinhardt.
Crystal Scott, http://agreateryes.wordpress.
Grace Fox, www.gracefox.com/blog
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That's What I'm Here For... and sponsored by the author, Pamela Christian. The author provided me with a free copy of Examine Your Faith! to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
MY BOOK REVEW! I received "Examine Your Faith" by Pamela Christian through Diane Estrella's blog. This book examines truth and faith as we know it and then breaks it down by religion and culture. She also goes into the history of the world's most popular religions. At first the book comes off as a woman who thinks waaay too much about faith. I just don't think God wants it to be that complicated. After the first few chapters Ms Christian goes into the history of the religions, which I found incredibly fascinating. I am Christian and am fairly familiar with Christianity, Judaism, and a little Muslim. I knew next to nothing about Hinduism and Buddhism. I loved this part of the book! There was so much that I learned about religion in general. I am not sure I would recommend this to the regular, off the street person. I would recommend this to anyone going into the field of Faith and anyone who is interested in world religion given in a nonjudgmental and basic way. She is easy to understand and well versed.Tuesday, October 15, 2013
devil's grin review
"Devil's Grin" by Annelie Windeberg is a new series with Sherlock Holmes as one of the stars. Dr. Anton Kronberg is the best bacteriologist in Europe, of course, there are only three. The age of bacterial diseases is in full force in 19 century London and Kronberg is investigating. The damage of these disease causes more death than murder is capable, however when you put the two together, then you really have something. Kronberg meets Sherlock Holmes at the death scene of an unnamed man who appears to have died of cholera and then placed in the water supply. The mystery leads to something much bigger, maybe even world wide. I have never read the original Holmes books, so I can't really compare, but this is a pretty good book. It is a quick read, very easy to follow. The bacterial investigation is fascinating. We are so lucky to live in a time of vaccinations. I don't know how factual it is, but if it is historically accurate, it is incredibly interesting. I received this book from www.librarything.com
Saturday, October 12, 2013
sweet sanctuary review
"Sweet Sanctuary" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a Christian romance taking place in Boston and New York during WWII. Lydia has been raising Nicky, the child of her deceased best friend, for the first years of his life. Nic, Nicky's father, a morphine addict, has been looking for Nicky so that he can sell him. Micah, is brought in by Lydia's overbearing father to try and save them all. This story is highly improbable, kinda predictable, and slightly romantic. It's unlikely that an addict is going to search and search for three years for a kid so that sell it. Addicts just don't tend to be that dedicated to anything outside of their addiction. Also, if Micah's side job is hiding children, why is it never considered that he hide this one. The romance seems a little forced as well. It is well written and edited, however, the storyline is obvious. It was ok, it passed the time. There isn't a reason not to read it, it's not bad. It's just not great. I'd give it a C. I received this book for free from Bethany House.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
barefoot review
"Barefoot Summer" is the first book in the Chapel Springs Romance Series written by Denise Hunter. This novel is a romance starring Madison, a 26 year old veterinarian, who is learning to swim from Beckett, her long-time secret admirer. Madison comes with some baggage (her twin brother recently died) as well as her hatred for Beckett due to a misunderstanding with her sister/roommate. This book was ok. The romance was good, but the formula was typical. The characters seemed too young for their age. Though the book is the first in its series, it reads as if there have been others. I spent the first several chapters trying to figure out what was going on. The writing was fair, however, a prologue would have been helpful. I received this book for free from booksneeze.com
Thursday, October 3, 2013
redeeming love review
You MUST read this book! "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers is the retelling of the Hosea and Gomer story (from the Bible) set in the 1850s in California. It looks like a sappy love story, it could have been a melodramatic Christian novel. But it is soooo not. It opens with Sarah meeting her father for the first time and being rejected. Her mother, a prostitute, basically chooses her father over Sarah. He later rejects the mother as well. Then at the ripe old age of 8, yes 8, she is sold into prostitution by her mother's drunken idiot boyfriend. The story then picks back up at Sarah (now working under the name Angel) being 18 at still a working girl. Michael then comes to rescue her whether she wants to be rescued or not. The two begin a wonderful, complex, intense and strange love story.
By the end of the first chapter this book has the reader completely trapped. I couldn't stop reading it. It is so well written. It doesn't pull any punches yet doesn't leave you feeling sick either. The characters are fabulous. I am only kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Read it. I received this book from Blogging for Books.
By the end of the first chapter this book has the reader completely trapped. I couldn't stop reading it. It is so well written. It doesn't pull any punches yet doesn't leave you feeling sick either. The characters are fabulous. I am only kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Read it. I received this book from Blogging for Books.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Lincoln review
"Lincoln's Battle with God" by Stephen Mansfield is a spiritually biographic account of Abraham Lincoln's life. It follow his from his parents to his death depicting his beliefs pertaining to religion and God. Lincoln not only had a battle with God, but also with religion. Which are two totally different things. His relationship with God went from anger to disbelief to acceptance and finally reliance. His relationship with religion was pretty much always bad. He never joined a church or attended any one particular church regularly. The book also follows his wife during their marriage, telling of her actions and beliefs pertaining to God and the spiritual world. This is a pretty good book. There were a lot of things in here I had not heard before. I have read plenty of books on the Lincolns and this still taught me. At times, I felt the writer was angry that Lincoln never made a complete statement on his religious beliefs, but I am glad that Lincoln never felt the need to share that with the public. The relationship between Lincoln and God was just that; between Lincoln and God.I received this book for free in a giveaway through the Thomas Nelson Facebook page.
september
September was sooo fun. We had a vacation which I wrote about earlier, football started. My son A has been thoroughly kicking butt all over Central Kansas. Our Army boy, JP came home for about three weeks. It was interesting to get to know the mature and improved JP. I read 10 books over the month. Eight were real books and two were digital.
Helen Keller in Love- Rosie Sultan
He Knows Your Name- Travis cottrell
Power of Ordinary Prayer- Michael W. Smith
Winning Balance- Shawn Johnson
Girl in the Glass- Susan Meissner
Harvest of Grace- Cindy Woodsmall
Esther- Darlene Schacht
The Blue Tattoo- Ms. Mifflin
Unstoppable- Nick Vujicic
Devotions for Moms- Heather Bixler
This month was heavy in non-fiction and devotional readings. I read a lot of books that have been sitting in my TBR pile for about a year. So it is good to get them back in the book shelf, however, I am hungry for a good old fashion fiction.
Helen Keller in Love- Rosie Sultan
He Knows Your Name- Travis cottrell
Power of Ordinary Prayer- Michael W. Smith
Winning Balance- Shawn Johnson
Girl in the Glass- Susan Meissner
Harvest of Grace- Cindy Woodsmall
Esther- Darlene Schacht
The Blue Tattoo- Ms. Mifflin
Unstoppable- Nick Vujicic
Devotions for Moms- Heather Bixler
This month was heavy in non-fiction and devotional readings. I read a lot of books that have been sitting in my TBR pile for about a year. So it is good to get them back in the book shelf, however, I am hungry for a good old fashion fiction.
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