Andi Unexpected

A novel  aimed at young adult readers, but a great read for everyone, Amanda Flower’s Andi  Unexpected  is highly recommended.   Upon the untimely death of their parents, Andi and her always-on-the cellphone sister come to live with their twenty-something aunt in a small country town.  While cleaning out the attic, Andi discovers an old trunk that may have some connection to herself.  As she and neighbor Colin try to locate another Andora of years ago, they become involved in a web of family secrets. They put themselves in imminent danger from those who do not want the secrets revealed.  Along with the intriguing mystery, the novel also deals with the sisters’ deteriorating relationship with each other and the loss of their parents that both feel.  The aunt, an instructor at a local college, must learn to become a real parent to her nieces.  The neighbors, Colin and his grandmother, provide some comic relief, as does their pug, Jackson, who is eager to lap up cookie crumbs.  Although the story begins slowly, it quickly picks up pace and interest as the mystery deepens. Though the protagonist is young, her escapades appear realistic if a little impulsive. The story builds to a crescendo as Andi and Colin meet some bad guys face to face.  At that point, the book is impossible to put down. As it is subtitled “An Andi Boggs Novel,” there may be others in the series that would be worth looking for.  It’s an enjoyable read and good, clean fun.   I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publishers. I was not instructed to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

 

 

Peace on Earth: A Christmas Collection by Mary Englebreit

Traditional Christmas scripture, stories, poems, and songs are beautifully presented in Mary Engelbreit’s Peace on Earth:  A Christmas Collection.  The cover of this hardback children’s picture book is a gift wrapping in itself with a delightful rendition of little carolers resplendent in scarves and hats covered with snowflakes.  We turn the page to the scripture story of Christ’s birth, “The Gospel of St. Luke.”  A colorful illustration of Mary and the baby surrounded by angel and lamb accompanies the verses.  The “Friendly Beasts” two page spread tells of gifts given to the babe by the animals.  Poems by James Russell Lowell, Robert Herrick and others express the wonder of the Savior’s birth. Carols such as Silent Night tell the Christmas story in song.  All pages are adorned with Mary Engelbreit’s inimitable artistry.  Although the book is labeled for ages 4-8, I highly recommend this book as a beautiful addition to anyone’s holiday collection. The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth is presented simply for everyone to understand. Perfect to read to children who will want to hear it over and over, this book can become a holiday tradition. Adults will relive their own Christmas memories as they become immersed in the beautiful words and pictures. This is the perfect gift not only for the young but for the young at heart.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Sweet Apple by Judy Christie

Intertwining  hard business tactics, whirligigs made by backwoods artists, and a thread of romance, author Judy Christie scores a hit with  her novel, Sweet Olive.  Camille Gardner is sent to Louisiana to convince homeowners to sign over their mineral-rich land to J&S Production, her uncle’s company.  The town of Samford holds unhappy memories for Camille who had lived there as a child.   Although a hard-nosed negotiator, Camille is soon won over by the local artist group and a growing attraction for the attorney who represents them. Author Christie’s descriptions of the folk artists and their art is realistic and appealing.  I could easily picture the colorful golf cart adorned with Mardi Gras beads, and I could almost hear the humming noise of metal butterflies blowing in the breeze.  Ginny, the matriarch of the artist group, is a caricature in flowing pants and big glasses.  The plot flows between rural scenes of bottle trees and the corporate atmosphere of lavish parties and deal making. Camille doesn’t know whom to trust and her uncertainty adds mystery to the story.  Although generally written in a masterful hand, the author’s repetition of such phrases as “Camille ran her hands through her hair” became somewhat disconcerting as I read.  Overall, I recommend Sweet Olive as a very sweet and enjoyable novel. The descriptions of the people and places are vivid. The corporate dealings are intriguing. With today’s news stories full of oil and gas drilling and dealing, this story is a contemporary commentary.   I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments here are my own.

Wounded by God's People

Wounded by God’s People by Anne Graham Lotz

Sometimes the ones we consider to be people of God can hurt us the most.  Such is the theme of Anne Graham Lotz’s book, Wounded by God’s People. I highly recommend this narrative that speaks directly to hurting people and especially to those who have  been rebuffed by, humiliated by, or exiled from a Christian community. As the framework for her writing, Anne relates the Biblical account of Hagar who was wounded by Sarah yet not forgotten by God, “the one who sees me.” The author discusses her own times of rejection with an honest voice. She and her husband left their church under dire circumstances and did not return to any church for a year.  She also cites experiences from her teenage years and tells of the acceptance and love she received from her famous parents, Ruth and Billy Graham.  Through all  her rough times, Anne recognizes the Lord’s direction. Anne writes in a conversational, down to earth style that engages the reader from the first page. Sprinkling the writing with scripture verses, and always giving God glory, she presents a life testimony that is clear and authentic. Readers who have been wounded and/or have wounded others will be refreshed and blessed by  Wounded by God’s People. This is a great book as you counsel others, or yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review; the words expressed here are my own.

A Bride for All Seasons

A Bride for All Seasons

Applying to be a mail order bride in the old West must have been a scary adventure into the unknown. In this highly recommended Christian fictional collection of four novellas, A Bride for All Seasons, four mail ordered brides head west to meet their intended grooms.  But nothing goes as expected.  The manipulative catalog editor has taken liberties with the correspondence to put his own spin on who belongs with whom. The ladies who arrive have their own baggage.  Luvena brings her nephews and niece to meet a man who wants no children. Mary-Jo is unlucky and superstitious; Ellie bears the guilt of her mother’s death; Megan, who has already seen her share of pneumonia, finds a husband who will be dead within a year.  Writers Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy and Robin Lee Hatcher have created lively, believable brides. The plot lines twist and turn but always with a touch of humor and a good dose of spiritual common sense. This book is an entertaining and fun read. Each of the four stories can be read in a day or so, but each is so compelling that it’s hard to put down.  We want to find out, after all, if our brides truly live happily ever after.

I received a complimentary review of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story

Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story by Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby

Writing of their own lives filled with struggle and suffering, Ken and Joni Tada’s story, Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story, forms a glorious testimony of a Christian marriage:  love and devotion centered on God’s word.  Joni, a quadriplegic since a teenage diving accident, is well known as a Christian speaker and advocate for the disabled.  Her husband, Ken, is a high school teacher and coach who became her companion, caretaker, and soulmate. Their story relates their courtship and wedding and also tells of their worldwide excursions as Joni participates in Billy Graham crusades and visits the disabled around the globe. The reader is invited into their California home where we can imagine sitting with them viewing the lovely mountains. And we read of their camping trip where Ken cooks fresh fish over a campfire.  As years pass, and life’s demands take their toll, the couple begin to struggle more with pain and depression. Then, after decades of being virtually immobile and dependent on others, Joni receives a diagnosis of cancer. How this couple handles this becomes a beautiful example of God’s grace. Throughout this book, Jon and Ken’s voices are honest and forthright. They do not hesitate to share the special challenges of a disability or the personal challenges of marriage. Their story is instructive, touching and inspirational. I highly recommend this book.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to review. I was not required to write a positive review and the views expressed here are my own.

 

A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl

Weaving mystery, suspense and a young widow’s attempt to rebuild her life, Lis Wiehl has crafted a novel that is hard to put down.  Mia Quinn has returned to her job as prosecutor at the district attorney’s office.  Not only does she juggle several law cases, but she also must deal with massive debts left by her husband whose financial lapses were discovered after his death.  Mia must also single parent her two children.  Gabe is fourteen and facing teenage issues of body image and peer pressure.  Brooke is a four year old who awakens in the night screaming.  Along with her personal problems, and another demanding case of a teen’s suicide, Mia decides she must take on the case of her best friend who was brutally murdered.  Teamed with Detective Charlie Carlson, Mia dives into an investigation that eventually places herself and her children in grave danger.

The characters are realistic and identifiable. Mia is the working mom who agonizes over her children’s problems while she searches for clues in an empty house.  Gabe is a modern teenager caught between a desire to fit in with a crowd that raids convenience stores and a desire to keep his little sister safe. Nate Dane is the chain-smoking father whose son committed suicide after being bullied on social media. Colleen Miller, the victim, is the ex-wife of a man whose new wife wants more money.

The plot of this novel moves swiftly with numerous unexpected twists and turns, but it lacks the profanity and sordid detail of other modern fiction.  Just when you think you have identified the killer, the plot takes another direction. The ending is unexpected but not disappointing.  This novel is contemporary; it deals with today’s problems. It was a fascinating read and one of the best novels I’ve read in a long time. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to review. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments on the book are my own.

Unglued Devotional

How do you react when the airline loses your luggage, when your daughter colors picture on your freshly painted wall, when the dentist advises a root canal? In Unglued Devotional: 60 Days of Imperfect Progress,  Lysa TerKeurst presents everyday problems and scriptural solutions.  In this excellent, down to earth book of sixty brief devotionals, this Bible study teacher and author uses her own personal experiences, as a wife and mother of five,to shed light on building relationships. Too many times, we women tend to compare ourselves to others, stuff our emotions, or react in anger—we become “unglued.”  Lysa writes of keeping focus on the Lord and seeking his wisdom in prayer. She shares her own battles with resentment, fear and a lack of confidence.  Each devotional contains a daily scripture verse and a “thought for the day.” The text’s appendix has an assessment to determine your own reaction type.  But the strength of this devotional book lies in Lysa’s forthright and authentic sharing of her own real life experiences and her own spiritual growth.  We all have similar fears and disappointments.  And we, by allowing God to work in us, can overcome these.  This Unglued Devotional provides great advice and encouragement and is highly recommended.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the view expressed here is my own.

The Great House of God

With The Lord’s Prayer as a framework, Max Lucado’s The Great House of God: A Home for Your Heart infuses the reader with warm blessings.  A literary visit to this house takes us through the foundation, into the living room and up the stairs to the observatory.  We visit the study, the kitchen, and the Chapel.  We even see the hallway, the walls, and the family room.  Max uses the house metaphor to describe the amazing love and care of our Heavenly Father who indeed wants us to be in His eternal home. 

 Max Lucado writes in a clear and down to earth style. He relates stories of his own family; he tells of a shopping trip to buy two desks. His young daughter did not want to wait for delivery, so she implored her dad to load the furniture in the trunk.   Recalling his child’s request and relating this to God, Max states “He is not only willing to hear us, he loves to hear us.”   This well-known pastor and author uses humor effectively. His anecdote of the skiing lady who needed to visit the restroom made me laugh out loud.  And the kitchen table stories can be appreciated by everyone who has ever filled his plate.   The engaging stories help us to understand the great love of God and his house “where we feel safe and secure.”

The text also includes a substantial study guide for individuals or small groups.  I recommend this book highly; not only is it a credible treatise from a trusted servant of God, but it is also a delightful visit to The Great House of God.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

 

The 5 Money Personalities

The 5 Money Personalities: Speaking the Same Love and Money Language by Scott and Bethany Palmer

Did you know that you can commit financial infidelity? Or that money fights are not about the money? Or that you have a “money personality”?  These questions and other marital and money concerns are addressed by financial planners and writers Scott and Bethany Palmer in their book, The 5 Money Personalities: Speaking the Same Love and Money Language.  This is an easy to read, enthusiastic how to manual that would benefit couples of all ages. The Palmers avow that everyone has a money personality; actually we have primary and secondary personalities.  An online address is given for you to discern your own Money Personality through a short quiz.  In another website, couples assess their money handling to find their Financial Relationship Index.  Citing examples of couples they’ve counseled for many years, the Palmers explain how a lack of financial communication and understanding can hurt a relationship.  The little daily decisions such as buying generic or name brand cereal can negatively impact a spouse who views purchases differently.  Thus knowing your and your spouse’s money personality will allow better understanding. The authors encourage us to “own” our own money personality in order to see our own errors. They advocate a “Money Dump” to get negative feelings out and “The Money Huddle,” a time to make decisions.  The 5 Money Personalities is a refreshing addition to the bookshelf of financial advice.  The reader will find himself saying, “Yes, that’s so true,” or “That’s me, all right!”  But the Palmers don’t just identify the problems; they give workable, practical solutions.  An enjoyable and instructive read, this book is highly recommended.

I was given this book free of charge by the publisher to review. I am not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed here are only my own.