Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

A mom considering divorce, a coffee shop barista angel, and a mysterious God Blog combine to create an awe-inspiring tale of redemption and faith.  Pastor and author Max Lucado, with Candace Lee and Eric Newman, has penned a contemporary novel that is easy to relate to and fun to read.  Heroine Chelsea Chambers is making plans to divorce her unfaithful NFL star husband.  She has moved with her two children into her family home, and is trying to make a go of a coffee shop in the lower level.  Though she can make cupcakes like a pro, she can’t seem to make enough money to keep the shop afloat. Then, a mysterious barista enters the shop and things begin to happen.  The old computer in the corner develops a straight line to Heaven and the God Blog is born. The Higher Grounds shop becomes famous as crowds throng in to get their questions answered and buy their coffee.  Of course, this leads to unseen situations and more problems than Chelsea can handle alone, until she learns that she is not alone.  I highly recommend this novel.  This fast paced story is funny, sad, and at times complicated, but is difficult to put down.  Twists and turns keep you reading to see Chelsea’s next move.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words here are my own.

The NKJV Foundation Study Bible

The New King James Foundation Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson, is a valuable addition to anyone’s library or desk.  I opened to the book of Genesis and was impressed to see the clear type and frequent headings which make the text easy to read. It was easy to locate specific verses.  At the bottom of each page, study notes give explanations of the various topics on that page.  In my reading in Genesis, for example, Genesis 3:22 speaks of the tree of life in a perfect Eden. The reference at page bottom defines the tree of life, and sends you to Revelation 22:2 where we learn that this same tree that sustained Adam and Eve will be “planted anew” with its leaves used for the healing of nations. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s word is presented in an accessible format.  In addition, this Bible has many features to facilitate an efficient Bible study session. The words of Jesus are identified in red type.  A Theological Notes Index is a guide to particular topics such as “Knowing the will of God” or “Kindness.”  A Concordance directs you to germane verses, and Bible maps are also available.  Therefore, this KKJV Foundation Study Bible is ideal for individual devotions, but is also useful for in-depth study as one prepares for Bible teaching. I highly recommend this Bible.  It should become a valued addition to your reference bookshelf, and you’ll take it off that shelf frequently to nourish yourself with God’s holy word.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words here are my own.

 

Among the Fair Magnolias

Among the Fair Magnolias, Four Southern Love Stories

Love in the Old South is the theme of Among the Fair Magnolias, Four Southern Love Stories. Each story is written by a notable author of Christian fiction.  The anthology provides hours of pleasure reading as you envision young ladies in in silk evening gowns and handsome suitors on horseback, all in the aftermath of the Civil War. In “A Heart So Free,” Dorothy Love’s heroine, Abigail, must find a way to wed her beloved Dr. Bennett in spite of her father’s other choice for another husband.  In “To Mend a Dream,” by Tamera Alexander, seamstress Savannah Darby sews drapes in her former family home for the new owner and his fiancée.  But the dashing young attorney takes a special interest in Savannah. In Elizabeth Musser’s “Love Beyond Limits,” schoolteacher Emily Derracott faces danger as she tries to help former slaves and rebuff the attentions of a suitor who doesn’t seem to share her beliefs.  In “The Outlaw’s Heart,” by Shelley Gray, Russell Champion returns to a home he was forced to leave seven years before. This tale has the twists and turns that involve a former girlfriend now being courted by a suspicious stranger. Russell must also mend fences with his ill mother and revisit a tumultuous past. I highly recommend this book.   Romance, suspense and post Civil War drama will keep you turning the pages for more.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words here are my own.

A Stranger's Secret by Laurie Alice Eakes

Set in the early 1800s on an English seacoast, Laurie Alice Eakes’ novel, A Stranger’s Secret, is a fascinating historical romance. The heroine, Morwenna, is a young widow trying to maintain a crumbling homestead to provide an inheritance for her baby son. When she finds a nearly drowned strange man washed up on her shore, she must nurse him to life, especially when she sees a medallion on his neck containing her own family crest.  The sudden disappearance of the medallion causes great suspicion. Then, a move to Morwenna’s wealthy and influential grandparents’ estate, where David Chastain can be more properly cared for, leads to further mystery especially when someone tries to poison David. In spite of two other potential suitors, family intrigue and near-death experiences, Morwenna and David’s love for each other grows. As I read this compelling novel, I tried to identify the villain; however, the twists and turns lead to a surprising conclusion that is worth waiting for.  In a Stranger’s Secret, the author has created a Gothic-era tale of mystery and a sweet love story.  I highly recommend this novel. . I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

Horse in the Wilderness

An improbable romance between a music teacher with a hidden past and a horse lover with a mysterious fiance comes together in Debbie Eckles’ Christian novel, Horse in the Wilderness. When Autumn Parker’s beloved horse is lost, her search to find him leads into an unexpected mystery.  A sinister someone is causing strange events that may well put Autumn and her family in grave danger.  After an abrasive beginning, Autumn and the teacher find a common interest in a local band. However, all is not sweet harmony as events and people intervene to disturb the budding romance. A Christian theme runs throughout the book and redemption and forgiveness are prominent and honestly presented. The author’s descriptions of the horse country are vivid. I could feel the jostling of Autumn’s truck as it sped up a mountain road and almost see the gravel spraying from the tires.  I could see the horses grazing in their green pastures. The plot develops well as romantic tension develops between Autumn and Brent who must learn to deal with their pasts in order to move forward.  The action is fast-paced as events are woven together to a fitting, though surprising, conclusion.  I found myself swiping from page to page as my Kindle version of the novel became difficult to put down.  I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

Bella's Gift by Rick and Karen Santorum

Bella’s Gift is a heartfelt and powerful story of a family who chose to consider their special baby as a gift and not a liability. When Bella was born, the Santorums were already a large and busy family with six children.  Karen was a pediatric nurse by training and a law school graduate—but she was most of all a mom who took her children to ball games and cooked homemade meals. Rick was a politician with aspirations of becoming President of the United States.  Faithful Catholics, the Santorum family puts God first in their lives; they seek His will and praise Him for their circumstances.  Their story details the struggles and victories experienced by parents of special needs children, those parents who choose life in spite of the advice of others. In chapters written by Karen or Rick, these parents tell of Bella’s numerous illnesses, midnight visits to the emergency room and medical professionals who thought treatment was futile.  But they also emphasize their little girl’s laughter and  smiles, and the joy she brings to her brothers and sisters.  Their story in Bella’s Gift is a touching, loving expression of love.  Written authentically and honestly, this story portrays the eternal love between parent and child.  I highly recommend this book.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words here are my own.

Lethal Beauty by Lis Wiehl

Lethal Beauty by Lis Wiehl

Lis Wiehl, with April Henry, scores a hit with her novel, Lethal Beauty, another in the Mia Quinn mystery series.  The novel contains colorful characters, non-stop action and a fast-paced plot. The subject matter can be raw at times, however, and may disturb some readers. Mia, a widow with a problematic teenager and a four year old, is trying to hold things together after the curious death of her husband who might have been involved in illegal activities.  As a prosecutor and busy mom, Mia also has two men in her life who would like to be more than friends.  Then, her court trial results in a hung jury, a body washes up on a beach and her son becomes an overnight body builder, and Mia finds herself involved in the immigrant slave trade and real danger. The author weaves these details into a compelling story that keeps you reading and reading. The twists and turns are exciting; for example, a masked gunman enters a church and shoots the pianist—but why?  How does this seemingly isolated event fit into the plot?  But it does. I recommend this novel with a gentle warning: it deals with the topics of prostitution and abuse and contains occasional graphic language. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review, and the words here are my own.

A Thing of Beauty by Lisa Samson

Lisa Samson’s novel, A Thing of Beauty is a disjointed and often confusing tale of a dysfunctional movie star family. Burdened by deep set demons, Fiona Hume has divorced her parents, left her movie career behind, and found her own hiding place in Baltimore. She fills her days with conversations at the coffee shop or bicycle excursions to search for trash that she might turn into artistic treasures.  Fiona meets men for companionship and money, in a quite strange arrangement. Then, with a need to raise more money, she rents a room to a local tradesman who begins to redecorate the house.  Although I sympathized with Fiona’s plight and her abusive past life, it was difficult to find very many redeeming qualities in her—or in any other of the characters.  This novel is a series of happenings that are challenging to connect together. The language is disturbing.  Of course, the junk Fiona collects is a metaphor for her fractured life, and we can hope she creates her own brand of beauty out of the trash.  Unfortunately, it’s just not a pleasant read; this book is not highly recommended.

The Bracelet by Dorothy Love

Author Dorothy Love scores a major hit with The Bracelet, a novel set in pre-Civil War Savannah, Georgia.  Heroine Celia Browning donates time and resources to the Female Asylum to help homeless women.  She also assists her father with his prosperous shipping business, plans parties, and befriends her orphaned cousin, Ivy.  But her major desire is to become the wife of her longtime suitor, Sutton Mackay.  Strife between the North and South may delay their marriage plans—as also might a mysterious stranger with supposed knowledge of family secrets.  Mysterious clues such as a jeweled bracelet add to the intrigue.  The author presents here a masterful writing job.  In addition to telling a great story, she knows how to pique the reader’s curiosity and interest.  She tells us just enough so that we must read on.  As a reader, I became so involved in Celia’s story.  I anticipated her moves and tried to analyze the clues.  This novel was never boring or formulaic.  The setting in Savannah is colorful and realistic for the time period.  The characters are delightful, notably Mrs. Maguire, the housekeeper who serves up meals and mothers Celia with great humor. This is a fast paced historical love story with depth and suspense; I highly recommend The Bracelet.   I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  I was not required to write a positive review; the words here are my own.