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.
Blog by Bibliophile
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
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.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
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.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
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.
Friday, May 1, 2015
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.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
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.
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