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.

Motherless by Erin Healy

One of the more unusual novels I’ve ever read, Erin Healy’s Motherless is an intriguing, but not pleasant, read.  This is a challenging story, but I read on trying to make sense of this dysfunctional family and their story as narrated by an almost-dead man.  Filled with guilt over the death of his wife sixteen years earlier, Garrett Becker drives his car into an excavation site to die.  He has long agonized over an affair he had with chocolate shop entrepreneur Sara.  He blames himself, and the affair, for his wife’s death; it is supposed that she drowned in the ocean though a body was never found.  Garrett has great concern for his almost-grown children, Marina and Dylan, and in his ghost-like state, he follows them about.  There is a thread throughout that is eventually tied up in an unexpected twist in the ending.  This story is bizarre and somewhat eerie.  It is often difficult to follow, as we jump about in different times and places from the chocolate store to the chop shop to the construction site.  Although I appreciate the author’s talent to write a suspenseful conclusion, I did not enjoy this novel.   I found the plot confusing and the characters shallow.  Perhaps I should not have been surprised—after all, the story was told by a half-dead man on the edge of eternity. 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 Maxwell Leadership Bible

You can learn Dr. John Maxwell’s leadership principles, based on his many years of writing and speaking, as you study God’s word.   In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Dr. Maxwell writes, “I want you to learn from the best leaders who ever lived—the men and women in the Bible.”  Saying that we should all see ourselves as leaders, he adds “Leadership Highlights” and other words of wisdom to each book of the Bible.  For example in Matthew 27, one of the 21 Qualities of Leadership is “Responsibility.” Here, Dr. Maxwell explains how Pontius Pilate failed to be a leader; he finds nothing wrong with Jesus but gives into the demands of an angry crowd. Pilate washes his hands of responsibility because he has problems with foundations, futility, fear, failure and focus. Leaders must make decisions. I am currently in a Bible study in Exodus, and in the 5^th and 6^th chapters, Moses goes to Pharaoh to ask for his people to be released. Dr. Maxwell explains how this required strategy and planning ahead, qualities needed by leaders. Leaders also need an “inner circle” as Moses needed Aaron. This helps me understand Moses’ situation and make a practical application to life today. This NIV version is presented in an easy to read format.  Scripture passages are uninterrupted; boxes on pages share the leadership laws, “Profiles in Leadership,” and other helpful notes. I highly recommend this Bible.  A pleasure to read, it will be an amazing tool to aid Bible study and personal growth.  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.

The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles F. Stanley

The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley

In The Spirit-Filled Life, pastor and author Charles Stanley discusses the Holy Spirit: who he is and how he works in the lives of believers.  Although we receive the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation, many of us don’t understand His work.  And, as Dr. Stanley points out, the Holy Spirit is a “He” and not an “it.”  Dr. Stanley explains how he himself came to a personal understanding of the Holy Spirit, this after he was already a successful pastor.   He tells of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles in Acts 1 and says that upon Jesus’ crucifixion, the veil of the temple was torn in two: “… God had left the temple in Jerusalem and through the person of the Holy Spirit, had moved into the hearts of His people.”   Also discussed are the fruits of the spirit, the difference between the flesh and the spirit, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (which has been greatly misunderstood).  This same Holy Spirit can give us daily guidance; we don’t just have to do “the best we can.”  Throughout the book, Dr. Stanley gives examples from his own life and church. Of course, just studying about the Holy Spirit is not enough.  Each Christian needs to surrender to Him and experience the joy of truly living a spirit-filled life. Dr. Stanley does not just educate us; he tells us how to yield to the Holy Spirit in total dependence.  I highly recommend this book; it will answer questions and promote actions.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in order to write a review. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

The Confession by Robert Whitlow

Noted Christian mystery writer Robert Whitlow takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns (and a few hairpin curves) in his novel, The Confession.  An outstanding work, and a must read for mystery fans, The Confession tells the story of a small town assistant district attorney trying to prosecute criminals while hiding his own secret past. Holt Douglas has a full life.  He has a promising law career , a beautiful girlfriend who owns a prominent beauty salon, and even a Jack Russell terrier who hunts squirrels.  But when Holt begins to delve into the supposed suicide of a wealthy town citizen, he opens up trails that lead back to a tragic high school accident that also is not what it seems. Whitlow has a true gift of characterization. For example, I rooted for one important character through many chapters, but as the plot unfolded, I began to dislike this person, and then after a few more chapters, to understand and to appreciate the final unraveling. This was an unexpected, but thoroughly satisfying, mental reading journey. A Christian witness is evident throughout the novel. A confession is required of several people; scripture is prominently mentioned. Whitlow is a master writer who leads plot and subplot to a satisfying conclusion. The Confession will not disappoint, although at the end I wanted a sequel. I did not want to let go of Holt, Angelina, Trish and the others.  I received a complimentary review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

A Deadly Business

A Deadly Business: A Mia Quinn Mystery by Liz Wiehl with April Henry

Liz Wiehl, TV legal commentator, has written, with April Henry, another great novel, A Deadly Business: A Mia Quinn Mystery. Mia, a Seattle county prosecutor, has her hands full with the case of juveniles who pushed a shopping cart from a second story balcony onto an unsuspecting woman below.  As the victim lies comatose with severe brain damage, Mia must decide how to prosecute the teens.  Then, Detective Charlie Carlson decides to reopen the accident case of Mia’s husband’s death, and Mia is thrown into a world of deceit, betrayal and murder.  As a single mom to a preschooler and a teen, Mia must juggle parenting concerns with her demanding career. Romance is introduced also as two men vie for her attentions. This novel contains fast paced action.  From the first chapter in which Mia is attacked in the courtroom to the final life and death scene, the book, never boring, is hard to put down. The events seem taken from current headlines. The characters are human and authentic.  Mia is the gentle mom and also the hard-nosed attorney. I was briefly disappointed with the conclusion; it seemed to wrap up too quickly and too tightly. I wanted to know more of the characters’ feeling after all was said and done.  However, I anticipate a third novel in this series. I sincerely hope for one.  I highly recommend this novel. It has all the elements of a memorable mystery.  Now, if it could become a TV series…  I received a complimentary e-book copy of this novel. I was not required to write a complimentary review, and the words expressed here are my own.

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen is a captivating story of love and devotion with a Christian faith connection.  Heroine Emily Shaw spends her honeymoon on Sunset Beach where she and husband Ryan plan their life together. Within only a few years, however, Ryan dies of cancer living Emily devastated and depressed. Following Ryan’s wishes, Emily returns to Sunset Beach and buys a summer beach home. There she meets people who need her: a pregnant teen, an overwhelmed mom and a former movie star who is now the local bridge tender. The old fashioned bridge linking the island to the mainland becomes a metaphor for Emily’s situation. As the island residents debate replacing the antiquated bridge, Emily begins to build her own connection to a new life and love. Teenager Amber is alone and lonely and at first rejects Emily’s Christian witness. Neighbor Claire’s two rambunctious children make a mess of Emily’s babysitting night.  Bridge tender Kyle presents his own sad past. The plot moves swiftly, and Emily’s faith in God is tested and strengthened.  The author’s descriptions of the beach make you feel as if you’re sitting on the dock with your feet in the water. Well written and hard to put down, this is a great book, one that merits a sequel.  It is highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.

Sarah's Choice

Sarah’s Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue

A remarkable read, Sarah’s Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue, presents us with a young woman’s dilemma, actually a life and death choice. Sarah Collins is an up and coming marketing employee at Carson Creative.  She is in line for a promotion that would enrich her paycheck so much that she could get a better apartment, a dependable automobile, and help out her widowed mom.  Pregnancy is definitely not in the plans for this single career girl. Her co-worker advises Sarah to have an abortion; her mother says that abortion is a sin; her boyfriend can’t seem to handle the situation at all.  As she struggles with the decision, Sarah must come to grips with her relationship with God and with her father’s death.  Contemporary characters with real-life personalities and conflicts are the real strength of this novel. Boyfriend Matt, who spends work hours conducting desk chair races down the office hall, has a lot of growing up to do. Sarah faces her situation with understandable anguish symbolized by her daily morning sickness. Co-worker Megan, who urges Sarah to end the pregnancy, is confronted with her own past. This novel is written with able and compassionate voices of the two authors.  Described here is a situation many may face. The story is told with humor and realism but also honestly. It 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 words expressed here are my own.

Critical Condition

A murder on the front lawn, a sister out of rehab, and a secret geotraking code all combine to make Richard L. Mabry, M.D.’s novel, Critical Condition, a must read. Adding in the daily grind of the protagonist doctor and her pathologist boyfriend just heightens the action.  In this mystery novel, we follow Dr. Shannon Frasier, a capable and trusted surgeon, who has her hands full, not only with scalpels and sutures, but also with her father’s life-threatening illness and her sister’s recovery from addiction. Then, one evening, Shannon tries to save the life of a stranger who is shot in her front yard. The event takes her back to another incident when she was unable to save the life of her fiancé . But it is the dying man’s last words that place Shannon in grave danger. She is soon faced with an evil criminal who wants to know those final words and will stop at nothing to get them. And she is not convinced that the police can help her. The plot moves along at a swift pace; you must read every word or miss something important. The author’s descriptions are vivid; the characters are lifelike, and their anxieties and fears are quite believable. Threaded throughout the story is a Christian witness. Shannon, who grew up in her pastor-father’s home, questions her faith, but finds she must call on God as she faces impossible situations.  This is an immensely satisfying novel with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. I highly recommend this novel. 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.

God Is Just Not Fair by Jennifer Rothschild

Just like her friend who set a place at the table for Jesus, Jennifer Rothschild tells us how God is always with us, even in the midst of blindness, be it physical or spiritual. In God is Just Not Fair, this Christian writer and speaker, blind since her teens, honestly shares her own battle with depression which overtook her in midlife. Jennifer questioned her faith and the fairness and presence of God.  Using realistic illustrations from her own life and work, she shares scenarios that all can identify with.  Mentioning those who have lost spouses or who suffer from terminal illness, Jennifer acknowledges that some may not sense God’s presence. But she advises, “..sometimes we have to trust God is there, even when we can’t feel him.”   And there is her son’s persistent request for a Nintendo.  Jennifer notes, “We can appeal to God about anything because with Him all things are possible and He hears us.”  She adds, however, that God wants “to show us the difference between what is possible and what is best.”  This book is arranged in a clear and engaging style with chapter headings such as “Compassionate Inactivity” and “If You had Been Here.” The pages are filled with pertinent scripture verses.  Known for her coffee and “fresh ground faith,” Jennifer shares a cup of inspiration with friends in this book.  God is Just Not Fair is a pleasure to read, and to savor, and to learn from.  I received a complimentary, review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the words expressed here are my own.

Distortion by Terri Blackstock

Distortion by Terri Blackstock

To this mystery fan, Terri Blackstock’s novel, Distortion, scores high in the suspense category but has a disappointing conclusion.  The story begins with action. Juliet Cole’s doctor husband is murdered in a drive by shooting at a rental facility. Juliet’s grief is portrayed as physical, emotional and very intense.  As the investigation begins, she must come to grips with the possibility of her husband’s secret life. Her family provides support for Juliet and her two sons.  Her two sisters, an attorney and a PI, investigate the murder, discovering pertinent clues and a possible suspect.  A master of twists and turns, the author takes the reader on an exciting trip that involves threatening phone calls, kidnapping and more murder. I could not put the book down. But, then, the conclusion came too soon and too abruptly.   Juliet’s emotions, so explicitly described in the beginning, were quickly summed up. Her feelings that led to an important family decision were never explained.  Since Distortion is part of a series, or family saga, I can assume that Juliet’s story will be continued in another volume. But, as a reader so immersed in this situation in this novel, I expected more closure.  On a positive note, the Christian message is strong throughout the book.  Overall, this is a deftly written novel, an enjoyable read, but too many loose ends were left dangling. I know, I should read the next volume.  I received a complimentary 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.

 

How to Be Rich by Andy Stanley

God is the ultimate giver. With this premise, pastor and author Andy Stanley tells us we are already rich, but we aren’t very good at being rich.  In his well-written, conversational “How to Be Rich,” Andy shares examples from his own family such as recalling his fifth grade year in a Florida parsonage.  He tells of the generosity of his Atlanta churches who have given millions to charities and missions around the world in their Be Rich campaign. He also relates the history of Christianity with stories of early Christians who nursed plague victims and smuggled food to prisoners.   He tells of King David who said that everything belongs to God. And of course there is the perfect model of Jesus who taught us to give to others without thought of return to self.   Andy’s folksy, humorous writing style quickly engages the reader.  He does not preach in a didactic style; rather he just talks through the pages.   He tells us to plan our giving and to increase the percentage as we are blessed.  I highly recommend this uplifting, inspirational book full of heavy duty wisdom.  It is a pleasure to read, and it is also a strong encouragement to get busy and give.  I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.