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.

Snapshot by Liz Wiehl

Snapshot by Liz Wiehl

A faded photograph of two little girls at a years-ago civil rights rally provides the backdrop for Liz Wiehl’s compelling, must-read novel, Snapshot.  Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren returns to her childhood home to help her father solve an old mystery and perhaps free a man on death row.  This quest leads Lisa into dangerous territory; as she uncovers hidden secrets, she has to confront her own fears and try to renew her relationship with her dad.  Wiehl has crafted complex characters: Dad’s girlfriend is a private investigator who knows how to bug houses. Molly is a preacher with a gregarious family. Stanley is the villain who tries to reconnect with his own politician daughter. The plot twists and turns so fast that you’re almost not ready for the suspense filled conclusion. As she moves the action from Boston to Texas to Miami and points in between, Wiehl holds the reader in a masterful grasp. There is an abundance of detail, to even include an elusive key that relates to Robert Kennedy. A reading group guide is included as are introspective comments by Wiehl’s own father, a retired FBI agent. I highly recommend this book. It is a never-a-dull moment exciting and intriguing mystery. Be sure, however, to pay close attention or you’ll miss something.  I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words and opinions here are my own.

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Divorce, alcoholism and domestic violence are presented in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Christian novel, A Promise Kept.   Heroine Allison Kavanagh, 45 years old, begins new life after her husband walks out of their marriage.  Allison struggles to maintain her Christian faith amid feelings that God has let her down.  She moves into her great aunt’s country cottage in the Idaho mountains and proceeds to discover the previously-unknown life of Aunt Emma.  In her new community,  Allison must also negotiate an attraction to a handsome fellow church member along with the feelings she still has for her former husband.  Through this novel, Hatcher explains the conflicts and emotions experienced by the newly-divorced.  We sympathize with Allison as she seeks spiritual guidance and finds it in an unexpected place, Aunt Emma’s journals that were hidden in the attic.   This is overall a pleasant read; however, the story drifts at times; for instance, the purpose of a camping trip episode with ex-husband and daughter is not clear.   Also, Allison’s decision in the conclusion seems to come too quickly with little explanation or development.   A Promise Kept remains a Christian novel that explores contemporary themes.  The Book Club guide should provoke interesting conversations.  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.

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.