Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A Matter of Trust: A Mia Quinn Mystery By Lis Wiehl with April Henry

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze.com for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

When life is murder, who can you trust?
One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor’s office. The next minute there’s a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.
Mia’s a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teen aged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less—and working Colleen’s case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen’s death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold—even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.
Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.


My Thoughts:

A Matter of Trust is the first book in The Mia Quinn Mysteries by Lis Wiehl with April Henry. I am a huge fan of Lis Wiehl/April Henry  books and have read all of their fiction books they have written together. A Matter of Trust did NOT disappoint in what I have come to expect from this writing team. In this book, we are introduced to Mia Quinn, a prosecutor who just recently came back to this job. She left years back to be with her family and due to a tragedy involving her husband, she finds herself needing to support herself and her two children.  A murder takes place involving Mia's colleague and friend, Colleen. Her murder is exactly the same as another murder that took the life of another prosecutor some years before.  Mia is teamed up with police detective Charlie Carlson, a detective she has worked with before and is not to excited about it.  They work together to find out who killed both of Mia's colleagues, under the premise that it is the same killer.

A Matter of Trust is awesome! I found myself reading far into the night because I just couldn't put it down.  This latest book from this writing team is everything I have come to expect from their novels.  A Matter of Trust is a fast paced, action packed mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the end. This team writes with authority about the legal system, police procedures, elements of crime, and finding faith.  A Matter of Trust is a great book that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Mystery/Suspense books. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to the next releases by Lis Wiehl and April Henry. I give this book 5 stars.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Rescuing Hope By Susan Norris

I received this book from Glass Road Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Every two minutes, evil strips innocence from a child and sells her into slavery for sex. Not in a third-world country, but in the United States of America. Before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked or taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal.
She could be a neighbor. A friend. Your sister. Your daughter. You

At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life—until the day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and rapes her. Held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the rape proves to be the least of Hope's troubles. In a gasping attempt at normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the subway. He promises acceptance. He declares his love. He lures her out from under the shelter of her suburban life.
Hope's disappearance sets a community in motion. She's one of their own. They determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she's lost forever.
Will you?



My Thoughts:

Rescuing Hope By Susan Norris is a work of fiction about a very real thing happening in OUR country everyday: Sex Trafficking of teenage girls.  These young girls are lured in and taken from their families by these monsters. In Rescuing Hope, Hope is a normal 14 yr old, she and her Mother move across town with the help of movers. One of the movers comes back and rapes her.  As Hope tries to put her life back together she is taken in with a man on the subway with all the right words and lures her into the sex trafficking trade. Her family and community work together to do whatever it takes to find her.

Rescuing Hope is a very intense book. It deals with very sensitive subject matter that people need to be aware of. Susan Norris brings to light the many,many girls we lose into the sex trafficking trade here in the United States, not in some far away country, but right here in our country, in our cities.  As the mother of two teen-aged daughters and a survivor of sexual assault, this issue is near to my heart.  The story is hard to read in that the subject matter and events but is extremely well written and well researched.  Susan Norris truly captures this issue and the effects it has on the victim, the family, and the community.  I found myself unable to put this book down.  I also found myself crying in some areas and angry in others.  Susan Norris brings this issue out in the open, to make sure that everyone is aware and educated on this subject.  I really admire her hard work and her heart for this issue, its not an easy one to address.  I would not recommend this book for young/teenage girls to read on their own, something that definitely should be adult led. The QA at the end of the book really helps guide discussions. I recommend this book to anyone. It's an issue that people need to be aware of.  I look forward to reading more books by Susan Norris. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Lead Your Family Like Jesus By Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 Book Description:

 Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light—as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book’s practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.



My Thoughts:

Lead Your Family Like Jesus is a practical book by three different authors: Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer.  This book is very thought provoking and truly spoke to my heart about leading my family like Jesus. This book is divided into four main sections: Hearts, Head, Hands, and Habits. From there it breaks down further with unique insight from each of the authors. This book is not like other parenting books that seem to have a formula on how to have the "perfect" family. The authors look at the reality of parenting and leading a family. This book will encourage you to be the best parent you can be.The authors challenge you to set goals, values and live with Christ as the cornerstone of your family.  The personal stories they told really bring the teaching alive and made them more real. The practical ideas show you how to apply them to your family.  I truly enjoyed this book and its unique approach to family. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is parenting. It is truly thought provoking and touches the heart. 

Stress Test By Richard L. Mabry, MD

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 


THEY MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT HIM, BUT THEY HAVE ENOUGH TO RUIN HIS LIFE.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life as a surgeon in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left the hospital at 2 a.m. have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt’s only thought is fleeing with his life. He does escape, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he’s being charged with murder.
Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors after her last relationship. But when Matt calls, she knows she can’t walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.
Matt’s career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he’s a killer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth—and the faith to keep going—will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.


My Thoughts: 

Stress Test is the first book by Richard L. Mabry, MD, I have had the pleasure of reading.  Dr. Matt Newman is living a great life, he is getting ready to start a new job teaching medicine, he has a great girlfriend who may be the "ONE", and he is happy. Until one night, he leaves to go home and someone attacks him and puts him in his own trunk. Matt finds a way to escape but ends up in the hospital with a serious head injury.  After he comes to, he finds out he is suspected of murdering a woman who worked where he did.  Matt turns to his girlfriend who works in the D.A.'s office and she all but dumps him. She does find him a lawyer to help him, Sandra Murray.  Matt finds himself without a job, without a girlfriend, and potentially losing his freedom permanently.

Stress Test is a great book that has the medical element, legal element, and much suspense. Stress Test is a fast-paced thriller that grabs the reader from the start and truly keeps you going until the end. I had a very hard time putting this book down, I didn't want to interrupt the action happening. Richard Mabry, MD writes with authority on all aspects of medicine, many aspects of the law, and of finding faith in a scientific setting.  The characters are well developed and as the reader you really get to know them. As I read this book, I felt like I was there watching the events unfold, I found myself holding my breath during the action.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction/Thriller stories. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading more by Richard Mabry, MD. I give this book 4.5 stars.

 Richard Mabry is celebrating the release of Stress Test with a Nook HD Giveaway! Enter today.


Stress-Test-giveaway300
One winner will receive:
  • A brand new Nook HD
  • A $15 gift certificate to BarnesandNoble.com
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 27th. Winner will be announced on 4/29/13 at Richard's blog.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

When Jesus Wept- The Jerusalem Chronicles Book 1 By Brock and Bodie Thoene

 I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


 Book Description: 


LAZARUS---the man Jesus raised from the dead in one of the most extraordinary encounters with The Living Savior in all of Scripture. But the life of Lazarus holds interest well beyond this miraculous event. Living in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus witnessed many of the most important events of Jesus's life and ministry. Lazarus owned a vineyard and devoted his life to caring for its vines and fruit. But he encountered another man---Jesus---whose vineyard was the world, its fruit the eternal souls of men. When Lazarus's story and the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection touch in When Jesus Wept, we are offered a unique vision into the power and comfort of Christ's love. Brock and Bodie Thoene's most powerful and climactic writing project to date, When Jesus Wept, captures the power and the passion of the men and women who lived through the most important days in the history of the world.


My Thoughts:

When Jesus Wept is the first book in Brock and Bodie Thoene's latest series, The Jerusalem Chronicles. I have read many books by this awesome writing team and this is the first time I have had the privilege to review one of their books.  When Jesus Wept is about Lazarus and the relationship he and Jesus had before Jesus raised him from the dead.  This story gives a look into Lazarus' life and how he came to know Jesus. This book give insight into the political and religious environment during this time.  

I truly enjoyed this latest book by The Thoene's.  Their books are some of the first Christian Fiction I read.  This unique look into Lazarus and his life brings alive the bible story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life.  As I read this book I felt like I was right there watching these events unfold, the descriptions and imagery are vivid.  I found myself unable to put the book down with all the action and the life changing that went on.  The Thoene's write with authority of Jerusalem at this time, the political and religious turmoil, and the way of life.  I enjoyed getting to know better Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Jesus in this perspective of how Lazarus and his house came to Jesus. This book shows both sides of Jesus's ministry and how it affected many lives during that time.  I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series. I give this book 4.5 stars. 



Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

When-Jesus-Wept-giveaway300

One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A brand new iPad Mini
  • A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Love in the Balance(Ladies of Caldwell County Book #2) By Regina Jennings

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Molly Lovelace dreams of being a society leader in 1879 Lockhart, Texas, but being smitten with handsome wrangler Bailey Garner doesn't seem the quickest route. If only he would settle down so he could support a family.

Bailey imagines doing great things for God, but his greatest obstacle is Molly. As long as he thought they'd be married, he excused their stolen kisses, but when she keeps refusing, he vows to earn her love. In town, he tries his hand at several different trades, but everywhere he turns he runs into the mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont. No surprise that Molly's always making calf eyes at the wealthy adventurer.

As pressure from Molly's parents grows she is forced into a hasty decision. Had she weighed all her options and will she find love in the balance?






My Thoughts:

Love in the Balance is Regina Jenning's second book and I have had the honor of reading and reviewing them both.  In her debut novel,"Sixty Acres and a Bride", Regina Jennings introduces us to the many citizens of Lockhart, Texas including Molly Lovelace, who is our heroine in this latest novel. Molly is a beautiful woman who is intelligent but has lived a life of wealth and priveledge. Everything Molly has, has come at a price, herself.  In order to do what she wants to do she has to do what her parents dictate, which is marry a rich man. Marry a rich man so he can take care of her, no concern of love or what she wants in life. Molly tries to do what her parents want, while trying to make her own way in the world.  Molly and Bailey have always been drawn to one another but Bailey isn't rich so her parents don't see him as husband material. They set Molly up with men, and then she meets Edward Pierrepont.  Edward sweeps Molly off her feet and she finds herself married to him. As they make their way across the US, Molly finds out he is not who he seems and finds herself in another mess. 

I am a huge fan of Regina Jennings. I fell in love with the Garner family and the citizens of Lockhart, Texas in "Sixty Acres and a Bride" and enjoyed learning more about them.  The characters are "characters" and I found myself really relating to some of them. They are real people, in real life with messy lives. I found myself unable to put this book down, it kept me entertained throughout. I found myself laughing out loud as some of the situations and sad in other parts when lives got messy.  Regina Jennings writes with authority about Lockhart, Texas, society in 1879, and how legal matters were done at that time. I truly felt like I was there watching all of it unfold. I look forward to reading more by Regina Jennings, she is on my favorite author list! I give this book 4.5 stars.



The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...