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After moving around Elizabeth Gunnar – Beth comes home to teach English at Seaton Preparatory School in Hockessin, Delaware her old school where she graduated in 1977. Her parents have long retired to Asheville, North Carolina but actually Beth feels she’s come home. Of course it brings back the old memories of times spent with her group the Barbarians and her favorite teacher, Mr. Dutton who taught English. But it brings up bad memories too such as just why did Mr. Dutton commit suicide in her senior year? She reconnects with her best friend Natalie who she’s only stayed in touch with via email all these years. At Homecoming she reconnects with Ken and Ray the other two members of the Barbarians. She begins to date Ray again, her steady boyfriend in high school who is divorced with three kids. She takes one of her students Satchel Queen, a lover of books and loner like herself under her wing and helps her to blossom especially in writing just like Mr. Dutton did with her. Beth has Ray tell her again the story of what he and Ken saw that April 1st night in 1977 when he and Ken found Mr. Dutton in his cabin after cutting his wrist. They knew he was dead but why had the school staged such a cover up as they told the students that Mr. Dutton had a heart attack and was still alive. Natalie accuses Beth of being obsessed and needs to let his death go and forget about it as the other three have done. But Beth can’t let it go. In this awesome tale writer Ann Tatlock captures your heart and even your mind from the very first page. An unmistakable page turner you’ll wonder why too just why did Mr. Dutton commit suicide and why is Satchel so unhappy? You’ll find yourself drawn into and relating to Beth especially if you feel invisible, a loner just as she does. See how God brings closure, happiness, and forgiveness in this timeless mystery suspense love story. Also included are reader discussions questions, which helps make this book perfect for book groups. A perfect read for teens and adults alike. Ann Tatlock is a remarkable writer! Don’t just take this reviewer’s word on it even “Publisher’s Weekly “, named her as “one of Christian fiction’s better wordsmiths”. So if you want to curl up with a good book I highly recommend “Every Secret Thing”.

The time is the late 1800’s and twenty year old Violet Hayes is on a quest to experience romance and mystery just like the books her and her best friend Ruth snuck to read at Madame Beauchamps' School for girls. Yes she was taught to be a lady but she wants adventure. After finding out her father is about to remarry and that her mother really is alive not dead as her father had try to make her believe, Violet knows she must go to Chicago to find her mother, who she hasn’t seen since she was nine, she convinces her father to let her go see the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and to visit her grandmother and her great aunts. But everyone else has their own plans for Violet. Her grandmother, father and Aunt Agnes are out to have her married. Her crazy Aunt Birdie tells her to marry for love and her Aunt Matt tells her she doesn’t need to marry. Than all in one week she has three marriage proposals but the men all have their own ideas too and not one includes love. All the while Violet is falling in love with Silas the salesman she met on the train to Chicago who has really tried hard to help her find her mother. But Violet believes he is a thief and not a proper suitor. She allows the men to escort her to the fair and spends time with her grandmother helping the poor, Aunt Agnes takes her calling on all her high society friends and Aunt Matt teaches her about the Women’s Suffragette Movement. Violet learns a lot but feels none of these lives is for her. She knows her time is running out as her father is making her go home and marry Herman Beckett unless she finds someone else but Violet knows she must find her mother! Her father has instructed her grandmother and aunts to tell her nothing about her mother but Violet finds herself in a mystery, the mystery of her mother and why she left, the truth about her father and the woman he is about to marry and Uncle Phillip which she didn’t know she had an uncle and all the while trying to stop the feelings that are growing for Silas. Will Violet find her mother? Will she marry without love or have her heart broken by the thief Silas only time will tell as Violet finds God along the way and knows He has all the answers even if she isn’t sure herself. “A Proper Pursuit” is an awesome read perfect for teens and adults alike who love romance, history and a little bit of mystery. The author Lynn Austin draws you in from the very first page and takes you back in time and places you there with Violet as she determines the course of her life and searches for her mother. This reviewer loved the detailed history especially Dwight Moody’s ministry, the women’s suffragette marches and the World’s Fair as the time period really comes alive. So if love books like ‘Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell or “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers you will thoroughly enjoy “A Proper Pursuit”.

Talk about dreams coming true! In “One Little Secret” Ursula Rhoades a suburban housewife and mom has the chance of a lifetime to sing with the great Nik Prevel an awesome rock singer in his own right – son of the great Cristoff Prevelakis who is known as the love ballad king. There’s only one small problem Ursula can’t seem to tell her husband who is in New York for the summer working on the biggest case of his lawyer career the case that could lead to a senior partnership in his law firm. A dream that Ursula and her husband Don have worked towards all their married life. Yes Ursula had dreams of her own just as we all do. She dreamed of winning a Grammy. But she gave it all up for her husband and children, Victor and Valerie – that is till now. Who would have thought just one innocent night of standing in for the singer in her son’s band would lead to a chance of a lifetime invitation by Nik Prevel who wants to record a CD of love ballads with or without his father’s blessing. Ursula agrees after much persuasion to do the project but no one is to know except Nik and his manager Arnie. So she becomes Alexandra Arcano or Alex the mystery woman. Ursula tries all summer to tell her husband but he’s so busy they hardly have time for phone conversations. Ursula begins to wonder if God really wants her to tell her husband as something happens everytime she tries. Ursula knows she’s lying to her family something she has never done. Deeply religious, all this is tearing Ursula apart. Wow! the author Allison Bottke does an amazing job on this her second novel the first being “A Stitch in Time” where we first meet Ursula. God is all over this novel! An awesome read for teen girls and adult women alike call it fiction, contemporary fiction or chick-lit this reviewer calls it God’s light as this novel has more reference to God than most Christian fiction books I’ve read in along time and that is so awesome. So find a comfortable chair, maybe some popcorn and sit back and enjoy “One Little Secret” as you won’t want to put it down and I promise you’ll come away never looking at your own life the same again!

In the heart of the woods two Gatherers Krawg and Warney hunt for berries for the House of Abascar. The sound of crows catches Krawg’s attention. Krawg decides to investigate and he finds a small baby by the river’s edge placed gently so no harm may come to her, in a giant footprint of a creature they do not recognize. They sneak her back to the other Gatherers careful not to attract the attention of duty officers and beastmen. And there she becomes the ‘River Girl’ and is raised until she becomes old enough to let them know that her name is “Auralia”. Something about Auralia is different – magical even and all who know her love her and are enchanted by her. She seems not afraid of man nor beast but no one knows where she comes from. Some think she is a Northchild but others claim that can not be as there is no such thing. She weaves magical colors from things she finds in the woods and presents the Gatherers with gifts of her many colors and a cloak that she wears that just seems to come alive with color. But the colors are illegal banned by the Queen who has gathered everyone’s treasures and stored them in caves under the castle but strange the Queen herself has disappeared, leaving the prince Cal-raven to be raised by the king Cal-marcus. But the beauty and enchantment of Auralia seems to have split the king and his son. The King feels she’s dangerous – rebellious even but the Prince feels she may have come from the “Keeper” which is also forbidden to speak of. But the King feels the Prince’s enchantment may also interfere with his plans for the Prince to marry Stricia, Ark-robin’s daughter. But what role is the mystery of Auralia to play in the Expanse and what is the Expanse? Enter in and meet ale boy and the part he must play, Ark-robin whose duty it is to protect the king and the prince, Scharr ben Fray the tales and magic he teaches Cal-raven and who has been banned by the king from Abascar and the Queen and find out why she has banned colors. So if you’re a fan of fantasy such as Lord of the Rings or J.R.R. Tolkien than you’ll love Auralia’s Colors an awesome tale for young and old alike. Enter into the fantasy world of fangbears, river wyrms, bamble pigs and ride upon varns. As the dream world unfolds you too will be swept up and enchanted by the marvelous imagery of “Auralia’s Colors”. The author Jeffery Overstreet takes you into an awesome dream in this his first fantasy novel that is not only colorful but flows so smoothly you will not want to awaken.

Poor Lex –Alexis Sakai is now the OSFC (oldest single female cousin) in her family and her Grandma is out to change that and in the Japanese culture that’s not a good thing, slowly everything in her life changes as she realizes just how much influence her grandmother has. Just because her grandmother is determined that Lex is to be in a serious relationship by her cousin Mariko’s wedding and that is only four months away or else she will stop all funding for the girls junior high volleyball team that Lex couches. Since Lex quit her job and though a series of circumstances or was it God she landed her dream job at SPZ her life has become a revolving door of strange men claiming their mother is friends with one of her aunts and willing to date her for college game tickets. Even her brother is bringing men around that he claims are “friends” but seem to be the biggest losers. When she tries not to give into the pressure her grandmother threatens that other things could happen and things do but which is her grandmother and which are circumstances? Suddenly her dad is forced in to retirement from his job and decides to sell the house. Lex tears her ACL and has to have knee surgery just when she lands a chance to play on the ultimate volleyball dream team at Wassamattayu. Her other cousins/friends begin to avoid her. And Lex struggles with the dating thing due to something that happened three years ago that very few people know about especially not her grandmother who blames her not dating on the fact that Lex is too athletic and not feminine enough and even goes so far as to offer to pay for breast implants! Than there’s Aiden the one man she has come to trust as a friend and becomes her physical therapist but he’s not Christian and does not match anything on her “Ephesians list” for the perfect man but yet she is drawn to him….. Wow, what a page turner! Enter into the Japanese culture in this Asian twist on Chick Lit. The author Camy Tang will have you in stitches in this hilarious romance. This reviewer just couldn’t put this awesome book down and once you finish the novel you’ll be wanting more from Tang. Check out the glossary of Asian words (Camy style) at the back of the book and pick up some new words along the way.

Former soap opera diva Tabby Brockman feels she has hit bottom. Fired from the number one soap “Legacy of Life” for a misunderstanding with the writer (she caught her husband making a move on Tabby during a party and blamed Tabby), she’s forced to work at a bookstore wearing costumes to read to kids which she can’t get along with as one of her best friends and roommate Laini puts it “Putting Tabby with kids is like … asking the garbage man to cook without washing his hands”- so needless to say she’s been fired again. Than out of the blue she hears from Freddie her old friend and fitness trainer, from “Legacy of Life”. That man always seems to know all the latest gossip about the show and now he knows the show wants her back! And to top it off Kyle Preston, everyone’s dream agent, with good looks and great negotiation skills wants her as a client! After all her agent dropped her after she was fired from the soap and according to Freddie it seems her agent is friends with Julie, the show’s writer, who fired her so now she’s starting to understand everything. She can’t believe God has opened the door for her to go back. But not everyone shares her enthusiasm Laini and Dancy (the other roommate and friend) and her Mom voice their opinions and they are not too keen on the idea. Back at the set Tabby wonders if they were right. She still has to deal with Julie, the writer that killed her off in the first place who makes her wear bandages for the first week and gives her lousy lines and the “precious” five year old twins that play her kids on the show that she wants to strangle and their dreamy dad that she finds she’s falling for despite the kids and the fact their not hitting it off at all. Meanwhile her Mother keeps pushing David at her, which she has no interest in and won’t take the hint. Her sister is unmarried and pregnant and her brother’s new girlfriend drives her Mom up the wall. Her Dad suffers a heart attack and her friends have their own problems. All in all it’s not your typical family life! What an awesome book, this reviewer could not put it down! The author Tracey Bateman does an awesome job in pulling you into Tabby’s, Laini’s and Dancy’s lives and her sense of humor will have you in stitches. The characters are amazing in this first book of the Drama Queens Series. This reviewer is new to the world of Chick Lit but Bateman has given me an amazing introduction and I am definitely hooked not only on Tracey Bateman but on Chick Lit!

It’s been eleven years since Candace MacHugh’s father died. Living in Butte, Montana with nothing but her memories, Canada feels alone, she misses her father so much and has no contact with her mother since she blames her mother for kicking her father out. Then one night she hears her father speak to her from the shadows wanting her to join him and the work the dead are doing attempting to make contact about dire warnings and great dangers. The dead want her to become an “operative”, one of the contacts between the living and dead but to do so she must become “dead” to the world. Canada is so happy to hear her father’s voice and gets caught up in the excitement of at least working with him and talking to him that she says yes without really thinking. And she is whisked away to her first assignment. But Canada doesn’t seem to be fitting in at least to the “operatives” thinking. Her “death” is staged, her car flies off the road and flies into the Berkley pit the biggest Superfund site in the United States. Her father and the operatives tell her to watch out for Keros the golem who is out to get her but no one can tell her why. But the shadows and the operatives are afraid of him. Than Keros finally catches up with her and makes her realize he is not the bad guy and is not out to kill her which makes Canada begin to question as to what is really happening with the shadows or Nothingness as Keros calls them and the operatives. Keros tells her “The heart is deceitful above all things” and “What you see isn’t always what’s real. Often isn’t, in fact.” Meanwhile people in Butte are disappearing, actually turning to ash and burning up. And Canada questions why the shadows and the operatives don’t want her in Butte, for that is where the truth lies. Once Canada gets it all figured out that the shadowy figure is not her father and that the shadows are living underground in the mines in Butte waiting for their time to take over. Canada knows they must be stopped but how? Can she trust Doug, the computer geek operative who has figured out the truth, too but even if she can’t she knows she needs his help. The author T.L. Hines will leave you spellbound in this awesome page turner that will have you on the edge of your seat. A must read for anyone who likes suspense for this one will leave you guessing as to what will happen next. And the author admits that Butte is his favorite city in Montana, and it shows as Hines goes into great detail describing the town. It really makes you feel you are there as you go to the Columbia Gardens; see the Our Lady of the Rockies and to the Berkley Pit. And go on the run with Canada first trying to get away from Keros and later the operatives for you will feel you are there. As a Christian suspense it may leave some questioning about someone speaking to the dead but trust this reviewer there is a bigger story here. “The Dead Whisper On” is T.L. Hines second book the first being “Waking Lazarus” and on the surface both seem to be about the dead but as the author states “They’re about living, and specifically living the life God has called you to”. So whether you are a Christian or not this is a must read for all suspense lovers.

The title says it all in this novel about the counterculture movement. Turn the book over and the line at the top of the book will really peak your interest “From the Counterculture of Jerry Garcia to the subculture of Jerry Falwell”, so how can you resist reading and the author does not disappoint. The author is Preston Shires who has a PhD from the University of Nebraska and teaches history at the Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska and makes a strong but interesting point of how the hippie counterculture movement of the 1960’s evolved into the Jesus Movement of the 1970’s and the 1980’s. But than again as Shires points out the 1960’s hippies seem to follow the Golden Rule philosophy of the Bible which is “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12) even if they themselves did not know it at the time. From this philosophy it just seemed to birth into the Jesus Movement as the hippies grew older and looked for a deeper meaning of the whole “love” thing and still didn’t want any part of their parents’ religion. This reviewer feels the author puts it best - “Although the youth of the sixties rebelled against many of the strictures of their parents’ generation, they did retain at least two important older-generation principles. They never abandoned in the main, a commitment to the golden rule ideal, and they never relented in their pursuit of freedom or expressive individualism. What they did reject was the conformism that forbade them the right to do new things and think new ideas”. Read how the religious leaders at the time became involved such as Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, David Wilkerson and many others. Also read of some of the leaders that came from the hippie movement into the Jesus Movement like Keith and Melody Green and the beginning of their ministries. Exceptional book at explaining the Jesus Movement, a definite read for the 60’s historical buffs, or even a great subject for a debate team, great for Christians or anyone interested in how modern day Christianity evolved from the hippies to the Jesus movement to now. Overall this book would be great for a group study as it does read like a textbook but it’s amazing that so much information is contained to only 242 pages. The notes at the end of the book; just give an added depth to some of the information and requires reading as well. The bibliography book list is really great for a further reading or study. There is even an index that makes it great for going back for rereading of certain sections. This book has this reviewer’s vote in agreeing with the author’s argument but read it for yourself and than decide.

Patricia Amble or Tish for short likes to renovate old houses and has just moved into an old Victorian in Rawlings. But she also has a past that she wants no one to know about. So renovating old houses makes it possible to keep running. Two doors down is David Ramsey the commuter geek with the British accent and good looks that makes Trish’s heart swoon. Next door is police officer Brad Walters who is masculine and good looking too but being a police officer is the last person Trish wants around because Brad can find out her past with just the click of a mouse. Both David and Brad are vying for Trish’s attention but she’s afraid to get close to anyone and doesn’t plan to stay in Rawlings once the house is completed and sold. But Rawlings is a strange little town with lots of secrets of its own. David’s wife has left town. Trish resembles Martin Dietz’s missing ex-fiancée Sandra Jones. Martin Dietz a man with an ax to grind against his ex-fiancée is the one man standing between her and the demolition of a cistern in her basement. The neighborhood watch of Dorothy Fitch across the street, the death of a teenager from arsenic poisoning. And the ghosts that never seem to stop haunting her. She’s been told her house is haunted and believes there is a body buried in the basement but it seems Brad the police officer doesn’t believe her. Than Martin Dietz is found dead in her basement and she is arrested for murder. She wasn’t home at the time since she was out with David but Dorothy’s word is believed over her own as she says she saw her go into the house with Dietz. And there’s Dorothy’s son Jack just how much does he really know? So it seems everyone is out to get her but why? Who really murdered Martin Dietz and who is buried in her basement? Is it Jan the wife of the former owner of the house or the missing Rebecca, David’s wife or someone else? Tish is regretting more and more buying the old Victorian and moving to Rawlings especially with all that is going on the house will be hard to sell and with Dietz’s body found in her basement how will she stay out of prison? What a totally awesome book!!!!! Author Nicole Young has definitely found her calling as her debut novel is exceptional. With all the twists and turns this page turner will have you spell bound from the first page till the end. The romance and suspense will have you on the edge of your seat! Don’t pass this one by as this is definitely a must read with a wow factor of five out of five and to think this is only the beginning of the Patricia Amble Mystery series!!!!

Michael Modesto is a rock star, a rock star to the full extreme with the alcohol and the girls, living life hard in the fast lane. Than all of a sudden he begins to tire, the pleasure begins to fade and at twenty-five he begins to question if he’s getting too old for the music. Than one night at one of so many parties he meets Mary Schaeffer, a nurse who pushes her way in determined to speak to him. She wants him to do a benefit concert for crack babies. Michael wants no part of it; he has a reputation, a selfish attitude towards such things. But finally agrees to go to the hospital with her to see the babies. While there Mary forces him to hold one of the babies and pain like a bolt of lightning races through his body till he passes out but the baby- the baby was healed! In the parking lot another miracle a fire ball of protection from two thugs who try to rob them. From then on Michael decides to stay away from Mary and any thought of a benefit concert but he can’t he’s drawn to her. He tracks her down at her church to tell her he won’t help but before he knows it he starts preaching like crazy words he never knew and doesn’t even believe begin to flow out of him. After that surviving the elevator crash with the message written on the wall that he is God’s messenger, messenger of what, has him thinking he is losing his mind. While all the while Mary believes he is chosen for a purpose. Than there’s Ambassador Anthony Stonz and his assistant Selene who seem to appear out of nowhere to help the church but really are set on stopping Michael but know he is not like the others this one won’t be easy to stop…… An awesome storyline set against the end times this novel will have you grabbing for your Bible! The author Robert L. Hecker does an amazing job in this mystery page turner. The showdown of good versus evil is a little typical of most end times books but the rest of the book is well worth the time. But on a negative note if you are offended by profanity than give this book a pass as some Christians may find the language offensive. But otherwise an awesome read.

Sheriff Kurt Muldoon is running from his past, a past that April Shelnutt doesn’t know about. A past with a hurt so deep that he keeps running instead of forgiving himself, but April feels he is running from her. Kurt and April had dated in the recent past but Kurt wanted to hide their relationship from the meddling towns people of Wileyville, Kentucky. Especially the COCW- The Council of Christian Women, who feel it’s their Christian duty to do their good deed of matching all the single men and women together. A group that includes Kurt’s gossiping mother and April’s sister who has taken on the “project” of getting Kurt and April married. Also April’s best friend and the town’s matriarch feisty Miss Cora Barrett ninety years young sees the young people together as well and tells them every chance she gets telling them they look cute together. Kurt and April do love each other but both are to stubborn to admit it to anyone instead they continually lash out in anger at each other when they do see each other so it’s easier to avoid each other as much as possible. Kurt’s plan is buying Miss Cora’s father’s compound, Ezra’s Holler 15 miles outside of town and quit as sheriff and to just live out his life alone with his dog Miltilda. Who would have thought the first night he had begun to move his things in, April brings Miss Cora back to the house to get a few of her things and Miss Cora ends up injuring her back doing of all things climbing out of a window to trim the dogwood tree! Kurt feels he has no choice but to let them stay the 4 to 6 days needed for Miss Cora to heal per doctor’s orders until she can return home, which entangles their lives together from which there is no return. Kurt even acts as though April planned all this just so they could stay at Kurt’s. So it becomes a rough few days that’s topsy tervy with Miss Cora going from bad to worse which forces Kurt and April together even more. So the questions remain will Miss Cora make it? What is in Kurt’s past that he can’t let go of and will he ever let it go so he can love again? Will April still love him if and when he let’s go? You’ll be surprised by this novel. You’ll go in expecting a romance novel which it is but within its pages is a strong, clear teaching of love and forgiveness that only God, Himself could have placed in the heart of the author Annie Jones. See how the dogwood tree and planting a garden becomes a teaching of new beginnings and blossoming life. This is actually the 3rd book about the characters of Wileyville, Kentucky. The other 2 books are “Sadie-In-Waiting” and “Mom Over Miami” written about April’s sisters Sadie and Hannah. But don’t think you have to read the whole series as “April In Bloom” does stand alone as a story unto itself but don’t be surprised if after reading “April In Bloom” it will peak your curiosity to want to know more.

Mark Hogan has killed his pastor Reverend Daniel Glory – at least he thinks he has…… Mark Hogan has it all – great job, great family, great church and a position on the church board the only thing missing is a boat. He dreams, he searches boat lots and decides he has to have a 2008 Bayliner 192. When Reverend Daniel Glory announces that the tribulation will happen on October 17th at 5:51 am and has even written a book “107 Reasons Jesus is Coming Back in 2007”. Mark puts everything else in his life on hold as he knows this is it he has to have that boat even it means borrowing the money from the mob. But what does it matter if the rapture is coming he won’t have to pay it back because he will be gone. But than Reverend Glory was wrong Jesus didn’t come back! Now Mark is running for his life knowing the mob must be after him wanting their money, and the police must be after him after that argument with Reverend Glory and hitting him in the head. All because Mark blamed Reverend Glory for making him believe that the rapture was coming, this caused him to borrow money from the mob to buy that boat…. His wife who knows nothing, has stopped calling to see if he’s coming to the hospital to see his son who wrecked the brand new truck that he had to have to haul the brand new boat and can’t pay for it either….. The mob’s muscle Cleaver and Lamb have their hands full with orders from crime boss Massey to get Reverend Glory to move his church so he can have the land and leaning on candidates for the special election of City Council and keeping tabs on Cleaver’s ex wife. It all falls into the hands of two detectives Charlie Pasch and Tom Griggs to solve the murder and stop the rash of crimes but are they somehow all connected? You’ll find yourself at times laughing out loud at the antics between Cleaver and Lamb and the conversations between Charlie and Tom. And you’ll have only sympathy for poor Charlie as he struggles to fit in at his church. The author Chris Well has done a great job with this page turner, his third suspense novel a definite 4 on the wow scale and a 5 on God moves scale that keeps you guessing till the very last page as to what will happen next and an ending that is totally unexpected. At times it seems there are too many characters but it all comes together as each one really has a part to play in this really good novel. Knowing this is the second novel with detectives Charlie and Tom makes this reviewer wonder what will be the next great suspense for these two detectives?

Do you need a vacation? Whether you enjoy the beach or the mountains or both, these two little devotional books will take you there. Take them with you if you really take a vacation or if you’re just dreaming. Spend some time with God in your “vacation place”. Both of these books are extremely well written with seventy-five devotions in each book and each devotional only covers two pages, which is great to be used for a daily devotional. Just reading will take you to the beach or mountains, each awesome devotion has a way of capturing an aspect of the beach or mountains and comparing it to life. For instance, in Beach Prayers one comparison is how the first time a child goes to the beach how frightening the ocean can be and how it takes Mom and Dad to help them enjoy the ocean then look how we sometimes are fearful of something God wants us to do, how we lack the confidence to proceed but God provides the way. A really great point is there are two scripture verses where usually most devotionals have only one. Also there is a quote from such people as Corrie ten Boom, Oswald Chambers, and Billy Graham that is as relevant as the scripture verses. Than the devotional is all tied together with a prayer that fits everything together perfectly that you’ve just read concerning that devotion. What’s really cool is the topical index in the back of the book that covers the themes of the devotions for whenever you need to take a “mini vacation” concerning a life problem or situation, under such headings as encouragement, fear and hope. Of course each book covers some of the same topics and some are only listed in one book. Honor Books have done an exceptional job with these two little devotionals. This reviewer chose to review both books together because of the uniqueness of the subjects and how well they are written. But you can read one or both depending on your “vacation”. Men, women and teens alike will be inspired by the teachings within the pages. So enter in and get comfortable and get ready for an awesome “vacation” as God says it best in Jeremiah 34:25, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint” and these two devotional books do just that!

Born Eliyahu Teichberg, poor Elli struggles to break what he calls the “Teichberg Curse” and changes his name to Elliot Tiber—hoping that would break the curse. Always on the brink of financial ruin and trying to hide his deepest secret, he dreams of the miracle that would change his life. In 1969, he got that miracle. Manager of his Jewish parents' failing resort hotel El Monaco in White Lake, New York on the weekends, Elliot runs during the week to Greenwich Village where he can live the life he chooses as an interior designer and meeting the likes of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams and Robert Mapplethorpe—all the while keeping his gay life a secret from his family. That is, until June 28, 1969, when he finds himself at the Stonewall Inn and the famous "Stonewall Riot" that would revolutionize the gay culture breaks out. With a newfound boldness, he finds out in July that the town of Wallkill has revoked the permit for the Woodstock festival. So he contacts Mike Lang, the concert’s promoter, to offer his 15 acres for the concert. While Elliot hopes this is the miracle he has been waiting for, Mike Lang and his entourage arrive by helicopter but they end up feeling that the swampland of his resort hotel won't work for the concert. Tiber assures Lang and company that, since he has been the president of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce and has held a concert and art show for the past few years, he can get the necessary concert permit. Quickly, he calls his good friend Max Yasgur—who supports everything Elli does and only lives four miles up the road—and asks him to hold the concert. Elli explains to Mike that Max has a dairy farm on a hundred acres—more than enough to hold a concert. Arrangements are made and, before he knows it, Elli is caught up in the magic that will change his life forever. He is introduced to the hippie scene where everyone is accepted no matter who or what you are and learns he can love himself. Whoa! Totally awesome and even far out and groovy! This book is absolutely amazing! This reviewer couldn’t put it down—in fact, read it twice before writing this review. If you’ve ever dreamed of being at Woodstock or even if you were there, the author Elliot Tiber will take you back. The Sixties will come alive and you won’t want the trip to end! But that is only part of the story, as Elliot takes you through the time of his troubled past and describes in perfect word pictures the struggles of his secret life, his childhood, the insanity of running the hotel resort, and dealing with bigoted locals who persecute him because of his Jewish heritage. In the end, you’ll feel you know everyone and that you were there, too. See Woodstock through the eyes of someone who lived it, who helped bring it to life – you’ll never look at this period of history the same again. Don’t pass this one by, as this autobiography guarantees to be one of the best reads of 2007 and is to be released just in time for the media's annual August remembrance of that great music festival. Also an awesome unique feature that this reviewer really likes is the reversible dust jacket—one side conservative, the other psychedelic. This feature, according to Square One’s publisher Rudy Shur in Publishers Weekly, represents “The notion of duality [that] has been a central theme throughout Elliot’s life, and we wanted the book to represent that notion of difference in a very direct and colorful way." So whichever trip you decide to take, this is one you’ll never forget.

Come all men, women and teens alike and “Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7(NRSV)! In everyday trials and tribulations we are all this at some point of our lives. So enter in with the author, Gus Keiser as he takes us on the same spiritual journey that he took for 3 years. The outcome of his alone time being in God’s presence is this one year devotional of scripture, reflection and prayer taken from his daily email journal that was shared with family and friends. But you will find that it is more than just an ordinary devotional as the author takes you on an emotional journey that will have you reaching in and looking at your own life. You’ll see by the reading of this book that it was time well spent by the author and it will be for the reader too. Read a page a day in your own alone time and ask the Lord to speak to you. The scriptures are taken from the New Revised Standard, the NIV, or the Message versions of the Bible. And this reviewer personally likes the added bonus of the section in the back of the book covering certain seasonal times such as New Year’s, Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Valentine’s Day and even St. Patrick’s Day. The author does an amazing job of capturing the very essence of the scripture verse in applying it to today’s life. But it’s not preachy as a problem with most daily devotional books, it’s the author’s own reflections that will teach and inspire. It’s more like being allowed to read someone’s personal well written journal. So enter in as I feel the author says it best in his invitation in the preface of the book “And now, I invite you to “be still” and listen for the voice of God. This time apart may just change your life. I expect it will”. Or as it states on the back of the book “Life is a journey”. So sit back, and “be still” and spend sometime alone with God and this devotional -----you’ll be glad you did!

Heather Curridge is going crazy; at least that is what her husband Jace, son Will and her friends seem to think. And at times Heather thinks so too. On the outside Heather seems to have it all, a loving doctor husband, a great fifteen year old son, a house by the lake and things, possessions but all of a sudden Heather starts questioning why she puts her husband through all her spending, spending, spending. Up till now she’s justified it well saying she likes to help people but really it’s just a way to move up to more, more, and more and the big question as to why she needs so much.. Jace tries to work hard to pay for it all but he’s wearing down and wants to go back to his life’s dream which he feels he can’t tell Heather about. Than one night Heather crashes her big Suburban on the way home from yet another St Matthews’ dinner for the private school she insisted Will attend, and makes her way to the home of Annie and Liza ninety some year old sisters. Heather finds being with them having a calming effect upon her as well as questioning her walk with God. While Jace is out of town and Will stays with his grandparents Heather spends a few weeks with the ladies who are Quakers, and comes in close contact with an inner city nun and the people living there. Heather begins to come to terms with so many things her past, her dad, the possessions and the rat race of life. Christy award winning author Lisa Samson does an amazing job with Quaker Summer, her first novel with WestBow but her nineteenth overall. A definite 5 plus wow factor as you’ll find yourself within the pages of this page turner that you won’t be able to put down. The story unwinds and is so real you’ll think you are Heather or she’s your best friend, an awesome character we all can relate to. Voted 2007’s Women of Faith’s Novel of the Year tells you how amazing this book is ( Women of Faith is an organization dedicated to encouraging women of all ages to grow in faith and spiritual maturity with Christ ). There is even a reading group guide in the back of the book as this book would be perfect for reading groups. You’ll love the mixture of everyday life with the Bible and how each section ties in with the Beatles such as “Fool on the Hill” and “the Long and Winding Road”, even if you don’t know who the Beatles are you’ll catch the comparison. Actually the style of writing puts the reader in mind of the writings of Erma Bombeck, an awesome writer of the seventies. A must read for adult women, especially those who question life and God. So come on an amazing journey and give this book a chance, listen to God and your heart it will really set you free!

Popular, honor student Ivy Griffith went down the wrong path starting with dating Pete Barton basketball player and hanging out with his buddies Reg and Denny. As the fab four getting stoned was the normal way of life. Than one afternoon Ivy sat dumbstruck and stoned in Pete’s car as Pete strangled Joe Hadley classmate and teammate and Pete, Reg and Denny buried his body. The fab four made a pack to never tell what happened. Spinning out of control Ivy ran from home to college never looking back. Ten years later thanks to seventy year old Lu Ramirez, Ivy has cleaned up her life, has been off drugs for three years and has a seven year old son Montana. Gramma Lu as Montana calls her lived next door and cared for Montana when Ivy was stoned and pulled Ivy back from the pit of self-destruction. But now Lu is dying and Ivy doesn’t know what else to do but go home to her parents even if it means facing the past. Ivy’s parents welcome her home and take care of the arrangements for Lu after she dies and starts to help take care of Ivy and Montana. Pete keeps hanging around pressuring her to make sure she keeps the pact. Also in her life is Bill Ziwicki one time classmate and drug dealer for the fab four. At the high school reunion feeling pressured by Pete, Ivy agrees to sit with the fab four. Reg and Denny get very drunk and Ivy suggests Pete should take them to their room. While gone Ivy dances with Bill with a start of a romance. Later Ivy worries about Pete being gone for so long so Ivy and Bill go to the guys’ room to find all three have been murdered! Bill and Ivy find themselves in the mist of a murder investigation and the police and FBI believe both murders are related and that Bill and Ivy are involved. And that is only the beginning……. This awesome page turner was too good to put down! Not only is it a compelling story but you’ll learn about God’s unfailing forgiveness and grace. Between the pages is an awesome lesson of temptation and how sin leads to more sin. Author Kathy Herman has done an outstanding job of telling this story of suspense and intrigue. A perfect read for high schoolers and adults alike. Also included is a reader’s guide perfect for a reader’s group or even a Bible study as the teaching is that amazing. But what I really liked was the “Afterword”, a letter written by the author to the reader that will have you stopping and analyzing your own life long after you’ve finished this book. So sit back and enjoy this awesome spellbinding tale and be prepared the ending is amazing!

German Emma Giesy was independent and strong, determined, married to Christian five short years with a love that both thought would last forever, with two small children Andy and Kate. The struggle of everyday life consisted of always doing what the will of the community leader Herr Kiel dictated, but independent Emma was always trying to get Christian to leave the community but Christian felt they needed the community but did agree to stay in Willapa instead of going on to Aurora Mills as Herr Kiel wanted. Than one day Christian doing what he did best helping others, drowned helping an old man save his belongings as he tried desperately to cross a river during a raging storm. Forced to carry on alone, not wanting the help of Christian’s family or the community Emma sets out to raise her family on her own and run the homestead. A few days after Christian’s death Emma finds herself pregnant with their third child and names him Christian, giving birth to him alone at the homestead. Emma is still determined to take care of her own children but Christian’s family will not let her be. The worst telling her what she should and should not do in raising her sons but ignoring her daughter as though she is not important Because of Christian’s death Emma has even turned her back on God determined she doesn’t need Him either. The final straw seemed to be while Emma was ill and Andy was staying with her in-laws they took him to Aurora Mills without even asking or telling her. She felt she had to do something for fear her in-laws would take her sons from her. During her grieving time only one man proposed marriage to pick up where Christian left off and that was the strange Jack Giesy. She avoided his advances for a time than felt she had no choice thinking Herr Kiel and her in-laws were her enemies. Finally determined to protect her children she proposes a business proposition of marriage to Jack. Jack would have none of that wanting her as a wife in every sense. Fearing she had no choice agreed. From that point on her life turns from struggle to nightmare dealing with Jack’s moods and outbursts of violence until she fears Andy will kill Jack. Emma knows she has to take the children and leave but where will she go? Based on a true story this awesome story shows the ups and downs of the German community way of life during the mid to late 1800’s under the rule of Herr Kiel and the life of Emma Giesy. You may find yourself just as I did routing for Emma in this page turner but humbled as she was to learn life’s hard lessons and to depend upon the kindness of the very ones she considered her enemies. Multiple lessons for us all are woven within the pages of this novel, the biggest being the lesson of giving and receiving which we all must learn. The second book in the series author Jane Kirkpatrick has done an awesome job of bringing history alive. I truly like the extras included especially the interview with the author that explains so much more of the background. I highly recommend placing this one on your must read list!

Stephanie Walker hadn’t seen her famous songwriting father, Marty Walker, in 3 years. Not since her mother’s funeral, so why has he shown up at her front door now? Marty made small talk till Stephanie asked why he was there. His request took Stephanie by surprise wanting her to go to Harrington Lodge, the home of his famous singing, current wife, Monica’s family, a place Stephanie had never been invited but he needed her- that was not like her father. Marty never needed or loved anyone. But why now she had never met Monica or her family and to just show up unannounced something she could not do. Marty pretends to understand and goes upstairs to use the bathroom and than leaves. Stephanie angrily realizes her father has stolen the diamond necklace she has borrowed from her aunt and leaving a note in its place, knowing she would come after him. Stephanie drives through a raging rainstorm and arrives at Harrington Lodge. Blood boiling mad that her father has tricked her into coming, marches to the front desk and demanding to see Marty Walker the receptionist points the way, wondering if she should after seeing Stephanie’s face. Stephanie bangs on the door demanding Marty to open the door but no one answers. But Stephanie hears someone behind the closed door. Opening the door she enters as she hears another door softly closing. Stephanie finds her father lying in a pool of blood. Her father dead, Stephanie finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Brad Wilson isn’t sure if she’s guilty or not but feels protective of her. But after her parents failed marriage Stephanie has sworn off men and God but what is it about Brad that has her questioning her decision? And who would murder her father? Why did he want her to come to the lodge? Who can she trust as all suspicion is laid at her feet, even though everyone at the lodge has reason to kill Marty? The author Barbara Warren does an awesome job with this mystery suspense novel, filled with twists and turns that keeps you guessing up to the very end as to who the murderer is and why Marty was killed. You’ll be wondering too what other secrets Harrington Lodge holds. Also see how God moves within the lives of the characters and the teaching the story holds. A must read for teen girls and women who will greatly enjoy the romance that intertwines within the mystery but flows smoothly within the story but does not overshadow the mystery or suspense. This is the author’s first novel and with the exceptional read of this book this reviewer can’t wait to see what comes next!

As Christians we all face questions and struggles as our faith is tested everyday. Satan is out to stop us anyway he can. In this powerful little book (only 124 pages) that you could read in just one sitting author Gregory St. James sets out to answer some of life’s most difficult questions such as why do good things happen to bad people, why are some people born mentally or physically deformed and why some people are rich, while others are poor. The author has done an excellent job on these teachings as well as the chapter on the Ten Commandments, explaining more in detail about each one and why we are to follow them; also the chapters on faith and the devil are excellent reads as well. A good read for teens and adults alike who are seeking to enhance their spiritual knowledge, also excellent for debate and church teachings on these subjects. This reviewer cannot agree with everything the author has written especially on such subjects as homosexuality, why Jesus was crucified and about Jesus’ resurrection as I myself have different beliefs. So with that I cannot give this book an excellent rating as it is meant to teach and inform, but will admit the book is excellently written and easy to understand. Keeping that in mind if you read this inspirational book with bible in hand and remember it is just one man’s opinion and not by any means the final word on any of these subjects “Jesus Is No Excuse” is a good read and study guide for some. The “Verses of St. James” in the back of the book are excellent words of poetry and a great inspiration to ponder upon. Also don’t miss the “Last Words” for they are so profound and will have you pondering your own life. So read for yourself the words of St. James and reach your own conclusions as I guarantee it will at least leave you thinking and possibly searching for more.

The year was 1917 during WWI and Josef wakes to find himself in the care of a stranger who he only knows as Hank. He can’t understand why he is here let alone who he is. He tries to remember and question the man but can not remember anything. All Hank will tell him is his name. Finally Hank begins to fill in some details especially since he is moving him to his farm in Culpepper, Virginia. Hank admitted to being Josef’s biological father, having had an affair with his mother who was now dead and was raised by his mother’s husband Otto von Woerner. Hank filled in a few more details that confused Josef – he was born American but Otto raised him as a German. In Culpepper Josef meets Lissa Parker a nurse who lives down the road. From the beginning love grows between them despite Hank’s attempts to separate them, which neither Lissa nor Josef can understand why. Josef can’t remember his past nor will Hank tell him anything. Lissa gives Josef a Bible to read which causes Josef to remember the faith in God his mother had taught him. Lissa continues to nurse Josef back to health knowing that she must leave soon as she has joined the Red Cross and is going overseas as a nurse. Since she’s leaving Josef decides to enlist even though he still does not know about his past, only Hank seems to know the truth that Josef is a wanted man. Later Josef is captured and in an enemy prison camp his memory comes back. Josef knows he must pay for his past but what about Lissa, the most patriotic woman he knows will she stand by him? He knows he must find her. Read how he amazingly escapes from the prison camp, runs to Lissa’s side only to find her sick with fever and is arrested and returned to the states without her even knowing he was there. Through it all he knows he is in God’s hands and knows Lissa’s life is too. Josef knows the two Josef’s the past and the now must come together and trust God. “Remember Me” is the sequel to “Pieces of Silver”, an awesomely unique historical fiction novel. The author Maureen Lang has really painted a true picture of life during WWI. You’ll really begin to believe you’re reading a true story ripped from the headlines of a newspaper during WWI and not a fiction novel. You’ll see how God’s hand moves upon the hearts and lives of his people and that no matter what God is in control.

Three weeks before Emma Grace Falin is set to marry Gavin O’Donnell she must return to her hometown of Coldwater, Texas to face the past that has tormented her since she was a child and the farm where it all began. The Falin clan consists of parents Roan and Annaleen who have 7 children, Emma Grace being the middle child of the large Irish family. Three older sisters nicknamed the Olly’s by Emma; Holly, Molly and Polly, also an older brother Elo and younger brothers Nathan, and twins Caleb and Micah. Emma was born with one leg shorter than the other which requires her to use a crutch to walk but it doesn’t stop her from working hard to help her family, a family that doesn’t run short of joy and love. That is till the day that tragedy strikes a day that will change their lives forever and sends Emma into a depression so deep that life becomes too hard to bear. On advice of the family doctor she is sent to live with her Granny Falin in Galveston in hopes the change of scenery will pull her out of her depression. But it only causes her to sink deeper with despair, having turned her back on God blaming Him for the past she must bear, she is about to do the unthinkable. That is until she meets Tate, a young man she meets one night on the beach and begins a friendship that will save her life. Until she has to return home due to a family emergency and with no time to say goodbye she wonders if she will ever see Tate again. Eventually she meets Gavin the man she is about to marry. Being on the threshold of the biggest day of her life, she questions if she really loves Gavin enough to marry him and what of Tate, the love she left behind? The situation continues to tug at her heart but she continues to blame her past for the peace she cannot find. Debut author Nancy Jo Jenkins takes you on a poetic rollercoaster an emotional journey of twists and turns and ups and downs. You won’t be able to put this book down as the author paints an awesome word picture that makes you feel you know the characters personally and are there through all the joy, laughter and tears. A true southern girl born in Texas, the author knows how to write with a southern flair, a true historical fiction that takes place during the 1920’s and 30’s. Be prepared to shed some tears as we travel through life with Emma as she comes to grips with the quilt of her past. Let’s just hope this is not the last we hear of the Falin family but this reviewer does look forward to reading more from this outstanding author!

Kate Monroe is a college student on her way to Amsterdam for a summer archeology trip. On the plane she finds herself sitting beside a real archeologist who begins questioning her about her studies. Than realizing both are interested in archeology, Kate starts to ask what he was working on but he asks her a question first wanting to know if she believed in God. Kate is surprised by such a direct question from a stranger. But admitted she was and was attending a Christian university and asks him the same, wanting to know why he asks. The man seems pleased and asks of her plans once she reaches Amsterdam. Not wanting to disclose her itinerary since she didn’t know the man sitting beside of her, she only reveals that she is meeting other students traveling Europe on a special summer program. He than asks if she would do something for him, if she went to Roma to see the Colosseum, Kate feels uneasy about the question and admits she can make no promises. Than calling her by name he says he would like to send her and her friends to see an archeology dig firsthand, handing her a pass, a rusty key, a tarnished coin and a small computer thumb drive. Taken by surprise by the objects questions how he knows her name. He introduces himself as Professor Gialinni the professor who is leading the expedition. Kate is sorry she didn’t recognize the professor. From there he begins telling her what is to happen on the trip and with her organizational skills, trusted her to get the team to its first location where he would meet them there. In Amsterdam Kate meets up with the rest of the team who were to become the “G” team along with Jahi, Ben, Kemal and Saida they all learned that danger lurks around every corner as there were people out to stop their quest. The problem is these people terrorists or thieves they didn’t know what they were up against. And why couldn’t their leader Professor Gialinni join them? Kate had to learn to trust God more than ever before and to determine who on the team could be trusted, Ben with his arrogant and callus ways or Jahi with his strength and endurance and what about Kemal and Saida? Just who was Christian and who was not? Why did the professor trust so much information with her and not the others? The team is on the quest of 7 tablet pieces that complete a puzzle but what does its message hold? What is it’s language and what do the music notes and instruments that turn up with each puzzle piece have to do with the mystery? Habakkuk 2:1-14 and chapter 3 hold a key. But with every danger the Lord sends a miracle to help the team on their quest. There is danger, love, God’s mercy and grace along with murder along the way. Hearts and lives will be changed as the team has no choice but to trust God. A true work of fiction, adventure, mystery and romance, this is truly an awesome book from cover to cover. A true page turner that can’t be put down, teens and adults alike will enjoy how the mystery unfolds to unveil an awesome message from God and to allow ourselves to question our own spiritual walk with God. This is the author, Windy Witas debut book and is written as though it was ripped from the headlines of any newspaper as it is current with today’s events. As good as this novel is as a first, once you finish, you won’t be able to wait to see what’s next from this author.

Jeb Nubey is the pastor of the Church in the Dell, in Nazareth, Arkansas, raising the 3 Welby children Angel, Willie and Ida May abandoned by their parents. Fern Coulter is Jeb’s fiancée. Our story opens with Fern, Jeb and the Welby children are in Ardmore, Oklahoma for Jeb to meet Fern’s family and to announce their engagement. While there Philemon Gracie who is the former pastor of Church in the Dell has arranged for Jeb to meet Jonathan Flauvent, the dean of the Bible College in Oklahoma City. He offers Jeb a pastorate at the First Community Church in Oklahoma City. Jeb is taken by surprise as he really hadn’t taken Garcie’s letter, setting up the meeting, seriously and hadn’t even mentioned it to Fern. Jeb looks at this as an opportunity of a lifetime. Fern sees it as going back to the high society life she left behind when she moved to Nazareth. In Ardmore the Welby children are reunited with their sister Claudia, who lives in Norman, Oklahoma. She has 2 small children and has been abandoned by her husband. Feeling pushed to leave the only family she has known, seventeen year old Angel goes with Claudia to take care of the children and to begin a life that is not of her choosing. Jeb decides for Fern’s sake not to take the position in Oklahoma but finds out Gracie worked this out so he could return to Church in the Dell. Realizing God’s hand is involved Jeb and the Welby children move to Oklahoma City and Fern moves to her mother’s in Ardmore till the wedding in December. Back in Ardmore Fern must face the past she left behind. While with Claudia circumstances force Angel to run off with an older man with a questionable job. Frantically Jeb and Fern search for Angel as they realize the police and the FBI are searching for the man Angel has ran off with. Can Jeb find Angel and bring her home? What of this man she has run off with? What has happened in Fern’s past to cause her to have to face? Will the First Community Church and Oklahoma City be the life they are dreaming of? This is truly an awesome book. With all the twists and turns this book is really a page turner. From beginning to end this novel keeps you on your toes waiting to see what happens next. This is truly a book of fiction and romance and history as it takes place during the Depression. Women of all ages from teen up will thoroughly enjoy the story as it unfolds. As you read “Earthly Vows” don’t worry if you have not read the rest of the series as each book stands alone. But very seldom does a series of books come along that is written so well and keeps you wanting more but the author Patricia Hickman has done just that. Not only does each book stand alone as a story unto its self, but as a series is phenomenal. The author has really done an awesome job with The Millwood Hollow Series but especially “Earthly Vows” which is the icing on the cake. Sadly this is the 4th and final book in the series. Sadly that we must leave the Nubeys and the Welbys behind but what is read and learned within its pages will stay with you for a long time.

Matt Whittaker was a furniture maker just living a normal life raising his son as a single father in the small town of Rosewood Texas, where everyone knows everyone. Most of the people knew his secret but his son Danny didn’t know that he really wasn’t Danny’s father. Than out of nowhere arriving from LA asking for Kyle, a name his brother John hated and had never used, was his dead half brother’s wife. Leah brought with her an unbelievable tale about her and John. Eight years had passed since his brother John had arrived on his doorstep with his infant son, Danny. Soon after arriving John was killed in a car crash leaving young Danny fatherless. But now for eight years Matt had raised Danny as his own knowing when the time was right he must tell Danny the truth. But John had told him that Leah didn’t want their son. Had she changed her mind? Despite all he could Matt couldn’t keep Leah from worming her way into the boy’s life and wanting to tell him the truth. How long could Matt keep Leah from telling Danny and what really was the truth? Had John told him the truth and Leah was the liar or was it the other way around? Hoping eventually to have more answers than questions, all Matt could do was trust God and that Danny wouldn’t be hurt in all this. “Child of Mine” takes place in modern day Rosewood, Texas. Being the fourth such book written by Bonnie K. Winn. It truly is a heartwarming tale as an inspirational romance. It is an easy read being great for the twenty something or romance seekers of all ages. As romance novels go the story is very predictable but still enjoyable. You can truly see the underlying faith in God in the lives of the people of this small town. So if you are seeking the inspirational romance that is not your typical boy meets girl story than this is the book to read as in the end the heart of a child is the most important thing.

The time is 79AD, the place Pompeii. Lucius has lost his wife, Marina and child in childbirth. Lucius, painter and slave in the house of Titus Cresentius finds he is alone. Not wanting any surprises he wants to remain alone in his grieve and painting but God has other plans. Wealthy Titus living at the country villa, has just unexpectedly lost his wife, decides to move his family to the villa in Pompeii. Eighteen year old Fabia is moving from the only home she has ever known. Considered an old maid her first love and passion is the arts, especially painting, which is a craft for the slaves and never acceptable for women. But Fabia knows she will not be alone as her family and the family’s slaves are accompanying them. The slaves are treated as part of the family so Fabia is close to them as well, with Junia being her best friend and being great with child, and the twins Castor (Junia’s husband) and Pollox who are more like big brothers than slaves. Fabia is lost in her grieve and not understanding her friends and family’s love for God especially after the death of her mother. Arriving at the villa, Lucius greets his master and Lady Fabia. Fabia’s heart races as she can see he is a painter since his finger nails are stained with paint and wonders if he could share her passion for painting. Titus announces that he will indulge his daughter’s passion to paint at least till time when marriage can be arranged and that Lucius will be her tutor. A total surprise to Lucius, something he clearly does not want, but Fabia’s heart races. What does God have in store for their lives? Will Fabia come to love and trust the God of her parents and friends? What of this arranged marriage, or will love grow between Lucius and Fabia? This is truly an awesome book of fiction and romance. Helpful is the glossary in the back of the book to explain the historical words of the time. At times the story is a little predictable but still a page turner you won’t want to put down as excitement grows hang on for the climax as it is not expected. Teen girls and women of all ages will enjoy the romance as it unfolds and teaches us to just trust God with our lives no matter what happens. The author J. N. Graham has written several novels and according to the book is clearly passionate about writing stories inspired by Jesus, as you will clearly see in the pages of this novel.

Nazareth’s Song is a historical fiction tale with a touch of romance. The novel is set in the depression era. This is the second book of The Millwood Hollow Series with the first being “Fallen Angels”. But don’t let the series fool you. This book stands on its own merits, as it is well written. It is an easy read with more of an interest to teen girls starting at age 16 to adult. The message is very inspirational. Yes it takes place during the depression in Nazareth, Arkansas but its message is clearly for today. And yes it is a page-turner for a fiction novel but take it slow and grasp the underlying message. In fact this is clearly a novel you may want to read more than once. The main character is Jeb Nubey the banjo playing, ex-convict turned preacher. Who under the mentoring eye of Reverend Gracie is taught well the studies of the cloth. But even Reverend Gracie’s teachings could not prepare Jeb for the things of life. When Reverend Gracie becomes ill and has to leave town, it’s up to Jeb to run the church. He has his hands full raising the 3 Welby children, trying to run the church and keeping the family from starving. His choice of second job only adds to his problems and his heart is torn between Fern, the schoolteacher and the advances of Winona the banker’s daughter. In the end his only choice is turning to God to lead and guide in all things, and regaining the belief that if he does the right thing all will be right with his world. See how Jeb makes the choices and decisions that untimely lead him to the right path. I believe reading Nazareth’s Song will make you hungry to read the entire series!

I believe most Christians would agree that starting our day out right with time with God makes for the whole day to go better. Joyce Meyer has written a perfect little companion book to be used each morning to go along with our Bible reading time. As the author states the book is to remind you of starting your day with God. This book is to be used to enhance your time with God to allow Him to open doors to speak to your own heart concerning the direction of your day. This is a day by day, 365 day, morning by morning devotional. This devotional offers keynotes upon how to enjoy your life, balancing your life, having discipline, and self-control, living without fear and just being happy and so much more. It starts out with a scripture verse and I like the fact that the verse is completely written out as so many devotionals seem to fail in this area. But what I found disappointing was the words in brackets in the midst of some of the scripture verses. I believe this was from the using of the Amplified Bible. I found myself having to reread the verse overlooking the brackets as I found these brackets take away from the verse itself. It might have been better to use a different version of the Bible without the bracketed thoughts. But the reader can read the verse as to their own comfort. Following the scripture verse is something to truly think about and apply to our day regardless of our own situation. Meyer doesn't get preachy or on a soapbox but gives a small thought for the day. With Meyer's teaching background she does a good job of giving a straight to the point easy to read meditation. I feel this is a must read for men, women and teenagers; who want to enrich their time with God and to start the day on a positive note. I believe Joyce Meyer says it best "I encourage you to seek God early each morning and to wait on Him to write in your spirit direction for the day." Believe me using this little devotional will make you excited to start each day with God. And as it states on the back cover of the book "It is a new day-and God's mercy is new every morning."

Leslie Brymes, reporter for the Kanner Lake Times has dreams of going national. Hoping her coverage of actress Edna San’s murder last year would raise her to the stardom she dreams of. But when she awakens one morning to find seventy something year old Vesta Johnson, a woman loved by all murdered and put in her car she has second thoughts about being a reporter. Police Chief Vince Edwards is at a lost as to who would murder Vesta. But all clues point to one person and that is impossible, that person being Henry Johnson, Vesta’s late husband who passed away fourteen months ago! But what of the eerie feelings he has experienced? And even Leslie feels an evil presence is trying to kill her. With a police department of only five men and with the Idaho State Police looking for clues at the crime scene Vince must figure this out, does he have a serial killer on his hands, a ghost or a one time murder? But what of the note found pinned on Vesta’s chest? Vince is racing against time will the murderer strike again and what does Leslie have to do with all of this? Leslie feels that she can’t trust anyone but has to find out if in someway Vesta’s murder is her fault. The second body appears and the notes begin to appear what does all this have to do with the new proposed hotel? And what about the teenager that calls Leslie with information that Leslie has to pursue? What of the evil that seems to have fallen on Kenner Lake? After all the twists and turns the climax will have you seating on the edge of your seat. If you love mystery, intrigue and suspense than hold onto your seat as author Brandilyn Collins gives you a glimpse of the unseen realm of demonic forces and how God places prayer on the hearts of His people even those who question who He is and has everyone looking to the pastor for guidance. Coral Moon is the second book of the author’s new series, the first being Violet Dawn all revolve around the sleepy little Town of Kenner Lake. Brandilyn Collins has a way with words so much so that you find yourself not being able to put down this awesome page turner. The characters jump right off the page at you, characters or people you feel you know and become entangled in their lives. If you’re new to Brandilyn Collins as this reviewer is you’ll find yourself wanting to read all ten of her other 3 series of books, while waiting in anticipation as to what is in store next for the people of Kenner Lake in the third book Crimson Eve. Word of advice don’t read Coral Moon alone on a dark and stormy night!

The year 2020; bold, confidant twelve year old Dianna Utterson learns of science and math at her Uncle John?s knee. She towers over her fellow students but doesn?t mind the teasing for she has a gentle heart and sweet spirit. Loner, child prodigy, genius, member of GTS (Gifted Talented Students), confidant enough to notify her science teacher she would make amino acids align themselves into a perfect protein. Actually what she does is create a protein using musical synthesis, during this same time her Uncle John dies of aids. Determined twelve year old Dianna Utterson prays that some day she would find the cure for aids. The year is 2033 and Dianna is attending Charles Carroll University. The University has given her the space, equipment and assistants and notably Sarah Hamilton studying for her PhD just like Utterson, to develop her cure for aids. She meets Ben Cashman; rich, arrogant and determined to steal the cure for his future pharmaceutical company. He?s attending Thomas Jefferson University on his way to be a M.D. Jealousy and power drive him but at the same time loves Dianna but she just sees him as a lost soul needing spiritual help ? or does she?.. But hold on that?s just the beginning! The storyline in it?s self is amazing but the complexity of the uniting of math, science and music is outstanding. If you hold a fascination for math and science this is a must read. But even if you are not like this reviewer you will be capulated by the storyline and information. Don?t be intimated if not into math and science for there is something here for everyone as this book contains romance, science, thriller and intrigue. So many subplots and even religious complications between the Vatican, Pythegoreans and Paplists is intriguing, A definite read for high school, college students and those in advanced studies in the math and science fields for the extreme detail of information this novel holds. This book reads more like a biography than a fiction novel and you?ll find yourself even learning a thing or two along the way. This amazing tale is the second novel by the author David Frango with the first being ?The Ghost on Brooklyn Bridge? which is also an excellent read. ?The Quantum Enzyme Code ?, has already won an Honorable Mention in the Science Fiction category from ForeWord Magazine (reviewer of independently published books), proves this to be a timeless tale that teaches an appreciation of science and the secrets it holds. With two excellent books this reviewer feels David Frango is someone to watch to see what is next from this extremely talented author.

Debby and Sue our two female heroines looking for fun on Halloween night disguise themselves as men to go out on the town to see what adventures they will find. Rich, smart, mathematicians taking a break after college graduation and before entering the ?real? world. Little did they know how far disguising like men would take them. They dance out arm in arm quoting from their favorite poet Emily Dickerson ?A little madness in spring/ Is wholesome even for the King?. Their fun leads them to a bar where the participants seem to be leftovers from the seventies the bodyguard/owner at the door has purple hair going by the name of Cool Dude selling far out glasses that at first claims to have made which to enter the club you must buy. Turns out some Wiccan witch had made them as Cool Dude admits he?s not that creative. The girls/guys asked how they see into the astral plane and Cool Dude replies that when the time comes they will see, as our heroines enter attempting to look through the world through their spirit glasses. While this is going on we have Robert who has inherited a grand fortune from the deaths of his parents. Robert has chosen on this Halloween night to dress in 19th century garb, cape and all to pass out money, paying people to allow him to smash a pie in their faces. Robert is extremely depressed and so is going from bar to bar to play out his grand fun. As he only seems happy smashing pies in unsuspecting faces with these antics provides plenty of humor. Needless to say he has been kicked out of several places as he is on his pie smashing spree. In one place he comes across two strippers and pays them to wear seventeenth century Spanish maid of honor costumes, and carry his pies on trays as they go from place to place. Robert is a member of a men?s only suicide club that caters to emotionally disturbed men that glorifies the drug culture and dead musicians who have died of drug overdoses of the sixties and seventies and plays the ?Greatful Dead? music with the philosophy of ?it?s great to be dead? where he has decided to spend the rest of his inheritance in order to finish his life in a grand suicide. Finally Robert meets up with our girls/guys and Sue feels she must save poor Robert?s life and so they agree to join the suicide club. Debby meets a fellow mathematician that she falls for and feels he must be saved too. So our girls/guys-heroines set out on a mission to save the emotionally disturbed men. But how far are they really willing to go?.. Will love be found and lives saved? Just who is the ghost of the Brooklyn Bridge? And what role does Emily Dickerson and the spirit glasses play in all of this? So if you enjoy mystery, science fiction, fantasy, poetry and the philosophical side of life than enter into the dark side of the drug scene and read this cleverly written twist of an anti-drug culture tale. The ghost on the Brooklyn Bridge is an amazing tale of what drugs will lead to- ?an end of all dreams?, an excellent anti-drug message. The author David Frango does an amazing job with this descriptive tale as the characters and scenes come alive in excellent word picture form. This fiction novel is based upon the death of a classmate of David Frango?s and two female mathematician students, graduates of the University of Arizona who team together to write this memorial tribute to their friend. The novel is written in a modern style of nineteen century literature that this reviewer found refreshing. Also really great is the tie in of some awesome poetry from Emily Dickerson to T.S. Eliot. An awesome teaching tool and must read for all mature teenagers, young adults and adults. You won?t want to put this page turner down wondering what is to happen next and ponder upon the philosophical and metaphorical teachings this tale holds. Don?t pass this one by!

George Young lands what he believes is his dream job. A chance to start over and get on the right path, totally by accident unbeknownst to George, he lands the assistant news reporter job at WIZZ 1200 AM in Leesburg, Virginia. Sharing a home on the top of the mountain with an awesome view with Ralph an old friend who?s kind of quirky and likes to walk around in the nude. Suddenly Ralph disappears and leaves George on his own. The boring meetings and never ending days with very little pay and outdated equipment sometimes makes the job hard to bear but it?s a new beginning and a chance to grow up. He meets many of the locals whom all have secrets of their own. The station personalities from his boss work driven, diet coke drinking Colleen to fat Ted with his obnoxious eating habits. The area?s other newspaper and radio reporters strange Howard Percy who George wonders if he?s gay and the beautiful Rose Adams whom George can?t take his eyes off of. The town council with personality clashes who struggle to agree on anything and just why is Mayor Dawson always fifteen minutes late for the council meetings? The Board of Supervisors who all seem to have their own political agendas with Town Manager Steve Jones ex-CIA assassin believes George is out to kill him so he must kill him first, delusional Councilman Roger Digby who can?t understand why Council chairman Bill Burton doesn?t like him and want to be his friend and a whole host of other characters. And what about the mysterious letters George receives with the slanderous statements against some of the local residents, who sent them and why do they want read on the air and why did they chose George to air them? Actually Manifest Infamy reads like four novels in one, which is a great thing as author Steve Golighty does an awesome job with the character descriptions that you come away with a clear picture of each one and a feeling that you know them personally. Read George?s life, the station?s employees and other reporters lives, the town council and the board of supervisors? lives then how they all intermingle with each other. No one is sure of anyone and no one is sure they can trust anyone. This modern day tale could be set anywhere in small town America. You?ll smile, you?ll giggle, you?ll laugh out loud at some of the conversations and antics and know that it could all really happen. And poor George as him and Rose struggle at romance but with meetings and deadlines with conflicting schedules you?ll wonder if they ever will get together. Actually you?ll wonder if you?re reading a true story instead of a work of fiction. Since author Steve Golightly has a bachelor?s degree from the University of Maryland in English literature, in the Navy he did broadcast journalism and he worked at WAGE Radio in Leesburg, Virginia as a reporter and newscaster you wonder if this is a story out of Steve?s own life as he seems to be an expert. Author Steve Golightly has done an excellent job in this his first novel and as this reviewer believes one of the up and coming newcomers of the year. A great read for men and women alike as the author himself puts it ?anyone who enjoys Garrison Keillor, Tom Wolfe, John Mortimer or Mark Twain will enjoy this book? and you?ll clearly see that ?The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? is the author?s favorite book as this story unfolds. So it is definitely an excellent read. Actually the way it ends will make you wonder could we by chance see a sequel in the making?