Books, Movies, and Chinese Food

Book Review: "Fool's Gold" by Melody Carlson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

All in all, Hannah Johnson is pretty happy as a missionary kid. In Papua New Guinea, no one worries about fancy clothes or credit card limits--everyone has other things to think about. But when Hannah visits her cousin Vanessa for a summer in America, everything changes.

All that glitters isn't gold.

Vanessa and her friends try to catch Hannah up on all the latest fashion trends, but in the end, Hannah feels hopeless. She doesn't think she'll ever be able to keep up with the rich girls--but that doesn't stop her from trying. In the process, Hannah is forced to come to grips with what she values most: beauty on the inside, or beauty on the outside.

This is a topic that almost any high school girl can totally relate to. Clothes are almost the biggest factor of what makes you part of the in crowd and what leave you on the outskirts. These days especially, labels are the ticket to popularity. Having lots of money almost guarantees being in the in crowd. Why are we so fascinated with having lots of money? Melody Carlson perfectly translates the feelings of a teen girl struggling with not having the money to buy everything and having to face those who do.

I was a bit worried at first that Hannah would be a total goody two shoe because of her background. She is a bit naive about somethings because she hasn't been in the country that long and isn't up to the pop culture. However she acts pretty normal which is good because it's more relatable to reader. I kept getting really annoyed with Vanessa throughout the book. The same with her mother as well. I cannot stand being around those type of people and it just made me want to scream throughout the entire book. I can accept this type of behavior if you earned the money you were spending. However, teens who spend credit cards using their parents money "just cause" really annoys me. I wish all parents realized that giving your kids everything they want does not make them love you more or make you a better parent. That being said, I rather enjoyed the ending and what happened to Vanessa and her mom. Almost like justice was finally served.

Something I found a bit weird and annoying after awhile was the continued calling of Ross Dress for Less. Let me say, I love the store. I get stuff there all the time. They have great deals and a really good selection. I just have never heard anyone keep calling it by it's full name. I could understand the first time it was mentioned but repeatedly calling it that way? At that point, it seemed like an ad for them, and that Ross Dress for Less had paid for product placement.

Other than this, I really enjoyed this book. The subject matter is one that many teen girls will be able to relate to and even women in their 20s and 30s can get advice out of this book. Sadly we live in a material world and when you don't share that lifestyle it can be incredibly hard. Again another great YA book from Melody Carlson.

Fool's Gold by Melody Carlson is published by NavPress (2005)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Try Fear" by James Scott Bell

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

For Ty Buchanan, defending a suspected drunk driver named Carl Richess seems routine enough. But when his client ends up dead, an apparent suicide, there's nothing routine about it. Because the cops suspect it's murder, and arrest Eric Richess, Carl's brother, for the crime. Now Ty, at the desperate urging of Eric's mother, agrees to defend him. But it won't be easy. Because there's DNA on the gun that matches Eric's, and a history of conflict between the brothers.

Then Ty, assisted by Sister Mary Veritas, begins to uncover tentacles of corruption that reach into the citadels of city power. But he's being watched. Because somewhere in the dark labyrinth of LA is someone who will do anything to keep from being found out, someone who believes that when warnings don't work, try fear.

There are many things I've liked about this series. The quirky characters. The gritty plot lines. The unlikely relationships. The no nonsense attitude. These books have been page turners for me, I've found myself unable to stop reading once I've started. In the final book of the series, Ty once again finds himself with an unusual case that most lawyers would totally avoid. What should have been a routine DUI case ends up turning into murder drama. Ty is also have to deal with a cyber stalker who's targeted Sister Mary for no apparent reason.

What's best about this book is the dialogue. I really like the one liners that Ty makes, they are more witty and funny than eye rolling. Even when they do fall in the "oh gosh I can't believe he said that" category, Sister Mary and Father Bob are there to bring Ty back to earth. In this book also we get to see another softer side to Ty, one that is finally starting to learn to let go of his past.

This was an excellent ending to the series. Everything I wanted to happen involving certain people happened and not in a fake, mushy way either. I was dreading a drawn out storyline or some overly dramatic romantic plot but luckily neither happened. I will say that if you have NOT read the other two books in the series, I highly recommend reading them before this book. While the main story lines are standalone, there are many things that tie the books together and there are relationships and character developments that will make more sense if you read the books in order.

Again, my one qualm with the book is the short chapters. I just feel like they break up the story too much and makes the plot feel very choppy. Other than this, I really enjoyed reading this book. I have been pleased with the whole series and have always been a fan of Bell's books. As I've said with the other two books in the series, these are great reads to give to reluctant male readers as it's filled with lots of action and suspense. Definitely one of my favorite law reads of the year.

Try Fear by James Scott Bell is published by Center Street (2009)

This ARC was provided by the publisher

The Sheriff's Surrender by Susan Page Davis

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Susan Page Davis

and the book:

The Sheriff’s Surrender

Barbour Books (December 1, 2009)

***Special thanks to Angie Brillhart of Barbour Publishing for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Susan Page Davis is a mother of six who lives in Maine with her husband, Jim. She worked as a newspaper correspondent for more than twenty-five years in addition to home-schooling her children. She writes historical romances and cozy mysteries and is a member of ACFW. Visit her Web site at

Visit the author's website.

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Fergus, Idaho

May 1885

Gert Dooley aimed at the scrap of red calico and squeezed the trigger. The Spencer rifle she held cracked, and the red cloth fifty yards away shivered.

“I’d say your shooting piece is in fine order.” She lowered the rifle and passed it to the owner, Cyrus Fennel. She didn’t particularly like Fennel, but he always paid her brother, the only gunsmith in Fergus, with hard money.

He nodded. “Thank you, Miss Dooley.” He shoved his hand into his pocket.

Gert knew he was fishing out a coin. This was the part her brother hated most—taking payment for his work. She turned away. Hiram would be embarrassed enough without her watching. She picked up the shawl she had let fall to the grass a few minutes earlier.

“That’s mighty fine shooting, Gert,” said Hiram’s friend, rancher Ethan Chapman. He’d come by earlier to see if Hiram would help him string a fence the next day. When Cyrus Fennel had arrived to pick up his repaired rifle, Ethan had sat down on the chopping block to watch Gert demonstrate the gun.

“Thank you kindly.” Gert accepted praise for shooting as a matter of course. Now, if Ethan had remarked that she looked fine today or some such pretty thing, she’d have been flustered. But he would never say anything like that. And shooting was just work.

Fennel levered the rifle’s action open and peered at the firing pin. “Looks good as new. I should be able to pick off those rats that are getting in my grain bins.”

“That’s quite a cannon for shooting rats,” Gert said.

Ethan stood and rested one foot on the chopping block, leaning forward with one arm on his knee. “You ought to hire Gert to shoot them for you.”

Gert scowled. “Why’d I want to do that? He can shoot his own rats.”

Hiram, who had pocketed his pay as quickly as possible, moved the straw he chewed from one side of his mouth to the other. He never talked much. Men brought him their firearms to fix. Hiram listened to them tell him what the trouble was while eyeing the piece keenly. Then he’d look at Gert. She would tell them, “Come back next week.” Hiram would nod, and that was the extent of the conversation. Since his wife, Violet, had died eight years ago, the only person Hiram seemed to talk to much was Ethan.

Fennel turned toward her with a condescending smile. “Folks say you’re the best shot in Fergus, Miss Dooley.”

Gert shrugged. It wasn’t worth debating. She had sharp eyes, and she’d fired so many guns for Hiram to make sure they were in working order that she’d gotten good at it, that was all.

Ethan’s features, however, sprang to life. “Ain’t it the truth? Why, Gert can shoot the tail feathers off a jay at a hundred yards with a gun like that. Mighty fine rifle.” He nodded at Fennel’s Spencer, wincing as though he regretted not having a gun as fine.

“Well, now, I’m a fair shot myself,” Fennel said. “I could maybe hit that rag, too.”

“Let’s see you do it,” Ethan said.

Fennel jacked a cartridge into the Spencer, smiling as he did. The rag still hung limp from a notched stick and was silhouetted against the distant dirt bank across the field. He put his left foot forward and swung the butt of the stock up to his shoulder, paused motionless for a second, and pulled the trigger.

Gert watched the cloth, not the shooter. The stick shattered just at the bottom of the rag. She frowned. She’d have to find another stick next time. At least when she tested a gun, she clipped the edge of the cloth so her stand could be used again.

Hiram took the straw out of his mouth and threw it on the ground. Without a word, he strode to where the tattered red cloth lay a couple of yards from the splintered stick and brought the scrap back. He stooped for a piece of firewood from the pile he’d made before Fennel showed up. The stick he chose had split raggedly, and Hiram slid the bit of cloth into a crack.

Ethan stood beside Gert as they watched Hiram walk across the field, all the way to the dirt bank, and set the piece of firewood on end.

“Hmm.” Fennel cleared his throat and loaded several cartridges into the magazine. When Hiram was back beside them, he raised the gun again, held for a second, and fired. The stick with the bit of red stood unwavering.

“Let Gert try,” Ethan said.

“No need,” she said, looking down at her worn shoe tips peeping out beneath the hem of her skirt.

“Oh, come on.” Ethan’s coaxing smile tempted her.

Fennel held the rifle out. “Be my guest.”

Gert looked to her brother. Hiram gave the slightest nod then looked up at the sky, tracking the late afternoon sun as it slipped behind a cloud. She could do it, of course. She’d been firing guns for Hiram for ten years—since she came to Fergus and found him grieving the loss of his wife and baby. Folks had brought him more work than he could handle. They felt sorry for him, she supposed, and wanted to give him a distraction. Gert had begun test firing the guns as fast as he could fix them. She found it satisfying, and she’d kept doing it ever since. Thousands upon thousands of rounds she’d fired, from every type of small firearm, unintentionally building herself a reputation of sorts.

She didn’t usually make a show of her shooting prowess, but Fennel rubbed her the wrong way. She knew he wasn’t Hiram’s favorite patron either. He ran the Wells Fargo office now, but back when he ran the assay office, he’d bought up a lot of failed mines and grassland cheap. He owned a great deal of land around Fergus, including the spread Hiram had hoped to buy when he first came to Idaho. Distracted by his wife’s illness, Hiram hadn’t moved quickly enough to file claim on the land and had missed out. Instead of the ranch he’d wanted, he lived on his small lot in town and got by on his sporadic pay as a gunsmith.

Gert let her shawl slip from her fingers to the grass once more and took the rifle. As she focused on the distant stick of firewood, she thought, That junk of wood is you, Mr. Rich Land Stealer. And that little piece of cloth is one of your rats.

She squeezed gently. The rifle recoiled against her shoulder, and the far stick of firewood jumped into the air then fell to earth, minus the red cloth.

“Well, I’ll be.” Fennel stared at her. “Are you always this accurate?”

“You ain’t seen nothing,” Ethan assured him.

Hiram actually cracked a smile, and Gert felt the blood rush to her cheeks even though Ethan hadn’t directly complimented her. She loved to see Hiram smile, something he seldom did.

“Mind sharing your secret, Miss Dooley?” Fennel asked.

Ethan chuckled. “I’ll tell you what it is. Every time she shoots, she pretends she’s aiming at something she really hates.”

“Aha.” Fennel smiled, too. “Might I ask what you were thinking of that time, ma’am?”

Gert’s mouth went dry. Never had she been so sorely tempted to tell a lie.

“Likely it was that coyote that kilt her rooster last month,” Hiram said.

Gert stared at him. He’d actually spoken. She knew when their eyes met that her brother had known exactly what she’d been thinking.

Ethan and Fennel both chuckled.

Of course, I wouldn’t really think of killing him, Gert thought, even though he stole the land right out from under my grieving brother. The Good Book says don’t kill and don’t hate. Determined to heap coals of fire on her adversary’s head, she handed the Spencer back to him. “You’re not too bad a shot yourself, Mr. Fennel.”

His posture relaxed, and he opened his mouth all smiley, like he might say something pleasant back, but suddenly he stiffened. His eyes focused beyond Gert, toward the dirt street. “Who is that?”

Gert swung around to look as Ethan answered. “That’s Millicent Peart.”

“Don’t think I’ve seen her since last fall.” Fennel shook his head. “She sure is showing her age.”

“I don’t think Milzie came into town much over the winter,” Gert said.

For a moment, they watched the stooped figure hobble along the dirt street toward the emporium. Engulfed in a shapeless old coat, Milzie Peart leaned on a stick with each step. Her mouth worked as though she were talking to someone, but no one accompanied her.

“How long since her man passed on?” Ethan asked.

“Long time,” Gert said. “Ten years, maybe. She still lives at their cabin out Mountain Road.”

Fennel grimaced as the next house hid the retreating figure from view. “Pitiful.”

Ethan shrugged. “She’s kinda crazy, but I reckon she likes living on their homestead.”

Gert wondered how Milzie got by. It must be lonesome to have no one, not even a nearly silent brother, to talk to out there in the foothills.

“Supper in half an hour.” She turned away from the men and headed for the back porch of the little house she shared with Hiram. She hoped Fennel would take the hint and leave. And she hoped Ethan would stay for supper, but of course she would never say so.

Book Review: "Healing Sands" by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Ryan Alexander-Coe is a talented photojournalist who has been on assignment all over the world. But when her two sons choose to live with their father after her divorce, Ryan must give her career up for a small-town newspaper job in order to be near them.

Life spirals out of control when her fifteen-year-old son is arrested. Desperation--both over the fact that she cannot believe her son committed this crime and that he refuses to talk to her--sends her anger level soaring . . . and eventually sends her storming into Dr. Sullivan Crisp's office in search of ways to cope with her anger. Sully is in town assisting at one of his clinics and continuing his search for Belinda Cox, the woman whose guilt-inducing counseling caused the death of his wife and daughter. When Sully's search ends in disaster, both he and Ryan will have to fully rely on God--rather than themselves--to survive these storms.

This is the third book in the Sullivan Crisp series and the third book that again has unhappy characters in it. Right from the get go, the reader immediately learns that Ryan is not a happy woman. She's divorced, she doesn't have custody of her kids and she has major anger management issues. Then her son is accused of murder and a hate crime. It's a mom's worst nightmare and Ryan has trouble trying to figure out how to handle it. Ryan's story, while unique for Christian fiction, is not unfamiliar as there are many parents and women who have gone through what she does. From her career to trying to handle both her children to dealing with her ex-husband's new girlfriend, she struggles with how to manage it all.

I wonder about soccer moms sometimes. I really hope when that time in my life comes that I am not like most of the moms portrayed in the book. And then thing is, the book doesn't focus on stereotypes. I know moms who act exactly like that too. It was nice though to see that some of them do have a friendlier, less competitive side as well.

To be honest, while I enjoyed Ryan's story, I really wanted to read more about Sully's story. This is probably because this is now the third book where we are learning more and more about what really happened with his wife. It's quite funny because while I was reading the first book, I had complained that the sections on Sully were slow and took away from the story. Now with this book I felt like there wasn't of it! I was a bit disappointed about what happened to Belinda. I was hoping for justice and an explanation, and perhaps even remorse. Instead, it felt like a cop-out resolution. I think it bothered me because there are people who think like her out there and use Christianity as an excuse to spread their beliefs and can potentially harm others. I did appreciate how Sully has grown since the first book. If he had found Belinda then, the same result would have probably happen by his own hands, yet now he had planned on just talking to her.

Overall I enjoyed the story. It's not your typical Christian fiction. The characters here are flawed and come across very real. It is very refreshing to read about characters that DO have problems and don't always want to fix them. I know this book wraps up the series and while I am sad to see the story end, I really would love to read another book more about the Belinda issues. I think that would make for a fascinating read.

Healing Sands by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn is published by Thomas Nelson (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

I'm Gonna Be on the Radio!!!

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Video killed the radio star....well radio's making a comeback didn't you know?

Nicole from Linus's Blanket has a Blog Talk Radio show called That's How I Blog where she interviews super cool bloggers like Amy from My Friend Amy and Trish from Hey Lady Whatcha Reading. On the show she chats with the bloggers about how they started blogging, their favorite books, what they enjoy best/worst about being a blogger, all sorts of stuff.

My show will be next Tuesday 12/22 at 8pm EST. I know that it's the holiday season and things might be a bit rushed and hectic but if you do have the time, please stop in and listen. I'll try to sound somewhat charming and I might even throw out some Star Wars trivia. You can call in and ask me a question if you want to, or you can email Nicole your burning questions that you've always wanted to ask me.

The book we'll be discussing during the book club portion of the show will be Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker, one of my favorite reads of 2009.

I'm really nervous about this but also super excited at the same time. If you're a fan of blog and my reviews, now you'll have a chance to hear what I really sound like! Let's just hope I sound somewhat intelligent!

Remember TUESDAY, December 22, 8pm EST. Listen HERE. BE THERE!

Book Review: "The Christmas Cookie Club" by Ann Pearlman

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Mark your calendar. It's the Christmas Cookie Club! Every year on the first Monday of December, Marnie and her twelve closest girlfriends gather in the evening with batches of beautifully wrapped homemade cookies. Everyone has to bring a dish, a bottle of wine, and their stories. This year, the stories are especially important. Marnie's oldest daughter has a risky pregnancy. Will she find out tonight how that story might end? Jeannie's father is having an affair with her best friend. Who else knew about the betrayal, and how can that be forgiven or forgotten, even among old friends such as these? Rosie's husband doesn't want children, and she has to decide, very soon, whether or not that's a deal breaker for the marriage. Taylor's life is in financial freefall. Each woman, each friend has a story to tell, and they are all interwoven, just as their lives are.

On this evening, at least, they can feel as a group the impulses of sisterly love and conflict, the passion and hopefulness of a new romance, the betrayal and disillusionment some relationships bring, the joys and fears of motherhood, the agony of losing a child, and above all, the love they have for one another. As Marnie says, the Christmas Cookie Club, if it's anything, is a reminder of delight.

It's that time of year again! You know, when everywhere you turn are holiday parties with lots of goodies left and right. And the best goodie of all is the Christmas cookie. It doesn't matter what kind or what shape the cookie is, there's just something magical about the Christmas cookie that makes it taste even more delicious. Be prepared to realize that this is not really a Christmas story. If you're expecting tidings of goodwill and joy, you're reading the wrong book. Don't go looking for a light story. The tales from these women are hard to read at times, sad, often depressing and very heavy. I actually found this to be quite refreshing. It's realistic and the holidays aren't always a happy time for everyone. Many times this is the most painful time of the year for some people. The women in this book have a range of emotions and this is the time for them to share with each other and find a glimpse of hope and happiness.

I wasn't a big fan of the passages in between chapters about the ingredients. As a history major, I appreciated the background about the subject. I just felt that with the recipes already at the beginning of the chapter, the extra passages broke up the story even more. It would have been nicer if they were shorter passages or alternated with the recipes. Also I felt that with the large number of women in the group already, it seemed unnecessary to add the chapters of the women who weren't even physically at the meeting. If this was going to be a series and we would get more time with the characters, then I could understand this. However, since we only spend such a whole time with the entire cast, I felt like the other women got robbed in more depth in their stories.

There's a bit of cursing in the book but it's not gratuitous. The cookie recipes in the book range from super simple to a bit complex. There's something in here for everyone. You will definitely get hungry for some cookies while reading this book. My advice would be to either make a batch yourself and grab a plate before you open the book. Or if you have amazing willpower, you'll get inspired to make them after reading, as I did. Either way, you're in for a treat with this book. I wish I was part of a cookie club myself!

The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman is published by Atria (2009)

This review copy was provided by the Amazon Vine program

Book Review: "Back to Life" by Kristin Billerbeck

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Lindsay realized when she married Ron, a man seventeen years her senior, that the odds were he'd see heaven before her, but she never expected to be a widow at thirty-five. She knows there's too much of life remaining for her to just sit around in mourning, but she can't seem to kick-start the rest of her life. Then unexpected help arrives...when Ron's first wife, Jane, shows up at Lindsay's front door.

The executor of their late husband's estate, Jane is everything Lindsay's not: strong, stubborn, independent...and a lot older. There are other surprises as well, including Ron Jr. (whom Jane insists is not "really" Ron's son). But against all odds, a most unlikely friendship begins to develop—as each woman discovers how to own up to her past mistakes and to reevaluate what is really important. Told in the alternating voices of Jane and Lindsay, and featuring the return of many of the unforgettable characters introduced in The Trophy Wives Club, Back to Life is a lighthearted, relatable read about where to turn when life goes in a direction you never planned.

As I said after reading the first book in this series, I never would have thought to see a Christian fiction book about Trophy Wives. This is because this subject is practically taboo to most Christians and also because a lot of these wives suddenly find themselves divorced.

Why did I really like this story? It's because the characters are flawed and realistic. I am one of those readers who gets really tired of reading about cookie cutter Christians who do all the right things and are practically perfect in every way. While some of those people may exist, it is not real life. The characters in this story have been hurt and are confused about how they should react to that pain. It would be have been very unrealistic for them to immediately turn everything over to God and become happy and forget about their past. It's a little bit odd at first that Jane and Lindsay get along with each other. I'm not sure if I was either woman if I would have wanted to be near the "other woman" in my husband's life. Granted they didn't like each other in the beginning and both were wary and suspicious of each other. Eventually they learn to trust each other and, while not being the best of friends, have been able to become able accept and confide in one another. While this book is not overtly preachy, it is because of faith that these two are able to do this. Otherwise, this story would have taken the path out of a plot from a Desperate Housewives episode.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The cover looks like it's fluffy chick lit but I don't think it fits that genre since the subject matter is more serious. It's not for everyone. Those who think that Christians shouldn't be flawed or that marriages will always have happy endings won't like this book. However if you want a realistic work of fiction that looks deeper at issues that aren't normally talked about in Christian fiction but with a light touch, this book will be perfect for you.

Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck is published by Avon Inspire (2008)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Faith 'n Fiction Saturday

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:17:00 +0000

My Friend Amy, who brought us Book Blogger Appreciation Week has a new carnival in the works, the Faith 'n Fiction Saturday.

Each week she will post a blogging prompt, which participating bloggers will answer on their own blogs. Then they head back to the original post and sign Mister Linky! This way we can all come to know each other more closely.

Have you ever had the chance to meet any of your favorite Christian authors? What was the experience like? Did you buy a book and get it signed? Were they different than you expected? Which authors would you like the opportunity to meet? Is there anything you would tell them?

I've gotten to meet several authors. I met Christy Barritt and Yvonne Ortega at a signing in Chesapeake last year (Read about it here)

I also got to meet Beth Pattillo, Deeanne Gist, and Shelley Shepard Gray at the Romance Writers of America signing in DC earlier this year. Read about it here.

Sadly that's all the authors I've met. Not too many come to the DC area or the Hampton Roads area which is really weird. I guess they tend to focus on the Nashville area or the Midwest which is where most of the audience is? I don't know. Sometimes I feel like the East Coast is left out when it comes to Christian fiction author signings. Can anyone verify why this is so?

I didn't buy books at the signing because I owned several copies of their books already. I would love to meet Angela Hunt, Susan Meissner, Melody Carlson and most of the authors I already talk to on Twitter in person.

Edited to add: I feel so bad...I spent a WHOLE day in DC hanging out with Tricia Goyer!

Value Non Fiction Books from Waterbrook/Multnomah

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group introduces 99…times six…practical and up-to-date ways to help families flourish despite present economic challenges, priced at just $5.99 per book. These books are not only timely, but also inexpensive enough to fit into everyone’s tightening budget. Written for families and individuals who are hoping to not only survive but thrive, during tough times. These value-packed, applicable resources offer relevant and reliable insights to endure the current economic downturn, and are sure to appeal to families in all stages of life.

99 Ways to Fight Worry and Stress addresses, with both sensitive empathy and helpful practicality, the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges that typically accompany tough times. The 99 ways to cope and rise above worry and stress are grouped into categories that include "Lean on Friends," "Guard Your Rest," "Dream a Little," "Find the Humor," "Pursue Healthy Diver,sions," and "Dive Into Truth."

Just because the economy is suffering doesn’t mean relationships have to suffer, too. The Value Non-Fiction Line offers insightful books on love, marriage, relationships and personal growth. At just $6.99, WaterBrook Press is offering readers on the most limited budgets, valuable resources to help them grow and succeed in their personal lives. The Value Non–Fiction Line provides readers with invaluable resources at a low cost, and offers priceless insights to help build meaningful relationship.

Why does the modern-day search for romance so often end in disappointment, especially for women? Is it something we do? Something we don't do? Are we missing important information about the opposite sex—or about ourselves? Is there something wrong with us that we long so desperately for "til death do us part"?

Sadly, many women today see their ongoing singleness as a weakness or lack of worth. In truth, our dreams go unfulfilled not because we do not deserve for them to come true, but often because of wrong assumptions—assumptions that can easily be corrected.
Drawing on both male and female perspectives, this book deals with the hard issues and questions you and other women ponder as you consider how to obtain lasting love. What Women Don't Know (and Men Don't Tell You) will help you adjust your desires, redefine what you are attracted to, set your values in order, and determine your goals—freeing you at last to pursue the loving relationship you desire.

Book Review: "New York Debut" by Melody Carlson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The New Year promises to be lively for the Carter House girls. No sooner does the calendar page turn and the girls are forced to confront a whole load of difficulties. There is constant pressure from Mrs. Carter as the household prepares to participate in the high stakes Spring Fashion Week in New York City. Competition flares from all directions as the girls vie for top billing, premium outfits, and attention from favorite guys. Stresses mount and some personal challenges grow into serious problems. Will the girls survive the big city experience and the even bigger trials that come along with it?

It's time for another adventure with the Carter Girls and this is time we get to visit New York City and discover the fashion world. This book is perfect for those who watch shows like America's Top Model or Project Runaway as the reader is taken behind the scenes of fashion shows and runway models. Since the story is from DJ's perspective, she's not really interested in this subject which I totally can relate with her. Her grandmother thinks that this should be the high point in her life and strives to make DJ and the other Carter House girls into the model-types she thinks they should be.

It was really nice to see Taylor come back from rehab and be a changed person. She's not 100% changed, as that would be totally unrealistic, but she does now have a sense of maturity that she didn't show in previous books. Interestingly all her bad traits now seemed to have been passed on to Eliza, who has decided to become the house's mean girl. There is also a plot involving anorexia which is relevant to the main storyline about fashion. Even though it's a subject tackled many times in YA books, it's still relevant and important to mention. This story isn't as far fetched as the previous story set in Las Vegas, although the girls still display independence in a big city that I could have only dreamed of when I was that age. I'm still not really a fan of DJ's grandmother but she is starting to change. Slowly but at least it's finally happening.

To be honest I really don't understand why mainstream YA readers have been avoiding this series or other Melody Carlson books. Yes there are characters in these books that happen to be Christian but the story lines are not preachy. The plots rival those being published by mainstream publishers and the characters go through almost exactly the same events. Even the covers are spiffy enough to stand next to each other. I'm not sure if it's because of marketing or the fact that these books are on a Christian publisher but I just never see mainstream YA bloggers ever talking about these books. Hopefully that will eventually change because I really think they would enjoy these books. I know I do! Overall this is another great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to the next book!

New York Debut by Melody Carlson is published by Zondervan (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "A Dream to Call My Own" by Tracie Peterson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Lacy Gallatin, the youngest of the Gallatin sisters, is a woman with a mission: to find her father's killer. Haunted by the belief that she's failed him, Lacy is also battling a desire to have something more than just revenge, something she can't quite figure out.

Enter Dave Shepard, deputy sheriff for the area. Dave has been fervently trying to find the man who killed George Gallatin, but he always feels inadequate when it comes to the beautiful Lacy. When they are together, the tension crackles between them--both when they argue and when they kiss. Lacy finds him frustratingly irresistible but is it truly love?

The final book of the Brides of Gallatin brings an end to the series of these three sisters. It's finally time to tell Lacy's tale and see the struggles she's felt since the day her father died. She's been handling everything alone and keeping it from her sisters. Honestly I just really could not get into this story. I enjoyed it for an easy afternoon read but I didn't really moved or inspired by it. There were times when I got frustrated with the characters and their actions. I have never been a fan of Cubby since the first book and this book only solidifies my reasons. Even though Lacy is very able to take care of herself, she's very stubborn and extremely strong willed. I'm not saying that she needed a man to look out for her, but being on her own is not the best for her as she does not make smart decisions. I really didn't feel chemistry between her and Dave. It's too much of the "oh I shouldn't have done that" after a kiss type of deal which I loathe. Also the historical aspect of the book is downplayed. The story just takes places back in the day, any historical events are not really a factor in the book.

To be honest, I really did not think this was Tracie's best series. The characters didn't really stick with me and I never really felt like I could get into the story. There's a lot of stereotypes of women and the West in general that take place in this book. Also the storyline seemed very predictable and sometimes a bit too unbelievable. I felt like I knew what was going to happen as soon as I started reading. That being said though, I did enjoy this book because I always enjoy Tracie's books. Even with its faults, it still makes for comfort reading because I know I'm going to be in for a good story. The novel might have had its faults but it does make for a good read. I just hope that future books will be a bit more enlightening!

A Dream to Call My Own by Tracie Peterson is published by Bethany House (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "The Christmas Lamp" by Lori Copeland

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

When the small town of Nativity, Missouri, loses its much-needed seasonal business, more than the economy suffers. Lifelong resident Roni Elliot clashes with the new outside consultant Jake Brisco, whose drastic budget-slashing threatens the traditions and spirit of Nativity. However, as forgotten joys rekindle and new traditions emerge, Christmas once again becomes a season of hope.

Lori Copeland has written another book to remind us what is the true meaning of Christmas. The town of Nativity has been suffering from the lack of economy and have called in a financial consultant to help them with their money woes. However as soon as Jake arrives, he gets off to a bad start with the townsfolk by nearly wrecking their beloved Christmas tree. Jake soon finds that the town is so involved with tradition in keeping an ideal Christmas that it's easy to see why they are in debt. As he tries to wean them from their long standing traditions, both him and the town learn what should be important during the holiday season. This book is a really great way to get into the holiday season but it also shows what we should also be focusing on. The town, while having good intentions, seem to be set in their ways and didn't want to change things even though they were suffering. Even when told how their continued ways would bring on the town's demise, they were still adamant on keeping things just as they were because they were comfortable with it. I could totally understand Jake's frustration with the townsfolk and Roni. They needed help but wouldn't accept it. This book has several lessons running throughout it which really makes you think about not only the holiday season but what we put importance on.

I was EXTREMELY geeked to read about the lamp from A Christmas Story! It's one of my family's favorite Christmas movies and we always get a kick out of watching it every year. In fact my sisters' bought a miniature version of the lamp for my husband for Christmas while we were dating.

The only little qualm I had with the story is how fast Roni and Jake's relationship progressed. He's been in town for only a few weeks and by the end of the story they are already in love. I just didn't feel like it was very realistic and not very encouraging to other advice that tells you not to fall in love too quickly. Other than that, I enjoyed the book. It's a quick read and it does get you in the holiday spirit. It's good to have reminders of why we celebrate Christmas and where to place importance on during this hectic season.

The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland is published by Zondervan (2009)

This review copy was provided for a blog tour with the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

Book Review: "Fatal Deduction" by Gayle Roper

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Twin sisters Libby and Tori have never been close---so when they're forced to share an old house as they await their Aunt Stella's inheritance, neither is thrilled. Then an unexpected visitor changes everything: a corpse clutching a crossword full of deadly messages! Can they work together to solve the puzzle before time runs out?

Stories about sisters never seem to grow old especially with twins sisters who the polar opposite with each other. This book features that storyline but with an added twist of a corpse! It's not all happy times for twins Libby and Tori as they are forced to live in the same house in order to receive their inheritance. The two are as different as night and day and the distance throughout the years has made the gap between them almost uncrossable. I felt sorry for Libby throughout the entire book and the way her entire family treated her. I honestly wanted to smack her mother, grandmother and even her sister at times for being so mean to her. The way she took things in stride really amazed me. I was glad that her own daughter did not feel the same way as the rest of her family.

I was a bit worried at first that Libby and Drew's relationship would go in the way of the stereotypical Christian story that involves a divorce but was gladly mistaken. In fact Drew's whole relationship with his ex wife was really fairly refreshing. I'm glad that she was portrayed the way she was and that the whole situation was even discussed. Being bi-polar is something that is not mentioned very much in Christian fiction so how it was presented in this book was realistic and a good way for readers to be aware and knowledgeable of the subject.

There were two qualms I had with the book. The first was the use of the crossword puzzles themselves. The full unanswered puzzles are displayed in the book as how Libby might have seen them. Maybe I'm just weird or lazy, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to do the puzzle myself to figure out the clues. As it was, I skipped over them and just kept reading to see if anyone else figured them out. I'm not sure really what the purpose was of having them there. It's a unique concept but I was confused if it was supposed to be more interactive for the reader or just artistic design. The other qualm I had was Tori's character. This is mainly due to the fact that I felt her story is never fully resolved or really developed. The ending with her left me quite unsatisfied and unless there's another book involving her, I felt her character to be incomplete.

Other than this, I enjoyed the story. It has a good mystery and for fans of crossword puzzles, it is a unique way to bring about the clues. I've always been a fan of Gayle's other books so it was a delight to see her return to the mystery genre. Hopefully there will be more of these kinds of books in the future.

Fatal Deduction by Gayle Roper is published by Multnomah (2008)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Try Darkness" by James Scott Bell

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Ty Buchanan is living on the peaceful grounds of St. Monica's, far away from the glamorous life he led as a rising trial lawyer for a big L.A. firm. Recovering from the death of his fiancée and a false accusation of murder, Buchanan has found his previous ambitions unrewarding. Now he prefers offering legal services to the poor and the under-represented, from his "office" at local coffee bar The Freudian Sip. A mysterious woman with a six year old daughter comes to him for help. She's being illegally evicted from a downtown transient hotel, an interest represented by his old law firm and former best friend, Al Bradshaw. Buchanan won't back down. He's going to fight for the woman's rights.

But then she ends up dead, and the case moves from the courtroom to the streets. Determined to find the killer and protect the little girl, who has no last name and no other family, Buchanan finds he must depend on skills he never needed in the employ of a civil law firm.

I'm usually not really a fan of lawyer stories. This is mainly because the lawyers are usually portrayed as either smarmy characters who are extremely smug and only out for the money or they end up being the typical saves the day lawyer who is too good to be true. Ty Buchanan is none of these and is probably the most unique, laid back and eccentric guy to have anything to do with the law field. I felt like the story was very realistic. It wasn't written with false perceptions or trying to butter things up to make everyone happy. Bell tells Ty's story how it really is and shows all the darkness that's in the world. Also even though this is the second book in the series and the reader could benefit from reading the first book in the series, I feel that it could be read as a standalone. The mystery stands out and is quite powerful. I'm pretty much a sucker for little kids in stories that need help and I'm glad Ty was too.

As in the first book, I felt the storyline to be gritty and written in a film noir-ish way. California, which is normally seen as glitzy and glamorous in other books, takes on a darker, more underground, less colorful atmosphere. What I like best about Ty is that he's quite cynical and a bit sarcastic. He's not the charming fellow women fall in love with yet he has a way with people that gets them to trust him. He's unconventional, witty and questions a lot of things which I really liked because he doesn't act like he knows everything.

The only thing I'm not really a fan of with this series is the really short chapters. I mean they are extremely short, sometimes there will even be 3 chapters on just one page and there are 191 chapters! I just feel like it breaks up the story too much when every time there's a rhythm in the story going, there's a chapter break which disrupts the flow.

Other than this I really enjoyed reading about Ty's adventures again. I love his chemistry with both Sister Mary and Father Bob who are two of the most unlikely accomplices a detective could have. They add both insight and humor to Ty's personality. I really enjoyed how this book is able to be gritty and edgy without resorting to using sex or rough language. This is by no means saying the book is clean and safe. It chooses to show the world as it really is and not through rose colored glasses but it does it by not being coarse or preachy at the same time. It's a balance that works really well and I think pays off. I've enjoyed all of James Scott Bell's books in the past and this is another one to add to the list. This is another book to give to male readers as it is the type of book that I believe a lot of guys would enjoy.

Try Darkness by James Scott Bell is published by Center Street (2008)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it--a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Whirlwind, go HERE

Raising Rain by Debbie Fuller Thomas

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Raising Rain
Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)
by
Debbie Fuller Thomas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie writes contemporary fiction from an historic Gold Rush town in Northern California. By day, she manages after school and day camp programs, and she burns the midnight oil to write what she loves. Her first book Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon, is a Christy finalist. Raising Rain, her second book became available September 2009.

Debbie has contributed to story collections such as Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul, and Lord, I Was Happy Shallow, along with articles in Coping With Cancer magazine.

She has two teenagers and her husband is the executive pastor on Sonrise Church with 1,000 members. Debbie is a manager at Auburn Area Parks and Recreation.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Raised to be a 'new woman' by her mother and three college roommates in
the 70's amid anti-war protests, feminist rallies, and finals, Rain
Rasmussen discovers that putting her career first has left her overdrawn
at the egg-bank, and her baby fever has now driven off her significant
other.

When her terminally ill mother demands a Celebration of Life before she
dies; they all confront ghosts from the past on a 'stormy' weekend in
Monterey. Bebe, the roommate closest to Rain's heart, revisits choices
that have impacted Rain the most, raising doubts about God's—and her
own—willingness to forgive and to be forgiven.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Raising Rain, go HERE.

Book Review: "Red White and Blue" by Laura Hayden

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Emily Benton has won the office of president but as she waits to assume that office, her closest adviser, Kate Rosen, is plagued with doubts. As a Christian, Kate owes her allegiance to a higher power. When a scandal brings the president to the brink of disaster, Kate must weigh the bonds of loyalty and duty, ambition and submission, and find a path that leads to the greater glory of God.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series as I had originally read it during the 2008 election and had been swept up in political fever. Now that I live up in the DC metro area, It's totally surrounding me 24/7. I also really enjoy reading books set in this area as it's always fun to see places I've been to or recognize. This book continues where the first book left off, with Emily winning the election and is now the first female president of the United States. As I said about the first book, I was really glad to see a book about a female president where she became president by winning the election and not because she was Vice President and the former president died or resigned. In this book, as the White House Chief of Staff, Kate is put in a position where she has to be the public mouth, eyes and ears for Emily. This puts her in a compromising place because she doesn't agree with everything Emily does, yet since this is her best friend and her boss, she must do what she is told.

I am not really sure though why Kate keeps agreeing to stay with Emily. From the beginning of the series, it is obvious that the two differ on almost everything politically, emotionally and value wise. I know they have been best friends for a long time, but even so the relationship feels like Emily has been using Kate for a very long time. It gets more and more obvious in this book that Emily doesn't really care about Kate and is more interested in gaining grounds for own personal gain. This is at the expense of even Kate's family members who have trusted Emily their entire lives. It just makes Kate seem like a pushover or a doormat in that she lets Emily get away with whatever she wants or that she is completely clueless to her friend's true nature. I think the biggest issue in the book is that it appears to be difficult to be a Christian AND be a successful politician at the same time. While it is possible to be both, one needs to be cutthroat and have to do some dishonest things in order to get ahead and be at the top. Since I'm not in politics, I can't say whether or not this is true, but sometimes I wonder if this really is the case in real life.

Overall I did really like this book. I didn't feel it to be very preachy even though Kate makes it clear that she's a Christian throughout the book. The story ends on a cliffhanger so there better be another book in the series or else I will be very disappointed! Again, this is another great political suspense novel and one that I really enjoyed reading. I really cannot wait to read the next book in the series, hopefully I won't have to wait til the next election to do so!

Red, White and Blue by Laura Hayden is published by Tyndale (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Rebecca's Reward" by Lauraine Snelling

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Baard has experienced more than her share of sorrow, and now she is afraid to open her heart to love. Besides, no man has ever shown enough interest in her to come courting. So Rebecca's friends set out to remedy the situation, concocting social events to attract all the eligible bachelors in Blessing and advising her in the use of feminine wiles. When none of these efforts seem to work, Rebecca tries yet another tack, only to discover that even the best of intentions can't keep events from taking a surprising turn. Will Rebecca overcome her fears, or will she settle for something less than love?

Going home to Blessing, North Dakota is a favorite reading pastime for me. I've been a fan of Lauraine Snelling's books about the Bjourkland family and their friends for well over ten years. I look forward to each new book about the townsfolk and the going ons in their lives as they live out the American dream out in the west. With this book, we get to read the story of Rebecca Baard, cousin of Penny and daughter to Ingeborg's best friend who died several years ago. Rebecca is tired of the life she lives, having to tend an all male house and wants to start a new life. She dreams of opening a soda shoppe in her hometown but needs to find resources and funding to make this dream come true. I really liked her relationship with her friends and cousins. It's good to read about how girl talk was an important part of life even back in the day.

My favorite part about this book was the talk of all the ice cream! Rebecca is extremely productive and takes a lot of initiative to make this dream of hers become a reality. There's a lot of planning and research that went into making her decision. I appreciated that she did take the time to learn about what goes into running an ice cream shop and not had it magically happen. There was a lot of things to consider, including the question of who would go get ice cream in the winter time. I really liked it when she went on the behind the scenes tour of the ice cream parlor in Bismarck and then got to eat the ice cream.

I also have really enjoyed seeing the Valders boys change and mature throughout the entire Blessing saga. When we first met them, they were ragtags who were troublemakers, stubborn and rude. They eventually got adopted and throughout the books began to change and soften the hearts of the townsfolk and their own parents. With this book the focus is on Gerald and it's wonderful to see him now be a kind hearted man who has definitely grown up from him wild beginnings. I was also really glad to see him take a stand against his mother, who seems to be the ever popular grump of the town.

The only thing I felt was a bit odd was that the story of Mr. Jeffers seems to end up abruptly with no conclusion. There was nothing really wrong per se, but I just felt that the story was left hanging and just pushed aside. It's not a big plot but since it affected the main characters it would have been nice to have some closure. Other than this, I really enjoyed reading this book. It's total comfort reading for me, and I love the historical setting. I am dying to read Astrid's story and am excited that the next series about Blessing is going to be based entirely on her. Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite Christian historical fiction authors and I feel that if you start with the first book in this saga, you won't be able to stop.

Rebecca's Reward by Lauraine Snelling is published by Bethany House (2008)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "The Silent Gift" by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The 1930s were a decade of enormous uncertainty--for the world, for America, and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of love and enormous sacrifices in the face of circumstances horrendous beyond belief. When her husband leaves her for someone whose time isn't wrapped up in a silent, handicapped kid, Mary and little Jack are out on their own in a world that has no room for the poor and disabled. Especially not at a time when most Americans are simply trying to survive their economic woes and job losses. But then arrives The Gift...where has it come from, and why? How can a young boy who can neither hear nor speak provide comfort, direction, and sometimes challenges to seekers who learn of the special ability? Whatever the source, its presence brings a single shaft of light and hope to Mary and her beloved Jack. Will it be enough?

If you're in the mood for a book that has a moving story and will touch your heart while you read, this is the book for you. Once you start reading, you'll feel connected to Mary and her son Jack who steals your heart almost immediately. The book takes place in the 1930s and shows how difficult life was back then if you were poor and had a handicap that made you different from everyone. The relationship between Mary and Jack is very deep and the love that Mary has for her son is very strong. Jack's gift for a time brings them hope and financial security but at the same time it questions Mary's faith and makes her become wary of everyone she meets.

What I really liked best about this book was that this wasn't a happy go lucky, everything ends up alright story. From the beginning, you can tell that Mary and Jack have things rough. With every turn of the story things get even worse for them. Even at the end of the story, even though they do eventually get help, there is no making up for the past. I think the biggest evidence of this is the actions of Mary's husband and Jack's father, Jerry. He's just the bad guy from the start and treats his family with disdain and disgust. Throughout the story, his character shows no signs of repentance. I was so glad at the end of the story that he ends up divorcing Mary instead of having a conversion scene where she's forced to forgive and forget everything he's done to make their lives miserable. Now divorce is something that can be a taboo topic in Christian fiction, but I believe in this scenario it can be justified.

The only qualm I had about the book was that I felt that Jack's gift is never really explained. I understand how it's shown as a gift from God, but I guess I'm the sort of person who likes there to be explanations. I also wondered, if Jack is the narrator of the story and is able to tell us what happened later on in his story at the end of the book, how did he learn to fully communicate with others? He has either learned how to read and write, talk or sign. I guess this was just a loose end I wish had been tied up.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The story is written in a easy to read manner that will keep you turning the pages. Even with the Gift aspect, it's a very realistic story and I believe the historical details to be accurate and not misleading. The scenes in the asylum are heartbreaking as to how the patients at the time were treated and viewed. It makes one grateful to be able to appreciate how well off people of today are who have the same kind of problems. If you are a fan of historical fiction in the style of Tracie Peterson, you'll really enjoy this book and I would love to see Michael Landon Jr. turn this into a movie one day!

The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley is published by Bethany House (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Clean Up Your Shelves Wrap Up

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:11:00 +0000

The Clean Up Your Shelves Challenge has come to an end and I did rather well! From 10/1 to 11/30, I read 139 books. My goal was to have 30% of my books eligible for the challenge (books that were from my own personal shelves and not for review or from library). I read 60 books out of 139 which equals to 43.17%! I beat my goal, woo!!! Thanks so much to S.Krishna's Books for hosting this challenge. Many of the books I read for it have been sitting on my shelf for years. I've been wanting to read them, but I kept putting them off due to review or library books. Hopefully she'll be hosting this challenge again, as I still have MANY in that same pile!

Books in bold were read for the challenge.

Beloved Enemy by Terri Reed
Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner
Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti
Black by Ted Dekker
What Matters Most by Melody Carlson
Reading, Writing and Riddles by Jolyn and William Sharp
Death Benefits by Hannah Alexander
The Price of Fame by Carolyne Aarsen
Suspicion by Ginny Aiken
The Start of Something Big by Sunni Jeffers
The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall
Small Town Reality by Carolyne Aarsen
The Kindness of Strangers by Susan Meier
Mr Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange
Trial by Fire by Cara Putman
Just To See You Smile by Sally John
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame Smith
Shoofly Pie by Tim Downs
Amazing Gracie by Pam Hanson and Barbara Andrews
Promises, Promises by Annie Bryant
Red by Ted Dekker
They Also Serve by Pam Hanson and Barbara Andrews
Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark
Saints Among Us by Anne Marie Rodgers
Building Bridges by Carolyne Aarsen
Rosemary for Remembrance by Sunni Jeffers
The Way We Were by Judy Baer
White by Ted Dekker
Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman
No Place for a Lady by Maggie Brendan
The Long Road Home by Sally John
An Amish Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron
The Missing by Beverly Lewis
How to Sleep With a Movie Star by Kristin Harmel
Scoop by Rene Gutteridge
Everyone Else's Girl by Megan Crane
Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish
The Chick Shall Inherit the Earth by Shelley Adina
Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow
Shaken by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
Unmasked by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll
Deceived by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
Protected by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan
Chop Shop by Tim Downs
The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson
Eyes of Elisha by Brandilyn Collins
Over the Holidays by Sandra Harper
Emily Ever After by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur
Love the One You're With by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Goodbye Jimmy Choos by Annie Sanders
Hot Tropics and Cold Feet by Diann Hunt
Limelight by Melody Carlson
Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh
The Elevator by Angela Hunt
Conversations with the Fat Girl by Liza Palmer
Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner
Red and Lowering Sky by Lynn Morris
Ready to Wed by Melody Carlson
Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer
Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
The Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick
Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska by Irene Brand
Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra D. Bricker
Princess Izzy and the E Street Shuffle by Beverly Bartlett
Sins of the Mother by Patricia Rushford
Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky by Andrea Boeshaar
Carpool Diem by Nancy Star
The Will of Wisteria by Denise Hildreth
Georgia on Her Mind by Rachel Hauck
Cyber Cinderella by Christina Hopkinson
Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham
Forget About It by Caprice Crane
Love Finds You in Sisters Oregon by Melody Carlson
Buried Sins by Marta Perry
Bad Heiress Day by Allie Pleiter
Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik
Thirsty by Tracey Bateman
Lost in Nash Vegas by Rachel Hauck
The Silent Gift by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley
The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey
Simple Gifts by Lori Copeland
Field of Blood by Eric Wilson
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
All the Tea in China by Jane Orcutt
Rachel's Secret by BJ Hoff
Chosen by Ginger Garrett
White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
Alaska Twilight by Colleen Coble
My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Chill Out Josey by Susan May Warren
Flee the Night by Susan May Warren
Get Cozy Josey by Susan May Warren
A Taste of Murder by Virginia Smith
Sister of the Bride by Beverly Cleary
Caught in the Act by Gayle Roper
Act Two by Kimberly Stuart
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine
Hawaiian Sunrise by Lauraine Snelling
Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Montclair by Sara Mitchell
The Sunroom by Beverly Lewis
Jean and Johnny by Beverly Cleary
Jillian Dare by Melanie Jeschke
The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn
The Gift by T. Davis Bunn
Tidings of Comfort and Joy by T. Davis Bunn
Ninth Key by Meg Cabot
Reunion by Meg Cabot
Darkest Hour by Meg Cabot
Haunted by Meg Cabot
Twilight by Meg Cabot
Grits and Glory by Ron and Janet Benrey
The Luckiest Girl by Beverly Cleary
The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate
Hunted by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
Leah's Choice by Marta Perry
The Face of Deceit by Ramona Richards
A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
Arrived by Jerry Jenkins and Tim Lahaye
A Time to Gather by Sally John and Gary Smalley
Green by Ted Dekker
Petty in Pink by Rachel Maude
Dear Pen Pal by Heather Vogel Frederick
Charmed and Dangerous by Lisi Harrison
How Not to Make a Wish by Mindy Klasky
A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist
A Scent of Murder of Virginia Smith
Duplikate by Cherry Cheva
Love Finds You in Charm Ohio by Annalisa Daughety
Reasonable Doubt by Tracey Bateman
Secret Society by Tom Dolby
Scared by Tom Davis
Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston

Book Review: "The Christmas Dog" by Melody Carlson

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. There's church, of course. But who can she bake for these days? And who would care whether or not she pulled out the Christmas decorations? Her new neighbor just adds to the problem. He's doing home improvements that don't appear to be improving much of anything. These days when Betty looks out the window, she sees a beat-up truck, a pile of junk, lots of blue tarps, and--horror of horrors--an old pink toilet. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn a very important lesson about what Christmas is all about. This contemporary Christmas story is a timely yet gentle reminder that God can work miracles through something as seemingly insignificant as a little brown dog.

You know it's Christmas time, when Melody Carlson has a new book just for the holidays! I've been a fan of Melody's Christmas time stories throughout the years and I've been looking forward to this one. This story is another short but satisfying novella in the same style as her other Christmas books. In this story, we are introduced to Betty who has a new neighbor who is driving her nuts with his unexplained actions on the house next door. Then a stray dog appears on her porch, seemingly to belong to the said neighbor next door. However all attempts to return the dog are futile and Betty is left with a guest she hasn't prepared for.

I thought the book was really cute and perfect for animal lovers. Ralph the dog brings joy into the hearts of those who meet him and creates a special bond between Betty and her granddaughter. I enjoyed her interactions between the two women. I really liked how even though this isn't a blood relative, Betty and Avery have a wonderful relationship even if the two aren't on the best of terms with Avery's mother.

I did feel that the dog on the cover of the book is WAY cuter than Ralph was described in the story. He's depicted as a cute little dog on the front yet in the book, even after his bath, is still described as a mangy mutt. I also felt that I could understand Betty's paranoia about her neighbor and being nervous about his sketchy behavior. It wasn't as if she was making assumptions about him and gossiping behind her back. She had gone several times to try to speak to him and kept getting rebuffed or treated very rudely. Normally I'm not a fan of interfering neighbors who stick their nose in other's business, but this time I felt that Betty's actions were justified.

However overall I did enjoy this story. Yes it's over the top cute and could totally become a Hallmark movie but I'm a sucker for books about dogs and this one was right up my alley. This book is a wonderful way to get you in the holiday spirit. It's perfect for an afternoon read, yet will get you totally jolly and happy by the time you finish. It might also make you want to go find a dog to adopt and call your own Ralph!

The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson is published by Revell (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Secret Society" by Tom Dolby

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York's wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about.

They didn't ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything—even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they're forced to get on the nape of their necks. Once they're part of the Society, things begin falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It's all perfect—until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.

Tom Dolby makes his teen fiction debut with this riveting novel about a dangerous society so secret that once you get in, you can never get out.

Secret societies and clubs have been subjects of fascination for years. We don't seem to like it when a group keeps vital information from the public and chooses to do their business in total privacy. Books like The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol have brought to attention famous secret societies that have been around for centuries. This book brings the world of the secret society to the younger set and introduces readers to the underground privileged world of New York City.

What I found most interesting about the storyline is that it seems that money and power will get you far in life because you have the right connections. You can get into the right colleges, get the career you've always dreamed of or even find the perfect spouse. This continues throughout your entire life as long as you keep to the society's codes. The main characters in this story all have dreams that are now going to come true, if they can handle the pressure and keep to the rules. Patch's point of view was probably the most interesting as he kept trying to infiltrate the society's secrets. The other three characters seem to be kept in the dark as to why they were even picked and just go along with the motions. Meanwhile, Patch knows the history of the society and has even found out secrets about them. This makes him more knowledgeable than anyone else yet he is constantly shunted by the others.

I was a bit confused as to how public the location of the tattoo is located on the body. For most males and females who put their hair up or have short hair, it is highly visible and would be questioned. Even if the wearer is secretive about the tattoo, questions would still be asked and there would be inquiries. I just felt that a more discreet location would have served a better purpose. I also wasn't a fan of how it is implied that the society comes before everything even the law. It just bothered me that just because someone is chosen, they are now more important than anyone else in the world and that rules don't apply to them. The world also seems to be a very me-centric world. A person would rather let someone die than come out and admit their guilt because they don't want to commit social suicide.

The ending does leave you hanging and eager for the next book in the series. Overall I did enjoy the story, any problems I had I hope will be addresses or remedied in the next book. I was really surprised with the lack of sex or language in the story, I had been expecting to be bombarded with both subjects and instead found the topics to be fairly tame. I am looking forward to the sequel as we discover more about the society and whether or not everyone decides they want to stay in.

Secret Society by Tom Dolby is published by HarperTeen (2009)

This ARC was provided by the publisher

Book Review: "Duplikate" by Cherry Cheva

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

To Do List:

Ace SATs
Ace finals
Ace AP physics project
Avoid murdering lab partner
Submit Yale application

Resolve possibly evil twin situation

Due date: December 15th

Countdown: 11 days

By the time Kate Larson accidentally fell asleep at three a.m., she'd already done more work in one night than the average high school senior does in a week. Getting into Yale has been her dream for years—and being generally overworked and totally under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes the next day, she comes face-to-face with, well, her face—which is attached to her body, which is standing across the room. Wait, what?

Meet Kate's computer-generated twin. Kate doesn't know why she's here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she's real. And she's the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless . . .

Could having a double be the answer to Kate's prayers? After all, two Kates can do more work than one. Or will keeping her twin a secret turn her dream future into a living nightmare?

Reading this book made me realize several things. One, high school students have far too much pressure on them to get things done in order to get into a good college. This book brought back memories of my high school days when I was frantically trying to accomplish many tasks simultaneously to make my college portfolio stand out. Like Kate, I had to study for SATs, write college essays, do outstanding in my college classes, and only choose extracurricular activities that would make my application look worthy enough for the school I was applying too. Without having a clone, it's almost impossible to get everything done without stressing yourself or having a nervous breakdown. It's something that can be expected from adults in the workplace or even college students, but for teens to have to go through this, I think it's expecting too much. Yes, there is a time to learn how to handle responsibility and know how the real world is, but teens are too young to give up enjoying life to be stressed out physically and emotionally like this.

The second was, I need to go back to my Sims game and make sure my game self has plenty of stuff in their room to keep them happy! Rina has been living in a room with barely anything for the past 4 years because Kate got tired with the computer game and didn't think to stock her house! I found this hilarious because there have been many times I've played the Sims and depending on my mood, I've either maxed out my Sim's house to give them the comfiest pad possible or I've been bored and had them living in a bare bones house. I could not imagine with it would be like if one of them came to life like Rina did in this story. The little thing about how Rina devoured every book, just like a Sim were hilarious.

The storyline was extremely well done as we see Kate having to balance her life between her studies, her relationships and then now with Rina. I loved how Rina just got shoved back into the closet at the end of the day or when she had to hide. Something else that was also a really nice touch was having an Asian American character NOT be the stereotypical perfect student who always gets good grades. The only thing I would have changed would be more interaction with Rina and Kate. As it stands, I felt it was a little abrupt at the ending, and thought it would have been more interesting to see how the two would have interacted after everything they had been through died down. It seemed at first that there would be a possibility that Rina was trying to take over Kate's life and then send back Kate to the computer world but that storyline never really took shape.

Other than this, I really enjoyed this story. Even though there's the fantasy aspect to it, I think it's something a lot of teens will relate to, both the scholars and the gamers. I found the book hilariously funny and that's also due to the fact that the author is a writer for Family Guy, one of my favorite shows. I'll be looking to reading more books from her and in the meantime, off to make sure my Sims are happy!

Duplikate by Cherry Cheva is published by HarperTeen (2009)

This ARC was provided by the publisher

Happy Thanksgiving!

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I'm taking the day off from blogging due to the holiday. We've traveled to be with family and I'm planning on stuffing myself silly. Probably not going shopping the day after but we shall see. Anywho I wanted to leave you with one of my favorite Thanksgiving TV episodes. Granted if you're not a fan of this show, it wont' make you laugh like it did to me but since I consider all of you my "friends" here ya go!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review: "Scared" by Tom Davis

beatccr@hotmail.com (Deborah) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Stuart Daniels has hit bottom. Once a celebrated and award-winning photojournalist, he is reeling from debt, a broken marriage, and crippling depression. The source of Stuart's grief is his most famous photo, a snapshot of brutality in the dangerous Congo. A haunting image that indicts him as a passive witness to gross injustice. Stuart is given one last chance to redeem his career: A make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in a small African country. It is here that Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for survival in a community ravaged by tragedy and disease. What seemed like a chance encounter will forever change their lives. This sweeping, dramatic story explores the most vital social issues facing our world and offers a unique perspective on the tragedies taking place in Africa today.

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, one does a lot of thinking about what they are thankful for in their life. For many, it's family or having a job or the material things they own. But have you ever been thankful for being alive and well? We as Americans take our way of life for granted. We have so many freedoms that we just immediately dismiss yet there are millions of people all over the world who are suffering and would give anything to have just one thing of ours that we so casually discard. This book really makes you think about what you have and what thankfulness really mean.

Stuart is a photographer who is searching for that perfect shot. He's having some marital problems and leaves for Africa with things unresolved between him and his wife. He had previously won a prestigious journalism award for a photo he had taken several years ago that depicted the tragedy of death and it's affected him ever since. Now in Africa he sees how the people are ravaged by AIDS, starvation and the children who have to suffer for it. Mixed in with Stuart's story is the story of a 12 year old Swazi girl named Adanna. Her story is absolutely heartbreaking. I can't describe it, you have to read it to know the full impact.

The contrast between the rich and the poor were incredible. Stuart sees both worlds. He ate the best food at the hotel, better than almost any restaurant in the US with steak and dessert. Then the next day he sees women weeping because their child has died from starvation. When Stuart realizes how much just a little bit of food from the local store helps out, he and his friend buy what they can to help out the village. One scene in the book that really interested me was when a so called charity comes the village and pretty much does a photo shot. They act like they're about to pass out tons of food but in reality they are just getting publicity to send back home to get more funds. The funds are clearly going into the pockets of the charity and NOT to help out the people. This is something one should always look into before donating, make sure you know exactly where the money is going.

This is a book that everyone should read. It's totally eye opening and really makes you think about what you have vs what others don't have. It's an intense book. I felt really guilty for being able to eat a PBJ sandwich while reading and thinking about how there are so many people who would literally die for a piece of that sandwich.

This book is not preachy at all. It's classified as Christian fiction and faith is obvious throughout the book. However the message about Africa, AIDS and the orphans take a much bigger precedence. This book really opened up my eyes to the plight of other countries and does make me want to go do something about it one day. I'm not sure right now exactly what that is, but I do know that I want to make a difference. While reading this book, I was reminded of a video I watched at church that stated that even though we don't realize it, if we live in the US or any western country, we are rich. Rich means being able to have a clean drink of water or have a roof over our heads. This book clearly makes you realize how much we have to be thankful for in our lives. Like one of my friends on Twitter said, I wish this was a book that Oprah would include in her book club as it's a book that everyone should read because of the powerful message it carries. I challenge you to read it and see if you aren't affected. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

Scared by Tom Davis is published by David C Cook (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publicist