The Watchers by Mark Andrew Olsen

This book is similar to a Piercing the Darkness type book where the watchers can see the spiritual realm and the warfare that is occurring. I initially like the concept of the book which is why I pulled it off the library shelf. I found it to be slow moving without a lot of realistic connections. The story bounced around a lot and was hard to follow. I really liked the story concept, but it seemed to be poorly executed with a choppy story and undeveloped characters. This is not a book I could recommend.

Summer by Karen Kingsbury

I truly was impacted by the message behind this book. So many times you read a book - it is a nice story, but doesn't have any lasting affect. I have thought about this particular Kingsbury novel several times since I finished reading it. The main theme is about life and its value - especially the value of an unborn child. Maybe because of my history and struggle with this very topic it touched my heart.

Kingsbury gently approaches the idea of the joy of having a child then given the diagnosis that will be fatal to the baby once it is born. She always allows her characters to show all sides of the issue - even her Christian characters. This story was less about Katy and Dayne, and more about Ashley and Blake. I so want to be strong and courageous like her (I know that she is pretend). To be rooted in her faith in God, to pray fervently and trust that the outcome doesn't make God any less than God.

I cried and cried at the end. Not because it wasn't a happy ending (it is sad), but because the possible impact a life can have on others. The amazing things that can happen when we choose to follow God in ALL things - not in just the easy things. I want my life to make that kind of difference - no matter how long or short it is.

Great read as always!

Blessings

Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury

I just devoured this book. I am like the author - in my head these are real people! I have been invested in this series since the Baxters inception. Kingsbury really uses each book to teach a lesson. This book really stresses the idea of privacy and being truthful. The overall theme in all the multiple Baxter books is about family. Sharing those special moments - remembering all the blessings that God has given you.

This book follows the beginning of Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart relationship. The decisions of getting married and how they can accomplish this in privacy. The excitement of new love and the choice to stay pure until marriage. The whole idea of honoring your future spouse - that the Honeymoon is really special. A couple of side stories hint on losing your innocence to the wrong person. How we are easily fooled by words when we want to be.

I just love Kingsbury, so you will probably never hear a bad review about her books. Thanks for reading.

Kingdom Come by Tim LaHaye

This is the last book in the Left Behind series. I got it mostly out of interest to see how the authors saw the end of Revelations. I found it to be anti-climatic. The story line was shallow, almost too made up. Seemed like they added things to make another book, to make another sale. I would have been happier if it just ended at the Glorious Appearing, or just added a couple more chapters to that book to finish the story. I liked most of the other books, but was disappointed with this one.

9 things you simply must do by Henry Cloud

I finally finished another non-fiction book. If I can get through one or two of these a year, I am lucky. I just think too much and must digest the information, unlike a fiction novel where the words just wash over me. I think that I learn a lot that way, but I must be intentional on occasion.

I finished, 9 Things You Simply Must Do by Henry Cloud. I found it to be a fascinating analysis of how successful people are successful. The best way to do this is give you a synopsis of the 9 things and leave it at that.

Principle 1: Dig It Up! This chapter was about finding your passion, your dream. Find out what excites you and pursue it. He discusses the pitfalls of doing this – how we pursue other peoples desire for us – especially if we are people pleasures, etc.

Principle 2: Pull The Tooth! This chapter said that successful people do not hang onto bad stuff for long. Get rid of the bad stuff. Our bodies do it naturally, but emotionally we just hang on and it hurts us. This principle is what caused me to finally get my tailbone checked out. At this point I am glad since the pain is gone. Why did I let it go so long? Successful people act and get rid of the bad stuff right away.

Principle 3: Play The Movie! Here is what Cloud says, “Any one this you do is only a scene in a larger movie. To understand that action, you have to play it out all the way to the end of the movie.” Just a reminder that the choices we make will have lasting effects. I just agreed in this chapter. This came naturally to me in my education. I could see a better life at the end with a college degree in my hand.

Principle 4: Do Something! This chapter says that successful people ask “What can I do to make this situation better?”. They do not play the victim but do something to change the situation. I am working on this one.

Principle 5: Act Like An Ant! They (successful people) achieved their goals by taking tiny steps over time. Start doing a little bit – don’t try to save a million dollars today. But if you save a little bit every day the money starts to add up. Every big project can be done the same way – do a little at a time and eventually it gets done.

Principle 6: Hate Well! I was not real comfortable with the title of this principle, but here is how Cloud explains it, “ What we hate says a lot about who we are…Character is in part formed by what we hate, because we move to be different from whatever that is.”. This chapter explains the difference between hating well and just hating.

Principle 7: Don’t Play Fair! Strange title as well. But, to be “fair” means that what you give is what you get. Good for good, bad for bad. The idea is that if we make a mistake, we don’t want people to get back at us, but help us get better and not make the mistake again. So to not play fair means to give back better than you are given and it will stop any cycle of “tit for tat”,

Principle 8: Be Humble! Seems simple and biblical doesn’t’ it? It simply means to not pretend to know more than we do and not having a need to be more than you are. Even if you are the president of a company – you don’t know it all. The willingness to say you have things to learn will help you learn those things as well as make those that work for you better as well.

Principle 9: Upset the Right People! This is probably the hardest for me. This principle is about not making decisions based on the fear of other people’s reactions. Cloud says that, “ What you should do, and what someone’s response is going to be, are two very different issues.”

I recommend this book. It has good examples and easy to read – the application process is a different story.

Blessings! Thanks for reading.

Fall into Reading

I am finally posting my Fall Into Reading list. It seems that I have an ongoing list (see sidebar) but this challenge, like it's host Katrina, helps me to get to those pesky non-fiction books that stretch me. I have had a couple - even a couple from the Spring challenge, but I am going to give it another shot. So here is my official list.

9 things you simple must do by Henry Cloud: I started this last spring and I am about half way through it. I am actually trying to apply some of the principles. I really want to get this one done.

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnne Weaver: Also a hold over from last spring. I keep reading great reviews and quotes on this. I am going to work on this one next - before the fiction....:)

Now Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham: I acquired this book after hearing him speak at a leadership conference this summer. He is a dynamic speaker and I am hoping the book is just as interesting. I am waiting on the husband for this one. He does so much better at non-fiction than I do!

Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels: This is another great speaker and pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. I read one of his books, Too Busy Not To Pray, in college. It was eye opening. I have a feeling this book might have the same affect. I am hoping to get to it.

Now on to the fiction:

True Light by Terri Blockstock: This is the third book is a series about how the world would function without anything that runs on electricity. Intriguing for my scientific mind.

Sunrise and Summer by Karen Kingsbury: My book list would not be complete without including one of my favorite authors on my reading list. Continuation of the Firstborn series.

Kingdom Come by Tim LaHaye: Last book in the left behind series. It seems like it might be anti climatic, but I will give it a go.

I am sure that I will be adding to my list as I look at other peoples list and read reviews. I love reading and this is so much fun.

Happy Reading everyone!

Ever After by Karen Kingsbury

This is the next book after Even Now. This book is a tear-jerker ladies! So grab your kleenex and start reading.

I like to read Kingsbury because I learn so much. I am reminded of several things in this book. This first is the reminder of what my freedom costs. My freedom here in the U.S. as well as my freedom from death and fear. It is so ironic that freedom is never free - it costs somebody something, usually their life! So, I thank all those military families that are sacrificing everyday for my freedom.

The second thing that I learned was about the impact that one life can have. Do I have that kind of heart to impact the lives of others? Do I love without fear? We know the characters and their history from Even Now. Emily had prayed, found her parents and brought them back together. This book is the story of how it all works out for her parents, but it doesn't quite end in the way you think.

A wonderful story of hope and sacrifice. Thumbs up from me.

The Helium Murder by Camille Minichino

This is the second book in the element murder series by Minichino. It is a short book and a quick read. I am reading this series because I am using them as extra credit in my chemistry courses. Like me, the fiction is what they would rather read than the non-fiction related to an topic.

The author continues the story of retired physics researcher who has been hired as a science expert to murders. As a result of her problem solving skills, she gets in deeper than she ever intended. In the end of this book, like the first one, she finds herself face to face with the murderer and a gun.

I like that there is the personal struggle of the main character in her relationships and little romance to keep this romantic interested.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

I had to re-read book 6 before I could start book 7. If you are a Harry Potter fan, I am sure that you have already read this book. I find the character of Albus Dumbledore to be a fascinating and wise character and I always enjoy reading the dialogue that Rowling has created for him.

I know that this book creates controversy for the "magic"theme, yet, don't we live in a world of unseen powers of spiritual proportions? I won't say that this has any relationship to that kind of power, but there is a definite fight between good and evil that relates to that spiritual fight that we battle every day. Harry Potter at the end must lay down his life for his friends, in order to save them. Harry's love for other's motivates his actions. Dumbledore says many time throughout this series that the difference between Harry and Voldemort is that Harry knows how to love. Love makes all the difference.

Rowling ties up all the questions from the other books. I think that the entire book series has been well thought out. The characters are lovable and well developed. You are always cheering for the good guys. I truly could not put this down.

Thanks for reading.

The Hydrogen Murder by Camille Minichino

I am not really a murder mystery fan. It is entertaining, but probably not the first type of fiction I will pick off the shelf. I am reading this because I am planning on using it as extra credit for my chemistry classes. We are trying to include more reading and this fiction novel definately has a science theme to it.

The story was good with a bit of science thrown in. It was at an appropriate level for my high schoolers. I enjoyed it because it had some relationship issues thrown in. The lead investigator/physicist, Gloria Lamerino, is a single woman in her early 50's. She is finding herself by returning to her hometown and acting as a consultant to the police department in science related cases. This has a few twists that make the story enjoyable. An entertaining read.

Thanks for reading!

Table for Five by Susan Wiggs

I have been exploring a lot of new authors this summer. I got this book free and decided to read it on my flight to Texas. Wiggs is a non-descript writer - one story is probably just like the others. I won't be able to read many of her books in a row - very predictable.

This was the story of 3 kids and how they manage after their divorced parents die in chapter one. Their uncle is given custody and is helped by the mom's best friend. All five people change as they struggle with their new reality. The uncle finds his hope again in his golf game and is able to win again. The friend is shown that living alone and unattached is not really the life that she dreamed of. The kids learn to adjust to a new family that includes their uncle and mom's friend falling in love.....

Not a bad read.

Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck

This was my first exposure to this author. I really enjoyed the tone of Hauck's writing - at least in this book. I actually won this book in one of Katrina's book giveaways.

This was a light and enjoyable read about a famous singer and the unraveling of her past before her fans. I found that it showed how we need to forgive ourselves and slow down on occasion. The main character, Aubrey James, has become a famous country singer after the death of her famous gospel parents as a child. The story follows the decisions she makes to find her way back to God, reconciliation over her past and her true love.

I can never hate a good love story. Not a memorable book, but enjoyable.

Thanks for reading.

Forever by Karen Kingsbury

This is the final book in the Firstborn series. Kingsbury loves these characters as she writes about the struggles of each and how by God's grace they are redeemed over and over again.

This book ends one chapter of the Baxters lives. It helps Dayne and Katy see the importance of forgiveness - even when it does not make sense. Luke, Dayne's brother, struggles with this the most. He is headstrong in understanding his relationship with this unknown brother of his. Kingsbury uses this character to show how we fight against God and ignore all that we know about Him.

As always, I enjoyed the story and couldn't put it down. I have found a connection with these made up characters and always learn something new about God.

The Proposal by Angela Hunt

I am on this Angela Hunt phase of reading. I just got some Kingsbury, so I will go back to her soon. Hunt’s books are always so different. I am never sure what to expect. I am impressed with her writing ability – like I am such a great judge? This book was more of a suspense novel as the reader continuously pulled for the underdog and hoped that the big mafia would not win.

The story begins when the main character, Theo, is mistaken for another famous author. She comes upon the topic that would make her a great author – the link between abortions and breast cancer. It turns out that women that abort their first pregnancy have a 50% greater chance of getting breast cancer than women that don’t. The pro-choice camp wants to keep this secret so that “fetal tissue” can continue to be used for research. It is a twisting story with lots of unexpected turns. I would call this a disturbing page turner – definitely not for the faint at heart.

I would recommend reading this. It hit close to home since the research for this book is real. There really is a link between the two. Why don’t we hear about this? Could this story be why? Is the media covering up the truth? These are thoughts….

Thanks for reading.

Bad Heiress Day by Allie Pleiter

This is a book that I just pulled off the library shelf and looked like a light and fun topic. The book was an easy read, but not especially deep. This is what I was looking for after a couple of deep reads before this. Pleiter did a great job of developing the main character, Darcy, and transition of her new and old friendships after the death of her father. She has the surprise of becoming the recipient of over a million dollars and requested to "give it away". This book takes a few interesting turns as she struggles with following what she believes is the call of God and honoring her husband and friends.

I enjoyed this book. Nothing fantastic, but a great diversion.

Blessings.

The Memory Keeper by Kim Edwards

This book by Edwards did not move me. The story moved too slowly for me without a lot of hope that the ending would be good. I lost hope of a true reconciliation about 3/4 of the way through.

I think that I could not relate to the characters or their situation - it was so labored. New characters were introduced, but never seemed to make any difference in the main characters lives. It was just like reading a journal without much change in the hearts of the characters. The main story idea was intriguing, but I lost interest when the story just kept going. I would not recommend this book. The ending really was unsatisfying for me as a reader.

Thanks for reading

Over the Water by Deborah Raney

I have not read anything by Deborah Raney before. I tend to pull titles off the public library shelf and see if I like it. This was a pretty decent story and a quick read. It was not the kind of book that would require tons of thought, but it was a comforting story about how following God’s plan for your life is the best thing for you.

I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Haiti. I have never been there, but it reminded me of the one week I spent in Guatemala. The wide spread poverty and yet joy is an amazing thing to experience. At the beginning of the book, the main character, Josh, dies serving as a doctor for orphanages in Haiti. The rest of the story explains the chain of events that occur in the heart of his father, Max, and a girl that is called into missionary service named Valerie. You always pray that God works like this in real life. It would be great to see a follow-up to see what happens after this book ends. Many unanswered questions…

Nothing fantastic, but an enjoyable interlude.

Uncharted by Angela Hunt

I must admit that this book was much more than I had anticipated. I have found that Angela Hunt is very diverse in her topics, settings and plot. Every book seems to have a little different twist. I would say that this is my favorite so far! This book has made me think much more than I had ever intended when I started the book.

The story in a nutshell, without giving away the ending, is about 6 college friends that met while selling a book. Most are very successful after 15 years apart. They are reunited after one of the six dies. Hunt did a great job in developing each of the characters. You knew what motivated them to come to the funeral and finally to go on a mission to build an orphanage in memory of their now dead friend.

The ending was not what I expected. If you have a chance, this is a book I would add to any book list. It is fairly easy to read and would make a great book for a book study. The discussion would be great.

Thanks for reading

Cyndee

At home in Mitford

The first book of this series is an introduction to all the characters in the town of Mitford. It seems to set the stage for the adventures that lay ahead for the pastor.

This is the story of a well-loved, over worked pastor that loves his congregation and town. His life is turned upside down when several unusual things occur in his personal life as well as in the hearts of those in his church. This reminded me of of the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It just describes the town and all the interactions of the people that live there. If you are looking for a book with a lot of action, this is not the book for you. I found the characters to be real with real problems. It was a great change from what I was reading before, so it was enjoyable.

Thanks for reading

Cyndee

The Justice by Angela Hunt

The storyline of this book was intriguing. A woman president and a past she wanted to keep hidden. How far was she willing to go to keep her secrets?

Hunt does a great job in setting up the characters. You felt empathy for the main characters even though their actions were less then honorable. This book included adultery and the elusive search for love that can only be filled by God. Hunt was successful in showing that even power at the highest level cannot fill the soul. Hunt made a determined effort to show how a person's life can be changed when confronted with the christian God of love and forgiveness. The characters actions changed as a result of the their new beliefs.

I was again not very happy with the seemingly abrupt ending. All the loose ends just came together. She introduces a racist character that is not fully developed and seems to just be thrown in for convenience. I think that the story would have been better without that tangent and side story.

Overall, a good read with a couple of twists. Happy reading!

The Debt by Angela Hunt

This is only the second book that I have read by Angela Hunt. The first book was Unspoken sometime over Christmas. I was not real impressed by that book and so I did not get any other books by her. I tend to read all that I can find from an author that I like.

This book was timed perfectly for where I am right now. It was an easy book to read and the plot was simple yet profound. She chronicles the life of a pastor’s wife, Emma Rose. She is involved greatly in the ministry of a large church that broadcasts on television. Her days are filled with appointments, prayer meetings, letter writing campaigns, etc. She has secrets from her husband, Abel, about her past that come back and greatly impact her present.

Hunt does a decent job of accurately describing the reactions of Abel and how it all may play out. Emma is reconnected with the God that saved her and makes some bold changes to how she is going to live her life. I found it touching and inspiring. A great parable story of sacrifice. I think that this would be a good book for a book club. It includes good questions at the end.

Self Incrimination by Randy Singer

The story involves a young lawyer being hired to try her first murder case. The case she is trying involves a teenage girl, Tara, killing her step-dad in self defense due to abuse. The truth is complicated since Tara has not told her lawyers the truth. The case is complicated by insurance claims and a corrupt DA. The story ends somewhat abruptly with all the unanswered questions being tied neatly together. There are moments of intrigue where you want to keep turning the pages, but it was so far into the book that I almost didn’t finish it. Not my kind of book.

I found this book by Singer a little slow. I was not drawn into this book like I was the first book I read of his. Maybe because the subject matter did not include children, I am not sure. I found the plot choppy with an inclusion of a romantic story and a convenient conversion to Christ.

This was not a favorite of mine, but maybe I wanted something a little more relevant.

Family by Karen Kingsbury

Kingsbury continues to weave her tale and develop the characters in the 4th book of the Firstborn series. Katy and Dayne are brought back together because of the trial. Dayne is continuing to grow in his new Christian faith and struggling with what is important – fame or family – thus the name.

Kingsbury portrays how hard it is to live a life a fame. How he longs to have a normal relationship without photographers hounding and following his every move. He loves Katy too much to ask her to sacrifice her privacy for him. This book shows the real trials of being in love and even in God’s will and how hard that can be. In the end, Dayne decides to place family first and meet the Baxters and ask Katy to be his wife.

What a great book by Kingsbury. I can’t wait for the final book and her new series that follows Dayne and Katy….

Found by Karen Kingsbury

I actually finished this book about a week ago and I am just getting around to writing a review/book report.

Kingsbury continues to develop and make her readers love Dayne and Katy. Katy is such a faithful character - she is portrayed as struggling, yet follows the promptings of God as it relates to her relationship with Dayne.

This book is exciting, as the title suggests, Dayne is found in so many ways. He reaches a point where he gives his life to Christ - the God He has been running from his whole life. Dayne also gets to meet his father after many missed and providential circumstances. Dayne still wishes to remain anonymous to protect the Baxters, but John is so pleased to have met his Firstborn.

I love reading about people meeting Christ and reconciliation and forgiveness. It was a joyful tearjerker at the end. Kingsbury has an incredible sense of timing and insight into the struggles of families. As always - a great quick read. She never fails to touch a cord and make you hug your family members a little harder.

Happy reading!

Cyndee

Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel

This book has been on my reading list for awhile. I work as a science teacher and I felt like this was one of those books that I should read. It gave me scientific facts for why evolution is not really possible, especially in the way that Darwin had described it.

Strobel examined six areas of science to come to the conclusion that our world and "selves" could only have been a product of intelligent design and not just a happenstance of nature. Here are a couple of highlights.

From Physics: The chance that all the constants in Physics would (gravity, friction, size of the earth, speed of light and sound, etc.) exist in such a way that we would not be crushed or hurt. About 30 of these exist - and for them to randomly to occur is mathematically impossible.

From Biochemistry: No real explanation for what is called the Cambrian Explosion - where suddenly (in geological time) many complex organisms appeared. There are still not transition organisms found before this time. There is also a great explanation about how complex machines - many located in a simple cell - could not have "evolved" into being. The machine was designed for a particular function. To take away one of the pieces would make it not function - it was not modified from something else but was created for one specific purpose.

From Biology: DNA. Every strand has millions of combinations and each has a purpose. It is hard to think that this just happened by chance - to get just the right atoms to combine. Strobel does a great job of presenting the science that shows how this would be impossible without a designer organizing the information of our DNA.

From Psychology: It has been thought that the brain and our consciousness are one and the same thing. Do we have a "self" apart from our physical brain? So we have a soul? If we do, then we are more then just a bunch of chemicals and have eternal consequences.

This is a very detailed book. Lots of facts. Strobel does a good job of finding examples that make sense to the not science person. I really helped solidify my view of a creator and will help me defend (as if He needs that) my view if needed.

Thanks for reading!

Cyndee

Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury

The second book in the firstborn series. Neither Dayne or Katy can keep from thinking about each other, but neither of them will contact each other. Katy is in the middle of casting her next show with the Christian kids theater and Dayne is coming to her hometown to shoot his next movie that was suppose to star Katy.

Tragedy strikes when a drunk driver kills two of the kids in the production and Katy works through the forgiveness process with them. Kingsbury writes about the emotion and struggle it is to see people through the eyes of God.

Dayne makes plans to see Katy as they spend some time together away from the limelight of Hollywood - hiking and enjoying their time together - even if it is not going to last. Dayne also meets his sister, Ashley, for the first time, but cannot share that they are related.

The ending is wonderful as Katy reaches out to Dayne to share about Jesus and the bible. It seems to fail at first, but God gets a hold of Dayne and won't let go until he comes back to Him. This is not the end of the story, but it gives hope for the future now that Dayne has found the forgiveness that he has so needed.

Great Read.

Cyndee

Fame by Karen Kingsbury

This book is the first in the Firstborn series and is actually a continuation of the Baxter family story. As always, Kingsbury does a great job of making her characters real.

Dayne Matthews, the firstborn, is introduced again. Many of the chapters are written from him point of view. Fame is not all that fun. Kingsbury describes the hassle of just living with fame - continually following by paparazzi.

Katy Hart is also introduced in this book. Once an aspiring actress, she was turned away by the death of her then boyfriend due to the party scene in Hollywood. She turned away from her dream and became the director of a Christian Theater group. Her heart and first love is Christ.

Their two lives meet as Dayne requests Katy for an audition for his upcoming romantic comedy. Katy auditions and slowly falls for Dayne but knows that Dayne is not a believer. Kingsbury adds in the perspective of Ashley Baxter as she works on the sets for the theater group. Dayne knows that if Katy takes the part that her life will forever be changed as people stalk her for autographs and pictures. The book ends with Katy following God's lead and saying no to Hollywood.

I totally enjoy reading Kingsbury. The characters struggle with following God and finding the will for their lives - just like we do. She uses those wonderful passages of scripture that remind us of who He is and how much He loves us. It is always an encouragement - even if the book does not quite end the way you think it will.

Happy reading!

Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

I so enjoy the honest response by Kingsbury. She sees life as messy and writes about it being messy. Her characters are real and respond the way we think they would, not always in the best "christian" way. She includes the consequences of sin and the peace of forgiveness when we turn back to God. I also experience a joy when her characters make that discovery.

Even now is about the choices of two families when they find out about their teenage children's pregnancy. It tears at your heartstrings when the parents force the teenager's apart when you can tell that they dearly love each other and wish they could turn back the clock. Lauren, the teenage girl, and Shane, the teenage boy, can't imagine loving anyone else, ever. Their parents lie and manipulate to keep them apart. Lauren has the child. Emily, the baby, becomes sick and by a lack of communication, Lauren believes that her child has died at the hospital. Lauren runs to find Shane.

This story centers around bringing these three people, Shane, Lauren and Emily, back together as a family. The end is less then storybook, but if leaves you with hope that God can do all things when you believe.

Thanks for reading!

Cyndee

The Visitor by Lori Wick

I just finished this book. This is the third and last book in the English Garden series by Lori Wick.

The town and setting is the same for this book as in the other books, but it focuses on another family in a town in England in 1812. Wick is a good romance writer - always drawing us toward a different characteristic of God. In this book, the main character Tate, is temporarily blind due to a horse riding accident. He must learn to depend on God to heal him as well as others to assist in his personal needs. His aunt brings in a young single woman, Cassie, to read to him. They build a friendship through the process. When Tate regains his sight, Cassie is fearful that he will not like her looks and actually run away to her sisters in another town. She does not see herself as beautiful. What a great lesson to be reminded of, that God looks at our heart.

Another romance is also brewing during this time between Cassie's sister, Lizzy, and a family friend by the name of Morland. Both women struggle with finding their voice to express their love for the men in their lives.

Once again, another quick read with just a touch of history to keep you interested.

Thanks for reading.

Cyndee

Dying Declaration by Randy Singer

I usually don't post on the weekends - dial up, but I just finished this book last night and wanted to write a review before I started another book in my list.

This is a courtroom thriller, written by a real trial lawyer. I really enjoy books that are written by authentic people that have experienced the profession they are writing about. A lot of the dialogue and action occur in the courtroom setting. I wasn't sure that it would be a book for me, but the twists and turns kept you guessing until the last page.

This book was the trial of parents who did not believe in going to doctors to heal their children and, as a result, their youngest dies at the hospital when they finally did decide to go. Singer does a great job of making the character's real - the lawyer, family and others. The lawyer, Charles Arnold, is a believer and has his own skeleton's that he is dealing with. The plot thickens as Mr. Arnold is also defending a known drug trafficker, Buster, on constitutional issues of racial profiling. The father and Buster become cellmates while in jail and Buster is led to the Lord. By the end, you are rooting for the lawyer and waiting for the verdict.

I would recommend this book, but not necessarily a light read. The author deals with issues of racial differences as well as religious differences. I found it thought provoking.

Hopes this helps in looking for that book to read.

Thanks for reading

Cyndee

Bamboo and Lace by Lori Wick

I always enjoy a good christian love story and Lori Wick does such an elegant job of weaving moral values in with those romantic feelings. This story take place in a modern setting. The main conflict of the story involves cultural differences between a third world village and Hawaiian culture. Wick does a great job of explaining through the characters how difficult it can be to reach unreached people for Christ without offending the traditions and values of that people group.

Lilly, the main character, begins her journey from the village to Hawaii to visit her brother. One thing leads to another and she finds that she has fallen in love with her brother's best friend Gabe. She returns to her father in the village because she said she would. She chooses to honor he father and God and not take control. In the end, God honors her choices and works to bring Lilly and Gabe back together.

This was an easy read. Good light reading with hope for what Jesus has done to liberate women.

Spring Reading List

Here is the link to my spring reading list.

Coming soon!

I just created this link for reviews of books I have finished. My own little personal book report. I will make a posting once I finish a book. The non-fiction will take longer than the fiction.

Thanks for reading.

Cyndee