Book Review: Shadow Stalker

Book Review:  Shadow Stalker

Barbara Ann Derksen

From the book jacket:  An ominous shadow hangs over her, as Christine Finder, alias Melissa

Rompart, visits the brutal slayings of her parents most nights in a dream.

The threat of discovery propels her to search for the whereabouts of the killer

to see the man brought to justice.  In the meantime, the killer stalks her mind while

she operates Finder's Keepers, an agency that searches for the people her clients

hire her to find.  Nathan Brent is only four years old and missing.  Will she find

him in time or will the killer find her first?

My review:  This is my first book by author, Barbara Ann Derksen, it was a marvelous read - as intriguing and suspenseful as a good mystery should be!

Shadow Stalker is a twist and turn mystery with colorful characters and an adventurous plot.  Christine Finder, alias Melissa Rampart, was the lone survivor when her parents were killed when she was just a small child.  She was adopted into a family that raised her as if she was their own.  She starts an agency called The Finders as detective agency and the story plot follows her searching for a missing young boy.
With her wonderful canine companion, Chief, and the interesting relationship with Jeremy, this book owns the title of a page turner.

Ms. Derksen writes with an amazing sense of description!  To save she uses a vast vocabulary to vastly describe the scenes, emotions and feel for a character would simply be an understatment. She is truly a gifted artist and writes with a passion and clarity!  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Shadow Stalker! I so look forward to future novels.  This is a first in a series of Finder's Keepers Mystery books and await the reading of the sequel and hopefully the return of Christine and Jeremy!

You can read about the author here!
http://www.barbaraannderksen.com/about/

  Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not 
required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Reviewed by:  Kelly Santi

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

Book Review: Into the Whirlwind

by:  Elizabeth Camden

From the book cover:  As owner of the 57th Illinois Watch Company, Mollie Knox's future looks bright until the night the legendary Great Chicago Fire destroys her beloved city. With her world crumbling around her, Mollie will do whatever it takes to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek, an influential attorney for one of Chicago's finest department stores, is a force to be reckoned with among the city's most powerful citizens. Bold and shrewd, he's accustomed to getting exactly what he wants--until he meets Mollie Knox, the beguiling businesswoman just beyond his reach.

In the tumult as the people of Chicago race to rebuild a bigger and better city, Mollie comes face-to-face with the full force of Zack's character and influence. Zack believes this may finally be his chance to win her, but can Mollie ever accept this man and his whirlwind effect on her life, especially with her treasured company on the line?

My review:  This is one of those rare books that has an intriguing title and story line bold enough to catch your eye.  But under the pages of this exceptionally written novel is a pure, adventurous and romantic tale of two lost souls finding each other in the midst of tragedy and betrayal.  What a rush this book was!

Told in a tone of rich characters and knowledgeable depiction of this era, Ms. Camden hit the mark.   The story between Zack, seemingly a rough, shrewd lawyer bent on getting what he wants, when and how he wants it, sets his eyes on the lovely Mollie, a watchmaker's daughter who is beautiful, loyal to her dedicated and dear employees, and represents all that is good.  Unknown to her, Zack has loved her from a distance, dreaming of this being the woman to be by his side.

In the midst of the tragedy of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, they are thrown together in choas, dispair, and uncertainty - but one thing is certain, their feelings that ring true for each other.  Like most good romance novels, this one has it's up and downs - betrayals, misunderstandings, and wounded prides.  

However, this novel's underlying hope for these two wonderful characters to prevail against the odds brings such a warmth to the book.  

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to read such an beautifully written, gorgeously detailed book.  Into the Whirlwind swept me off my feet and kept me reading long after the sun went down just to get to the very end!  This is a book I'll be sure to read again - and again. 

5 well deserved stars!

*Disclaimer:  I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.  Any reflection of such is my own.

 

Book Review: There is a Miracle in 21

Book Review: 

There is a Miracle in 21: God Completes

From the book Jacket:

 With a unique candor and glimpses of desperation, God allows Lorieen to use There is a Miracle in 21; God Completes! as therapy.  Welcome to Lorieen's therapy with God!  Journey with her through the mess to the miracle!  It is an unorthodox book, where she shares her struggles while simultaneously pouring out her heart, hope, and inspiration and encouragement as the Lord allows.  Whether she is sharing feelings of inadequacy, confessing faults, or sharing words of encouragement, she does it with a heart to glorify God.

My review:  Is your life in a slump?  Is your spiritual life suffering? Does staying in bed on that Sunday morn sound a little more comfy than heading out to church?  Do you long to know Him more, serve him better, be a better spouse, parent, sibling, friend yet you find yourself just STUCK ... here, day after day, discontent but not really changing much?  If you said yes to any/all of the above, I can assure you - this book moves mountains!

This book, There is a Miracle in 21, is spot on written, created and bound together for the *soul* purpose of reminding us not only are we human, and that we fail, but that God was there each step of the way!  I wish I could convey in enough words how very much this book touched the very core of my being. As author Lorieen Henry states, it's not so much a how to book, but how I got through book. 

It's touching. It's relatable.  It's totally written in layman's terms where you will feel compelled to take that long hard look at the where you should be verses the were you are, and make you want to change yourself for the better.  Remember your Psalms 3:4 "To the LORD I cry out; and he answers me from his holy hill."
She reminds us that God hears us crying out, restores you, and you will have that redemption if you believe!

About the author: 

Who is Lorieen D. Henry?

I am daughter of “The King” (JESUS). Therefore, I am royalty! By gift, I’m an exhorter. I love going about my day encouraging others and putting a smile on their faces. I love living, I love giving and I love loving!!!

God has bestowed upon me so many graces. As a homemaker, I serve my wonderful husband of nine years, Ronnie and my adorable four year old daughter, Reagan. In my previous season, I was a United States Army Officer. And as for my future, I am pursuing a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix.

I look to obtain a Christian Life Coach certification within the year while I work to complete my 3rd title, Seasoned for this Season (December 2013).

Lastly, I hold a BA degree in Journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi. My family and I currently reside in Germany.

Website: http://www.miraclein21.com/book.html

Blog: http://author-lorieen-henry.blogspot.de/

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Book Review: Undeniably Yours

Becky Wade's Undeniably Yours is a carefree, romantic novel with a twist of faith - simply beautiful! 

ISBN: 978-0-7642-0975-8

Product #: 51399

Back cover:  When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo's determined to resent the woman who's decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness, her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their love--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?

My Review:  This is an absolutely fantastic, summer read and a sweet novel for those that love christian romance novels.  The story line is crisp and the dimensions of the characters are reflective.  Reading this, I feel like I've stepped right into the farms and ranches of a Texan town and watching from the sidelines, it's that rich in description.  The stirring of a romance from Megan and Bo is pure sweetness.  They both have good hearts, good souls and a passion for Christ to bring that final fulfillness to their lives.  Though dealing with the sadness and blow of losing her father, Megan begins to put together a life in his shadows ~ running his Cole Oil company, keeping a farm afloat because she gave her word, and trying to do the right thing, keeping God as their center.  As Megan states, "she recognizes these small interventions for exactly what they were: God throwing her a lifeline through the words and hands of His people."  

From the budding romance of Megan and Bo, the grace of their selflessness to open their home and hearts to those in need, and to the antagonistic ex-husband who is determined to get what he wants at all costs, this novel is a page turner.  I stayed up until 2:30 am to finish it in one sitting!  From the excitement of this novel, I'm now anxiously awaiting reading other books written by Becky Wade.  

*Disclaimer:  I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review.  Any reflection of such is my own.

Reviewed by:  ~Kelly Santi

Book Review: The Art of the Follower

Have you ever had those great big, new year goals where you list all the things you plan to acheive, yet by March you realize you haven't even started?  Have you ever been in a situation where your plans are 'this big', yet your confidence, uncertainly keep you from accomplishing them?  Are your dreams as big as the sky yet cold feet keep you grasping that one passion you have?

This book, The Art of the Follower, by Dag Heward-Mills is a reminder of why you should.  Even more ... a reminder of why God calls us to follow - not just your personal dreams and goals, but Him.

The Art of the Follower is a christ-based, faith-filled chapter book filled with the instrument of learning biblical terms and stories in scripturally sound language.  It's not a quick, easy read.  Take your time with this book and have a high-lighter on hand as there are many points that are crucially wrapped into a story or discussion of a referenced biblical character.  It's complex, well-organized and methodical, reading like a college textbook.  The author writes with informative, definitive strokes.   As I read, I got the image of a professor lecturing at the podium on topic after topic - put the book down long enough, you might be hard-pressed to remember where you left off.  I think the book could have flowed a little better and been smoother in writing, rather than just press a bunch of facts and scriptures together in a 'textbook' form.  If you are looking for more of a learning manual or an instructually based book rather than a softer, more approachable book, then this was it definitely it.  I give this 4 out of 5 stars based on the knowledge and teaching materials this book beholds but would have much rather read a little more down to earth approach with this same material. 

 The Art of the Follower is a book filled with 3 sections: Why following is Eternally Significant: As Dag Heward-Mills states "Through the careful art of following, you will become wiser, more mature, more passionate and a more effective disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ."  It also includes a section of following God's champions with 11 insightful and refreshing views on biblical characters whose lives were effected greatly by following Christ's example, such as Abraham, David, Esther and more.  Lastly, following at home is a crucial depiction of how we not only learn following behavior outside (schools, job, peers, etc) but in our own homes - as infants and as parents with children of our own.  "God intentionally shaped your individuality to shape your relationship with the Father", says Dag-Heward-Mills and the Psalms 139.

You can read read about the author, Dag Heward-Mills, here:  http://www.daghewardmills.us/bio/

Disclaimer: I received this book free from The B & B Media Group, Inc. as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Changing Churches: A View from the Pew

Are you a "church hopper" or thinking of becoming one?  

Do you look down on Christians who change churches? 

 Did you know that 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians? 

 Do you wonder about vast changes in church? 

Do you wonder what will bring church unity and transformation? 

Changing Churches describes, through the eyes of one couple, the difficult journey that "church switchers" travel-a journey often precipitated by disruptive church changes. The book encourages Christ-like transformative change in churches rather than man-devised makeovers. 

As you read you will learn about: 

The right reasons to leave a church. 

 How to manage the pain and angst of leaving a familiar church. 

 How to search for another church-the anxiety and adventure. 

 How to handle conflict between spouses about leaving and searching. 

How to find the new church that fits you and fits God's plan for you. 

Changing Churches is helpful in understanding the sweeping changes in churches and what we can do to build up the church.

My Review:  Changing Churches: A view from the Pew is vastly different from the genre of christian books I read and review.  Frankly, this was the first time I've encountered this topic in print!  And let me tell you, from it's bold and brave opening glance at Dottie and Mike's personal journey with churches, I was instantly drawn in.  She speaks from the heart, opens her soul, and shares so much of her personalized christian life through her writing and journal entries.  Dottie is not only genuine and comforting in her knowledge and experience, she writes as if she is an old friend, and it's very refreshing.

Although my husband and I belonged to just one church before our previous one (and we left that one due to it's destruction from a major Hurricane!), I have personally walked the walk of wondering how you can feel so alone, so alienated, so isolated in the House of God?  How can people you deem 'christians' spew hate and cliche-ish like behavior, ostracizing the ones they do not deem worthy?  I felt sadness beyond belief, I felt shame in the not knowing and the wondering what did I do or not do and most of all, I felt very ALONE.  When I picked up Dottie's book, I can tell you, I was already enchanted with the book:  It's not always our fault, it's not always in our control, and that church just might not be the one for you.  I felt her pain, I felt her words speaking to my heart, christian to christian, because I, too, have been 'there'.

More than the two parts to this book, and the 14 informative chapters packed within, there is a journey to take in it's words.

Dottie explores that while change is sometimes good (and good for the soul), and it might not always be easy ~ The heart of the man plans his way; but the Lord establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9

One of the passages that jumped out to me the analogy as our spiritual tanks being like cars - we run on empty, we run out, and we need God to refresh us - fill us!  I was also moved with the author sharing her need for deep repentance and went on a 'searching and fearless inventory." I was drawn to her personal conviction and brave approach to facing personal sins and righting the wrongs she believed strongly in.  What a testimony!

This book brings a strong feeling of healing and life beyond reasons for leaving a church - whether by choice or by force or simply God-lead.   For it's specific topic and theme, this book is right on the mark!  Thank you, Dottie Parish, for the opportunity to review your book: Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.

About the Author: 

Dottie Parish brings a seasoned counselor’s wise viewpoint and the soft heart of a child of God to her first book called Changing Churches: A View from the Pew.

A longtime resident of the greater Cincinnati area, Parish holds a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University.

She has more than 30 years of professional experience as a counselor at two family service agencies as well as in private practice. Her experience included diagnosing and treating individuals representing a wide variety of problems, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages as well as short and long term therapy. Her private practice included individual, marital and family therapy with special interest in helping couples resolve marital differences.

She organized and led The Third Option educational group for married couples from 1996-2007 – in two locations

Parish also wrote a weekly advice column, “Family Counselor,” for more than fifteen years for the Hamilton Journal News, Hamilton, Ohio.

Dottie Parish is a wife, mother and grandmother and she loves Jesus and His Church. Her current devotion to God and His church stems from extreme misgivings about drifting away from God and church after graduate school. She and her husband lived for decades without faith. Their return to faith in 1990 begins the journey described in Changing Churches.

Blog: Dottie blogs on a variety of subjects at  http://www.faithnotes-dottie.blogspot.com and on Marriage and Family issues on www.taberstruths.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dottie.parish.5

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  

Book Review:  Changing Churches

Book Review: Get Real ~ Jamy Whitaker

Jamy Whitaker/ Get Real: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask

ISBN-10: 1449764045 | ISBN- 13: 978-1449764043 | 

List Price: $11.99 Softcover, $3.99 Kindle |Format: Soft cover and Kindle | Page Count: 122

Synopsis:  The author writes:  "As a wife and mother of five, I know all too well how destructive building a facade that everything is fine can be.  Tearing down this wall and letting people see the real me - the pain, the struggles, the tears, and the triumphs has been difficult but rewarding.  Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask examines how to do just that.  It delves into discovering a person's true identity, centered on God's view of each of us, letting go of the insecurities that so easily entangle our lives and finally, living with eternal perspective - keeping our focus heavenward
 instead of inward.

My review:  In this wonderful journey we call life, we have probably all had those moments where we think, or say, or even act a certain way that we want others to perceive us to be.  We put on that smile even though inside the pain, betrayal, hurt, frustration, exhaustion or just plain 'ol need to 'save face' are just too much to bear and we brave it all with that mask.  There.  No one else can see anything more than what we want them to see!  Except, the problem with that?  
WE KNOW.  
It's tough on the soul, it's tough on our guilt, it's tough on our faith because God commands our honesty, integrity and full witnessing.

When I first started to read Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask, I felt as if Jamy Whitaker was a close personal friend - the book is that spot on!  She writes from a place of great intelligence, gentle prose and thought-provoking passages that HIT HOME.
This book is for each and every one of us. 

 This book is divided into three sections:  Identity (Discovering who you truly are), Insecurities and Perspective, with 12 chapters and a bible study section for each chapter.
One analogy that was beautifully portrayed in this book was the author's description of our lives as picture frames, given to us by the graciousness of God.  Each one of us designed to go around God's artwork.  We should never cover up that frame or mask it , rather embrace the gift of God's gift!  

Another key point that was remarkable for me and spoke volumes was the feeling of having to 'dig deeper.' Just as the woman in the bible searched for her lost coin (Luke 15:8-9), it's easy to relate to those lost car keys, lost remote control, all things misplaced (even temporarily!)
While we are scrambling around looking for that which is lost, the same holds true for God's Word:  dig deeper, look further, so not only can you find it and use it, but share it with others!

The bible study section is another one of my favorite parts of this book.
For each chapter, there are a series of questions that follow that further explore the topics discussed.  It is thought-provoking and gives a great way to exercise the mind and soul and further explore the impact that hiding and putting on a facade can affect our faith.  It lets you see in writing that you just might need to Get REAL! 

5 Stars for Get REAL: Stop Hiding Behind the Mask.   I'm so impressed with Jamy Whitaker's writing style and how this book is written to the level for each of us.  With a bible in hand for cross referencing scriptures if needed, this book is essentially a how-to guide for becoming a "more real" christian.  More than that, it's a deeper grasp of how being true to one's own self and taking the faith one step further so that we may truly honor God!

About the Author: 

Jamy Whitaker graduated with a degree in English from

 Indiana State University. She lives in Indiana with her husband 

and 5 children. Visit www.jamywhitaker.org to learn more  

about Jamy, her writing and speaking.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.