Annie is the mother of twin girls, both engaged to be married. When her husband presents her with an envelope containing $25,000 cash to spend on the Annie is the mother of twin girls, both engaged to be married. When her husband presents her with an envelope containing $25,000 cash to spend on the weddings, with no explanation, she suspects he might have robbed the bank in which he works. She enrolls in an on-line e-mail investigative course - one e-mail per day for ten days. The lessons, coupled with her daily devotional scripture, are a springboard for Annie's progress in the investigation, as well as her relationships with people and God.
I liked Annie's prayer life and dialogue with God, it was a natural part of her character. However, she seemed to be overdone on the "average" side. She didn't stand out or show many strengths. I had a hard time continuing reading this because the story structure was very slow the first half, and the only reason I continued to read was because of her relationship with God. The rythum picked up slightly in the second half. By the 3/4 mark, I continued to read to see who actually committed the crime. Janice Thompson did well at keeping the bank robber's identity hidden until the end.
I think the writing could be much improved with fewer cliches, more divesity in characters, individualized dialogue, tighter plot structure and fewer distracting scenes. I liked the Joe Friday references, "Just the facts, ma'am." My favorite character was Annie's fiend, Sheila, and her sayings.
A quick read, Quantum Faith gives a good introduction to Quantum Physics. Scriptures are given that illustrate the scientific principles. Quantum physA quick read, Quantum Faith gives a good introduction to Quantum Physics. Scriptures are given that illustrate the scientific principles. Quantum physics allows us insight into the subatomic workings of God's creation, and the power of words. God created with His Word. We create with our words. "The power of life and death is in the tongue." ...more
"Like a Flower in Bloom" is a completely delightful read. I enjoyed the mid-1800's English country life, polite society customs, and the thoroughly en"Like a Flower in Bloom" is a completely delightful read. I enjoyed the mid-1800's English country life, polite society customs, and the thoroughly engaging characters. Each character an individual with intricate personality traits, unique manner of speaking and strengths coupled with human fauibles. Each experiences character growth as the story progresses.
Charlotte Withersby, the protagonist, is an accomplished writer, botantist and illustrator and a woman ahead of her time in respect to her societies' ideas about a woman's role. Even when Charlotte's uncle and father are pressing her to find a husband, their desire to only want the best for her shines through. Edward Trimble, her father's new assistant, earns a special place in the family with his willingness to help wherever needed and his expertise in various areas. Edward earns a special place in Charlotte's heart.
Siri Mitchell's expert tapestry of historical events and mindsets, likeable characters and light handling of the story make for a cozy read. ...more
It occurred to me recently that I have not listed the most important book of all time into my reading shelves. I read or meditate on scripture daily. It occurred to me recently that I have not listed the most important book of all time into my reading shelves. I read or meditate on scripture daily. I plan to be "currently reading" The Bible for the rest of my life.
The New King James version is my go-to Bible, but I frequently read or compare passages with other versions - The Amplified Bible, King James Bible, The Message Numbered Edition Bible, Young's Literal Translation Bible, Holeman CSB Bible, The Tenach or Jewish Bible, NIV Bible and others. The Strongs Concordance is my favorite study tool for Hebrew and Greek translations.
I also read "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken: Everything Jesus said About You, Your Life and Everything Else." by Steven K. Scott. This book is a compilation of the words of Jesus from scripture grouped into topics. Scriptures from various chapters in the New Testament regarding the same subject grouped together bring a greater understanding and depth of meaning. I find this book allows me to easily access scriptures for repeat readings on a paticular topic in which I desire personal growth. Thank you, God, for your Word. ...more
"Buttermilk Sky" switches POV between protagonists 18-year-old Mazy Pelfry and Sheriff Chanis Clay. It's 1913 in Kentucky. Mazy is in Lexington attend"Buttermilk Sky" switches POV between protagonists 18-year-old Mazy Pelfry and Sheriff Chanis Clay. It's 1913 in Kentucky. Mazy is in Lexington attending secretarial school, trying to fit in with the girls in her boarding house, and enjoying a myriad of new experiences including the attentions of a charming and well-to-do young man. Chanis is back home in Skip Rock missing Mazy, helping take people to Dr. Lilly, wallpapering his house, and keeping the community safe.
Both Mazy and Chanis have some tense and exciting adventures on their own. They come together for the climax with the ultimate rescue.
Jan Watson is one of my favorite authors. And although "Buttermilk Sky" doesn't seem to have the tight pacing of her previous works, I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and the character's growth. The story unfolds slowly with action picking up around the half-way point. An Epilogue quickly moves the characters forward into the next year with a lot of major changes in their lives. The story has several surprises in the ending. Discussion questions at the end make this novel a good selection for a book group....more
"How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals abut Personal Growth" is an amazing book because of the practical application of Biblical and relational prin"How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals abut Personal Growth" is an amazing book because of the practical application of Biblical and relational principles described and the various perspectives from which one may read this book.
Throughout our lifetime, we are growing and changing, hopefully for the better. Some of the principles discussed are intuitive, but many are learned. Life circumstances or home of origin can sometimes disrupt, prevent one from learning healthy principles or cause one to shy away from the very principles that will facilitate personal growth. I especially liked the many scriptural references from which the principles stem.
At the end of each chapter are summary suggestions to facilitate one's own personal growth and for assisting others with personal growth. Since we all have friends, I think that would include each of us at one time or another as assisting others with personal growth.
I also see the value of reading the book from a writer's perspective regarding the kinds of situations in which to place one's characters to facilitate their growth.
"How People Grow" points one toward the Heavenly Father as the source and sustainer of our lives and His design, which includes other people, for our personal growth. This would make a great book for a small group or Sunday School class to read and discuss together.
Book Excerpt: "Henry and I were meeting with a large Christian organization, and the topic of small groups in the church came up. ... a friend of mine asked, 'What difference do you see between groups for people with problems and groups for normal people?' Henry and I looked at each other and said, 'There is just one kind of group.' This story illustrates a lingering problem in the church's view of spiritual growth."
I read "Without Tess" on the recommendation of my 14-year-old granddaughter. This powerful story about two sisters has inspired my granddaughter's intI read "Without Tess" on the recommendation of my 14-year-old granddaughter. This powerful story about two sisters has inspired my granddaughter's interest in clinical psychology and fueled her tender heart's desire to help people through difficult times.
"The Courage Quotient" has several aspects that I liked, i.e. The Courage 50, personal stories and techniques to relieve tension. However, I was disap"The Courage Quotient" has several aspects that I liked, i.e. The Courage 50, personal stories and techniques to relieve tension. However, I was disappointed in the title promise about science. The science the author utilized was Personal Surveys.
I was surprised how much space the author gave to the use of an object to help boost courage. For example - a rabbit's foot. Even more surprising was he seemed to encourage it. What he didn't mention was what happens if one looses that object. It would seem to me an object would bring a false sense of courage that would vanish along with the lost object.
I liked that prayer was mentioned as one of the things people call upon to boost courage. Prayer is always available and God is always accessible. ...more
"His Glory Revealed" is a devotional, meaning it contains short chapters geared to brief reading on a dialy basis. Since it focuses on the 7 God-ordai"His Glory Revealed" is a devotional, meaning it contains short chapters geared to brief reading on a dialy basis. Since it focuses on the 7 God-ordained Feasts in Leviticus 23, I read the section corresponding to the particular Feast during that Feast time of the year, Spring and Fall.
This book gives insight into the historical aspects of each Feast and prophetic significance. For example, Jesus was crucified during the Passover Feast when Israel celebrated deliverance from bondage from Egypt. The Passover Feast that Israel had celebrated all those years was a type and shadow of the permanent deliverance Jesus would provide on the cross. The prophetic significance of the Passover was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified.
The prophetic significance of the four Spring Feasts has been fulfilled. The three Fall Feasts have yet to be fulfilled.
This book reads like a personal letter to the reader because T. D. Jakes writes to women as if a loving father is writing to his daughter. He writes oThis book reads like a personal letter to the reader because T. D. Jakes writes to women as if a loving father is writing to his daughter. He writes on behalf of all fathers to reinforce their love to a beloved child, on behalf of the father who could not express his love, and on behalf of the absent or non-existant father. On Behalf of The Heavenly Father, Jakes writes The Father's Love into a woman's heart who may have grown up with an abusive or non-loving father and is not accustomed to feeling loved.
The template for this book is Jakes' sincere writing to his two daughters and the love and advice he wants to leave with them, but he structured "Daddy Loves His Girls" to be applicable to all women.
Through scripture, Jakes ministers to the reader the love of our Heavenly Father; and through personal examples, he gives us insight into the workings of a man's heart. Jakes also includes some practical advice on relationships and investing for the future.
"Daddy Loves His Girls" is an easy, uplifting read. ...more
"Spiritual Weapons to Defeat the Enemy" is a 92-page condensed version of Rick Renner's 500-page "Dressed to Kill." This little book is a quick read o"Spiritual Weapons to Defeat the Enemy" is a 92-page condensed version of Rick Renner's 500-page "Dressed to Kill." This little book is a quick read of easily absorbable truth from the Word of God regarding the whole Armor of God as described in Ephesians 6.
Renner, an internationally recognized Greek scholar, gives a brief description of each piece of the Armor of God, historical insight into the Roman soldier's armor that the Apostle Paul referred to in scripture, Greek definitions, and the many names of satan in scripture and an application of satan's nature.
Renner also gives historical insight into the epic battle of David against the giant, Golaith; and how we as modern day Christians "put on" the Armor of God.
The concise writing and short length make this a good book for periodic refresher reads....more
Lisa Whelchel, best known for her role as Blair on "The Facts of Life" TV series shares some of her life experiences: acting, meeting and marrying herLisa Whelchel, best known for her role as Blair on "The Facts of Life" TV series shares some of her life experiences: acting, meeting and marrying her husband, financial reverses, having three children, homeschooling, and the lessons her Heavenly Father taught her along the way.
I liked her unique "40 day non-food fasts" and what God taught her through each one.
I read "Friendship for Grownups" after seeing it for sale on the website of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Lisa Whelchel is an actress, best known for her roI read "Friendship for Grownups" after seeing it for sale on the website of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Lisa Whelchel is an actress, best known for her role as Blair, on "Facts of Life" TV series. Whelchel is married to a minister, a member of the Women of Faith team and author of several books in the Christian market.
The book describes Lisa Whelchel's venture into developing deeper friendships. She invites the reader to accompany her on the journey and pick up any tips that might be helpful. There are several specific relationships described, some with good results and some with challenges. This is not a gossipy book, but one filled with Christian principles for loving and relating to people.
It's an easy read, and Whelchel's conversational style is inviting and comfortable.
Discussion questions in the back for each chapter make this a good book for private exploration, with a good friend or in a Women's Group setting. ...more
1862 Virginia City. Twelve-year-old P.K. Pinkerton has just launched his detective business. His first client is the ten-year-old servant, Martha, of 1862 Virginia City. Twelve-year-old P.K. Pinkerton has just launched his detective business. His first client is the ten-year-old servant, Martha, of recently murdered Short Sally. Martha is hiding from the killer because she can identify him. P.K. must protect Martha's whereabouts during this investigation.
This is a delightful mystery with lots of action, bad guys and disguises. Poker Face Jace continues to teach P.K. how to read a person's body language, and P.K. is able to use these skills not only in his search for the murderer, but also to discern when Poker Face Jace is troubled about something.
P.K. is harboring a secret that is not revealed, but the reader can make a good guess. Also, the search for the killer and following of clues is written in such a way that allows the reader to participate in the elimination of suspects.
As in the first book of the series, this one also has a sprinkling of profanity that I wish was not included, not even in the interest of authenticiy of time period. Since P.K. succumbs to repeating some of the profanity he hears, I feel this encourages a young reader to copy the protagonist. As a children's writer, I feel strongly about setting an example for young readers. An alternative would be creative expression replacements.
I like the glossary in the back of the book that defined historical references....more
"Once Upon a Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story" is one of those books that inspires, encourages and guides one into writing of any form for an"Once Upon a Time: Discovering Our Forever After Story" is one of those books that inspires, encourages and guides one into writing of any form for any reason - journaling, fiction, non-fiction, blogging, self-discovery, legacy, etc. This is an amazing read. Filled with wise suggestions, story prompts, and tidbits from Macomber's life and writing.
A writer friend and I are discussing this book chapter by chapter, comparing our highlighted areas and sharing our personal stories with one another. What a great way to deepen our relationship.
This is a timeless book that resonates with one's soul.
"P.K. Pinkerton and the Deadly Desperados" is an action packed page turner. Twelve-year-old P.K. is twice orphaned, running from the killers of his fo"P.K. Pinkerton and the Deadly Desperados" is an action packed page turner. Twelve-year-old P.K. is twice orphaned, running from the killers of his foster parents and searching for his inheritance. The killers follow him to 1862 Virginia City.
P.K. confronts and overcomes many obstacles along his journey and encounters Sam Clemens, eager reporter looking for a scoop, before he writes under pen name of Mark Twain.
Vivid setting descriptions and historical elements bring this story to life, drawing the reader into the story and time period. I liked the glossery in the back that defined the historical expressions, etc.
The characters are delightful and colorful. P.K. learns to deal with his "Thorn" (not being able to read people well) by hooking up with Poker Face Jace who teaches P.K. about body language.
I liked everything about this book except the sprinkling of profanity. Since it is a children's book, I would like to have seen some creative substitute words used instead.
A well written western, the rhythm of the plot rises steadily to the climax and ends with a satisfying resolution.
Leslie Leyland Fields captivated me with her from-the-heart descriptions of the wilds of Alaska, her relationship with Duncan (her husband) and her chLeslie Leyland Fields captivated me with her from-the-heart descriptions of the wilds of Alaska, her relationship with Duncan (her husband) and her childhood memories. I appreciated her mental determination to keep working at the grueling tasks of salmon fishing amid impossibly long hours, high winds and dangerous storms.
Leslie and Duncan built (just the two of them) their 2,500 sq. ft. home on an uninhabited wilderness island during a winter season in Alaska. Since that time, they have spent many summers continueing their fishing and raising their children in that house.
Leslie's prose transported me to a rugged life in the wild - clear directional descriptions of traveling between islands, vivid details of picking the nets of three kinds of salmon, and the sensual elements of the natural surroundings.
Now when I see the pictures she posts on her Blog, I relate as if I've been there. I caught myself thinking, "Oh yes, I know where that is." I was truly transported by her words. ...more
I read this book while watching T.D. Jakes' series, "Transformational Instinct" on his television broadcasts. Jakes is a gifted communicator and I likI read this book while watching T.D. Jakes' series, "Transformational Instinct" on his television broadcasts. Jakes is a gifted communicator and I like the methaphors in the book of the jungle animals.
The principles described apply to personal and business relationships, putting goals into action, finding one's God-given purpose, and life in general. ...more
After a car accident in the 1960's, Richard Sigmund was dead for eight hours. In this book he describes with precise detail the things he saw in HeaveAfter a car accident in the 1960's, Richard Sigmund was dead for eight hours. In this book he describes with precise detail the things he saw in Heaven -- Lush green grass, crystal cities, golden pathways, huge warrior angels, large mansions and the Glory of God pulsing from The Throne. There are too many details to list in a short review.
I liked that the book is almost exclusively about his descriptions of what he experienced in heaven. At the end, an "About the Author" section gives some information about Sigmond's life and ministry. ...more
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