Don't Blink by James Patterson & Howard Roughan

          Don’t Blink  is a story of a good old fashioned news reporter, Nick Daniels who suddenly finds himself with the biggest story of his career. Right before his eyes, Daniels witnesses a “hit” and a cryptic message “Justice is Blind” that is left behind.

           Now both Nick Daniels and the Italian and Russian mob are trying to figure out who committed the murder, the newest District Attorney David Sorren pushing Daniels to the front lines in an attempt to gain some publicity for his run for New York's Mayor. If he can put the head of the mob, Eddie Pinero behind bars, that is one step closer to winning this election.  Only someone is out for Daniels and they aren't going to stop until he is dead.

           There is no where he can hide and no one to protect him until he either solves the case or winds up in the river. The inquisitive journalist is shown to be brave without meaning to, that is, he gets himself in plenty of scrapes. How he manages to get out of them is often accidental for him and amusing for the reader.

           Once again, James Patterson does not disappoint in his latest novel with Howard Roughan.. It does everything a Patterson book is supposed to do - amuse, titillate, scare,  and a twist. He rarely disappoints. If you like crime action stories, you should like this for its twisting mystery, humor, touch of romance and lots of action. Never have I seen someone being as hunted and chased as Nick is from sunrise to sundown and just when you think you've got it figured out, you are left holding the bag once again. A page-turner that’s perfect for killing an afternoon.

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61 Hours by Lee Child

     A savage snowstorm and a tour bus crash land Reacher in the middle of South Dakota—unprepared. He’s ready, as only he can be, to risk his life to protect a courageous witness. If she’s going to live long enough to testify, she needs his help. There's a killer headed straight for her and he'll be in town soon...or maybe he’s already there...

      Reacher’s original plan was to keep on moving, but the next 61 hours will change everything. The secrets are deadlier and his enemies are stronger than he could have guessed. The helpless local cops enlist Reacher’s assistance, and  he displays plenty of bravery, mental acuity, and good old-fashioned decency.

     This was my first Jack Reacher novel, and it was enjoyable to read. The hero is a superman, ex-U.S. Army, can-do-everything kind of deal.  Reacher also is presented as someone normal, doesn't display unbelievable deductive powers, he doesn't bed any women in improbable circumstances and he doesn't always get things right.  The plot is fairly gripping and the mystery builds nicely. In 61 Hours, Lee Child has written a showdown thriller with an explosive ending  and with insights that Child provides into his hero's psyche and background as well as a cliffhanger ending.

This would make a great summer read. I will be reading more from this author.

Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins

On Bernadine Brown's fifty-second birthday she received an unexpected gift; she caught her husband, Leo, cheating with his secretary. She was hurt, angry, but she didn't cry woe is me. She hired herself a top-notch lawyer and ended up with a cool $275 million.

Bring On The Blessings is the story of Bernadine E. Brown and the blessings she brought to Henry Adams, Kansas. Bernadine was confident and determined to bring love to a group of unwanted children. She wanted to restore a piece of history.  Jenkins brings a cast of new characters that are funny and loving.

 A woman of color turns a town right side up, to give life to a town that was almost nonexistent. Giving hope for kids who had none, at the same time, allowing the elderly to enjoy life again and to be a part of something much greater than their own lives.

 This book is about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of being blessed.

Bring on the Blessings was such an enjoyable read you will come away with a romance, a history lesson and the need to improve the lives of those in the foster system.
I received copy of E-book for my review.

The End by Mark Hitchcock

Mark Hitchcock’s book “The End” is a comprehensive resource for a new generation interested in biblical eschatology. There has never been a time when it is more important for God’s people to understand the prophetic word and look for His appearing.

            What are the events, the characters, and the prophecies that will bring world history to its predicted climax? Will we be wise enough to see it coming? Will we be ready? Bible prophecy is filled with numerous interpretations and positions, but that shouldn't become a reason to ignore the prophecies presented in Scripture. Mark Hitchcock has created the definitive resource that will answer all of your questions about the end times.

            An overview of Bible prophecy for the twenty-first century reader in which Hitchcock discloses his own views at the beginning of the book, so the reader knows what to expect. After explaining why prophecy is so important, he then covers opposing views as well as his own. Hitchcock makes the case for his futuristic, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture interpretation, citing Scripture and rebutting other views with a combination of humility and scholarship. Hitchcock explains principles of biblical interpretation while applying them to three key passages in prophecy: Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and the Revelation. He reveals patterns and sequences in these passages that give a chronology of the end times.

            Chapters address signs of the times, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Judgments and Heaven/Hell. This book does not disappoint. As the cover says, it is "A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days." Complete with multiple charts, lists, and clear discussion of the numerous interpretations of the end times in light of a thorough exposition of the scriptures the appendices include recommendations for further reading and plenty of notes.

            I recommend this as a great resource for serious study of the bible for all people looking for clear explanations; this reference volume provides a solid biblical foundation on complex (and often confusing) terms and timelines.  The writing is clear and complete, without overwhelming the reader. Purchase it as a reference, a companion to your bible studies, but at the same time enjoy the story. Greatest story ever told and we are a part of it.

I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my review.

To Heaven and Back by Dr. Mary Neal

To Heaven and Back is Dr Mary Neal’s remarkable story of her life’s spiritual journey and what happened as she moved from life to death to eternal life, and back again.  Dr. Neal shares the captivating experience of her modern-day miracle.

            Dr. Neal’s life has been forever changed by her newfound understanding of her purpose on earth, her awareness of God, her closer relationship with Jesus, and her personal spiritual journey suddenly enhanced by a first-hand experience in heaven.

            I did find it amusing that the author believes herself to live an ordinary life. From my perspective the author and her family have an extraordinary life full of travel and adventure.  I appreciate the challenge that the author presented in writing down coincidences that occur in life to look for God's fingerprints.

            While I believe in encounters with angels and miraculous events of God's intervention in our lives, this book contains subtle deception away from Biblical truth, perhaps not intended by the author, but there nonetheless. To Heaven and Back proved to be a quick read and was well written. While I found the book to have very little to say about her actual experience in heaven or her later conversations with angels, I would recommend this interesting read with spiritual caution.

            I received this complimentary copy from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through their Blogging for Books program.

Still Life With Murder by P.B, Ryan

 Nell Sweeney is a young woman with a dark past struggling to make a new life by assisting a physician when she is given the opportunity of a lifetime. Out of the blue, she's offered a position as governess to the wealthy Hewitt family's new ward, Grace. She knows that her scandalous past would disqualify her for the position but decided to hide her past and take the job, hoping that this will bring the safety and security she's always wanted.

Still Life With Murder is teeming with fascinating characters. Nell's remarkable empathy with each of them, from Detective Cook to the prostitute Pearl, to self-destructing Will Hewitt, make her not only a great amateur sleuth but the perfect guide through the posh parlors and rank opium dens of 19th century Boston.

It’s a page turner with lots of historical interest and unique characters. Nell's position as the governess in a prominent Bostonian's family places her in the middle of the story.

Nell may have some modern sensibilities, but were not out of place here. Considering her background, her unique situation, she might very well have been one of the women (a few decades later) to bring about reforms for women.

An entertaining and satisfying read and a very promising series. Anyone who likes "period" stories mixed in a good mystery will enjoy this book.

I received copy of E-book for my review

Bone Rattler by Eliot Pattison

Aboard a British convict ship bound for the New World, Scottish prisoner, Duncan McCallum witnesses a series of murders and seeming suicides among his fellow Scottish prisoners that thrusts him into the bloody French and Indian War. As the only man aboard with any medical training, Duncan is ordered to assemble evidence to hold another prisoner accountable for the deaths — or face punishment.

 

             Following a strange trail of clues that seem half Iroquois and half Highland Scot, and  mesmerized by the Lord Ramsey’s beautiful daughter, Duncan McCallum, exiled chief of his near-extinct clan, finds the source of all evil at the site of an Indian massacre.ow More

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            In BONE RATTLER, Pattison writes a brilliant suspense novel that includes insights about the  founding of our country, as well as the spiritual nature of both Native Americans and the persecuted Scots who fled to these shores for refuge, freedom and a new life. It is hard to imagine a subject more relevant in our contemporary world than how democracy can be created, and how disparate tribes and peoples can communicate with and get along with one another.

             Outstanding mystery set in colonial America, this is a "can't put down" book.  The plight of the characters, the tension keeps you guessing, and the unusual insight into pre-Independence America is refreshing. The affinity between the displaced Highlanders and the tribes is based on historical fact and makes for an amazing backdrop for the novel. Many mysteries make up the plot including murder, sedition, greed, class, race, spirituality, and an old world facing eradication in the face of rapid change.

              I highly recommend this for anyone looking for an exciting summer read.