Literary Insights

Literary Insights: A Book Lovers Review



Monday, May 19, 2014

The Shadow Lamp by Stephen R Lawhead



This is the 4th book in the series. The premise of the series is that the universe is in danger, and that the skin map and the spirit well, are going to lead us to a solution.
                       
The ideological core of the series gets unveiled toward the end of this book. This continuing saga is well written, characters are engaging, the story creative and provocative. The introduction of new characters keeps the series fresh and the ongoing adventures of the continuing characters advances the central theme.  

This book continues with all the style, energy, and imagination. Kit is the one who makes a critical discovery at the end of this book. What it means, I can only guess---the key to interpreting the Skin Map? Is it a way to unlock the Bone House? There are lots of possibilities here.


If you haven't started with the skin map this may be a bewildering story line, I recommend you start with the 1st book so it will be more enjoyable. If you love Sci-Fi/Mystery/Time-Travel novels you will love these books.

I received eBook from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley for my review.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Snapshot by Lis Wiehl



The mid-60s were a turbulent time. The JFK assassination, Robert Kennedy’s death a year or two later, and the civil rights movement all contributed to a coming change to American culture. And in that era a murder takes place in the midst of a civil rights parade - a murder witnessed by two four year old girls and a father. Now, the man convicted of the crime asks the father, a retired FBI agent, for help proving his innocence, even as the date for his death sentence has been set.

The struggles of 1965 and the changes that impacted our nation forever are themes explored throughout Snapshot. Wiehl weaves a difficult father-daughter relationship through themes of race, religion, gender and family. In addition, the lack of open and honest communication fractured multiple relationships throughout the novel.  Well-meaning intentions not properly communicated operate at multiple levels throughout the relationships between the major characters in the novel. A little comic relief is also provided in the character of Rosalyn, a private detective with the gift of gab and a heart of gold, and also by Molly, a female African-American minister who understands and appreciates her heritage in the South.


The story held my interest from beginning to end I could not put it down. Snapshot by Lis Wiehl is an intriguing mystery based around some true events and an actual picture Wiehl's FBI agent father took of her as a child. The plot twists and turns will keep the reader engaged until the murderer is exposed. A timely read for exploring more about our nation’s Civil Rights Movement. A fun question and answer time with Lis and her father, along with a Reading Group Guide. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had a very hard time putting it down!


If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of suspense and a dash of humor, give this book a read. I highly recommend it.

I received copy of eBook from the publisher for my review

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Monday, May 12, 2014

Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.



The story is full of twists and turns. When her boyfriend dies in her arms after being shot, Shannon Frazier vows that she will fight against death for the rest of her life. But several years later, Dr. Frazier is holding another dying man in her arms, a stranger who was shot in her front yard. Soon afterwards, her sister asks for a place to stay to get away from her abusive boyfriend. These two events begin a series of events that throw the sisters into turmoil. Shannon starts receiving mysterious phone calls. Her life is unraveling and she doesn't know who to trust. From the first page to the last, Critical Condition is captivating and entertaining.

I will say that there are many twists and turns in this book making you think everything is tied together one minute and then in another minute you start questioning things and begin thinking everything is unrelated. You may figure this one out before the end, but it's still a lot of fun to read. This book is the first one I read from this author and loved reading this story and couldn’t put it down till the end.

This is a great story and recommend reading if you are in the mood for a mystery.

I received this eBook from the publisher for my review.


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Friday, May 9, 2014

Twirl by Patsy Clairmont



Twirl will make your heart dance!
Patsy is a master craftsman at words, as evidenced in all of her writing and speaking. However, Twirl puts a new spin on things. Each chapter stands alone, so you can pick it up and be lifted at any time and in any place in the book.

We would all do well to read this volume and learn from the wisdom that is found in throwing our arms open wide and embracing the heart and soul of life.

Twirl is a gentle read where Patsy's shares her heartfelt words and stories that help focus on what's really important in life. After reading through the eclectic intro, spin through each chapter at your own pace. They include a chapter on dance, writing, gratitude, and poetry, with many more. Each chapter has funny and heartfelt stories, spiritual insight, and reflection questions for you to ponder. A perfect book to give as a gift or to enjoy as a "pick-me up" read. I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I received this delightful book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in their BookLook Bloggers program for my review.

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