A Matter of Trust A Mia Quinn Mystery by Lis Wiehl and April Henry

When life is murder, who can you trust?

Lis Wiehl’s signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series. A Matter of Trust gives us an amazing insight into the life of a prosecutor— and mom.

Prosecutor Mia Quinn is on the phone with her friend and colleague, Colleen, when the unthinkable happens. She hears a shot. When Colleen doesn't answer, she thrusts the phone at the son telling him to try to talk to her and after calling the police rushes to Colleen's house where her friend is bleeding to death.

One theme subtly woven through the book is that people and circumstances aren't always what they seem to be. Mia and the other characters in the book make all kinds of assumptions about the people they encounter throughout the book only to learn that they are wrong, for good or bad. What matters is doing the right thing as far as you are concerned and placing trust carefully where it has been earned. Forgiveness, compassion, and giving others the opportunity to make things right when possible are also stressed.

The spiritual themes are incorporated nicely into this story. There is a good balance between introducing the reader to a changed life and pressing the matter.

If you want a mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end, this is a winner. Although the search is on from the first pages for the killer, it comes as a surprise at the end. However, there are enough clues that the solution is not out of the blue. A well done mystery. A Matter of Trust also contains a series of questions perfect for reading group discussions.

I received copy of EBook from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze Blogging for books for my review.

Fortress of Mist: Book 2 in the Merlin's Immortals series by Sigmund Brouwer

The throne is redeemed, but the battle is just beginning.          

Thomas has reclaimed the throne of Magnus but a threat rises against his new leadership--the druids. Further, a neighboring kingdom is insisting that Thomas help in England's fight against invaders from the north and he's obligated to help--though he fears that the Earl of York may be working with the secret sect of druids that seek his throne.

Thomas has fulfilled part of the destiny he was born too, but he is discovering that there is much more yet to unfold. He must tread carefully as he is unsure who to trust or where to turn to for guidance. As a young Lord of his castle he is discovering secrets that have been uncovered for ages. In his quest for truth Thomas must decide whom he will serve, but he is learning that this decision may not be based on facts, but faith.

I enjoyed the story, it was a pleasant read. Although aimed for young audiences anyone who enjoys stories involving castles, lords, superstition, herbalists, treachery, battles between clans, druids, and legends, you will enjoy this book. There were real players in this story such as Robert the Bruce, king of the Scots and the Earl of York. Edward II is also mentioned in this novel.

I received EBook from WaterBrook Multnomah Press in their blogging for books program for my review

Damascus Countdown (David Shirazi) by Joel C. Rosenberg

All eyes are on the Middle East. Israel has successfully launched a first strike on Iran, taking out all of their nuclear sites and six of their nuclear warheads—and causing The Twelfth Imam to order a full-scale retaliation. US President William Jackson threatens to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Jewish State for unprovoked and unwarranted acts of aggression.
 

            Damascus Countdown doesn't disappoint.  As with Rosenberg’s other novels, this one reads like it was snatched from the headlines of the daily news. The plot is entirely plausible, the tension between the Middle Eastern countries is palpable, and the characters are realistic. Damascus Countdown carries an echo of prophetic fulfillment mixed with story lines straight from modern newspapers.  Rosenberg skillfully wove the story around two close families, the Shirazi's, the Harper's, and their children. The story-line seemed so current, so fresh that the author seemed at times to be prophetic. The underlying story of his renewed love for his childhood friend, Marseille Harper, was taunt with frustration as his job always seemed to call him away at the most inopportune times.

 

            David Shirazi is a top CIA agent and undercover operative within the Jihadist caliphate.
Rosenberg does a phenomenal job of combining action that is fast-paced and fun to read with a storyline that moves along well. The action is believable and realistic. Characters incorporate Old Testament prophecies that hint at the events being described. The reader experiences the struggles of young faith along with Shirazi, who must attempt to balance Christian belief with the demands of a CIA operation. We are introduced to other converted Muslims, whom are concerned for their countrymen's souls,’ which leaps off the page and adds another dimension to the story.

Overall Rating: (read all my reviews)           While the book is a work of fiction, it is close enough to reality to be believable. Great Story and I highly recommend. If you like political thrillers this book as well as the others in the series is a must read, definitely another best seller.      

I received a copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network bloggers program for my review.

 

Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women by Julie Zine Coleman

            Writer and teacher Julie Coleman, carefully walks readers through the gospel narratives, offering evidence of a perceptive Savior, deeply concerned about the women he met. Through vivid descriptions, thoughtful questions, and empowering applications, she brings a fresh perspective to these sometimes puzzling stories.

            Julie looks at nine women who had interactions with Jesus. They all needed Jesus. And Jesus was interested in them. In a culture that devalued women, Jesus showed intentional interest in them. He gave them significance. In a section entitled “For Today’s Woman,” Julie connects the Word to our world, gives some other questions, and prompts for the reader’s further reflection.

            Unexpected Love offers solutions gleaned from historical‚ cultural‚ and contextual sources‚ resulting in an interpretation that reveals a fresh perspective and surprising truth. It moves the reader past the usual shallow interpretations to find the heart of Christ

            I found this devotional an inspiration that reveals God’s heart for women through a captivating study of the gospels. I recommend this book for group study or personal study. Each chapter ends with questions and suggestions for journaling. These could be used for personal or group discussions. This book would make a fine study for a woman's Bible study group.

                    Free resources, including handouts and lesson plan suggestions, are available for groups using Unexpected Love at the associated website.

I received this eBook from Thomas Nelson in their Booksneeze blogger program for my review.

A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid

At the heart of A Christmas Home is a town struggling to survive. People and pets are losing their homes. With no other financial means, a lot of sweet dogs end up in the shelter run by Todd. The city is running out of money, which leads to a limited amount of funds for the shelter and an overwhelming amount of animals are being abandoned. Todd has multiple challenges ahead of him, especially if he loses his job.  Todd tries to overcome his own disabilities and maintain an independent life, which is threatened if the shelter is forced to close. There is a light romantic interest for this young man which also has to fit into this puzzle.

As in many small towns across America today, Greg Kincaid's characters show the will to overcome their limitations with rich courage and bravery. In doing so, they share with us a story of perseverance.  This is a story of unconditional love. It’s a story of a family with unconditional love and the love between a man and his faithful canine companion.

I highly recommend this book. A Christmas Home is a perfect book for animal lovers, like all Christmas novellas, it's still a perfect read for anytime of the year. You will want to keep it around and read again and children will love this story. It shows the deep connection and love between humans and animals, and how anyone, no matter their limitations, can find their passion.  The story sounds like it could have been based on a true story, overall, a sweet and sometimes funny Christmas story! The ending is emotional and unexpected, brought tears to my eyes, a perfect ending.

I received this book in a giveaway from Crown Publishing a division of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group through their Blogging for Books program for my review.

Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt.

Four fiction authors with four smitten romance novellas, share a setting, characters, and even overlapping plots with fun small town romance. The mystery of the dog tags that were found in Grandma Rose's attic continues throughout all the sections along with mini story lines of Tess, Clare, Zoe and Anna. We learn a lot about each woman's fears and dreams. Together they find the courage to face their fears and see their dream come true.

One storyline, with four sections, by four different authors. I enjoyed reading each authors take on the same story. Each section focused on a different character and her love life. Four different protagonists from a single household, "Secretly Smitten" read like a single novel.

LOVE BETWEEN THE LINES: Colleen Coble wins awards with murder mystery/romance. Not surprising this romance involves a dead man, but a twist of one potentially again alive. Love with suspense propensity. There's a secret in Grandma Rose's attic--a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

MAKE ME A MATCH: Kristin Billerbeck has Smitten's matchmaker Zoe begin her Cupid's shop in an old building and William, new city manager, must enforce rules and codes.

KNIT ONE, LOVE TWO: Diann Hunt places readers inside the Sit `n Knit shop owned by Anna (divorced mom of 3 single adult girls) where she turns a little unraveled when Michael enters for a shopping spree. A revealed secret causes tempers to fly.

LOVE BLOOMS: Denise Hunter writes of nursery manager Clare waving a rake as a weapon against a tool shed-hiding hunk of a man, Ethan.  All secrets, mystery, conflict, and Smitten romance is cozy-wrapped.

I was ready to read something fun and it’s true each novella begins with a conflicting relationship that is predictably to end in romance. After all, it is a novella with great storytelling. I recommend this book for who needs a fun romance to read. It's good Christian fiction, folks, so expect wholesome lust.

I received this eBook from Thomas Nelson in the BookSneeze blogger program for my review.

LES MISERABLES

Les Misérables Victor Hugo first published in 1862, is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century.  Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. Examining the nature of law and grace, the story elaborates upon the history of France,  the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of  romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous stage adaptations, including a musical (1980-1985), and several films, including in 2012.

The major plot involves Jean Valjean who is released from prison, and through the kindness of Father Myriel, becomes a new man. He gets a new name via association with Myriel and his obvious kindness and generosity to others and gradually builds a successful and prosperous life for himself with a renovation of the jet-work industry in Montreuil-surmer. One of his employees is, although unknown to him, fired by the head mistress because of an illegitimate baby. Fantine goes from one occupation to another, finally becoming a prostitute.

The situation is complicated when Valjean takes upon himself the care of Cosette, as he feels responsible for the death of her mother.  The fateful decision changes their lives forever. With Cosette, Valjean learns to love and the bitterness of the years of injustice melt away. He thinks of himself as a convict and makes no excuses; his only reason for hiding and avoiding Javert is to protect Cosette and his fatherly relationship with her.

The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.

The Dolby B Mastered sound is incredible. Every voice, every sound, from the rain, to the horses, to the sounds of the revolution, and the music will sweep you away to another time and place.  The story is as much history and commentary as it is fiction. In fact, so much of the history of France along with the thoughts and feelings of the people at that time dominates the book that the fictional elements almost seem accidental. The craft, however, comes through as the characters eventually interact in ways that would, in real life, be unlikely between individuals of such diverse socio-economic elements.

I recommend this timeless story, keep Kleenex handy, the story tells the importance of love and compassion; social injustice in nineteenth-century France; the long-term effects of the French Revolution on French society. Follow the long road to forgiveness with Jean Valjean in this beautiful radio production performance of Victor Hugo's timeless tale.

I received audio copy from Tyndale Blog Network for my review.