Joe Kissack had everything the world values--cars, a large home, a beautiful wife and family, and a career that most would envy. What he didn't have was acceptance and love from his earthly father. He was on his way to the top but he couldn't imagine or see the storm that was headed his way.
While Joe was enjoying his in-the-spotlight lifestyle, three Mexican fisherman were fighting for their lives. They had left shore on October 28, 2005, along with two other men, in a small fiberglass boat headed out for a three day fishing trip. All were experienced fishermen and knew the danger that the waters could hold but none would have even dreamed of what the trip would hold. Several days and a storm later, all they had left was meager remnants of food which was quickly depleted and a Bible, no gasoline or freshwater. With little hope and no food or water, only the Word of God and raw seafood and birds kept them alive.
While Joe and the fishermen were not even on the same continent, all were lost in one way or another but their lives do become miraculously intertwined. Typically, I am a fiction reader but this is one story that I couldn't put down. Even though a true story, it reads easily and is a page turner but not necessarily written for one with a weak stomach. The fishermen must go to extreme lengths to stay alive. It is an amazing and inspirational story about relying on God no matter your circumstances. I would love to have the opportunity to hear Joe's story in person.
I received this book from Multnomah Press in exchange for an honest review. I was not persuaded in any way to write a positive one. The book and the story itself, however, make that necessary. This book is scheduled to be released in March 2012.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Christmas Singing
If you love Amish fiction, check it out!
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30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.
http://bit.ly/vvg9mc
http://scr.bi/uJkucX
30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Smitten
One story. Four friends. One goal--to save their small town of Smitten, Vermont when news breaks that the mill, the primary industry in the town, is closing. Smitten is the perfect place to raise a family but has little to offer tourists. Just the mention of the town's name makes everyone think of love so the four friends devise a plan that will capitalize on that fact. Each woman, with talents of their own determine to use those talents to help save their beloved town. When they share their plan with the town, everyone joins in the excitement. Well, almost everyone.
Each character's story is written by a different well-known Christian author--Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. The book begins with Collen Coble telling the story of Natalie, owner of the local coffee shop, who is raising her niece and wishes to adopt her and give her the stable life she never had. Where Ms. Coble leaves off, Ms. Billerbeck picks up, telling the story of Julie, the friend who moved home to Smitten after working at a spa in Manhattan. Ms. Hunt then picks up the story from the point of view of Shelby who wishes to use her sewing skills to help save Smitten. Ms. Hunter then brings the story to a close, focusing on Reese who has always wanted to open an outdoor store in the beautiful area. Each of the friends were strong women but still have the insecurities and longing for love that most women do which make them so easy for the ready to identify with.
The writing style of the four authors is so similar and the way that they wove the stories of the four friends into one was well done. Each "story", as it unfolds, is fairly predictable but aren't all romances? The book includes questions for book clubs, an interview with the four authors which gives the reader insight into their lives and how the story was so well and intricately woven together, and recipes and tips from the book characters. Smitten is to be followed by Secretly Smitten in December 2012.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. Pick up your copy today. I think you'll be "smitten" with characters and storyline.
Each character's story is written by a different well-known Christian author--Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. The book begins with Collen Coble telling the story of Natalie, owner of the local coffee shop, who is raising her niece and wishes to adopt her and give her the stable life she never had. Where Ms. Coble leaves off, Ms. Billerbeck picks up, telling the story of Julie, the friend who moved home to Smitten after working at a spa in Manhattan. Ms. Hunt then picks up the story from the point of view of Shelby who wishes to use her sewing skills to help save Smitten. Ms. Hunter then brings the story to a close, focusing on Reese who has always wanted to open an outdoor store in the beautiful area. Each of the friends were strong women but still have the insecurities and longing for love that most women do which make them so easy for the ready to identify with.
The writing style of the four authors is so similar and the way that they wove the stories of the four friends into one was well done. Each "story", as it unfolds, is fairly predictable but aren't all romances? The book includes questions for book clubs, an interview with the four authors which gives the reader insight into their lives and how the story was so well and intricately woven together, and recipes and tips from the book characters. Smitten is to be followed by Secretly Smitten in December 2012.
I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. Pick up your copy today. I think you'll be "smitten" with characters and storyline.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Nearing Home
To be honest with you, I looked over this book for weeks, thinking that, in my forties, I wouldn't need to read a book by Billy Graham about the final stages of life. None of us know when God will call us home but I hope I'm in mid life, not Nearing Home.
However, as Dr. Graham points out, we're all getting closer to home whether that going home day be tomorrow or years away. Each day brings us closer. Nearing Home helps the reader prepare for getting older, knowing what God's purpose is for our golden years, and how we can grow stronger and face those years with joy and hope rather than dreading them. Whether you be at the point of retirement, want to learn how to handle your finances, creating a living will, grieving the death of a loved one, trying to figure out what REALLY matters, or simply want to leave a legacy to your children or grandchildren, Dr. Graham's words of wisdom are pertinent to all. Of course, as Dr. Graham writes in the very first chapter, in order to look toward those years with anticipation, each of us must be certain that we have placed our hope in Christ in order for heaven to be our eternal home.
As always, Dr. Graham shares with the reader a wisdom that is far beyond what most of us will ever have. To still have the opportunity to learn from his relationship with God and his life is such a treasure. He may be nearing ninety-three but he still has the same wit and humor he has always had. Whether you be 25 or 75, you won't regret the time you spend learning from such an annointed man of God. As you read, you'll almost feel like you're sitting in your living room having a conversation with Dr. Graham. He makes no attempt to talk above you. He is honest and forthright about the challenges of growing older but I would expect nothing less from him.
I did receive this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
However, as Dr. Graham points out, we're all getting closer to home whether that going home day be tomorrow or years away. Each day brings us closer. Nearing Home helps the reader prepare for getting older, knowing what God's purpose is for our golden years, and how we can grow stronger and face those years with joy and hope rather than dreading them. Whether you be at the point of retirement, want to learn how to handle your finances, creating a living will, grieving the death of a loved one, trying to figure out what REALLY matters, or simply want to leave a legacy to your children or grandchildren, Dr. Graham's words of wisdom are pertinent to all. Of course, as Dr. Graham writes in the very first chapter, in order to look toward those years with anticipation, each of us must be certain that we have placed our hope in Christ in order for heaven to be our eternal home.
As always, Dr. Graham shares with the reader a wisdom that is far beyond what most of us will ever have. To still have the opportunity to learn from his relationship with God and his life is such a treasure. He may be nearing ninety-three but he still has the same wit and humor he has always had. Whether you be 25 or 75, you won't regret the time you spend learning from such an annointed man of God. As you read, you'll almost feel like you're sitting in your living room having a conversation with Dr. Graham. He makes no attempt to talk above you. He is honest and forthright about the challenges of growing older but I would expect nothing less from him.
I did receive this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball
Cora Crowder has her Christmas shopping planned out. One or two gifts at a time between Labor Day and Christmas and it will all be done. When the time comes to select a gift for her uncle, she seeks out an eclectic bookstore where she receives a ticket to a Christmas Ball with her purchase.
Simon Derrick, Cora's boss, is searching for a gift for his sister and discovers the same bookstore and also receives a ticket to the Christmas Ball. Were the owners of the bookstore trying to match Cora and Simon together? No other tickets can be purchase so when Cora decides to give her ticket to Simon's special needs sister, the plan doesn't come together as intended. However, they do keep finding themselves "thrown" together through the twists and turns of the story.
I always enjoy any story set around Christmas. This book was no exception. However, it wasn't what I expected.
First, the ball is the Wizard's Ball. Not exactly what I would expect from a Christian book. Throughout the book, there almost seemed to be an element of magic as the street the bookstore was on seems to "disappear" which again, isn't what I expected. The fact that the two main characters and Simon's family were Christian was evident but, I hate to say, almost seemed like an afterthought for the author, especially during the first half of the book. Almost forced and unnatural in places.
However, as I said above, I did enjoy the lighthearted quick read. Simon's tender heart toward his sister was refreshing and genuine. That Cora finally saw a side of her boss that she never would have seen outside of the office was quite enjoyable and made me think about people I work with everyday that I may not truly know. And the fact that Cora felt quite insecure developing a relationship, even as a friendship, with the boss made her easy to relate to.
I would have no problem giving this book to someone else to read if they are looking for a fun little love story with a Christmas setting. Can one book be realistic fiction and fantasy? That is the way I might classify this story. I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Simon Derrick, Cora's boss, is searching for a gift for his sister and discovers the same bookstore and also receives a ticket to the Christmas Ball. Were the owners of the bookstore trying to match Cora and Simon together? No other tickets can be purchase so when Cora decides to give her ticket to Simon's special needs sister, the plan doesn't come together as intended. However, they do keep finding themselves "thrown" together through the twists and turns of the story.
I always enjoy any story set around Christmas. This book was no exception. However, it wasn't what I expected.
First, the ball is the Wizard's Ball. Not exactly what I would expect from a Christian book. Throughout the book, there almost seemed to be an element of magic as the street the bookstore was on seems to "disappear" which again, isn't what I expected. The fact that the two main characters and Simon's family were Christian was evident but, I hate to say, almost seemed like an afterthought for the author, especially during the first half of the book. Almost forced and unnatural in places.
However, as I said above, I did enjoy the lighthearted quick read. Simon's tender heart toward his sister was refreshing and genuine. That Cora finally saw a side of her boss that she never would have seen outside of the office was quite enjoyable and made me think about people I work with everyday that I may not truly know. And the fact that Cora felt quite insecure developing a relationship, even as a friendship, with the boss made her easy to relate to.
I would have no problem giving this book to someone else to read if they are looking for a fun little love story with a Christmas setting. Can one book be realistic fiction and fantasy? That is the way I might classify this story. I did receive this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Christmas Note
It is a few weeks before Christmas when Gretchen moves into a new condo with her children Emma and Ethan in order to be closer to her mother. Gretchen is content to unpack boxes and get settled into her new home and life. However, an unexpected visitor shows up, forcing her to extend a helping hand to her new not-to-be-bothered neighbor, Melissa.
When Melissa's mother dies, Melissa sheds no tears. The life she has had up to this point has been rocky at best and she blames her mother. When Melissa and Gretchen go to the apartment to clean out all Melissa's mother's things, there is nothing there worth having, except for a couple of photos and the beginning of a note, only two short scribbled lines, to Melissa from her mother. The note leads Melissa to find who she really is and family she didn't know she had.
I love Christmas so stories about the season always warm my heart. I loved both Gretchen and Melissa. They both have imperfect lives and are dealing with difficulties life has thrown their way. Both need to find peace within their circumstances. Through these circumstances their lives become more and more intertwined.
While much of the story is easy to predict, the author, Donna VanLiere, places a good deal of twists and surprises that make you want to keep reading. This story of Christmas miracles warmed my heart and is one I would recommend to just about anyone through the holidays. If I understand correctly, this is the 9th in the series of Christmas stories by Ms. VanLiere but stands alone so do not be concerned if you have not read the other eight. I hope to be able to find the others at my library.
I received this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.
When Melissa's mother dies, Melissa sheds no tears. The life she has had up to this point has been rocky at best and she blames her mother. When Melissa and Gretchen go to the apartment to clean out all Melissa's mother's things, there is nothing there worth having, except for a couple of photos and the beginning of a note, only two short scribbled lines, to Melissa from her mother. The note leads Melissa to find who she really is and family she didn't know she had.
I love Christmas so stories about the season always warm my heart. I loved both Gretchen and Melissa. They both have imperfect lives and are dealing with difficulties life has thrown their way. Both need to find peace within their circumstances. Through these circumstances their lives become more and more intertwined.
While much of the story is easy to predict, the author, Donna VanLiere, places a good deal of twists and surprises that make you want to keep reading. This story of Christmas miracles warmed my heart and is one I would recommend to just about anyone through the holidays. If I understand correctly, this is the 9th in the series of Christmas stories by Ms. VanLiere but stands alone so do not be concerned if you have not read the other eight. I hope to be able to find the others at my library.
I received this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Shadows on the Sand
Carrie Carter was a runaway teen, finding a “home” in Seaside, NJ with her sister Lindsey. Running away from an abusive alcoholic mother and her many boyfriends, Carrie went to work for Mary P in a café in the coastal small town. When Mary retired, Carrie realized her dream of running the café and life beginning to look up. When one of her employees, Jase, goes missing and is discovered dead in the nearby bay, it appears the past is catching up with several of her closest friends. Carrie also longs to be loved and has her eye on an ex-cop, Greg, but she is uncertain if he can let go of his past and be able to love again. He barely seems to even notice her even though she serves him breakfast every day.
I loved the small coastal town that Gayle Roper set the story in. Carrie and Greg were both very believable characters who I could sympathize with and understand. Carrie was insecure and Greg had seen his wife and children needlessly killed several years prior and was still overcoming his own grief. However, I do feel the author went too far with the overuse of social networking and the role it played in the town news and solving the mystery and the cult involvement of the café employees was not all that believable for me. However, I did love the fact that Mrs. Roper dealt with some real world topics such as alcoholism, adultery, drug use, and forgiveness. There were some unexpected surprises and twists, including who the real killer was, throughout the story that also added to my enjoyment. If you are looking for a mystery title with a sweet love story thrown in for good measure, check out Gayle Roper’s latest book, Shadows on the Sand.
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