Beneath the Surface

I recently received the book Beneath the Surface by Lynn Blackburn and I have to say, I really enjoyed it! I'm always one to enjoy a romantic suspense, and Blackburn did not disappoint. Beneath the Surface was about a nurse, Leigh Weston, who finds herself the victim of a stalker- one who many just have murderous intentions. Leigh turns to an old friend, now a homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help. Ryan quickly sees that Leigh's case is connected to the body of a wealthy businessman found nearby, and when the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer, stakes have never been more high.
I felt like both Leigh and Ryan were characters that were realistic and easy to connect with. I quickly felt invested in their lives, and found myself eagerly reading each chapter. In spite of the fact that I read this book during an incredibly busy season in my life, I somehow managed to read it in one day because I just didn't want to put it down. Blackburn masterfully pieced together an excellent story filled with suspense, love, and mystery. I would definitely recommend!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Judah's Wife

This month, I had the pleasure of receiving a novel called Judah's Wife to read. Written by Angela Hunt. it is a part of a series about the Silent Years, the time between the end of the Old Testament and the New. 
When Leah marries Judah, she is striving to find a life of peace, one that she never had growing up with an abusive father. Content to move to the country and make cheese, Leah thinks that she has found what she wanted- until Judah and his family feel called to step out and defend their nation from oppressive conquerors. When Judah's father dies, Judah steps up to take the lead in this mission, a time of battles and violence and everything Leah had run from.
This story was told from the viewpoint of both Leah and Judah. I appreciated how the author clearly did her research about the times and culture. When she was describing the persecution that the characters faced, I felt uncomfortable and it caused me to think about my own faith, which I always like. The characters in the story were, for the most part, believable (there were a few moments, especially between Leah and Judah, that I found slightly unbelievable, but those were the exception) and likable. Although the story itself progressed rather slowly, all in all the book was an enjoyable read for someone who enjoys historical fiction.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Free of Me

Lately, I've started to feel a little bit discontent. And I realized that it was because I have been so focused on myself, more than focused on God. So when I saw that I had the opportunity to read a book called Free of Me by Sharon Hodde Miller, I was pretty excited to read it. And I wasn't disappointed!
"Our me-centered culture affects every area of our lives- our relationships, calling, self-image, even our faith- and it negatively impacts each one. The self-focused life robs our joy, shrinks our souls, and is the reason we get stuck in insecurity." This is what it says on the back cover, what I read that really resonated with me and made me want to read this book.
Miller spends a good chunk of the book describing seven "mirrors", or areas of our lives that we so often make about ourselves. These are God, family, appearance, possessions, friendships, calling, and church. At first, I was afraid that, as I read and saw myself in these pages, I would feel really crappy about myself, but Miller has an excellent way of helping us become aware without seeming judgmental and critical. She shares her own personal struggles in each area, and different ways that she overcame it. At the end of each chapter, she includes a focus verse, a prayer, and discussion questions. Honestly, it would be an excellent book to read and discuss in a small group!
I enjoyed this book. Not only was it a great resource for helping to focus less on myself and more on God, but it helped me realize that I am not alone in my struggle to do so. Even if you don't feel like you are that focused on yourself, I would recommend reading this book because it can help even in the smallest way!
/***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.***

A Dangerous Legacy

This month, I read a novel called A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden. As soon as I saw the book as an option to review, I knew I wanted to read it. Elizabeth Camden is, in my opinion, an excellent author. 
This book was about Lucy Drake, who works as a telegraph operator for the Associated Press news agency. Lucy and her brother are involved in an ongoing legal battle with their wealthy uncle, a court case that began forty years earlier with their grandfather. When Sir Colin Beckwith arrives from England, Lucy finds an unexpected ally when he discovers her secret, and she his. 
From the beginning, this book drew me in. I wanted to know more about what had happened, and of course how it would end. Camden once again wrote an engaging story with realistic and lovable characters. I found it hard to put the book down and could have devoured it in one sitting if I had the time to do so.
At first, I wasn't sure how I would enjoy the story, since it seemed to deeply encircle Morse code, which I know very little about and honestly am not interested in. However, while telegraphs and Morse code and the media industry of that time were certainly major aspects of the book, I found that Camden had (I believe) done her research, and she well explained it in a way that made it interesting.
So, if you are searching for an engaging read, how about trying A Dangerous Legacy! 
***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.***

Fiercehearted

This past month, I had the honor of reading and reviewing yet another book through the Nuts About Books program. The book I chose to read is called Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth. On the back cover, it starts with: "Every day we struggle to find more freedom, joy, and purpose. What if the solution isn't trying harder or being better but embracing the fiercehearted woman already inside us?" I immediately knew I wanted to read it.
I loved this book. It was full of amazing insights that I was able to understand and connect with. The things that Holley talked about caused me to think and grow in my understanding and faith. I also found Holley's writing style to be personable and easy to read. One thing I really appreciated was the short chapters. So often, a book will have so much great knowledge in it, but it will be in such a long chapter that by the time you reach a pause, you have too much to think about and process. Holley wrote each chapter with one idea/insight in mind, which I found helpful in order to process more. It took me longer to read this book then I thought it would, but that was because I was able to think so deeply about what I was reading. I really, really appreciated this.
I would definitely recommend this book to any woman of faith! Holley is so down to earth and totally honest. It was refreshing and just an edifying book to read. Holley has written other books, and I hope to find and read them, as well!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Fighting a Spiritual Battle- Armed and Dangerous

For October, I actually got to review two books. The first book I read, which I reviewed in my last post, was a novel called Deadly Proof. The other book I chose to review was not a novel, but a book about spiritual warfare called Armed and Dangerous by John Ramirez.

I was really excited to read this book, because spiritual warfare is something that I have limited knowledge about, but that I really want to learn more about. And boy did this book teach me!

The author, whose personal story he wrote in previous books (which I definitely want to read), used to be heavily involved with witchcraft and was a high-ranking satanic priest. He commanded demons around, and was miraculously saved and redeemed by Jesus. Now, he feels called to expose the powers of darkness and teach Christians how they can be equipped, as children of God, to defeat the enemy in Jesus name.

I definitely recommend reading this book, but be aware that the author does not mince with words. He says it how it is, and it can seem overwhelming at times. I had to take my time reading this book, reading a chapter or two before taking a break that sometimes lasted a few days. It is so full of information that I felt the need to take time to reflect after each chapter in order to really get the most from the book. I kept a highlighter with me while I read, highlighting things that I really felt were important, so that I could glance back and remember things that, in a book so full of knowledge, might be forgotten. There is so much that it is easy to miss a lot of good stuff.

That being said, while it could be overwhelming, I felt that the author did an excellent job at being real and not making it seem like a daunting, impossible thing. I felt that this book was extremely helpful at equipping me to fight spiritual battles, or at least giving me a base knowledge and somewhere to start as I continue on this journey with God. I also found it helpful to discuss what I read with one of my close friends, because it helped me to process it as well as see things not just from my own perspective (with someone I could trust and be real with).

So yeah. If you’re looking to become stronger in the spiritual battle that we are in -and trust me, you should want to- I would say that this book is an excellent resource. I’m looking forward to reading his previous books!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Deadly Proof

This past month, I had the opportunity to read a novel called Deadly Proof, written by Rachel Dylan. The story line of this book as that lawyer Kate Sullivan is the lead counsel on a case against a large, powerful pharmaceutical company. When a lead witness is killed and Kate begins to receive threats, former Army Ranger Landon James begins to handle her security.

If I’m being completely honest, this wasn’t my favourite book. It wasn’t bad, necessarily, it just wasn’t that good. I felt like it was a bit stilted and subtly choppy. The characters never really became real to me, and I honestly didn’t feel that much emotion towards any of them. I didn’t feel invested in Kate’s and Landon’s relationship, or even really in them as individuals.

That being said, the author clearly knows the legal world. I felt that the details about the case and law procedures were accurate, and I even fell like I understand more about how the legal system works now.

I also have to say that the plot itself was also good. It was an interesting premise for a book, I just wasn’t personally a fan of how it was executed. There were a couple of ‘plot twists’, but even most of those I saw coming long before it was revealed.

I’m honestly torn about what to tell you. I feel like this review is rather negative, but the book wasn’t really that bad. Like I said, it just wasn’t good. I probably won’t be reading the book again, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t read it. I guess I can say that it is a book to read if you have nothing else to read.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.