Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Charles Martin’s Wrapped in Rain is an excellent read.  I have read the novel twice over the last few years and both times I couldn’t put it down.  The characters are well written.  The story is a difficult one to read at times, but inspires as well.  This is not your typical “christian fiction” there are real world struggles within the story line.  Clark and Missie Davis do not live here.  It is not a book I would give a young teen to read.  However, for adults the transition that transpires within the main character, Tucker Rain, will inspire and encourage.  Martin will bring you to tears.  The example set forth for the reader by Ms. Ella will impact how you interact with others.  It is a story about two young boys, their friend, and their troubled childhood and how one lady made all the difference.  To say more would ruin your enjoyment of a spectacular book.  Read this one.  You’ll be glad you did.  I am, twice.  For this reading I received a e-copy of the book from Booksneeze in exchange for a reader’s review without any requirements of the contents of my review.  My above comments and opinions are my own.

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow was an entertaining read.  This book is the second in the Santee series.  I have not yet read the first book and as able to pick up here without difficulty, but I plan to read the first installment asap.  The story opens with Baxter Richardson struggling to recover from a fall off a cliff and his wife Rena’s struggle with what that recovery might mean.  The main character Alexia (Alex) Lindale is Rena’s attorney and a new Christian beginning her walk in the faith.  Alex becomes more and more emotionally invested in Baxter’s recovery through her work with music minister Ted Morgan and his attempts to reach Baxter through music.   She also constantly deals with the demands of tumultuous Rena.  The story twists and turns as it unfolds.  Alex’s new faith and the strength that is building within her is an inspirational element.  The ending is unexpected and somewhat abrupt, but the overall story makes this one a worthwhile book for me and one I’d recommend.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow was a good read.  The main character, Tom Crane, goes through a transforming series of events in this novel.  Tom’s father passes away and he returns to his hometown to settle the law practice his father has left behind.   As Tom experiences a series of additional losses he finds himself examining his priorities and opening his heart to the Father.   In this Job-like experience Tom finds more in the small town of Bethel then he bargained for and is transformed as an individual.  Whitlow blends an inspiring story of faith with a suspenseful story-line.  I enjoyed the book, although at times the clear doom coming Tom’s way was somewhat frustrating to me as a reader.  Some of the actions of Tom’s character seem overly trustworthy and unlikely.  Thus the 4 out of 5 stars.  However, the story is a good one and enjoyable for the reader and I recommend it.  The growth of Tom’s faith is inspiring and so well woven into the story throughout the book that I was impressed at its feeling of authenticity.  It was enjoyable to read a suspense novel and also have my faith inspired and fueled.  A good book.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcode

In No Place Like Holmes Jason Lethcode has produced an enjoyable work of fiction for young adults.  In the story young Griffin Sharpe has traveled to England for the summer to spend time with his mysterious uncle.  The story carries the reader through the summer as Griffin gains confidence, survives an adventure, foils the plot of a mastermind criminal, and softens the heart of his uncle.  The story is well written and enjoyable.  It is a crime story however, and therefore might not be for the young preteen set.  There is a crime afoot and some violence results, so parents should be sure that their readers are ready for that sort of thing.  I decided not to share this book with my ten year old who has a tender spirit and I felt would be too upset by the actions of the villain in this story, especially those at the end of the novel.  That said, the character of Griffin models good morals, maturity, and a strong faith.  He provides a good example to readers of how to deal with a relationship with an adult who is not a believer.  These qualities make this book a good read for young readers.  Lethcode does a good job of weaving in Holmes traditional setting, character, and feel to the story.  This will provide a good introduction to later reading of the Holmes books by Doyle.  Normally I shy away from modern works for my kids, but this will likely be one I will happily let them enjoy in their late preteen years.   I am confident No Place Like Holmes will entertain and be an enjoyable experience for them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nick of Time by Tim Downs

Nick of Time is the latest novel in the “Bug Man” series by Tim Downs.  The main character is a forensic entomologist by the name of Nick Polchak.  A socially awkward but gifted man who often says things we all wish we could, but never truly consider actually saying out loud.  This book opens with events leading up to Nick and Alena’s wedding.  From there it takes the reader on an exciting journey as Nick seeks to discover the identity of the murderer of a dear friend.  The characters are well developed and interesting.  I found the story engaging and enjoyable.  The plot was well written and the ending sent me straight to the author’s website hoping to see he is planning the next book.  If you love crime novels and enjoy a good story, you won’t be disappointed here.  I read this voraciously while on vacation, finishing it in one day- I just couldn’t put it down.  It was a fun read, perfect for a vacation break.  I previously enjoyed crime novels by a famous female author, but have given up reading them in recent years because the stories have been so consumed by inappropriate content I found them offensive no matter how good the “story.”  I was happy to be given the opportunity to return to the genre in a “clean” form.   Thanks, Tim Downs, for giving me the opportunity to enjoy a good fictional crime book without having to deal with offensive language and profuse sexual content.  

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Max on Life

Max on Life by Max Lucado may or may not be what you are expecting.  It depends on what the title has led you to believe the book will contain.  The book is a collection of thoughtful answers to a variety of questions.  Organized by topic it is a collection of letters Max Lucado has received and his response.  Often he will guide the individual to scripture or use scripture to clarify and solidify his response.  Clearly he has given thought to the advice he is giving.   This collection is not going to provide the reader with an exhaustive theological essay on any topic, so if you are looking for in-depth study on an issue, this is not the reference book you seek.  Most responses are one page in length.   However, if you are looking for thoughtful answers to many of the common questions we ask as Christians many are here.  Often one doesn’t need the theological essay and its research, they need the concise answer to help them move along in their individual walk.  This book fits that bill.  It will give you food for thought.  It will give you his perspective.  It will reveal his heart for others.  You will need to study more, perhaps his suggestions will give you a place to start.  Remember God gave us the book we need for life, this one can’t (nor do I believe it was intended to) replace it.  A more apt subtitle might have been “Thought Provoking Responses to Your Most Important Questions.”  The “answers” can only be found in the Bible itself so let this collection lead you back there.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Regret Free Parenting- Book Review

Note:  I recently signed up for a book review program through Booksneeze.com.  They provided me this book free of charge and in return I review it here, honestly and without any restraints or requirements on my comments.  My opinions are my own.

Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem is an insightful, thought provoking book.  It provides insight to truly successful parenting and gives concrete information that will lead the reader to further study and thought on the content which is presented.  I found it refreshing and helpful.  Unlike many parenting books it is not promoting the latest strategy or innovative parenting technique, it is solid information that you can put into practice.  It is also biblical and encouraging to Christian mothers. This book will make you think.  It would be excellent for a women's study group.  What are you really hoping to achieve through your role as your child's mother?  What qualities do you desire in your child as an adult?  Knowing those answers can lead to goals in the present and she does ask you to put them down on paper.  She discusses intentional parenting and gives good discussion on the topic (I have often found others to say "be intentional" without going further to describe what they argue that means).  Hickem provides a thoughtful chapter on the topic.  One new point that I found helpful was the idea of becoming a student of your child.  As a homeschool mom I have a lot of time with my children, and feel I know them well but I have never really "studied" them.  I have done that over the last few weeks and have learned a lot more about them in the process.  I will benefit from this lesson for a long time.   In closing, I found the book to be helpful in my role as a Mom and I am thankful to the author for giving me lots of "food for thought".