Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post - REVIEWED

About the Book:

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible. The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore—much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant’s fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him home…

My Thoughts:

“Oh Lord, what have I done?” (p.89)

You know, I think both of these characters must have asked this question about a jillion times in this novel – in different ways and in different circumstances to be sure, but this question sums up a lot of the uncertainty that seems to follow the two main characters through life.

Grant McAllister and Jami Carlisle meet through rather random circumstances, and it is Jami’s dogged determination that finally breaks the stone cold barrier that Grant and his past have erected between them.  It is also her journalistic determination that uncovers hidden secrets about Grant’s past that threaten to make him totally inaccessible to her on a very permanent basis.  Bothe of these characters come with baggage – some theirs, some caused by others.  Slowly, ever so slowly the allow the other to reach beyond their protective boundaries and allow a relationship to develop.

This is a pretty realistically dysfunctional bunch of folks that Post creates to tell her story.  I guess it is my skepticism surfacing, but these two have so many behaviors that seem to be the antithesis of any healthy relationship that I have a hard time believing that “love conquers all.”   That’s not to say that they didn’t have their problems connecting and allowing a relationship to form, but I just keep saying to myself, “yeah, right.”  But that’s just me and my own past responding to romance in general.

This is a very realistic relational book, and promises to be a great start to a series of books.  If you enjoy realistic romance, this a book you will enjoy!

About the Author:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special-events decorating company, Carol J. Post's résumé reads as if she hasn't yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love of writing. She started as a child composing poetry for family and friends, then graduated to articles for religious and children's publications. Now she pens fun, fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for an RT Reviewers' Choice Best Book award and selected as an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn't writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping---almost anything outdoors. She also plays the piano and sings with her music-minister husband. Their two grown daughters and their grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all her nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

Follow her on her website, facebook, twitter

End of the Roadie by Elizabeth Flynn - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Brendan Phelan, rock star, is playing in a stage show that includes guns and whips. As it reaches its climax, a shot rings out—but it's not part of the show. The body of Oliver Joplin, one of the road crew, lies lifeless outside the stage door. 

Detective Inspector Angela Costello and her team investigate, but they quickly discover that several stage hands, and Phelan himself, are adept with firearms—and that Joplin was widely disliked and distrusted. So why had Phelan kept him on, despite the reservations of his crew? Joplin's emails reveal the presence of a shadowy figure stalking the dead man. Who might profit from Joplin's death? 

Little by little, Costello unpicks the web of lies. But unless one key person opens up, she can't crack the case. And that is not going to happen. 

My Thoughts:

“It would remain their little secret.”  (p. 295)

Although this quoted has nothing much to do with the murder solved in this novel (well, except that it is a remembrance of one of the lighter moments), I thought it appropriately represented almost everyone in the novel!  There were so many layers of secrets – so many YEARS of secrets – that many characters in this story were living very enslaved lives!  It’s sad to think that some of them decided that the only way out of the mess they’d made was to take someone’s life. 

Well, sadly, that is an all-to-common theme in every area of life in this day and age.  This book intrigued me because it was set in England.  I love all of the idioms of their language, and enjoy trying to decipher some of their meaning.  I enjoyed getting to know Detective Inspector Angela Costello and her co-workers as their brainstormed their way through this murder mystery!  They are a very eclectic group with a diverse taste in all of life.  The roadie whose murder must be solved, is at the center of many layers of deception, greed and desperation.  I never failed to be amazed at the things folks perceive to be an injustice thrust upon them – always justified in the depths of their own depravity.

This is a great beginning to what promises to be a series of cozy mysteries. (well, by my definition anyway) There is some very mild language, but it is not gratuitous in any way. You will enjoy getting to know the characters, and you will feel their sense of satisfaction when they catch the criminal at the end of the novel.  I am happy to have discovered this author!

About the Author:

A former actress and radio journalist, Elizabeth Flynn is currently bereavement officer in a London hospital. This is her first novel.

America at the Crossroads by George Barna - REVIEWED

About the book:
American culture is changing faster than ever. George Barna tells you how, why, and what you can do to shape your future.
We live in a tumultuous time. Upheavals and reversals in culture, popular opinion, morality, race relations, socioeconomic status, and so much more have entire generations feeling off balance or out of touch. How do we keep pace with the breathtaking rate of change in our society when we can hardly find time to keep up with our racing newsfeeds? And in the face of such enormous cultural forces, is there anything we can do?

With America at the Crossroads, bestselling author and cultural analyst George Barna turns his researcher's eye to the most significant trends, compiling and distilling salient information for busy readers who want to shape culture rather than allow it to shape them. 

If you've felt overwhelmed by our swiftly changing times, Barna's extensive research and "bottom-line" approach will help give you the solid ground you're looking for--and show you where we're heading next.

My Thoughts:

“What can you do? – hinges on your willingness to become the person God created you to be in order to have the influence He has granted you for such a time as this.”  (p. 182)

This book was the most difficult to read, because Barna presents a statistical look into America’s very real, very frightening crossroad.  Unless God’s people stop believing the lie of the enemy and start believing that God has given us both purpose and the power to accomplish that purpose, we will never step fully into our sphere of influence and transform America.

We sit on the eve of a presidential election, and I’ve cried out to God to have mercy on our country.  And I believe He will.  Even if a traitor sits in the Whitehouse.  After reading this book, it is no mystery that such a thing can happen in the greatest nation on earth.  Choices have consequences, and our country has consistently made wrong choices.  God gave us the ability to choose, and he has given us ample opportunities to choose to follow Him.  Instead, we are buried beneath indifference, or sidetracked by our own personal circumstances, and we’ve believed the lie that God isn’t interested in what happens to us.

HE IS VERY INTERESTED!!! He created us, and gifted us with influence and purpose to influence those in our live for HIM!!  This is a very, very important book, and I apologize for not posting my review sooner. The timing of this post is a God-appointment for me.  Reading this book will change the landscape of your heart!!  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!

About the Author:

George Barna is the award-winning author of more than fifty books, including bestsellers such as Revolution, The Power of Vision, The Frog in the Kettle, and Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions. He is also founder of Barna Group, a leading research firm that specializes in faith-related surveys. He currently leads the American Culture & Faith Institute, which studies and influences faith and politics, as well as Metaformation, an organization designed to help people maximize their potential. George has led several churches and lives with his family on the central California coast.

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon - REVEIWED

About the Book:
Finn has packed away his combat instincts--but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . .


After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

My Thoughts:
“Potent masculinity oozed from his pores.”  (p. 211)

Well folks, I’ve always been a fan of Irene Hannon’s romantic suspense.  And Tangled Webs has a thread of suspense that will keep the pages turning!  It may be my waning hormone levels, but I had to wade through a LOT of this “potent masculinity” to enjoy the plot this time.  Sigh!

I literally had to read around all of the hormonal touches and glances and thoughts to enjoy this novel.  EVERY man in the book was oozing masculinity…from the main character Finn to all of his brothers.  And all of the women in the book were drop-dead, distractingly beautiful.  Well, these folks needed to take a cold shower about every other page.  In the meanwhile, the Chief of Police is a much more believable character as he stands by his wife who is declining through the ravages of Alzheimer’s.   He is driven by a life-long love to do some desperate things.

While the Chief struggles, he begins to interact with someone equally desperate.  This character’s desperation is dark and insidious – and very dangerous!  So, when the main characters stop fawning over each other – well, circumstance sort of force their hand – they get swept up in a very dangerous situation.


I have to be honest, I couldn’t get past all of the over-the-top emotional/hormonal descriptions and fully enjoy this novel.  I know it’s just me.  It is still a well-written piece of fiction, but the focus seemed very unappealing to me.  A little more suspense and a little less romance please.

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, and Sea Rose Lane, as well as the Private Justice and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, two Carol Awards, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviewsmagazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, two Booksellers' Best Awards, and a National Readers' Choice Award. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Overcoming Spiritual Vertigo by Dwayne E. Mercer - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Sometimes doubt, fear, and disappointment cause us to lose confidence in God. In this book, Dwayne E. Mercer helps readers see past disappointments through God’s eyes and gain courage from biblical examples of faith. He provides tools for us to take faith-risks for God again, stepping out in courageous faith.

My Thoughts:
“We are engaged in spiritual warfare, fighting for our faith.  We overcome it be coming to the cross daily in humility, maintaining a close relationship with God, and feeding ourselves on His Word.”   (p. 110)

This straightforward advice sounds simple on the surface.  Sadly, many folks that fill our churches today struggle to understand this basic truth.  They struggle to even attend church thinking that it has nothing relevant to offer in this present day.  Dwayne  Mercer has written this book for millennials and those who want to grasp onto all that God offers through His Son Jesus!  We can all live lives that are filled with the hope and promise of God’s Word in our lives, and we can make an eternal difference in the lives of others day by day!


This book would make a great small group foundation!  The chapters are filled with thought-provoking ideas, and end with questions that could open up transformational discussions.  Folks, we need to be getting closer to Christ by the minute!  We need to be growing spiritually and bringing others to the Savior!   Grab a copy of this book today, get a pen and highlighter and dive into God’s truth!  This is a great book and one I am happy to recommend!

About the Author:

Dr. Dwayne Mercer has been a senior pastor for more than 30 years and is the author of Overcoming Spiritual Vertigo and When God Says Yes. He has contributed to several books including The Pathway to Discipleship, Living the Life, and Walk Through the Word, and has written numerous articles for magazines and periodicals.Dr. Mercer is a native of Georgia. He and his wife, Pam, have three adult children and five adorable grandchildren. They have served at CrossLife Church since 1993, as it has grown in membership from 800 to 5,000 in attendance, with over 4,000 new believers baptized during that time.

10TH ANNIVERSARY EXPANDED EDITION RELEASES NATIONWIDE TODAY, OCT. 18th

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2016) – In celebration of its 10^th anniversary, world-renowned speaker and best-selling author John Bevere, releases an expanded edition of “Driven by Eternity” today, Oct. 18, 2016. In this updated version, Bevere uses an eye-opening allegory and extensive Scripture to paint a vivid picture of the way our lives on this earth shape our eternal existence, and how life beyond that final breath is much more than just a destination.

“Eternity arrests the attention of all mankind,” says Bevere. “No race, tribe, or gender can resist its draw. We were all created with eternity in our hearts and sense the immanent unknown extension of our existence.”

Featuring a brand new cover and discussion questions for group study, “Driven by Eternity” provides a unique perspective on eternity while exploring themes such as eternal judgement, foundational truths, heaven, hell, forgiveness, as well as identifying what motivates our lives on earth. Drawing on the principles in 2 Corinthians 5:9-11,  Bevere unpacks truths about whether the eternal or temporal is driving and motivating our lives, and guides readers to understand the importance of making  “eternal decisions.” 

“Your choices today will impact your forever,” says Bevere. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Discover now how you can make your life count both today and forever.”

“Driven by Eternity” has garnered endorsements from a number of high-profile influencers and leaders over the last 10 years, including Craig Groeschel (pastor of Life.Church and author of “#Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World”), Steve Furtick (pastor of Elevation Church and New York Times best-selling author), Chris Hodges (senior pastor of Church of the Highlands and author of “Fresh Air” and “Four Cups”), Mark Batterson (New York Times best-selling author of “The Circle Maker” and lead pastor of National Community Church), Jentezen Franklin (senior pastor of Free Chapel, Gainesville, GA, and New York Times best-selling author), Stephen Arterburn (radio host and best-selling author of “The Everyman” series), Bill McCartney (Promise Keepers), and Bishop T.D. Jakes (New York Times best-selling author & CEO of TDJ Enterprises), among others.

With more than 20 titles translated in over 90 languages, Bevere is known around the world for his boldness, passion, and the uncompromising truth in his award-winning studies and best-selling books. Bevere’s previous title, “Good or God?” has sold over 160,000 copies since its August 2015 release and received multiple #1 chart rankings. Widely respected as an author and expert, Bevere has been featured by top media across the globe including 700 Club, Ministry Today Magazine, Charisma, TBN, SIRIUS/XM Radio, and VITAL Magazine. He is also a regular op-ed contributor for outlets such as FoxNews.com.

For more information, please visit:

Websites: http://DrivenByEternity.com, MessengerInternational.org, JohnBevere.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/John-Bevere/32273893010
Twitter: Twitter.com/JohnBevere
Instagram: Instagram.com/JohnBevere

Wonder by Jean Watson - REVIEWED

 

Internationally acclaimed recording artist Jean Watson is thrilled to announce the release date of her highly anticipated new CD, WONDER. The project is slated to impact retail on Friday, October 14, 2016 from Suite 28 Records/Shadowlands Music through Naxos of America, Inc., the nation's leading independent classical music distributor.

"The music on WONDER is the most authentically 'me' music I have ever recorded," Watson says. "I believe the music is quite accessible to both the faith-based and general markets, and the opportunity to partner with Naxos to get the music into the hands of music lovers is huge."

"Naxos has great reach into the world music marketplace, so for the first time, my music has the possibility to be offered to audiences beyond the Christian market," she continues. "How amazing to think that people may listen to this music because they love the sound and be drawn closer to God in the process!"  

WONDER represents something of a defining moment for the classically-trained singer/songwriter and instrumentalist, who is a fan favorite in the UK. She is especially popular in Ireland, where she has long hosted a daily inspirational radio show which can be heard worldwide on UCB Radio Ireland. So, her affinity for Celtic sound comes as no surprise.

Producer Billy Smiley, who has worked with Watson on her last two projects, suggested highlighting her Celtic-flavored songs and ethereal violin performances on the new CD and moving toward a more world music sound. In doing so, Watson discovered a glorious opportunity to simply be herself, both artistically and spiritually.

Sporting a world music sound that falls lithely between the ethereal, yearning Celtic sound of Maire Brennan and the graceful, poetic lyricism of Enya, Watson deftly tightwalks a line that stretches between ancient themes of grace and mercy, and is anchored by contemporary declarations of worship and adoration. There are exuberant expressions of praise ("Blessed Be Your Name"), hymns of hope ("I Can Hear Your Voice"), psalms of yearning ("Restless"), songs of surrender to the perfect will of the Father ("It Is Well"), and testimonies to the mercy and grace of God ("Everything Can Change," "Amazing Grace").

Whether invested in ardent celebration or lost in pensive worship, there is a humble honesty that runs through each song, that binds them together and points both listener and singer toward the throne of God. WONDER has an otherworldly, ethereal, moving quality which penetrates the heart and transports the listener into an attitude of worship.

In keeping with the world music direction of WONDER, Watson has enlisted the services of a number of musicians from around the globe, including South African John Ellis of Tree63 and former Newsboys drummer Peter Furler from Australia. Steve Hindalong from The Choir provides percussion, and as a special treat, Christian music legend Michael W. Smith appears as a guest accompanist as Watson performs Smith's hit, "I Can Hear Your Voice."

"I am so grateful for this opportunity for my music to reach a wider audience," says Watson. "I can't wait to see what God will do with WONDER!"

For more information on Watson and WONDER, visit jeanwatson.com.

My Thoughts:

This has to be the most beautiful CD I have encountered in a very long time!  The songs lead you into worship very naturally and authentically.  There is a wide variety of songs - some familiar - others unique creations of the artist.  There are a couple of couple of instrumentals that really appealed to me and make a nice "Selah" moment in the worship experience.  This CD is a treasure of beauty and inspiration and I am EXCITED to encourage EVERYONE to listen and enjoy!!