Unintended Consequences by Dan Walsh - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Jack and Rachel leave Culpepper for their long-awaited honeymoon trip, a driving tour through New England. On day three, they stop at a little bayside town in Cape Cod to visit Jack’s grandmother. After he gets called away to handle an emergency, Rachel stays and listens as Jack’s grandmother shares a remarkable story about how she and Jack’s grandfather met in the early days of World War 2. It’s a story filled with danger, decades-old family secrets, daring rescues and romance. Jack is named after his grandfather, and this story set the course and direction for Jack’s life to the present day. After hearing it, Rachel is amazed that anyone survived.


My Thoughts:
WWII is, without a doubt my favorite setting when it comes to fiction!  Dan Walsh totally swept me away in his latest novel, Unintended Consequences!  I actually forgot the genesis of the WWII portion of the story, because I was so completely swept away by the characters' lives!  I love the way the author gives you the perspective of those in England and France fleeing in the wake of Hitler's advancing army.  Well, he gives you the perspective of very specific folks!  To make everything even more intriguing, he creates connections - and consequences - between the lives of seemingly unconnected people and weaves everything together quite seamlessly!  All of the sudden you find yourself swept away into a time and  a place that captures your heart and mind completely!

I refuse to give spoilers, but suffice it to say, I have set about an urgent mission to complete this magnificent trilogy!  This a a book than can be read as a stand alone - which is how I've read it - but I'm over the moon at the thought of getting to spend more time with these characters!  This is a masterfully written book, and am am thrilled to recommend it to you!


About the Author:

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 17 novels, including The Unfinished Gift, The Reunion and When Night Comes. He has won 3 ACFW Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 3 Selah Awards, and 4 times his novels have been named as finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year.

For those who haven't read Dan's books, reviewers often compare him to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. Although more recently, Dan has also started to pen suspense novels (like, What Follows After and When Night Comes). Dan has been writing full time since 2010. He and his wife Cindi have been married 40 years and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. They live in the Daytona Beach area, where Dan grew up. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter, read his blog, or preview all his books by visiting his website at http://danwalshbooks.com.

Please excuse my absence.

I will be back soon!  I've been unwell and need your prayers!!

MULTI-PLATINUM SELLING BILLBOARD NO. 1 CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN POWERHOUSE HILLSONG UNITED ANNOUNCES SURPRISE ALBUM, WONDER

The Two-Time Billboard Award and American Music Award Winners

Surprise Fans with Sixth Full Length Studio Album Available June 9

LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2017)— Today, the multi-platinum-selling Christian music powerhouse and chart leading Hillsong UNITED announced their sixth full-length studio album titled “Wonder,”set to be unveiled in all music stores on June 9^th. Undisputedly one of the genre’s most influential artists in the history of contemporary Christian music (over 2 million albums sold and 700 million career streams to date, remaining the #1 Christian artist on all social media platforms reaching over 9 million fans combined), the band that rocketed to no. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 with their last record “Empires,” hopes to re-awaken the innate sense of Wonder within the human being.

“Have we lost the Wonder?” asked Joel Houston, front man for the modest Australia-born band that has since become an international phenomenon.

Explaining intrinsically what it means further, Houston continues, “The hope, the imagination to dream, to believe, the tenderness to listen and lead first with mercy, the grace to empathize, the courage to trust, the fearlessness to love without pretense or condition. To see beyond the facts without dismissing them. To respond beyond the fear without reciprocating it. To sing beyond the noise, without adding to it. This is the challenge, and this is what worship— if worship can be summed up as an expression of art and music and story— is ultimately designed to do. To elevate the conversation, re-awaken the soul to something other, and lift our eyes to the wonder of a superlative truth."    

With the announcement comes two instant grats on iTunes and Spotify for songs “Wonder” and “Splinters and Stones.”

Track Listing for “Wonder”

1.               Wonder

2.               Shadow Step

3.               Future Marches In

4.               So Will I (100 Billion X)

5.               Splinters and Stones

6.               Glimmer in the Dust

7.               Greatest of These

8.               Shape of Your Heart

9.               Not Today

10.             Life

11.             Rain / Reign

12.             Water to Wine

Hillsong UNITED’s sixth full-length studio album “Wonder” is available for pre-order today and out on June 9^th everywhere music is sold. 

About Hillsong UNITED: 


Hillsong UNITED is a multi-award-winning, platinum-selling artist whose chart successes (repeatedly no. 1 on Billboard’s Christian charts and up to #5 on Billboard 200) are only bested by the millions of lives they’ve impacted across the globe. Reporting over 50 million people singing from a catalogue of UNITED songs every Sunday, the modest band born from a youth ministry out of Hillsong Church in Australia, touts a reach of over 9 million across all major social network platforms to date. Comprised of an evolving, eclectic mix of musicians and songwriters, the band is led by Joel Houston and Taya Smith, names that have become synonymous with Christian radio, dominating airwaves with every new release. Their last four studio albums have each topped the USA Christian chart, with “Zion” and “Empires” charting no. 1 (Zion recently also went Gold in the US); and “Oceans,” written by Houston and band member Matt Crocker recently went double platinum in the States, counting 200+ million streams and reigning on top of the Christian songs chart for a record 54 weeks. In studio, on tour or at home, Hillsong UNITED is committed to writing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound and connects people everywhere with God, evident by the success they’ve seen globally. With over 42 countries and six continents and counting, Hillsong UNITED continues to sell out arenas and stadiums around the world, including sold-out nights at the Forum, STAPLES Center and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Bridgestone Arena, American Airlines Arena, and the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC to scratch the surface. Hillsong UNITED profoundly functions from the deep understanding that everything they do is an expression of a really extraordinary God doing what only He can do, through really ordinary people. The sixth full-length studio album “Wonder” will be available June 9^th everywhere music is sold. For more on Hillsong UNITED visit www.hillsong.com/UNITED/ or @hillsongunited on all social platforms.

Fear Fighting by Kelly Balarie - REVEIWED

About the Book:
We all live with fear. It hangs around, whispering in our ears, reminding us of all we can't do or will never be. But that's not the end of the story. We also have a God who draws close to say, Fear not. I am with you. This Spirit transforms us into fear fighters--women breaking free of trepidation to find bold dedication to God's peace-, purpose-, and joy-filled callings.

With remarkable compassion born from personal experience, Kelly Balarie shows women how to

· Cultivate unstoppable faith by harnessing God's Word and promptings
· Usher in lasting peace through prayers that reduce panic, blood pressure, and stress
· Discover clear and immediate action plans to exchange worry for God's greatest gifts
· Implement daily bravery decrees to stand armed throughout the day
· Participate in a twelve-week study guide to foster new courageous habits


Kelly pulls back the curtain of fear so you can find the beautiful woman God created you to be.

My Thoughts:

“It is by dwelling with the Spirit that we go about abiding in the Lord.” (p.108)

Once again, God has set a book in front of me at a providential cross roads in my life.  Fear Fighting is a book meant to equip believers with truth and testimony of God’s faithfulness when we keep our eyes fixed on Him instead of our circumstances.  Fear is one of the enemy’s deadliest weapons.  If it doesn’t derail our lives entirely, it keeps us so distracted that we fail to follow God’s plan laid out for our lives.

Kelly Balarie has had to face some terribly fearsome foes throughout her lifetime, and she uses what God has taught her through those experiences to give an encouraging lift to others along the journey.  She devotes an individual chapter to some (six) of the most common places that we allow fear to creep into our hearts.  Balarie gives us examples from her own journey and those of others who give a face to each area of fear, and they she uses God’s truth to strip away each fearful nuance and leaves us with the truth of God’s Word and His presence in many of life’s very difficult circumstance.

We must always remember that earth is NOT our home, but rather the enemy’s battlefield.  We must walk onto that battlefield armed and protected by God’s truth and keep our eyes fixed on Him.  Balarie has included a study guide for each chapter in the book, so this book becomes a useful tool to equip us as believers and gives us something we can share with others who are fighting alongside us.

This is a book rich with resource and I can’t wait to see how God uses it to help His children to overcome their fears and walk confidently into His perfect plan.

About the Author:

Kelly Balarie has lived her subject matter. Her faith was built as she battled through an eating disorder, depression, serious health concerns, company failures, family tragedies, job losses, and times without income. Throughout it all, Kelly has looked past the pain to pursue God's always-unfolding plan. Kelly is a featured blogger at Crosswalk.com and iBelieve.com. Her work has been featured on Relevant, (in)courage.me, and Today's Christian Woman. She lives with her husband and two toddlers near the sun-soaked shores of the East Coast.

Invitation by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky - REVIEWED

About the Book:

Four Strangers with Gifts They Don't Understand. 
A World Falling into Darkness. 
This is Harbingers.

You're invited on a journey of suspense and the supernatural as four of your favorite bestselling authors team up for a unique series. 

From the minds of Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky, Invitation compiles the first four episodes of Harbingers, each following a different character. 

BRENDA--the street-hustling tattoo artist who sees images of the future
THE PROFESSOR--the atheist ex-priest ruled by logic
ANDI--the professor's brilliant but geeky assistant who sees inexplicable patterns
TANK--the naïve, big-hearted jock with a surprising connection to a healing power

Brought together for the first time in "The Call," the four soon realize pockets of darkness are emerging throughout the world. Whether it involves a mysterious house, the unexplainable death of animals around the world, or an otherworldly little girl, each puzzle they solve brings them closer to the ultimate explanation of what's happening. But will they discover the truth in time?

My Thoughts:

This is a masterpiece!  One story layered upon another, masterfully told by the best storytellers in the world!  This is a supernatural thriller like none I've ever read!   Imagine spiritual warfare raging about both believers and non-believers.  The characters in the story span all of this and more, and their reactions to the stories unfolding around them are realistic and believable.  Each character has a very unlikely connection to each other, and they become able to use their particular talents and strengths to help each other survive some very unbelievable situations!

There is really no way to describe this very special collection.  If you enjoy lots of action, unexpected plot twists and quirky, well developed characters, this is a series you can sink your teeth into! I'm sorry I'm late posting this, but a family emergency is keeping me a tad disjointed right now.  This is a good book to escape with when you need a mental break!

The Authors:

Bill Myers is a youth worker, creative writer, and film director who co-created the "McGee and Me!" book and video series; his work has received over forty national and international awards. His many books include Hot Topics, Tough Questions, and The Dark Side of the Supernatural.

Frank E. Peretti is one of American Christianity's best-known authors. His novels, including This Present Darkness, have sold more than 10 million copies. He makes his home in Idaho. Learn more at www.frankperetti.com.

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Alton Gansky is the author of twenty-four novels and eight nonfiction books. He is a Carol Award winner and an Angel Award winner, and has been a Christy Award finalist. He holds a BA and an MA in biblical studies and has been awarded a Doctor of Literature degree. Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Gansky also serves as an editor and collaborative writer for top tier authors. He lives in California.

Local Poet by Paul Trimbling - REVIEWED

About the Book:
A horrific road accident is just the start of a journey into the dark past of the local poet. Rob doesn't know Laney Grey. But when she deliberately steps out in front of his van and dies on impact, his life will never be the same. The police declare him innocent, but how will he deal with the guilt?


Now Rob is driven to know who she was, why she chose to die, and why he had to be part of her death. To understand her, he must read her poetry. To know her, he must unravel the mysteries of her past. As Laney's dark secret starts to come to light, and Rob's innocence is questioned, he must learn the full truth. But truth comes at a cost. Will Rob be the one who has to pay the price?

My Thoughts:
“Laney’s passing had begun a process that couldn’t be stopped, and I was caught in the middle of it.” (p. 83)

A truer statement has never been made!  When this revelations pops into Rob Seaton’s mind, he really has NO IDEA what he has stumbled into! Paul Trembling tells a very complex story in a very brief amount of time (only 150 pages), but it is a story that will haunt your memory!  I think this story resonated with me, because I’ve seen the destruction of addiction first hand.  Trembling covers all angles of this insidious evil – the greed and power games that drive people to manufacture and distribute poison – and creates characters that have to sort it all out in the middle of the battlefield.


It has been quite some time since I’ve felt as bad for a fictional character as I came to feel for Rob Seaton!  He really went above and beyond when he chose to take the time to get to know the life of the local poet who met her demise on his watch.  I imagine he never imagined what evil his seeking would uncover!  This is a very complex story, with very believable characters, and I am happy to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!  Paul Trembling is a new author to me, but his is a name I will look for on future novels!  Enjoy the tale!

About the Author:
Paul Trembling got into the habit of making up stories before he could read or write. Since then, he's followed a diverse career path, being at various times a seaman, a missionary, a janitor, and a crime scene investigator but he's never broken the story-making habit and has no plans to try.

Alabaster by Chris Aslan - REVEIWED

About the Book:
Maryam is stuck in an abusive marriage, living with her in-laws in a conservative, toxically religious village. A few years back, her father was given a jar of priceless perfume by a dying leper and it seemed as if their fortunes would improve, but then Maryam's father contracted leprosy and was exiled from the village. Maryam and her siblings, Eleazar and Marta, experience the shame and ostracism this brings. The precious jar that was meant to bring them freedom has only brought destruction. But rumors abound concerning a new doctor; perhaps hope is on the horizon...


Alabaster brings a first-century Middle Eastern village and its culture to life for modern-day readers.

My Thoughts:
“Everything smells of him.”  (p. 200)

I can’t remember reading a more powerful account of a biblical story than Chris Aslan’s Alabaster! This short novel brings the account of the early Christ followers into vivid context among the ancient culture of the Middle East.  Marta and Miriam (Mary and Martha) are the central characters, but they must live among the restraints of the culture, and often that equated to brutal mistreatment.  Aslan brings the sight, sounds and smells of this ancient culture to life in a way that impacts your heart profoundly!

There were times I wept with Miriam and Marta.  When the Teacher enters their world and the transformation of their hearts begin to take place, you will understand why the fragrance of the Teacher begins to permeate the pages of this story!  This is a novel to be experienced.  Savored.  Let it cause you to seek the fragrance of the Teacher in the pages of His Word!


I hope this is the first of many biblical novels from Chris Aslan’s pen!

About the Author:
Chris Aslan was born in Turkey and grew up in Beirut and wrote A Carpet Ride to Khiva: Seven Years on the Silk Road--part memoir, part travelogue about life in Uzbekistan. He is currently lecturing on textiles, tour-guiding around Central Asia, and studying in Oxford for Anglican ordination.