Saturday, 20 December 2014

Book Review: Nowhere to Turn

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From the Back:
 
Hidden Identity – Book 2

The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son, Simon, and flees from her abusive husband, is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, the danger has just begun. When Kurt was alive, he took something important to a mysterious person. That person wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .
From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold readers in its iron grip. Bestselling author Lynette Eason propels readers along at a breakneck pace in a race to discover the truth and a better future.

My Reflections:

This non stop suspense will have you running to hide...just so you can finish it.
The betrayal and deceit run hot in the fast paced novel. As you loose track of dead bodies and try to unwind the plot you will be swept into a world of mistrust and suspense like you haven't seen before.

Danielle Harding is a fierce mama bear out to protect the one thing she has left in this world her beloved son Simon..

Simon struck deaf from his abusive father as a child struggles to come to grips with his anger and hurt, not to mention just trying to keep his mom alive. This was a very interesting character. True to life, and exactly as you would imagine an 11 year old under such extreme stress. I loved the way Easton created his personality, he is brave, yet vulnerable, angry yet sensitive, such a beautiful mix of genuine characteristics.

Danielle is also a unique study, she seems very believable her strength to move on through each and every action packed scene is spell bounding! At points you would think she would crack, but after living such a nightmare of a life I guess her character must be hyped up on adrenaline, and disaster is just commonplace.

I was a little disappointed in how the romantic scenes played out however as I felt that someone with such a history of abuse certainly would not be thinking clearly and this type of rebound relationship would be detrimental. I know this is just a novel, but I always try to think about real life situations as I read and hope that women in this type of circumstance would not rush into a relationship without some serious counselling!

Adam Buchanan is not your run of the mill hero, he is manly yet sensitive to his clients need to stay safe and alive. Although he seems to be doing a pretty sad job of it throughout the book, we find out the reasons, and all is justified. I thought his attentiveness to Simon was a sweet gesture and loved the tender side he often showed thought the story. Adam has a past, that seems to haunt him, and Danielle seems to be just the distraction he needs to be able to face his own demons and move onto a life fully lived. But can he keep Danielle alive long enough to see his desires reached?

You won't want to put this book down, it's break neck speed and non stop action will keep your head spinning until you race to the last page. A true and wonderful romantic suspense that in my opinion was breathtakingly fabulous!

Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin communications, thank you Graf-Martin!!

About the Author:




Lynette Eason
Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason has written/contracted thirty-six books since 2007. She writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. Lynette has been teaching for more than ten years and is very happy to make the transition from teaching school to teaching writing whenever the opportunity presents. She is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.

Friday, 12 December 2014

Book Review: Deceived

Cover Art

From the Back:

A grieving mother. A mysterious child. And a dedicated PI who's determined to solve the puzzle.
For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

My Reflections:

In perfect Hannon form this book starts fast and finishes strong. Hannon is one of my top rated authors, her work is always compelling and her characters never fail to engage. This plot with it's twists and turns will most definitely give your fingers a workout, and your mind will be transfixed to this superb mystery!

Kate Marshall has been tested to the max, three long years ago her life had jumped the rail. Going from a loving wife and mother to a grieving woman alone in the world has been one of the hardest hurdles she has ever had to face. After an apparent accident which took the life of her husband and presumably her son as well Kate tries, to move past her trauma. She dose the best she can until one fateful moment when she thinks she spots and hears the voice of her long lost son. Has God answered her earnest longings, could this truly be her flesh and blood?

Connor Sullivan a private detective takes Kate Marshalls case, even though he is pretty sure things will not have a favorable ending. As the two work closely on the case they develop a bond, one that sparks more than clues to the mystery surrounding the identity of the little blond boy. Will Kate still be interested in spending time together even if this boy is not her son?

This is book three in the Private Justice series, but I feel it is just as good as a stand alone. I have read all of the books in this series, and of course would recommend you do the same, pick up book one and start from there, I know you will not be sorry you did.

 Hannon has done a marvelous job with this romantic suspense. She has such a unique way of weaving fiction with reality, the reader truly forgets they are merely turning pages, and are transported into a world of suspense and drama. Great work Hannon! I can't wait for this authors brand new series, Men of Valor to be released in the spring of 2015


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


The Author

  1. Irene Hannon
    © DeWeesePhotography.com

    Irene Hannon

    Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted...
    Continue reading about Irene Hannon

Reviews

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Book Review: A Promise to Protect

A Promise to Protect 

In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman's secret could change everything.
Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn't mean he can get her--or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago--out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task--protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it's no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.



My Reflections:

Patricia Bradley has skillfully penned a spine tingling suspense with her new book "A Promise to Protect" The perfect blend of who done it, mixed with action and drama. I was glued to the pages of this one, simply could not put this book down.

Leigh Somerall lands a nursing job in the small town, to be close to her brother, thing is this is a town she has no desire to settle down in. Memories and a certain Ben Logan tug at her conscience, making the taunt situation of staying alive and protecting her son that much harder!  

Ben Logan the acting sheriff feels he is up against an invisible force. People are dying and his own family has been hit hard by this invisible darkness. Protecting Leigh Somerall is becoming a full time job. Anchored to painful events from the past Ben must face the demons who hunt him in order to keep the peace in his soul and his town.

A fantastic Romantic Suspense I would highly recommend this on for Christmas.

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


The Author

  1. Patricia Bradley
    © Cheryl Meints

    Patricia Bradley

    Patricia Bradley's manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). Also the author...
    Continue reading about Patricia Bradley

Saturday, 22 November 2014

Book Review: Stolen


http://nutsaboutbooks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/STOLEN.jpg
  • ISBN 9781441246141
From The Back: 

There is hope, even on the darkest of days
Katariina Rosenblatt was a lonely and abused young girl, yearning to be loved, wanting attention. That made her the perfect target. On an ordinary day, she met a confident young woman--someone Kat wished she could be like--who pretended to be a friend while slowly luring her into a child trafficking ring. A cycle of false friendships, threats, drugs, and violence kept her trapped.

As Kat shares her harrowing experiences, her ultimate escape, and her passionate efforts to now free other victims, you'll see that not only is sex trafficking happening frighteningly close to home--it's also something that can be stopped. Stolen is a warning, a celebration of survival, and a beacon of hope that will inspire you.

My Reflections:

When I saw this book up for review I had to read it. However I don't think I was prepared for the emotions the story evoked in me.  This is a hard read, not for the faint of heart, but it is a must read.

Every parent, youth worker, and church director must read this book. How will we ever stop the atrocities that go on around us if we pretend that bad things won't happen to the children around us?

Sex trafficking is nothing new to our society, and shockingly it is common place, yet we do very little to educate ourselves to the realities of this crime. The numbers of children sold into the sex trade have risen in an alarming rate. In the US over 300,000 children are forced into this horrific trade a year. One year. Girls and boys as young as 9 are recruited and most don't make it to adulthood alive...

Canada is no different, don't think this only happens south of the border. Here are some shocking Canadian statistics:

- Humans are the second most trafficked "product" in the black market [internationally], surpassed only by drugs.

- According to the RCMP, 800 to 1200 people are trafficked in and through Canada every year. (although this is hard to track due to the underground networks in Canada)

- 2200 men, women, and children, are trafficked into America from Canada every year. Canada is considered a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of prostitution and forced labour.

- In Canada a girl can be sold for $15,000 and earn her owner over $40,000 a year.
(Source: http://www.4mycanada.ca/HumanTrafficking.html.)

Back to this book,  Katariina Rosenblatt shows immense bravery, strength and wisdom in her journey from an abused, confused and scared little girl to a healthy, functioning individual who holds a PhD. This woman is a shining example of God's love and mercy, with him ALL things are possible! What a testimony.

I was deeply moved by this story it is a stark reminder to be a present and loving  force in our child's lives, because if they don't get the love and care they crave, someone else will give it to them.

This story is tastefully done, although explicit and revealing you will want to read this front to back. This is not a mere autobiography, it is a story of redemption and grace. God's love is with us through all things. Even in the deepest sin and darkness, he is always near. He will always seek us and draw us to him. This story is a shining example of just that. In Katariina's darkest moments he saved her more than once, something she will admit rarely happens. Her life is a testament to his great love!

This story is a gut wrenching read on a miserable topic, but it is an important and worthy read. I finished this book in 2 days, and was glued to the pages. I could not put it down.

Because I have also lived through abuse, although certainly not to this degree, I can tell you from experience that the brain of a child can not comprehend the horrors of what is happening to them. A child believes what an adult tells them, abuse becomes a common everyday occurrence and the child is trained to think the abuse is normal. I have read some reviews that have criticized the author, they can not believe that Ms. Rosenblatt would not leave her abusers. I have to say this to them, when this is all you know, when you have never experienced what real love is, when no one cares about you and you have no self worth, why would you leave? This is your only security, twisted as it is. Please don't judge a person unless you have walked in their shoes.

I absolutely recommend this book, wholeheartedly, how else can we equip ourselves to the realities of the fallen world we live in and try to help the people around us? This book is a candle shining in the darkness, well done Ms. Rosenblatt!

Some more Canadian statistics:

Child Trafficking in Canada

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

About The Authors

  1. Katariina Rosenblatt

    Katariina Rosenblatt

    Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD, is living proof of the promise she heard long ago at a Billy Graham crusade that God would never forsake her. Katariina has a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution and works closely with law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI...

  2. Cecil Murphey

    Cecil Murphey

    Cecil Murphey has written or coauthored more than 135 books, including the bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story with Dr. Ben Carson. Murphey is a recipient of the Gold Medallion Award, two-time...
    Continue reading about Cecil Murphey

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Kefir: A Wonderful Probiotic


A picture of Milk Kefir grains (web picture not my own)

This country girl has gone through some mighty big and bold changes since moving to "the Middle of Nowhere"

Some have been gradual and some have been speedy. My gradual slide into healthy living has been the biggest and most surprising transformation yet. As some of my followers remember I was determined not to turn "crunchy"...

....Ugh, city dwellers, I hate to admit it, and, well darn it hurts, but I think I may just have become slightly chewy, NOT crunchy mind you, just a tad chewy.

I think the trouble started before I even moved here, It was when I realized I was intolerant to gluten, you have to get pretty ingenious to eat, when half of your food choices are taken away. That my friends was the start to my chewy journey...It is a slippery slope my friends, a slippery slope...

If I was to predict that I would be off Gluten, Sugar, and not able to wear makeup 5 years ago, I may have locked myself in a small dark room and called for chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. Thing is I can't eat chocolate...oh I do love chocolate, the creamy dark goodness of it..ahh well so much for that. It makes me spacey, gives me migraines and raises my blood pressure..all of which are pretty nasty!

OK, OK back to the Kefir. My dear friend Agnes introduced me to the wonders of this stuff called a grain but is not an actual grain, more of a bacteria...sounds yummy, right? Truth be told this bacteria is filled with some mighty good probiotics too, did I have you at Probiotics?

I have found some great literature on Kefir here is some of what I found:

  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir  Wikipedia is always a good source right?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/whats-the-difference-between-yogurt-and-kefir/article7904569/   This one from the Globe and Mail

http://chriskresser.com/kefir-the-not-quite-paleo-superfood I like this one it is pretty informative!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlZrlm9tsrw Here is a u tube demo on how to make Milk kefir, the music is catchy and the lady is peppy!

So there you have it friends, some great info on the health benefits of Kefir. I also have water Kefir and Kombucha, although I have not been able to convince anyone (including myself) to try that one, it looks a little too liverish...eek! Update: The Kombucha went to an new forever home RIP dear liver, I am far too squeamish to try you!

I have to tell you my youngest loves water kefir, and asks for it daily, the other two drink it without much complaint! That says something right there, so I will continue this journey and let you know how it goes. If you need some water Kefir I have lots extra!

God Bless friends!

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Book Review: Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary : New and Enhanced Edition, Ronald F. Youngblood

From The Back:
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is the most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. With a fresh new look and updated photographs, this new and enhanced edition is a wealth of basic study information with more than 7,000 entries plus more than 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides.
Features include:
  • Cross-references to major translations
  • More than 7,000 up-to-date entries
  • More than 500 full-color photographs and maps
  • Enlarged type size for easier reading
  • Visual Survey of the Bible from The Open Bible                                               

  •      
    My Reflections:  
    If you have been searching for a resource that will enhance the way you research the Bible, Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary will most certainly fill all your needs and much more. 
    This comprehensive Bible Dictionary is one of the best I have seen. It is a hefty hardcover volume at over 1200 pages of charts, graphs, pictures, maps, outlines, and so much more.
    This is the new and enhances edition, It encompasses all previous editions dated from 1986 onward. When studying the bible as a family there are often those questions that I simply can`t answer, so having a resource like this on hand for our family devotions is essential.
     Everything in this bible dictionary is cross referenced and solid. When looking up entries you will either find references to exact text entries in the Bible, what translations you will find the word in and of course the meaning of the word. Such a comprehensive and complete tool. 
    My favorite aspect of this Bible is the front where it outlines a "Visual Survey of the Bible." Being a visual learner I enjoyed how clear and easy to understand this outline makes to understand the Bible. I have left it out on the coffee table and found each and every one of my family browsing though it's pages. Even the 7 year old!
    I can honestly say I was thrilled at receiving such an amazing tool, this will certainly be a well loved resource in our home for years to come. So if you have been looking for a easy to use supplement to study the Bible in greater detail, this may just be the resource you have been searching for! 
    I received this resource free of charge form Book Look Bloggers, in return for my honest review. Thank you so much Book Look!

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Book Review: The Brickmaker's Bride

Cover Art

From the Back:

In the clay-rich hills of the newly founded state of West Virginia, two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business.



Ewan McKay has immigrated to West Virginia with his aunt and uncle, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial help. Uncle Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it's Ewan's job to get the company up and running again.

Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he quickly feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Resolving that he'll make the brickworks enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Ireland, Ewan pours all his energy into the new job.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work is put in jeopardy. As his hopes for the future crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. Can she help him save the brickworks, and will Ewan finally get a shot at winning her heart?

My Reflections:

The Brickmaker's Bride is the first novel in the new series by Judith Miller, Set in the late 1860's this book encapsulates the time period splendidly. From the first page to the last the reader is transfixed with the unique characters and well thought out story line.

Having no foreknowledge of the brick making industry I quite enjoyed learning about the process and technique of what it took to produce bricks in this era.  What backbreaking hard work it was!

Laura was such an interesting character. She was driven and motivated to keep her deceased father's business and name in good standing. Although she was actively selling the business she was deeply invested in finding a good buyer who would prosper.  I am sure Laura faced great difficulties being a forward thinking individual, in a time where women were expected to be meek and mild, and not help run such a business as this. 
To confuse issues further, Laura must choose which man she wished to pursue, the upstanding Lawyer or the nephew of the man who is purchasing her families business.

Ewan an Irish immigrant is hard working and upstanding. Navigating the treacherous relationship of his overbearing uncle and aunt he tries to make a new start and overcome the stigma of his heritage. I quite enjoyed watching these two characters slowly unfold and become whole and well rounded. Such a beautiful progression to witness.

This story is rich and meaningful, peppered with history and faith it is the perfect holiday gift or winters read. Well done Judith Miller, I eagerly anticipate your next book in this series.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group a division of Bethany house and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."  Thank you Graf-Martin!

The Author

  1. Judith Miller

    Judith Miller

    Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She...
    Continue reading about Judith Miller
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