Journey to New Heights

Journey to New Heights
We need a heart for the lost

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Christmas Stalking by Margaret Daley

I just finisher another book so I'm doing yet another review. One of my Love Inspired Suspense book this month was Christmas Stalking, the next book in the Guardians, Inc. series. I love Margaret's books and was excited to find it this month.(I don't usually pay much attention to what next months book are)

Ellie St James is one of the Guardians Inc. bodyguards. She is hired to guard an elderly client, Rachel "Winnie" Winfield. She is hired as an assistance to Winnie because the CEO, Harold Jefferson, doesn't want Winnie to know there have been threats made against her life. Things were fine until Winnie's grandson, Colt Winfield, comes home unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Ellie assumes he has broken into the house as he assumes she is the intruder as they crash into each other.

Ellie doesn't trust Colt and Colt certainly doesn't trust Ellie. What kind of an assistant carries a gun with her? He confiscates the gun and locks it into the safe, leaving Ellie angry and frustrated. Suffering from a past that has made it impossible to trust, she is thrust into a situation where she will be forced to trust Colt. Colt knows that something is not right in this household and is soon torn between trying to trust Ellie and feeling a need to protect her and his beloved grandmother.

Winnie has come up with a new cosmetic line that will revolutionize aging therapy. Now someone is trying to kill her, is it another cosmetic company or a disgruntled employee. First they steal her dogs and then go after her and her family.

It was a fast paced book that you didn't want to put down. I loved her characters, especially Winnie. She was older but she was strong and not about to be bullied or wrapped in cotton. She was a true woman of God who trusted Him to keep her safe. I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't quite ready to read Christmas books yet but I really liked this one. Well Margaret you did it again! It was wonderful.

You can find out more about this book or others that Margaret has written at; www.margaretdaley.com. God bless you all and please check out the book.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Missing Monarch by Rachella McCalla

I have been waiting for this the final book in the Reclaiming the Crown Series for what seems like forever.  There was a problem on my account while I was in Panama and I didn't receive them when I should've, so I called them. When  they sent the books this book was not included. I have spent weeks checking at WalMart for the book to finally come out. I finally got it and I was not disappointed. It was a great book. I had often wondered about the missing prince. What would make him run? What would keep him away when someone blew up your family and threatened your country? Now my questions were answered and I loved it all.

The Crown Prince Thaddeus of Lydia had ran off six years ago. He left his family without telling them or anyone else of his secret marriage, he abandoned his new bride all  to try to save his country. Now six years later, his arch enemy has found out about his wife and a son Thad didn't know even existed. Octavian kidnaps Monica to find her husband or lose her son. Monica sets off the find Thad and turn him over to this evil man.

Octavian kidnaps their son, Peter, while Thad and Monica tries to get back for help. They are taken to Lydia to find the Scepter he had hidden before he left. Their journey to find the scepter and take back the country is full of action and suspense. You really aren't sure who you can trust and who you can.

Monica is so angry at Thad and can't understand why he had abandoned her. How do you forgive something like that. Thad's family welcomes her with open arms. She has a hard time to understand their acceptance.

Thad is still trying to sacrifice himself for his loved ones. Brokenhearted he had missed his child birth and childhood, lost six years with the love of his life, and all for nothing. he was right back in the hands of this evil man. How could he save them all?

I enjoyed that you also got to revisit the prince and princesses and their fiancees. I loved all these couples. I hated to see the story come to an end for they were people I had come to love. It was a very good book and I recommend it to you all. You can find out more about Rachelle and her books at www.rachellemccalla.com. God bless you all

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Survive the Night by Vicki Hinze

I usually only write three blogs a week but I've been trying to catch up on book reviews so today I'm writing one on one of the books I just finished. Survive the Night is a Love Inspired Suspense in the Lost Inc. Series, October Issue. Vicki has done a great job with this book.

Della Jackson is a broken spirit. She has lost everything and is trying to make a new life for herself but her past won't leave her alone. I love Della, she's lost her son, her husband, her faith, and a job she loved. She is stronger than she thinks. She struggles to go on and not let anyone close but God has other plans.

Paul Mason is doing everything in his power to help Della heal but has allowed his heart to become involved. As Della's life is threatened and attempts against her are made, he struggles to help her without revealing how he feels about her.

I can't tell you about the end of the story but I can say I love how Vicki leaves you hanging. I can't wait for the next installment. I hope you run out and get a copy. You can find out more about Vicki's books by going to vickihinze.com. God bless you all

Friday, September 21, 2012

Geese Mate for Life by Lillian Duncan

My post today in a book review; Geese Mate for Life. I haven't had the opportunity to read any of Lillian's books before and I always love to find new authors. I will indeed get more of her books. The book is really different but I really enjoyed. It's always nice to read a book that's not a rubber stamp of all thing romance books you read.  In fact I was not able to figure out who had done the murder until the very end, that is always a plus for me.

In the prologue Michael Hamilton is called into his boss's office, suddenly hot, sweating, and hulcinating
he is arrested for embezzling from the company. He is rushed from the police station to the hospital where he dies of a cocaine overdose, a suspected suicide. This is a Christian man that would take pennies back to a business if he received extra change.

The book is Jenni Hamilton's journey to accept what has happened even though it went against everything she knew to be true about her husband. Her mother tries to help her by drugging her without her knowledge, a doctor give her medication without even seeing her, her husband's boss tries to help smooth thing away, and even her husband's lawyer tries to convince her it is the truth and she must accept it. They all tell her he was guilty of embezzling three million dollars, putting the money in off shore accounts, and that he was leaving her so he could be with his lover.

Finally a friend that had led them to the Lord talks to her about what an honorable man he was how honest he was, even to a fault. So begins her journey to find the truth. She is kidnapped, thrown into a mental hospital, chased by murders, and her home is blown up. It is a fast paced suspense that will not let you put it down.

I loved this book a gained a lot of insight in my craft through this book I hope you run out and get a copy.
As always God bless you and thanks for reading my blog. I do so appreciate it. You can learn more about Lillian's books at:  www.lillianduncan.net.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Critical Condition by Sandra Orchard

Today my book review is on Critical Condition, the latest book in the Undercover Cops Series for Love Inspired Suspense. I have enjoyed this series. I really like the way Sandra tells her stories. Her characters are life like and it is easy to become involved with them. I always hate to get to the last chapter because you know you will never be involved in their lives again. It is like losing a close friend.

Tara Peterson, the head nurse in a cancer ward, walks into a room to answer a light, a light that seems to be malfunctioning. She hears something clattering to the floor and a loud thud. Her patient seems to be having a seizure. Tara is shoved out of the way hitting her head on the bed rail, looking back she sees a man runs out of the room, all she notices is a lab coat. Her patient's husband is lying on the floor bleeding. She calls for help. As they work on Mrs. Parker, she tries to help her husband. He tells her to stop the killer and then he dies along with his wife. This is the basic Prologue.

Tara starts out on a journey to try to get people to believe that the Parkers were murdered but no one seems to believe her. Zach Davis is sent undercover to find out what is happening. He poses as a computer consultant. He couldn't believe all the fuss over a couple people dying in a cancer ward. He soon overhears Tara trying to tell everyone in the hospital about the murder. He pulls her aside to warn her of possible danger.

Finally believing Tara, Zach has issues of his own as he is pulled into the investigation and into her life. The murders want to silence Tara. Zach reveals who he is to Tara as they are pulled deeper into the situation. Zach and Tara are drawn to each other as things heat up but each have problems of their own to deal with.

I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did. You can find out more about this book at www.SandraOrchard.com. God bless you.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Doctor's Defender by Terry Reed

My post today is a book review on The Doctor's Defender. This book was a Love Inspired, October 2012 issue. I love Terri Reed's books and always look forward to reading them. This book is no exception. It was one of the Protection Specialists Series.

Dr. Brenda Storm is an important trauma surgeon at a large hospital. She receives an anonymous gift of poisoned cupcakes, causing the death of one of the security guards. Her Boss hires a body guard to protect her. Brenda doesn't really believe her life is in danger until another attempt is made in the operating room. The much to handsome body guard looks and acts more like a surfer than a body guard. Even though he is always joking around and trying to lighten up the situation, he manages to save her life and whisks her off to a place she should be safe, her parents home, right. They aren't there long when it is obvious that something is wrong there.

Kyle Martin is drawn to the beautiful doctor but feels she is to up tight. As he probes into her past and her relationship to God, he is  pulled into her world. He does everything he can do help her find her way back to her Heavenly Father. Brenda wants no part of faith, a very important issue for Kyle. He decides that is part of his mission, to lead her back to God. With each attempt on her life they are pulled closer together.

 I loved all the drama. Her characters were intriguing and although total opposites they blended well together. I really enjoyed this book. I hope you will all get a copy, I know you will like it too.Visit her at www.loveinspireddaughters.com.

God bless you all and thanks for visiting me today.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Accidental Meeting by Susette Williams

I just finished Accidental Meeting and want to share with you my review. This was one of the funniest books I have read for quite awhile. It was a fast easy read that you laughed all the way through. I enjoyed every moment of it.

I loved the characters especially Abbey Martin. A really strong Christian, she tries to live her faith even in times of real struggles. Her day begins when her car refuses to start. Running late for a meeting she borrows her roommates car. She then has a run in with her boss. He makes an inappropriate advance, one of many. She quits but Gary, her boss yells loudly that she is fired.  Knowing no one will believe her story of harassment, she leaves the office angry and upset. Driving home she run into the back of a Lincoln Town Car. Thrilled that the driver isn't hurt she runs to him to give him a hug. He takes one look at her running straight at him and takes a step back only to fall down and embankment.

Bruce Harrison is injured when he falls down the embankment. When Abby runs down to help him up, he asks if she has come to finish him off. He is taken to the hospital. Driven by her Christian duty Abby follows him and offers him a ride home. Bruce's housekeeper is there and talks to Abby why they wait. Abby offers to help Bruce anyway he needs. Intrigued by this woman he tells her he needs an assistant and a chauffeur.
She tells him she will do it.

She takes a part time job at night at a grocery store. During the day she drives him around and takes him to work. His company has just taken over the business where she worked. He was now her ex-boss's boss.
It is a great story and very uplifting. One of my favorite parts was when she was at the hospital and there were several bikers there. One of there buddies had been shoved through a window. They had whistled and
upset her but after Bruce drove off one of the bikers was outside smoking and asked her if she and her boyfriend had made up. She explained that she had struck him with her car. She talked to him about forgiveness. He talked to her about how he was the one who had thrown his buddy out the window. They had been best friends for years and wanted him to forgive him. She asks him if she can pray with him. She takes his hand and prays with him. Most people wouldn't do that. She is great. I loved it.

You need to read this book, you will love it. I love how it turns out. You can buy this book through Amazon or www.susettewilliams.com. God bless you all.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

False Pretenses by Kathy Herman

I want to talk to you today about a book I just finished, False Pretenses. I really enjoyed this book. I hope you will get a copy to read yourself. Kathy did a wonderful job on her story.

This is a story about two couples, one couple living a life of lies and deceptions, the other living a life serving a God they know and love. It tells how their lives were interwoven and how God was able to use the situation to turn everything around.

Zoe is a young woman that was badly abused by her own father. Her mother knew of the abuse but failed to help the young girl. Zoe took jobs to stay away from home and then took a job as a live in servant far from home.  After working several years for a wonderful lady she steals a valuable ring and hides the money in three banks. Sometime later she runs away, changes her name, and buys a Cajun Eatery. She meets a wonderful man and marries him even though she swore she would never marry. Now five years later everything she has is in jeopardy because of her deception.

Pierce tries to save his wife, his neighbor Vanessa, and his own life while trying to understand how the woman he loved could have deceived him the whole time he knew her. How could he ever trust her again? Could he forgive her? Could he live without her?

Vanessa and Ethan are a young couple who are still trying to get over a life changing experience of their own. They have moved here to rebuild a family home and turn it into a Bread and Breakfast. Through their own trials they have learned to trust God in all situations. They have a real relationship with their Father. They set out to help Zoe and Pierce.

I liked the struggles that tore them apart, brought them together, and that even though Zoe had made terrible mistakes how her town rallied around them. Zoe's journey could easily be one that we all take even though we may not have made mistakes as serious as her we all make mistakes. These characters and their struggles were real and I loved who they were and how they reacted. I know you will enjoy the book. You can find out more about how to get the book  at www.kathyherman.com.







Monday, September 10, 2012

Whispers in the Wind by Lauraine Snelling

I received this book through a contest. I love to win books or receive them free, otherwise I would be unable to read as many different authors as I do. I live on a limited income and I'm unable to purchase as many books as I need to feed my obsession. I promised Lauraine a review so here it is. I didn't promise to give her a good one, just a review. I do love her books and my only problem with this one is that I must now buy the next one to find out what happens.

Cassie Lockwood belonged to a Wild West Show her father and his partner ran. After her fathers death, the partner ruins the show and runs off leaving everyone with nothing to live on. Cassie finds the deed to a ranch that her father had talked about but she had thought it was a only dream. She takes her adopted family, Chief a friend of her fathers, Micah the animal handler, and Runs Like a Deer an Indian with a broken leg they found on the way and goes to claim the ranch.

Mavis Engstrom and her two sons Ransom and Lucas are surprised when Cassie and her family shows up but Mavis explains the secret that she and her husband kept from the boys. Cassie is indeed half owner of the ranch. Mavis and the boys help Cassie and her friends fix up and old cabin that was once lived in by Cassie's father and their father.

Cassie has always been traveling and is thrilled with a chance to put down roots but is confused by Mavis desire to help them in every way. Ransome  is suspicious of Cassie and why she is here. He is angry with his mother for keeping her secret and her willingness to just hand over the ranch. Lucas is thrilled with Cassie and wants to marry her. The neighbors are up in arms because Cassie has brought Indians into their world.

Cassie is driven to compete in a shooting  contest to try to earn money for her family but is shot just a few weeks before the event. Determined to support her people she forces herself to use the arm before it is ready. I love this girl's determination and strength. She is willing to do whatever it takes to help her family.
Mavis is a character that just loves Cassie as the daughter she never had but could have. She wants to help this girl in any way she can. I like that about her. I loved Ransom, he didn't appreciate his mother's lies and deception but he loved her, respected her, and did what she told him to do to help Cassie. Lucas is not my favorite character as he seems to go from one woman to another but he does help Cassie to get shooting gigs. He seems to understand her need to care for her own.

I loved this book as I said before my only problems is that now I have to get the next book to find out what happens next. I hope you will run out and buy a copy of this book, I know you will love it. The book is published by Bethany House so you can find it in line or through www.laurainesnelling.com.



Friday, September 7, 2012

I'm Back!!!

Wednesday I was about to give up hope on my computer. Corey, my computer guy, couldn't get me  screen. Everyone was telling him that you can't get that screen anymore. They don't make them anymore, they would send him a different screen with an adapter kit but he had tried that before. My computer was broken last June, he has been searching for a screen ever since. I have been so frustrated. I have had to run to the library each day I can. Blogging has been a real challenge, keeping up on line has been a real challenge, and ministering to my teen friends and other authors has been a real challenge. God is so good though.

Wednesday our ladies prayer group started again. (We didn't have group prayer over the summer.) We had prayed for the needs of the church and our people and were getting ready to leave when I thought of my computer and we called that screen in. I don't know why I hadn't thought to pray that way. Thursday Corey called and my computer was finished. He had found a screen somewhere in China. Praise God!! He is so good.

Are there thing in your life you forget to pray for? God loves to give us those little things we need if we just ask. Nothing is to small for Him to step in and fix it. He loves to give good gifts to His children.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Hurt But Not Forsaken

Today I want to share what happened with my granddaughter this weekend. I want you to know that bad things happen to good people and that God is there right in the midst of it all. I praise God that we have victory and that God is always there for us.

Last fall Schanae, my granddaughter had problems with a boy that goes to her school. He has some mental issues and Schanae felt bad for him because of what her mother had gone through. This boy became a stalker and made Schanae's life a nightmare. The police were called in when several of the girls were chased by this teen and ran into a store and 911 was called. He was taken to Kearney to a mental facility. He was put on medication and has been doing better.

Last week I saw him on the corner of our block and was concerned, Schanae told me he was on meds and was doing good. He just wanted to walk with her. I was very concerned. This child had potential to become a real threat to the kids in our school and we have had enough trauma in our school this year. (We just had a Junior found dead in his home this weekend, he was in Schanae's classes) I talked to my daughter and she talked to Schanae about this boy.

Saturday Schanae went to her friend's house to watch the Nebraska Football Game. She was walking home around six-thirty. She was just two blocks from our home when this boy attacked her. He told her he loved her and needed her as he struck her and kicked her. She did fight back, bless her heart. A older couple saw what was happening and yelled for him to stop. Schanae managed to break away from him and run home. To some they might not see the hand of God in this situation but it could have been so much worse. I praise God for the couple and for her being able to get away.

The police were called, pictures of the bruises were taken, and the boy was arrested for third degree assault. We were told to get a restraing order. Tuesday I drove her to school and picked her up but the boy was back in school acting like nothing had happened. I don't know or understand why things like this happen to good people but they do. We live in an evil world and the devil likes to torment the Christians that cause him problems.

We pray for protection for her each day and we will continue to do so and with much more vigor. Our God is a good God and I know He will keep her in the palm of His hand. Do you know God as your protector. In this evil world we need to claim the 91st Psalm each day especiall for our kids. God bless you all.