Out of the Shadows by Glenda Parker

So today is going to be different. I'm not doing a book review but announcing my first book being published by Lulu.com. It's been seven years since I started this book and I am thrilled to get it out there so people can read it and hopefully be helped by it's content.

Seven years ago, I felt like God was urging me to write a book. I had always wanted to write but didn't have a clue how to do it, so I rebuked the devil and tried to go on with my life. God had other plans. He wouldn't leave me alone. I talked to my daughter about it but didn't know what to do about it. One day Kellie, my daughter, and I went to a garage sale. I only had a quarter in my pocket and there was a book on top of a box of books, it title was How to Write a Novel. Kellie laughed and told my God was trying to tell me something. So I prayed, 'If this is from You, Lord, let me have it for a quarter, that's all I have.' The lady had priced everything really high so I didn't think it would work. I asked her what she wanted for the book and she told me if I wanted it I could just have the whole box; she just wanted to get rid of it. The whole box was full of books on how to write a novel. Kellie burst out laughing. I now had my answer but I still had no clue where to go from here but I was now willing.

So I thought I'd write a cute, funny, fluff book but that didn't happen. God woke me up in the night with the words to write. once I started, I couldn't seem to stop. Out of the Shadows has a lot of my own personal testimony; how I ended up married to the wrong man, how I felt there wasn't any forgiveness for me because I had disobeyed God, and how God can deliver you from the horrors of abuse. In defense of my ex-husband, he wasn't physically abusive until he returned from Vietnam. At the time he tried to kill me I had an eighteen month old daughter and was pregnant with twins. Eddie followed me around, peeking in windows, and finally telling my bosses wife the baby I carried was her husband's. I lived in horror. Although I didn't have a man come rescue me, my controlling father came and took me home. It took me years to trust a man again. I was thirty years before I learned that God truly had forgiven me and been by my side the whole time.

This book has the answers to the abuse of men and women. Part of the abuse syndrome is the need to completely control, destruction of their self worth, and total isolation of their partner. Jesus has the ability to get you out of this mess and restore you to the man or woman He created you to be. I give you the plan of salvation because that is what is truly needed. God wants all to be saved.

I hope you will check out the book and let me know what you think about the story. I pray it will be a blessing to all that read it. God bless you all have a great holiday week.

 

The Mountain Place of Knowledge by Marshall Chamberlain

My book review today is on the book Mountain Place of Knowledge. This is the first book of the Ancestor Series of Adventure-Thrillers. So I did this backwards, I read the second book first and then read this one but they can each stand alone. I liked the first book so much I asked to read the second, I don't normally do that. This is a great read. I don't always like science fiction but this one is very well written and I enjoyed the characters. (I do wish there was more of a romance between John Henry and M.E.)

 Calvin Stanvich, Curator of the Belize Museum of Natural History has found a burial chamber of a Mayan Sorceress, Myakka, at the top of a sacrificial pyramid; the chamber contains a diary, ancient metallic scrolls, and 1100 year old codex. As he translates it, the diary talks of a sentinel tree that opens a secret door in a mountain; where a scepter was found that would heal people, Tritium, a place of knowledge, and information of an advanced civilization. Minister Jacobson asks Dr. Courtney, a scientist on vacation to go with Calvin. Dr. Courtney and his aide are killed under questionable circumstances. The Minister asks for assistance from the UN.

John Henry Morgan is called in by the Deputy Secretary General of the UN; Dr. Courtney was Morgan's mentor, and a good friend. John Henry goes in as acting Director of the ISUP. (Institute of the Study of Unusual Phenomena) He brings Dr. Mary Ellen Rollins in and his team to investigate the deaths. The investigation shows that the phenomena is real; Calvin isn't the man he poses to be, that they are being monitored by the CIA, and that the Chinese have somehow become involved.

It is a fast paced adventure, on the order of an Indiana Jones Story. It is a book that is hard to put down. I highly recommend it. God bless you all and have a great weekend.

Shake Down by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Shake Down. Jill is one of my favorite authors of suspense and this one didn't let my down. It's a great read and I know you will enjoy it too. It's well written and I really got caught up in the characters and she managed to surprise me at the end. That doesn't usually happen.

Janice Swenson comes to Martha's Vineyard to repair a cottage that was left to her by a distant relative. She's slowly recovering from the trauma of being held hostage with her best friend. Janice thinks restoring the cottage will be a fun working vacation. She doesn't want anyone to know she's the owner of the cottage because of her family's connection to the mob, so she tells everyone she's the realtor, which she is, repairing and staging the cottage for selling. But soon she starts having accidents and enlists the aide of a neighbor after he rescues her.

Shane Gillum is undercover trying to find evidence to clear his father's name, get him out of prison, and destroy the hated Moran mob family. His father has information that Reggie Moran left information on all his mob connections. The cottage is suppose to be empty but before he can get into it to look around, a pretty young realtor moves in to restore it. Shane is drawn to the pretty young thing but can't figure out if the attacks are on her or if the mob has found him.

Can their be a future for this couple when both are keeping secrets about who they really are? A wonderful journey of two people destined to be together even as they hide who they are from each other. God always has a plan and He has a since of humor. You need to run out and get a copy of this book. God bless you all.


 

Smoking Springs by Robert C. Mowry

My book review today on the book, Smoking Springs. I was sent an advance reader copy to read and review, this review is in my own words. I don't know as I can say this is a book that you will enjoy because it's not that kind of a book. I found it interesting, well written and at times heart breaking.

Judah Ward is a Confederate Soldier from Texas, stranded in New Mexico Territory. He has been shot in the foot a month ago; his foot is infected to the point the surgeons want to remove it, one of his officers shoots him in the shoulder, he's struck by shrapnel ravaging his skull while taking off part of his ear, and is suffering from frostbite and exhaustion. While all the other Texan's want only to go home Judah vows never to go home.

Sam Houston McCoy, his cousin, has promised he would get Judah home to his daddy. Sam manages to keep the surgeons from cutting off his foot. He steals a mule from the union soldiers and refuses to leave Judah behind as they did the other wounded soldiers. He's helped by former slave named Bones, a kind Mexican girl named Ramona, Ramona's uncle Cisco, and an Apache woman he names Red Bear.

This is a journey of one man through the horrors of war with nothing left but a determination to live. He struggles with his past and a father who was a hell, fire , and brimstone preacher. His only concept of God was someone to slap him down when he stepped out of line. Judah didn't know what he had done to make God so mad but it seemed there was no hope.
 
I recommend this book, I pray you have a good week and God bless you.

Protective Instincts by Shirlee McCoy

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Protective Instincts by Shirlee McCoy. This is the first book of the Mission:Rescue Series. I love Shirlee's books, she writes an awesome intrigue and this book is one of the best. I loved this book. The new series centers around a rescue organization known as HEART. These teams go out and rescues hostages and brings families back together. The Miller family has started this unit because of the kidnapping of their sister years ago. I loved the whole concept and I enjoyed these characters. The characters are all broken but have gone on with God to help others.

Raina Lowery lost her husband and her young son. Her faith has been lost in the process, in an effort to return to her faith she goes on a mission trip to Africa. The team, she is on is taken hostage and she is rescued by the HEART Team. A young boy risks his life to help her; he is wounded and Raina arranges for him to come to her to get the medical attention he needs to live. Two of the HEART Team brings him to her. Someone doesn't want him there and soon there are attacks taking place.

Jackson Miller is the man who saved Raina in Africa. Raina wouldn't leave unless they took the small boy who had helped her so he took the boy with them. These two stole a piece of his heart. When Stella, a member of HEART asks him to help her take Samuel to Raina he is more than willing to go with her. When they arrive Raina is out in the woods in the middle of the night being shot at. Jackson takes off after the shadow and almost get killed himself. His sole desire is to protect these two and keep them safe and restore their lives.

A story of getting your eyes off your problems to help others and receiving Gods plan in your life. A great story of restoration, I know you will love it. God bless you and have a great weekend.

Deep in the Heart by Staci Stallings

My book review today is on the book, Deep in the Heart by Staci Stallings. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and although her characters are complex they are people you come to care about. The story shows the hopelessness of the rich and famous as well as the riches of the poor. I liked that. It is about one man's journey to find his purpose.

Keith Ayer was born into a rich family. He tried living the high life but found it unfulfilling. Now he works for his father in the stables, no one considers it work though. His father sees him as a useless failure and takes the manager position away form him and gives it to the trainer. The only thing Keith has done right was to get engaged to a senator's daughter. Dallas is a young socialite, a soon to be lawyer, and only interested in his money. Keith hates his life.

Maggie Montgomery is an orphan, brought up in foster homes. She's taking a job as the Ayer's family nanny. It's a twenty-four/seven kind of a job. She soon learns that nannies only last there for an average of two weeks to a month. Her first day she trips and falls right into the arms of a hired hand or at least that's who she thinks he is. Keith is drawn to this young woman that seems to have no use for their money, loves the kids, and prays with them each night. Maggie is shocked when she finds out he is the boss' son and expects to be fired at any time for the things she has told him.

This is a great read, one you'll have a hard time putting down. One of the statements I love is; would you rather be rich and be poor or would you rather be poor and be rich. Maggie leads Keith back to the faith that his mother taught him and gives him a reason to live.

Forgotten Past by Mary Alford

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Forgotten Past by Mary Alford. I don't believe that I have read any of Mary's books before. I think she is new to Love Inspired Suspense but I have to tell you I loved this book. Years ago I suffered a seizure and awoke to remember nothing. It took several hours for the memories to return to me but I will never forget the horror of not knowing who I was. The book is well written and full of action. I really liked the end. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Faith Mckenzie was involved in a horrendous home invasion in Austin Texas. She was beaten, her throat cut, and left dead. The police refused to believe that she had amnesia and looked at her as the main suspect. Now two years later she had ran from city to city trying to escape the past, which she still couldn't remember and the killer that had set out to torture her. She has moved to Hope Island Maine hoping to begin a new life but she is attacked and her neighbor steps in to save her. The neighbor tells her he is a detective and she tries to pull away. Faith has a real problem with cops.

J.T. Wyatt is a private detective and a security specialist. He and his two friends own the business and are very busy. He finds a little pug on his door step shaking, he takes the dog to his new neighbor but find his master in as much fear as the pup. J.T. is a widower and is not going to get involved with a women but he is drawn to this tortured woman. How can he help her when she doesn't remember anything about murders. What is the secret that is locked in her brain? Can he save her before the hurricane hits the island?

Awesome journey of faith to find the past, stay alive, and find restoration. A great book and one that will be hard for you to put down. I loved the faith that was woven into the story. You need to get a copy.

Ozark Reunion by Helen Gray

My book review today is on the Heartsong Presents, Ozark Reunion by Helen Gray. This is Helen's second book about the Great Depression in a small town in Missouri. I enjoyed the first and was glad when her second one arrived. She has done it again, this book is well written, her characters are hurting victims of a national tragedy, and the love story is sweet.

Jolene Delaney is a school teacher, she was forced to take a pay cut but at least she had a job. Her father is injured and is unable to care for the farm. Their neighbor takes over the chores. Jolene and her younger sister are struggling to survive. One of her beloved students is forced to move to town when his father leaves town to try to find work. The boy runs away and is found her hiding in her barn. When she takes the boy home she finds his mother and four children living in a garage with nothing. She ends up having his mother care for her father and gives them all a room in her home.

Riley Blake has a troubled past; running moonshine, shot by mobster, and his loss of his brother. He stopped having anything to do with God when He let his brother died. As a child his sister's best friend had been a part of his life and he grew to care for her, maybe even love her. Jolene is a strong Christian
and as they became teens she began to preach at him constantly. Riley turned from her as he had God. Now he had returned home to help his family through this time of struggle.

This story is a journey of many different areas; Jolene learning that preaching to a man is not the way to bring him to the Lord, Riley's struggle with love and faith, and both learning that God has a plan and that no matter how bad things get giving is the true joy in life, and as you give God will bless you. I know this book will warm your heart and touch your soul. Now have a great weekend and God bless you.

The Ice Cap and The Rift by Marshall Chamberlain

My book review today is on an Advance Reader's Copy of the book, The Ice Cap and The Rift. It was sent to me to read and review. My review is totally my own thoughts and idea. This is the second book in the Ancestor Series of Adventure-Thrillers. I loved this book. It's full of all kind of facts that were mostly over my head but yet somehow kept my attention and only added to the suspense and intrigue. If I had a complaint about the book it would be that the other world people called the attacks on the earth from jehovah. I had an issue with that one thing. I wish you would have called him Lucifer instead, he's the one that attacks the earth and all mankind. I have to warn you that this book is very hard to put down. I usually read two or three books at a time but I put the other books on hold and just read this one. I hope to have the opportunity to read the first, and I can assure I'll read the next one.

The UN's Institute for the Study of Usual Phenomena (ISUP) is called to the largest  single shift ever recorded on the earth. John Henry Morgan is the new director of the ISUP and it's his job to keep the new find in house. Morgan is a geologist and an ex-marine he goes to the rift expecting it to be just another job but it soon turns into a dangerous experience. He will deal with CIA operatives that are sabotaging his mission. He and his men are able to find most of their bugs but miss a camera. A Chinese student visits and bugs the place without their knowledge.

As the men explore the cave at the bottom of the rift, they find evidence of a civilized population from thousands of years ago. The Chinese, Islam terrorists, and his own CIA are all working to steal his artifacts. Morgan goes all over the world to try to put a stop to this theft and get his artifact back.

It's not the kind of books I normally read but I'm sure you will enjoy every minute of this book.

No Place to Run by Marion Faith Laird

My book review today is on Love Inspired Suspense, No Place To Run by Marion Faith Laird. I believe Marion is a new author for Love inspired, I know I haven't read any of her books before. I really enjoyed this one. It was well written and full of actions. I enjoyed the characters.

Lorie Narramore has returned to Arkansas after a horrible experience. Now she just wants to start over.
A librarian by trade, she accepts a position in a small town close to her family. The library knows of her past; the murder charge, the trial, and her harassment in California but now it seems that it has followed her home.

Matt MacGregor is a deputy sheriff. He answers a call at the library, a threatening note was left for Lorie but when he arrives the note is gone. There is evidence of a break in but nothing to go by. As he is called out to one attack after another on this woman, he finds himself deeply involved with her. He had loved another Lorie and she had broken his heart there is no way he can let that happen again.

As the attempts on Lorie's life escalates, Matt brings her to his family lodge for protection but who will protect his heart? Can he believe her or is she deceiving him as the other Lorie did?

A good story and one you will enjoy. I hope you all had a great weekend and will have a great week. It is raining here which is a real blessing. God bless you all.

From A Distance by Tamera Alexander

My book review today is on the book, From a Distance by Tamera Alexander. This book is the first book in the Timber Ridge Reflections Series. I loved this book, I do have to apologize for having taken so long to read it. My Kindle is cracked and I haven't been able to replace it so it only works part time. I also have hundreds of books on it so I try to take it as I receive them but it's hard to get through them. This story weaves the horrors of the Civil War and the wonders of the Colorado territory together in a thrilling way. You will enjoy every minute of it, you will laugh, you will cry, and you will be angry at the injustice of it all. Tamera does a great job weaving her faith into the broken lives of the three main characters even as hardships take over their lives.

Elizabeth Garrett Westbrook comes to Timber Ridge, Colorado with a mission to become the first female photojournalist for the Washington Daily Chronicle. One of three candidates, she is determined to get pictures of breathtaking scenery, spectacular photographs of wildlife and the recently discovered cliff dwellings of the native Americans. Elizabeth has suffered her whole life from a lung condition. Her doctor's believe that the fresh, clear, mountain air can heal her lungs. Her Father, a United State Senator believes she has come to become a teacher and sends her supplies for the school. Elizabeth can't let anyone know what she is there for, so she tells everyone photography is her hobby. She hires a black man to be her assistant. Although she comes to respect and honor Josiah, people in the town are less accepting but he has become invaluable to Elizabeth.

Daniel Ranslett was a man who in his own way was hiding from his past and the memories that tormented him. Daniel had been a sharpshooter in the war and had lost his family and everything he held dear. Now a trapper and hunter he was trying to make up for what had happened. He had been trying to save the Colorado territory for years, now with this Senator's daughter maybe he could make a difference. When someone destroys Elizabeth's equipment, reveals her true intentions, and accuses Josiah of murder, Daniel takes these two into deep Colorado Territory to photograph the cliff dwellings.

It's a wonderful story of faith, love, and God's goodness in his plan that has interwoven the lives of these three. You will especially love the end. A must read! God bless you all and have a great weekend.     

Branding the Wrangler's Heart by Davalynn Spencer

My book review today is on the Heartsong Presents book, Branding the Wrangler's Heart by Davalynn Spencer. I have never read any of Davalynn's books before but I found this one to be a cute love story. I liked the characters and the way she intertwined their lives and their faith.

Olivia Hartman moves in with her grandfather to help him through the summer. She has visited his ranch in the summer all of her life. Only one thing was an irritation to her when she visited and that was the preacher's son, who teased and tormented her. Now he had become her grandfathers foreman, how was she to deal with him or the attraction that seemed to draw her to him?

Whitaker Hutton had worked for Hubert Baker since he was just a young teen, now he was the foreman. Little Livvy Hartman had returned to help Baker now that his wife was gone and his health was deteriorating. Whit had always cared for Livvy and now that she was no longer a scrawny child it had become almost overwhelming. But when Baker had her go out in the mountains with them for round up, it was just about more than he could handle.

A journey from childhood pranks to a true undying love for each other and for God. It's cute, humorous, and a good read. I know you will enjoy it. Now God bless you all.

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

My book review today is on Sandra Orchard's latest book in the  Port Aster Series. I received an advanced copy to read and review; I love Sandra work. This book wasn't a disappointment. Sandra does a great job in intrigues and the book is quite humorous at times. It is a hard book to put down.

Kate Adams is still reeling from the the death of Daisy, her research partner. (The first book in the series) Trying to move on with her life as they wait for the upcoming trial. She goes to the grocery store for her next door neighbor only to be held by security because the money was counterfeit. The police are called and she finds herself in the investigation with her favorite detective, Tom Parker. She has been staying away from him because of the trial that is still pending. She doesn't want to ruin his reputation by having his named linked to hers in this small town. How can she have a relationship with the man when she keeps being thrown into his cases?

Detective Tom Parker is frustrated with Kate. He wants a relationship with this woman and she won't even give him a second date. He answers a call at the grocery store only to find Kate holding three counterfeit bills. The small town has had an abnormal amount of counterfeit bills lately and it's his job to find out who's doing it.There is no way she can be the person he is searching for. He goes with her to her neighbor's to talk to the eighty year old. Could this sweet old lady be a counterfeiter or could it be her son?

As Kate sets out to prove her neighbor's innocence she is thrown into a journey of intrigue that is full of secrets, a past that she couldn't imagine, and pulls her into dangers that she never imagined. Could her budding relationship stand through the horrors they uncover.

A great read, you have to get a copy. Now God bless you all through this coming week.