Journey to New Heights

Journey to New Heights
We need a heart for the lost

Friday, January 30, 2015

Shattered Haven by Carol J Post

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Shattered Haven. I love Carol's work and this book was an excellent example of her work. This story is well written, full of action, and you will love her characters. She has woven her faith throughout the story and it will touch your heart.

Allison Winchester is a widow. When her husband was murdered she found out that he was a dirty cop and ran from her life because of the judgement of those who were once her friends. Now she has made a new life but something is wrong. She is under attack, her home ransacked, and her life threatened. Can she learn to trust again?

Ex-cop Blake Townsend is walking his dog when a cop tries to arrest him for breaking into Allison's home. Allison tells the cop he wasn't the one. Blake is drawn to her and vows to protect her. His permanent injury to his leg keeps him from performing in the way he should. Will he be able to keep his vow? He sees no future for them because of his disability.

A great journey of faith, forgiveness, and restoration. You will love these two. This is a great read.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

A Pius Legacy by Declan Finn

A couple of years ago I wrote a review on A Pius Man, I loved the book and now the author asked me to read the second book. I was thrilled. So today is the review on A Pius Legacy, it's a Political Thriller and not the kind of book I normally read but I enjoyed every minute of it. It is well written, action packed, and quite humorous. There is some questionable language, nothing offensive but normal speech for the circumstances. Oh Heck would be ridiculous. I highly recommend this book.

An author Matthew Kovach is in Rome to research a book on the Pope Pius XII also known as the "Hitler's Pope"  and his work during World War II. Matthew is attacked and so starts the new saga. The Vatican is under attack, the Pope has been kidnapped, and is now on trial by the UN for Human Rights Violations by the Roman Catholic Church.

The same task force from the first book are the only ones who will be able to save the Pope and all the treasures in Vatican City. The head of the Vatican Office of Vigilance Giovanni Figlia and his wife Veronica, a forensic expert, are a part of this task force; then we have a 4'10" American Secret Service Agent Wilhelmina, Villie, Goldberg (also Jewish), Manana Shushurin, a trained Russian killer, blackmailed by her father to attack the Vatican but is now working for the task force, Sean Ryan, a stunt man who was hired to teach the priest self defense and is a weapons expert, Scott Murphy,  a member of the "Mossad", (although he's not Jewish but of the Goyim division) Maureen McGrail of Interpol, a lethal weapon, Father Frank  and his father Capt.Wayne Williams Sr. US Army. This team take on a French Paratrooper attack and the rescue of the Pope from the Russian Ioseph Mikhailov (Manana's father) This team is a group of faith filled warriors much like the Marvel Avengers. You go from one action packed adventure to the next. It is full of interesting facts but there is a great deal of violence. It is a book you can not put down.

Monday, January 26, 2015

New Year's Target by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense Novella, Countdown to Danger. Friday I wrote the review for the first story, Alive After New Year so today I want to give you my thoughts and ideas on the second story, New Year's Target. I love Jill's work and I really liked this short story. Unfortunately it was too short, that is the only problem with novellas. The story is well written, action packed, and hard to put down. Faith is interwoven throughout the story and is a blessing to all who read the book.

Detective Cassidy Ferris goes on a short holiday weekend with her cousins in the mountains when she is shot by a sniper. As she tries to figure out what has happened before the sniper shoots again she is rescued by her worst enemy from high school. This man humiliated her in a way she has never recovered. Now she is trapped here on a mountain with him.

Tim Halstead has spent years trying to live down his past and his affiliation with his family. Cassidy was a girl he could've loved but at the prom he was thrown into her and she fell into the table of punch and food. Soon after her cousin was killed in a fire his family was responsible for, now their families were at war. Tim couldn't help trying to protect his secret crush but soon wondered if she was the target or was he.

Cassidy and Tim must work together to find out who this killer is and to figure out which one is the true target. Both are drawn to each other as they fight to stay alive. A great adventure, I know you will love.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Alive After New Year by Hannah Alexander

My book review today is on the the Love Inspired Suspense Novella, Countdown to Danger. The first story is Alive After New Year. I loved this story. I enjoy the Hannah Alexander stories about Jolly Mill and it was fun to revisit some of the old characters. As always this story is well written and full of action. Faith is woven throughout the story and I appreciate the way it is done. I know you will enjoy the story.

Divorced Linley Marshall is a nurse and is home for a couple of days for the holidays. Waking late one morning she found a ransom note to her mother asking for several million dollars by New Years Day or Linley will die. Shaken to the core she leans on her best friend.

Chief of Police John Russell is a widower with no desire to ever date. John has become friends with the lovely Linley and isn't aware of how close they have become until Linley's life is threatened. They put their heads together to try and find who could be after Linley and the money they think her mother inherited.

A great adventure for this couple and a journey to love.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Under The Lawman's Protection by Laura Scott

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Under the Lawman's Protection. This book is the third book in the SWAT: Top Cops Series. I hope that doesn't mean it's the last one because I have truly enjoyed this series. Laura does a wonderful job with suspense and action books, she one of my favorites. This book is well written, action packed, and heart warming all at the same time. I love how she weaves her faith throughout the story.

Isaac Morrison is a SWAT team negotiator, he is just returning from a crisis situation when he gets a call from his best friend who had shared the horrors of his youth. Shane is undercover and his cover has been blown, he fears for the life of his sister and her son. He makes Issac (Ice to his friends) promise to protect them no matter what. "Don't trust anyone"

Leah Nichols is a widow with a young son. Her father had died in the line of duty, her husband killed by a drunk driver, and now her brother's life was on the line. How much could a person survive? Yet Leah finds herself drawn to this man sworn to protect her.

Isaac had lost his ex-wife and son to a violent boyfriend who shot them both and then himself. Heart broken he refuses to date or try to find love and start over. Leah has no desire for a husband especially one that puts his life on the line everyday. But God has a plan for these two and you will enjoy the journey that transpires for them. It is an excellent read.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Huckleberry Spring by Jennifer Beckstrand

My review today is on the fourth book in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series, Huckleberry Spring. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this series. I laughed so hard through Emma's misadventures but then you end up crying in other parts. It is just an awesome series and this book I think is the funniest. I was thrilled when it came in the mail and now I can't wait until I get the next one. Jennifer you did it again.

Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. Anna has decided to bring her grandson and his ex-fiance` back together. They broke up nine months ago and Ben moved to Florida. Anna decided that Felty needed surgery, all he had to do is pick out one of the many brochures she has available.

Emma was accident prone, she knew that was why Ben had broke up with her but try as she could she couldn't get over the man. Having him return was heart breaking; seeing him all the time at the farm, having him help her in all her accidents, and then having him try to find her a husband it was more than she could take.

Ben was having some physical problems and to protect the love of his life he moves away from everything he loved and goes to Florida. When his Dawdi needs surgery he returns but is bound to protect Emma from even him.

You will laugh, you will cry, but this book will touch your heart. A great journey of love and trust in God.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Conveniently Wed by Angel Moore

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, Conveniently Wed. This book is written by Angel Moore, I don't think I have ever read any of her books before but I truly enjoyed this one. I love marriage of convenience books. I had a loveless marriage and I love to read books when it works out right. I'm not sure why I like them because there's nothing I could do for myself but I like to think maybe I could have changed things. Abuse is a terrible way to live but God is able to deliver us out of that. This book is well written and I loved her characters. I know you will enjoy this book.

Daisy Mosley is a recent widow with twin boys. Her husband was murdered during a horse robbery gone bad. Daisy and her husband had built a very productive cotton farm but now would she be able to keep her farm? The laws of Texas had changed recently saying a woman could own land but would this small town adhere to the new law?

Tucker Barlow had loved Daisy since she was a young teen. He watched her fall in love and then move away. With a broken heart he stayed with her father and helped him build a great ranch. Now his boss wants him to go and marry Daisy so that she doesn't loose everything. Tucker leaves immediately convinced his heart of stone is not repairable and he can help her. Once they are married he finds out how alive and strong his heart really is but he knows people who loved deeply don't love again.

A great journey of trust, forgiveness and love. A great read.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Buried by Elizabeth Goddard

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Buried. This book is the first book in the Mountain Cove Series. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series because this one was awesome. It is well written, action packed, and impossible to put down. I loved it and was so sad when I finished it, although I loved the ending. I don't know about you but I'm always thrilled when I receive a copy of Elizabeth's books. She is one of my favorite authors.

Leah Marks, a legal investigator, takes off for Alaska when she witness the murder of her boss. He had just inherited a cabin in the middle of nowhere, that would be a good place to hide from the killer. Somehow the killer finds her and they are buried in an avalanche in Dead Falls Canyon.

Cade Warren is a search and rescue specialist is first on the scene and is able to rescue the beautiful young woman but doesn't find the man. She doesn't tell him her name or anything about herself but Cade can see the terror on in her eyes. He is determined to protect her but as his heart has been broken he refuses to allow her to become important to her. He takes her home to his family and then the fun really begins.

A great journey of finding trust, forgiveness, and love in the horrors of attacks as the killer finds them at each turn of events.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Triumphant Faith by Susan Mackrill with Inger Logelin

My book review today is on a nonfiction book, Triumphant Faith. This book is about the journey of one woman and her family to fulfill a God given mission. I had come to think of myself as a strong mature Christian. I have suffered many things in my life that allows me to minister to most women and their problems but I have to say this woman puts me in my place. Humbly I acknowledge that I have never known the kind of persecution and trauma that she went through to come to know God and to do what God told her to do.

The scriptures say my people die for lack of vision. This woman was given a vision that took decades for her to see come to pass. Yet through it all she like Abraham stood strong in the Lord even through adversity.

Susan Mackrill's vision was for a school for children in the intercity of Omaha. A Christian school that would raise up an army for God. A school that would be tuition free, that wouldn't water down the Word to entertain children, but that would meet the needs of the families trying to just survive.  She believed in what the Word said about teaching a child and stuck fast to the scripture.

I was very impressed by the book and the battles that took place in her life and the lives of her family. As my church prepare to take on the challenge of opening a Christian school that is virtually tuition free I pray that we will have the same integrity and sincerity that she has. I was fascinated by the book and deeply challenged in my own walk. The book has given me insight on how to pray for my own church as we take the next steps. You really need to read this book.

Friday, January 9, 2015

A Cowboy for Christmas by Lacy Williams

My book review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, A Cowboy for Christmas. This book is one of the Wyoming Legacy Series, I've enjoyed this series very much and I'm sure you will too. Like all of Lacy's books it is well written, heartwarming, and humorous. These flawed and broken characters find God always has a plan.

Daisy Richards suffered from an accident in town that cause the loss of her arm. Daisy had given up, there was no hope. Her father remarries and her new stepmother is bound to make Daisy live again but Daisy didn't want any part of it. When her father and new stepmother took their honeymoon they left ten year old twins for her and her sister to care for.

Ricky White was the man responsible for Daisy's accident although she isn't aware of it. Ricky, now a changed man, is determined to help her deal with her injuries. He takes a job with her father and when her parents leave he makes ways to help her function. All is going well until her friend tells her he is the man who destroyed her life.

A great journey of forgiveness, courage, and love. I know you'll want to read this one.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Big Shy Daddy by Linda Ford

My review today is on the Love Inspired Historical, Big Sky Daddy. This book is the second book of the Montana Marriages Series. I really enjoy Linda's books. I loved going back to the Bells little farm. I liked all of the characters and was glad to revisit them. This is a great story about learning to forgive ones self, letting go of the past, and trusting God.

Caleb Craig is working on a ranch. His life is one failure after another. His wife was murdered, his son shot, and he had lost everything. His only goal now is to make enough money to take his son to a specialist to see why he can't walk.

Lily Bell and her sisters were abandon by their father when she and her twin sister was only three. Left in the middle of the prairie they were found by a childless couple. They adopted the girls and raised them as their own. Lilly is having problems with abandonment issues and it is effecting her relationships.

Caleb and his son brings Lilly an injured dog to help. Lilly and her mother believe they can help little Teddy walk again but trust becomes a great issue on all sides. A great journey for the whole family.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Mail-Order Christmas Bride by Jillian Hart and Jane Tronstad

My book review today is on the Christmas Novella Set, Mail-Order Christmas Brides. I love stories about mail-order brides. How desperate would a woman have to be to be willing to give herself away to someone she hadn't met? I married a man I didn't love. I really didn't have a choice but thought I could make it work. It might have worked if Eddie hadn't had to go to Vietnam. It was a terrible, abusive marriage but I did receive three wonderful children from the marriage. So it fascinates me to think of woman choosing to do it. I was talking to my daughter and she pointed out that it really wouldn't be any different than the women who agree to marry men from the internet they have never met. I hadn't really thought of it that way. Enough of my personal thoughts.

This book set was awesome. Usually when I review a novella I take each story and review it but there are so many in this set that I'm not going to do that. These two women are two of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I love all the Dry Creek series and we visit Dry Creek when it was just beginning and I fell in love with Angel Falls. There are three books; Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides, Mail-Order Holiday Brides, and Mail-Order Christmas Brides. Each book has two mail-order brides traveling on a train to meet their grooms. Jillian takes the first girl and tells her story and then Janet takes the next one, they keep the two stories connected.

Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides--Christmas Hearts; A little girl begs her father for a mother, the widow has a son that needs a father. He has always wanted a son can they make a home when there can be no love between them? Mistletoe Kiss in Dry Creek; a pregnant widow and her young daughter come to Dry Creek, his men sent out an ad for a wife because they wanted someone to cook for them. Noah accepted it because he thought she'd be old, what was he suppose to do with this beauty, especially after her first breakfast is inedible?

Mail-Order Holiday Brides--Home For Christmas; Destitute Christina is on her way to meet her new husband when she is attacked at one of the stops and her reticule stolen by a young boy. Her arm is injured but a Marshall helps her but is unable to catch the boy. The Marshall helps her as they continue on. The man she promised to marry pales greatly when compared with the handsome Marshall but she  is determined to marry Tom and be a good wife. Tom is angry about the broken arm, he puts her in the basement of the boarding house, doesn't arrange to feed her, and then get upset because the Marshall helps her. When a boy a boy is hurt, she finds out Tom's true colors. Snowflakes for Dry Creek; Annabelle comes with high expectations, she's to mother two young children and was promised love and a grand ranch, but on arrival she is met by her groom's brother and the kids. Adam is no where to be found. How can Gage explain that his brother changed his mind?

Mail-Order Christmas Brides--Her Christmas Family; Tate is a broken man but his daughter wants a mother. He agrees to a mail-order marriage but doesn't expect the beauty that is waiting for them at the station. How could he marry her when she could do so much better? His life is over. Felicity has never known the love of a family and hopes this is the answer she has prayed for. Christmas Stars for Dry Creek; Eleanor came to Montana but was met by her grooms neighbors. Left for days alone without the comforts of heat or decent food, her groom finally shows up with his daughter and his mother. The mother is horrified when she meets Eleanor but Adam is intrigued by the beautiful feisty redhead.

You will love these books. I hated to see them end.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Treacherous Intent by Camy Tang

Happy New Year, who knew we would ever see the year 2015. As a child it seemed unattainable, something out of science fiction, but now here we are. I never really thought I'd live to be this old either, most of my family didn't live past their middle sixties. Well praise God I found in Genesis that a man(or woman) was to live to be 120 years so that makes me only middle aged. I find that I still have much to do so I will believe God's Word and keep on doing His work.

 My book review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, Treacherous Intent. I find Camy's books fascinating and this one is excellent. I don't know if you're familiar with her work but she is one of the best in the suspense genre. This book is well written, fast paced, and full of action. You won't be able to put it down. Her characters will touch your heart.

Elisabeth Aday was once a victim of abuse, now she has become a private detective and has set up a woman's shelter. Her job is to protect those who are in life threatening situations. She is determined to never be a victim again. She helps a young woman but the girl soon runs away.

Liam O'Neill is wounded veteran fighting a war with PTSD. After his discharge from the military he has become a skip tracer, helping find people who didn't want to be found or helping them disappear. He unknowingly leads a gang of drug dealers to the shelter's door. After an attack Elisabeth and Liam join forces and go to Sonoma to investigate the death of the girl's father hoping to find proof to put these killers in jail and keep the woman safe but instead they find themselves caught up in a war between tow rival gangs.

A journey of survival as the couple try to find answers, but a great love story as they are drawn together. Elisabeth may be the only one who can save Liam from the horrors he deals with each and every day. A great read. You can purchase this book at the address below.

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