Forever My Duke, By Olivia Drake

Natalie Fanshawe has a small problem, his name is Leo. Natalie is an American whose best friend was an English Noblewoman. They met on the wild frontier of America. Lady Audrey had given up her title and her family connections to marry a preacher. They then moved to America as Missionaries. But when tragedy struck and both Lady Audrey and her husband were killed little Leo was left without any family in America. Audrey's dying request of Natalie was to take Leo back home to his grandfather so that he could have a secure lifestyle.

The Duke of Clayton also has a small problem. He needs to marry and produce an heir to carry on the family name and legacy. He is on his way to seek the hand of a "very young" lady whom he has known since she was just a child. But he isn't sure this is the best match.

When the Duke of Clayton meets Natalie Fanshawe he is completely enthralled, smitten, captivated, whatever term you want to use, they all fit. He has never met a woman who has a mind of her own, abhors the British Aristocracy, and is capable of taking care of herself and others.

The rest of the story is amazingly written. The love between the two will grow, but neither wants to admit it. The Duke because he doesn't know how to love and Miss Fanshawe because she doesn't want to fall in love with a British Aristocrat. Little Leo almost becomes just a small part of the story, but in fact he is really the central character. He is born into the British Aristocracy but his grandfather doesn't want anything to do with his wayward daughter and especially her orphaned son.

What will happen? Will there be a marriage? Will the boy be adopted? Will grandfather come around and love his grandson? Will Natalie and Leo have to return to America and make a living on their own?

Enjoy the read!

The Shape of Night, by Tess Gerritsen

A young woman is drawn to Maine to "get away" from her past, her sister, her life and the tragedy that has happened to her family. She is hiding. BUT, she is also suppose to be writing. She is a food writer, she pens books about foods and recipes and culture. She is overdo with her current book and she goes to Maine to settle in at a "rental" property so that she can finish writing about Maine Cuisine and specifically the fishing industry and what families in Maine have eaten for centuries.

One problem. She moves into a haunted house. If you are a fan of paranormal novels, you will love this one. If you are a scientist you view things as paranormal. If you are a Religious person you look at these things as demon possession or influence. Either way, there is a spiritual/fourth dimension abnormal circumstance surrounding this house.

Ava, our writer, has rented Brodie's Watch for the next several months. She is lucky to get it because the woman rented it for the summer just packed up and left in a real hurry. She broke her lease and the realty agent is happy to have someone else come along and pick up the rental.

Ava moves in and that is when things start to happen. Captain Jeremiah Brodie built this home with the money he earned as a sea captain. He never married. He didn't even get to enjoy the house for very long at all because he was lost at sea along with his ship and her crew. In other words, Captain Brodie is dead. Or is he?

Ava believes that Captain Brodie's spirit still walks the halls of Brodie's Watch. Is she nuts? Maybe.

The story is wonderfully written and drew me in. I finished it in three days of off and on reading. I couldn't stop until I found out what was going to happen. Oh, and the bottom line, I was surprised by the ending. But no spoilers here, just a word that you will love this story.

Enjoy!

The Borgia Confessions, by Alyssa Palombo

What an intriguing historical novel. The Borgia family is fully committed to the Roman Catholic Church. So much so that Cardinal Borgia wants to be the Pope and he wants his eldest son to be in the church and eventually take the role of The Pope when the time comes.

Now that may sound strange to most of us, how can The Pope have a son? Aren't the Catholic Priests Celibate? If so, then there can not be a "family" succession from father to son. But that is where things become tangled. It is apparent that many priests had mistresses and thus had families, although not children that they necessarily publicly acknowledge.

Pope Borgia has a son, Cesare, whom he wants to have succeed him as Pope. Thus he makes him a Cardinal in the church after become The Pope.

The story revolves around Cesare and his life within and outside of The Church. It documents the political connections that are made. The deals made through marriage to draw families and countries together for the good of the Church.

The story is very intriguing, it is filled with surprises, it is filled with love and passion, but not typically for the church but for human companionship.

If you are going to read this novel please have an open mind. It is not meant to give you a reason to hate the Catholic Church, it is meant to tell the story of human companionship, human passion, human need and all the good and evil that comes from that.

Prepare to be entertained, informed and astonished.

Thin Ice, by Paige Shelton

Beth Rivers is an author and she is highly successful. So successful that she has acquired a Stalker. She also was kidnapped by said stalker and injured to the point of needing surgery on her head because of a sub-dermal hematoma.

The stalker has not been caught, so Beth Rivers is running away. She has come to Benedict, Alaska to get away from society and from crowds. She is hopeful that Levi Brooks, her stalker, won't be able to find her in the village of Benedict near Glacier Bay. Its population of 500 people and its non technical lifestyle (little cell phone reception or internet) should serve to allow Beth to hide.

The story works around the issue of Beth learning what it is like to live in a small town and one that is in the unforgiving Alaskan Wilderness. If she isn't eaten by a grizzly bear she might just freeze to death if stuck in a winter storm without proper apparel.

The story is very captivating. The situations are stimulating and somewhat frightening at times. The true nature of people comes out and our author describes them perfectly. Beth is plunged into a mystery as well as the rest of the town while she tries to hide her identity and hide from her stalker.

Being the first book of a series is always interesting. Will the book capture your attention enough that you will want to buy future books in the series? Will the characters be intriguing enough to hold your attention through multiple books? Is there enough tension, both romantic, relationally and circumstantially to keep you coming back for more?

The answer to those questions is "YES." You will fall in love with Beth Rivers and the cast of characters of the town of Benedict, Alaska, to keep you returning for more and more of the adventure. I have started following Paige Shelton so that I can be alerted to when the next book comes out on the market.

Enjoy!

Diamond in the Rough, by Jen Turano

Where do you go when you want to find a bride who can become part of the Aristocratic British Society? Well, if you are Charles, the Earl of Lonsdale, you take your best friend, and cousin, Reginald and go to America. You come at the time of year when the High Society Families are having, "The Season," when young ladies are being presented into society. This is a prime time to find a woman with a fortune.

Now, there is Poppy Garrison the granddaughter of the Van Rensselar family who are a part of this upper society crowd. Unfortunately Poppy grew up on a horse farm and not in New York as part of society. Her grandmother, Viola, has invited her to come to the city and be introduced into the Society arena.

What happens when a Farm Girl meets British Aristocracy? Well, nothing really good. That's because Poppy is "clumsy" to say the least and not attuned to high society. But while her grandmother thinks she might be able to marry her off to Lord Lonsdale it is his cousin, Reginald that strikes up the friendship.

The book is delightful and follows the misfit Poppy as she struggles to fit in, yet not give in to changing to meet society's formal normal.

Following the tangled story line of "Pride and Prejudice" you can see how this situation is going to pan out.

The story is interesting and joyful. It makes just enough fun of the Aristocrat's to make you smile and yet feel the need for them to come down a notch and become part of normal humanity.

You'll enjoy the ride as Horse Farmer and Aristocrat become enthralled with each other.

What Rose Forgot, by Nevada Barr

I have to say that first of all when I started the book I wasn’t impressed at all. I was frustrated and wanted to stop reading. Poor Rose was so disoriented that it made me the reader also disoriented.

But I pushed through because Net Galley claimed the book was awesome. 

I got hooked about 60% of the way through. That changed my mind to go from a two star to a five star. Because of that I ended up at 4 stars.

Rose Dennis is in a Memory Care Unit with early onset dementia. She is also in an aggressive progression of dementia, or is she? She is confused, she is disoriented and she is mad. She gets the flu and because of that she has flushed most of the drugs out of her system. That means she is starting to remember. That turns out to be bad for the Memory Care Unit, but not for her.

As Rose starts to wake up things start to change. She starts to get aggressive and starts to plan her escape. But you are left wondering if she is nuts, demented, or just plan scary. She causes hurt and pain to others. But she also has paincaused to her.

I don’t want to say much else because it would be a spoiler. But let me say this. Rose ends up capturing my attention and my admiration for her determination to find out what the truth is. I think she will grab yours as well.

Enjoy!

What Should We Think About Israel, by Randall Price

In the 1960's we got Hal Lindsay's book, The Late Great Planet Earth. It was one of the first books people read about end times theology and the role Israel will play in end times. Since then there has been a lot of controversy over Israel and over how Christians should feel about the nation of Israel. Should we be supporters or should we be neutral.

This book gives us a compilation of articles by various author's to give us a very critical look at the nation of Israel. How should we feel? How should we act toward Israel and towards Jewish people in general? How should we feel about the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the desire of some countries to see Israel annihilated?

While you might not agree with all the theories that these writers will put forth at least they will make you think about what you should feel towards the nation of Israel and the concept of End Times Theology in regards to the Bible and current social political events.

I was very intrigued by the book and grateful for Randall Price putting this together and giving us a reference book on current affairs.

Enjoy!

Until the Mountains Fall, by Connilyn Cossette

In this Historical/Romance novel we also get a great story about the "Cities of Refuge" in Old Testament Israel as well as the concept of Levirate marriage. Connilyn Cossette does a magnificent job of writing an engaging story while providing teaching points for a Biblical Custom.

Rivkah lives in a city of Refuge where her father is the Religious Ruler in charge of those who seek refuge from a Manslayer. These people come here because they have caused the untimely death of an innocent person and they need protection from the Manslayer who might seek revenge for the family who lost a loved one. As such Rivkah see's a lot of distressed and emotionally empty people coming to their city.

But in the midst of this Rivkah marries a good Jewish man but then experiences loss of her own. Her husband dies and leaves her a widow without children. According to their traditions and rules if the deceased husband had no heir and does have a brother, then that brother must marry the widow and provide a child to perpetuate the name of the deceased.

But Rivkah takes exception to the concept of marrying the brother of her deceased husband. She has never liked the young man, he is also younger than her and immature.

Before the marriage can take place she runs away to another city. Here she experiences the loss of everything she has known and everything she owns. Much like the Prodigal Son story in the New Testament. What will Rivkah do? Will she try and return to her family and her home and the arranged marriage?

The story is good and the character development leans itself to letting you feel what young women in Old Testament Israel may have felt. You get a clear picture of their dependence on others. A clear picture of arranged marriages that are not the best. A clear picture of how tradition and laws can actually be somewhat harmful to those they are meant to protect.

I think you will enjoy the story and learning more about Hebrew Culture.

Wind River Protector, by Lindsay McKenna

I asked for a review copy of this title from NetGalley because I love the Wind River area of Wyoming. For years I would take college students up to Lander, Wyoming and we would go out on the Wind River Reservation for volunteer work. We hiked the mountain trails around that area and all of us fell in love with the place.

Lindsay McKenna gives us a novel about several hot topics in today's culture. One hot topic is "the role of women in the workforce." Her character Andy is a feminist who wants equality in all she does. She feels that men should treat women as equal's, and she is so correct about that. What I truly appreciate about the character and the dialog of the issue is that Andy is not someone who you can't love because of her feminist qualities, but she is someone you fall in love with because she is a genuine, caring, loving, loyal and faithful friend, woman, worker, soldier, etc.

A second topic of the book is "Adoption." Andy and her three siblings are all foster kids who were adopted by Maud and Steven when they were just young children, either infants or toddlers. These "Adopted" kids were loved as you would think only a biologic parent would love their child. They were accepted without condition. Nurtured to face the trials of daily living as mature, well adjusted adults who love and care for their fellow human beings.

Another topic though is the adopted child's view of "Abandonment." Each of the four siblings had to struggle with the concept of having been "abandoned" or maybe their term is better, "tossed aside without regard." You feel their pain. You feel their sorrow. You feel their hurt.

The final topic would be "Trust." Each of the four siblings, because of their abandonment issues has a problem trusting other humans. They have to work hard at it. It doesn't make them unpleasant or boring or secessionist. But because of their adoptive parents good upbringing they are all well adjusted and are able to trust, it's just that the trust has to be earned.

Each of these topics makes the book awesome.

Now, the gist of the story. Andy, a woman, is also a Combat Warthog Pilot offering close-in air support for the troops on the ground in our current battles with the Taliban. She is driven, loyal, aggressive and determined to win at all costs. But when she is shot down she is thrown into a whole new world.

In the same conflict a battle helicopter is also shot down, but with only one survivor. Dev Mitchell finds Andy on the ground and together they outsmart and outrun the Taliban for five days to make it on their own back to a Forward Operating Base and safety. Along the way, Andy learns she can trust Dev. But once back at the base they are separated to never see each other again, or will they?

The story of their relationship is what all the topics are woven around and Lindsay McKenna does a fabulous job of drawing you in, teaching you truths and along the way, at least for me, helping me learn a valuable lesson that many feminists are not to be feared, but to be admired, cared about and someone you would want to work alongside.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Bloody Creek Murder, by Susan Clayton-Goldner

The latest in the Detective Radhauser series is another winner. I have fallen in love with this character and Susan Clayton-Goldner does a beautiful job of bringing him to life in each novel. My only disappointment is that when I finish reading I have to wait months until she is able to produce another winner.

In this latest story we have three generations of people living the trauma's of everyday life. A young child, a young adult and an older parent. Each person will experience loss, not only of a life they love but of a life they wish they might have had.

The beginning story is that of two young boys enjoying life. They love to climb trees, to wrestle and to just be best of friends in every way possible. But then tragedy strikes. In an unfortunate accident one child looses his life and the other looses his innocence. How will Holden respond to the tragedy? How will he carry on?

But then a suicide/murder, we're not sure which comes along to cause further pain. Tommy's mom, Blair, is found dead, lying among the memorabilia left at Tommy's memorial service. Out of grief did she commit suicide? It looks that way. But then again, there are indications that it was foul play. But who would have a reason to kill Blair Bradshaw.

Radhauser has to find out the truth, not only of the tragic accident but of the foul play surrounding Blair's death. What will he uncover? Oh, and did we mention that there is a ten year old unsolved missing person case that will weave it's way into the story?

While the story is excellent and the mystery is able to keep your attention, what really works away at you are the true life personal struggles that the characters go through.

Themes addressed are:
1. Loneliness at the loss of a mother
2. Loneliness and guilt at the loss of a best friend
3. Guilt at the abandonment of a loved one
4. Frustration at the apparent lack of honesty from one's spouse
5. Fear of rejection
6. Fear of truth being revealed
7. Fear of loss of security and all that you hold dear

Susan Clayton-Goldner always paints a picture that has depth, character, intrigue, emotion and such reality that you often find yourself and your own fears being revealed in the characters.

Enjoy the read and enjoy meditating on the truths of honesty in relationships and how always telling the truth can lead to forgiveness, acceptance, loss of worry and good mental health. But the opposite is also true, not telling the truth brings guilt, shame, loss of identity, loss of relationship and anxiety that will eat away at you.

Deep State, by Chris Hauty

What a fun read. This is the first novel by Chris Hauty. His previous job was as a screen writer. So, he knows how to weave a story. But often times screen writers don't make the best novelists. But in this case he is superb.

We have a young woman, Hayley Chill, who is one of the first women to ever enlist for the Army infantry. She is an exceptional woman, but mentally and physically, although she is petite she packs a powerful punch, literally. She also has a photographic memory.

But she leaves the military and obtains an internship position in the White House. There she will work for the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President. As such she comes in contact with many influential people and leaves them all with a memory of her confidence, ability and determination.

But then a murder happens and the wheels start to come off the track. Hayley is thrown into a political scandal that might just destroy the Monroe Administration if not the U.S. Government itself. Who can Hayley trust? How can she find a murderer and the architects of a conspiracy that runs deep into the political realm of Washington D.C.

The ending will startle you, but you will not be disappointed as to what happens, instead you will be left with your mouth hanging open and your mind running full speed ahead about what is truly happening in our current government and political environment.

This is a book that won't disappoint you.

All The Flowers in Paris, by Sarah Jio

I thought that the story line was fantastic. I was thrown off by the title and almost didn't ask to get a copy of the book to review. I'm so glad I took a chance from the description.

Sarah Jio does a masterful job of weaving the past and the present together as we follow the travails of a Jewish family during WWII and the flower shop that they operated. But then they lost it because of being Jews. Their story is hard enough to read knowing that these types of situations truly happened and there was nothing to stop them.

But then race ahead to present time and met the young woman who has moved into an apartment in Paris that has a decided history from WWII. As she moves through her life she discovers a stack of love letters from the war and is entranced by the writing and the story being woven together. But she has a problem. She has lost her memory and is struggling to find out who she is while also trying to find out what happened during the war.

The story goes back and forth from past to present. But you will not put it down until you finish because you are so drawn in by the trials that both women and both families have faced.

The end is dramatic and the love stories are delightful. I'm sure you will enjoy this novel. I have already ordered a couple for friends, that's how much I liked it :)

Highland Jewel, by May McGoldrick

The second installment in the Royal Highlander series is an intriguing walk through the sordid history of England, Ireland and Scotland in the late 1700's through the early 1800's. Princes Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel is separated from your young son, but not by choice. She has married the present King (arranged, not by choice) and he wants the young child banished because he fears loosing the throne to him at some point.

Cinaed Mackintosh is banish, but at least he is not killed. At four years of age he set adrift without his mother.

Years later he becomes know as "the son of Scotland," a title that represents his position as the future leader of the Scottish people.

Young Maisie is a woman who also has been put adrift somewhat by the death of her parents. She though has remained with family and lives with her sister and brother-in-law. They think she is meek and mild manner. But what they don't know is that she is an activist working diligently to bring the rights of women to the forefront of politics.

This second story is the story of how Maisie falls in love, only to have it thwarted by the throws of anarchy. It is also the story of how Cinaed and his mother, the Queen, are reunited.

There is intrigue, deception, turmoil, desperation, betrayal and love. Each chapter brings us closer to devastation that might tear each character apart. But each chapter also brings us closer to how love, loyalty and integrity might triumph and bring victory to those who are oppressed.

While loosely tied to history, the story has enough relevance to what truly happened to make it an excellent read and insight into the times and lives of those caught up in political deception and control.

The characters are very well developed. They become the hero's that we all want to find in our lives and times. They will wow you, confuse you, devastate you, but also give you hope for a brighter future for the Land of the Scot's.

I am waiting with anxiousness for the third book in the series.

A Song of Joy, by Lauraine Snelling

Nilda Carlson is finding a new life away from the family farm. She is now working for Gertrude Schoenleber as her executive assistant. As such she is learning much about business and philanthropy. She and Mrs. Schoenleber are working out ways to help immigrants gain a foothold in their new country and new community. Their efforts to provide housing and jobs is something that is bringing satisfaction to both women.

But Nilda has other things that are going to bring her new joys and some angst. She has a suitor, one of the nephews of Mrs. Schoenleber. But this nephew is a wealthy socialite who has very little desire to work. Instead he wants everything done for him. He is drawn to Nilda, but he doesn't understand her a bit. She is a hard worker and not interested in living a life of leisure.

The story unfolds as Nilda learns and grows under the teaching of Mrs. Schoenleber and as she develops a strong work ethic and many benevolent concerns. She also does haver an interest in one of Mrs. Schoenleber's nephews, just not the one that is interested in her.

Throughout the story we see the Hand of God working to direct the steps of Nilda and all those associated with her. We see the faithfulness of God to those who love Him and strive to serve Him. We see the glory of God fulfilling the dreams and desires of those who seek after His heart.

I only gave the story 4 stars because I felt the beginning dragged a bit. But the last fourth of the book moved very quickly and made up for what seemed to be dragging earlier.

I enjoy all of Ms. Snelling's writings and enjoy reading about the lives of early immigrants from Norway.

Enjoy!

Pastor Paul, by Scot McKnight

While I don't fully agree with Scot McKnight on some theological items I still find his writing to be thought provoking. So, when I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of this text I agreed to do so.

The book is about Pastoring. Specially about how Paul viewed Pastoring. Paul may not have written volumes on the thought of Pastoring, but by his actions and his letters you get a glimpse into the heart of a man committed to seeing spiritual growth in his disciples and in the church's which he planted.

While the book is mostly for those in pastoral ministry or in any type of Spiritual nurturing ministry I think that even the pay person will gain some good insights into the Apostle Paul and his view on our growth and maturity in Christ.

The introductory chapter (1) is very thought provoking, I read it three times to delve into its depths and it set me to thinking much about my own style of pastoring and whether or not I am actually doing the ministry that God called me to. It was a great refresher and thus a great reminder of the areas where I have been falling down.

As I said earlier, I appreciate Scot McKnights thought process, while I don't always agree. But this is a very excellent study in the life of Paul and how we can gain encouragement for how we do ministry.

Enjoy!

The Number of Love, by Roseanna White

Margot De Wilde is a young woman who has had to endure chaotic change in her life due to WWI. She and her family had to flee their homeland of Belgium and move to England when the German's invaded. Her father having died she now lived with her mother in England and they both worked for the war department.

Margot, even though just 18 years old was a brilliant mathematician, just as her father had been. She was hired to work as a cryptologist and had proven herself just a brilliant as any of the men in the department. As such, the men accepted her as an equal, something that wouldn't happen for most women in the early 1900's.

Margot will, along with others, solve the major codebreaking needed so that they could thwart the efforts of the Germans. She will befriend another young lady, a new secretary, and together they will forge a bond that will change both their lives.

What makes this novel particularly enjoyable is the faith in God that Margot and her new friend, Dot share. They see that God is sovereign and thus they can depend on him to keep them and their families safe. Or can He? Because of circumstances Margot finds herself in a dilemma of faith. Can she or can she not trust God.

Not only do we have a historical novel about WWI, but the added benefit of a love story and a story of how women could also do the same work as men and do it well. Add in to that the principles and truths of God that weave through the story and you have a great "Book Club" read for any church or community book club. Discussion questions at the end of the book will add to it's use for your book club.

Enjoy! 

Biblical Spirituality, edited by Christopher Morgan

This is a compilation of 10 articles on Spirituality. Thus each chapter is written by a different individual or two. So there is a wide range of writing style and concepts by different theologians.

Some of the topics include:
Chapter two, Spirituality and Spiritual Formation in the Old Testament (emphasis on creation)

Chapter three, Spirituality according to Jesus

Chapter four, Spirituality according to Paul

Chapter five, Spirituality according to James

And my favorite, Chapter ten, Spirituality and Our Work.

While the entire book is dealing with a theological framework of what Spirituality is I very much appreciated Chapter ten which breaks down the concepts into what happens in our work place. It was reported that, "it was found that an overwhelming majority reported that the church had done little or nothing to equip them for faithful living at work." As a pastor I found that comment disheartening. Why? Because I think it is very true.

The church does a good job of teaching and training people about the spiritual aspects of their personal lives, but it doesn't often teach its disciples how to share their faith in their workplace, or even how to apply Biblical Principles to our daily work environment.

It was stated that, "The moral terrain of our work lives is mostly defined by law and economics rather than theology, leaving us with an uninspired ethical pragmatism lacking in wisdom and heart." As part of my work in Missions, I taught Vocational Job Training. I taught about our attitudes at work, how to dress, what to expect, how to conduct ourselves, etc. But what was really captivating for the students was teaching what the Bible says about work.

God created man, but He created him to work. Six days shall you work and on the seventh day rest. Work is an integral part of our lives. We spend 1/3rd of our lives at our jobs. That's a lot of time. If God created us to work, then He wants to be a large part of our work. That doesn't mean we all do "Christian" work, it means that we at work we don't stop being "Christian."

Well, I should stop and just review the book. The concepts of the book are about how we view Spirituality and how we apply that to our lives. It will give you a great Theological groundwork, but it will enliven it with a practical outworking for our daily lives.

This will be a good addition to anyones library as a great teaching and reference tool.

The Nugget by P.T. Deutermann

The Nugget follows the military exploits of a naval dive bomber pilot in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Lieutenant Robert T. Steele. The story starts out with a board of inquiry about whether Lt. Steele is who he says he is. That is because he was lost at sea and presumed dead.

But the novel unfolds as Lt. Steele tells his story to the board of inquiry about what happened to him and how he fought the war even after being "lost at sea."

The story is well written and enthralling. It draws your interest in and gives you an excellent glimpse into what happens during war and how things can go from bad to worse to even worse for any military person.

But then their desire to survive and fight kicks in and they can do extraordinary things. Lt. Steele and his navigator, Rooster, survive by pure luck and also by skill. Then they don't just survive, but they go on the offensive with resistance fighters to thwart the Japanese.

I enjoyed the entire novel and find that it is a complete guide in how one person trained as a pilot can become all things in war to survive and fight.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

When Helping Hurts, by Steven Corbett

As we have been dealing with the Homeless Issue in our community (they are now called "unsheltered" to be politically correct) we needed a refresher on what is truly helpful in how to deal with them.

I suggested that our staff read Corbett's book and it has proven to be a blessing to us. Our staff have spent many hours talking about the book, working through the questions that are posed and then applying some of the issues to our situation.

The bottom line is that Corbett helps you to see that the issue is not an economic issue but a "heart" and "relationship" issue. The problem facing the homeless is that their relationship with God and with others is broken. As you step up to help them work through that broken relationship you will see growth.

Also in working with the homeless it is best to get them actively involved with the process to bring about changes to help them. So, Corbett gives great cultural, economic and social answers to the issue but he wraps all of that around the fact of how to help people with their broken relationship with God.

As we have been working through this now for the last five months we are discovering some real positive movement. Just this week three of our homeless have gotten all their paperwork in order, have met with social workers and all three have obtained full time jobs. They are liking the fact that they are now earning money and can start to right their ships. BUT, one of the major contributors to the turnaround is their attendance at weekly Bible study, their coming to family dinners weekly with our church congregation and their learning as well as our congregation learning that positive relationships can be built.

This is a great tool for any church to use in working through their issues with helping the homeless population. But beware, it's not just reading, its hard work that has to happen along with it.

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain, by Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler gives us a very good commentary on the book of Philippians. Based on one of his sermon series he takes his sermons and notes and expands on them to deliver a very readable commentary on Paul's letter to the Philippians.

What I appreciate about Chandler's writing is that the book is very readable for both the lay person and the preaching pastor. It gives excellent insight through good illustrations and his obvious passion for communicating God's truths to his congregation.

We are doing a series on Philippians and recommended this book to our congregation. Many are reading it along with our series and the book has enhanced the congregations understanding of Paul's letter.

Thank you Matt for a very good application oriented take on Philippians

Celtic Empire, by Clive and Dirk Cussler

A very typical Clive Cussler adventure. The variation this time is that Dirk Pitt comes alongside Dirk, Jr. and Summer to help solve the mystery. What's the mystery? Well young children seem to be dying due to a cholera outbreak. The problem, it seems only the male children are dying. That seems a bit odd.

Add to that a U.S. Agricultural team being wiped out in El Salvador, as well as a dam being partially destroyed and then a U.S. Archeological team being left for dead after a grave robbery gone bad and you have a strange mix of events.

What with Pitt, Sr. rescuing a young woman at dam collapse in El Salvador and Dirk, Jr. and Summer rescuing the team (and another young woman) in Egypt from the deadly tomb robbers and you get two plots that seem on a path to merge together.

All this is to hide the actual issue of a mad group of women trying to take over the world and eliminate it of the male gender and you see how we can get a fast paced ride of adventure.

Again the Pitt family is called on to save the world, and they take their usual path of greatest resistance to achieve their goal.

Enjoy!

God and Galileo, by David L. Bock and Kenneth Freeman

God and Galileo takes us on a journey back in time to when Galileo wrote a letter to describe the circumstances of his being censored by The Church. It was when he came up with some of his Astronomy theories that flew in the face of accepted church theories on the origin of the Universe.

Galileo was able to prove that the Earth is not the center of the universe. As such, he came under fire for going against Copernicus and the accepted belief that the Earth was the center of the universe and everything orbited the Earth. Instead he showed how the Sun was what the Earth orbited and thus we were relegated to being a bit less important in the scheme of things.

David Block takes us from how the Church was the authority to how Science is now seen as the authority. But he brings us back to Galileo and the concept that the Church and Science should be able to coexist. One does not trump the other. But they are complimentary.

I found his hypothesis interesting and enjoyed reading the views that he is pushing forward. I think this book will give you much to think about and much to talk about with your science friends.

Enjoy!

Verity, by Lisa T. Bergren

Verity is her own woman wanting to do her own thing in a time when women were suppose to be meek, mild mannered, stay at home, not run a business, etc. The book is from a time in the late 1700's when the American Colonies were starting to rebel against England in what would be the Revolutionary war.

Verity though lives in the West Indies on a sugar plantation with her sisters. But she owns her own business, a mercantile store and horse trading business. She also is in love with a sea captain. But he has disappeared.

She will leave for New York to look for Duncan to find out what has happened to him. What she will find is a land split down the middle with rebels and loyalists. Which will she choose?

Her decision is easier when she discovers that Duncan was pressed into service by the English and murdered at sea by a Spanish Privateer. 

The story will take us through Verity's business, her crisis of faith, her brush with death and falling in love. Lisa Tawn Bergren gives us a great novel with lots of story lines that allow for Book Clubs to have hours of discussion.

This is the second book in what I think will be a 3 book series. I was left with wanting to read book one and then looking forward to book 3 being released.

Enjoy!

The Weavers Daughter, by Sarah Ladd

Henry's loyalty is to his family and to the family business. But after going to war and seeing death and destruction he comes back a changed man. He isn't interested in making money for the sake of making money. He is more interested in helping people make a living.

Kate's loyalty is to her family and to the weavers whom she lives and works among. But being a woman she is relegated to the task of the dye house and working with the material. She is not allowed to participate in the discussions and business end of things that the men are.

In a twist of fate Henry and Kate are thrown together by chance in a way that speaks of Romeo and Juliet, or Darcy and Elizabeth. They come from two different worlds. They come from opposite sides of an age old rivalry. Throw in the fact that this is in a time in England when women are not allowed to have opinions and you face some real tension.

But Henry falls in love with Kate, but how will he win her heart. Kate's father is in turmoil with Henry and his father and pretty much demands his daughter remain loyal to him and the weavers and thus stay away from Henry and the millers.

The story is very well developed. The historical and cultural aspects of the story are well researched and written in a way to help you see both sides of the issue and actually appreciate both sides, even while seeing the tensions.

Will love win out? Will weavers and millers learn to work with each other to further each vocations livelihood?

Will the beginnings of the industrial revolution cause a community to flounder into poverty?

I trust you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Confronting Christianity, by Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca McLaughlin gives us a good look at 12 hard questions that people are asking about Christianity. As with any good apologetics book the author wrestles with questions that are not just obscure, but with questions that are being asked everyday by normal people who are just curious about the claims of religion.

What happens when people ask their questions? Most of the time Christians have a tendency to get protective, or nervous, or frightened that their faith does not really answer the questions that are being asked. So when you are asked, “Doesn’t Christianity Crush Diversity?” You become defensive. You want to protect what you believe, so you make excuses or talk around the issue or try to dismiss the claim. What you really need to do is go deep and answer the question lovingly and gently with educated information that gives a clear, concise, logical answer that will help the question asker to be able to then wrestle more with their question and come up with a better grasp of what Christians truly believe and can defend.

When you are asked, “Doesn’t Christianity denigrate women?” You can give a loving response about how Christianity truly honors women, truly builds them up and places them on an equal level with every other human being. How Christianity shows that women are loved, cared for, and given empowerment to walk in todays culture with their heads held high and have confidence that they matter to God.

How do you respond when you are asked, “Why does a loving God allow so much suffering?” You can come back with an educated, thoughtful response of how in humility and strength a person is able to bear up under suffering and express a true “HOPE” in the love of God who walks alongside of us in our suffering, because in His Son, Jesus Christ, He has experienced human suffering and understands the pain and hurt and also the triumph that we can experience when faced with suffering. A Loving God allows us to grow and mature and learn how to deal with the pains of this world.

All that to say that Rebecca gives us 12 well thought out and articulated responses to the major questions that people will ask each day about our faith in Christ.

This is an apologetic book that will help each of us to be confident in how to help others learn more of the truth of Scripture

The Unexpected Champion, By Mary Connealy

Penny Scott and her siblings and friends are working hard to settle their new land in the high sierra's. They are needing to build homes so that they can maintain their legal homestead. But in the middle of this work they have a problem. An outlaw named Raddo has struck at their family, but they have struck back. Raddo is now dead at the hands of Penny, Trace Riley a close friend and an outsider, John McCall. But just who is this John McCall.

Before Penny can truly find this out she and McCall are kidnapped. They are attacked, bound and hauled out of town by friends of Raddo. They want what he had. But unfortunately Penny and John don't know what that is.

But this propels them into a drawn out mystery and fight for survival that will draw them together as nothing else could. Penny the perfect frontiers woman and John the city slicker, big city detective, are paired together to solve this mystery and keep each other alive as well as Penny's family.

They will come to grips with the staggering evils of a man who struck it rich in the Gold Rush and is doing his best to crush everyone around him that dares to disagree with him.

Connealy does a great job of research into the time period of the Gold Rush of California. The homesteading aspects of frontiersmen in the High Sierra's and well romance. The story is well written and riveting. You want to find out what the outcome will be and thus you won't put the novel down until you finish. This is a perfect addition to the High Sierra series and I can't wait for the 4th novel.

Enjoy!

The Artful Match, by Jennifer Delamere

Lord Henry Morestowe is in for quite a surprise. His taking over the family title and business has been rather difficult. Loosing his father has thrust him into responsibility that he didn't particularly want. The family finances are floundering a bit because farming is no longer as lucrative as it has been. Thus he may have to start working the family copper mine, if he can find investors.

But there is also his brother, Langham, who is not exactly helping things out with the family. He is an aspiring artist and thus like most Victorian artists, he is a starving artist. But he really isn't starving, because he spends the families money as if there is no end to it.

Add to this mix Miss Cara Bernay, an orphan, a recently fired goveunness, and also an aspiring artist. She will enter the picture with Langham, but eventually cause all kinds of angst for Lord Morestowe, who happens to fall in love with her, only he doesn't know it for the longest time.

The story is well researched. The Regency Romance aspect is perfect. The Aesthetic Movement of the time period is well developed in the novel and well, the aspect of aristocracy not mixing with the common laborer is also well documented and woven into the story.

Along the lines of a Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen novel we find that Jennifer Delamere writes a beautiful novel with plenty of wit, wisdom, romance and intrigue. This is the first of Jennifer's novels that I have read, but I see that it is book #3 so now I must go back and read books 1 and 2.

Enjoy!

The Hummingbird Dagger, by Cindy Anstey

Lord Ellerby and his family are drawn into a tale of mystery and intrigue when young Walter Ellerby causes an accident of two carriages near their estate. Soon after the accident Walter's brother, Lord Ellerby, comes upon the accident to help the victims. The only person who appears injured is a young woman who is lying unconscious in the creek. She is attended to by other passengers of her coach, but Lord Ellberby takes her to his home and fetches a doctor.

The unusual thing is that the people of the London Coach don't know who she is nor do they want to accompany her to Lord Ellerby's home. When the young woman awakens she has no memory. The only thing she has is a recurring nightmare that she doesn't understand. It involves a dagger shaped as a Hummingbird.

Who is she and where did she come from. Is she a commoner or is she from the Aristocracy? How will they find out more about her if she doesn't remember anything?

Then terrible things start to happen, why? What is the secret of this woman and why does someone want to harm her. In the mean time Lord Ellerby is falling in love. His only question is, Why?

The writing is superb. The story is compelling. The mystery is well conceived and wrapped in a way that it take times to unravel. The historical setting is well researched and thus the writing properly reflects 1830's England.

If you love Regency Romance and mystery you will love this novel.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall, by Sarah Ladd

Cordelia Greythorne has a secret, and she doesn't want to admit it. But this secret will come back to haunt her as she tries her best to be a governess to the Twethewey Children. Cordelia is a widow and was pushed away from the family estate that she had married into. She was no longer welcome and had to find a living.

She became the governess to the Twethewey children after their mother had died and their father needed some assistance. He is a successful businessman whose fortunes are growing on a daily basis. The children have everything they need and Cordelia finds a true vocation for herself.

Then the father dies in a tragic accident. Now what will happen. The children, their governess and their male tutor are sent to live with the brother of their deceased father, Jac Twethewey. No one seems happy to have this happen.

But Jac turns out to be a blessing in disguise to the children. And the children turn out to be a blessing to Jac. Both will find love, care and family with each other.

Cordelia will find turmoil though. She is now living back close to the Greythorne family and her secrets will come back to haunt her.

Sarah Ladd gives an artful piece of writing as she captures the fears, anxiety and emotions of both a governess, the children and their uncle. Weaving into that the history of the 1800's and you find a delightful read for your springtime pleasure.

Enjoy!

Declared Hostile, by Kevin Miller

I enjoyed Raven One, so I was excited when book 2 of the series came out. It was not disappointing.

Kevin Miller draws on his personal experience to bring a true to life novel of life on an aircraft carrier and with the pilots of a combat air wing.

We follow the routine aspects of daily flights to keep the pilots skills honed and then follow them into real action as the U.S. goes to battle against Drug runners and the government of Venezuela. That along with some aggressive moves by the Russians and an uprising in Cuba near Guantanamo Bay add to the suspense.

Also following the story of some of the first female fighter pilots adds to the thrill of the read.

I don't want to give much away, so I will just end by saying the true life action drama of pilots and their shipmates will keep you wanting more as you work through the dangers, thrills, love and loss that they experience.

Enjoy!

Rogue Most Wanted, by Janna MacGregor

Theodora Worth has spent the last seven years caring for her ailing grandfather. She has protected him from society by keeping him sequestered away so that his dementia will not become something that will embarrass him with his peers. But now that he has passed away Theodora finds herself in a bit of turmoil. She is being accused by the press of having murdered her grandfather, which is absurd. But she is also being challenged by a distant relative as to whether she is the true heir to the title and property of her grandfather. He indeed was leaving everything to her, but to prove that she needs the document that proves it. Unfortunately in his dementia her grandfather hid the document and she cannot prove her claim. Thus she needs to marry and do so quickly so as to secure her position and the livelihood of her grandfather's tenants. Lord William Cavensham comes into the picture because he aunt wants him to marry Theodora and rescue her from devastation. But he has his own turmoil in that he has been shunned by the Ton because of a slight he received when he was refused marriage by a societal heiress. The story is well written, it is intriguing and beguiling. It follows the rules of the early 1700's culture in England and Scotland well. It paints a picture of turmoil for a young couple who must find a solution to a problem while also trying to decide if maybe love is in the making. Janna MacGregor is a masterful storyteller and has delivered another amazing novel for the Cavensham series. Enjoy

The Kings Mercy, by Lori Benton

Alex MacKinnon is a Scot who joins in the fight for his country against the British empire. He is captured during battle and taken prisoner. Taken to England and detain in deplorable conditions he and his fellow prisoners are in failing health and dreading the death that the British will put them to, hanging until they are dead.

But then the King decides to provide mercy for 9 out of every 10 prisoners. Those 9 will be spared from hanging, but they will be deported to the American Colonies and sold as indentured servants to British Colonial's trying to establish farms in the colonies.

Alex is taken by Edmund Carey and put to work as a blacksmith at his plantation. He is working alongside African Slaves on the plantation. The only difference is that after seven years of service he will be set free.

Alex meets Joanna Carey and an attraction is formed between the two. But Mr. Carey's property manager Phineas Reeves has other ideas. He wants Joanna for his own and will stop at nothing to make that happen.

This long saga of life in the early years of the colonies is quite compelling and very detailed in regards to the hardships of the colonist as well as slaves and indentured servants. Add to that the terror of accidents happening which seem bent to drive Mr. Carey to bankruptcy and you have quite the drama to hold your attention.

Further add the thread of Christianity to the mix and you will find many lessons that you can use with a book club to further discussions and learning from the moral imperatives that you will find.

I highly recommend the book and highly applaud Lori Benton for an excellent writing style.

Highland Crown, by May McGoldrick

Dr. Isabella Drummond is on the run. She is wanted both by the British Military for being a subversive and also by the Scottish Highlanders for being a traitor. The question is will she be able to stay off the radar of both groups and make her way to Halifax where she can start over along with her sister and her step-daughter.

Then there is Cinaed Mackintosh, a sea captain, privateer, smuggler. He is bring military arms to the people of Scotland who are in direct defiance of the British Crown. Thus he also is wanted by the British. But is life is turned upside down when his path crosses with Dr. Drummond.

In this historical novel from the early 1800's we will have a great time getting to know one of the first female surgeons in the world and one sea captain that is tougher than tough. When the two come together there will be sparks that fly for more than one reason.

What makes a surgeon good is that they are determined, confident, arrogant, and take no grief from anyone, especially if they are a woman in a man's occupation in the 1800's. What makes a good sea Captain / privateer is that he is determined, confident, arrogant, physically strong and intimidating and strong willed.

So, are two main characters have sparks fly as their personalities clash. But they also have sparks fly as their hearts start to meld together in love, or is it love?

I don't want to give away any spoilers, so lets just say that the story line is awesome and you will fall in love with our characters and the surrounding cast of supporting characters.

The author's do a great job of weaving this story together with the historical times. They capture the essence of the struggle of the Scottish people with the British Crown. They capture the struggle of the Scottish Clans one against the other at times.

They also weave in some mystery to the story (which is also historical) and that makes it even more enjoyable.

Now I did say author's, even though it says it is written by May McGoldrick. Well, there are two authors who collaborate on the story, Nikoo and Jim. In their author's note they give their first names and state that they write under the pseudonym of May McGoldrick.

This also is the first book in a trilogy. The next two are Highland Jewel and Highland Sword. I can't wait. I wish they were already out there as I don't want the story to stop. I want to have more. So, I trust that you will be like me when you finish this story and be anxious to have more.

Enjoy!