The Bones Will Speak... a book review

The Bones will Speak

A Gwen Marcey Novel series, book 2

by Carrie Stuart Parks

Thomas Nelson Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-4016-9045-8

Available: August 11, 2015

 

Book Description

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he's been appointed God's executioner.

In Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim's grave, Gwen uses her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.

The murderer is a "lone wolf," a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood-and he has a score to settle with Gwen. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race-not grace-provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her and everyone she loves.

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Author Carrie Stuart Parks, an internationally known forensic artist herself, has penned a terrific mystery/suspense novel that hooks you from page one to the closing paragraph.  The main character, Gwen Marcey, is living through real-life problems that many of us are either dealing with or know someone who is.  Add a mysterious cranium, bones of a young woman, and a live victim to bring a chilling serial killer to their small town.


This is the first novel from Carrie Stuart Parks that I have read, but it will not be the last!  Although I have a crazy, busy life, I read The Bones Will Speak in two days.  I look forward to reading the first book of the series A Cry from the Dust.


I received The Bones Will Speak: A Gwen Marcey novel from Thomas Nelson Publisher and their BookLook Bloggers program.

Happy Reading,

     

        Ellen

Her Brother's Keeper... a book review

Her Brother’s Keeper

An Amish Secrets Novel

By BethWiseman

Thomas Nelson Publishing

Available: July 7, 2015

978-1-4016-8600-0 (e-book)

978-1-4016-8596-6 (soft cover)

 

Publisher’s Description:

 

Charlotte came to Amish country to find answers. What she never expected to find was peace.

Charlotte Dolinsky is not above playing dress-up and telling a few lies to find out what happened to her only brother. In fact, that is exactly what she’s come to Lancaster County to do. Now, calling herself Mary and slipping on a kapp, Charlotte will lie her way into the confidence of anyone who knows why Ethan had to die - unless she gets found out first.

But when Charlotte befriends a quiet Amish man named Isaac Miller, she begins to rethink her motives. And with a little help from a friend back home, Charlotte might find out that love comes packaged in ways she couldn’t have foreseen.

Isaac’s been caring for his cancer-stricken father and sympathizing with his frustrated mother for three difficult years. And that means he hasn’t been dating. He believes Hannah King is the woman for him, but Hannah is still grieving the loss of her fiancé, and Isaac has all he can handle on the farm. When Hannah’s family plays host to a woman named Mary, their new cousin shakes things up for all of them.

As Charlotte digs deeper into the mystery of Ethan’s death, she finds more than she’d bargained for in the community he once called home. But will she ever learn the truth? And what will the community—and her new family—do if they learn the truth about her?

 

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From the opening paragraph to the closing page, I walked alongside “Mary” hoping to find closure in her brother’s death.  As she bumbles her way through the Amish culture, she finds clues to who her brother was before his death.  Through her search for answers, God works in her heart to bring her to saving faith. 

I truly enjoy Amish fiction.  With each new novel I read, I get a glimpse of the Amish lifestyle – God, family, and community.  Their strong family and community ties bind them together in a way I do not experience.  I guess this is why I keep coming back to this genre – love, faith, and family!

Thank you, Beth Wiseman, for weaving another wonderful story!

I received a complimentary e-book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and their BookLook Blogging for Books program for my honest review.

Happy Reading,

  

        Ellen

The Inn at Ocean's Edge... a book review

The Inn at Ocean's Edge

A Sunset Cove Novel

by Colleen Coble

Available: April 14, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-4016-9026-7

Christian fiction / Mystery / Suspense / Romance

A story of family ties and love that binds them together...

Claire Dellamare unexpectedly joins her CEO father at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine, in hopes of closing a merger which would only increase their presence in the aviation world.  Yet, as she is checking in, she is overcome by a full blown panic attack.  What could trigger that in a place she had never been?  Or had she?


"In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine.  She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation.  Nobody knows where Claire spent that year - and now, Claire didn't even know she had ever been missing" (back cover).


With flashes of memory and help from Luke, a Coast Guardsman whose mother went missing the same time Claire did, they begin their own investigation to uncover the truth surrounding Claire's and his mother's disappearance 25 years earlier.


I have enjoyed Colleen Coble's books in the past - Tidewater Inn, Seagrass Pier, Smitten, and Safe in His Arms.  But The Inn at Ocean's Edge has surpassed them all!  From the very first page until the closing paragraph, I was pulled into the mystery and suspense surrounding Claire and Luke.  Would they be able to solve this mystery before serious harm comes to Claire?  Why does the local law enforcement seem to be stonewalling?  Will her family survive the truth as it is slowly exposed?

My rating - 6 out of 5 stars   A+

Can I do that..... I sure can!

I received a complimentary copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge from Thomas Nelson Publisher and their BookLook Bloggers program for my honest review.


Happy reading,
   
          Ellen

Lethal Beauty... a book review

Lethal Beauty

a Mia Quinn Mystery

By Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Thomas Nelson Publisher

ISBN: 978-1-59554-905-1

Available: March 3, 2015

Publisher’s Description:

Mia Quinn discovers that a series of seemingly unrelated murders are linked. How far up are the strings being pulled—and what happens when one of her own is at risk?

The murder Mia is prosecuting seems like an open and shut case—until the accused claims he was the real victim and that the dead girl attacked him first. The tabloids dub her a "lethal beauty." Still, a conviction seems imminent. Then a key witness goes missing. Just when it looks like the killer could walk free, the dead woman’s mother takes matters into her own hands. 

Meanwhile, Charlie Carlson, a Seattle homicide detective, is investigating the murder of a man whose body washed up on the beach of Puget Sound, but he's got little to go on. He has no dental work, fingerprints aren't on file, and he doesn't match any missing person reports. Then a church pianist is senselessly gunned down before horrified parishioners. 

All three cases seem unrelated—but are they? Together, Mia and Charlie race to find the answer before another crime hits too close to home.

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Once again, Lis Wiehl with April Henry shines the spotlight on a current social issue alive and well in America – human trafficking and exploitation of illegal aliens.  As Mia and Charlie work together to solve seemingly unrelated cases, we are greeted with the seedier side of humanity.
Lis Wiehl works her magic in crafting not only believable characters but also a very realistic plot with numerous twists and turns!  You will find yourself engrossed in the storylines, both case-related and personal, in which Mia and Charlie find themselves.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

A

I received a complimentary copy of Lethal Beauty from Thomas Nelson Publishing and the BookLook Bloggers program for my honest review.

Happy reading,

  Ellen

The Dandelion Field.... a book review

ISBN-13: 9780310339632

Zondervan Publishing

Available: January 2015

How many parents hope and pray that their child(ren) do not follow in their footsteps of bad decisions and/or actions.  Gin Lightly definitely prays for a better and brighter future for her daughter Raine; but, even a loving, mother cannot decide her child's actions and decisions.

When Raine and her mother's car breaks down in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin agrees to stay so Raine can finish her senior year of high school.  During a class project, Raine is paired up with Cody Bennett.  Cody is a friend to all - athletes, nerds, and those not part of the "in" groups.  He is an outspoken Christian who helps lead the youth at Hope Community Church.


When Raine and Cody's relationship become serious, can he practice what he preaches?  Or will he lay aside his beliefs and walk away from God to live life his own way?


Kathryn Springer has written a story that so many women can relate to - poor decisions and the consequences which follow.  God's love is seen in and through the characters.  I look forward to enjoying more of Kathryn Springer's stories of faith, love, and understanding.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of The Dandelion Field from Harper Collins and Zondervan Publishing for my honest review.


Happy Reading!


     Ellen

A Dream of Home... a book review

A Dream of Home

By Amy Clipston

ISBN 978-0-310-33585-6

Fiction / Christian / Romance / Amish

Series: Heart of the Lancaster Grand Hotel, #3

Zondervan Publishing

 

After the unexpected death of her fiancé, Madeleine finishes her tour of duty as a US Air Force flight nurse and returns to the only childhood home with roots and happy memories – her late grandparents’ home in the Amish community in Paradise, PA.  Although her mother left the Amish faith before becoming a church member, she never felt a desire to return.   As the storyline progresses, Madeleine is straddling the fence between the two worlds – Amish and English.  Saul, her closest neighbor, is raising his daughter Emma all alone.  As Emma seeks out Madeleine’s companionship, Saul forbids her from continuing the relationship.  Neither Emma nor Madeleine understands the harm in their friendship. 

 

Amy Clipston has woven a wonderful story giving the Englishers an inside look into the Amish faith and beliefs – without and judgment or condescension to either way of life.  Although A Dream of Home is the third in the Heart of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series, I never felt lost in the storyline or confused regarding the characters.  Amy Clipston included a glossary of Amish terms and the family trees of the main characters in the book.  If you are reading this with a reading group or friends, you will enjoy the Discussion Questions at the end of the book

 

My rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars,  A

 

Heart of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series:

A Hopeful Heart #1

A Mother’s Secret #2

A Dream of Home #3

A Simple Prayer #4 [release date May 2015]

 

I received a complimentary copy of A Dream of Home from Zondervan Publishing and their BookLook Bloggers program.

 

Blessings,

  Ellen

NIV First-Century Study Bible... a book review

The NIV First Century Study Bible

Publisher: Zondervan / Harper Collins

Available: September 9, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-310-93890-3

Hardback price: $49.99

Publisher's Description:

Experience the Bible through the eyes of a first-century disciple by exploring the cultural, religious, and historical background of the Bible. This Bible allows you to understand God’s Word in its original cultural context, bringing Scripture to life by providing fresh understanding to familiar passages, beloved stories and all the Scripture in between. The NIV First-Century Study Bible invites you into the questions, stories, and interpretations—both ancient and modern—which introduce you to a world vastly different from your own.  Let us read with an eye on the past and with our feet planted in our present questions and circumstances.  Join Kent Dobson as he unpacks the culture of Bible times, and illuminates Scripture passages while asking thoughtful questions along the way.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

I was thrilled to have the chance to review the NIV First-Century Study Bible from Zondervan.  I had just started an Old Testament Literature class as college and knew this would be a great help in understanding many Old Testament passages.  I was not disappointed!  This new study Bible introduces the reader to explore the Biblical culture in a more meaningful way. 

Special features of this Bible include...

     -  book introductions and outlines for each book of the Bible

     -  study notes for understanding and challenging the reader through thought-provoking questions

     -  word studies to better understand the scriptures

     -  "Addressing the Text Articles" that delve deeper into the passages of scripture

     -  "Day in the Life Articles" to help modern-day readers to understand the Biblical culture

The NIV First-Century Study Bible even included the type of literature found in each book  This was so helpful to me in my current course as it reinforced the best way to interpret that particular book.

Thank you Zondervan for this wonderful study Bible - bringing Biblical times and culture to life for today's reader.  I look forward to mining more of God's Word with the NIV First-Century Study Bible.

My rating:  5 out of 5 stars

A+

I received a complimentary copy of NIV First-Century Study Bible from Zondervan and Harper Collins Publishing's BookLook Bloggers program for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul.... a book review

                    Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul. 

Principles for Leadership and Personal Success

Thomas Nelson Publisher

Publish date: April 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4016-7728-2

Christianity Life / Professional Growth

$14.99

 

By examining the life of King Saul, warts and all, we can learn many valuable lessons in leadership.  Although he was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, he did not stay in God’s favor throughout his reign.  We all have learned lessons by watching others fail.  In Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul, the authors point out specific areas of leadership in which King Saul failed.  Once the failure is identified, concrete examples are given – both biblical and hands-on – that we can change the pattern in our own leadership styles.

For me, two chapters really hit home: “Saul failed to think before he spoke” and “Saul failed to promote or make necessary changes.”  It is so much easier to tell others what should be done (complain) and much harder to make the difficult choices and follow through with them; knowing you cannot make everyone happy.

I see this book being an invaluable asset to those already in leadership positions and those who will be in leadership roles in their future.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul from Thomas Nelson Publisher and the BookLook Blogger program for my honest review.

Blessings,

    Ellen

A Deadly Business... a book review

by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Series: A Mia Quinn Mystery, book 2

Publish date: June 10, 2014

Thomas Nelson Publisher

ISBN: 978-1595549044

After the untimely death of her husband Scott, Mia Quinn is slowly adjusting to a “new normal” with her two children.  She was surprised by the amount of debt her husband had hidden from her.  Now, as she juggles her career as a prosecutor and single parenthood trying to keep the creditors at bay, Mia learns that keeping her family safe is the only thing that matters. 

As Mia delves into a new criminal case including juveniles, homicide Detective Carlson shocks her with his thoughts on her husband’s death – it was not an accident.  Can Mia and the detective uncover any clues pertaining to her husband’s death 7 months later?  Why would anyone want to kill an accountant?  Was Scott into unethical behavior when he died?

From the first paragraph to the last, the action jumps off the page.  In typical Lis Wiehl style, the reader is pulled into the action and story line quickly and effectively.  Lis weaves the two story lines so well – the case involving juveniles and they mystery behind her husband’s death.

Another great read from Lis Wiehl with April Henry!

Out of the 9 books that Lis Wiehl has written I have read 6 of them includes all three from The East Salem Trilogy, Eyes of Justice from The Triple Threat Series, and the first Mia Quinn Mystery series A Matter of Trust.  The three I have not read are on my bookshelf to read.  Yes, her books are that good that I buy each in print!

My rating: 5 stars of out 5

A+ in my book!

I received a complimentary copy of A Deadly Business from Thomas Nelson Publisher and their BookLook Blogger Program for my honest review.

Blessings,

   Ellen