Meteor Men - A Review

 

Meteor Men

by

Jeff Parker

Sandy Jarrell

A Review

The authors have combined science fiction and a graphic novel into an interest story of an alien visit to our planet. The story is well-written, the graphics are colorful and easily seen, and the lettering is easily read. My only concern is the slightly dystopian ending which leaves the future of humanity in question. I give the book four-stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

Nine - A Review

 

Nine

by

Rachelle Dekker

Nine is a difficult book to review. It contains far more graphic violence than I would want in a book I would normally read. In addition, coming from a Christian publisher, it has little direct connection to the Christian faith.

Yet it serves as a good parable of how one can change when they receive undeserved love. Three protagonists, coming from three different places, will need to experience that undeserved love before they can experience the freedom they each desperately need.

It would take all 350+ pages of the book to convince me that this book, this parable, would have something to teach us about that love. In that the book has value.

In some ways the story might fit better into a graphic novel or a Marvel movie spectacular - yet it still remains a valuable parable that can reach deep into the heart. I would give the book 3-½ stars if I could, instead it gets a 4-star review.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Standoff - A Review

Standoff

by

Patricia Bradley

Patricia Bradley has wrapped together the best from several different genres. Standoff provides us a look at dirty Southern politics, a brief glimpse at a romantic suspense, and a walk through the workings of the U.S. National Park Investigative Services which Brooke Danvers has been training for and ready to be sworn in as a Law Enforcement Officer. Before that can occur two men are found dead - the son of the chief ranger and a Mississippi State Senator. Though barely ready to serve, Brooke is drawn into the midst of the investigations surrounding these deaths and puts her life on the line in finding the needed answers.

The first 30% (literally) of the book presented an overly complex mystery that was difficult to follow. After reading the first third of the story, the writing settled down and became the intense thriller the reader expected to find. The story is rooted along the Natchez Trace running between Natchez MS and Nashville TN. Originally used by the indigenous Indians, then by the traders moving slaves from the south to the north, it is now used by the illegal Mexican drug cartels moving their illegal goods further north. This provides the backdrop for Standoff.

Once started, the book was a good read that kept me up for several nights. Running over 400 pages, the reader will need to be patient as he or she tracks the settings and people found throughout the story. This reader was also glad to hear that there will be more in the series.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

101 Important Words of the Bible - A Review

101

Important Words

of the

Bible

by

Len Woods

The author presents a set of 101 devotional readings based on keywords found in the Scriptures. The entries are listed in somewhat Biblical order based on the key verse for each word as chosen by the author. The first word is God. “In the beginning, God …” (Gen. 1:!). However, these are not in a logical order. For example, “Day” is word number 48 and is associated with Joel 2:31 “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” Each devotional entry is two pages in length. They are devotional in nature - their purpose is not scholarship but discipleship. They are helpful and designed to help the believer’s faith to grow. Following the 101 devotionals are a group of discussion questions allowing the reader to apply the devotional in some way.

The major problem with the book is accessing the words. If the reader wants to see if something is said about a particular word, he or she will need to scan the entire list - not long, but time-consuming - particularly if the word does not exist. A quick scan might easily lead to missing an existing entry. An electronic copy would make searching the book a bit easier.

The book would easily serve as a daily devotional for three months and would fit well into a church library.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Shake Down - A Review

Shake Down

by

Kendel Lynn

The fifth book in Lynn’s “Elliott Lisbon Mystery Series”, but the first that I have read. Elliott Lisbon is the Director of the billion-dollar Ballantyne Foundation. It is a week before the annual Ballantyne Beach BBQ and, the following day, Juliette Pete’s wedding. And, Daphne Fischer, her maid-of-honor, was missing.

It was going to be a long week.

Written and promoted as a cozy mystery, Shake Down is mostly that. It is a fun journey through the islands lining the Atlantic shores of South Carolina. But there is a BUT as the pieces come together; the book feels more like a thriller than a cozy. With more deaths and unfinished stories, it feels as the book is not quite done.

The book might feel comfortable to those who like a bit harsher tale than found in most cozy mysteries; it was less satisfying to this reader. Though I would not go looking for it in my public library, it might have a home there. Though I was a bit concerned with the conclusion of the book, it was well-written and I will be looking forward to more books from this author.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Coconut Layer Cake Murder - A Review

Coconut Layer Cake Murder

by

Joanne Fluke

A Hannah Swensen Mystery

1 Simple Cozy Mystery

25 Assorted Tasty Recipes

5-6 Good Friends 

Mix together for about 5-1/2 hours until 350 pages in length. Be sure to skip at least two nights of good sleep till done. When completed, you will have one fun book, ready to recommend eagerly to other readers.

That is how it seemed this Joanne Fluke book was put together. The cozy mystery centers on a young man who takes a friend home after dinner; but when the morning arrives, she is dead and he is charged with murder. The police have found their suspect; Hannah Swensen and her friends are not so sure. They will spend the next week searching for clues and putting together a puzzle that will lead to the guilty party.

The mystery is not as involved as most cozy mysteries that cross my desk, but it is fun. And when it is wrapped with two dozen appetizing recipes (appetizers, soups, entrees, and a lot of deserts) the reader has a great book. My favorite recipes included Meaty Minestrone Soup, Lemon Glazed Chicken Breasts, and Peach Cake (though my favorite dessert was hard to choose - though my doctor would not me touch any of them).

A gentle read - full of fun food. Enjoy your evening.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Maxwell Leadership Bible - A Review

The Maxwell Leadership Bible (NIV)

A Review

Rev. John Maxwell is known both within the church (ordained by the Wesleyan Church) and within the world of leadership development (In May 2014, Maxwell was named the No. 1 leadership and management expert in the world by “Inc. Magazine” as per Wikipedia). Those qualifications have prepared him to offer this newest Bible from Thomas Nelson publishers.

To be honest, though I am also ordained by The Wesleyan Church, I have found the reputation that is Maxwell's to be a bit overstated. I am always bothered when the church (or any other group) places a single man on a pedestal. That being said, I approach this new Study Bible or Devotional Bible with a bit of skepticism. My opinion has not changed after having the opportunity to skim this new volume.

The book is consists of notes and articles that focus on the qualities needed for leadership. These add value to Maxwell's work. Of even more value is that most (all?) of these comments are well-indexed against the ideas that have defined Maxwell over the years. These indexes focus on “The 21 Laws of Leadership” and “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader”. A separate index focuses more broadly on “Leadership Issues”. Similarly, another index (“Profiles In Leadership”) focus on examples of leadership (both good and bad) demonstrated by men and women who had their lives discussed by the Scripture's authors in the Old and New Testaments. It is the collection indexes that I found of greatest value.

The last 80 pages of the book consist of 18 essays on leadership principles. I do not know how many of these principles are new to this book or draw from earlier writings from John Maxwell - but the principles given are succinct and easily understood.

This Bible is of value to all those who are in leadership positions - whether a fan of Maxwell or not. This includes Pastors, Board Members, Committee Members, or Activity Leaders. It belongs in the local church library as well as any library serving a business community (i.e. a local library or corporate library). Though this ought not be the first Bible in the hands of a lay person, many lay members of the church will find it of value.

This is not the best Study Bible or Devotional Bible, but it easily earns the 4-stars I am choosing to give it.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Bark of the Town - A Review

The Bark of the Town

by

Stella St. Claire

Stella St. Claire is a new author for this reader. The booked was picked up for review by the luck of the draw — and it was good luck.

As I started with the Prologue, I became concerned that I had made a poor choice for a relaxing cozy mystery. It appeared that I had picked up a darker book than I usually enjoy. I soon learned, however, that, except for the Prologue, the book had everything that might draw one to a new cozy mystery.

Willow Wells would soon find herself in the midst of a double mystery that seemed to put all the blame onto her sister, Wednesday. Because the two sisters’ father was the chief of police, he was quickly removed from the case. And the detective who was assigned to the case wanted a quick resolution by arresting Wednesday at the first opportunity. The evidence was there for a quick resolution — Wednesday was found at the scene of both crimes, she had each of the victims’ blood on her hands, and she had a motive. Willow would follow the evidence being ignored by the detective.

My only disappointment in the book was that the dogs were not the detectives — but only served as Willow Wells’ occupational interests. Regardless, the book was well-written and enjoyed. Most cozy mystery writers would find the book an enjoyable weekend of reading.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A Secret To Die For - A Review

A Secret To Die For

by

Lisa Harris

A Review

Lisa Harris is one of my go to authors. She has written another attention holding title for the suspense audience.

Psychologist Grace Callahan’s home was being broken into. She managed to escape after getting shot at a couple of times. She got off easy. Later that morning she would find that one of her counseling clients had been murdered the previous evening. And that was just the start of the week’s excitement.

Terrorist were determined to take down the electrical grid across the US - much as had occurred in the Northeastern United States in 2003, except then it was a software glitch, not terrorist. Grace’s client had been hired to find and patch holes in the software controlling the grid - except those who hired him were the terrorists and they were trying to prevent the utility infrastructure from installing a patch that would prevent their taking down the utilities. And would do just that in a matter of hours.

Detective Nathaniel (Nate) Quinn had drawn the (un)lucky straw to follow the death of Steven Shaw, Grace Callahan’s client. Nate had two strikes against him. First, it was his first day on the job after a three month break after his previous team and partner had been killed in an explosion related to a previous case. He was left with a case of PTSD that was not yet completely addressed. The second strike was that he had gone to college with Grace Callahan - she had married his best friend. That marriage had broken up shortly after their daughter had died from Leukemia. Now, neither Nate nor Grace were sure they were ready for a serious relationship - especially in the midst of a crisis that might effect the entire country.

The plot is well developed and believable - involving multiple policing agencies. kidnappings, automobile accidents, murders, and robberies, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that the detective and his colleagues would need to follow in order to protect their key witness and their country.

The story is told well - with a single exception. The climax is weak. This reader felt as if the solution to the story popped out of nowhere. It came not of result of good police work, but because of the totally disconnected piece of evidence was dropped into the detective’s lap.

Despite the small disappointment, the book was a heart stopper. It allows the reader to examine the impact loss of various kinds can have on people. It also delves into the significant role faith can have on individuals as the deal with that loss. Lee Harris has done a great job of examining those questions as Nate and Grace reflect on the various losses that have been a part of their individual lives.

Fans of Lee Harris’ work, of Christian suspense, and of techno-thrillers will find the reading rewarding.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Murder With All The Trimmings - A Review

Murder With All The Trimmings

by

Shawn Reilly Simmons

A Review

Shawn Reilly Simmons has created another great cozy mystery for Henery Press and their readers. Penelope Sutherland and her Red Carpet Caterers has been asked to provide catering services for the major Christmas extravaganza being held at a classically old theater in the heart of New York City. But the day after Thanksgiving, as she and her team begin to plan and set up for the weeks-long event, the first murder occurs.

Penelope’s boyfriend and the NYC Police Detective investigating the case tell her to “keep out of it.” But, like any good protagonist in a cozy mystery, Penelope cannot keep out of it. And because of that, the reader keeps turning the pages of a well-written story.

To be honest, there was one point about 1/3 of the way through the book that became so slow, this reader almost put the book down. He is glad that he did not. The reader who likes to travel – whether visiting New York City, the larger State of New York, the US Pacific Northwest, or the US Southwest – is encouraged to keep a map handy.

Looking for a good read for those few slow days following Thanksgiving or to tide you over until the most hectic time of Christmas Eve and the remainder of the holidays, Murder With All The Trimmings might just put you into survival mode.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Less Than Perfect - A Review

Less Than Perfect

by

Ann Spangler

A Review

Ann Spangler has written a series of 30 devotions looking at some of the broken people who are featured in the pages of Scripture. Though the stories are not fiction, the author has used some of the techniques used by the story-teller to bring the stories to life. The primary audience for these stories are for the adults trying to understand their own brokenness.

Each entry begins with a single verse of Scripture helping the reader understand that the individual is important to God’s story as revealed in Scripture. Then comes the story – not as found in Scripture, but as it might be told sitting around a fire at night with the family retelling the events that had defined their family for generation. Embellished, yes, but close enough to reality that the truth and lessons are not lost on those listening to the stories. Then comes a bit of historical background including references to the underlying scriptures – whether a single reference or a group of references which help the reader discover the story. Each entry ends with a set of questions to allow the reader to dig deeper into the stories application to life.

The stories are well written and held this readers attention. About 90% of the chosen stories come from the Old Testament (my only major concern with the book; thus, a 4-star review). The book could easily belong next to the bed for devotions or on the home coffee table as a conversation starter. Pastors may find it to be a starting point for creating a series of sermons.  

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

999 Super Fun, Head-Scratching, Brain-Boosting Bible Trivia Questions for Kids - A Review

999 Super Fun,

Head-Scratching, Brain-Boosting

Bible Trivia Questions for Kids

by

Jodi and Lilly Simmons


with JoAnne Simmons

A Review

The author has provided a fun set of 998 (999?) trivia questions divided into 64 sections covering the people, events, and important topics found throughout the scriptures. The attached images give a brief look at the type of questions and the suggested answers.

The answer key is attached as an appendix to the entire book; a bookmark, whether using a paper copy of the book or an e-book, will make finding it easier for the reader. The major flaw in the book's design is the missing scripture index. Questions covering specific scriptures are generally presented in order (throughout the book), but questions that focus on topics seem to appear in a somewhat random order. A scripture index would help the reader find questions on specific verses of interest.

Owning a small collection of Bible trivia books, this book will make a nice addition to that collection. It would also belong in the family library of those trying to become more familiar with the Bible. Similar comments could be said for the church library making it available to both parents and Sunday School teachers.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

Unwrapping The Bible - A Review

Unwrapping the Bible

by

David R. Veerman

A Review

Every so often a book comes out that is designed to allow the reader to do theology rather than to learn theology. The book includes guides, tools, and scriptures, that will allow the reader to discover his theology without being spoon-fed answers by the book's author. My favorite book was Decide for Yourself by Gordon R. Lewis (1970) and republished as late as 2012. In 1916 Michael Horton wrote Core Christianity along the same lines. David R. Veerman makes his own contribution to books helping the reader come to his or her own conclusions – and he does a satisfying job of accomplishing this task.

The book is divided into 35 “sessions” grouped into seven equal subheadings:

1. Doctrine of God
2. Doctrine of Humanity
3. Doctrine of Revelation
4. Doctrine of Christ
5. Doctrine of Salvation
6. Doctrine of Sanctification
7. Doctrine of the Church

Each session is subdivided into three sections. Look introduces us to the subject under discussion, both by allowing the reader reflect on what he or she already knows about the topic and to prepare the reader for future study. Listen takes the reader into the Bible text – sometimes leading to a deep study of the subject and at other times proving a set of texts which allow the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Live focuses on the WHY of the theological lessons – what does it mean to the believer as they live their lives.

The book is Reformed/Calvinistic in its underlying theology. Quoting from the book, “Preservation (or Perseverance) simply means that salvation depends on God and not on any human effort. Believers can’t lose it. The future is guaranteed” (Italics are in the original text). No mention is made of the Wesleyan positions of Christian Holiness or Entire Sanctification. For most readers the greatest flaws will be the lack of an index to the individual topics covered and the lack of suggested references for future studies or additional information. A 400+ page theology book without these tools is hurting.

For many, this book would serve as a good introduction to theology. For those topics it covers (except for the two mentioned above), it does a good job of covering the major topics. It would serve as an excellent text for a one semester college level theology course. The book is not quite thorough enough for use in a multiple semester college or seminary sequence. For the lay person seeking to study theology, it would serve as a good foundation – though suggestions for future study would make this a more helpful work.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

Justice Betrayed - A Review

Justice Betrayed

by

Patricia Bradley

A Review

It is Elvis week in Memphis, but the serial murderer’s victims date back 17 years. But the police have not yet connected the dots. And, if Shirley is lucky, they still will not be doing so any time soon.

Rachel Sloan was on loan to the Homicide division from Burglary and had met the victim the night before at her office. Now she had to investigate his death. Lieutenant Boone Callahan was her supervising officer – and he wanted to be involved. That shouldn’t be a problem, except they had dated before her move to homicide; and superior officers could not date those in their charge. It might create problems.

This killer was smart – different modus operandi, seemingly disconnected victims, over a period of 17 years. It would take the combined efforts of Rachel, Boone, and other law enforcement personnel to put the pieces of the puzzle together before more murders would occur.

The plot is intriguing – and should hold the reader’s interest for the book’s 350 pages. It missed a beat somewhere – at least until the last 20% or so of the book. At that point I could not put it down. Others may find more satisfaction in the book.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Superman Vol. 5: Hopes and Fears - A Review

Superman Vol. 5:

Hopes and Fears

(Rebirth)

by

Peter J. Tomasi

A Review

A series of three stories — the first of which is a bit different from most Superman stories in that it is written more as a patriotic travelogue than a traditional Superman adventure. If I was to read only this first story, I probably would not read any additional Superman comics. Other than a slight twist at the end, it seems more like a (true) history book than the adventures of a well-known superhero.

The remaining two stories are more typical of the Superman vs Supervillains.  We see Superman at his best against two very different kinds of evil — as expected Superman wins the day - except …

Six single issues of Superman magazine have been joined together to create this book. Together they make a fun read for this sexagenarian who is in the midst of reliving his childhood. For the Superman fan, this 4-star book is worth a read.  

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Lone Witness - A Review

Lone Witness

by

Rachel Dylan

A Review

Rachel Dylan has written a thoughtful legal thriller with a bit of romance thrown in to make life interesting for the protagonist and her father’s choice for a bodyguard.

Sophie Dawson is an Assistant District Attorney for the Fulton County (Atlanta, GA) District Attorney’s office. After receiving a promotion from the Criminal Division to the White Crimes Division, she finds herself on two sides of the law — serving as the prosecutor for a case involving an investment banker overcharging of his clients and serving as the lone witness at a late night convenience store double homicide. The catch — both cases could end up with her being killed by the respective defendants.

The story is well-written and easily held this reader’s interest.  If produced as a movie it would be rated PG13 — because of violence.  The violence is not excessive, but occurs throughout the book. My major complaint was the nature of the romance — the protagonist is determined to change the mind of her bodyguard who, given his family of origin, has no interest in pursuing romance at this point of his life. The language chosen by the author almost makes one believe it is acceptable to aggressively stalk an unwanted suitor. At least as presented in the book, though maybe suitable for a romance novel, this reader felt that the behavior was inappropriate for a Christian desiring to set an example for others whether as the character of a book or in real life.

  

For the reader looking an exciting escape from life or just a good clean thriller, not cluttered with gore and sex, Lone Witness would fill the bill. Having a place in both the public library and the church library; this book would satisfy readers coming from many directions.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.