Thursday, March 5, 2026

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe by Jennie Allen - A Book Review

  

Author Jennie Allen pours herself out onto the pages of The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, being open and vulnerable in order to help others who struggle with believing Satan's lie about themselves as she once did. To some degree, that is probably the majority of us at one time or another in our lives. Allen points out that the subtleness of the lie does nothing to lesson its impact on us or the ripples sent out to others. Through the use of lots of Scripture, sage advice from counselors, and personal experience, she gives hope for breaking that impact as well as the ripple effect.

The Lie You Don't Know You Believe is a book everyone should have the opportunity to read. As the title implies, you may not be aware of the lie you are believing. Even if you are, you might be accepting it as truth, or feeling there is no way out from under its influence. Allen offers hope in this well-written, thoughtful book.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this eye-opening book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 





Frankenstein Or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - A Few Comments

  

I read Frankenstein at the urging of our grandson. It was more engrossing that I had anticipated, and was was worth the hours dedicated to reading it. The themes of the book are easily translated in the light of modern concerns. The theme that highlights the dangers of scientific and technical advancement without ethical constraints is as important today as it was in 1818 when Mary Shelley wrote the book. The significant impact of isolation and loneliness, whether by choice or circumstance, most definitely speaks to today's society that has been isolated by an epidemic and through some forms of modern technology. Prejudice and the withholding of empathy and compassion based on physical appearance or any external attributes has weighed mightily on our society, and societies at large, for centuries. Classics, like Frankenstein, may open up a platform for discussing these themes without enticing the type of banter characterizing interactions on social media.

I am grateful to have been encouraged to read this book by our grandson and will look forward to future recommendations. 




Wednesday, March 4, 2026

When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - A Book Review

   

This last novel in Coble and Acker's Tupelo Grove series is a satisfying wrap up to the many mysteries and secrets that were revealed along the way. A cameo appearance from the protagonist from Coble's Sanctuary series was a nice addition to the story. When Justice Comes reveals generational curses based on the values and morals, or lack thereof, passed down from one generation to the next. It also demonstrates how those curses can be broken through the choice to become a believer in Christ, to abide in Him, and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead one in living in a way that seeks justice and righteousness. The story also demonstrates the power of forgiveness and making amends. While bringing forth such important themes, Coble and Acker also provide an intense suspense tale that is filled with a series of crimes and betrayals, risks and rescues, love and hope.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When Justice Comes from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 







  

Not reviewing this book, just posting it in order for it to be included in my yearly book total. Very grateful for the book  recommendation from our oldest granddaughter. 



Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

  

Not reviewing this book, just posting it in order for it to be included in my yearly book total. Very grateful for the book  recommendation from our oldest granddaughter. 


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - A Brief Comment

  

I am just making a brief comment in order to log the first three books of this series into my completed books for the year. Since this book has received 4.7 stars on Amazon with 103,950 reviews, posting another review does not seem necessary. We had enjoyed the movies at our oldest granddaughter's recommendation. Afterwards she suggested that I also read the books. I am glad that she did. As I  thoroughly enjoyed all three books. 

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Raging Waters by Dana Mentink - A Book Review

  

Wilderness survival specialist Gideon Landry's life had been changed by multiple choices made by his best friend, Aaron Bardine. Aaron's life choices and especially his death, had also greatly altered his sister, Mackenzie's life, turning her into a vengeful person that Gideon hardly recognized. Now, thrown together in a life-threatening situation, trying to escape nature's elements and enemies they had inherited from Aaron, survival is their main goal.

Adventure is the key word for Raging Waters. Gideon, Mackenzie, and Mentink's readers barely catch their breath after one harrowing adventure before another begins. Mentink engages every sense; readers will feel wet, cold, hungry, totally exhausted, and filled with both fear and determination. This fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story is an intense read I highly recommend. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Raging Waters from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.