Return to the Shack by William P. Young - A Book Review

  

When The Shack was first release, I read it, talked my husband into reading it, and then we bought quite a few copies as gifts for others whom we wanted to have the experience of reading this story. So, I was so excited to learn that a sequel was to be released. Unfortunately, I had an unsettled feeling as I read this book that did not go away. I can't place my finger on what caused it, but at the 52 percent mark on my Kindle, I chose to walk away. Nothing about the book has drawn me back to finish it even though I had made it just past the halfway mark. I imagine this book will be perfect for some reader, who will then tell others about it, and buy gift copies. It just won't be me. 

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay - A Book Review

  

Just because World War II was over didn't mean all the spies had returned home. Not all spies fit the stereotype. The Cold War years proved both of these things to be true. Katherine Reay makes the most of these facts as she leads readers into a place and time of great intrigue where only the most observant of people could piece together what was likely taking place behind closed doors.

Gemma Brown is a delightful character. While content with simple pleasures such as a cup of tea, a good book to read, and a comfortable bedsit to live in, Gemma strives to improve herself and her life. Her frequent rushing into new endeavors may have lead to brief brushes with disaster, readers will enjoy watching her self-confidence grow as she becomes more aware of her own strengths. Being driven by a sense of justice, a keen sense of observation, and a passion for mystery novels, Gemma begins to unravel something that British Intelligence had failed to do for quite some time.

Reay is able to weave a tense time in history, including the psychological toll it had on everyday life in the village of Great Rollright in Oxfordshire, England, with a spy mystery that would have made Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers proud. Reay has written the book in a way that made me feel as if I had stepped right into the story: meeting friends at the pub for dinner, bicycling long distances, and learning to bake right alongside our heroine. I highly recommend The Undercover Bookshop and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Exercise is Murder by Bruce Hammack - A Book Review

  

After listening to the thirteenth book in Bruce Hammack's Smiley and McBlythe mystery series, my husband and I found the novella prequel in our Kindle library. It was nice learning how the blind former police detective and the wealthy attorney became close friends, housemates, and private investigators. In spite of the novella length of this mystery, Hammack was able to flesh out the mystery of the murder of an old friend of retired homicide detective Steve Smiley. The Columbo style ending with all of the suspects gathered in one place came naturally and did not feel rushed. The humorous banter between Smiley and McBlythe adds to the pleasure of reading, or listening, to the story. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a quick, quirky read. I am grateful to have received this book when it was offered for free on Amazon. The publisher is Jubilee Publishing. 

In Our Hands by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse - A Book Review

  

I truly enjoy a variety of creative endeavors. I make time for creating new recipes and gardening. I rarely make time for quilting, sewing, embroidery, rug hooking, etc. Key words in this book's description on NetGalley made me think this book would help me become motivated and inspired to make more time for creating. Key words and phrases that led me to this idea were: empowering guide, creative renewal, hope made doable, and practical guidance. While the description did talk about how social, political, and technological tension can cause stress and how creating can be a tool for resilience and empowerment, what it did not lead me to expect was the author's agenda being as much about imposing her values and beliefs as about promoting the benefits of participating in creative pursuits. Key words that would have helped readers make a better choice in knowing if this book was for them would have been: liberal, new age, progressive, omnism, etc. My best advice about this book is buyer beware.

I am grateful for Running Press' consideration in providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this book via NetGalley. However, if I had paid for it, I would be requesting my money back as it stressed me out and the end result was the opposite of what I had hoped for. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed here are my own. 

Making Peace with What I Can't Control by Lysa Terkeurst

  

This Bible study is accompanied by online streaming video access. I will be reviewing the study guide, not the videos. This study covers six sessions. It is very specific about what to say, so I would suggest, if you will be leading a group, familiarizing yourself with each session's teaching and questions so that it does not appear that you are just reading to the group. The intro matter of the guide will assure that, if you structure and lead each session following the recommendations, you will lead each session with maximum efficiency. The guide is designed to support leaders for the greatest opportunity for success. This includes the quality of the group discussions. The focus on Scripture is an essential element to the integrity of Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Content in each session is pertinent to the topic, easy to understand, and promotes quality discussions. It does a good job of directing the group to meet the goal of the title.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this study from Harper Christian Resources via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James - A Book Review

  

A Lighthouse Legacy is the fifth book in Guideposts Gift Shop Mystery series. Each installment is written by a different author, but readers would never know that if the authors' names were not provided because they have each done such a wonderful job of maintaining a constant voice and keeping the characters' natures consistent from one story to the next. It is enjoyable to get to know and revisit characters over a series longer than the typical trilogy. This series would qualify as a cozy mystery. I felt like the mystery was easy to solve, and the ending confirmed I had predicted correctly about one fourth of the way into the story. This did not dampen my enjoyment of the story as I enjoyed following the protagonist as she worked toward a solution and confirming my own thoughts. I recommend A Lighthouse Legacy to mystery fans who need a quick, light read.

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

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi - A Book Review

  

Theo of Golden is the type of book that one has to slowly emerge from before fully re-entering the real world as Theo's world quickly becomes reality. One begins to feel like they are members of Theo's close circle of friends, after all, it is a very diverse group of individuals. His poetic speech paints poignant word pictures as beautiful as an artist's completed canvas and as hopeful as a child's sketchpad. Theo teaches by example by modeling good listening, generosity, and thoughtfulness. He is a man who has learned the value of putting others before self. Theo believes in heaven, and understands that a gentle, winsome nature is often the key when wanting others to one day reside there with you. Others come to deeply love him because he loves so well.

Author Allen Levi has been published before, but this, his first novel, is truly a work of art, hopefully the first of many. His writing style brings along with it a sense of peace, at times because of the serenity he depicts, and at times when replaced with hope during difficult times. Theo of Golden will be shelved in my heart where few other books have found their home, a place where only books who have touched me so deeply live. All secondary though to the One Book whose Author surpasses all others. A book to which this one points.