AWE

"I wonder what they will say about me when I'm gone. When they've all gathered like we are today in this church, dressed in our best, saying good-bye. I wonder how old I'll be, and if I've lived a good life, and if I'm known for anything.

"I think about this in passing; mostly I'm just wondering if I'll see Marvel here. If maybe I'll have an opportunity to say more to her than I have in a long, long time. We haven't spoken much. Not since Halloween and the misery it brought.

"November passed, ending with a no-so-thankful Thanksgiving. Today is the second day in December and it's still warm enough to rain but cold enough to make you shiver.

"I'm sad, of course. Nobody wants to be at a funeral. But I guess I could've seen this coming. In fact, in a way I did.

We did.

In another life we connected, and he helped us to do so." (pg 1).

Travis Thrasher once more takes readers into a compelling look at the lives of two very remarkable, strong and yet unsual characters in his latest novel Awe. This is the third book in the Books of Marvella series and one I am confident if you love something different in your suspense series, you are guaranteed to find it. Brandon Jeffery's is finishing up his senior year in high school and has been more than infatuated with Marvella since she came to town. Most unusual and one to keep to herself, Brandon seems to find a key to unlock the wall she keeps around her. She would say it was there for your protection, not hers.

But at the opening of this novel, Marvel and Brandon's relationship is at a stand still. Marvel has put a barrier in place because she believes God has called her to this small town in order to save it from the evil that has begun to permeate it by taking the life of the students one by one in accidents the police remain clueless to solve. There are a bunch of creepy characters they have to contend with such as Marvel's Uncle Carlos who has threatened Brandon with killing him if he doesn't stop seeing Marvel. There is the random encounters Carlos has in the bad places in town with a man name Otis Sykes, again someone they are warned to stay far away from.

But with the recent disappearance of Brandon's best friend Devon, he believes he might still be alive. He feels it in his gut. Devon believed that he might be able to get close enough to figure out who has been murdering the students, until he disappeared. Just who is to blame. All Brandon knows is that he received a text on Devon's phone warning him if he didn't stop being so nosy, his girlfriend would be next. He hasn't shown the message to anyone including the police. Because the last thing he knows is he will do anything to protect Marvel, but it may take an act of God to put Brandon's true faith to the test.

I received Awe by Travis Thrasher compliments of Lucas Lane Productions for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions found here are my personal and honest ones. There is something dark and silent about Travis's series, one I can't quite put my finger on. It's like knowing that there is something in the dark, you can't see, but know its there. It's the waiting. Travis does such an amazing job at giving the reader just enough to keep him going but not enough to completely give it away. I am still left wondering how this will all turn out in the end, with only one more novel in the series, Glory left before it is all unveiled. For this reader, it has been well-worth the ride and one I can't wait to finish. For me this rates a 5 out of 5 stars but requires readers to pick up the first books in the series to understand what has been happening from the beginning.

For more information about Awe, Travis Thrasher or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Awe by Travis Thrasher

You can find Travis Thrasher on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

The novels in the series are: Marvelous (1), Wonder (2) and (3) Awe. Coming Soon...Glory (4). 

The Spirit of Fear

Eric M. Hill is an amazing author who writes in my favorite genre! I guess most contemporaries would label his books at Speculative Fiction, but to me it's almost like Christian horror with a Godly message behind it all. If you have ever wondered if there was an issue with things like Near Death Experiences, reincarnation, sèances, telekinesis, mental telepathy, clairvoyance, crystal balls, mediums, fortune tellers, or even astral projection, I would encourage you to pick up this book which is the first book in the Demon Stronghold Series, and starts with the Spirit of Fear.

In this world while it might be hard to believe for some, there is an unseen realm where spirits dwell. Angels and demons. Good and evil. The things we tend to get involved with however seemingly innocent could very well have tragic spiritual consequences without you ever knowing about it and then wonder why things in your life are spinning out of control. You have opened a door into your body that allows demons to take control over the aspects that you experimented with without realizing it.

In The Spirit of Fear, Daniel and Elsie are struggling to find resolution in their marriage especially considering that Elsie's family suffers from a mental disorder no one has been able to diagnosis because the women in the family are so afraid of what it might be they have resolved to live out their fears in the safety of their homes. It has been something that has been passed down through the generations beginning with her grandmother and now just days before her thirty-sixth birthday Elsie wonders if it will strike her as well. All she knows is that after years of studying to become a neurosurgeon, she quit and walked away just before she finished her final years of school. She was afraid she wouldn't succeed and that was what was causing the fiction between her and Daniel, both devout atheists. They had dreamed of the perfect life together and literally everything was falling into place until this.

Daniel knew this was not something he would live with especially if it impacted their daughter Amanda who was suffering from nightly night terrors until her twin sister Anna, prayed over their daughter and the fears seemed to have left. He isn't sure what is going on but like other members in Elsie's family, he isn't sure he can handle her spending her days hid in a home afraid to go out anywhere. What kind of life is that? When Elise and Amanda have a fateful encounter with an old woman at Starbuck's things begin to shift in the spiritual realm for both better and worse. For Elise, she isn't ready to accept that there is a God or that there is anything wrong with her. She vows that she can handle whatever life deals her on her own without anyone or any God's help. Soon she will learn that without God's help and dabbling in your own research into fighting this generational curse will take more than she has and might cost her everything she holds dear.

I received The Spirit of Fear by Eric M. Hill compliments of SunHill Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal review. I absolutely LOVED this new series and can only imagine how far Eric will take this one. The most exciting part about this was thinking how wonderful it might be to have my name added in this series, and got a divine surprise when the old women in the book went by Miss Malak, my maiden name. I've always known that it has meant messenger or angel so it was super nice to see that when I least expected it. The best part of this book is the awareness of how innocent things like I mentioned in the opening paragraph can be and what effects it has on the person who is doing them without their knowledge. Hopefully this will be picked up by lots of believers and non believers alike and lives will be forever changed. For me, I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Spirit of Fear, Eric M. Hill or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

The Spirit of Fear by Eric M. Hill

You can find Eric M. Hill on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To pick up an electronic copy of this book, please visit Amazon. 

Saints on Fire

Sometimes the most difficult thing about getting involved in reading a trilogy is knowing when you get to the last page of the final book. It's over. It's bittersweet. The characters you have come to know as more than simply something written into a compelling novel, but ones that the author has breathed life into and they feel more than real. They feel like friends and family. This is just such a series, and one that comes with the added thrill of taking the battle into the unseen spiritual realm of angels and demons. The Fire Series from Eric M. Hill is so unforgettable and for this reviewer, a bit of a life change as well. In the final and concluding novel in the series, Saints on Fire is just that. These books need to be read in the order they were written in so you can understand the character motivations of our main characters and why they have progressed to where we find them in this novel.

Once more the Styles family of Reverend Edwin Styles, his wife Barbara, daughter Sharon and son Andrew finds themselves experiencing a fire of sorts in their own spiritual life. In fact Sharon has become a prophetess who can sense through dreams and visions from God the future events of what they will face often clouded or veiled in symbols instead of what you might imagine. Working alongside Jonathan Banks and his wife Elizabeth, their home church in Atlanta is now on fire for God along with miracles and healing. But they sense God is leading them to a suburb called Mahem Courts, also known for it's mayhem along with murders, drugs, prostitution and sex trafficking all run by a man known as Sonny Campbell and his gang the Vice Boys. They are the last hold out in the spiritual realm as well that has been held in bondage from the demons Slavery, Annihilation and Heroine who like things just they way they are but not everyone is happy. Most of the projects residents wish life was different but see no hope in this existence they call home.

No one is willing to take one Sonny and the Vice Boys either until God calls the Styles family and the Banks family to bring their ministry to the projects. Unable to gather any support from the local churches, they realize that Jesus can use the least of these to accomplish His greater purpose as long as they have enough faith and are willing to step out in faith. Unfortunately it will be something that costs a few people their lives and we see what happens when those who reject Jesus find when they are no longer alive and have to face the judgment of their choices in life.

I received Saints on Fire by Eric M. Hill compliments of SunHill Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal review. This truly does wrap things up in the series as the family's faith will be ultimately tested in ways they never imagined and makes one understand that the life of a Christian believer is never easy, and in fact in some ways just puts a bigger target on our backs courtesy of our enemy Satan and his legion of demons. It conveys the way that they can attack the believers and non believers alike and really opens your eyes up to the unseen spiritual realm and how much prayer can truly impact things in a positive way. For me it really put an exclamation mark on the deficiencies in my own prayer life and helped me to understand what it really means to go to battle in prayer daily. Not just over meals. For me this one rated a 4.5 out of 5 stars and was not really my favorite one of the three but still made a huge impact in my own personal spiritual walk. That to me makes this series a must have.

For more information about Saints on Fire, Eric M. Hill or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Saints on Fire by Eric M. Hill

You can find Eric M. Hill on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

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The Fire Series by Eric M. Hill
1. Bones of Fire
2. Trial by Fire
3. Saints on Fire

Trial by Fire

"These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~ 1 Peter 1:7-9

If you have ever wondered if there is a world within and around our own that can not be seen with human eyes, then look no further, for the Bible tells us that this unseen world exists. One in which demons and angels dwell and can either benefit humans for good or evil depending on the eternal state of their souls. Eric M. Hill has woven a world that enables the reader to see that realm and see the influence it can have in our lives. While some may chalk this up as another exceptional fantasy novel, believers in Jesus Christ, know this is true. Fans of Frank Peretti will love the Fire Series, and with it the second novel, Trial by Fire. Since this is part of a trilogy, it would only benefit the reader to read them in order as the characters are ongoing and you need to understand things from the first novel to understand where this one is going.

Trial by Fire takes readers into the culmination of what was slated to be the city of Atlanta's destruction by disease and plague but was thwarted by Jonathan Banks and Edwin Styles who rally together to fight the world unseen to most by is wrecking havoc on those around them. Beginning with Edwin's church. Since the initial plot from the demon known as the Mighty Bashnar failed, he has obtained heavenly permission from God to enact the Job strategy on those whom he calls his enemies. Like Job from the Bible, the Mighty Bashnar is given limitations to how far he can carry out his demonic plan and since there are those within the Styles family who have yet to give their lives to God, it's a no hold barred feast.

With only the death of their son Christopher fresh in their mind, Edwin is losing sight of his faith as his family begins to become victims of a paranormal activity that has been orchestrated from hell against them. If he can't wake up before its too late he will lose more than just his family but the entire community in which his church resides. Jonathan isn't going to be as much help as before because he has his own spiritual battle he must face when his wife's mother falls into a coma that doctors are less than optimistic she will recover from. Knowing he has healed others, his wife Elizabeth begs him to heal her and when it seems that isn't likely to happen is willing to take matters into her own hands with another healer who promises results.

I received Trial By Fire by Eric M. Hill compliments of SunHill Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal review of this book. All I can say is just when you think Eric can't delve any deeper into the spiritual realm, you find yourself blown away again. This is a well written and divinely conceived novel that will cut through the cords of the deceptive mind and only with a mind willing to hear the truth is it all revealed. This is not a book the enemy wants you to read because then you will see with the clarity and perception of heaven and prayer will become something more than a passing thought but one you fight clearly on your knees with your Bible wide open. This one deserves a heavenly 5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to finish the trilogy with Saints on Fire, something I hope I'll become at the conclusion of this series. It is already impacting my own personal spiritual walk in many impactful ways. The first book in the series is Bones of Fire.

For more information about Trial by Fire, Eric M Hill or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Trial by Fire by Eric M. Hill

You can find Eric M. Hill on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To pick up a copy of this book, please visit Amazon.com.

Bones of Fire

Whatever happens in this world one truth remains even though we can not see it. There is a war happening in the spiritual realm between angels and demons and they influence what we do, think and say on a daily basis without even realizing it. For a believer in Jesus, we know that our most powerful weapon is the Word of God and prayer, yet we fail to see how these two impact the invisible world that can make all the difference in our lives. Spiritual warfare fiction has long been a favorite of mine since first reading Frank Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness and seeing the overlap between the physical and spiritual world and how we can impact them for good or for evil.

I am so thrilled to offer you another unique find of mine recently and that is Eric M. Hill's newest series of books, The Fire Series and with the first novel Bones of Fire. If you loved Peretti's, you'll feel right at home here with this one. If you are not a believer of Christ, then you will simply chalk this book off to another fantasy series, but I pray that that will not be the case and you will dig a little deeper in your faith and discover a world that exists to the unseen eye that influences us to act and do things we may not even consider.

Edwin Styles is the pastor over a small church within the heart of Atlanta and one he was more than comfortable with as his congregation and it's members had fallen into the same routine of sorts lately so they weren't really experiencing any real growth within the church but it maintain a level of profitability that kept the board members content. No need to change the ways things were going. When they agreed to bring on Jonathan Banks as a speaker they were not concerned at all that anything would happen, but that was all the spark that would be needed to not only create a stir within the church community but begin the spiritual battle that would divide more than church members but family households as well.

Jonathan Banks, was a well renown missionary and had traveled the world over multiple times but was a truly dedicated man of God. A modern day Paul if you will who believed that it was his job to shine the light into the dark places and bring spiritual apathy out of the churches when called. It was just that calling he felt that God has placed upon him when agreed to speak at the church and one that would set the stage for a revival that would rock the nation beginning in Atlanta first. When he spoke that night, not only did he bring miraculous healings to the church members who came to hear him but to those who rallied to the event because of what they had heard. Jonathan would point out to Edwin that what he was doing was impacting the kingdom of darkness more than the kingdom of light by believing the miracles and the power of prayer was simply something from the Bible but not anything people did any more of.

It will be the war that will claim more than one life of those in the community as the battle of good and evil begins to wage war in the world the humans can not see but can impact. It seems that Edwin was gearing all his messages to what the board members and church wanted to hear for fear of offending anyone so all his messages revolved around what was a positive message and very reminiscent of the church of Laodicea from the Bible. But is it too late to change old patterns or is this simply another church the enemy will claim as a trophy for his wall of shame?

I received Bones of Fire by Eric M. Hill compliments of SunHill Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal evaluation. Whenever I read books like this one I am reminded how little we do prayer as individuals and as churches at time. What a difference it makes in the world we cannot see but often times impacts us. "A tablespoon of prayer was more powerful than man's atomic bomb." "Real revival brings people face to face with the holiness of God. It penetrates the darkness of sin and cuts away our perversions." There are so many take aways from this book as a Christian, it has renewed the bones of fire within myself. No longer will I take for granted the ability to pray for my family and friends, community and the government. This is what is lacking in the world today because our answer will not come from picking another worthy president but in returning back to the God who is the able to do all things in this world. Truly an eye opener to anyone who wants to know what is really going on behind that argument that you are having in your home. I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and have already started on the sequel Trial by Fire, which is the second book in the series. These will be coming to paperback soon, but for now are available in electronic form only.

For more information about Bones of Fire, Eric M. Hill or where you can pick up an eBook copy at this time, please click on the links below:

Bones of Fire by Eric M. Hill

You can find Eric M. Hill on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To order an eBook copy of this book at Amazon, please click here.

The Brotherhood Conspiracy

If you have any knowledge of the Bible, there are quite a few biblical artifacts that simply come to an end. Their stories end through various books of the Bible, much like the famed Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark. Yet have you ever wondered if there might in fact be more biblical artifacts that the world simply has not considered searching for? What one biblical artifact would you love to search for and find? This isn't one of those Indiana Jones type adventures but Terry Brennan has really opened my eyes to some of these artifacts that if discovered may in fact be quite life changing. In the Jerusalem Prophecies series, Terry takes readers into uncharted waters throughout the Middle East in a search for what one group of people known simply as the Prophet's Guard want to keep hidden in the second novel of the series, The Brotherhood Conspiracy.

Just returning from his previous adventure, Tom Bohannon has attempted to settle into some sense of normalcy since discovering the Third Temple located beneath the existing Temple Mount in Israel. With it's discovery, it opens up Bible Prophecy to a whole new level and has created much anticipation from the Jews to begin sacrifices in the Temple of God once again. However the Muslims aren't about to allow that to happen. It flies in the face of what they have longed believe that Jesus was not the Son of God. Now with the entire Middle East on the verge of war, the President of the United States once again has need of Tom's expertise. Not only in uncovering the clues left behind on an ancient scroll which revealed the location of the Temple, but in his faith with God helping him get there and back against all odds. The President believes that Tom can find the next artifact that has every group in the Middle East looking for it.

Tom and his team have been asked to locate the Tent of Meeting, the portable tabernacle that Moses used when the Israelites crossed the wilderness and carried the Ark of the Covenant. It was where God resided as fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day. If Israel can find this artifact, they will gain complete control of the Temple area and drive the Muslims out of the area. It will take everything the team has to pull this one off, but the President firmly believes that Tom is the only one who can lead the team and find the artifact before anyone else does. It just might be the catalyst to ignite World War 3 on many levels.

I received The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this novel, in exchanged for my honest review. I loved the first novel The Sacred Cipher in this series, overall more than this one. It took me quite a while to get into the characters even though I had just finished the previous novel before picking this one up. You just honestly never know who the good guys or bad guys are in this group and why certain Prophet's Guard members just show up in the the most unlikeliest of places taking out more of our favorite characters. However, this is certainly an adrenaline laced series and now I am more than happy to dive into the third novel because just like each consecutive one before it, it gives you a teaser of what they will be hunting for this time and the stakes only increase. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Brotherhood Conspiracy, Terry Brennan or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan

You can find Terry Brennan on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Brotherhood Conspiracy, please visit Kregel Publications website. 

Sky Blue

To say I really like Travis Thrasher's novels would be a serious understatement, and I truly believe that somewhere if it is at all possible, we are definitely on the same wave length when it comes to writing. The exception is, he has had his books published, while mine remain shared between close family members and friends, much like Donald's, a character in his novel, Sky Blue, meaning for now, those great novels are simply in my head. If you have honestly never picked up a novel by Travis Thrasher, I would seriously encourage you to do so, especially if you are at all like me and hate books where you can figure things out before the end. Most novels have that uncanny ability to do just that, introduce a set of characters, develop a plot line and then slowly lead you down the path to where you imagine it all might just end up. Not with Travis's novels.

Sky Blue was something I didn't quite expect and since I've been filling the gaping holes in my Thrasher library with his older novels, I was extremely interested in reading this one since the note he included in the book was "one of my favorite novels." I mean how could you not resist wanting to read a novel that is one of the authors favorites. Once again, I was floored by the last handful of pages, because despite where I though this one was going, once again, he pulled the proverbial rug out from beneath my feet and left me flat on the floor looking at the sky. How did I miss that? I mean it's like the movie Signs by M. Night Shyamalan or The Sixth Sense with Bruce Willis. It's exactly like when you get to the end of the story expecting one thing then it takes you some place different, a place you didn't even see coming. You have to almost go back and reread it to figure out where did the unexpected turn come from that you simply missed perhaps because the story was so good, you simply missed that exit while you were driving along.

To sum up Sky Blue without giving away the true diamond is simply about the life of Colin Scott, a literary agent who is simply burned out (think Jerry Maguire), and is struggle to find his way out of the same old boring routine and from over paid, demanding, egotistical authors who believe that they are the next J.K. Rowling in the mix. Couple that with his marriage to Jen that is on the rocks while they are trying unsuccessfully to have a baby. With careers that keep them apart more than together, they try for one final vacation to put their marriage back together before it's too late. Then tragedy strikes and the life Colin had hoped would be their future is now lost at sea and he is among the debris. Think you know where this one will end up. Yeah I don't think so. Trust me you will want to savor this one to the end, don't rush it trying to figure it out. Enjoy the journey!

Now if you ask me, I'm going to have a hard time, trying to pick one of my favorite novels from Travis Thrasher simply because they are all that great but in vastly different ways. One thing he has taught me as a potential future author is that it's okay to take people where they least expect to go. If you sell them on the story they will go with you all the way to the end and it will be that greatness you had dreamed it would be. Well one thing I can say about this novel Mr. Thrasher is to pen a quote from Sky Blue where you borrowed a quote from Stephen King, " writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read our work, and enriching your own life, as well." You have done that and more thanks to taking your talent and enriching the lives of those that read your novels. Greatness awaits as you put more of your incredible stories between the pages of another brilliant novel. I am a forever fan!

I received Sky Blue  by Travis Thrasher as a self purchase and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The opinions contained in this review are strictly my own personal honest ones. Hands down I would be extremely hard pressed NOT to give this one 5 out of 5 stars but if you read it, I'm sure you are likely to agree with me.

For more information about Sky Blue, Travis Thrasher or where you can pick up a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

Sky Blue by Travis Thrasher

You can find Travis Thrasher on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

Admission

When most people are asked to describe college life for typical male young men, you would often bring to mind fraternity parties, college pranks, drinking, partying, drugs and short term relationships, even perhaps poor choices when it comes to studying and attending class. Often time, most people believe that this would be a check list of sorts for your average college student. When Travis Thrasher wrote Admission it was about that kind of experience. Where a group of rag tag men gathered together to have one anothers backs. If you mess with one, you messed with all of them.

You have your teens that went there based on their parents money, so it wasn't a real serious thing for them. They went because it was something to do to pass the time instead of getting real job. For others, it was simply about trying to figure out where they fit into the world, what would come next after college, a half way point between leaving high school and making the jump into real life as a mature adult. One final hurrah before you had to get serious. But what happens when things go too far. When people take life into their hands as a seemingly innocent prank designed to scare and it gets too far out of hand. I guess it shows that even life's best laid plans don't always work out and sometimes you have to grow up and leave all that college stuff behind.

As Jake Rivers attempts to remember what happened during Spring Break in college at Providence, he learns that not everyone is keen to rehash something that might be better off being unsaid and undiscussed. However 11 years later, Jake needs to put those nightmares to rest and with the incentive to help locate the missing daughter of a wealthy man who believes she has left with one of Jake's old college roommates Alec, he spends time piecing together where Alec ran off to and to regain the missing pieces of a dark memory that no one want to talk about.

I received Admission from Travis Thrasher compliments of a self purchase as I have been a huge fan of all Travis Thrasher's novels and wanted to revisit some of his earlier novels. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own personal ones. This one reads like the movie, "I know what you did last summer," in which some terrible deed lays in the past that Jake has no memory of but has flashbacks of bits and pieces he can't make sense of. The novel toggles back between present day 2005 and 1994 where once again the author cloaks the mystery until the final pages of the book. While you know you could easily have wrapped it up sooner, the author conveys there is more that to this story than simply what Jake goes searching for and thus the reason for taking his time getting to what we all want to know. Well done again, Travis and in my mind, another 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Admission, Travis Thrasher or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Admission from Travis Thrasher

You can find Travis Thrasher on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

The Maze

"From the sound of it, a maze was being constructed, and he knew what that meant: someone stood at a moral crossroads, about the make a life-changing decision. The Piper had to act quickly.

Bricks were laid using grief as a mortar. Walls were cemented in place with sorrow. Lights were forsaken in favor of darkness. Crude agonizing designs were etched into the floors, and the history of one man's sin was scrawled in painstaking detail on every inch of the dreadful place."

In the novel, The Maze, Jason Brannon takes an interesting spin on the consequences of our moral life-changing decisions and shows us what happens when we are literally on the verge of life and death. In this fantastic and wonderful written novel, we follow Jamie Burroughs, a successful businessman, husband and father who is about to stand at the threshold of a life altering choice. When his wife, Amy, confronts him about a recent bank withdrawl, she questions Jamie's intent. Is he planning on using the money as a cash payment on a hotel room to have an affair and destroy their marriage like their friends did? Jamie understands how following the clues from someone else's choice can make his wife question his choices even though that is not what he intends to do EVER. He reassures her that his vows to her are rock solid and that introduces us to the Piper, who begins to play his tempting tune to entice Jamie along another road. One that manifests during a business lunch in which his ex-girlfriend, Karen is there waitress.

Soon Jamie finds himself drawn to her in a way he cannot explain much like the rats did for the Piped Piper of Hamlin. In this interesting look at what happens in the course of our lives suddenly is transformed when Jamie literally hovers on the brink of death after attempting to follow his quest to know "What if."

Jamie finds himself literally in a maze designed by all the choices and decisions he has made over his life. It was designed by The Architect and will test his ability to view his life in a completely different way. The choice he has made not necessarily with his actions, but also his thoughts and words. He will be challenged by the race against the Minotaur who feeds on the sins present in his life. 

 "Think of this maze as one big example of cause and effect. Everything you do has a consequence here. Getting here was a consequence of intent. This place is a manifestation of your entire life. Your deeds are sewn into the fabric of this maze. Your sins are the mortar that holds these walls in place.

This game is just like everything else in your life. You're blessed more than most people, and you can't see all the good things in front of you. All you see are the problems, the trials, the tribulations, the darkness. All you see is what you don't have."

This is such a fabulous novel that speaks to the heart and soul of the reader. It makes you take a hard line approach at your own life and question things you have done. It really takes you into the deepest, darkest places of your own life and teaches us all what it really means to repent and accept Christ as our Savior. Nothing else will save us in the end. I found myself with pages of notes from this novel that I intend to apply as a measuring stick in my own life. No one is perfect and this novel takes you into the seemingly innocent things we do every single day and the consequences it has on our soul.

I'd rate The Maze by Jason Brannon a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to digging a bit deeper into his literary works to find even more surprises tucked inside. I received this novel compliment of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review aside for a free copy of this novel and the opinions contained here are my personal and honest ones.. For those of you that wonder just how innocent your lives are, I'd encourage you to check this one and and re-evaluate what you find inside.

For more information about The Maze, Jason Brannon or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Maze - The Lost Labyrinth by Jason Brannon

You can find Jason Brannon on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels. 

To read more reviews on The Maze, please visit Pump Up Your Book Tour page. 

Fatal Trauma

I can't imagine anything more stressful for a ER doctor than a simple day at work. Everything changes and it truly is never the same day twice. Every patient you get into the Trauma department could be that patients final chance at life, and it all rests in your hands. But what if your typical day at the office was interrupted by an armed gunman who brought you a patient bleeding out. His request, if you don't save him, you all will die one by one. Definitely not what you dreamed would happen when you arrived for work today, but such is the premise behind Richard L. Mabry's latest suspense novel Fatal Trauma.

I have absolutely LOVED every single novel Richard L. Mabry has written because to truly appreciate any medical suspense novel, you have to have a working knowledge of what it takes to be a doctor working in a hospital and the terminology and procedures have to line up correctly to be believable, and thankfully due to being a retired physician, this comes across beautifully in all his novels.

Dr. Mark Baker is attempting to keep a handle on things when the armed man holds a gun, to ER nurse, Kelly Atkinson's head. Unless they can save the unconscious man in the wheelchair, more people will die beginning with Kelly. Just how does someone save a man who clearly appears to be dead while waiting for the possibility of help to arrive? How do you distract an armed gunman who seems to be drug induced? Will there be a possible future for Mark and Kelly if they can find a way out of what has walked into their ER tonight? You'll have to pick this one up to find out!

I received Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry M.D. compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside the complimentary copy of the novel and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This novel is definitely adrenaline filled. From the first chapter, readers are thrust into a situation one hopes never happens in real life and as the body count begins to rise, you wonder how it will all turn out. My favorite part about this novel is the authentic medical descriptions that move the story along. You can tell its genuine because of the author's background in the medical field and for me, this is why I love any of Richard L.Mabry's novels. He takes you someplace you could have never imagined happening to people in the medical field, but there is always that possibility. For me, this one rocks the suspense at a full 5 out of 5 stars! Readers even get a sneak peek at the next novel, Miracle Drug coming out soon. A reader's discussion guide is also included.

For more information about Fatal Trauma, Richard L.Mabry MD or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry MD 

You can find Richard L. Mabry on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Fatal Trauma, please visit the Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour page.


Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won't want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry's new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $25 cash card
• A copy of Fatal Trauma
• A bag of coffee (because caffeine can cure a lot)
• A medical-inspired coffee mug
• Syringe pens
• A box of medical-inspired cookies (because sugar can cure what caffeine doesn't)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard's blog.

The Choosing

"Truth Six: Not to be chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making."

You are nothing.

The statements stuck  on repeat and Carrington couldn't turn them off - because they were true, because she was nothing. This was of her own making. As her mother reminded her before she left, she was not chosen. She is nothing.

Carrington Hale, thought despite all her efforts and that of her mother, that she would be chosen. That even right now, she would be with a man who would choose her as his future wife and the mother of their children, instead of where she is right now. Stripped of everything she was before arriving at the Stacks, her new home and wearing the new label of Lint. One who now serves the rest of the city doing whatever trade she would be assigned. She couldn't go back. She would have to accept her new fate. She must remember "As God set forth the law, so the law must be obeyed." This is her new life.

In the debut novel from author Rachelle Dekker, The Choosing is a Christian dystopian novel that combines what I would call a cross between The Divergent Series and The Hunger Games, but with a definite Christian twist. This is one series you won't want to miss and you are immediately hooked from page one.

Girls that are 17 find themselves preparing for what is called the Choosing Ceremony. They have planned for this moment their entire lives. Hoping to catch one man's eye since women were seen as having to submit to man's authority and thus to serve in the capacity of starting a home and family by being chosen! For Carrington Hale, she was at the top of her class and never for one minute did her family ever dream that she wouldn't. Now faced with no longer being able to see or visit with her family, she has been relegated to dwell as a Lint in one of many assigned trades that serve the Capital. It is the last place any one would want to live. Lints are the lowest form of citizen in the city and no one was allowed to interact with them.

Issac Knight is known as the Authority, the ruling class that sets the example of law and order for those that live in the city. Since the Ruining, he has been able to create a way of life that everyone in the city deems is appropriated following the examples laid out in the book of Veritas. His word is law and anyone who conflicts with the laws are punished. No one dares question the Authority as that is how they have all managed to survive. Now with his wife passing away, he hopes to convince the Council that he should take another wife, since he has no son to pass along his position as heir. Will Carrington get another chance at redemption or will this be a fate worse than death?

I received The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker as a self purchase from Tyndale House Publishers and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. All I know after reading this one, is Ted Dekker has competition in his daughter's amazing ability to pull on the heart strings of what every woman faces, the need for affirmation of our self worth. I absolutely LOVE the science fiction flair that she incorporates this theme that Carrington struggles with in resolving who she really is outside from what others believe she is. The twist to this one is one you won't want to miss as someone is killing Lints in hopes of redeeming them to holiness from the level that have fallen as societies lowest form of life, while another named Aaron is convincing them that there is another way outside of what the Authority deems is righteous and true. I literally inhaled this novel in one sitting because it is that engaging and one that provides such interaction with the reader, you have to keep going to see how it will all play out. The only downside is the sequel to this isn't available until spring of 2016. This is the first novel in the Seer series and one this reader will definitely be waiting for. 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion!!!

For more information about The Choosing, Rachelle Dekker or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

You can find Rachelle Dekker on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Choosing, please visit Tyndale House Publishers. 

Five Days In May

I don't think I've ever had such a profound feeling after reading a novel like I have after finishing Five Days in May by Ninie Hammon. You want to remember that name because her books will have you remembering them long after you have finished and to me, that is a sign of a talented and memorable author. WOW! Was my initial thought after reading this novel. How can I possibly sum this up in a review without giving away too much but convey to people looking for an exceptional book to please pick this one up.

The only way to partially describe this book is among notable movies like The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption. If you've watched either of them, it's not that the actors themselves are what makes the movie but the story being illustrated on the big screen. Five Days in May is precisely that while it remains in book format and I truly hope and pray that some worthwhile production company picks this up and really sees something it in and breathes life into it on the big screen. It's message is too small for television.

It's a story about sacrifice and how far you're willing to go to see that sacrifice through. It's a story about how the lives of Emily Prentiss, Reverend David "Mac" McIntosh, Jonas his father, and Joy his daughter would intersect in a way that would leave them all changed forever by their circumstances and what drew them together.

All four people have a date with destiny and what occurs on that warm Friday in May in 1963 can only be described as miraculous. Mac has been struggling as the town of Graham's pastor since the loss of his wife Melanie. While he watched cancer strip away the very life of the woman he loved, all his prayer to God seemed to go unanswered and he can no longer stand in front of a body of believers and talk to them about a God he no longer believes in. His 16-year-old daughter Joy is struggling to come to terms with no only her mother's death but has now discovered she is pregnant. Not something a preacher's kid ever wants to deal with in highschool and believes the only answer to her problem is to find a way to get rid of the baby growing inside her. But her father is certainly the last person she wants to talk to.

Jonas has watched Alzheimer's take away Maggie, the woman he agree to love and care for until death parted them. Most days she isn't the same woman he married and she doesn't even know who he is. She rambles on about events that aren't even a part of their life, and worse, she screams bitter profanities at him, while she struggles with a disease that has claimed her mind. Jonas knows there is only one way to fulfill his marriage vow and he will do what it takes so she doesn't have to suffer in her private nightmares any longer. Emily Prentiss or Princess awaits her coming execution in just 5 short days and all she knows is she must convince the pastor who is coming to meet with her, that she isn't crazy and she knows more than most people do about others through her visions. Will she be able to convince him that something wicked is coming to the town of Graham before it's too late for them all?

I received Five Days in May by Ninie Hammon compliments of the author herself. I actually came across her through Facebook posts about her incredible books. I knew that based on people comparing her with Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee and in my opinion Stephen King, I knew I had to read her novel. You always want to believe that the book will hold up to all the compliments but this one does that and so much more, I simply can't articulate it well enough. To say that it's well-written seems so shallow, because it takes you by the hand and never lets go until the end. You don't just read this novel, you become part of it. There is no religious elements in this story but to convey that there is an underlying theme of what it means to lay down one's life for another, the very same belief Christian share about the sacrifice of Jesus. That is what you will find in your own way in this novel I hope. For me, a home run with 5 out of 5 stars and I will be adding this author to my "MUST HAVE" list, because if this is a taste of what she brings to her books, I want them all!

For more information about Ninie Hammon, Five Days in May or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Five Days in May by Ninie Hammon

You can find Ninie Hammon on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

The Inn at Ocean's Edge

Who doesn't love a great mystery? I know I've been quite a fan in recent years and was pleasantly surprised to see that Colleen Coble has taken that challenge on in her latest Sunset Cove series with the introduction of The Inn at Ocean's Edge. Be prepared to have pen and paper ready in attempts to solve the puzzle before you get to the end. I was completely unprepared for how this one would wind up and thankfully I am not a real police detective.
 

About:

Claire's visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

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 until now, Claire didn't even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents' best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances---at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire's very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone-maybe everyone-is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

When Claire Dellamare arrives in at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine she doesn't understand why she feels pulled into a sense of panic and fear she can't explain. Hoping to help her father seal the merger between her family's aviation company and another one lucrative one, she knows she might just be the missing piece to help the two firms unite. But when Claire discovers that she went missing for over a year as a child without any knowledge, she begins to wonder what else her parents have been hiding.

Luke Rocco hadn't meant to say anything to Claire when she wandered onto the beach accusing him and his sister Meg of capturing a baby Orca, but he believes she may have information that would help them find his mother who went missing at the same time Claire did. Even though he works for the Coast Guard, he has a hard time convincing Claire his intentions to save the baby Orca are honorable. He had hoped that meeting with Claire now 17 years later might help him discover what really happened to his mother the night she went on her walks and never came back. One thing is certain, someone else wants to ensure that neither of them find out the truth about what happened that night 17 years ago and will stop at nothing to keep those secrets dead and buried.

I received The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. I can't wait to see where this series will go and reminds me of her Rock Harbor series. A lot of suspense, mystery and of course the added element of unexpected romance are the perfect blend for a winning novel in my opinion. I don't want to give too much away but trust me if you love a great criminal mystery novel, pick this one up. Set in Maine, you get a sense of the mystery that comes from being near the ocean and using that as a backdrop for the story is truly brilliant. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to seeing how it all plays out through this series. I hope we see more of Luke and Claire in future novels. A Reader's Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel for book groups!

For more information about The Inn at Ocean's Edge, Colleen Coble or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble

You can find Colleen Coble on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Inn at Ocean's Edge, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


The minute she steps inside the grand Inn at Ocean's Edge, Claire Dellamare knows something terrible happened there—and only Luke Elwell believes her. Colleen Coble's new book, The Inn at Ocean's Edge, is a must-read for mystery and suspense readers. As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.

Celebrate the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Heart's Disguise
• A copy of A Heart's Obsession
• A copy of The Inn at Ocean's Edge

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen's website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean's Edge! RSVP here!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!

Sons of God

There is a small section in the book of Genesis, chapter 6, that very few people understand as they read it. For some, it's simply words in the Bible that they fail to understand the meaning behind the words "sons of God." For an avid Bible student, it refers to the fallen remnant of angels that fell to Earth during Lucifer's rebellion in Heaven. In order to further pollute the world with unparalleled sin, the fallen angels or demons took on human form and married daughters of women. The offspring of these relationships resulted in a creation called Nephilim, half man, half demon. But those were all but destroyed when God called forth the great flood and saved only 8 people, Noah and his family. But it is possible that something of this magnitude could still happen even today?

In Mike Dellosso's book Sons of God, he takes what he refers to as a theological thriller, which unleashes a few themes that run the length of his fictional novel about that very thing happening in a small town of Forest Ridge Pennsylvania, and impacting the Grace Bible Church and it's pastor Scott Davies in ways they could have never seen coming. Fans of spiritual warfare and supernatural fiction will absolutely LOVE the direction Mike took this storyline. Scott is dealing with his own personal demons as he struggles to deal with the loss of his wife Jess, three years ago. He doesn't realize how hard it will be to explain the presence of evil he both sees and feels when a trio of young men suddenly take an interest in three of the young women attending his church.

With visions of romance and love in their eyes, all three unexpectedly announce to Pastor Scott their intention on marriage to these three young men. While Scott can't explain his distrust of what is happening, he tries to encourage them to attend premartial counseling to ensure a successful marriage, but that is not what is on the minds of Jason, Josh and Brian and they manage to weave quite a web of destruction both for Scott and the people of Forest Ridge. Only time will tell if Scott will have enough faith in God to go to war with an ancient enemy!

I was not provided with any monetary compensation for a favorable review for Sons of God and the opinions expressed here are my own. I've read quite a few of Mike's novels and some how missed this one. Being a huge lover of spiritual warfare and supernatural suspense fiction, this one fell right into my book lovers heart. There is such a great element of taking the creation of the Nephilim and bringing it into the possibility of recreation in modern times. We can only hope this will remain a fictional storyline and one that history hopefully will not repeat, but you never know what the future brings as we race closer to the end times. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Sons of God, Mike Dellosso or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Sons of God by Mike Dellosso

You can find Mike Dellosso on Facebook to stay up to date on all his latest novels.

A Stitch in Crime

The latest novel in the Quilts of Love Series, introduces us to Cathy Elliot in A Stitch in Crime. For fans of crime and mystery this one will sure to be a hit for you. This is the 25th book in the series, and doesn't need to be read in any order to enjoy any of the books. Each talented author lends their talent to creating a story utilizing a quilt as their backdrop.

In A Stitch in Crime, Thea James has been named co-chair for the Larkindale's first quilt show. Hoping it will be a success, she is a bit stressed when things begin to unravel the night of the preview for some of the towns invited guests in Mary Alice Wentworth's garden. First, she is critiqued for her fashion style by Renee Fowler, newly married and co-owner of the Heritage Inn where all the guests have found lodging. Then she critiques her contribution to the dessert buffet saying that the crust is poorly constructed in her Blueberry Tartlets and she should have used another fruit instead if she wanted to impress those in attendance.

As Thea masters dodge those comments with holding her tongue and smiling, she ventures off in search of Dr. Cottle who is expected as a guest judge and well-known in his expertise in quilts. No matter where she looks he doesn't seem to be anywhere. When she goes in search of Mary Alice, she almost frightens the woman to death when she comes up behind Thea unannounced. Mary Alice is frustrated while looking for a letter she has misplaced and Thea offers to help. It's when Mary Alice goes upstairs to see if she misplaced it there while getting dressed that a scream is heard. When Thea arrives she finds that Mary Alice is unconscious on the floor and a strange women is standing over her. They will learn that Mary Alice's diamond brooch worth $25,000 is now missing. Is it really or has it simply been misplaced as well?

I received A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliot compliments of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This novel reminded me of an Angela Lansbury episode of Murder She Wrote. The elements are all there from the strange woman no one knows who found Mary Alice, to the overly anxious relative Louisa Wentworth Carver who seems to be more interested in the diamond brooch than Mary Alice's condition. The cast of characters is what you would expect in a crime novel to keep the reader from figuring out who did it too soon! While this wasn't one of my favorites, it is bound to appeal to mystery fans who love this genre. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. There is a group discussion guide at the conclusion of this novel as well as a sneak peek into the next novel in the Quilts of Love Series Beyond the Storm.

For more information about A Stitch in Crime, Cathy Elliot or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliot 

You can find Cathy Elliot on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Stitch in Crime, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.


Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott. Thea's first quilt show begins to fall apart at the seams. Will she be able to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before another attack happens . . . with far worse results.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX! 
 

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott
• Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog February 9th.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Enter today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Wonder

If you have never read Travis Thrasher's novels, he pretty much has a novel written to meet every interest but for me, nothing is more thrilling than to find Christian authors who know how to keep you glued to their novels, add the element of suspense and things that go bump in the dark, and you have me on their waiting list for the next one!

In the coming of age series geared more for the young adult or teen fans, The Books of Marvella have struck a cord in this book lover's heart! To say that there is something evil coming in the town of Appleton, earmarks what you will find when you enter the life of Brandon Jeffrey, a senior struggling to make his way in a difficult world marked by two unsolved murders involving teens that have happened in his town.

To say that the town is on edge is an understatement. Parents are concerned that their teens don't go out at night or alone until the person or persons responsible are caught. There is something brewing with an elderly man known as Otis who owns the quarry. Late at night he can be seen burying things in the back of his house but no one knows what is is. Now it seems he has formed a following when Brandon's best friend Devon, takes up watching his nightly activities believing he is behind the sinister evil building in town. Brandon doesn't want anything to do with stalking people at night especially when he is dealing with his own abusive alcoholic father who almost killed him in a car accident, watching over his younger brothers, keeping the secrets of the abuse from his mother, and trying to win the girl of his dreams.

Sounds like the typical life for a senior teen living in Appleton right? Now that school is back in session, all those summer escapades have not been forgotten. Brandon's intervention with the school's bullies, who also happen to be on the football team, have not gone unnoticed. Brandon's ex girlfriend, Taryn is stirring up trouble for Marvel on Social Media sites and Marvel still believes she will die doing something for God's glory and it will happen sooner than everyone believes. So just what is hiding in the shadows of Appleton? Only time will tell.

I received Wonder by Travis Thrasher compliments of NavPress, a division of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. The best part of this entire series, is the tension that Travis is building but not sharing what is really going on. He is keeping that just beyond what the reader can see, but the suspense element that keeps coming from each of this novels is growing. Evil is slowly showing itself in the unexplained and just who is the hippie older man, Phil who shows up just when Brandon seems to be willing to take unexpected risks? We know he works at the record store with Brandon, but is there a spiritual element here at work as well? All I can tell you is that I can't wait for the next novel and poor Travis Thrasher can't write fast enough for me. This one hits it out of the park again with a stellar 5 out of 5 stars! Suspense fans looking for a bit of the creep factor, pick this entire series and Solitary Tales as well. This is the second novel in The Books of Marvella series with Marvelous being the first. Start there before reading Wonder or it simply won't make sense.

For more information about Wonder, Travis Thrasher or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Wonder by Travis Thrasher

You can find Travis Thrasher on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on Wonder, please visit Tyndale House Publishers website. 

Navy Seal Noel

When the XO's daughter is abducted by what he believes is a drug cartel terrorists, Navy SEAL Will Gumble is asked to retrieve her. Knowing what is at risk to take on this off the record assignment will mean that Will will have no team to back him up or any authorization to act on behalf of the SEAL team to which he has been a part of. If he fails, it will undoubtedly mean the loss of his life, as well as that of Jessalynn McCoy. But it is a risk he is willing to take.

Jess was working as a bioscientist working on the effects of an airborne pathogen known as Morsyni. She was kidnapped and taken against her will to work on the project in a remote jungle. She has no idea where she is only that by doing this, millions will die if the pathogen is released into the air. Not to mention the facility where they expect her to do the work, is less than adequate. A high school science lab would offer more optimal conditions. She knows her father will do what he can to find a way to rescue her, so she tries to buy here time figuring out a way out of the highly guarded jungle compound. In fact the last person she believes will be coming would be Will.

After their tattered friendship that was broken when she was considering marrying his brother Sal, Jess decided to take up going to college and working on a degree to forget the man she had true feelings for. Only he decided to walk away from her and join the Navy. But that is just who shows up posed as an undercover scientist familiar with working with the Morsyni virus. Now between the two they will have just days to come up with a plan to figure out how to get the chemical and them to safety and back in the United States before it's too late.

I received Navy SEAL Noel by Liz Johnson compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the third book in the Men of Valor series from Liz Johnson and I have been blessed to read them all. This time the relationship between Jess and Will that we saw in the first novel A Promise to Protect has resurfaced once again to give closure to readers on the outcome of Jess and Will at last. I love how Liz Johnson executed this one and provided the outcome I was hoping for. The Love Inspired division of Harlequin Romance, gives readers the romance they are looking for in a Christian context. This one is the perfect size to tuck away in your purse to take with you whenever you find yourself with free time to read. For those of you that love a great action adventure with some Black Ops heroes along with the perfect touch of romance, you'll want to pick this one up. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Navy SEAL Noel, Liz Johnson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Navy SEAL Noel by Liz Johnson

You can find Liz Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

Motherless

Some of the most memorable novels are the ones that don't follow the structure we would expect. It's like watching the movie, "The Sixth Sense," yes the one about a young boy who can see dead people who seeks the professional help of Bruce Willis, who promises to help him. It isn't until we get to the very end of the movie, when everything we have been led to believe comes completely unraveled as the real plot is revealed. It makes you realize not everything is as it seems. That is just what Erin Healy has managed to masterfully accomplish.

Now don't be misled by the questionable reviews out there. I honestly believe most didn't finish with the novel and see how it all is revealed by the end. I even, wondered to myself more than 100 pages in, how did I get so lost in this story. I wondered if I was the only one, was it worth digging in deeper to finish or should I throw my hands up in defeat and surrender. After all, all of the novels I have read from Erin Healy have been amazing. So I wondered just what is going on.

I don't want to give any of the details away, because those are so precious when you finally discover what is happening, I don't want to ruin it for you. What I will say is press on, because the prize is so worth it. This isn't like any other suspense novel I have ever read and the ending will completely turn you upside down. You will need to press on pass more than 100 pages in the beginning and give yourself a break from what you are trying to figure out. Don't!!! Simply take your time and read it as it is happening. Don't try to figure out anything, just take it as it comes. It will be so worth your time and I honestly believe you will LOVE it as much as I did. I did put it down for a few days while trying to figure out what I was going to do about finishing it. As an honest reviewer, I feel I am committed to providing an honest review of any novel I am asked to review, whether it is positive or negative.

To give you a brief overview of the novel without giving anything away, I will refer to the synopsis that Erin provides on her cover. "A whispering voice at the back of my mind reminds me that I've been this way for some time. Dead. That is."

"The dead have a very broad view of the living, of actions performed out of sight, of thoughts believed to be private. I would know. Losing both parents is a trial no child should endure, and Marina and Dylan have endured enough. They deserve the one thing I could never give them: a mother's love."

"A mother's love, and the truth."

"My children have believed a lie about me for years and years. After all this time, I can still feel their hurt in my heart. But the tether holding me to them is frayed from years of neglect... and I have to find a way to make my confession before it snaps."

"But when the truth comes out, what other beasts will I unleash?"

"Why do we lie to the children?" someone asked me once.

"To protect them," I answered.

"How terrible it is that they need protection from me."

I received Motherless by Erin Healy compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Shelton Interactive for my honest review. Besides receiving a free copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This is such a great novel because it completely deviates from your standard novel. It doesn't follow scripted patterns you can easily figure out, it has you all over the place because as readers, we honestly are trying to figure it out before it ends. Erin, keeps your guessing. Everything I thought was tossed over the ocean cliff by the time I got to the final chapters. Don't even read the discussion guide questions for clues because you will ruin it for yourself. Keep pressing on despite how difficult the beginning may be. Even I struggled, but I persevered and for once it was SOOO worth it! Erin Healy is by far becoming one of my favorite authors because she doesn't write the novels you are expected, she gives you the unexpected and for me that was so refreshing. Hands down a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Motherless, Erin Healy or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Motherless by Erin Healy 

You can find Erin Healy on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Motherless, please visit Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

In the Heart of the Dark Wood - Giveaway and Review

"Everyone was lost somehow, turned around in their own darkwood, looking for something that would help them go on. Everyone just wanted to find their way home."

It's been eighteen months since the Carnival Day Storm when life in Mattingly would be defined as "Old" or "New" based on where you were when you arrived in town. For one young 12-year-old girl, Allie Gunderson has been marking it off in days. 542 when the novel opens. Allie has been holding on to her version of faith, refusing to accept that the tornado that tore her mother from her life, had taken her away for good. Allie was the only one in town who believed that somehow, somewhere, her mother was still out there, waiting to find her way back home. It was why she believed in her daily rituals that began each morning, and offered her a hope that she might just make it through this day.
"It started with prayer, nothing extravagant or drawn out like the speeches in church; a simply hello and thank-you were usually enough, and were expressed more through Allie's mouth than her heart."(41).

It was simply a way to mark off the time until her mother, Mary made her way home. Tornadoes were like that some times, picking people up and setting them down miles away from home. But no matter how logical some might argue their point with Allie, her faith remained. The only thing she had left of that day was a compass from the Carnival that her mother had given her. It stopped working long ago, and the strap that held it to her wrist like a watch, was once a bright red, had worn to a faded pink. In fact, she would have lost it several times, had Zach Barnett, not reminded her to keep an eye on it. Zach was one of those parts of her life, where Allie would deny she had feelings for, much like her dog Sam, because Allie knew if you loved someone, God would take them away from you. So she kept them both at arms lengths refusing to acknowledge her feelings for them.

Until the day her compass began working again. It was the day her faith would be put to the test when Allie believed her mother had found a way to communicate with her. She was simply pointing the way for Allie to come find her and help her find her way home. Now all she needed was to convince Zach to come with her and help prove once and for all that her mother was not dead. She was simply lost and needed help to find her way home, back to Allie and her father Marshall. Zach knew that Allie was barely hanging on by a thread, but he wasn't about to let her set off in search of her mother by herself. They both promised themselves that they would only be gone for a few hours, home by dark, he promised his parents. That would be four days from the day they entered the woods.

I received In the Heart of the Dark Wood by Billy Coffey compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Billy Coffey for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions mentioned here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. This is the third book in this series, and as the author mentions at the beginning, they can be read in any order, but I have to say the way they were written is the best way to begin them. This is a novel in my opinion that explores what faith means in the midst of our darkest times. It is where we face our greatest fears and find our truest strengths. It is where we are tested by fire to see what remains and in this case it is the greatest gift of all, love.

This isn't one of those novels that is wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end, but will cause you to reflect on the journey you find yourself on where you begin reading it. It's not meant to be rushed but savored, explored, and questioned as you the pages not only of Allie's faith, but Zach's character. It is a coming of age story in a different way because each of them has held on to something they have believed in, but hasn't been tested until they day the enter the woods and it will forever change them, not just Allie and Zach, but the entire town of Mattingly. Hands down, one of my favorites by Billy Coffey and I hope that this is not the end of Mattingly. Many more questions remain but perhaps the answers lie buried until another time. Well deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. A Reading Group Guide is included at the conclusion of this novel.

Thanks to Billy Coffey and Thomas Nelson Publishers, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here are your guidelines:

1. "Like" Billy Coffey's Facebook page. If you're already a follower, simply leave a comment on his page.

2. Be a follower of Billy Coffey's blog, What I Learned Today. 

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of In the Heart of the Dark Wood. Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way to contact you, if you're the lucky winner of the giveaway. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email once the giveaway ends on November 24th, and feel free to share this giveaway opportunities with everyone you know.

For more information about In the Heart of the Dark Wood, Billy Coffey or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

In the Heart of the Dark Wood by Billy Coffey

You can find Billy Coffey on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on In the Heart of the Dark Wood, please visit Thomas Nelson's website.