The Brotherhood

Author: Jerry Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: January 2011

Jerry B. Jenkins has started a new police thriller series in the Precinct 11 novels. The book has an interesting plot and Christian theme. I've never read any of Jenkins' other works (Leave Behind series in particular) so I didn't quite know what to expect. I liked the way he integrated Christian beliefs without being cheesy or preachy. Jerry Jenkins' writing style is flawless and easy to read, yet compelling. It was also kind of an eye-opener to frightening organized crime activities that are out there.
The Brotherhood is primarily the story of Boone Drake, a cop's cop, and his reaction to tragedy in his life. An unexpected accident changes Boone Drake's life in an instant. Unable to understand such tragedy, he searches for meaning in his job, his routine, and the bottom of a bottle. His emotions and questions are raw and honest and pulsate throughout the novel. But it goes beyond that into the heart of gangland in Chicago, where the Chicago PD is preparing the sting operation of a lifetime.
People who are affiliated with law enforcement or enjoy law enforcement novels will especially enjoy this book.

The Tehran Initiative

Author: Joel Rosenberg
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: October 2011

Joel C. Rosenberg in his book "The Tehran Initiative" Book Two in the “The Twelfth Imam” series published by Tyndale House Publishers brings us to The Middle East in the possible future. 'The Tehran Initiative', is a strong, compelling political thriller. Rosenberg hooks the reader from page one and the story flows effortlessly from there.

The main character of the novel is David Shirazi, a CIA operative working undercover in Iran. In Tehran, the Twelfth Imam has emerged, attracting those Muslims who believe him to be the messiah and call for the destruction of those who would oppose them. "I have come to bring peace and justice and to rule the earth with a rod of iron," he continued. "This is why Allah sent me. He will reward those who submit. He will punish those who resist. But make no mistake, Iskander; in the end, every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that I am the Lord of the Age."

The dialog between the characters is believable and flows naturally. The 400 pages cover an intense 7-day period between Tehran, Jerusalem and Washington. If the reader steps out of the novel into actual current events, such a week has the potential to be the most intense week in history. World leaders face decisions that could obliterate entire nations in a matter of seconds if the wrong decision would be made.

I recommend this novel for anyone who wants a good story that seems like it could appear in tomorrow's newspaper.

River's Song

By: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Abington Press
Publish Date: August 2011
Review Run Date: Indefinite

River's Song is the first book in Ms. Carlson's series, The Inn at Shining Waters. Set in 1957, this is a story about a woman who has faced many challenges in her life, and now is struggling to understand who she is, and what she wants from life.

Anna Gunderson married at a young age for love. Tragically, her husband is seriously injured in the war, and Anna spends a difficult season tending to her husband while living under the roof of her autocratic mother-in-law. After her husband dies, followed by the deaths of her parents, Anna slips the bonds of her enslavement to her mother-in-law and returns to to her childhood home on the banks of the Siuslaw River in Oregon.

River's Song is a wonderful story about the power of this river to bring healing and renewal of purpose to Anna. The reader is drawn to Anna's character; she has experienced so much heartbreak that her ability to even desire healing for herself is questionnable. Thankfully, Anna develops a small support system who encourage her along the road to wholeness

Hurricanes in Paradise

By: Denise Hildreth Jones
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publish Date: May 2010

This book was a compelling read. The four protagonists, all women of varied ages and background, happen to become acquainted at a hotel on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Each of their individual stories keep the reader's interest, and the intersection of their lives for one week during hurricane season is the foundation of this book.

Riley is the Guest Services Manager at the Atlantis Hotel. It is her responsibility to make sure that the hotel's most important guests are kept happy during their stay at the hotel. The special guests to be looked after the week of this story include a well-known author, Laine, with an inflated ego, a widow, Winnie, struggling to come to terms with the circumstances of her life, and a young model, Tamyra, despairing from relationship difficulties she must face back home.

Ms. Hildreth Jones tackles serious subjects in Hurricanes in Paradise, such as forgiveness, trust, and fear. She also allows the protagonists' to come to terms with their Christian faith in the book. All of the women have been exposed to Christianity at some point in their lives but their personal faith walks' are quite different from each other. The author weaves the Christian message throughout the book but it is done with grace and thoughtfulness.

A Kiss of Adventure

By:                    Catherine Palmer

Publisher:          Tyndale House 

Publish Date:     April 2008

     This book, about a young woman and her adventures in Africa, was quite captivating. The reader follows Tillie Thornton (short for Matilda) as she pursues a treasure that a Scottish explorer, Mungo Park, is said to have left near Timbuktu two hundred years ago. A particularly fierce tribe of nomads, the Tuarag, repeatedly attempt to kidnap Tillie and force her to take them to the treasure, but Tillie has no idea what the treasure is, or where it might be hiding. An American writer, Graeme McLeod, joins forces with Tillie, and they go from one adventure to another running from the Tuarag, and trying to determine where the treasure is. Somewhat predictably, a romance blossoms between them, and the reader silently observes each character as they cautiously peel back the 'onion layers' of their lives, unsure if they are able, or even are willing, to overcome their pasts in order to have a future together.

     This book appears to be written to the Christian reader. There are a lot of bible verses strewn about the pages; Tillie remembers these being taught to her by an African housekeeper. They are appropriately utilized in the book and help Tillie to make difficult choices as she faces various challenges. The subject of faith is significantly explored in A Kiss of Adventure. Tillie realized how easy it was for her to keep her faith in God when life was easier.   However, when she doesn't understand why difficult things keep happening, she consciously reminds herself of the truths she has been taught so that she does not become overwhelmed by her circumstances. I would recommend this book to all readers.

Veiled Freedom

By:                      Jeanette Windle

Publisher:           Tyndale House

Publish Date:      April 2009

     Veiled Freedom is an amazing book! The reader learns about the people and politics of Afghanistan through a riveting story line. The author breathed life into characters that lived and dreamed and despaired their very existences.

     The three main characters, Steve Wilson, Amy Mallory, and Jamil come together from different realities and worldviews. Steve, a private security expert, is working in Afghanistan. He is jaded and disgusted with life, especially with "freed" Afghanistan post-911. Amy is a young Christian humanitarian worker whose desire is to meet the physical and emotional needs of Afghan women and children. Jamil is an Afghan with too many life experiences, a young man with no hope for a brighter future for his country. The lives of these three people intersect in Kabul, and are forever intertwined. 

My knowledge about the difficult lives of the Afghan people has been very limited. I didn't realize the depths that greed, corruption, and misused power had wrought in this country. I didn't understand how poorly women are treated, and how little has changed within the culture as a result of Western military operations. Although a novel, Ms. Windle's well-written book is based on truth. The details she brings to each page adds significantly to the reading experience. I could smell the dusty smog of Kabul, I could hear the merchants and customers of the marketplace. 

The author also contrasted Christianity and Islam through the book. The character, Amy, believes that people should have the right to choose what belief system they adopt, and struggles as she is not allowed to share her own faith to the Afghan people. Jamil, on the other hand, vacillates between his devout adherence to the Muslim faith, and what he has read in a bible he has been given. Is love more powerful than vengeance? Does God want us to love our enemies or to find revenge for the wrongs that have befallen us? Is forgiveness attainable? As he wrestles with these questions, the reader is also confronted with their own belief system? Do we live by a system of beliefs, and let them guide our choices and decisions, or do we go about our daily lives giving lip service to a higher power yet not allow our beliefs to impact our lives?

     I would recommend this book to all readers. It is impactful and has an interesting story as well.

Water's Edge

By:                Robert Whitlow
Publisher:       Thomas Nelson
Publish Date:  August 2011 

Water's Edge is an exciting legal mystery. The main character, Tom Crane, is faced with significant struggles both personally and professionally, and almost ends up committing suicide to avoid the disasters that are before him.When Tom Crane believes he is just about to make partner in the large law firm he works for in Atlanta, the company lets him go due to financial straits. His girlfriend leaves him that same day, and Tom reels from these two major disappointments. He heads home to Bethel, Georgia, where he needs to close up his attorney father's office, after he dies in a boating accident. Many situations arise through the book, leaving him to question what life is all about. He finds himself questioning his goals for the future and the significance of old and new relationships. While the book ends somewhat predictably, the reader is unsure throughout how the story line is going to be brought together to a satisfying conclusion.  
This book contains a lot of Christian dialog and bible verses. Part of the main character's struggles are considered within the Christian framework. I would recommend this book to all readers, but especially those who enjoy good Christian fiction.

Through the Fire

By:                    Shawn Grady

Publisher:          Bethany House

Publish Date:     July 2009

This is the first book written by Shawn Grady, and is an interesting suspense novel for all types of readers. Writing about firefighting came naturally to this professional firefighter/author, and the detailed accounts of the fires he responds to in this book are full of interesting details that only a firefighter would be able to describe.

The main character, Aiden, has been consumed for five years with a mysterious series of deadly fires that killed his father, another firefighter.  However, he is thwarted by a lack of evidence and the suspicions of his peers. As the reader considers each of the book's characters as a possible serial arsonist, Mr. Grady continues to build the plot until the reader is totally unsure of the outcome.  

An underlying story line throughout the book is one of trust. Can Aiden trust the people around him, or is one of them the arsonist? Can he trust God to be in overall control of a very difficult set of circumstances? Can he trust himself to let go of the bitterness he has held on to since the death of his father?

I enjoyed Through the Fire and recommend it to all readers.  

Nick of Time

By: Tim Downs
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publish Date: May 2011

     Nick of Time is the sixth book in the Bug Man series. Dr. Nick Polchak is a quirky forensic entomologist, a bug man.  He is engaged to Alena Savard, a beautiful, but odd, woman who lives on top of a mountain just outside of Endor, Virginia. He is invited to participate in solving a "cold case" by a good friend. Nick becomes so wrapped up in the case that he hardly remembers his fiance, nor his upcoming wedding. Both Nick and Alena provide drama with a humorous twist in this story. The conclusion was totally unexpected which is always appreciated. Nick of Time was an enjoyable summer read. I would recommend this book, first, to anyone who doesn't get bothered by discussions about blowflies and maggots.  Secondly, this book would be interesting to people who enjoy a main character who is different yet appealing.

Light of Eiden (Legends of the Guardian-King, Book 1)

By:                        Karen Hancock

Publisher:              Bethany House

Publish Date:        May 2003

     I recently had the opportunity to read Light of Eiden. As a Christian-themed fantasy, the author created a world that was focused on the religious aspects of that society. The reader follows Abramm from a young man totally consumed by his pious (and false) religious service to his god, Eiden. There is much evil and dark magic amongst the religious rulers and Abramm becomes disillusioned. A lengthy saga ensues where Abramm is enslaved and faces enormous difficulties. However, slowly he overcomes many obstacles and begins to recognize that he is a stronger person because of these horrific experiences. He becomes the "White Pretender" and an inspirational role model for the people of his land. 

      The strength of this book is in the story line. It is full of adventure, and the reader agonizes with Abramm as he faces so many difficulties. The weakness, in my opinion, is that some of the obvious parallels between Eiden, the "god of light" and the Christian (protestant) God are forced. In addition, in another parallel, the author  has apparently strong beliefs about the evils of the Catholic Church, as evidenced through the darkness of the Mataio, the ruling religion of Kiriath. Overall, I enjoyed Light of Eiden, and would recommend this book to readers of Christian fantasy.

The Guardian

By:	Robbie Cheuvront and Erik Reed
Publisher Name:	Barbour Publishing, Inc.

   Publishing Date:    October, 2011
      
     This book was full of action and adventure.  It follows the journey of Anna as she seeks to unlock the secrets of a scroll written by John, the disciple, and mentioned in the Book of Revelations. A second theme of faith is interwoven through the book. Anna has to determine if she believes in God, and how that will impact the choices she makes.
     As the story unwinds, the authors introduce the reader to many intriguing characters. Lucifer has a strong role in this story, with his human devotees constraining to block the task Anna has before her. Many others, including a love interest, Jason, seek to assist the girl in her quest. Up until the end, the reader is left wondering if the young protagonist will be able to accomplish her mission.
     I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the bible, the Catholic church, as well as those who enjoy a well-written story. 

Relentless (Dominion Trilogy #1)

By:                      Robin Parrish
Publisher:          Harvest House
Publish Date:     July 2006


     I really enjoyed this first book of the Dominion Trilogy by Robin Parrish. It was completely engaging, suspenseful, and thought-provoking.
     The main character, Grant Borrows, changes in an instant from one person to another...literally. One moment he is walking down the street as Collin Boyd, a forgettable man who has always been alone and prefers it that way. The next moment, he becomes Grant Borrows, a confident, self-possessing person who ultimately ends up deciding the fate of the world as we know it. He meets others like himself, who have been changed and given unusual powers, and slowly becomes aware that these events have happened for a purpose. He realizes that those with power determine destiny. His decision ultimately has to do with the influence he can exert with the power he has been given, whether to use it for the good of mankind or to exploit it for darker purposes.
     I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, and thought-provoking fiction.

The Story of Your Life

By:                        Matthew West and Angela Thomas
Publisher Name:     Harvest House Publishers
Publishing Date:     September 2011


     This devotional book was very interesting yet disappointing. I loved reading the stories of different Christians around the country, and the struggles they have overcome. They were very inspiring and encouraging.
     I found the funky font on the headings distracting and unnecessary.  I would have loved to read more "stories" and less comments by Mr. West and Ms. Thomas. The stories are interesting and thought-provoking, and a half to one-page of dialog by either of the authors would have been sufficient.  As it currently reads, it is more than a devotional yet too choppy to read through all in one sitting. 

Attracted to Fire

By:                       DiAnn Mills
Publisher:             Tyndale House 
Publish Date:        October 2011


     This book was compelling reading. Attracted to Fire was both a mystery and a romance novel, a great combination that will interest many fiction readers. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters as the story line developed. I truly was unsure of how the story would play out, and only figured things out as the author revealed them.
     I found it interesting to learn something about the Secret Service agents through this book. The strong female character, Meghan, was an outstanding agent and also a woman with strong character. The portrayal of the president's daughter as a troubled adolescent early in the book, and then her emergence as a second strong female character later, added to my enjoyment of the book.
     The Christian underpinnings throughout the novel was also appreciated. While they were subtle, they were believable. I expect readers to be encouraged in their faith after reading this good book.

Cash Burn

By:                     Michael Berrier
Publisher:          Tyndale House 
Publish Date:     July 2011
     Cash Burn  is an exciting book. The main character, Jason, ito s so much like all of us that you can't help feeling bad when he finds himself without a prayer to stand on, and his life crumbling around him! Jason had so many opportunities to turn things around in his life, yet his pride and egoism led to a downfall from which he would never recover. Cash Burn is sure to make readers think about the choices they have made over time,and to challenge them to consider those decisions in the light of eternity.

Heart of Ice

By:                    Liz Wiehl and April Henry
Publisher:          Thomas Nelson
Publish Date:     April 2011     
     The authors created very believable characters, and developed multiple story lines that weave together with cunning and craftmanship. I read the book in one sitting, and thankfully, started it early enough in the day not to have to stay up all night to finish it. The evil of the sociopath, Elizabeth, and her ability to manipulate so many people, has left me with a renewed decision not to be vulnerable or gullible in my own life. When a book can have that impact on you, I believe that it is a very good book.

I love to read!

     I read alot, especially in the summer when I am not teaching. I primarily read fiction, and enjoy mysteries, suspense, best sellers, and even romance. I think reading is the best leisure time activity a person can have; you can read for short amounts of time when the day is overfull, or for hours and hours when life is slower.  You don't have to travel to far away places to have an adventure, nor cheat on your spouse to enjoy a bit of romantic escape.