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.