Book Review

Some books are good diversions from everyday life.  Others grab me by my heart and won’t let go even after I finish them.  This one still has me in its grasp.  “Convicted: A Crooked Cop, an Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship” is a page turning, engulfing true story by authors Jameel Zookie McGee, Andrew Collins, and Mark Tabb. This is the story of two men and how Jesus worked in their lives to provide healing and forgiveness. Set in Benton Harbor, Michigan and St. Joseph across the river, this story tells of the different lifestyles the two places provide.  It is a story of black and white, right and wrong, grace and mercy, forgiveness and redemption, and God’s healing love.

Convicted is an excellent well researched, written, and organized story. The writing is done in a nice manner. It flowed smoothly and the story definitely held my attention from page one until I finished the book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading the story, too. Rage, disbelief, love, heartbreak, forgiveness, grace, and everything in between. I cried (and cried) while reading this touching story.

This true story is the tale of two men, a white policeman and a black man shopping for food. Their lives intersect at a store in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The shopper, Jameel McGee, was arrested but did not commit the crime. Andrew Collins, the policeman, falsely arrested him for possession of drugs with the intention to hdistribute. Jameel is obviously angry and disturbed about the unlawful arrest. To be sure that another drug dealer is in jail and off the streets, Officer Collins falsifies his report and lies to the court about Jameel. This sends Jameel to prison for three years. As time goes on, Jameel hears from God and learns to forgive and let go. Andrew on the other hand has continued his bad ways and ends up in prison himself.

The lessons learned in this book are relevant in today’s society. First off, we need to be honest. God has given us laws to live by and we need to obey them, We need to show grace and forgive others. We can and should, no must, turn to God and ask for His forgiveness first. Healing comes from Him. Redemption comes from God.

I would recommend this to everyone. Men and women alike will enjoy this book. Teens, too. It stays with you long after you have finished it. Really a thought provoking book. This would be a fantastic book club read because it needs to be discussed. I wouldn’t be surprised if this isn’t made into a movie someday. Definitely a 5 star rating.

Have you ever read a book that touched your heart and mind? It felt like the book was written just to help you and transform your life? Me, too! That was what happened when I read “Deeper Waters – Immersed in the Life-Changing Truth of God’s Word” written by Denise Hughes. This phenomenal paperback published by Harvest House hits the streets September 1st. It is 242 pages of wealth on digging deeper into God’s Word and Voice.  Pre-purchase it and receive a free book along with it.

Divided into four parts and followed with an Epilogue, author Hughes starts her book with “The Voice We Hear” and I am immediately hooked. Who wouldn’t be? Not only a Christian Living book, this turned out to be a Bible Study and partial Memoir. The author is transparent in her book and shares with readers the personal and heart-stirring story of what brought her to God’s Word. She reveals her struggles, trials and triumphs making her relatable. By the end of the book I felt like I had a new friend and (much younger) mentor.  She helped me when I didn’t realized I needed help.

I enjoyed her writing style and insights very much. It was easy to read and understand while being thought provoking at the same time. This book is well organized, well thought, and well written. Most of all it is God glorifying and helps each reader with her Christian Walk and reading God’s precious Word. The author’s love and joy for God is contagious just by reading her powerful words.  She has a passion for God and wants to share it.

“Deeper Waters” is a Book for those wanting to dig deeper and not just skim the surface of God’s Word. Her suggestion for anyone and everyone, whether a seasoned bible reader or novice just beginning, is to read, write, and pray God’s Word. No typing. Write it with your hand on paper so that it stays with you.  She has a variety of things to share to enlighten and encourage.  There is much more packed into this impactful jewel.

I definitely recommend this wonderful book. It will make you delve deeper into the Bible and strengthen your relationship with God. You will find yourself looking deep into yourself, also. “Where do you feel most comfortable? Where is your place to read your Bible and connect with God? Do you really, really know you can bring everything to God?” This is a great readers group or bible study book. It has so much to think on and discuss. Buy a copy for yourself and a friend. You will want to discuss it and how it impacts your life. It gets a 5 star recommendation.

Isn’t it nice when you try something new and really like it?  That happened to me recently with an author I had never read.  “My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho, Rebecca’s Plight” by author Susanne Dietze was a great find for this reader. This historical Christian romance is a 256 page paperback published by Barbour. It is has twists, turns, adventure, inspiration, humor, and much more to capture your attention and not release it until the last page.

This is the tale of mail order bride Rebecca Rice and her husband to be, Theodore (or so she thinks). The setting is the Idaho Territory in 1866, just after the Civil War. Rebecca sets off to marry shopkeeper, Theodore, and ends up marrying Lawman Thaddeus (Tad). The real shopkeeper wants his mail order bride. The chemistry between Rebecca and Tad builds. She begins to question her plans versus God’s plans for her. It is a wonderfully told story that you will enjoy immensely.

Author Dietze is new to me as this is the first book of hers I have read. Her writing style is very good. The storyline was well thought, planned, and researched. I had no trouble following it and it definitely held my interest. The author’s main and secondary characters were well rounded right down to their faults and colorful personalities. I felt like I had made some new friends with some while others not so much. The conversations and dialogue flowed smoothly and never seemed choppy. Best of all the author added inspirational messages on topics that are relevant today such as dealing with lacking or wavering faith and trust in God, helping others, showing not just receiving grace, resilience, and withstanding tough times. There are twists, adventure, romance, history, suspense, humor, and inspiration. This book has it all.

This would be a great book for anyone that enjoys Christian romantic fiction, historical or Westerns. I would definitely recommend it.  Having it read in a reading group or by few friends would be good.  I wanted to discuss it with someone.  It was nice to get lost in this page turning novel. I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”  Proverbs 19:21 ESV

I am a fan of Amish books. Their lifestyle intrigues me. Wanda Brunstetter is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction among other books. She has done Amish cookbooks that are wonderful. Her newest book “The Blessing” is Book Two in her series “The Amish Cooking Class. This 308 page paperback is a Contemporary Christian with Amish and cooking novel. If you like any of the above this is the book for you. It is Book Two but could be read as a stand alone.

Book One in this series was so good I anticipated really liking Book Two, but I never expected to love it more than I did the first one. Author Brunstetter has a way of storytelling that gets my attention and keeps it. I love how she uses Amish (Pennsylvania Deutch) words. After reading so many Amish novels I have even learned some myself. Her descriptions are so realistic I can almost smell the pumpkin cookies baking and taste the hot apple cider. She takes me to Amish Country.

“The Blessing” continues the story of Amish couple Heidi and Lyle Troler. Heidi continues her Amish Cooking Class with new students. Each student brings a unique and interesting story. The students are not Amish so a lot of the story is set in the “English” world. It is a good mix of men and women, young and old.

Brunstetter tackles a lot of issues in this novel. Things that a lot of people struggle with are touched upon such as stress, adoption, fostering, priorities, family, divorce, alcoholism, forgiveness, redemption, and being unequally yoked in a marriage. Seldom do we read about the latter, but it is in scripture and so important. In this enthralling story are insight and encouragement for some of life’s issues. Scripture is heavily sprinkled throughout the book. This is what I look for in a Christian novel – one that inspires according to the Bible.

After the page turning, stay up all night reading it story there are the six recipes from Heidi’s cooking classes. Apple Cornbread is the one I am eager to try. It is one that sounds so different. Following the recipes are fifteen discussion questions. This helps delve deeper into the story and our own lives.

I loved “The Blessing” and would definitely recommend it to anyone. You do not have to like Amish fiction to enjoy this book, but if you do it is an added bonus. There is so much packed into the pages of this inspiring book. You will want to share it with a friend. It would make a great gift or book club read. If you like to cook you will enjoy it. Definitely a 5 out of 5 star rating from me.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This Christian women’s book’s back cover says it is “a battle cry for women to step out of the ordinary and live differently. It’s a blueprint for a life full of passion and purpose. And it has the power to change everything.” Did that get your attention? It certainly got mine. So I decided I needed to read this book and see if it would deliver on its promise. The answer is yes, and much more.

“Uncommon: Pursuing a Life of Passion and Purpose” by Author Carey Scott is a 244 page paperback book published July 1, 2017 from Barbour Publishing, Inc. This nineteen chapter book is geared toward young women, but ladies of any age will glean something from it. “Uncommon” is an encouraging and delightful book. It is excellently written. Chapters focus on courage, faith, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, love, obedience, prayer, morality, and why the world needs you to be uncommon (my favorite one of the nineteen), among others. Subjects are all interesting, relevant, and things Christian women need in their lives. The author wants to teach young women to stand out in faith. Be uncommon, live life differently is the author’s theme. She wants readers to cease worrying about what others think.

Scripture is heavily laced throughout this inspiring book. Beginning each chapter is a Bible verse relating to the topic followed by explanation and a lesson. Examples of biblical women and their stories are next followed by “Lean into Him (scripture), Look into you (questions), and Live Uncommon (prayer)”. This helps to dig deeper and really learn. In the Kindness chapter one question is “Are you a kind person for the right reason?” The questions are meant to do some soul searching. The author encourages readers to praise and worship God. She also states the need for prayer and how essential prayer time is. Every chapter is a positive reenforcement for readers of something we should know but may have forgotten because of how busy life has gotten.

Uncommon is a well written, organized, and well researched book. The chapters are easy to follow. The author has a nice style of writing. It is almost as if she is sitting chatting with readers. Women will find it relatable and inspiring. It definitely was written to bring women closer to God and glorify Him. Using personal stories, scripture, humor, and encouragement, Author Scott teaches women how to stand apart from this world and live for God. In her last chapter she even briefly discusses the mess Americans have made of their relationships during and after the election. That issue is heavy on my heart. She states “Even now, several weeks after the election, we are still screaming at one another.”

“Uncommon: Pursuing a Life of Passion and Purpose” is a book that every woman will enjoy reading and should read. It provides information that is biblically based that encourages us to help others, forgive, be kind evangelize, and worship. It is a wonderful book for any woman, woman’s group, or church library. I highly recommend it and give it a 5 star rating. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matt. 5:14-16  NKJV

Do you enjoy reading? I do. Give me a good book and sip of hot tea or coffee, and I am perfectly content. Well, depending upon the book, right? I never need worry about that with author Melissa Jagears.  She is a fabulous Christian fiction author.  Each book she writes is another great one that will brings enjoyment, contentment, entertainment, and best of all inspiration.  They have all been page turning, hard to put down novels.

“A Love So True” by author Melissa Jagears is Book 2 in her Teaville Moral Society Series. This paperback by Bethany House Publishing House is 358 pages of inspirational Christian fiction. Even though this is book two, it can easily be read as a standalone book. This is a compelling, page turning, hard to put down book, which is the only kind author Jagears knows how to write.

Jagears does another exceptional job as she takes us back to Teaville where we are reacquainted with old friends and make new ones. This is the story of Evelyn Wisely who helps the town’s orphans. She has a heart for others and works with her parents at the orphanage. Miss Evelyn is a unique character who happens to be tall. She also has a secret. It is also the tale of David Kingsman. He has recently moved to Teaville for business. Evelyn catches his eye as do the children and their mission for help. David wants to help, too. This character is also unique and absolutely adorable. He has a good heart and a secret, too. Together they work to help women and children find ways out of the poverty and wretchedness of prostitution. It isn’t an easy task. Evelyn wants to build a women’s shelter but isn’t getting support from the town businessmen.

This story, set in 1908, is filled with inspirational lessons. It shows a different side of the “red light” districts. Many things are brought to light that may not be known. Some women and children are forced into this horrible way of life. Many or most people look down upon them. Very few want to help, but what would Jesus do? As Christians we are called to love, serve and help others. Author Jagears puts this into a beautifully moving story. I love her style of writing. The descriptions take me away to Teaville. I become friends with her wonderful characters. They are rich, full, and lively. Well rounded and full of drama the story and characters come to life on her pages. The dialog is smooth and effortlessly written. It’s like listening in on a conversation. Jagears puts twists and turns in her encouraging, God glorifying novel. Scripture is sprinkled throughout the book.  Again, this is not Christian fluff, but some hardy Christian fiction to chew on. It sticks with you.

Jagears takes on various topics and issues, such as sin, deceit, secrets, prayer, judging, trusting God, helping others, society, morality, suicide, and love. The book is well written, researched, and organized. It has humor, inspiration, mystery, adventure, romance, and history. There are no study questions at the end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Christian fiction, any book clubs or church groups, or historical fiction lovers. I gladly rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided from the author and publisher but this is my own, honest review.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Col. 3:23-24  NIV