Deception by Patricia Bradley

 Deception by Patricia Bradley is an excellent can’t put it down Christian romance suspense novel. An FBI agent, Madison Thorne, has been through a traumatic experience. Four years ago she was betrayed by her boyfriend and ultimately had to kill him in self-defense. She’s working on a case in her hometown. When a ranger stops her in a routine traffic stop, Clayton recognizes Madison right away, however her thoughts and feelings toward him are not cordial. In addition, Madison is close with her grandfather, however her adoption has always affected her life. Why was she adopted? Why did her birth not mother not want her? Suddenly a woman who looks just like Madison, who could be Madison‘s twin, is attacked on the same night that Madison‘s grandfather is shot. What is going on? Does this relate to her adoption? Does she actually have a twin sister?

Honestly, I could not put this book down. It was fascinating and the tale was gripping. I loved reading Patricia Bradley’s Deception. I would highly recommend this book. Except you might want to block out some time so you will have adequate time to read the novel since it is so gripping. This is the fourth book in a series however, I appreciate that you do not need to read the previous books to understand the story. It is a great stand alone novel. I was given a free copy from the publisher and I highly recommend.

The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep

The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep is the tale of Detective Jackson Forge and street smart maiden, Kit Turner. Jackson and Kit are engaged, however there starkly different backgrounds do not always mesh as well as expected. So many secrets in their past and much going on in their street lives and at times it’s difficult for them to communicate effectively. However, they are deeply in love.

Will Kit put Jackson first in her life? Will she ever overcome her street ways? Can a woman such as Kit be tamed? Does she need to be?

Although there was quite a bit of jargon in this book, I did enjoy the story. I was captivated by the twists and turns of the secrets of Kit's mother's death. This book is the second in a series and it may be helpful to read the previous book.  I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I found this very enjoyable book. I do recommend The Bride of Blackfriar's Lane by Michelle Griep!

Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss is part of the Heroines of WWII series. Helen Smit is attending the university in Amsterdam just as German starts to occupy Amsterdam. Helen has recently fallen in love with Erik, who works at the local grocery store. With a Christian heart for those around them, Erik and Helen, witness the treatment of their friends, who are Jewish. They do what they can and their hearts hurt as they try to support their friends who are being persecuted. Upon graduation from the university as a teacher, Helen takes care of children. Will Helen and Erik give up everything, even their families to care for the children? Will Helen and Erik ever find the right time to marry? Can they even marry in this chaotic time?

Although I did find the book started slow, once I kept reading I did throughly enjoy the story. There is much to explore about this heavy topic and the author does a good job with balance and trying to keep with historical fiction. The story shares the journey of some trials during the German invasion of Amsterdam. I was given a free copy of the book from the publisher and did enjoy the book. I would recommend Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

In the Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold, reporter Aidyn Kelley, a struggling reporter seeks to find her big break. Unfortunately, not following proper procedure has really set her back. However, she is given a new assignment to write an obituary for a woman who is in hospice care. Mrs. Kip is spunky, wears track suits, and one of the most energetic women you’ll ever meet. However she is dying. This is very hard for Aidyn, a young reporter to process. Aidyn really wants the story to redeem herself. So she moves forward to interview Mrs. Kip. She completes her interview in a quick fashion without digging deep into details. However others in the nursing home and her employer know there is much more to the story. Will Aidyn figure it out? Will she be able to to discover what so special about Mrs. Kip? Will she be able to handle Mrs. Kip‘s death?

This story was definitely an interesting read. I’ve never quite read a book like this. It does go back-and-forth in time as far as a dual timeline. However the story is unraveling in a different fashion as you go back-and-forth between the two timelines. All things come together in the end and as you are reading you can’t wait for that to happen. This was a different kind of read for me but definitely an excellent book. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I would happy to do. I would definitely recommend the Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvoid.

Going Higheer with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer

Going higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer, compiled and edited by James L Snyder, is an excellent book on prayer and its challenges in the Christian life. James L Snyder, was given the rights from the A.W. Tozer estate to produce new books derived from over 400 never before published audio tapes. James Snyder is an expert, and authority on the life of A.W. Tozer.

This book is filled with excellent and challenging insight on prayer. I’m assuming the original works of A.W. Tozer, have been updated for modern day culture, however the message has not been compromised from what I can understand. Tozer explores many different facets of prayer and challenges you to think in this book. Some highlights include, pondering on the verse in Ephesians that states, in everything by prayer. I also appreciated Tozer sharing that "prayer is the greatest privilege ever granted to men". Tozer writes, "our prayer is a channel through which God accomplishes His work His way."

I was given a free copy from publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I was challenged and encouraged by the book, Going Higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer.

Doing Church as a Team by Wayne Cordeiro

Doing Church as a Team by Wayne Cordeiro is an excellent resource on church  ministry as teams and a framework for leadership. I found this book was not only helpful for the church setting but also para church ministry. 

Wayne has been pastoring for many years and recently revised and updated this book. I found the wisdom and simple insight extremely relevant and helpful. This book gives insight an overview as to a simple teamwork structure in ministry. I found myself underlining many thought-provoking ideas. This book was relevant and easy to understand.

I found this book extremely useful and would recommend not only for church leadership but lay leadership and para church ministries as well. Wayne breaks down his ideas and makes them practical.

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I do recommend doing church as a team by Wayne Cordeiro. 

The Way of A Christian Life Lessons from Pilgrim's Progress

The Way of a Christian features life lessons from Pilgrim's Progress. This is a 90 day devotional that goes through a variety of topics. These include holiness, hope, life, changing your priorities, humility, motives, prayer, promise, humility, confidence, ending excuses, ending disobedience, and so much more. This is an absolutely rich devotional filled with insight. Each page features a short devotional which includes scripture and then three questions. It closes with a prayer. Scripture is taken from a variety of translations and Bible versions. Perfect for those who know and have read Pilgrim's Progress, but also excellent for those not yet familiar with it.

This book is hard cover and features a beautiful bookmark. Excellent little devotional look for yourself or as a gift. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I am happy to do I do recommend the way of a Christian based on life lessons from Pilgrim's Progress. 

In the Shadow of His Wings by Roslynn Long

In the Shadow of His Wings by Roslynn Long is a 40 day uplifting devotional inspired by birds. Each page features a beautiful photo of a bird, scripture as well as a devotional. Devotionals are based on authors personal experience as well as biblical references. The photos that accompany featuring the birds are absolutely stunning. Many life lessons can be learned in nature often through birds and this devotional features a few of those lessons. This is a unique gift which is perfect for the nature or bird lover. Also perfect for one’s own journey and focusing more on nature and God's creation. Scripture quotations are from a variety of Bible translations and versions. Very well done devotional book. I would recommend. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do.

The Heart of the Mountains

 The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham is the heartwarming tale of Cora Taylor who travels from England to the Blue Rodge Mountains. She is escaping an arranged marriage. Using her limited medical knowledge from helping wounded soldiers from WW1, Cora realizes how desperately needed she is in this area that at times can be a  savage area. Cora doesn’t understand the community of the mountains yet she finally feels at home in some strange way. Enter Jeb and things are quickly complicated. 

This story is a great tale of life in the Blue Rodge mountains. I found myself hooked on the story line and cheering Cora on despite the hardships and rejection in the community. Cora was persistent and life was not easy. I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review which I was happy to do. I recommend The Heart of the Mountains. 

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

 Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham is an amazing story. I’ll start off by saying I honestly could not put this book down. I’ve read quite few books lately but this one tops them all. Nora King is left on her own in her family farm in Iowa in 1880. Her parents has both passed and she is in desperate need of funds to continue the farm. She is engaged to Jake, who will help with the finances, however this is a marriage of connivence. Suddenly she finds a man bruised and beat up on her property. She nurses him back to health but isn’t sure what to do since her intended will not be happy when he discovers she is nursing another man in her home. What will Nora do? Nora quickly realizes the man she is helping, Quincy is not the same as her intended Jake. Quincy is rather unique and the way she feels around Quincy is not how she feels around Jake.

This book was intriguing and fascinating. Twist and turns that I did not anticipate. As I said I could not put the book down. Rachel weaves the story together in such a way that keeps the reader captivated. I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review. I am delighted to recommend this book and encourage everyone to grab a copy to read. Enjoy the story!