Taking Eve by Iris Johansen

Taking Eve: An Eve Duncan Novel by Iris Johansen, St. Martin's Press, $27.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished.  She knows their anguish—her own beloved daughter, Bonnie, was taken from her when Bonnie was just seven years old.  It is only recently that this mystery was resolved and Eve could begin her journey to peace.  Now, Jim Doane wants the same kind of answers that Eve always longed for.  His twenty-five-year old son may or may not be dead and he has only burned skull fragments as possible evidence.  But he cannot go to the police for answers without risking his own secrets and dark past, so instead he chooses a bold step to find the truth—a truth that takes Eve down a twisted path of madness and evil and into the darkest heart of her own history.  Doane needs Eve Duncan’s skills and he’ll do anything to get them. 
Even if it means taking Eve.

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I'm a fan of Iris Johansen and the Eve Duncan series and enjoyed this newest installment with one exception - it is the first book in a new trilogy about Eve so there is no closure.  It's frustrating to have a cliffhanger ending and have to wait for the next book, and then the third to find out what happens. Whether this is a marketing ploy to sell more books or because it really takes three books to tell the story remains to be seen but I get the feeling when the trilogy is completed readers will wish the story was told in one really good novel instead of being dragged out into three.  That said, I'm willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt that we won't be disappointed by the end of the trilogy despite having to wait.

This story centers around Eve being kidnapped by Jim Doane, a mentally unstable and grieving father who wants Eve to do a reconstruction on a skull that he believes is that of his missing adult son which will, in his mind, bring his son back to life in some sense.  It soon becomes apparent that his promise to let her go when it is completed is a lie and she must find a way to escape or be rescued before he kills her.  Behind the scenes of her ordeal, her boyfriend Joe Quinn and others are working to find out who Jim Doane is and where he might have taken Eve.

As for the storyline itself, I did find myself caught up in it and read the book in one and a half days although I felt it started out slow and some parts seemed to drag on for me, but overall it had the suspense that I enjoy from the author. Major characters from previous books in the series are brought back as they join together to find Eve, and I suspect more will be included in the next two stories. Despite no real closure to the storyline, there is a big surprise revealed that will surely become a sub-plot in the upcoming installments.

I do recommend Taking Eve to fans of the author and series with the understanding that it will likely leave readers frustrated until the second and third books come out (July and October, 2013).

When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

When a Secret Kills: A Deadly Reunions Novel by Lynette Eason, Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $14.99 list price, paperback.

This is the third and final installment of Eason's Deadly Reunions series.  In the first book readers learned that high school graduate Jillian Carter ran away after witnessing a murder, an event that put her friends in danger as the killer stalked them in attempts to discover Jillian's whereabouts. 

Now, ten years later, Jillian has decided enough is enough and has returned to confront the killer and gather the evidence she needs to convict him.  It doesn't take long before she is once again the target of an assassin determined to silence her for good. In fact, she is attacked at the airport upon arrival and is rescued by Officer Colton Brady, her boyfriend ten years ago when she disappeared. 

Colton and Jillian discover they still have feelings for each other but her sudden disappearance and the years of silence that followed have taken their toll.  Soon, more secrets surface that threaten to drive an even bigger wedge between them and Jillian's testimony of the murder hits closer to home for Colton than he imagined and if true, could destroy his family.  Despite everything, they must work together to stay a step ahead of the killer and discover the truth of that fateful night even though it puts their lives and the lives of friends and family in even more danger.

I've read the previous novels in the series and for me, this is the best of the bunch.  It gives closure with all questions about what Jillian witnessed and why she left and stayed away answered.  Enough background from the previous stories in the series is given so that anyone who hasn't read them won't be completely lost.  Although written as a Christian suspense/romance, those who simply want a good suspense novel won't be disappointed and those who like the touch of clean romance will enjoy this conclusion to the Deadly Reunion series.

Topped Chef by Lucy Burdette

Topped Chef: A Key West Food Critic Mystery by Lucy Burdette, Obsidian Mystery (a division of Penguin Group Publishers), $7.99 list price, mass market paperback.

Hayley Snow, food critic for Key Zest magazine, reluctantly agrees to be a judge for the Key West Topped Chef reality t.v. cooking contest.  When she sees that Sam Rizzoli, owner of the restaurant she recently negatively reviewed for the magazine, is also a judge, she knows things won't go well.  Rizzoli turns up dead and as the investigation of his murder progresses, the list of suspects grows when secrets from his life come to light.  When another judge of the contest is injured, Hayley works to find the killer before she becomes a target as well.  Adding to the stress of the contest and trying to find a killer, Hayley must also deal with being maid of honor for her friend Connie's upcoming wedding and the mixed signals she's getting from Detective Nathan Bransford.

This is the third book in the series featuring Hayley Snow and I enjoyed this one as well as the others.  This cozy mystery is fun and light reading while maintaining enough suspense and likeable main characters to make it interesting. 

The recipes that are included are also a plus, including Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing, Go Anywhere Granola, and One-Bowl Chocolate Cake.

The Body in the Piazza: A Faith Fairchild Mystery by Katherine Hall Page

The Body in the Piazza: A Faith Fairchild Mystery by Katherine Hall Page, William Morrow Books (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers), $24.99 list price, hardcover.

Faith and her husband, Rev. Thomas Fairchild, are celebrating their anniversary in Italy as part of a trip that includes attending the new cooking school of Faith's former assistant, Francesca.  While in Rome, the Fairchilds meet a British man named Freddy and become fast friends...until they witness his murder.  At the cooking school, they realize there is a connection between Freddy and some of those attending the classes and the Fairchilds are soon caught up in trying to discover if there is a murderer among them, putting their own lives at stake.

I'm a fan of the Faith Fairchild mysteries and especially enjoyed this one set in Italy.  The author does a great job describing the history, sights, sounds, and food of Italy, weaving them into the storyline itself.  I also enjoyed the eclectic group of characters and the surprises that were revealed about them at the end. The only negative for me was that the ending seemed a bit rushed with Faith calling on her high-power, influential sister in America to cut through international red tape to help get the killer.  Normal people in a foreign country would not have access to the kinds of fast-paced power plays as were done in this story.  But that aside, I did enjoy the book and recommend it to any fans of this series or cozy mysteries in general.

Sleight of Hand by Phillip Margolin

Sleight of Hand by Phillip Margolin, Harper Collins Publishers, $26.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
Charles Benedict—magnetic criminal defense lawyer, amateur illusionist, and professional hit man—and private investigator Dana Cutler are on a collision course set in motion by Benedict's greatest sleight of hand yet: framing a millionaire for the murder of his much younger wife.

Ten years ago, Horace Blair fell in love with Carrie, the prosecutor during his DUI trial. After a torrid courtship, he persuaded her to marry him and to sign a prenuptial agreement guaranteeing her twenty million dollars if she remained faithful during the first ten years of their marriage. The week before their tenth anniversary, Carrie disappears, and Horace is charged with her murder. Desperate to clear his name, the millionaire hires one of D.C.'s most brilliant and ruthless defense attorneys—Charles Benedict.

Meanwhile, private investigator Dana Cutler is in the Pacific Northwest on the trail of a stolen relic, a gold scepter dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Hitting a dead end, she returns to Virginia, perplexed and disappointed—and straight into the twisting case of Horace and Carrie Blair.

It's the perfect crime, unless Dana Cutler can conjure a few tricks of her own to take down a cunning psychopath and expose his diabolical plot—before he can work his deadly magic on her.

_________________

This book starts out with what seems to be two separate, unrelated stories.  Although both were interesting on their own, I kept wondering how they would come together and the first connection was made in chapter 13.  From there it became even more of a "page-turner" for me as I wanted to discover how it would all end.

One story introduces us to Dana Cutler, a private investigator hired to track down a stolen relic that turns out to be a dead end. She returns to Virginia only to become involved in the second story that involves the murder of Carrie Blair days before she would receive millions of dollars from her husband Horace according to the terms of their prenuptual agreement and he is charged with her murder.  In a series of twists and turns, the two seemingly unrelated incidences develop a common thread and Dana finds herself facing a powerful enemy: Horace Blair's defense attorney Charles Benedict.  Dana uncovers evidence that Horace may have been framed for the murder, but Benedict blocks her attempts to get the answers she needs.  Soon she becomes a target of the real killer as she pursues truth.

This is the first book I've read by this author and was impressed with his ability to take multiple storylines and complex characters and bring them together in a way that held got and held my attention. The only negative for me was some of the language used, but the plot itself and how it all unfolded was everything I want in a good suspense novel.

The FastDiet by Dr. Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer

The FastDiet: Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, and Live Longer with the Simple Secret of Intermittent Fasting by Dr. Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer, Atria Books (a division of Simon & Schuster Publishing), $24.00 list price, hardcover

In a nutshell, this diet promotes eating normally five days a week and semi-fasting the other two in order to lose weight and be healthier.  The authors claim that limiting oneself to two small meals totaling 500 calories for women and 600 for men on the fasting days reduces high blood sugar, the risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease, and other health risks. 

According to this book, the body benefits in several ways by doing a semi-fast, including giving the pancreas a rest so that it can manage insulin more effectively and the body is able to use up the extra stores of glucose and fat.  When insulin isn't used up it is stored as fat and specifically the dangerous "belly" fat.  The book offers a more scientific explanation of this but that's the basic process.  The specific decreased risks of cancer, heart disease, and other health issues are also covered.  Dr. Mosley wrote this book based on his own success with the diet and seeing his health numbers (insulin, cholesterol, etc.) improve dramatically as a result.  Of course, those with diagnosed health issues like diabetes should consult with their doctor before fasting.

Fasting is often difficult because we don't like the discomfort that can come with it.  In other words, we don't want to feel hungry.  However, with two small low-carb meals on those days, it is doable and the fasting days aren't done consecutively so on the days in between one can eat normally and the foods they desire (although the authors do encourage healthy eating over splurging on junk food or overeating).  The fasting day menu includes small amounts of lean protein sources plus lots of vegetables which can make the meal more substantial than what the calorie count suggests.

Different than long-term fasting or a cleansing fast, this seems like a common sense approach that can be planned according to one's lifestyle and social schedule.  The book includes several breakfast and dinner menus with photos of the meals.  A suggested maintenance plan is also covered for those who have reached their weight loss and health goals.

I tried this diet for a week and it wasn't as uncomfortable as I anticipated.  The mid-afternoon discomfort was the most challenging but came more from my habit of sometimes mindless snacking during my low-energy time of day than actual "I'll kill for chocolate" hunger.  I drank some of my favorite herbal tea and distracted myself with a hobby and that got me through it.  I actually did the 600 calorie plan recommended for men instead of 500 calories for women, but even so my glucose numbers did go down and I lost a little over one pound. 

The only negatives for me were that much of the suggested food measurements are in grams instead of ounces/cups/tablespoons and the book claims "quick and effortless" weight loss but I don't think any diet can promise that for every person.  I go into this knowing there is no magic that effortlessly melts away the pounds, but commiting to a reasonable, healthy plan will eventually deliver the desired result and this has the potential to be that.

Overall I think this plan can be beneficial to most people and the concept is one I will continue to try, perhaps with some modifications, with the hopes it will help reverse my pre-diabetic conditon as I lose weight.

Daddy's Gone a Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark

Daddy's Gone a Hunting by Mary Higgins Clark, Simon & Schuster Publishing, $26.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
In her latest novel Mary Higgins Clark, the beloved, bestselling “Queen of Suspense,” exposes a dark secret from a family’s past that threatens the lives of two sisters, Kate and Hannah Connelly, when the family-owned furniture firm in Long Island City, founded by their grandfather and famous for its fine reproductions of antiques, explodes into flames in the middle of the night, leveling the buildings to the ground, including the museum where priceless antiques have been on permanent display for years.

The ashes reveal a startling and grisly discovery, and provoke a host of suspicions and questions. Was the explosion deliberately set? What was Kate—tall, gorgeous, blond, a CPA for one of the biggest accounting firms in the country, and sister of a rising fashion designer—doing in the museum when it burst into flames? Why was Gus, a retired and disgruntled craftsman, with her at that time of night? What if someone isn’t who he claims to be?

Now Gus is dead, and Kate lies in the hospital badly injured and in a coma, so neither can tell what drew them there, or what the tragedy may have to do with the hunt for a young woman missing for many years, nor can they warn that somebody may be covering his tracks, willing to kill to save himself.

Step by step, in a novel of dazzling suspense and excitement, Mary Higgins Clark once again demonstrates the mastery of her craft that has made her books international bestsellers for years. She presents the reader with a perplexing mystery, a puzzling question of identity, and a fascinating cast of characters—one of whom may just be a ruthless killer. 

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I'm a fan of Mary Higgins Clark and this novel has become one of my favorites.  There are several characters and multiple storylines, a mix that could potentially cause distraction, but Clark weaves them together well and by the end of the book the connection between them all is revealed, with a surprise or two thrown in.  In fact, I was so drawn into the story that I read it in one day because I wanted to know how it ended. 

One thing I appreciate about this book is that it has everything I hope for in a good suspense novel without the bad language, explicit sex, and graphic descriptions of violence.  Sorry if that makes me a prude but I feel a truly talented writer is able to create a strong and intriquing storyline without those things and without compromising the quality of suspense, mystery, and interesting characters.

I'm happy to recommend this book to fans of the suspense and mystery genre in general and Mary Higgins Clark specifically.

All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings by George H.W. Bush

All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings by George H.W. Bush, Scribner (a division of Simon and Schuster), $35.00 list price, hardcover.

I enjoyed the first release of this memoir by George H.W. Bush so I was happy to read this newly updated edition.  Being a letter writer myself, I am drawn to how Mr. Bush decided to let his letters and journal entries tell his authobiography with intimate accounts of what he was thinking and and feeling at specific moments in his life, and probably in a more accurate way than trying to remember the events in hindsight. 

Through Mr. Bush's candid and unapologetic personal writings the reader gains insight not only into his military service, political career, and term as the forty-first president of the United States, but also who he is as a father, husband, and friend through a love letter to Barbara, a letter to his mother about missing his daughter, Robin, after her death from leukemia at age five, and letters and emails written to his children and grandchildren. 

This updated version includes writings about his humanitarian tours with former President Bill Clinton to areas around the world hit by natural disasters, 9/11, and his son George W. Bush's presidency.  A gallery of photos is also included.  It is a book that is enjoyable to read and one that anyone with an interest in political history and the Bush family in particular will find interesting.

Nourished: A Cookbook For Health, Weight Loss, and Metabolic Balance by Judy Barnes Baker

Nourished: A Cookbook For Health, Weight Loss, and Metabolic Balance by Judy Barnes Baker, Classic Day Publishing, $31.95 list price, paperback.

From the author's website:

The science is clear, controlling insulin is the key to health and metabolic balance, and controlled-carbohydrate diets are the natural way to control insulin. The menus in Nourished will promote effortless weight loss without hunger or deprivation. They can be combined to provide a full day of delicious food that totals between 20 and 50 grams of digestible carbohydrates. Substantial scientific evidence indicates that this range keeps insulin levels low enough to provide a metabolic advantage for weight loss, to prevent and reverse the complications of diabetes and many other disorders, and to reduce or eliminate the need for medications.

The 236 recipes in 52 menus contained in Nourished demonstrate just how sumptuous, indulgent, and satisfying this way of eating can be. They range from basic to gourmet; there is a pie with just 3 ingredients, but here is also an authentic gumbo that lives up to the highest standards of New Orleans cuisine. Other recipes include: Vanilla Spice Broiled Chicken, Home Fries, Cheddar Biscuits with Butter and Jam, Candied Fennel Tart, and a Cake with Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting that has less than 4 grams of carbohydrates per slice. There are menus for quick breakfasts and snacks, tasty everyday meals, elegant dinner parties, traditional holiday feasts with all the trimmings, and everything in between. Every menu includes carbohydrate totals for the meal in order to simplify carb counting. Mix and match alternatives and options make them easy to customize for individual needs. A complete nutrition data analysis, including portion sizes and preparation time, is provided with each recipe. Helpful tips, stories, and quotes make Nourished not just a cookbook, but a good read as well.

Nourished includes comfort foods and traditional favorites as well as innovative ideas and products. For example: there are recipes for pies and desserts that rival the conventional versions while using non-starchy vegetables in place of high-carb fruits. There are recipes using exciting new products that make it possible to closely duplicate the taste and texture of baked goods made with regular flour and sugar. Nourished is sponsored by the Nutrition and Metabolism Society and endorsed by Innovative Metabolic Solutions, an organization that educates medical practitioners around the world about treating diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

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The more I read this book, the more excited I got as I at last had answers to my own battle with insulin resistance.  Although marketed as a cookbook, the opening chapters serve as an education on defining metabolic disorders, revealing how the modern standard American diet has led to an increase in diabetes and why we are more obese than ever, and shows the evolution of the diet industry that has made us "fat phobic" when the real culprit is over consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates, bad fats and unhealthy non-food ingredients in our foods.

The recipes that follow this helpful information are a bonus.  I was happy to discover that they use regular ingredients that I can easily find in local grocery and health food stores, and can make substitutions as needed.  For example, I tend to avoid pork and shellfish, so I can easily substitute other fish or poultry and beef with good results.  I like that the recipes use real, good tasting food that doesn't make me feel deprived with cutting back on carbs, and are meals the whole family can enjoy whether they deal with blood sugar/insulin issues or not.

I also like that the cookbook is organized by daily menus.  The recipe index helps the reader find specific types of recipes as desired, but sticking with the suggested daily menus not only makes planning and shopping easy but it is helpful for keeping the carbohydrate grams within the goal target each day without having to do all the math.

Photos are included for many of the recipes, something I always appreciate in a cookbook.  I have so many recipes tagged to try in the coming days but three that I made so far with great results were the Tacos with low-carb tortillas, Stuffed Celery, and Antipasto Salad.  The Stuffed Celery with a cream cheese and Greek yogurt filling makes a great snack and the Antipasto Salad had some of my favorite ingredients such as olives, artichokes, grape tomatoes, and roasted peppers.  I did substitute turkey ham for the salami since that's what I had on hand and it still tasted great.  The low-carb tortilla for the tacos (I used the South Beach Diet brand found in my local grocery store) didn't taste any different than a regular tortilla so I'll be using them from now on.

Readers need to be aware that sugar substitutes such as Splenda are used in recipes that require sweetness (desserts, etc.).  The debate about whether such sweeteners are healthy or not goes on, but for those of us with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, this is a compromise we often need to make if we want something sweet, knowing that sugar itself can be even more harmful.  I guess moderation is the key with this as it is with so many other food choices.  That said, the author does include a chapter on all the different natural and artificial sweeteners so that the reader can make an informed choice.

This will become a well-used cookbook in my home and is one I confidently recommend to anyone who deals with diabetes or blood sugar issues, has a family member who does, or who simply wants to eat healthier.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Shattered by Dani Pettrey (Book 2 in the Alaskan Courage Series), Bethany House (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $14.99 list price, paperback.

When Piper McKenna's brother Reef is arrested for the murder of Karli Davis, a well-known competitive skier, she is determined to prove his innocence with or without the help of Deputy Landon Grainger, a close family friend whose feelings for her go beyond friendship.  The local sheriff has already decided Reef is guilty but Landon teams up with Piper and her siblings to track down people from Karli's mysterious past who might have had a motive to kill her. 

The investigation becomes dangerous as Piper and Landon are unknowingly stalked by the real killer who will have no problem getting rid of anyone who gets too close to discovering his identity.  As Piper's and Landon's feelings for each other grow, they also must try to not let that become a distraction as time is running out for them to prove that Reef is not the killer.

I found myself bogged down at times with the development of Piper and Landon's relationship and its predictable outcome and would have preferred more depth in the storyline itself.  There were several other romantic relationships being developed between Piper's siblings and various characters, no doubt to become the main stories in future books. 

Written as Christian fiction, the faith references seemed randomly plugged in to meet the requirement without being woven in as a main focus throughout the story.  I also felt that the story itself lacked the depth and character development needed to set this book apart from the many other similar series in this genre.  That said, the story finally did take an unpredictable turn toward the end that made the last few chapters of the book much more interesting for me.

This is book two in the Alaskan Courage series and it would be helpful to read book one first for the backstories on some of the characters and events that are referred to but not really explained in book two. 

Overall the storyline is interesting and the light romantic theme mixed in with some suspense will appeal to those who enjoy this genre.

Ordinary Grace: A Novel by William Kent Krueger

Ordinary Grace: A Novel by William Kent Krueger, Atria Books (an imprint of Simon and Schuster Publishing), $24.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
“That was it. That was all of it. A grace so ordinary there was no reason at all to remember it. Yet I have never across the forty years since it was spoken forgotten a single word.”


New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter of Halderson’s Drugstore, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.


Frank begins the season preoccupied with the concerns of any teenage boy, but when tragedy unexpectedly strikes his family— which includes his Methodist minister father; his passionate, artistic mother; Juilliard-bound older sister; and wise-beyond-his-years kid brother— he finds himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal, suddenly called upon to demonstrate a maturity and gumption beyond his years.


Told from Frank’s perspective forty years after that fateful summer, Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.

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This is a novel that reads like a memoir as it tells the story of thirteen-year-old Frank Drum and the summer of 1961 that forever changed his life.  It starts with the accidental death of a classmate but escalates as loss and crisis continue to hit close to Frank's family, forcing him to deal with grown-up issues sooner than he should have.

It sounds cliche to say this is a moving account of a young man's life, but it really is.  I had to remind myself that this was fiction and not a memoir because I was so caught up in the lives of the characters. The author confesses that while it is in no way a memoir, he did tap into his own background and childhood experiences to frame the storyline so perhaps that is why it is believable. 

Frank is the main hero of the story but there are others. Frank's father, a Methodist minister, struggles with his own faith while trying to encourage his family and congregation to trust in God in the midst of tragedy.  Frank's normally shy younger brother Jake finds courage to speak up when it counts.  Gus, a family friend who served in the war with Frank's father, is instrumental in holding the Drums together when it seems they will fall apart under the weight of grief.

This is definitely a book I recommend and I look forward to reading more by this author.

The 10-Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple by Clare De Graaf

The 10-Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple by Clare De Graaf, Howard Books (a division of Simon and Schuster), $16.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
Have you sensed God calling you to greater obedience?

You pass a car with its hood up or gas cap open, and by the time you decide to stop and help, you’re a mile away . . . so you don’t.

You see a woman crying in a grocery store aisle and you are prompted to stop and ask if you can help . . . but you keep walking.

You hope that you’ll do better next time . . . but will you?

In this powerful book, you’ll discover a memorable, simple way to be attentive to the voice of God and courageously obedient to the promptings of the Spirit. You’ll find practical ideas for discerning God’s will, and you’ll read stories of ordinary men and women—just like you—who are living by the Rule and how it has transformed their lives and the lives of those they reach out to.

The 10-Second Rule is a call to rediscover the revolutionary power of simple obedience as Jesus taught it and the early church lived it, before religious Christianity tamed it! It’s following Jesus made simple.

Finally, a rule you’ll love keeping!

__________________

This is a book about learning to be more attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and responding in obedience.  The 10-Second Rule is basically this: Just do the next thing you're reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do and commit to it immediately - in the next 10 seconds - before you change your mind.

While the author does acknowledge that there are some decisions that require time, prayer, and counsel, he says most impressions we receive from the Holy Spirit don’t.  It comes down to simply obeying what Jesus would want us to do.  

According to the author, the more we know about the character and teachings of Jesus, the more we trust him and the more confidence we have in responding in simple, spontaneous obedience.  For me, this was the most important lesson I took from the book. There are a lot of things God asks us to do for someone else that don’t require praying about it first.  There is no need to over think it, dwell on the what-ifs, or wait for a sign or confirmation when what we feel led to do lines up with what scripture teaches. Or, put another way, doesn’t go against what scripture teaches.  The Rule is about acting on faith and acting quickly when God calls before the enemy can talk us out of it – or before we talk ourselves out of it for fear of embarrassment, wondering what others might think, or questioning whether we can afford it.

The 10-Second Rule is a principle every Christian can benefit from and gives opportunity for us to grow in our faith through obedience and spread the gospel through our actions.

Charlotte au Chocolat: Memories of a Restaurant Girlhood by Charlotte Silver

Charlotte au Chocolat: Memories of a Restaurant Girlhood by Charlotte Silver, Riverhead Books (a division of Penguin Group), $15.00 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:

Like Eloise growing up in the Plaza Hotel, Charlotte Silver grew up in her mother's restaurant. Located in Harvard Square, Upstairs at the Pudding was a confection of pink linen tablecloths and twinkling chandeliers, a decadent backdrop for childhood. Over dinners of foie gras and Dover sole, always served with a Shirley Temple, Charlotte kept company with a rotating cast of eccentric staff members. Her one constant was her glamorous, indomitable mother, nicknamed "Patton in Pumps," a wasp-waisted woman in cocktail dress and stilettos who shouldered the burden of raising a family and running a kitchen. But when the restaurant—forever teetering on the brink of financial collapse—looks as if it may finally be closing, Charlotte comes to realize the sacrifices her mother has made to keep the family and restaurant afloat and gains a new appreciation of the world her mother has built.

 

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I loved this book.  I'm not drawn to memoirs in general but once in a while one comes along that draws me into the author's life and this is one of those.  Starting from Charlotte's earliest childhood memories of the restaurant her parents opened across the street from Harvard University to it's closing many years later when she was a young adult, I enjoyed reading about her family, the eccentric staff, guests of the restaurant, details of the dining room decor and the party dresses she was required to wear while at the restaurant, descriptions of the food itself, and the neighborhood.  What made it all the more interesting was the gradual change of perspective from a child's impressions to those of an adult, although for Charlotte, there was and always would be a sense of a fairytale life at Upstairs at the Pudding.

 

For me, the only thing that would have made this good book even better would have been the inclusion of some of the famous recipes served at the restaurant such as Charlotte au Chocolat - the signature dessert named after the author - and her mother's famous red pepper soup.

Vanished: A Private Justice Novel by Irene Hannon

Vanished by Irene Hannon (Book 1 in the Private Justice Series), Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $14.99 list price, paperback.

Reporter Moira Harrison is trying to navigate through an unfamiliar road in a thunderstorm at night when a woman suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights.  Moira slams on her brakes but hits the person before her car crashes into a tree off the side of the road. A man comes to her aid, promising to call 911, then she passes out.  When she comes to she is still in her wrecked car but all alone.  No injured person, no ambulance or police, and no sign of the man who promised to help.

Moira can't get the authorities to believe her story and decides to enlist the aid of Cal Burke, an ex-homicide detective turned private eye.  As he uncovers more clues about the details of that night, he begins to believe that Moira came upon a secret that someone doesn't want revealed.  As Cal and Moira unravel the the events of that stormy night, they begin having feelings for each other even as their lives are threatened by an unknown enemy.

This is the first book in Hannon's new Private Justice series.  The villain is revealed early on but the suspense is still there as the storyline takes the reader through twists and turns as to why the woman was being pursued that night, as Moira and Cal try to stay a step ahead of the killer, and why the woman wasn't the only target.

This book is in the genre of Christian fiction and romance (because of course Moira is beautiful and Cal is handsome and both are single) but both themes are handled lightly enought to appeal to those who simply want a good mystery.  I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Vanished is available now in bookstores from Revell.

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Holiday Buzz: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle

Holiday Buzz: A Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle, Berkley Prime Crime (a division of Penguin Group), $7.99 list price, paperback

From the publisher:
Holiday time is party time in New York City, but after a sparkling winter bash ends with a murder, Village Blend coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi vows to put the killer on ice.

 

At the Great New York Cookie Swap, pastry chefs bake up their very best for charity. Clare is in charge of the beverage service, and her famous Fa-la-la-la Lattes make the gathering even merrier. But her high spirits come crashing down to earth, when she discovers the battered body of a hard-working baker’s assistant.

 

Police suspect a serial attacker whose escalating crimes have become known as “The Christmas Stalkings.” Clare’s boyfriend, NYPD detective Mike Quinn, finds reason to believe even more sinister forces are involved. Clare isn’t so sure—and when she finds a second bludgeoned baker, she becomes a target. Now Clare is spending the holiday season pouring over clues, and she’s not going to rest until justice is served.

 

*****

 

When Clare discovers the murdered body of a baker's assistant who also worked for her part time at the coffee shop, she vows to find the killer but her search is thwarted by a narcissistic police chief who has already decided on a suspect and won't listen to reason.  To complicate matters, as Clare uncovers the troubled past of the murdered employee the list of motives and suspects grows.  When a second baker is attacked, Clare finds herself a target as well as she gets closer to discovering the murderer's identity.

 

I'm a fan of the coffeehouse mystery series featuring Village Blend manager Clare Cosi and enjoyed this latest installment with its holiday theme.  The recipes included at the end of the book are a nice addition as well.  This cozy mystery was easy to read (I read it over one weekend) while maintaining enough suspense to keep it interesting to the end. Although it always helps to have read previous titles in a series like this, Holiday Buzz can stand alone for those who haven't. 

 

 

Beyond Cancer's Scars: Laying Claim to a Stronger Spirit by F. Elaine Olsen

Beyond Cancer's Scars: Laying Claim to a Stronger Spirit by F. Elaine Olsen, WinePress Publishing, $16.99 retail list price ($14.00 from Elaine's website), paperback.

Elaine's journey through cancer is a journey toward a greater faith that chronicles hope in the midst of despair; peace in the face of uncertainty.  It's not a journey she would have chosen but this book is proof that if we can just trust God along the way, we can come through any challenge victorious even if battle weary and scarred (literally and figuratively) by the process. 

What captured my heart most in reading portions of this book is how honest Elaine is as she shares the emotional as well as physical side of cancer, how cancer impacted her family, how she sees the future.  She doesn't pretend that her faith was unwavering every minute or that she didn't have times of discouragement and doubt, but instead of yielding to those things she turned to what she knew was true of God's faithfulness over the years - "faith deposits" as she calls them, "years and years worth of intentional investments into my spiritual bank account.  That's the single reason behind my being able to handle my cancer season."

But don't let the title of this book lead you to believe it is only for cancer survivors.  Yes, it is a wonderful source of encouragement for anyone going through that particularly devastating battle, but what holds true for them also holds true for any struggle a believer finds himself or herself dealing with.  In every chapter I found Elaine's words and the truth of God's word applicable to my own areas of struggle that have nothing to do with cancer.

There are 40 chapters in this book that include a prayer, devotional questions for contemplation, and scripture at the end of each, making this a great resource for personal or group Bible study.  Chapter topics include Cancer Gives Back, Living Up to Your Learning, God Keeps Pace with Your Pain, Living Up to Your Convictions, Just Breathe, Hope Grows, Clutching Truth, and Live On, to name just a few.

This is a book I want to put into the hands of every person I know who is dealing with cancer (or any other illness or struggle) because I know that Elaine's words are aligned with God's truth and His desire to carry us through any circumstance.

Placebo: A Jevin Banks Novel by Steven James

Placebo: A Jevin Banks Novel by Steven James, Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $14.99 list price, paperback.

This is the first book in the Jevin Banks series and the first fiction work I've read by this author.  The main character, Jevin Banks, is a former illusionist and escape artist turned exposé filmmaker.  He and his assistant, Charlene, go undercover as participants in a company's neurological research program.  At first the purpose is to expose the research as fraudulant but as they delve deeper into the program and the people running it, they uncover a conspiracy involving a major pharmaceutical firm that is more far-reaching and involves more powerful people than they could have imagined.  Soon both Jevin and Charlene are in danger for what they have discovered as they are pursued by an assasin hired to silence them and anyone else who threatens to expose the truth.

I read this book in one day because for me, it really did qualify as a "page turner" with a fast-moving, unusual plot and interesting cast of characters.  There was a romantic element to the story as well, with Charlene and Jevin starting to develop feelings for each other despite his hesitancy as he continues to deal with the drowning deaths of his wife and two young sons a year after the tragedy.  Although published as Christian fiction, issues of faith came into play among the characters but wasn't a main part of the story so this book would appeal to anyone, Christian or not.

Placebo had everything I like about a good suspenseful novel.  I'm definitely a fan of this series and look forward to the next book.

How to Write Heartfelt Letters to Treasure by Lynette M. Smith

How to Write Heartfelt Letters to Treasure: For Special Occasions and Occasions Made Special by Lynette M. Smith, $19.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
Imagine a world of people focused on gratitude for one another. Make it so! Start by writing letters of appreciation that will be treasured forever. How to Write Heartfelt Letters to Treasure helps you touch others with your genuine, original letters to express your feelings of appreciation. 

You will discover these valuable tools and tips:

• The essentials of planning, writing, packaging, and presenting your letters to convey your messages effectively.
• How to touch someone on a milestone birthday or special occasion related to school, military, romance, family, cultural and religious rites of passage, and career.
• How to commemorate a professional or personal relationship—to honor teachers, coaches, mentors, students, service providers, product suppliers, and good friends; to bring meaning to a life well lived (including eulogies); and to mend torn relationships.
• Over 1,000 powerful words to help you describe someone special, organized into these 15 demographic lists: a smaller child, a pre-teen child, a teen boy, a teen girl, a younger man, a younger woman, a middle-aged man, a middle-aged woman, an older man, an older woman, someone religious or spiritual, a military service member, a supervisor or employee, a product creator or stellar service provider, and a teacher, coach, mentor, or student.
• Choices of the best inspirational quotations to enhance your letters, for 10 themes—age; appreciation; childhood, parenting, and grandparenting; forgiveness; legacy; love; spiritual faith and devotion; patriotism; leadership and teamwork; and teaching, learning, and striving.

***

As a fan of real pen and paper letter writing, I found this book to be a great resource for writing memorable letters to anyone, for any occasion.  It takes letter writing beyond pen pal status to writing letters to express gratitude to those who have impacted our lives, commemorating special occasions for children such as the first day of school, and letting loved ones know just how much they mean to us, to name a few suggestions. 

The book is divided into three sections: The Basics of Writing a Treasured Letter, Writing for Special Occasions, and Writing for Occasions Made Special.  There are also helpful sections that include age-appropriate word lists to use in letters, inspirational quotes, and suggested sentence "jump starts" to help one get started.

This book inspired me to think beyond writing thank you notes or letters about daily life to pen friends (and those are good things to continue) to sending more personal, thoughtful letters to my kids, husband, and friends that they will want to keep. 

Something has been lost with email, texting, and tweeting.  Real, meaningful letter writing will reconnect us and keep us connected when we take the time and effort to express heartfelt thoughts in this way.

People Can't Drive You Crazy If You Don't Give Them The Keys by Mike Bechtle

People Can't Drive You Crazy If You Don't Give Them The Keys by Mike Bechtle, Revell (A Division of Baker Publishing Group), $12.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:

Strange as it may seem, other people are not nearly as committed to our happiness as we are. In fact, sometimes they seem like they're on a mission to make us miserable! There's always that one person. The one who hijacks your emotions and makes you crazy. The one who seems to thrive on drama. If you could just "fix" that person, everything would be better. But we can't fix other people--we can only make choices about ourselves.

In this cut-to-the-chase book, communication expert Mike Bechtle shows readers that they don't have to be victims of other people's craziness. With commonsense wisdom and practical advice that can be implemented immediately, Bechtle gives readers a proven strategy to handle crazy people.

More than just offering a set of techniques, Bechtle offers a new perspective that will change readers' lives as they deal with those difficult people who just won't go away.

***

I like the core message of this book: Difficult people will always be with us and we can't fix them.  However, we can change our perspective about them and make better choices for ourselves that don't make us victims to their dysfunction.

I found some helpful advice early on in the book in the chapter entitled How Relationships Work.  In it the author addresses five myths of relationships, including thinking that we can make someone respond differently if we can just make them understand the facts.  This doesn't always work because logic and emotions don't mix.  Another myth is that if the other person will just get right with God, everything will be ok.  It can help but it's an unrealistic expectation that all problems will be automatically be resolved because no one is perfect and some issues will continue to surface in the relationship. 

With all the great advice throughout the book, the chapter that helped me the most personally was the one on prioritizing relationships.  I felt it gave me permission to focus on the relationships most important to me without feeling guilty for not getting drawn into the drama of the dysfunctional ones.  It's true we sometimes can't avoid those kinds of relationships altogether when they involve family, co-workers, etc., so there are helpful tips given for dealing with those people without letting them drain our time and emotions so we can spend that "currency" on the relationships we value most.

Book sections include Stuck in a Crazy World, Changing Someone Else, Changing Yourself, Changing Your Environment, and Putting It Into Practice.  Within those sections are chapters on how relationships work, the impact of influence, the energy of emotions, seeing ourselves and others realistically, living through the lens of kindness, knowing when to leave, and giving up on getting straight A's, to name a few.

I enjoyed the author's conversational style and found many helpful and practical techniques for dealing with "crazy" people.  This is a book that would be helpful to anyone, whether they are dealing with family members, co-workers, neighbors, or any other relationship.

Hungry Girl to the Max: The Ultimate Guilt-Free Cookbook by Lisa Lillien

Hungry Girl to the Max: The Ultimate Guilt-Free Cookbook by Lisa Lillien, St. Martin's Griffin, $27.99 list price, paperback.

I have to sum up this cookbook in one word: fun!  From the colorful graphics to the personal style of the author, this collection of 650 recipes makes menu planning and cooking an enjoyable experience.  (One caveat: if you detest pink, you won't like this book because every page is pink.  I happen to like the color so for me it wasn't an issue.) 

A lot of the recipes are for one serving which is good news for singles who enjoy cooking, and any recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc., to meet the needs of a family or larger gathering.  It is unexpectedly versatile because everyone can use it from single college students to newlyweds cooking for two to larger families.

If food doesn't taste good, we won't bother and that's the point of this cookbook.  It offers tasty and satisfying low-calorie recipes that fill us up without the guilt. Many of them rely on artificial sweeteners, fat-free foods, and processed foods such as liquid egg substitute like Egg Beaters, Splenda, fat-free sour cream and salad dressings, bottled sauces, canned fruit and vegetables, etc. but they can be easily modified using the whole or fresh food versions for people who aren't counting calories or don't like the low-calorie or processed ingredients. Overall I found the recipes to be healthy alternatives to most restaurant or fast-food choices and portion sizes are large enough to be satisfying while not encouraging overeating.  Mostly I like that the recipes use ingredients easily found in any grocery store and can be easily modified to personal taste.   

Each recipe includes icons to indicate serving size, amount of preparation time, meatless dishes, and those that use five ingredients or less.  There is no icon for freezer-friendly dishes but it seems that many of them would be suitable for making ahead and freezing for future meals.

There are 16 chapters that include Egg Mugs and Egg Bakes, Oatmeal Bowls, Parfaits, Faux-Frys: Poppers, Onion Rings, Chicken Nuggets and More; Pasta, Pizza, Mexican, Crock-Pot, Party Foods, Burgers and Fries, Sweet Stuff, and Foil Packs, plus more.  I tried the Mexi-Licious Egg Mug and was pleasantly surprised at how easy and tasty it was.  Mix the ingredients in a mug, microwave it, stir, and enjoy.  There are lots of egg mug recipes with variations and they are easy enough that even my teenage son can fix his own breakfast this way. 

Other recipes include Chili Cheese Egg Mug (195 calories), Cinna-Raisin Oatmeal (301 calories), Over the Rainbow Pancakes (267 calories), Onion Rings Parm (176 calories), Garlic-Bread White Pizza (289 calories), Southwestern Meatloaf (232 calories), Cheesed-Up Taco Turkey Burgers (219 calories), Veggie-Loaded Cashew Chicken (318 calories), Gooey-Good Fuji Apple Pie (159 calories),  and Chocolate PB Pretzel Cupcakes (135 calories), to name just a few from this generous collection.

There aren't photos on every page or for every recipe but there are two photo sections with dozens of pictures, and photos of all the recipes in the cookbook can be seen at the Hungry Girl website (hungry-girl.com/books).  While not included in the book itself, Weight Watchers point values for recipes can also be found at the website.  However, the book does include nutritional values for calories, fat, carbs, sodium, fiber, and protein.

I like the variety, versatility, and fun approach to cooking offered in this cookbook and would recommend it as a great gift for anyone no matter the level of cooking experience or family size.

A Farmer's Daughter: Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen by Dawn Stoltzfus

A Farmer's Daughter: Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen by Dawn Stoltzfus, Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $13.99 list price, paperback.

This is my kind of cookbook, filled with real recipes that my family will eat, using real whole food ingredients that I can find at my local grocery store.  The author takes the best of the Mennonite comfort foods that she grew up with and shares them with a down-home style that cooks of any level of expertise will enjoy.

Chapters include appetizers, dips, beverages, breakfast and breads, salads and dressings, summer sandwiches and winter soups, garden fresh veggies, comfort food, sides, main dishes, desserts, cookies, cakes, bars, and a chapter on do-it-yourself recipes that include baking and seasoning mixes, homemade chocolate syrup, a recipe for homemade laundry soap, and more.

I tried one recipe, Layered Meatless Mexican Casserole (except I cheated and added some chicken), and enjoyed the results.  Other recipes I have tagged to try include Swiss Cheese Quiche, Old Fashioned Beef Stew, Baked Rosemary Chicken, Grape Salad, and Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake.

Overall I like this cookbook.  However, there are no photos except for the front and back cover.  A cookbook is always more enjoyable when pictures of the recipes are included.

Another issue for me was at the end of most recipes there are suggested modifications that begin with “And Another Thing…” except that phrase is oddly repeated twice every time so as an example it reads like this: “And Another Thing…And Another Thing…If you do not have a zester, you can use a vegetable peeler.”   Or, “And Another Thing…And Another Thing…For variety, add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons fresh chives.”  For some reason this became highly annoying to me as I worked through the recipes but that’s just my personal angst and not a reason to avoid buying the cookbook

Sleep No More: An Eve Duncan Novel by Iris Johansen

Sleep No More: An Eve Duncan Novel by Iris Johansen, St. Martin's Press (a division of Macmillan Publishers), $27.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan knows what it's like to be haunted by the past.  For years after her daughter Bonnie was stolen from her, she fought for closure.  But now as she's striving to begin anew, she can't shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen—or maybe already has.  When her mother, Sandra, asks for help in finding a missing friend named Beth Avery, Eve is sure that she's hiding something.  It’s odd that Sandra would get involved at all, and the fact that she adamantly refuses to go to the police for help reinforces Eve’s suspicions that something is very wrong.

Eve learns that Beth has been locked away in a mental hospital for years, which makes it even harder to understand how she could have disappeared. As Sandra reluctantly reveals small pieces of the truth about Beth's identity, Eve is shocked to discover that their lives are strangely entwined, and Beth's disappearance now puts them all in grave danger.

Desperate, Eve enlists a secret weapon to pick up Beth's trail:  rogue profiler, Kendra Michaels. With an uncanny ability to detect clues and solve puzzles, Kendra begins to uncover the bizarre circumstances of Beth's escape from what should have been the safety of her hospital room. Beth is on the run, and as her mind clears--detoxing from the drugs that have held her prisoner--she begins to see the threads of a twisted plot within the powerful Avery family, threatening to destroy Beth and anyone else who might jeopardize the high-stakes game that is already in play. 

***

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is contacted by her mother, Sandra, for help in finding a missing friend, Beth Avery, who has escaped from a mental hospital after years of confinement, most of that time spent sedated by drugs.  Parts of Sandra's story don't quite add up and as Eve discovers more details about Beth and the circumstances leading up to her being admitted to the hospital, Eve also discovers secrets in her mother's past involving Beth that connects Eve to this woman she has never met.

Eve is joined by her boyfriend, detective Joe Quinn, and profiler Kendra Michaels to piece together the puzzle that is Beth Avery's life.  It soon becomes apparent that certain members of the powerful Avery family have a reason to want Beth silenced for good.  Eve, Joe, and Kendra have to outwit the particularly ruthless assassin hired to find and kill Beth and soon become his targets as well.

I'm a fan of Iris Johansen and especially the Eve Duncan series.  Although it helps to have read the previous books for Eve's backstory, enough is explained in this one that it can stand alone for a newcomer to the series.  I did enjoy the storyline and having the character of Kendra Michaels (introduced in Close Your Eyes) brought back. For me, this was another great page-turner from Johansen and I'm already looking forward to the next one in the series.

Four Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries by Dorothy L. Sayers

Bourbon Street Books is a new line of paperback mysteries from Harper Collins Publishers, starting with the reissue of several popular Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries featuring Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers, one of Britain’s foremost mystery novelists.  First published in the 1930's, these mysteries take place in the same time period.

Fans of period English fiction will enjoy these romantic mysteries. 

The new releases include the following:

Strong Poison: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers, Bourbon Street Books (a division of Harper Collins Publishers), $14.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
Mystery novelist Harriet Vane knew all about poisons, and when her fiancé died in the manner prescribed in one of her books, a jury of her peers had a hangman's noose in mind. But Lord Peter Wimsey was determined to prove her innocent—as determined as he was to make her his wife.

***

Have His Carcase: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers, Bourbon Street Books (a division of Harper Collins Publishers), $14.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
Mystery novelist Harriet Vane, recovering from an unhappy love affair and its most unpleasant aftermath, seeks solace on a barren beach deserted but for one notable exception: the body of a bearded young man with his throat cut. From the moment she photographs the corpse, which soon disappears with the tide, she is puzzled by a mystery that might easily have been a suicide, a murder, or a political plot. With the appearance of her dear friend Lord Peter Wimsey, however, Harriet finds yet another reason to pursue the mystery, as only the two of them can pursue it.

***

Gaudy Night: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers, Bourbon Street Books (a division of Harper Collins Publishers), $14.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
When Harriet Vane attends her Oxford reunion, known as the Gaudy, the prim academic setting is haunted by a rash of bizarre pranks: scrawled obscenities, burnt effigies, and poison-pen letters, including one that says, "Ask your boyfriend with the title if he likes arsenic in his soup." Some of the notes threaten murder; all are perfectly ghastly; yet in spite of their scurrilous nature, all are perfectly worded. And Harriet finds herself ensnared in a nightmare of romance and terror, with only the tiniest shreds of clues to challenge her powers of detection, and those of her paramour, Lord Peter Wimsey.

***

Busman's Honeymoon: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers, Bourbon Street Books (a division of Harper Collins Publishers), $14.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
Murder is hardly the best way for Lord Peter and his bride, the famous mystery writer Harriet Vane, to start their honeymoon. It all begins when the former owner of their newly acquired estate is found quite nastily dead in the cellar. All too quickly, what Lord Peter had hoped would be a very private and romantic stay in the country has turned into a most baffling case, with a misspelled "notise" to the milkman at its center and a dead man who's been discovered in a most intriguing condition: with not a spot of blood on his smashed skull and not a penny less than six hundred pounds in his pocket.

Brink of Chaos: A Joshua Jordan Novel by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall

Brink of Chaos: A Joshua Jordan Novel (Volume 3 of The End Series) by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall, Zondervan, $24.99 list price, hardcover.

From the publisher:

In the third book of The End series, Joshua Jordan remains in Israel during his self-imposed “exile” out of the reach of U.S. authorities who have trumped-up false criminal treason charges against him. His wife, Abigail, continues to lead the Roundtable to prove the innocence of her husband.
Following the nuclear attack by Russia, Israel is cleaning up the bodies of dead enemy soldiers for 7 months and setting out on its 7 year plan---both per the prophecies in Ezekiel. As corruption in high government offices threaten to block the election of a worthy presidential candidate by all means necessary---including the unthinkable---Israel’s leadership is tempted to sign a “peace” proposal initiated by the UN under the authority of Coliquin. After he discusses this plan with Pastor Peter Campbell, Joshua is convinced Coliquin may well be the prophesied Anti-Christ and that his peace plan is a trap to destroy Israel.
Are the recurring dreams Joshua has had about the coming rapture from God? And is the end sooner than anyone expects?

***
Written in the style and theme of LaHaye's Left Behind books, The End Series featuring Joshua Jordan is a fast-moving Christian fiction thriller that presents possible political and military scenarios that could usher in the prophecies in scripture surrounding the end times and coming to power of the anti-christ.

This is the third book in this series and finds Joshua Jordan in exile due to trumped up charges of treason against him by the United States after he refuses to cooperate with the plans of the corrupt President.  His wife Abigail, a lawyer, is his only hope to have the charges dropped but she has also become a target of U.S. authorities for her refusal to accept the government-mandated biochip implant required for every citizen.  Their adult son and daughter are also caught up in uncovering plans involving officials that will make believers enemies of the state and puts Israel in peril, and soon the entire Jordan family is in danger.  In the midst of all this drama are unfolding events that one by one point to the soon return of Christ as revealed in scripture.

The ending of this book was somewhat predictable and could have ended the series except for another character that became prominent, making it possible for a fourth title featuring him in the ongoing battle against the rise of the anti-christ.

I did enjoy this third title in the series and I think fans of the Left Behind books and other thrillers by LaHaye and his co-authors will welcome this one to their collection. Although this book presents a good storyline on its own, it does help to have read the first two in the series so as to fully understand what is going on.

40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry

40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry, Tyndale House Publishers, $14.99 list price, paperback.

This is a daily devotional based on the author's book, The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life (based on Philippians 4:8 in the Bible).  The idea is to transform thoughts from negative to positive as the apostle Paul encourages believers to do in that verse.

I'm not naturally a "Pollyanna" type personality and confess that books like this tend to irritate me more than encourage me but I was pleasantly surprised as I read this one.  The approach isn't a chirpy rah-rah speech every day (thank you, Mr. Newberry!) but rather takes a realistic approach to helping the reader discover a way to think more positively in specific circumstances while acknowledging that it doesn't come easily for most of us.  I appreciated the "think this, not that" approach with suggestions I could comfortably embrace; things like thinking compassionate thoughts rather than harsh ones, bold instead of comfortable, serving instead of self-centered, victory instead of defeat, etc.

Each day offers a 2-3 page reading on a specific topic, followed by an application exercise, thought for the day, and a prayer.  One reading that I especially appreciated was on Day 8: Stop Identity Theft.  This devotional dealt with seeing ourselves in the positive light and truth of scripture and what God says about us rather than being defined by worldly influences.  Other topics include Take a Vacation From Yourself, The Gift of the Present, Feeling vs. Fact, Harboring Gratitude, Whatever Your Hands Find to Do, to name a few.

I do like this devotional and look forward to continuing my journey through it.  With Christmas coming up, this would be a great gift to give to friends and family.

When a Heart Stops: A Deadly Reunions Novel by Lynette Eason

When a Heart Stops: A Deadly Reunions Novel by Lynette Eason, Revell (A Division of Baker Publishing Group), $14.99 list price, paperback

From the publisher:
A killer's deadly game needs new players . . . but someone's about to change the rules.

As a medical examiner, Serena Hopkins is used to dealing with death. But that doesn't make it any easier when she's called to the eerie scene of a murder--especially when Serena realizes that she knows the victim. Nearly as unnerving is the presence of FBI agent Dominic Allen, her childhood crush.

As evidence mounts and points to a serial killer with disturbingly familiar methods, Serena and Dominic must work to find a pattern and stop the killings before the murderer strikes again. And when Serena's own life seems at stake, she must decide if the secret she has been keeping has put her next on the killer's hit list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

***

Medical Examiner Serena Hopkins is called to a murder scene that reveals the victim is someone she knew and as other victims turn up it becomes apparent that women Serena graduated from high school with are the targets.  The murderer is playing a game with poetic clues and dolls sent to Serena, challenging her and FBI agent Dominic Allen to figure out who the next victim will be.  It soon becomes apparent they are dealing with a copycat killer since the method is identical to that of a serial killer from years ago but that person is in prison and couldn't have commited the recent murders. Then, when Serena herself becomes the target, Dominic must put his romantic feelings for her aside in order to save both their lives.

This is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series in the genre of Christian romance and suspense.  Because of the many references to characters and events introduced the first book (When the Smoke Clears), it's advisable to read that one first so as not to become confused.  The plot itself is unique and interesting and held my interest so much that I finished the book in one day and liked that I was completely surprised by who the killer was.  The storyline also included a subplot dealing with domestic abuse and runaway teens that added another interesting layer to the story.

Because this is part of a series with an ongoing storyline introduced in the first book and continued in this one, there isn't closure on certain aspects of that which creates more frustration for me than anticipation.  That issue aside, I did feel this book was better than the first in the series with a unique storyline and I'm hoping the next one will be even better and worth the wait.  Hopefully the underlying story introduced in the first two books about a mutual friend of the other characters who is in hiding due to something she witnessed as a teenager will finally be resolved in the next.

Share the Bounty: Finding God's Grace through the Spirit of Hospitality by Benita Long

Share the Bounty: Finding God's Grace Through the Spirit of Hospitality by Benita Long, Thomas Nelson Publishers, $29.99 list price, hardcover.

This is a beautiful book that is more than just a cookbook.  It addresses the topic of hospitality from a Christian perspective, has gorgeous photos of home decor and table setting ideas, and of course, recipes that make entertaining easy. 

Chapters include Three Delightful Luncheons, Festive Occasions, Four Convivial Dinners, Hospitality For the Very Young, International Cuisine, Blessed by Guests Who Stay Awhile, and Prayers of Gratitude.  Full menus along with the recipes are featured.

I made a version of CC's Turkey Casserole, substituting a few ingredients with what I had on hand and was happy with the outcome.  Other recipes I hope to try include Spicy Sausage and Chicken Lasagne, Strawberry Fluff, Chocolate Coffee Pie, and Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad.  The recipes use ingredients that are easy enough to find or can be readily substituted without compromising the finished product.

I enjoyed reading this book because it has so much more than just recipes. The photos are stunning and sprinkled throughout the chapters are quotes and scripture relating to hospitality and food.  It's not quite a "coffee table" book but it is larger than most cookbooks and would be a great gift for a hostess or favorite cook in the family.

A Perfect Word For Every Occasion by Liz Duckworth

A Perfect Word For Every Occasion by Liz Duckworth, Bethany House Publishers, $12.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
Have you ever wondered just what to say at a funeral, to a friend whose spouse is fighting cancer, or to someone going through a breakup?

The right words don't always come easily. Sometimes we're so afraid to say the wrong thing that we say nothing at all or resort to cliches. But with a little help you can share the perfect message that will draw you nearer to friends and loved ones.

This book offers examples and guidelines for things to say, lines to write, and Scripture verses to share. Full of encouraging messages organized by category--sympathy, thank-yous, congratulations, etc.--it will help you save time while strengthening your relationships. You will find the right words for formats old and new: Facebook messages, emails, cards, texting, receiving lines, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, funerals, and more. You'll even discover what not to say.
***

This is a nice resource to have on hand for those times when you want to express encouragement but don't quite know what to say.  As someone who sends lots of notes to people, I usually know what I want to communicate but sometimes struggle with coming up with the right way to say it and I found many helpful ideas in this book.

Written from a Christian perspective, the chapters include words for grieving, gratitude, the sick and suffering, birthdays, and celebrations, to name just a few of the categories.  I appreciated that the phrasing of the sentiments are what regular people would say; nothing sing-songy, lofty or sappy like some commercial cards offer. 

The book also includes suggestions for how to respond in emails, Facebook, comments on blogs, etc., which makes this a good resource for communicating via social media as well.

Life With Lily: The Adventures of Lily Lapp Book One, by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Life With Lily: The Adventures of Lily Lapp (Book One), by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher, Revell Books (a division of Baker Publishing Group), $12.99 list price, paperback.

From the publisher:
For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

Even though this story is written with younger readers in mind, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The stories of daily life as experienced through Lily, a young modern-day Amish girl, reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie and American Girl books with its dose of realism in fiction form. The characters of Lily and her family are so likeable and the chapters are short so children will be able to stay interested whether reading it themselves or having an adult read to them.  I also appreciated the section at the end of the book that answered some common questions about the Amish, something that could be discussed with children beforehand.  I also liked that Lily was not presented as a perfect child as she questions things and gets into mischief so while the Amish lifestyle might be different, "English" children reading this book will still be able to relate to her.

This is book one in a great series that is wholesome, entertaining, and even educational that families with young children can enjoy together.

The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster by Tim Crothers

The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster by Tim Crothers, Scribner Publishing, $26.00 list price, hardcover.

From the Publisher:
PHIONA MUTESI sleeps in a decrepit shack with her mother and three siblings and struggles to find a single meal each day. Phiona has been out of school most of her life because her mother cannot afford it, so she is only now learning to read and write. Phiona Mutesi is also one of the best chess players in the world.

One day in 2005, while searching for food, nine-year-old Phiona followed her brother to a dusty veranda where she met Robert Katende, who had also grown up in the Kampala slums. Katende, a war refugee turned missionary, had an improbable dream: to empower kids through chess—a game so foreign there is no word for it in their native language. Laying a chessboard in the dirt of the Katwe slum, Robert painstakingly taught the game each day. When he left at night, slum kids played on with bottlecaps on scraps of cardboard. At first they came for a free bowl of porridge, but many grew to love chess, a game that—like their daily lives—means persevering against great obstacles. Of these kids, one stood out as an immense talent: Phiona.

By the age of eleven Phiona was her country’s junior champion and at fifteen, the national champion. In September 2010, she traveled to Siberia, a rare journey out of Katwe, to compete in the Chess Olympiad, the world’s most prestigious team-chess event. Phiona’s dream is to one day become a Grandmaster, the most elite title in chess. But to reach that goal, she must grapple with everyday life in one of the world’s most unstable countries, a place where girls are taught to be mothers, not dreamers, and the threats of AIDS, kidnapping, and starvation loom over the people.

Reading about chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, her family, and the team of people who were intrumental in helping her see the potential for a life beyond the slum that is the only home she has ever known has been nothing short of a humbling experience. Although parts of Phiona's story are heartbreaking and some of the challenges seem insurmountable, her resolve to pursue her passion of becoming a chess Grandmaster despite the odds is inspiring.

In a society where reality t.v. stars (and some athletes) are given non-deserved celebrity status for doing nothing more than behaving badly, it is refreshing to read about someone who can teach all of us something about faith in God in the worst of circumstances, humbleness, perseverance, and daring to dream for what seems impossible.  For most people the motivation to be the best at something is fame and fortune; for Phiona, being a chess champion is a matter of survival emotionally, physically, and economically.  It helps provide food for her family for another day or two, and shelter for another week or maybe even a month.  It has the potential to open doors for education that she might not have otherwise.

Once I started reading Phiona's story, I couldn't stop.  When I reached the end I wanted more because her story is not finished yet.  I want a sequel or some kind of postscript to know what has happened to her since the publication of this book. I find myself thinking about her every day, wondering if she and her family have been able to get out of the slum of Katwe and how she is doing in the next championship.

This is the story of a real-life hero and role model that adults and teens need to read, and that needs to be shared with other children.