Fiction Review: Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

Book Description:

She doesn't know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He's left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: "Don't open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me."

Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older

man calling himself Dr. Smith. He's been trailing a man for a decade--a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill--and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery--before it's too late.

My Review:
Annabel Lee is a mixture of mystery and thriller with a touch of military warfare. I found the beginning of the book to be rather slow, but once all the characters came into play the story picked up. Trudi and Samuel brought a much needed lighter side to the story at times when the darkness of evil dominated the page. I appreciate the intelligence of the main character, Annabel Lee, and her determination to survive. The story is quite violent at times, but also shows heartfelt commitment and love. Overall, I'd give the book a three and a half. The story is unique and picks up the pace about a third of the way in with some interesting twists at the end.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Even Thomas Barrow Found Redemption

2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Thomas Barrow coerced people, manipulated the people he worked with, lied, and spied. For five seasons on Downton Abbey, he was treacherous, a sinner by any standard. As a result he was lonely, disheartened with life, and downright miserable. Sinning doesn't produce a beautiful life. Yet, even Thomas Barrett found redemption. By season six his life took a tragic turn and the very people he hurt and manipulated came to his rescue and forgave him. What? Forgave the guy who was so mean. Yes. They rallied around him and welcomed him into their family and loved him. And you know what, he smiled, he loved back, and he found peace.

I realize Thomas was a character with a scripted life, but how much does this reflect reality? I sin. The Bible says we all do. And yes other people's sin has hurt me just as my sins have hurt others. Yet, I am forgiven. Because Jesus gave his life for me. No matter how good I try to be, goodness won't save me from eternal hell. But Jesus will. He died for me, for everyone. He came to earth as human, experienced life here and suffered through death. But the beautiful that resulted is indescribable. God brought Jesus back to life. His resurrection is pure hope. The hope I recognized when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, my friend, my redeemer. As Easter approaches think on these things. Through Jesus I received forgiveness and continue to, because I follow Jesus, obey his teachings, and pray for mercy. I'm not saved by my power but by grace. Praise God for Jesus!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Daffodils

Pre-K Board Book Review: God Is Watching Over You by P.J. Lyons

Book Description:

God Is Watching Over You, written by P.J. Lyons and illustrated by Tim Warnes, is a sweet and gentle bedtime rhyme that reminds us that God is taking care of all of us from above.

As a follow up to their bestselling Thank You, Lord, for Everything, P.J. Lyons and Tim Warnes have created a sweet and relaxing padded cover board book that tells the story of God's constant presence around you. Meant to be read at night, when a child is warm and snug in their bed, the rhyming text and adorable illustrations in God Is Watching Over You gently remind us that God is constantly watching over us, protecting us, and caring for us.

My Review:
P.J. Lyons new book for little ones is the perfect example of how a child's night time routine can result in a peaceful sleepy time. I see this book as a good read for parents and children. Young children will love the bright and engaging illustrations by Tim Warnes and the delightful rhyme of the lamb's sweet day. Parents will enjoy sharing P.J.'s story with their little one as they put them to bed. And the comfort of knowing God is watching over them gives both child and adult a sense of security and peace. Reading is such an important element to raising children, especially when the story brings the truth of God to the listener. This would make a sweet gift for Easter or just a nice surprise for the end of the day. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Fiction Book Review: The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Book Description:
Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her.

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.

My Review:

I totally enjoyed The Red Door Inn. Liz Johnson's description of Prince Edward Island drew me in as soon as Marie stepped off the ferry. I loved the references to Anne of Green Gables. Liz did a super job weaving some of Anne's characteristics into Marie. Going through the ups and downs of restoring the inn from a dilapidated building to a beautiful place for the hurting, the lonely, and the loved was a delight. I enjoyed the characters and their stories. Along with Marie and Seth, you'll meet Jack, a dear man missing his wife and seeking to fulfill a promise. By the time I finished this beautiful story filled with faith and hope, I wanted to book a night at the inn. If you're looking for a pleasant read with a compelling story, check out The Red Door Inn. This is the first in a series. I can't wait for book 2.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

And It Was Beautiful: Celebrating Life in the Midst of the Long Good-Bye (David C Cook, March 2016)

Book Description:

"I was here. I saw beauty. I embraced it." -Kara Tippetts

How do you live out extravagant love in the everyday moments? How do you celebrate grace when your life turns out differently than the one you dreamed?

Kara Tippetts discovered how to find joy in the small moments of life. She learned how to hold tight to hope even while battling intense physical and emotional pain. And she lived out the truth that God can redeem any story.

In her final book, Kara offers gentle reflections on living and dying well. She invites us to cultivate soft hearts even when we face great disappointment. Her ideas for living are hard-won, wrestled with in the crucible of family, illness, and faith. And her constant reminder is that whether we are in the midst of dark days or mundane moments Jesus is always there, life is surprisingly beautiful, and God is forever good.

My Review:
Kara Tippets final book is a gift; beautiful, sad, and insightful. I'll admit it's not an easy read because of the emotion packed in every page, but was it worth the tug at my heart? Yes! Kara's story is a tough one. She struggled with pain and the knowledge that her days were numbered. Yet amidst the difficult days she found reasons to rejoice and times to find peace. She shares her family's life and the joy they share as well as the sorrow. Life through Kara's eyes includes her strong faith and the love she shared with her family and friends. Through her attitude about life I'm reminded to take the mundane and find the joy. Take the everyday and find beauty. Be honest and never stop thanking and loving God. My heart is blessed by Kara's story.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1QVAvgz 

About the author: 

Kara Tippetts was the author of The Hardest Peace and the co-author of Just Show Up. She blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, has been parenting their four children and leading the church the couple founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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