Update!

I am reading the following books:

The Boleyn Bride by Brandy Purdy......not sure how I feel about this one yet 

 Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke.....very interesting 

 Pretty Girls in the VIP by Daaimah S. Poole..... oh really? 

The African Americans by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Donald Yacovone......there's a few things I didn't know

Next Up!

Yes I started a third book, Pretty Girls in the VIP by Daaimah S. Poole.........

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason, Revell Division of Baker Publishing Group

Kyle Abernathy has been married to Summer for over a year. While he is away on a business trip, three men awaken her from sleeping,”Hayes, the last to leave, turned suddenly…..And for your information, your husband’s name isn’t Kyle Abernathy, it’s David Hackett.” He smirked. “Google him.” Summer has just found out that her husband is not who she thinks he is.

After finally locating Kyle/David, Summer finds out they are in the witness protection program until the trial begins. They are running from men who want the laptop and flash drive David stole, which holds incriminating evidence. “Yes. He thinks he can get the information out of me one way or another….She swallowed. “You mean torture you?” He nodded and his eyes went dark. “Or you.”

While in protection and constantly going from one location to another, “All I know is they’re tracking us somehow or someone higher up is letting Raimondi in on our locations. Summer questions  David, “Why me, David?”….He said, “I wanted what you had”….”What did I have?”…..”I think—God.”….She blinked….”You have such a close relationship with him, you don’t even realize how that comes through in just your everyday living.” The novel continues with location changes until David faces off with the man trying to have him killed.

The book started drawing me in right away. Although it is fast paced in the beginning, it started to slow down a bit and become predictable. The surprise ending was better than expected and I enjoyed it. There is a sneak peek of her next novel, ‘Nowhere to Turn, Book 2 in the Hidden Identity Series’ included. I would recommend all mystery lovers to read this one.

BUY NOW!

(I received this book free from Revell, Division of Baker Publishing Group for this review)

Next Up!

I have begun to read The Boleyn Bride by Brandy Purdy and No One to Trust by Lynette Eason. I might be add a third book, I am a quick reader. You know, finish a book in a few hours--LOL!

The Digest Diet-150 All New Fat Releasing Recipes by Liz Vaccariello, Reader’s Digest

Ms. Vaccariello created this cookbook after presenting a successful diet plan preview. “Since we first released the book in March 2012, thousands have laughed, danced, and eaten their way to their happy weight.”, she has written a quick weight loss program that can be accomplished in as little as 21 days.

“I wanted to develop a cookbook for another reason, as well. A growing body of research says that cooking and eating at home with loved ones is better for your health than dining out.” I have found this to be true, even when dining alone at home.

She lists exercise as a fat increaser, “Don’t get me wrong—exercise is wonderful!...since aerobic exercise can make you hungrier, sometimes it can actually increase your body fat….So what can I eat on this diet anyway?” This is answered by the wonderful recipes she has included.

Ms. Vaccariello explains in her book thirteen fat releasers used in the diet plan: Vitamin C, Calcium, Dairy, Protein, PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids—the healthy fats), Coconut Oil, Resveratrol, Fiber, Vinegar, Quinoa, Honey, and Cocoa. You are not cheated out of anything here. She also provides a plan to get your kitchen set up for the task. Throughout the book, there are short success stories of the people who are using the diet and losing weight in the process.

There are numerous recipes that include pasta, beef, pork and seafood. The dessert recipes sound simply scrumptious. The key here, understand what your fat releasers are and apply them to your proportioned size meals.

Anyone looking to lose weight will find this book very helpful. I recommend it to the health conscious who may want additional recipes and information on a healthy eating lifestyle.

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(I received this book free from Reader’s Digest for review purposes)

Pray for Us Sinners-The Hollywood Murder Mysteries by Peter S. Fischer, Grove Point Press

“War is being waged at Notre-Dame-des-Victories. This is not a battleground….this is a church in the center of Quebec City, Canada…At stake is not life…but the well being of a motion picture…..on one side we have Montgomery Clift…..on the other side, we have Alfred Hitchcock…the film is entitled  “I Confess”.”  And so begins this murder mystery novel as seen through the eyes of Joe Bernardi, a Press Agent, on location for Warner Studios. He narrates the fictional story with humor, sarcasm and preciseness.

Initially, he is searching for a former friend. “I hired Wiley to track down my former live-in, Bunny Lesher, who I had every intention of making my wife number two.” So tell me, how does Bernardi get involved in a murder mystery? “I’m Jeanne d’Arcy with the Quebec Province Film Commission and you’re my new assistant.” She is a beautiful redhead reminiscent of Rita Hayworth. When she is arrested for the murder of her boyfriend, Bernardi jumps into action to prove her innocence.

This novel reads like a classic black and white noir film. It is smooth, smart and sassy. You can imagine the main character narrating his unspoken thoughts as the story progresses. All that was missing was the suspenseful music.

Mr. Fischer has written a classy novel. It has all the mystery and  ‘who-dunnit’ panache of a novel-to-movie screen in the making. If you love murder mysteries in true form, then this is the book for you. I recommend that all murder mystery fiction lovers grab a copy right away. Kudos! to you Mr. Fischer.

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(I receive this book free from Grove Point Press for review purposes)

Junior’s Home Cooking by Alan Rosen & Beth Allen

Alan Rosen, third generation owner of the infamous Junior’s Restaurant dynasty has compiled some of the restaurant’s history making recipes into a cookbook.  The front cover caught my eye immediately: fried chicken(drumsticks-my fav), macaroni and cheese, salad, cheesecake. I thought, what a great little every day dinner. I must say, though most ‘self-proclaimed chefs’ boast they can cook everything, I will not. I have tried and tried and tried again, here goes my confession to the world: I can bake, smother, roast, make chicken salad but I CAN NOT FRY CHICKEN! Now with that said, I am happy that Mr. Rosen & Ms. Allen are sharing and  “-bringing Junior’s, and the foods we’re known and loved for, into your home.” Especially the fried chicken recipe for the ‘every day chef’. They have included after each recipe ‘The Junior’s Way’ notations “…buy only clams that are closed…not…chipped, broken, damaged.”I like the headings for each section and what can be found inside:

Appetizers “we’ve taken some of their signature favorites and turned them into great party foods.”: Deviled Eggs with variations – hickory smoked, hot and spicy, smoked salmon

Signature Salads “…we haven’t forgotten the dressings...”: Pickled Beets & Onions, Junior’s Red Skin Potato Salad, Lemon Vinaigrette, Asian Dressing

Super Soups “The soup of the day changes daily….now you can make seven….special soups any day you like…”:French Onion Soup with Swiss cheese, New England Clam Chowder

Sensational Sandwiches “The Po’Boy comes with both fried shrimp and fried oysters-“:Chicken Parm Subs, Combo Reuben, Junior’s Club

Everyday Brunch “Invite a few friends over and proudly serve brunch—the Junior’s Way.”:

Junior’s Cheesecake French Toast, Potato Pancakes with Homemade Chunky Applesauce,

Daily Specials “…many items are so special they’re always on the menu, every day!”: Baked Individual Meat Loaves with Mushroom Gravy, Iron Skillet Ham Steak with Red-Eye Gravy

Sides “These sides are so tempting that folks will want seconds!”:Junior’s Macaroni & Cheese, Creamed Spinach, Alan’s Pan-braised Vidalias, Fried Green Pickles

The Bread Basket “We’ve also included…..Club Rye Onion Loaf and Braided Challah…”:

Quick Cheese Biscuits, Hush Puppies, Doughnuts Any Time!

Save Room for Dessert! “…by baking one of their famous desserts today!”: Whoopie Pie Cheesecake, S’Mores Cupcakes, Key Lime Meringue Pie.

The steps for the recipes range from four to nine with the majority falling into five or six category. The cookbook also contains menu and measurements charts to help you along the way. Also, it has great recipes for your next round-table (or square-table) gathering. I am going to try the Combo Reuben sandwich ‘Junior’s Way’. My mom used to make me Reuben sandwiches her way, can’t wait to compare! I recommend this book for all ‘chefs’ and for those of us who, such as myself, still hasn’t mastered a few things. 

(I received this book from Taunton Press Publishing for review purposes)

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The Vegan Cookbook by Adele McConnell, Watkins Publishing

In her introduction she states, “I was a vegetarian at 17, and I didn’t eat eggs or dairy, so after ten years it was an easy step to give up the final few animal foods and become vegan….I don’t want to miss out on exciting flavors just because I don’t eat animal products, so I focus on delicious food from different cultures.” And it shows in some of her recipes such as Greek Breakfast Scramble, Chinese Scallion Pancakes with dipping sauce, Hungarian Stew, Rice Paper and Nori Rolls.

Ms. McConnell continues, “Whether it’s Indian, Moroccan, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese or Mexican….In this book I offer you a fresher, healthier approach to plant-based food—one where you will never have to lose out on flavor and variety….For now, feed your soul and taste the love.” She gives insight on the first steps “start to introduce new ones….add almond milk to your cereal…” I like almond milk and use it often over regular dairy milk.

She explains how to stock your ‘vegan pantry’ by buying bulk peas, beans and lentils. This also includes spices and flavorings such as “Harissa (a hot and spicy chili paste used in North African cooking.”

For every recipe, she includes symbols to represent:

 Gluten-free: White Cottage-feta Cheese

 Soy-Free: Garlic Parathas (homemade Indian bread)

 Seed-Free: Moroccan Quinoa Soup

 Sugar-Free: Potato & Coconut Samosas

 Nut-Free: Slow-cooked Smoky Gumbo

 Raw: Raw Chocolate Torte with Salted Pecan Sauce.

Adele McConnell has compiled a very interesting collection of vegan recipes and reading the ingredients, they will be especially tasty too. Ms. McConnell will share her delightful recipes with the world on March 18, 2014. Be sure and get your copy, you wont't be disappointed!

BUY NOW!

(I received this book for free from Watkins Publishing Limited for review purposes only)

Who Did It?

Halfway through Pray for Us Sinners by Peter S. Fischer. His main character, Joe Bernardi, is in the middle of everything.............LOVE IT!

Serenity to Accept, Grant Us Grace Series, Book Three by Elizabeth Maddrey

This novel is the third in the ‘Grant Us Grace’ series. Book one is ‘Wisdom to Know’ and book two is ‘Courage to Change.’

‘Serenity to Accept’ is about Karen Reid and her transition from non-believer to believer. Along the way, she has many questions about God and how He works. “Why doesn’t God just fix the world? Isn’t He supposed to be all powerful?” Allison leaned forward. “He fixed the part that matters most to Him, His relationship with us….He had to send Jesus….to die for our sin. Now that the price is paid, we can choose a relationship with Him because of Jesus’ blood.” However, Karin still has doubts about the power of God.

Karin had a haunting life as a child and it resurfaces as she begins a relationship with Jason Garcia, a doctor in the hospital where she works. The only problem, Jason is a strong believer and she is not, which threatens their relationship. “Jason eyebrows lifted. But the one thing my parents have always said that we never know how God is going to use the things that happen, so until we see the whole picture, we can’t try to judge His plan”. This complicates matters, until Karin realizes that God is the only one who can help her. Will Karin accept Him into her life?

In my opinion, Ms. Maddrey has written a winner with such ease. She has penned a powerful story of love, courage and tranquility. I recommend this book for those who seek to have a better understanding of what ‘unevenly yoked’’ and Godly relationships between man and woman are. 

(I received this book for free from Chalfont Publishing for review purposes only)

BUY NOW!

Wow!

Just finished Serenity to Accept by Elizabeth Maddrey. Review will be up soon!!

Interesting

I am reading Serenity to Accept by Elizabeth Maddrey. She does not make you wait two or three chapters to get to the meat and potatoes. Loving this book.....

Next Up

The next two novels I have begun to read are Serenity to Accept by Elizabeth Maddrey and Pray for Us Sinners by Peter S. Fischer. Let's see if they hold my interest enough to warrant getting snacks so I won't have to stop reading........

The Christian Corner: How Sweet the Sound, Amy Sorrells, David C. Cook P...

The Christian Corner: How Sweet the Sound, Amy Sorrells, David C. Cook P...: This novel is about the Harlan family and their family secrets as told by the teenage granddaughter, Anniston Harlan, “I thought I’d lived ...

How Sweet the Sound, Amy Sorrells, David C. Cook Publishers

This novel is about the Harlan family and their family secrets as told by the teenage granddaughter, Anniston Harlan, “I thought I’d lived through everything by the time I was thirteen.” It starts out with her father and uncle killing one another, which leads to ‘Anni’ discovering the real reason leading up to their deaths. “Instead, I wondered how it came to pass that two brothers---one of them my daddy---were dead. I wondered which came first---the hate or the crime? I wondered if Cain always hated Abel, or if the hate that caused brother to kill brother happens in a flash of evil. Mostly, I wondered what I would do after the red clay covered my daddy and if any of us would ever recover.” The tale describes how abuse is dealt with inside a small Southern Alabama community.

Anni gives clear description of  her feelings throughout the story, “…Sin settled in the boughs of [the] Harlan family years ago, and now the boughs were breaking….And yet I wonder what life might be like if we all knew the pain that lay beneath  each others’ sleeves.”

One of the characters, Ernestine, their family’s Haitian nanny of thirty-five years, always had a different anecdote for all situations: “Before you laugh at those who limp, check the way you walk….God says, Do your part, and I’ll do mine….Words have wings.” I enjoyed each little epigram placed at the beginning of each chapter. They give cause for thought.

The story itself is compelling and thought provoking. It also gives way to feel compassion for Anni and how she handles numerous circumstances. The author, Amy Sorrells has added Book Club Questions at the end, along with an Author interview. Included are recipes from Bay Spring and the Harlan Family and Friends. I recommend this novel to teenagers and adults alike. They will find it attention-grabbing and most definitely enjoy the bonus recipes.

BUY NOW!

(I received this book from David C. Cook Publishers for review purposes only)

Idea to Invention What You Need to Know to Cash In on Your Inspiration by Patricia Nolan-Brown, O'Reilly Media

Idea to Invention is a helpful resource book for those wishing to embark on an inventor’s journey. Ms. Nolan-Brown graciously gives insight regarding her personal experiences and the steps you need to be take for your own venture. It includes honest self-assessment quizzes, step-by-step procedures and helpful resources.

She begins her book, “I’m an ordinary person. I have three kids, I didn’t go to Harvard, I don’t have a trust fund…sold in the tens of millions…And I figured if I can do that, so can you… my precious infant tucked into her gotta-have-one-it's-the-law rear-facing car seat…Somebody should invent some kind of special mirror so you could see your kid in the stupid rear-facing car seat…my mom, the prophet from the couch, said, “Uh-hunh. Why don't you invent one? Wow. And you know what? I did.” This lets you know immediately that anyone with a simple idea can develop it into a concrete invention and share it with the world.

She also gives key points, “The journey rarely is a sprint… if you read enough you don't need to hire an “expert” at every step… What's selling? What's missing from the shelves?...useful little concept… “elevator pitch… Impeccable customer service is key.”

I believe Patricia Nolan-Brown hits the nail on the head with the insightful information she shares in her book. It is definitely worth the read.

BUY NOW!

(I received this book for free from O'Reilly Media for this review)

Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant

I forgive you, I forgive her, I forgive him, I forgive Me ! That’s how I felt when I finished reading Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant. She states, “When you master the practice of forgiveness, it becomes as natural as breathing.” Well, I haven’t mastered it just yet, but I’m working on it.

“Releasing the past restores us to the full energy of the present moment…It’s all about energy.”  If forgiveness is all about energy, I have been extremely tired for a very long time. I agree that holding onto negative issues create negative energy which leaves you feeling tired or depressed. Sometimes, you might not even realize that is the problem.

“Throughout this forgiveness practice, you will be asked to identify thoughts and beliefs.” This is where I began to become uncomfortable with the statements that were suggested to use. Let’s face it, a person can talk about forgiving but when it comes down to getting to the root of it all, you really do not want to confront it.

“More than any other emotion, I know the dangerous impact anger has on the nervous system... Emotions in the body are like fuel in the car; they will either keep you running smoothly or keep you stuck internally and externally.” Most people do not relate health problems to non-forgiveness. Not forgiving a person or situation that you retain in your mind can lead to harmful stress.

In her book are two helpful charts, The Energy Points Chart: shows specific locations on the body in which you use in conjunction with The Tapping Points Connections Chart: where to do your tapping. There is also a place for Journal Work and Notes. This is where you answer questions or complete statements on forgiveness: “I forgive my mind for thinking unproductive thoughts about my life… I forgive myself for believing my life is a mess… I forgive my mind for thinking my mother was more loving to my sister/brother than she was toward me.” You can create your questions or statements that apply to yourself or situation.

“Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, somewhere in between…your relationship with your Source… impacts…affects every relationship in your life, including the relationship you have with yourself.” This statement, in my opinion, tends to be true. Your faith or non-faith has a great impact in the way you interact with others.

Ms. Vanzant ends her book with a final act: “Forgiveness Letters: The purpose of these letters is to provide you with yet another opportunity to clear your mind and heart of any lingering toxic residue.” If I were to sit down and write forgiveness letters, I would be writing for approximately a week. While reading, I realized that many issues and past situations had resurfaced. I recommend this book-workbook-journal be read by all, including women, men and teenagers. It will help cleanse the soul.

(I received this book  free from Hay House Publishing for review purposes only)

BUY NOW!

Next Up

Just finished Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant and there is quite a bit to be said about forgiving. Wait to see the review, which should be up by tomorrow.

I have already began reading How Sweet the Sound by Amy Sorrells and Idea to Invention by Patricia Nolan-Brown.  

Reading is relaxing.......I relax a lot! Talk to you soon.....

Meatless All Day - Recipes for Inspired Vegetarian Meals by Dina Cheney

I own a very nice cookbook collection, but Dina Cheney has created one with three sections of elegant and scrumptious recipes with discerning taste for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The introduction section starts with advice on purchasing your eggs from a local farm or famers market. Ms. Cheney goes from "The Art of Cooking Eggs...you''ll be rewarded with beautiful yolks and exceptional flavor" to "Tips for a Golden Brown, Crispy Exterior...an exterior that shatters slightly when bitten into adds to the primal, sensual experience of eating."

She then explains in a different part, "Power Ingredients...I like to call the list here "power ingredients" since they add a "meaty" flavor" or "meaty" texture to dishes." At this moment, I realized that I use a few of the ingredients listed in my own dishes, "...balsamic and red wine vinegars, hoisin sauce, smoked paprika and cumin for a meaty flavor."  For a meaty texture "...potatoes (including sweet) and Italian squash" in my own soups.

In the section entitled " 'Breakfast'...."What do you get when you cross Middle Eastern and American pastries? Baklava Sticky Buns." There are stratas, frittatas (one with smoky mozzarella) that makes you want to eat straight from the photographs. 

There is another reason to grocery shop: Sweet and Savory Corn Pancakes with Black Bean Salsa, Roasted Two-Potato Hash with Poached Eggs. My father would buy apple butter instead of preserves sometimes and it was my favorite. And for this reason, I must try my hand at preparing the Spiced Apple Butter recipe.

The 'Lunch' and 'Dinner' sections have equally appetizing creations. My grocery list grows from here. For lunch: Black Bean Burgers with Grilled Mango-Lime Mayonnaise, Lemon Tahini Vinaigrette for my salads, Poblano Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas with Guacamole, Roasted Beet Caprese Salad with Garlicky Black Olives. And for the dinner recipes: Greek Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lemon-Thyme Breadcrumbs, Spanish Yam-sandwiches with Lemony Smoked Paprika and Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese with Smoked Paprika and Garlic-Thyme Breadcrumbs.

This cookbook would be a great addition to any Chef's collection. Wow, I am truly hungry right now. Guess I'll get started......but, which ones will you try?

BUY NOW! 

(I received this book from The Taunton Press, Inc. for review purposes only)

Next Up

My next adventure is already in progress, Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant. The first chapter is soul searching for sure.......

Tokens of Promise by Teresa Pollard

This is a fictional account of the biblical story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis, Chapter 38. The story begins with Judah rescuing Tamar from a brute husband who was trying to take her amidst the public town square.  Tamar immediately falls for Judah, but he denies his feelings for her. Judah then barters with her father and takes Tamar back to his homeland to marry his first son Er, who was promised to marry Ruah. In Ruah’s jealousy, she tells Er how his father came to rescue Tamar. She also tells a falsehood about Judah being with Tamar.

Er confronts her: “Liar!” He ripped the veil from her face. “Now, take off your clothing, Lovely Tamar, that your husband may see what has already been seen by an entire town of leering men.” During biblical times, it was forbidden for a woman to be seen naked in public. Judah hears Tamar scream, rushes to save her, a struggle with Er (who tried to kill him), an accidental fall and Er dies. Onan, Er’s brother, marries Tamar and commits suicide by self-castration. Judah still denies within himself that he loves Tamar. According to law, she is to wait for the next brother, Shelah, to come of age to marry him. So she is sent back to her father’s house to wait. What happens next? You will have to read it  for yourself. Believe when I say “you won’t be disappointed!”

Teresa Pollard has written an exceptional novel with such eloquence, grace and expression. She made me believe the events in this story were real.  I  recommend that everyone read and enjoy it as well as I did, including the Reader's Group Guide.

BUY NOW!

 I  received this book fro free from Chalfont Publishing for this review and not for monetary purposes.

Not To Be Confused

So as no to confuse my readers, yes, I am reading two books simultaneously :D

New Reading

I have started reading Forgiveness by Iyanla Vanzant. The first chapter already has me wondering about the forgiveness within myself. We shall see if I will be shedding tears soon......

Next Up

Time to get ready for Tokens of Promise by Teresa Pollard, a fictional novel based on events in the bible, but not actually taken from the bible. This should prove to be an interesting read. We'll see....talk to you soon!

Ten Days Without: Daring Adventures in Discomfort That Will Change Your World and You by Daniel Ryan Day

In 10 Days Without by Daniel Ryan Day, he states, “Most of us have never experienced true need, genuine poverty, or authentically painful hunger. Our needs are met. Many of our wants are satisfied too.” If you think about it for a second, it is true. We just don’t realize it. Mr. Day has found a way for us to experience what others live through on a daily basis. Pray-Read-Discuss-Go Without is what he has done with several self and group challenges. Throughout the book he quotes scriptures, biblical references and quotes his daily journal that he attached to each challenge. He also quotes other challenge takers journals. He has found a way for ordinary persons, such as you and me, to relate to and service other people who lack simple everyday needs.
Challenge #1 is 10 Days Without Shoes: “..kids need shoes…we are looking for the right pair of shoes and complain because our brand-new shoes got dirty..children in other countries wear literal holes in their soles..many people in the United States also need shoes..” Would you be able to go without wearing shoes 10 straight days? Not to work, the store or gas station, NO where. Could you? Would you? 
His other 10 day challenges included not wearing a coat: “..I was wondering if you would like a nice warm dinner?...”.Are you a Christian?” “Uh, yes,” I replied…I figured you were a Christian. They are the only ones who ever give me food.”; No Media: (included no smartphone, television or internet) “…The only place where we can get away from advertisements is to go to sleep? I found this to be true…” ; No Furniture: “Day 9…I’ve heard that lying on the floor is good for your posture. If that’s true, I should have amazing posture by the time…my back and neck have needed a lot of correcting…they have been sore for the past nine days.”; No Legs: used a wheelchair…"You find out who your friends are when you end up in a wheelchair.”; No Waste: “…you’ll be amazed how much you waste in an average day. Tissues. Leftovers. Wrappers. Napkins. Packaging.”; No Voice: “Overall, Ten Days Without Speech was the hardest challenge that I did.” A teenager who completed this challenge stated, “I started realizing how annoying some people who could talk were.”; No Touch: “It was time to end, but I had to ask one more question: “How important is it for people to come visit you?” No human touch for 10 days, can you imagine how that would be? When your friends visit there is some type of touching, whether it is a handshake or hug.
After reading this book, Daniel Day makes you think about how much of a Christian you really are. Are you more self-centered or others-centered? You learn to be grateful and thankful for EVERYTHING you have, leading you to worship God in a new manner: through helping other people less fortunate than yourself. I recommend this book for all, Christian or not. At least try to complete one of the challenges as I will. If you are a Christian, it will humble and bring you even closer to God. If you are not Christian, it should fulfill that void in your life. Are you ready?

BUY NOW

 (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review)

Church Boyz by H.H. Fowler

This is the second book in the Church Boyz series with the first being Rod of the Wicked. The setting for this novel is in the church intertwining the lives of the Pastor and his family, Assistant Pastor and some members of the congregation who all hold personal secrets. How can you lead a congregation when you are not walking a straight line? Not known is how some secrets are connected and how they will eventually bring all the sheep in wolves clothing into the light. I enjoyed the foundation of this book and its characters. Even though this is a fictional novel, several of the situations seem somewhat familiar to many people. Either we know someone who has gone through it, or have heard or read stories about it in the news. The main characters are: Leroy and Michelle Paxton-Pastor and Wife, Mount Moriah Baptist Church; Shaniece Bryant, Assistant Pastor; Abraham Winder, Youth Minister and Dominic’s mentor; Tayah Paxton-Benjamin and Phillip Benjamin, Pastor’s daughter and son-in-law; and Dominic Housten, Chief Organist/Youth Auxiliary Assistant. I could relate to some of the thoughts expressed by a few characters. “Dominic deadpanned…. Right when Abraham was making his big announcement about the mentorship program. I couldn’t stand to hear him talk about purity and accountability when he wasn’t living any of it.” His statement said it all, I understood how disappointed and jolted Dominic felt when saw the prostitute in his mentor Abraham’s apartment. Leroy cracked a half smile. “Accountable? To men or to God? These days, one cannot afford to divulge one’s private affairs to anyone but God. There are too many wolves in sheep clothing.” Leroy expressed how many people feel about confiding in others. They will usually take that information and use it against you. Tayah: “Jeremiah 29:11 popped in her heart…. She didn’t need to read any further. Everything she was experiencing in her life was suddenly spoken to.” After reading certain verses from the bible, it brings a certain calm over me and my situation. “Plus, you had Daddy to deal with….Michelle chuckled, recalling the scene. “Because you Paxton men are dangerous men. He always said that. He hammered his words into my head every day. Don’t trust that boy; he’ll lead you to the devil’s camp…” How many times had my mother or father spoke about a young man I was dating? I can totally relate to this one. Tayah cracked a smile. “I never thought I would ever hear you quote any of grandma’s words.” “Me either,” Michelle laughed. “The older I get, the more her words make sense.” And yes, the older I get I find myself quoting some of the same quirky sayings of my mother to my daughter. My recommendation for this book is: READ IT! If you like to read church themed novels with scandals, then this is a book for you. BUY NOW!

New Novels

I will begin two new books entitled Tens Days Without by Daniel Ryan Day and Tokens of Promise by Teresa Pollard.

I chose Ten Days Without because of the summary describing a 10 day journey without everyday items people usually take for granted.

Tokens of Promise is the biblical story of the widow Tamar and her father-in-law Judah. It is expressed by way of a novel and should prove to be worthy reading.

Good Read So Far

Church Boyz has become very interesting at this point....we will see how it progresses.

Reading on Kindle PC

Okay, so I'm reading CHURCH BOYZ on my Kindle PC and it's growing on me slowly. I am used to holding a book in my hands and turning pages. I am losing my place because I haven't mastered going from one page to another. Oh well, I will keep trying........

Update...

Hello! I am currently reading "Church Boyz" by H.H. Fowler. So far, it has my attention. This is a new author for me and I'm not sure where he'll take me........talk to you soon!

The Ex-Files by Victoria Christopher Murray

First and foremost, let me say that I LOVED the format of this novel! It gives you the chance to learn about each main character in a more personal manner.

This novel is about four women (Asia, Kendall, Sheridan, Vanessa) brought together by their Pastor to form a weekly prayer group. Asia, Kendall, Sheridan and Vanessa all have their own personal demons to contend with, let alone each other. Initially, they reject the idea, but hesitantly give in to Pastor Ford.

 Throughout their journey together as a group, each one comes to realize that the others are not as bad as they seem. I simply adored the book and all of its characters. At times I would think to myself, ‘why, girl, why?’ while reading, as if what I was reading was non-fiction.

 The main characters are Asia with her fight against revenge; Kendall with her non-forgiving stubbornness; Sheridan with indecisiveness to choose between ex-husband and new love; Vanessa with constant speculation about her husband’s death. Will any one of them be able to reach out to the other?

 I could not personally relate to the any of these women, but through Ms. Murray’s writing, I felt compassion for each character.I would definitely recommend this book be added to any collection and as a gift.
  BUY NOW!
 

Asking Forgiveness

First, I must apologize for not posting a review today. It will definitely be up by tomorrow! Meanwhile, browse through the blog and see what novels that may be of interest to you.........talk to you soon

So Excited!

Starting this blog is very exciting and exhilarating. I will post my first review later this evening, check back soon, you will not be disappointed!

In the meantime, browse through my Wish List and My Book Shelf for suggested readings. If you have novels you would like to recommend, please post in comments and it could possibly end up in my Wish List! Talk to you soon....

New Blog!

Starting a new blog today!! Reviewing great books :D