SECRETS BY LIZ SCHULTE

My friend Ron Briscoe told me of a book he wanted me to read. - He was wanting me to read it so we could discuss it. - It's like being a member of a 2 - person book club! If you recall he is the friend that suggested I read "Sentence of Marriage"  and it was NOT my favorite book. : )   But I decided to read this one anyway!

SECRETS, GUARDIAN TRILOGY BOOK 1

RELEASE: NOVEMBER 22, 2011

While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.

This is a book of good vs evil. Olivia is "good" she has been targeted to be a guardian - which would compare to an angel but she is attracted to Holden - a jinni who is connected with demons. Book 1 is a constant battle between good and evil. 

At first, I didn't think I was going to like it but it was good. It moved fast. It was interesting. Being a Christian, I was very interested in seeing if good would prevail. Of course, being book one of three, - I don't know yet! It is definitely an adult book.

Once I finished the book, Ron and Gale came over and we had a good discussion about it. Of course it is "theologically" unsound!! but a good read and could generate some good discussion for your book club. Ron has read all three but he was able to keep the end from me. [drats]

"Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.

When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between."

This information can be found with much more on Liz's web site H.E.R.E.

****

 
 

The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel

I was between books and a lady from church invited me to her book club!! "Yeah!!"  Anyway this is the book they are reading this month so I picked it up and read it.

This book was published August 7th, 2012.

"Hope McKenna-Smith, divorced mother of a surly not-quite-teenage girl, runs her family bakery on Cape Cod, but is starting to wonder what might have been. What if she hadn’t abandoned her dreams of law school? What if she hadn’t quit her job to raise her daughter? What if she hadn’t caught her husband cheating on her with a cliched blonde bimbo? When her aging grandmother, Rose, summons her to hear a long-held secret, Hope finally has the opportunity to stop thinking “what if?” and start thinking “what now?”

Rose’s memory is ebbing rapidly due to the onset of Alzheimer’s, and she knows she doesn’t have much time left to tell Hope the truth about a secret she’s kept for seventy years. Giving Hope nothing but a list of names, Rose sends her on a journey of discovery that takes Hope to a synagogue and a mosque in Paris, to a history buried in the Holocaust, and to a long-lost love with secrets of his own."

I enjoyed this book from page one. It is well written, easy to read and I finished it in 2 days. - Not because it's short or easy to read but because I couldn't put it down.

  

It tackles the Holocaust, religion, Alzheimer's, and family. Then ties all together with baking. The book also includes recipes from a rich history including several different nationalities. Hope owns a bakery and it's easy to get hungry while reading! This is one book that I plan on trying out some of the recipes!! They sound delicious. - except for the one with figs and dates - not a fan! :)

I hate to say too much in this review because I don't want to give the surprises away but I do want to encourage you to read "The Sweetness of Forgetting."

 Kristin Harmel Web-site

http://kristinharmel.com/

"Kristin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. She has lived in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Miami and now resides primarily in Orlando, Fla."

I encourage you to go to her web site.

I highly recommend this book.

*****

  

Donovan's Trail by Ann Snuggs

Every once in a while, Holly, one of my daughter's, will send me an e-book. This is always a nice surprise and I love getting them.

This last week she sent me a text and said a friend of hers from Texas had written a book and she (Holly) had sent it to me via Kindle.

Well, years ago I got hooked on Louis L'Amour books and have always enjoyed them. I go back once in a while and re-read my favorites. Not long ago I wrote a review on one of my favorites and you can read it H.E.R.E

Now, one time - again years ago - I tried another western by another author and I did NOT like it. Louis L'Amour just had a talent for writing good clean westerns.

So when I received this e-book by Ann Snuggs - I was a bit reluctant. I told Holly if I liked it I would review it - but if I didn't I wouldn't because I wouldn't want to embarrass her with her friend.

I said all that to say this - I LIKED IT!!! : )

"Tom Donovan takes after his father, who was also sheriff of Sundown years ago and who possessed a strong sense of right and wrong. Unlike his father, however, Tom is alive. John Donovan, gunned down in Tom's youth by a man the boy looked up to as a hero, left a legacy of justice. But his murder left behind the need for revenge. Tom's moral fortitude is put to the test when his father's killer reappears years later. The man who once was Tom's hero but now was his bitterest of enemies has become one of the fiercest villains in the West. And this time his schemes threaten to undo the family of Tom's sweetheart, Katie. Tom, together with his father's old partner and now Sundown's deputy, Ben, must not only track and face down the most cold-blooded outlaw in his neck of the wild West, but he must also fight the urge to become a murderer himself. With Tom's relationship, the well-being of his friends and his own life at risk, the greatest stake of all is the soul of a good man."

It was easy and quick to read and was just a good old fashioned western. It caught my interest right away and kept it until the end.

It was easy to picture the towns, the hideouts and um-hum - the cowboys! As a young girl growing up in rural Oklahoma I was determined NOT to marry a cowboy... But, I don't mind looking at them - whether in books, movies or in person!!

Snuggs has a good story to tell and she tells it well. She throws in a small amount of romance but not too much to take away from the wild west story.

She takes good vs evil and lets us walk those dirt streets with Tom and Ben and we as we are cheering for the good guys we also understand many of the raw feelings of revenge and our nature of unforgiveness. 

This is an author to watch for. I believe she has great talent and I hope to be reading more from her in the future.

*****

Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk

This afternoon while I was reading this book and crying, crying, crying, I thought to myself "I have GOT to start reading the synopsis of the book BEFORE I read the book..." OMGosh. This was crazy. Two books this week really have caught me completely off guard.

"Greg and Laci make it a regular practice to grow their hair long so that they can chop it off and send it to Locks of Love.  It's only one of the things that reserved, young David must tolerate as their friendship grows throughout the years.  As they near adulthood the three become closer not only to each other, but to God as well.  David finds himself content in every way, but when tragedy strikes, David must struggle to find his way back to God.

Don't let the fact that it's the first in a series scare you off - Chop, Chop is a complete, stand-alone novel that will NOT leave you hanging. The sequels, however, are very reasonably priced for those who wish to follow the characters further.

Often pegged as a "Young Adult" novel, demographics show that most readers of the Chop, Chop series are actually between the ages of 25 and 55 (and the sequels are definitely geared toward that age group).

Whether you're young or old, Chop, Chop is a true coming-of-age story about friendship, loss and forgiveness that is sure to touch your heart. "

First, I had no idea it was written for young people, I had no idea it was the first of a series, AND I had no idea it would have such a tragedy in it. For some reason I thought it was a simple mystery!

I did enjoy the book - once I recovered from all the surprises! It was easy to read - fast, I finished it in just a few hours.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about teens with such faith. They had such enthusiasm for God and all that He had for their lives. Reading about these young people reminded me so much of the youth I've worked with in the past. They reminded me of my kids when they were teens. The author did such a good job of describing their personalities, their friendships, their love of God that I really felt as if I knew them.

L.N. Cronk has written this series and has also written several other books. You can find her website H.E.R.E

I highly recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book for teens.

I highly recommend L.N. Cronk's website for
discussion guides, etc.

*****

In the Land of the Long White Cloud by Sarah Lark

Im Land der weißen Wolke 

"London, 1852: Zwei junge Frauen treten die Reise nach Neuseeland an. Es ist der Aufbruch in ein neues Leben - als künftige Ehefrauen von Männern, die sie kaum kennen. Die adlige Gwyneira ist dem Sohn eines reichen "Schafbarons" versprochen, und die junge Gouvernante Helen wurde als Ehefrau für einen Farmer angeworben. Ihr Schicksal soll sich erfüllen in einem Land, das man ihnen als Paradies geschildert hat."

The book was first written in German and was translated in 2012 into English.
 

In the Land of the Long White Cloud

by Sarah Lark

Translated by D.W. Lovett

(I apologize for the blurry picture of the book)

I got this book free from Prime on Amazon. I was looking for a free book, ran across this and thought it sounded interesting. 

"Helen Davenport, governess for a wealthy London household, longs for a family of her own—but nearing her late twenties, she knows her prospects are dim. Then she spots an advertisement seeking young women to marry New Zealand’s honorable bachelors and begins an affectionate correspondence with a gentleman farmer. When her church offers to pay her travels under an unusual arrangement, she jumps at the opportunity.

Meanwhile, not far away in Wales, beautiful and daring Gwyneira Silkham, daughter of a wealthy sheep breeder, is bored with high society. But when a mysterious New Zealand baron deals her father an unlucky blackjack hand, Gwyn’s hand in marriage is suddenly on the table. Her family is outraged, but Gwyn is thrilled to escape the life laid out for her.

The two women meet on the ship to Christchurch—Helen traveling in steerage, Gwyn first class—and become unlikely friends. When their new husbands turn out to be very different than expected, the women must help one another find the life—and love—they’d hoped for.

Set against the backdrop of colonial nineteenth-century New Zealand, In the Land of the Long White Cloud is a soaring saga of friendship, romance, and unforgettable adventure."

I very seldom read romance. However, once in a while I pick one up - for those of you that do read our American romance - this one is a bit different. It's a long book for one thing - you won't read it in an evening or even a day. The plot twists and turns which doesn't get boring.

The synopsis leaves out the twist of the orphan girls traveling with Helen. The church sponsors the orphanage and is sending the girls to work as maids in New Zealand. They add some interesting sidelines to the main story.

It's easy to read, historical and gives an idea of how settlers have a tendency to take land when it will benefit them. Most of us know the history of our country and their relationship with the native Americans - this gives you a look at the same problems in other countries.

For all the animal lovers out there - it has horses, dogs and sheep thrown in with the orphans, pioneer conditions, some sex, and love. Lark captures the attention of many different interests!

At first I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book, but as I got acquainted with the characters I was anxious to get back to it each time I had to put it down.

"Sarah Lark, author of several bestselling historical fiction novels in Germany and Spain, was born in Germany’s Ruhr region, where she discovered a love of animals— especially horses—early in life. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, travel guide, and commercial writer. She has also written numerous award-winning books about horses for adults and children, one of which was nominated for the Deutsche Jugendbuchpreis, Germany’s distinguished prize for best children’s book. Sarah currently lives with four dogs and a cat on her farm in Almería, Spain, where she cares for retired horses, plays guitar, and sings in her spare time."

I recommend this book.
**** 

The Mother-Daughter Bookclub by Heather Vogel Frederick

After finishing "The Man of Lawlessness" by Dr. David Reagan - which I blogged about H.E.R.E.  I decided I was ready for some "lighter" reading. I had picked up "The Mother-Daughter Book Club" not really reading the synopsis but knowing that I really enjoy reading books about friendships. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was written for young girls! The girls in the book are in 6th grade. I thoroughly enjoyed the book!!

"Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.

But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, these sixth-graders are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: What would Jo March do?

The Mother-Daughter Book Club will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship."

I loved "Little Women" as a young girl and I still enjoy re-reading it every once in a while. The fact that the Mother-daughter Book Club is reading it as their first book club selection just made this book that much more fun for me. 

I have a granddaughter in 5th grade and I have come to the conclusion that although the "torment" may be different, young girls can be just as mean now as they were when I was a child - or even when "Jo March" was a child.  

This book can be enjoyed by all ages. Not only does Frederick tell the story through the eyes of the four 6th grade girls, you also get to meet the mothers and the struggles they face and the friendships they form through enjoying time with their daughters.

As Emma, Jess, Cassidy and Megan zip through 6th grade, Frederick lets you, the reader, gain an understanding of hurts, embarrassment, friendship and lots of fun. 

Of course as with every good book for youth, there is much to be learned from these likeable girls and their families.

About the author, Heather Vogel Frederick:

"Before I became a writer, I was a reader—and still am.

I was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire into a family of bookworms, and spent most of my childhood holed up in the library or in my bedroom, reading. My mother used to say that if Heather had her nose in a book, the house would have to burn down around her before she'd sit up and take notice! Those are the best books, though, aren't they? The ones that take your imagination by storm and spirit you off into a different world?"

Actually in going to Frederick's website I felt as if I had found a new friend!! I spent so much time reading all that was there - including her wonderful Blog, that I almost didn't have time to  work on my blog! You should stop by and get acquainted with her too!  You can find her  H.E.R.E   Take the time to get to know her!!

She has written 6 books in this series (plus several other books):
 

1	The Mother-Daughter Book Club
2	Much Ado About Anne
3	Dear Pen Pal
4	Pies & Prejudice
5	Home for the Holidays
6	Wish You Were Eyre

I am not only impressed by the books (I'm also reading the others) I am very impressed with Frederick's love of reading and the way she shares it with others. She is a great encourager of getting young people to read.

I highly recommend these books for all ages.

I also highly recommend you browse the author's web site.

Plus we both collect Tea pots!!!

AND a bookworm!!!

 What's not to love about this author??!!

 

The Man of Lawlessness by Dr. David R. Reagan

"The Man of Lawlessness - The Antichrist in the Tribulation" by Dr. David R. Reagan is a book I didn't pick up lightly! 

"This book contains a survey of everything the Bible has to say about the Antichrist, presented in a down-to-earth, easy-to-understand style. One of its special features is a prophecy forum where the opinions of 22 Bible prophecy experts are presented concerning key questions about the Antichrist. It also features a series of in-depth essays about the Tribulation and the Antichrist.

221 pages."

• Where will the Antichrist come from?
• Will he be a Jew or a Gentile?
• Could he be a Muslim?
• Is he alive today?
• Will he be killed and resurrected?
• Where will his headquarters be located?
• Will he actually control the whole world?
• Will he be possessed by Satan?
• Will Christians have to face him?

 "Dr. Reagan answers all these questions and more concerning the identity and role of the Antichrist, surveying his career from the beginning to the end of the Great Tribulation."

I hardly know where to start in reviewing this book full of information that is backed by Scripture. I am a reader that reads mostly to escape, relax, enjoy the stories woven by authors. - Do you picture me reading in bed? In an easy chair? While in waiting rooms? You should because that's a picture of me. But with Reagan's book, I read with my Bible beside me, a pencil at hand and my post-it tabs. If he made a statement I didn't understand or was unsure of, I looked up the Scripture he was using to substantiate his statements and to give understanding to what I was reading.  - However, let me add, it was very easy to understand his writings. He writes on the layman's level.

With this being an election year, I was intrigued by Dr. Reagan's statement in his forward:

"... I am neither a Democrat or a Republican. I am, instead, a Monarchist, because I have devoted my life to doing everything I can to help prepare the way for the return of the King of kings and Lord of lords who will reign in glory and majesty from Mount Zion in Jerusalem and whose reign will bring peace, righteousness and justice to all the world."

I have so many post-its in this book there is absolutely no way to give you all the highlights of this work.  I will say, Dr. Reagan Scripturally answers each of the questions that are listed above, plus more.

A part of the book is dedicated to the results of a prophecy forum composed of 22 Bible prophecy experts who also reply to the questions above. I really enjoyed reading the different views and opinions. 

I realize that many don't believe in the end times as described in the Bible. I understand that these same people don't believe in the Antichrist. I have no answers for you except to study your Bible with an open heart and open eyes to what God's indisputable Word says.

If you have any interest in Bible Prophesy, if you are one who studies end times and all that is ahead of us, I highly recommend this book. But also, if you just want to learn more and aren't sure what you believe this book has many answers and explanations. It is a book I plan to keep in my library for reference and for re-reading.

"Dr. David Reagan is the founder and director of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He hosts a weekly television program called "Christ in Prophecy" that is broadcast on several national networks that have access to over 80 million homes in the United States."

From Dr. Reagan: "For years I have taught that when studying or teaching Bible prophecy, the focus of attention should be on Jesus Christ and not on the Antichrist. Accordingly, I have produced several books that explore in detail what Bible prophecy has to say about the Messiah, and I have attempted to show how those prophecies were literally fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

I never expected to write a book about the Antichrist. But I felt compelled to do so when I began to notice a steady stream of books and articles being published about the Antichrist, most of which were very sensational in nature, and thus serving to divert attention away from Jesus Christ.

This book is an attempt to bring some balance to the subject. The Antichrist is a major topic of end time Bible prophecy, and as such, should not be ignored. But on the other hand, this nefarious character should not be an obsession. We must always keep in mind the words of Revelation 19:10 which say, "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." "
 

I have had the privilege of hearing Dr. Reagan speak, he is a man I highly respect. I have followed his ministry and read his work for over 30 years. His website is found here:
http://www.lamblion.com/ 

I also highly recommend his website and his newsletter.

I highly recommend this book

and

Dr. Reagan's website, newsletter and other books.

*****