The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. – John 1:4 (NLT)
Book review
The Scroll, A Novel by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky
01 month ago
by sonya
in Book review
The Scroll was an enjoyable book with a fast paced energy. The authors take you on a journey through the heart of Christianity, beneath the great city of Jerusalem. As the story begins, Archeologist David Chambers, captures your imagination as he shines his flashlight on his biggest discovery yet, or so he thinks. Chambers past studies focused on biblical research for the Holy Land, but after some recent losses, including the death of his mother, his faith is rocked and he suddenly has doubts about who he is and what he really wants.
While struggling with his past, Chambers is recruited by an old friend to take part in an archeological dig which is shrouded in secrecy. A copper scroll is believed to hold the key to the greatest treasures of all times, that can change the course of history. Unbeknownst to him, others are recruited as well, including a nemesis from his past and his ex-fiancee. As the story unfolds for what this secret dig is really about, Chambers fights against everything around him, casting about like a reckless teenager. And just about the time he thinks he’s on solid footing, people begin dying around him. Caught up in the cloak and dagger world of secrets and espionage, Chambers fights for his very life and the safety of the objects yet to be found. As governments converge, and civil war threatens to explode, can Chambers find the greatest discovery of all time?
The Scroll by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky (ch. 1 excerpt)
This book captured my imagination while teaching me about the past. Although a fictional book, I loved the way the authors wove actual scripture and history into the book. At times, it almost felt real. I would have loved to have seen sketches and maps for some of the details of the book, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I definitely will share this book with others.
Watch a video trailer for The Scroll:
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
To rank my review, go to: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/15376/blogr:7807
Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh
03 months ago
Set in the North Carolina Mountains, Tamara Leigh’s tale of Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan, is a wild and bumpy ride. Although struggling to get over the loss of her husband 4 years ago, Bridget is on a mission to save her family’s land. Her family, like all families, is a mix of crazy and downright embarrassing, but it doesn’t stop Bridget from trying.
I must admit, the story was a little difficult to get into. Bridget talks to herself, argues with herself (and others), all in her head, all while narrating her story. The banter back and forth is as realistic as what I hear in my own head, but a little disconcerting nonetheless.
Once you get used to Bridget’s “frame of mind” it’s easy to fall in love with her. Bridget’s shedding of her “widow’s weeds” gets tangled into a story of her family’s sorted past. While her family holds tight to their beliefs and pray that Bridget can find her way back to her own faith, Bridget becomes the family spokesperson to JC Dirk, a Developer from Atlanta, who’s dealing with demons from his own closet full of ghosts.
The “widow sniffers” abound in this story, chasing poor Bridget and confusing her with what their true intentions are. The competition for JC Dirk is Caleb Merriman, who seems to have all the right answers. JC on the other hand, is poking holes in Caleb’s story faster than a treehugger chased by a bulldozer. Bridget thinks JC’s heart seems like it is in the right place, but his heart is exactly what she’s afraid of.
Can Bridget find her own “happily ever after” or will her heart remain, “constipated” in the words of her little nephew? Readers wont be disappointed as Bridget’s road through family strive and intrigue find her renewing her relationship with a God she left behind.
Tamara’s story makes a trio of others including Leaving Carolina and Nowhere, Carolina, in her “Southern Discomfort” series. After reading “Restless” readers will be wanting to pick up the other two.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
Dreamhouse Kings, by Robert Liparulo
4 months ago
by sonya
in Book review
Dreamhouse Kings – a Young Adult Book Series
By Robert Liparulo
I love series books. I happened upon one of Robert Liparulo’s books in a used bookstore, not aware that it was a young adult series. From the book’s description, I was intrigued, from the first few pages, I was hooked. And so began my wanderings through the King house, page by page and room by room, I discovered a wonderful series for any age.
When the Kings move to a small town in northern California, they have no idea of the adventures – and terrors – waiting for them. Fifteen-year old Xander and his twelve-year-old brother David make a game of exploring the old Victorian home they move into. One night, they discover an intruder and follow him to a hidden hallway of doors. Each door transports them to far off places in long-ago times. But not only can they go from the house to the past, people from the past can come through into their house. Someone does- and kidnaps Mom, taking her into some unknown place in the past. The family begins a quest for Mom, which takes them to the most dangerous and fascinating places throughout time. Then the Kings learn a terrible secret: Their being in the house is no accident, and they must do much more than “simply” find their mother. (description from www.dreamhousekings.com – check out website for great information.)
The amazing thing about Liparulo’s books, is that you’re alongside the characters… creeping up the stairs to the third floor where they hear footsteps, running for their lives from cannibals in some long ago time, or fighting a Gladiator in Rome. Liparulo’s imagination runs wild on a face-paced chase through time and people. It’s a wonderful way for young adults to learn a little history by “being” in the middle of fighting in the Civil War, or watching the Titantic slip beneath chilly waters (just to name a few).
This book carries a warning however, once you start with the first book, you can’t put them down. I was borrowing these from the library (as I usually do) and as I started the first book, I would request the next one in the series. This worked fine until the last book, Frenzy, which took much longer to get (apparently a fellow library patron was reading along with me). It took 6 weeks to get the last book, and I nearly drove my librarian nuts asking if it was ready yet (even though I could clearly check online).
If you enjoy a great story with mystery and suspense, no matter your age, find this wonderful series and read them. My hat is off to Robert Liparulo, with a request to do another series soon!
The Books:
Book 1- House of Dark Shadows
Book 2 – Watcher in the Woods
Book 3 – Gatekeepers
Book 4 – Timescape
Book 5 – Whirlwind
Book 6 – Frenzy
Enemies of the Heart, by Andy Stanley
6 months ago
Andy Stanley has once again hit one out of the ballpark. Enemies of the Heart, just like his other books, has one solid point to make – a single message to convey to his audience. Just as easily as if you were sitting in a coffee shop across the table from him, Andy eases back into his chair and speaks from his heart. It’s easy for the reader to follow along, open their mind and really feel a connection to the message he’s conveying.
Enemies of the Heart focuses on 4 emotions that can erode away the fulfillment of our very lives… guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. Gone unchecked, these emotions can poison our relationships, our faith and our character. The reader isn’t bogged down with charts and graphs, or “meditative questions for self-enlightenment” but instead follows along on a simple journey to check the pulse rate of their own spiritual heart. Often relating problems of a physical heart, Andy uses clear cut examples of how gone untreated, our spiritual heart can be in just as much danger. Andy explains how to recognize the signs of trouble and offers suggestions for improvement.
Andy has one of those rare abilities of being able to sense our deepest needs, but talk about them in a compelling way. We may think, “How did he know I felt that way?” as if we’re the only ones, when in fact, we’re not so unique at all. Andy pulls questions out of you that you wouldn’t normally ask, making you examine yourself in a whole new light – the penetrating light of God’s truth. Sometimes even an uncomfortable light that causes us to stop and think about applying what he’s saying instead of agreeing and moving on.
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley (Chapter 1 Excerpt)
The reader is captivated by the honesty of Andy’s own personal experiences. Laughing out loud at his childhood rebellion in one moment, and seriously contemplating our own past troubles, Enemies of the Heart pulls you along through the pages without judgment or condemnation. Once he feels you have a handle on how to set yourself on a good path with healthy new habits, Andy touches on how to influence your children and those around you. The reader is provided with examples of how those around us absorb the emotions and feelings we’re broadcasting. Impacting the lives of those we love keeps us focused on the 4 emotions that can cripple our family or friendships.
As senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, and founder of North Point Ministries, Andy is used to the spotlight but engages his audience (either through sermons, books or conferences) with a simple model: Using God’s Word to answer life’s most compelling and often difficult questions. His strong beliefs and love for his family shines through no matter what media he is reaching out with. Enemies of the Heart is a must read for everyone.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review through their Blogging for Books program.
Order this book from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.
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3 years ago