One More Chapter

As I started to read this, I had a certain page count in mind. Instead I kept saying, “One more chapter.” Daniel’s Den is a story of a man and a woman from different backgrounds but in truth want the same thing: be ethical and do the right thing. It is a story about good versus evil. Daniel and Laura have one thing in common. Hit men are looking for them and they will stop at nothing to get what they want including murder. The stakes are increased. Each of them is unable to run ~ there are others to think about. Laura has an impressionable young son who is beyond his years. He’s the man of the house but he’s also the one who needs to be nurtured. Daniel has his black lab. When evil closes in both the young boy (Andy) and Elvis (black lab) prove to be both a help and a hindrance. Before long, Daniel and Laura are all over the news and look guilty as sin. The hit men and the police are in a race to find Daniel and Laura. The police are looking for an arrest. The hit men are looking to kill. Innocent people fall victim to the tangle of webs that are strung throughout the story. If only, they can live one more chapter.

Challenged Me

Rachel’s Tears challenged me. It is one of the most inspiring stories that I’ve read in such a long time.

Rachel was gunned down at Columbine High School 10 years ago. Her legacy lives on. The book gives you a sneak peek into her innermost feelings through her drawings and journal. No doubt. She loved Jesus. She was a Christ Follower and she continued until the end of her life. She was spiritual beyond her years. She had such a connection with God that she knew that her time on earth was short. Rachel’s Tears is a reminder that we need to take each day as a gift. Live each day as if it was the last. It could be. I felt challenged by her story. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the daily “to do’s” but Rachel reminds me to always put Jesus as number one. She had a dream to impact the world. Through her death, she did. Millions have been impacted by her faith. I pray that if given the same situation, that I would choose Jesus no matter what the consequence may be. Rachel was not perfect but through Jesus Christ she kept her thoughts “in check” by constant communion with God. I pray that others will be challenged and will do the same.

Check out the link below for more insights into Rachel's life.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1400313473

How does one forgive oneself? Daisy Chance is missing and Jed believes he is the one at fault. This terrible guilt consumes him throughout the story. Daisy’s missing and other people are suspect. Is it Muriel, Hixon, or even Jed’s own father? Powerful symbolism is conveyed through God’s eyes. It’s a heartbreaking story ~ coming of age story of a young man who had his true love and she’s missing. It’s a reminder that sometimes you do not realize how much you miss someone or something until its gone. No matter the consequences, Jed is determined to figure out where Daisy has gone. Why God allows evil in the world is another theme in the book.

Jed’s father, Hap, is the pastor of the town. Being a preacher’s kid has its own challenges. The secrets remain behind closed doors. Arguments ensue. How do you escape? Will Jed ever be able to defend himself? Will he be able to move past the guilt? Will he be able to protect his sister when she insists tagging along on his journey to find out the truth? These are questions that will be answered and more. Mary is not afraid to write about the trials we all face.