Race Against Time by Kimberley and Kayla R. Woodhouse

Anesia has proved that she is a strong, confident woman. She is a breeder of champion spring racing dogs in North Pole, Alaska. Her daughter, Zoya has witnessed a murder and everything changes. Their life seems to be in constant danger. Anesia hires Sean to help with the kennel and partly to protect her family.

Strange events happen. There is evil in their midst and pinning down the culprit and who is responsible has put everyone on guard. Zoya cannot seem to beat the demons of seeing a murder happen right before her eyes. Where was God? Why does she appear to be a target?

This story is a page-turner. I liked that the chapters were nicely broken up. It didn’t make it much easier to stop reading. Finally, I had to tell myself that I would stop at a certain number of pages and quit at the end of that chapter.

I loved the character Zoya because she had something dramatic happen to her and she had to deal with that. She questioned her faith. I think we all question our faith at one time or another. It’s easy when things go our way. But, sometimes they don’t. Then how do you deal with that? Do you run toward God or away from Him?

It’s always fun to read about another person’s world. In this case, it was Alaska and breeding of racing dogs. If you enjoy a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes, grab this book.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

David Ponder (previously from The Traveler’s Gift) is back. David loses his wife Ellen and he’s at his darkest hour when Gabriel, an archangel pays him a visit. Gabriel says to him, “humanity is sinking of its own accord.” There is an upcoming summit conference and David is chosen to be the leader.

Several travelers will be in present including: Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank, Winston Churchill, and many others. They have five chances to answer one question that can save humanity. The question is, “What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?” Time is running out.

Imagine being able to collaborate with historical figures all from different time periods? They each have their own way of viewing the world based on their experiences.

To some extent, the plot was predictable. But, if you enjoy a good history lesson and how it might pertain to today’s world, you’ll love the book. Since I’m not a real history fan, I had a harder time turning the pages.

It did have a satisfying ending and it made the reader think. Or, like for David Ponder, something to ponder. Pun intended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK

Addison feels like she lives in a fishbowl. She is a PK (pastor’s Kid) and begins to think what it would be like to not be labeled. Austin, Captain of the Varsity Football Team seems to have eyes for Addison. But, Addison starts to notice Wes, who is somewhat a rebel with his leather jacket, tattoo, and a motorcycle. Addison attempts to reconcile her feelings with God. After all, she shouldn’t be thinking about how Wes’s lips might taste. It didn’t help that he was right across the street from her house.

When Addison’s best friend, Claire turns on her, a new friend steps in. Marta, a German exchange student is happy to befriend her. They become partners in a talent show and trouble ensues.

With troubles, secrets abound. Claire has a secret and she’s not the only one. Mrs. Hawthorne, the English teacher seems to favor Addison and her classmates are happy to let her know that. One secret will change her life forever.

This is a great, true to life story. Teens are mixed with emotions. How do teens reconcile those real feelings through what is taught in the Bible? It seems so right. How can one kiss be so wrong? It’s not the kiss. It’s the emotions that follow the kiss and the temptations that follow.

Highly recommended! It would be a great book to read and then discuss in a group especially among teen girls.

*Disclaimer: I have received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review

Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson with Tricia Goyer

Kristin had a fleeting thought. If she were to kill herself, what method would she choose? Her method of choice became a reality. A method that she knew that she would never survive. No bringing her back to life. It was perfect. Or, was it?

One night, Kristin overwhelmed with life saw a train in the distance. With the perfect opportunity, she laid herself across the train tracks. She should have died but God had other plans.

Have you ever or had a friend ever appear to be depressed, moody, giving away their stuff, or even a lack of appetite? This can be a sign of suicidal thoughts. The person is asking for help. They feel like they do not want to live. I truly believe that. But, down deep they want help. They want hope. They want Jesus. They need Jesus.

This book is about Kristin’s journey through her suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, and the harsh reality of losing her legs. It’s through the loss of her legs, that she gave her life to Jesus. She now helps many others through her website. For more information, check out:

Reaching Your Ministries

Kristin provides encouragement for those in despair. If you know someone that feels hopeless, this book can help.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Multnomah) . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Muir House by Mary DeMuth

Do you ever have a childhood memory but can only remember parts of it? That's exactly what happens to Willa Muir.

Living in Seattle, Willa is determined to never return to Rockwall, Texas. She receives a letter requesting for her to return to the Muir House. She changes her mind and decides to confront her past. Her mom is on her deathbed. Maybe she has the key that will unlock the unanswered questions?

Hale Landon loves Willa and asked her to marry him. How can she say yes when the past haunts her? Willa returns to the Muir House Bed and Breakfast (formerly a funeral home). Genie Skye seems to stand at a distance. Willa has more questions. The truth is close but yet so far.

Willa runs into an old flame that has the resources to help her solve the mystery. But what does he expect in return? Maybe Willa's mom has the answers but can she really face her after what has happened? Hale appears to be silent while Willa is in Texas. Why? He put the ring on her finger? Willa pushes for answers so that she can move on in her life. But will the answer help her move forward or confuse her further?

I know that there are unanswered questions in my past. I've sought answers only to have a big stop sign shoved in front of me. It's up to me to stay comfortable behind the sign or push further to prove a point. But, at this point in my life, I'm looking ahead not back.

The question remains does Willa knock the stop sign down or not? Guess you'll have to read the book and find out. I've read all Mary DeMuth's books and she never disappoints.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

I was pleasantly surprised to see a writing book up for review. I snagged my copy knowing that it would be part of my home library.

This is not a book to be read in one sitting. One must digest each chapter and enjoy each bite. If you are a highlighter fan, get them ready to use.

If you have read every book under the sun and still have rejections decorating your wall, this is a book to consider. If you are a seasoned writer, this is a book to read. You will catch something that will make your writing a little bit better. One has to wonder how authors have made it without this book. It’s because the authors have written to the 6 core competencies with instinct. They may be seat of the pants writers but they still have them buried deep within. They understand. They get it.

What is the concept of your story? Character? Do you have a hero? You should. Concept and Theme are easily confused. He explains the difference. Story structure. If you do not have that, good luck getting published. A story is set of scenes. Write one scene after another. Larry Brooks explains the your writing voice is like a coat of paint. I love that. It’s not all the uncommon to want to be the next Karen Kingsbury. But, there is only one Karen. And there is only one you.

I recommend this book for both unpublished and published writers alike.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Thomas Nelson book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

This book is utter amazement. Ann experiences pain but through the hardships, she finds joy. The world stopped as I read her poetic descriptions of pain, joy, and grace. Much grace.

It’s easy to see everyday tasks as mundane, boring, or downright depressing. Ann takes the everyday tasks and finds joy. She has a challenge to write down a thousand blessings. She runs with it.

To find the blessing, one must stop and notice. Notice the bubbles that gather around and through the fingers. Notice the tingling sensation. Notice. Life feels like a big to do list. Overwhelming. As I read Ann’s book, I began to see some of the blessings in my own life. Slept in on a lazy Saturday, hearing my son’s laughter, kissed by the sun, my husband’s smile, and chatted with my best friend. The blessings were right in front of me. I had to open my eyes and see them. It’s easy to focus on the negative. I have to remind myself on a constant basis to see the blessings. It’s one day at a time.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Zondervan book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”