Review: The Chemist

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer, is a fast-paced, action packed thriller. A departure from previous books from Meyer, the government espionage story-line found in this book was gripping, and its quirky characters likeable, if not necessarily realistic. For me, it was a fun summer read and I would recommend it over The Host for anyone interested in checking out Meyer's writing talents outside of the famed Twilight series.

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Review: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber is a Sci Fi YA work that falls somewhere between the Hunger Games, Taken and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I picked this book up after finishing Weber's Storm Siren series (which was very good), not realizing it was not a stand alone book, so I was quite shocked at the abrupt ending which left me mid-story and not understanding what the heck happened. I was literally searching for missing pages or an explanation at the end. There was no, "Look for book 2 in the Evaporation of Sofi Snow series in Spring 2018..." or anything indicating that another book is coming. That being said, I would recommend waiting for the other books in the series before starting book one.

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Review: Finding Casey

Finding Casey by Jo-Ann Mapson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding Casey, a follow-up to Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson, continues the stories of the characters we first met at a time of grief in California. Now several years later, in Santa Fe, NM, Glory, Joseph and Juniper are all on their own unique journey's to find peace, purpose and a new beginning that will allow them to move on from their own personal losses and embrace the new normal. Little do they know that their lives would soon dramatically change forever.

A little slow to start, this book packed a punch and really touched me. I am really hoping Mapson adds a third book to the series and continues the story of these characters we have come to love and hope for.

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Review: Defiance

Defiance by L.R. Burkard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Defiance, book 3 in the Pulse Effex series by L.R. Burkard, is a high-climactic page turner much like the preceding two books in the series. A young adult novel based on the premise that an electromagnetic pulse from the sun has wiped out all electronics in North America, Defiance follows the lives and struggles of several young people as they fight to survive the changed world they live in.

I loved this series and will recommend it to my 16 year old daughter. It's a great premise to encourage teens to consider what life might be like without phones, electronics, and TV. It also provides a brutal look into what desperation can do to normal people.

The only criticism I would make is that I don't believe that the teens portrayed in the series are given enough credit as far as intellect or maturity in the face of an apocalyptic event. I have been all over the world on disaster relief trips and I can tell you that the teens and children you meet have been through an "instant grow up" occurrence. You don't see the selfishness and boy crazy silliness that is portrayed here. I didn't feel it was fair, to dumb down the characters, especially since the target audience is teens. I would have preferred to have stronger, while still realistic, character and spiritual growth happen over the 3 books.

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Unspoken by Dee Henderson

Unspoken
By Dee Henderson
Published by Bethany House

Unspoken is a crime thriller centered around a strong female kidnap survivor named Charlotte Graham. Abducted at the age of 15 and held for four agonizing years, Charlotte has changed her name and lives as quiet a life as possible while holding onto secrets that will haunt her forever.

The divesting of a large inheritance brings Charlotte into contact with a coin shop owner named Bryce Bishop. Weary of her mysterious appearance and business offer, Bryce is both unsettled and intrigued. Knowing nothing of her past but assured of her legitimacy by a director of the FBI and close friend, Bryce hesitantly decides to help Charlotte in any way he can. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes. Unfortunately, Charlotte’s mind is made up that she will be single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she'd rather decline the inheritance altogether if it would ensure her privacy.

When a famed reporter decides to write a book about the kidnapping with the cooperation of her sister and the cops who worked the case, Charlotte is backed into a corner. She has never broken her silence, and her silence is what has protected her family for all these years.

Unspoken is a moving account of a survivors struggle to reclaim her life, privacy and safety after a brutal crime leaves her skittish and unable to trust. Her struggles with faith and a God who chose not to rescue her, is both poignant and unflinchingly realistic (as any survivor knows). Henderson’s character development is very strong and her ability to convey internal thoughts and emotions draws you in to the unfolding drama.

Be Fearless

From this weekends message by Rick Warren at Saddleback Church

 

“But it doesn't really matter! The IMPORTANT THING is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, the message of Christ is being shared! SO I am happy, and I will continue to be happy!” Phil. 1:18 (NCV) “Be fearless, no matter who opposes you. It will be a sign to them of their downfall, that God is with you, and that he will save you.” Phil. 1:28 (NIV/LB) “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of a great struggle.” Phil. 1:29-30 (NLT)

#HabitsofHappiness

Words of Wisdom...

"I don't have to know all the answers. I just have to know that God knows, that he is good, and that he loves me."

Via @RickWarren on Twitter

Rick & Kay Warren on Piers Morgan Tonight

Tonight #WarrensOnCNN 1st interview by @RickWarren & @KayWarren1 since their son's suicide. Raw, deeply moving on Piers Morgan Live 9ET/PT.

Nothing Can Come Between Us

Romans 8:37-39
37But no matter what comes, we will always
taste victory through Him who loved us.
38For I have every confidence that nothing—
not death, life, heavenly messengers, dark
spirits, the present, the future, spiritual powers,
39height, depth, nor any created thing—
can come between us and the love of God
revealed in the Anointed, Jesus our Lord.

Penitence by Jennifer Laurens

Penitence (Heavenly - Book 2)

Great exploration of evil and darkness; however, I'd prefer that Lauren's use her literary talents to point her YA readers to Christ as their Savior. To pray and depend on His power and His power alone. Zoe's reliance on Matthias, her Guardian Angle, and her lack of prayer or seeking Christ's love and protection leaves me wondering where Laurens is heading with this series. I'm anxious to find out, as I head into book 3.