i wonder . . .

Tim Downs' newest novel "Wonders Never Cease" was my introduction to this author. It is not a forensic suspense novel as are many of his other renown works. The majority of the story is told by, and revolves around the character Kemp McAvoy. His main priority is attaining wealth and stature; schemes and lies swirl around all his doings. He is so thoroughly unlikable that I found it challenging to care enough to find out what happened to him next. Kemp plots a get-rich-quick scheme that involves impersonating an angel. Parallel to this story line is the young daughter of Kemp's girlfriend who has seen angels, but has met with mixed reactions to her "gift". The reader is left drawing conclusions on what an angel's role is, as well as consequences to unbelief. The ending, though somewhat predictable, wraps everything up nicely and closes on a note of wonder. Although this isn't a book I would read again, Tim Downs does have a unique style of writing and it makes me curious if I would like one of his other books better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

peculiar treasures

My teen years were spent reading and re-reading the Christy Miller Series & the College Years trilogy by Robin Jones Gunn. The characters captivated me; the way their relationship with God grew and changed throughout the series. Imagine my joy as I perused Amazon and discovered the soon-to-be published "Peculiar Treasures", the beginning of the Katie Weldon Series. I eagerly awaited for each addition to this trilogy, thrilled to be back in the world of Christy and Katie once again. It was like sitting down to tea with a friend you haven't talked with for a while. Comfortable. Good for the heart. Reminiscent. A joy. The Katie Weldon series picks up where the College Years series ends but from the perspective of Katie. This week I came across the set of all 3 books, on sale at my local Christian book store. I snatched them off the shelf smiling to myself; they are books I can't NOT own. They are friends I will visit with over a cup of tea time and time again.

a conversation with God

Buy		Read

I was so intrigued by the idea of author Larry Crabb in writing “66 Love Letters”, was excited to get my hands on a copy, and captivated by what I read. I have always thought of the Bible as God’s love letter to us and appreciated the relational and nitty gritty way that Crabb summarized the truths God has revealed in His love letter to us. The book has short chapters, one for each book of the bible, and is further organized into 7 parts; providing an overall view and quick glimpse at God’s plan for mankind. The more I poked around this book, the more brilliant the organization of it proved to be. Although the chapters are brief, they encourage the reader to delve into God’s word and ponder what they find; I found Crabb’s writing to convey Biblical truths. I appreciate the honesty and sincerity that is woven throughout these pages; it does not come across as a know-all or absolute in knowledge. It reads more like a diary of the musings and wisdom of a fellow follower. 66 Love Letters has a permanent spot on my book shelf and I have already recommended it to many others. It is definitely worth obtaining a copy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

so true

"You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me."
-- C. S. Lewis

once upon a time . . .

. . . there was a little girl who loved to read. Who used to play with her sister that they were at a library and she was a librarian checking out books. Books were her constant companion as she grew. Now that little girl is all grown up and has become a real librarian. She still loves to read. She is planning on sharing her thoughts with you about the books she's read, what she enjoyed, what she wished she hadn't read, quotes that stick with her, and the joy of stories and information found within pages bound together.