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Showing posts from February, 2011

REVIEW: Diagnosis Death by Richard L. Mabry

Here is my review of this fantastic medical suspense novel: First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Richard L. Mabry and his publisher for sending me an electronic copy of "Diagnosis Death" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and their generosity. I am thrilled to be traveling back to Dainger, Texas. “Diagnosis Death” is the third novel in the Prescription for Trouble series by Richard L. Mabry. This medically authentic and entertaining novel follows Dr. Elena Gardner, recently widowed and experiencing the stresses of being alone as well as the guilt over discontinuing life support for her comatose husband. She is also being terrorized by an unknown woman who calls her in the middle of the night weeping. When her post-education career plans fall through at the last minute, Elena is at her wits’ end until she is recommended for a position with Dr. Cathy Sewell in Dainger, Texas. We first met Dr. Sewell in Mabry’s first novel in ...

Wiersbe Bible Study Series Nehemiah by Warren Wiersbe

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card author is: Warren Wiersbe and the book: Wiersbe Bible Study Series Nehemiah David C. Cook (February 1, 2011) ***Special thanks to Karen Davis, Assistant Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. For ten years he was associated with the “Back to the Bible” radio broadcast, first as ...

Kristin Billerbeck’s A Billion Reasons Why

Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancé, Dexter. But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart. After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors. But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding. She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now. When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself ...

Bible Study: Coming Out Of Bondage - Exodus - Chapter 19

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Exodus. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Exodus Chapter 19. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 19-24 – The Sinaitic Covenant – a Suzerain-Vassal Covenant (an agreement between a feudal lord and his vassal whom the lord has delivered from danger). This was a pledge to be Israel’s God on the condition that Israel consecrate themselves totally to being God’s people, living obediently to and serving Him. 19:1 – Three months to the day after leaving Egypt. 19:3 – Moses “went up” to God. Did he climb partway up the mountain? The Lord calls us to be His messengers. 19:4 – The Lord reveals Himself to us. God carried Israel to Himself “on eagle’s wings...

REVIEW: Love Is Grand by Annalisa Daughety

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Annalisa Daughety and Barbour Publishing for sending me an electronic copy of "Love is Grand" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and their generosity. “Love Is Grand” by Annalisa Daughety is the third novel in the “A Walk In The Park” series. I was so taken with this novel, that I had to go out and buy a copy even after I was given an electronic copy to review from the publisher! This incredible novel warms the heart and clears the tear ducts. It’s a terrific way to spend a lazy afternoon curled up in front of the fireplace with a subtle smile on your face. Nearly two years after the tragic death of her husband, Ainsley Davis emerges from the hiding place she’s created for herself in her parents’ basement. Armed with a journal to record her thoughts when she leaves grief counseling, Ainsley sets out to rebuild a life with her 14-month-old daughter, Faith. Her niece, Julie, is accompanyin...

Spirit Empowered Christianity in the 21st Century by Dr. Vinson Synan

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book! You never know when I might play a wild card on you! Today's Wild Card Book is: Spirit Empowered Christianity in the 21st Century Charisma House (February 1, 2011) ***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Book Group | Strang Communications for sending me a review copy.*** ABOUT THE GENERAL EDITOR: Dr. Vinson Synan has been Dean of the School of Divinity at Regent University since 1994. Before that he served as a pastor and the General Secretary of the Pentecostal Holiness denomination. Dr. Synan...

REVIEW: Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

“Surrender the Heart”, the first novel in the Surrendered to Destiny Series, is a wild, page-turning adventure from the first turn of phrase. MaryLu Tyndall creates vibrant characters that set sail on sparkling seas and into the hearts of her audience. Marianne Denton is not your typical wealthy American girl. She is being forced to marry Noah Brenin to unlock her inheritance so that her mother may receive much-needed medical care. Noah’s circumstances aren’t much better. He lives in the shadow of a brother’s death and a father’s resentment. His only desire is to make a name for himself and be Captain of his own destiny. Presently, he will have to settle for being Captain of his father’s merchant ship, Fortune. But Noah has plans to win respect and his lady’s heart. Are the lessons about surrendering to God for the characters, alone? Or can the reader learn a thing or two about deepening their relationship with God? Personally, I believe this novel not only entertains but also...

Bible Study: Coming Out Of Bondage - Exodus - Chapter 18

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Exodus. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Exodus Chapter 18. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 18:1-5 – Moses is reunited with family. 18:1 – How did Jethro hear about what God did in Egypt? 18:2 – Moses sent Zipporah away back around 4:26. Or did he? Did she go to Egypt and witness some of God’s miracles, herself? Dis Moses send her away when things became too dangerous? Did she bring her father news of Moses’ success? 18:9 – Hearing what God did made Jethro happy. 18:11 – Jethro knew God was greater than other gods because He reprimanded Egypt for treating Israel badly. So, Jethro recognized Israel’s importance. But what’s with the other god...

REVIEW: Chemo Angels

This is a wonderful organization that offers personal support and encouragement to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Because of Chemo Angels, I met two beautiful Angels who have such loving and generous hearts. They send notes and small gifts and lots of encouragement. Their support always seems to show up at the perfect time: when I need that extra little lift. If you are a cancer patient, I urge you to fill out the application. Chemo Angels will brighten your day and broaden your support network. For more information about cancer or Chemo Angels or to offer support, go to www.chemoangels.net .

Bible Study: Coming Out Of Bondage - Exodus - Chapter 17

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Exodus. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Exodus Chapter 17. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 17:4 – Moses and Jesus both were rejected by those they came to serve. See John 1:10-11. (Jews for Jesus newsletter, April 2008) 17:5-6 – Moses and Jesus both provided water from an unusual source. See John 4, 7:38. (Jews for Jesus newsletter, April 2008) 17:5 – in this instance, God tells Moses to strike the rock for water. See 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 – the rock is Christ! 17:6 – The spiritual rock is Jesus. See 1 Corinthians 10:1-4. Belief in Jesus makes streams of living water flow within the believer. See John 7:37-38. Jesus gives the living water t...

REVIEW: “Cancer For Two” by Dave Balch

“Cancer For Two” by Dave Balch is the extraordinarily detailed journal of a man who walked every step of the cancer treatment road with his beloved. Some moments were poignant, others were laugh-out-loud funny, all were real. This book came to me at a time when I was just beginning the journey through adjuvant treatment – I’d had my surgery and was following up with my plastic surgeon and scheduling referral appointments with an oncologist. It turned out to be the perfect time because it enabled me to question my treatment specialists about their recommendations and my choices. On a more personal note, it showed me how another woman with cancer dealt with it, and gave me another perspective on how those on the outside looking in deal with it as well. This is a frank look at the journey through cancer treatment that I would absolutely recommend to anyone who can understand that cancer treatment is a very individualistic thing. No two people react exactly the same way, and no two cases a...

Bible Study: Coming Out Of Bondage - Exodus - Chapter 16

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Exodus. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses you through this material. Stacey Take a few minutes to savor Exodus Chapter 16. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations… 16 – manna represents God’s mercy and glory. See John 6:35, 51 – Jesus is the bread of life! 16:1-4 – Manna is God’s answer to man’s hunger. 16:3 – Israel was romanticizing their past because of a rough spot in their present. We’ve all done this! 16:4 – the Israelites had to gather it! And they had to gather only what they needed for that day except on the day before the Sabbath. God wanted their participation and daily reliance on Him! He wants the same from us! God’s grace and mercy is available to us everyday, but we must gather it according to o...

An Unlikely Blessing by Judy Baer

An Unlikely Blessing Book 1 in the Forever Hilltop Series A new pastor tries to shepherd his flock in North Dakota An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastor and life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose-lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there. Alex quickly finds that this lovely place is in quiet peril. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet: Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing the farm. Alex believes that part of why God called him to Hilltop was to help turn things around, and steps in with ideas for saving the Owens' land. But can even God's minister help save this rural community? There are a lot of firsts for the new pastor-the annual Hunter's Breakfast, julebukking (also called Christmas fooling), King Osca...

Stars Collide by Janice Thompson

From author who is a seasoned screenwriter with an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry, comes the first book Stars Collide in the new series from Janice Thompson, “Backstage Pass.” In Stars Collide, Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom—they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed in-laws? From the sound stage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide ta...