STILL LIFE

A tragic plane crash. One woman who lost her husband. Another who gave up her seat for him.

Adah spent her first twenty-five years with her family as part of a fringe religious sect. Her only contact with the outside world was through customers at their farm store. Then she met Julian, a photojournalist who'd come to document their lifestyle. They eloped mere days later and Adah was thrust into a completely new life as a wife, city-dweller, and an individual allowed to make her own decisions. But she has no idea who she is.

On her twenty-sixth birthday, Julian plans to fly home from an assignment to give her her first-ever birthday present. He's thrilled when Katherine Cramer gives up her seat so he can make the flight. But the plane crashes and everyone on board is killed, including Julian.

Adah is completely at a loss, with no friends and no marketable skills. When Julian's last photographs are published, her life errupts into chaos. She begins travelling-with Julian's camera for a companion-searching for answers to who she is and what she really wants.

Meanwhile, Katherine must live with the knowledge of why she gave up her seat-to extend her affair one more night. She recognizes her survival as a second chance to save her marriage. But is it too late?

When Adah's and Katherine's paths cross, they discover that there's still life ahead for both of them.

My thoughts...

"Still Life" is a wonderful novel about the journey of two women in different lifestyles, the author digs deep into the soul of each revealing the fear, pain, the damaged ability to love again, and all that makes us who we are. Well written, thought provoking, emotional.

Well done Christa!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

VINNIE'S DINER

When a freak accident leaves Allie stranded in the middle of the desert, she’s thankful to still be alive. Or is she? She’s rescued from the wreck by Vinnie, owner of a roadside establishment filled with people who shouldn’t be there. Or is it Allie who doesn’t belong? Standing at the window, she recalls important events from her past and watches as EMTs pull her own body from her mangled vehicle. Suddenly, it becomes clear this is no ordinary pit stop. In Vinnie’s Diner, Allie embarks on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, literally facing her demons and making the ultimate decision…between life and death.

My thoughts...

Love Jennifer Allee's books, they're real to life with characters that seem to have an unusual amount of problems which makes for an interesting read. There's not only problems to solve but things they just have to learn how to live with.

When she's awakened from sleep by a man named Vinnie who transports her to his roadside diner her life changes instantly and the love begins... love for her characters, their location, and their situations.

Great book!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

LIKE A FLOWER IN BLOOM

It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

My thoughts...

Absolutely love Siri Mitchell's books, her writing is fresh, the plots are fabulous, there's romance and wit. Love Charlotte's character, she's so entertaining, kept me giggling the whole time.

The moral of the story is awesome, we must always be aware that our focus should be on God and not ourselves.

Definitely a 5 star read!

I received a copy of this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.

The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols

How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages--signs that were clear to the original readers? Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness. This illustrated resource will help you appreciate key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth, such as

· Babylon
· beast
· candlestick
· eye
· fire
· grapes
· Jordan River
· key
· pigs
· sword
· throne
· and much more

Each of the more than one hundred entries includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages. Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were You There? and The Handbook of Bible Application. A graduate of Aurora College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Neil has ministered in Youth for Christ and as pastor of a local church. He currently serves as a publishing project manager with Dr. James MacDonald's ministry Walk in the Word.

Nancy Ryken Taylor is a freelance writer and editor who has worked behind the scenes on hundreds of books for many publishers, mainly in the areas of theology and Christian living.

My thoughts...

What I like about this book is the pages are loaded with symbols and their meanings along with history and scripture. Interesting reading, enough info to make you want to dig deeper into the Scriptures. Very well presented, attractive, and meaningful.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A FINE SUMMER'S DAY by Charles Todd

On a fine summer’s day in June, 1914, Ian Rutledge pays little notice to the assassination of an archduke in Sarajevo. An Inspector at Scotland Yard, he is planning to propose to the woman whom he deeply loves, despite intimations from friends and family that she may not be the wisest choice.

To the north on this warm and gentle day, another man in love—a Scottish Highlander—shows his own dear girl the house he will build for her in September. While back in England, a son awaits the undertaker in the wake of his widowed mother’s death. This death will set off a series of murders across England, seemingly unconnected, that Rutledge will race to solve in the weeks before the fateful declaration in August that will forever transform his world.

As the clouds of war gather on the horizon, all of Britain wonders and waits. With every moment at stake, Rutledge sets out to right a wrong—an odyssey that will eventually force him to choose between the Yard and his country, between love and duty, and between honor and truth.

My thoughts...

Pretty good story, good plot, but way too many characters make it a little difficult to keep up. Charles Todd writes interesting novels with enough mystery to keep you wanting more, I recommend his books if you like crime stories and Scotland Yard.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A RABBI LOOKS AT THE AFTERLIFE

Is there a heaven? Is hell real? Is there life after death?

Discover the answers that will change your life forever!

People genuinely want to know if there is life after death. However, there are many different ideas about the afterlife. Some believe that once you are dead, “that’s it.” Nothingness. Others sincerely hope that there is something beyond this life, but are not sure. Uncertainty.

Is it possible to know that there is life beyond the grave? If so, how does this change your life today?

In A Rabbi Looks at the Afterlife, Jonathan Bernis takes you on an unforgettable journey of faith, exploring Scripture, history, and first-hand accounts of those who have experienced the afterlife.

Get ready to: Re-Imagine heaven and get a clearer vision of the glorious eternity that awaits all believers
Live with a greater sense of purpose and urgency, motivated by the realities of heaven and hell
Be inspired by four unforgettable true stories of individuals who had near-death experiences
When the afterlife becomes more real, you will live every moment in light of forever and recognize the eternal significance that your life plays in God’s unfolding plan!

My thoughts...

Most people are fascinated by stories of those who have had near death experiences, I found the ones in this book just that. Fascinating, well written, and emotional. Definitely makes you rethink the afterlife. Love the history and the scripture Rabbi Bernis includes. If you or someone you know have doubts read this book.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A Sparrow in Terezin

Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it.

Today. With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiancé threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life.

June 1942. After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kája Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kája has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kája finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin.

Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kája will fight to protect all they hold dear.

My thoughts...

This book is just as awesome as the previous book in the series, it's one of those I could hardly stand waiting for the pub date. How would I describe it? Wow, it's heart wrenching but oh, so good. A one of a kind plot with unexpectedness throughout. I wanted to hurry and reach the end to see what happens but also wanted to savor each page.

Kristy Cambron has quickly become of my favorite authors, what a talent God has given her. Truly, I don't believe you will be disappointed in her books.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.