False Witness

Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife’s life. He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor in possession of the Abacus Algorithm—an equation so powerful it could crack all Internet encryption.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she and two colleagues learn that their clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the encrypted algorithm in their possession. After a life-changing trip to the professor’s church in India, the couple also has the key to decode it.

Now they’re on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who will do anything to get the algorithm. Caught in the middle, Jamie and her friends must protect their clients if they want to survive long enough to graduate.


My thoughts...

False Witnessis full of action and suspense, it has all the components of an intriguing legal thriller...mafia, FBI, attorneys, bounty hunters.

I found it to be an intriguing book. The story starts with a deal being made to sell the coveted algorithm that would change the internet. In comes a bounty hunter whose wife is in jeopardy, and then the team of legal aides. The way Singer brings these brilliant characters together and reveals the reason the algorithm was created is amazing.

Corruption is prevalent, sometimes people aren't what they profess to be. An exciting and biblical tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

List Price:13.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3569-8
Trim Size:5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:Softcover
Release:May 2011

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away

Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

My thoughts...

This book has is entertaining, there are witty characters that you will love. Charlotte is one of those people that seems to always have her foot in her mouth, she embarrasses herself frequently, she just doesn't get the social protocol.

Spoiled Charlotte wants an education and then to work in her father's business. Her father, however, has other plans. He wants her married... to Alex Hambly who must marry in order to save his family from financial disaster. Her father presents an offer they simply can't refuse. Did I mention Charlotte and Alex can't stand each other?

Things happen that leaves both of them wondering and questioning. I won't give away anything, read this delightful book for yourself. I give it 4 stars!

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


Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (June 21, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0307444821
ISBN-13: 978-0307444820

Growing Up Amish

One fateful starless night, 17-year-old Ira Wagler got up at 2 AM, left a scribbled note under his pillow, packed all of his earthly belongings into in a little black duffel bag, and walked away from his home in the Amish settlement of Bloomfield, Iowa.

Now, in this heartwarming memoir, Ira paints a vivid portrait of Amish life—from his childhood days on the family farm, his Rumspringa rite of passage at age 16, to his ultimate decision to leave the Amish Church for good at age 26.

Growing Up Amish is the true story of one man’s quest to discover who he is and where he belongs. Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired by this charming yet poignant coming of age story set amidst the backdrop of one of the most enigmatic cultures in America today—the Old Order Amish.

My thoughts...

Wagler's story of his growing up in an Amish family is fascinating and sad. He left the community 4 times, the first at age 17 searching for a way of life that would give him peace. He knew in his heart the ways of the Amish were not for him. The rules were too restrictive, church was boring and lifeless, and he longed for a close relationship with his father. Wherever he went he felt he never fit in and that there had to be more to life.

He talks of the despair he felt throughout his teen and young adult years until one day the idea occured to him to talk to God. After thinking that God wasn't going to answer and that he was doomed for eternal punishment he meets someone that shows him the way. The rest of the story is a pleasant one.

I read this book in one aftermoon and highly recommend it. I do wish Wagler had told the readers what he has done since leaving the Amish community.

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

Title: Growing Up Amish
SubTitle: A Memoir
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Pub Date: 07/01/2011
ISBN: 9781414339368

Scars Of A Chef

Rick Tramonto started as a high school dropout working at Wendy’s; he became one of the hottest celebrity chefs in the world. Yet his rise to culinary success was marked with tragedy, loss, and abandonment.

As a teenager, Rick worked to support the family when his father (who had Mob ties) went to prison. As a young adult, he struggled with a learning disability and drug addiction. Yet as a chef, he rose rapidly to culinary stardom, earning rave reviews and eventually opening the famous four-star establishment Tru.

From the outside, it looked like he had everything he ever wanted; his lifelong hunger for meaning should have been more than met. But on the inside, his life and his marriage were falling apart. And then, one night, a voice on the radio changed everything. Containing recipes and color photos, Scars of a Chef is the mesmerizing rags-to-riches memoir of one chef’s journey through the highest heights and the lowest lows of the culinary world . . . and his search for something that would finally heal his wounds and sustain him through even the darkest times.

My thoughts...

Usually I don't buy books written by chefs but this one caught my eye with the above back cover description. At first the reader may wonder what this has to do with Christianity, as you read on the story comes to light.

I found this to be a very good read, Rick Tramonto's story of how he found God amid the interesting life he led and how he backslid then got right with the Lord again is inspiring!

His dedication to his work is admirable, I love the part of the book that tells of the radio message he listened to one night while driving home. It's amazing how God works!

Scars of a Chef is a great story of rags to riches. I give it 5 stars.

List Price:24.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3162-1
Trim Size:6 x 9
Binding:Hardcover
Release:March 2011

The Reason Why

The Case for the Reasonableness of Faith, based on the classic bestseller.Almost a hundred years ago, successful business leader Robert A. Laidlaw wrote a small book, The Reason Why, to explain in a thoughtful and accessible way why he was convinced that faith in God makes sense. He printed the book primarily for his large staff of employees, but it quickly took on a life of its own—and over time fifty million copies were printed of his powerful and winsome work.

Mark Mittelberg has updated and expanded Laidlaw’s discussion of this perennial topic for the twenty-first century. In addition, he highlights some of the more recent evidence relating to these themes.

Have you ever wondered:
Is there a God?
Can the Bible be trusted?
Are we accountable to God?
Whether you’ve asked these questions yourself or have friends who have asked them, you will want to pick up this succinct book of timeless spiritual wisdom, reworked by Mittelberg for a new generation.

My thoughts...

The Reason Why was originally written by Robert A. Laidlaw and published in 1913. Mark Mittelberg has taken it and expanded and updated for modern times. He takes historical evidence and shows why the Bible can be believed, his evidence is thought provoking. If anyone asks you how you know the Bible is true, reading Mittleberg's book will help you answer. The Reason Why has a deep message and I found it to be very helpful in dealing with questions from non believers. He uses examples from everyday life for better understanding the answers.

Christians can share their beliefs with knowledge and ease. I highly recommend this book for anyone that hasn't made the decision to accept Christ and for those who struggle with questions such as, "Why did Jesus have to die?".

List Price:5.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-1581-2
Trim Size:4 3/16 x 6 7/8
Binding:Mass Paper
Release:April 2011

Why?

When the ground shakes, and a poor nation’s economy is destroyed; when the waters rise, washing away a community’s hopes and dreams; when a child suffers neglect and abuse; when violence tears apart nations; where is God? If God is all powerful, and if each one of us is a beloved child of God, then how can God allow tragedy and suffering to infest his creation?

When we lift our prayers to God, and no answer seems to come; when we earnestly seek to know the will of God for our lives, yet can't seem to discern it; when God seems far away; where is God? If God counts the hairs on our head, and knows every sparrow that falls, why is finding and understanding God's will so difficult at times?

In Why? Making Sense of God's Will best-selling author Adam Hamilton brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to understand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic answers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God’s plan for the world and ourselves.


My thoughts...

This is an excellent book for study, an easy read with only 98 pages but Why? is one of those that you will read again.
Hamilton quickly gets to those questions everyone asks... Why do we suffer? and Does everything happen for a reason?

He challenges the reader to see God as a parent, guiding, helping, and always being there for His children. Things work for the best, we may not see it but God does. His plan is in place and His will shall be done. Hamilton gives us realistic answers, opens our eyes to help us see the bigger picture.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and give it 5 stars.

I received a kindle copy of this book free from Abingdon Press in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Why?
SubTitle: Making Sense of God's Will
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Imprint: The United Methodist Publishing House
Pub Date: 04/01/2011
ISBN: 9781426714788

Restored!

The OT book of Ruth tells the story of two women who experienced a level of distress—painful and desperate situations--that threatened to overwhelm them. It also offers an amazing blueprint of God’s plan for restoration—including our own. Each “distress” God allows in our lives can become His divine brush stroke, adding color, maturity, depth of character, and a deep and eternal beauty that will be ours forever. God promises to restore what sin, and the effect of sin, has destroyed in our lives. If distress is your story…and restoration your hope…this book is for you.

My thoughts...

Dan Schaeffer has used the story of Ruth and Naomi to illustrate God's plan for restoration in our lives. He is our Father and wants an intimate relationship with His children.

The book of Ruth is a favorite of mine, Dan has brought out new insights into the book.

Schaeffer's personal stories enhance the biblical truths that offer wisdom to those seeking hope. We all have experienced hurt and Schaeffer explains how those experiences refine us. God is with us during those times as well as the good and we should praise Him through it all. Doing so will make us stronger and build our faith.
It will make those hard times easier to get through.

I give it 4 stars.

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Discovery House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Restored!
SubTitle: Back to God's Original Plan
Publisher: Discovery House Publishers
Pub Date: 03/01/2011
ISBN: 9781572934542