In His Image, A Mother's Reflection on Homosexuality by Carol Nesbitt

  ** I normally post a description of the book, but I cannot find one anywhere, so I will just say it is a book written by the mother of a gay son as she comes to terms with his being gay.

  My review:

   Disclaimer: Lest I be accused of being homophobic or anti-gay, let me say up front I have had same-sex attractions as far back as I can remember. I know how difficult it is. I know how unfair it seems to not be allowed to give into those desires and attractions......believe me, I get it. Now onto my review:

  I usually try to be as nice as I can when I don't like a book I review. I strive to be honest, but say what needs to be said in as nice of a way as possible. I may not be able to do that with this book.

First, the writing:

 The book is written in a rambling style that sounds like someone's diary......an amateur diary. There is way too much information given about other family members, and the issue of her son's sexuality takes up so little of the book, it could be cut in at least half to tell that part.

Second: anti-Biblical views

  Since there was little information about the book, I didn't know the author's views on the issue of homosexuality. Since a Christian publisher was offering it for review, I assumed the book was from a Biblical standpoint....... and how wrong I was.

 The author tells at how she was horrified at first to learn her son was gay, but then came to accept it. It took awhile before she blatantly disagreed with the Bible. Not only does she feel God made him gay and is OK with him being gay - as in having sex with other guys - she went through every passage in the Bible that condemns homosexuality, and very poorly refutes it. She shows her lack of Biblical knowledge by her desperate attempts to make her son's sexuality OK with God.

 I'll be honest: I didn't finish the book. I got about 75% of the way through it, and that is when she started contradicting the Bible, twisting Scripture, and tossing out what is inconvenient. I admire her love for her son, but true love doesn't pat people on the back and tell them the Bible is wrong about their sin. True love tells the truth and points those held captive even by homosexuality to the God who can set them free.

 Do not buy this book. It is completely against the Bible.

Still Life, Chesapeake Valor #2 by Dani Pettrey

Book description: 

Someone Is Out There. Watching Her. Waiting. 

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.

As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My review:

   Dani Pettrey is still a fairly new author, this being only her second series. However, she quickly became one of my favorite authors when I wasn't very far into her Alaskan Courage series, which I highly recommend.

 This series is a lot different from her first series, but just as suspenseful, gripping, and as great of a read.

  It has been a year since I read the first book in the series, so it took me a awhile to get familiarized again with the main characters, who most of which were in the first book. The Alaskan Courage Series revolved around members of the same family, with each of the 5 books centering on a different family member. Chesapeake Valor revolves around a group of friends, all in some sort of law enforcement/crime solving. There is also the mystery of a missing friend that has gone on through both books so far, and I am guessing will continue throughout the whole series.

 Still Life centers on Parker Micthell, a crime scene analyst, and Avery Tate, a crime scene photographer. The plot was a bit morbid, centering on the photographing of a dead girl, but it did make for an interesting plot.

  My only complaint with the book was there were so many suspects that I found it a bit confusing, but maybe that was just me. I loved the characters, the plot, and suspense. Towards the end of the book, I found myself suspecting the person who did indeed turn out to be the guilty party, and enjoyed figuring it out before it was revealed.

 This was a book that was difficult to put down. Pettey did not disappoint, but delivered the kind of suspense and quality Christian fiction she has already become known for. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


And for those into the show, you may find it of interest that Kenneth McNickle from the latest season of Survivor, is the cover model for this book.

About the author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.


Still Live is available from Bethany House Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Justice Delayed, Memphis Cold Case #1 by Patricia Bradley

Book description:

It's been eighteen years since TV crime reporter Andi Hollister's sister was murdered. The confessed killer is behind bars, and the execution date is looming. But when a letter surfaces stating that the condemned killer didn't actually do it, Detective Will Kincaide of the Memphis Cold Case Unit will stop at nothing to help Andi get to the bottom of it. After all, this case is personal: the person who confessed to the crime is Will's cousin. They have less than a week to find the real killer before the wrong person is executed. But much can be accomplished in that week--including uncovering police corruption, running for your life, and falling in love.

With the perfect mixture of intrigue and nail-biting suspense, award-winning author Patricia Bradley invites her readers to crack the case--if they can--alongside the best Memphis has to offer.



My review:

  I have only read one series by Patrica Bradley, Logan Point. It is Christian suspense, my favorite genre', and I really enjoyed all 4 books in the series.

 Justice Delayed starts a new series, The Memphis Cold Case Series. I get a lot of book review offers, and some I think about before I request it. This book was one I immediately clicked on the link to request it. There were no doubts I wanted to read this book. With some authors, you just know.

 I managed to read the book quickly, in spite of mainly reading it on my lunch breaks at work. I seriously think this is the author's best book yet. I love the idea of cold cases being solved, and this one hit close to home to the main characters in the book.

 Speaking of characters, I loved the characters in Justice Delayed. Characters can make or ruin a book, and Bradley came up with some great characters for her book and series, and excelled with the interaction between those characters.

 The suspense aspect was very well done, and had me not wanting to put the book down.

 There was a great plot that had a lot of surprises, and was not too predictable.

 And then the romance....too often in Christian books, it goes like this: boy meets girl in trouble, they fall for each other, and the book ends with a marriage proposal, declaration of love, or both, and marriage. In this book, the two main characters were childhood friends...... and I won't give spoilers, but it does not end with any of the three ways I mentioned, though it does end on a promising note in the romance department.

 This was really one of the best suspense novels I have read for a while, and I have read several that were very good. This one though is one that stands out, and is one definitely worth reading.

About the author:

Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, Gone without a Trace, and Silence in the Dark. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.


Justice Delayed is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group

Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

Life After by Katie Ganshert

Book description:

On the day of a late spring storm, in Chicago, Autumn Manning boarded an “L” train. A bomb explodes, killing everyone in the train car except for Autumn—the sole survivor. A year has passed and Autumn suffocates under a blanket of what ifs and the pressing desire to bring the victims back to life, every day, if only for her. She doesn’t want their stories to be forgotten. She wants to undo what cannot be undone. An unexpected ally joins her efforts, also seeking answers and trying to find a way to stumble ahead. 

But one victim’s husband, Paul Elliott, prays to let the dead—and their secrets—rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to hurt his loved ones. 

Caught between loss and hope, these restless souls must release the past to embrace a sovereign God.

My review:

   I didn't dislike this book, but I have to be honest and say I wasn't crazy about it. I do try to be as honest with my book reviews while also being as nice as I can about criticisms.

 What I liked:

The plot: The plot was very good. The book revolves around a woman who was the lone survivor of a train bombing, her guilt and how her life intersects with a family who lost their wife and mother in the bombing. It was an interesting look into how a lone survivor might react and feel.

The characters: Autumn comes off sounding like she needs a padded cell most of the time, but she was still an interesting character who I never got to like very well. I did like Paul and his kids, and they made the story more interesting.

The Christian aspect: God was definitely offered as the solution and hope for the issues people faced in the book.

What I didn't like:

  A lot of the actions of the main character (Autumn) came off weird and bizarre to me, along with her interactions and conversations with the Elliot family.

  To be fair, the author writes well...... I just had difficulty getting into the story.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


About the author:

Katie (K.E.) Ganshert was born and raised in the exciting state of Iowa, where she currently resides with her family. She likes to write things and consume large quantities of coffee and chocolate while she writes all the things. She’s won some awards. For the writing, not the consuming. Although the latter would be fun. You can learn more about K.E. Ganshert and these things she writes at her website www.katieganshert.com.


Life After is available from Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing.

Thanks to Waterbrook/Mutnomah for the review copy.

Stars In the Grass by Ann Marie Stewart

Book description: 

“The summer before I turned ten was idyllic—until August 3, 1970.  It perfectly describes a time when I thought the world was safe and good things lasted forever..." 

Nine-year-old Abby McAndrews has just experienced her greatest loss, and in its wake, her family is unraveling with guilt, grief, and anger. Her father, Reverend McAndrews, cannot return to the pulpit because he has more questions than answers. Her older brother Matt’s actions speak louder than the words he needs to confess, as he acts out in dangerous ways. Her mother tries to hold her grieving family together, but when Abby’s dad refuses to move on, the family is at a crossroads.

Stars in the Grass, set in a small Midwestern town in 1970, is an uplifting novel that explores a family’s relationships and resiliency. Abby’s heartbreaking remembrances are balanced by humor and nostalgia as her family struggles with—and ultimately celebrates—life after loss.

My review:

   My first thought upon finishing this book, was "man, that was a sad book." But don't let that stop you from reading the book...... it is worth reading.

 It isn't giving any spoilers away to say this: There is a death of a small child at the start of the book, and the rest of the book is about the remaining family dealing with that death. Though the book is fictional, I feel the author did a great job of presenting how different family members might deal with such a tragedy.

 I did find the book sad, but it was an interesting and entertaining read. I wish the author had wrapped up the end of the book a little better. I was left wondering about some things she didn't cover, and it also ended abruptly in my thinking.

 The author was new to me, but I liked the book well enough that I would read another by her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

About the author:

ANN MARIE STEWART is the author of Preparing My Heart for Advent: A Spiritual Pilgrimage for the Christmas Season, and writes a bi-monthly column titled Ann's Loving "Ewe" for The Country Register. She is currently completing her first novel.

Her expertise as a vocal soloist and choral conductor help her incorporate music into each week's lesson, while her background in acting and scriptwriting add drama to her presentation of the gospel. Ann's ultimate purpose for this book is to encourage woman to meet, accept, and follow Jesus, as did so many New Testament Women.

Ann Marie graduated with honors from the University of Washington and also earned the top educational honor awarded by the school for female education majors. Ann later did graduate studies in film and television at the University of Michigan and taught English and music for several years at various grade levels ranging from preschool to college-level. With a background in acting and writing dramas, she excels at writing in an expressive, engaging style. Ann and her husband and two daughters run a small farm in Paeonian Springs, Virginia

Check out her website:AnnMarieStewart.com

Stars In the Grass is available from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing.

Thanks to Barbour for the review copy.

The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco

Book description:

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.


Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman occupied Judea.


On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told. 

My review:

  Prior to reading this, I read a similar book. It also was about a dog who met Jesus.....and I struggled to get through the book. It was OK.... and just OK. I picked this one up without very high hopes of enjoying it much, and found it to be a great read. I had no problem getting into it, and hated to put it down when constraints of time and work came up.

  The book is told completely through the eyes of a small dog, and it is a very entertaining tale. We have no idea how an animal thinks, but I thought the author did a great job of giving a dog's eye view of life in Jesus' time, and what it is like to be a dog.

 I like happy books, and there were some sad moments in the book. I don't want to give spoilers, but I'll just say the poor dog shouldn't have gotten too attached to any of his owners.

 Most moving were the moments of Jesus' walking to Golgotha and the crucifixion scene. I honestly feel it gave me a fresh and different look at the events of Good Friday.

 I'l be honest... I am not a dog lover, but I found myself really liking the dog in the story, cheering for him, feeling bad for him, and happy at the ending I was hoping for and that did happen. This is a very unique Biblical fiction novel, but is one worth reading and one that anyone will enjoy.

I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, Notes to an Actor, was named by the American Library Association an "Outstanding Book of 2008." For the past five years he has taught a very popular course on the subject of grief using film, theatre, literature and oral history as a way to study this often intimidating subject. He has acted extensively on TV―in everything from Lost to West Wing to Entourage -and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie Illusion, for which he also wrote the screenplay. He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA. Brian Shuff is a writer from Mesa, Arizona, who now lives in Los Angeles where he is at work completing a book of short stories. His mother died when he was eight years old, giving him a life-long interest in the subject of grief. Along with Ron Marasco he has written a screenplay based on Louise Hay's groundbreaking book, You Can Heal Your Life that will premiere in 2011. He and Marasco are also working on a dramatic adaptation of John McNulty's book This Place on Third Avenue.


The Dog Who Was There is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the review copy.

Bible Studies on Mark by William Boekestein

Book description:

New Mark Bible Study Guide! Read and study about the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Gospel incarnate. You will grow in your knowledge, love, and desire to serve Jesus through these pages. "The Gospel of Mark is all about that—the Gospel. In this short guide through this shortest of Gospels, Bill Boekestein opens up for us the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Gospel incarnate. You will grow in your knowledge, love, and desire to serve Jesus through these pages.



My review:

  Ironically, the book that I have the same name as, is one I don't often read. I tend to read the other Gospels more than Mark. A Bible study on this book intrigued me, so I signed up.

  The book does cover the entire book of Mark, and is split up into 21 lessons. Each lesson has commentary on different sections of the chapter, and is followed by around 8-9 questions. To be honest, I haven't done many of these kind of studies.... my church just doesn't do that. That said, this seems to me to be a very well done Bible study....... and I am not just saying that because I am reviewing it. Seriously, it is. The author pulled a lot out of the book of Mark, and not only gives a lot of great insight, but asks some great questions to help the reader get more out of the book.

 It is also the type of Bible study that could be done as a group, or as an individual. As I went through it, I didn't run across any questions that I felt needed to be answered in a group, and it might actually be geared more for individuals.

 This is a Bible study definitely worth doing. It is the kind that will get help you get more out of this Gospel that is often overlooked by some people... like me.

About the author:

William Boekestein (M.Div., Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is Pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He previously taught in a Christian School for several years. He and his wife have three children.


Bible Studies On the Book of Mark is available from Reformed Fellowship, Inc

Thanks to Cross-Focused Media for the review copy.

NKJV Journal The Word Bible

Book description:

The NKJV Journal the Word™ Bible, Large Print allows you to creatively express yourself every day with plenty of room for notes or verse art journaling next to your treasured verses. With unique and sophisticated covers, this single-column large print edition features thick cream-colored paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, perfect to reflect on God’s Word and enhance your study.

Excellent for a gift or for personal use, it can also be a cherished heirloom to pass on to future generations with your personal writings inside!

Features of this treasured Bible include: • Lined, wide margins for notes, reflections and art • Thicker cream paper for enduring note-taking • Large print 10-pt font eliminates eye strain when reading • Words of Christ in red • Lays flat in your hand or on your desk • Ribbon marker

My review:

  Bible journaling seems to be something else women have cornered the market on, but it is something I have been interested in. I'd thought about buying a journaling Bible, but then feared I may not use it..... then this Bible came up for review and I jumped on it.

  First off, don't be put off by the large print claim. It is 10-pt font, which is not that big, and seems close to the size of the regular print books I read on a daily basis.

 The Bible comes in a slip case that is open on both ends. The Bible itself is hardcover/cloth cover with an attractive design.

 The version is the very familiar and loved New King James version..... not my first choice for a journaling Bible, but it is a version I like.

  The journaling part of it: The Bible has single columns with wide margins on each page. The margins are lined the whole way down with faint lines, but dark enough to be visible... ideal for people like me who can't write straight. There is plenty of space to write, doodle, put stickers, and whatever else can be done in Bible journaling.

  One thing I wish was included was ideas on how to journal in the Bible, but those can be found on-line, and Family Christian stores occasionally has in store classes on Bible jorunaling. The Bible was made for journaling, and Nelson did a great job on making it fill the idea.


The NKJV Journal The Word Bible is available from Thomas Nelson.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the review copy.