The 2nd book in the "By the Numbers" series is a modern re-telling of the story of Esther. This book is just as entertaining and addicting as the first book (1 Step Away). Natalie Flynn, a minor character in the first book, is developed more fully in this story. She becomes the central figure in a controversial vote to allow humans to be implanted with Radio Frequency ID, basically a microchip that would allow the person to be monitored wherever they were, as well as provide other basic information. Natalie is all for this since she survived a brutal abduction, and feels that she would have been saved the pain and scars from her ordeal if someone could have located her earlier. She is dating Ruben King, a State Representative in his 2nd term in office. He has misgivings about the microchip implantation and his vote will sway the outcome of the decision to allow the use of these RFID's. They are being heavily influenced by others that have a lot invested in the outcome of the vote, and will do whatever it takes to swing the vote in their favor.
The suspense grabs you from the outset and keeps you riveted until the end, where a twist in the story makes you rethink every conclusion you had reached to this point. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Aramis Black and Detective Meade make a come-back in this book. Aramis Black is a wonderfully flawed character from Wilson's previous books "The Best of Evil" and "A Shred of Truth".
Eric Wilson has penned another fantastic story in his "By the Numbers" series. His writing style remains as intriguing as the first book. It captures you in its embrace and only releases you when you have reached the end. Then you take a deep breath and frantically search for the next book's release date! Which will hopefully be soon!
I received no gratuity for this review. This book was purchased from Amazon.com where you can find other Eric Wilson books at great prices!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
One Step Away by Eric Wilson
A modern re-telling of the story of Job...with a twist! Bret and Sara Vreeland struggle to make ends meet. They have 2 children and they are deeply in love. Besides the obvious difficulties that come from being poor, Sara has a deceased fiance that she still occasionally still dreams about. In spite of all their problems, they remain committed to each other and to their relationship with God. It is for this reason that Satan asks God's permission to test their faith. Instead of stripping them of everything as had happened to Job, the Vreelands are given the blessing of a six million dollar inheritance. Suddenly all their financial problems disappear, their work lives become better, their friend base expands, and the blessings just keep coming. The game is afoot...will the Vreelands pass the ultimate test of faithfulness or will they succumb to temptations borne of wealth?
This is an amazing story! It captured my attention immediately and compelled me to read the book in one sitting. It is the story of rags to riches...and how our faith can be tested in times of plenty as well as in times of need. It is a story of greed, murder, and espionage, and the Vreelands are unwitting players in the game devised by Satan to destroy their faith. This is a must read book for fans of Dekker, Stephen James, and Travis Thrasher. Wilson's books take you on a trip to your soul and ask you to really look deeply at what you find there...I highly recommend this book, and any other Eric Wilson book you can find.
I received no compensation for this review. This book was purchased from Amazon.com where you will find other Eric Wilson books at fantastic prices!
This is an amazing story! It captured my attention immediately and compelled me to read the book in one sitting. It is the story of rags to riches...and how our faith can be tested in times of plenty as well as in times of need. It is a story of greed, murder, and espionage, and the Vreelands are unwitting players in the game devised by Satan to destroy their faith. This is a must read book for fans of Dekker, Stephen James, and Travis Thrasher. Wilson's books take you on a trip to your soul and ask you to really look deeply at what you find there...I highly recommend this book, and any other Eric Wilson book you can find.
I received no compensation for this review. This book was purchased from Amazon.com where you will find other Eric Wilson books at fantastic prices!
The Joseph Story by Rolf McEwen
A Play in Two Acts (adapted from The Book of Exodus)
This is a wonderful play that encompasses the life of Joseph. It has a cast of 20 men and 10 women, and has an estimated run time of 2 hours. This play is such a strong story and has a constant flow, especially since the use of props are minimized, and are carried onstage by the actors.
Act 1 begins in Jacob's house with Joseph recounting a dream he had, which ends with his brothers bowing down to him. His brothers are already very jealous and begin to mock him. Their envy causes them to plot Joseph's demise. The play goes from there and continues with the Biblical account of Joseph's life. It is written in an easy flowing format, and keeps your attention riveted on the story line. The characters are well developed and their conversations flow easily.
This is a story about a man of strength and integrity that never fails regardless of the trials he goes through. Ultimately, it is a story of encouragement. Joseph kept his integrity, his compassion, and his honor, and sets an example for all of us to follow.
This play would be wonderful for a church youth group or an adult class to perform. A very well done play with an easy to follow script.
I received a complimentary copy of this play from the author. My review is based on my honest opinion, and the complimentary book was not given to solicit a positive review.
This is a wonderful play that encompasses the life of Joseph. It has a cast of 20 men and 10 women, and has an estimated run time of 2 hours. This play is such a strong story and has a constant flow, especially since the use of props are minimized, and are carried onstage by the actors.
Act 1 begins in Jacob's house with Joseph recounting a dream he had, which ends with his brothers bowing down to him. His brothers are already very jealous and begin to mock him. Their envy causes them to plot Joseph's demise. The play goes from there and continues with the Biblical account of Joseph's life. It is written in an easy flowing format, and keeps your attention riveted on the story line. The characters are well developed and their conversations flow easily.
This is a story about a man of strength and integrity that never fails regardless of the trials he goes through. Ultimately, it is a story of encouragement. Joseph kept his integrity, his compassion, and his honor, and sets an example for all of us to follow.
This play would be wonderful for a church youth group or an adult class to perform. A very well done play with an easy to follow script.
I received a complimentary copy of this play from the author. My review is based on my honest opinion, and the complimentary book was not given to solicit a positive review.
Are You There? by Dianne Fairchild
Illustrated by Vincent Fairchild...This is a wonderful children's book! The art work is fantastic, and is very appealing to children. (I tested with my 2). The story is about a young boy pondering the existence of God. He questions where God is, and if He will always be there, no matter where "there" is. Will He be there when he grows or in the darkest night? He says "If I walked to the very edge of the world, stretched my arms as wide as I could, and peered over the vast side of life, would I reach You then?". I love this question! My 7 year old told me this is her new favorite book! My 10 year old said he really likes the story, but said it was for younger kids. So, the experts have spoken! I agree with them. This is truly a delightful book, and will remain on my bookshelf.
I received a complimentary copy of "Are You There?" as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
I received a complimentary copy of "Are You There?" as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Friday, April 20, 2012
Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan
This is a great read! The target audience is teens, but I really enjoyed it. Sam Hopkins is a PK (preachers kid), and is searching for something to make him more popular at school. He is a good kid, but his search leads him to the wrong kind of friends. He knows it won't be long before they will require him to do something crazy that will surely get him into lots of trouble.
However, one day he witnesses these "friends" tormenting a classmate named Jennifer. She is eccentric, but in an interesting way. She rhymes her words constantly as she talks, and she also has visions and hears voices. Sam saves her from the bullies, and actually comes to believe that her visions are, in fact, prophecies. He knows he has to help her and at the same time try to stop these events she forecasts from happening.
This book has a lot of action and was very well written. It was easy to follow, and the characters came to life in the story. I loved the humorous element...I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of Sam's remarks. Highly recommended. I will look for other books by this author. I am now going to get my teens to read this!
This book was given to me as a promotional consideration by the publisher through Booksneeze.
However, one day he witnesses these "friends" tormenting a classmate named Jennifer. She is eccentric, but in an interesting way. She rhymes her words constantly as she talks, and she also has visions and hears voices. Sam saves her from the bullies, and actually comes to believe that her visions are, in fact, prophecies. He knows he has to help her and at the same time try to stop these events she forecasts from happening.
This book has a lot of action and was very well written. It was easy to follow, and the characters came to life in the story. I loved the humorous element...I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of Sam's remarks. Highly recommended. I will look for other books by this author. I am now going to get my teens to read this!
This book was given to me as a promotional consideration by the publisher through Booksneeze.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Final Summit by Andy Andrews
The people of the world are being given one last chance to right the wrongs of the world. Enter David Ponder, originally introduced in the book "The Travelers Gift". He is given the opportunity to work with others to find the answer. The solution is 2 words, and he gets only 5 tries. He is allowed to ask others for help on this journey...and they are the brightest minds from history.
I love to read, and I have enjoyed other books by Andy Andrews. This book, however, was difficult for me. I had a hard time getting interested but I did enjoy parts of the story. David Ponder is reminiscing about his life and is overcome with grief at the loss of his wife a few months prior. He is lost and no longer knows what to do. Suddenly the angel Gabriel is in the room with him. His conversation with the angel leads him to understand that he must take another journey and join a group called "Travellers", men and women from history such as Winston Churchill and Lief Erickson.
Although I had a hard time reading this, there were some quotes that really stuck with me. For example, a quote engraved on George Washington Carter's monument: " He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world." There are many quotes that I can use as life quotes. A lot of the dialog is a sermon in itself.
The author takes liberty with the conversations between the characters, but he also weaves fact into the story. It was very interesting to read the factual information, and I was impressed by the research that must have gone into this book. If you are a history buff, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Perhaps at another time in my life I will find this book to be just the balm I need. For this reason, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
This book was a complimentary copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.
I love to read, and I have enjoyed other books by Andy Andrews. This book, however, was difficult for me. I had a hard time getting interested but I did enjoy parts of the story. David Ponder is reminiscing about his life and is overcome with grief at the loss of his wife a few months prior. He is lost and no longer knows what to do. Suddenly the angel Gabriel is in the room with him. His conversation with the angel leads him to understand that he must take another journey and join a group called "Travellers", men and women from history such as Winston Churchill and Lief Erickson.
Although I had a hard time reading this, there were some quotes that really stuck with me. For example, a quote engraved on George Washington Carter's monument: " He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world." There are many quotes that I can use as life quotes. A lot of the dialog is a sermon in itself.
The author takes liberty with the conversations between the characters, but he also weaves fact into the story. It was very interesting to read the factual information, and I was impressed by the research that must have gone into this book. If you are a history buff, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Perhaps at another time in my life I will find this book to be just the balm I need. For this reason, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
This book was a complimentary copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo
The 13th Tribe by Robert Liparulo
Another winner from an amazing author!
When Moses returned from Mt. Sinai he found his people worshipping idols. God struck many of them and they died immediately, but there were 40 that escaped the death sentence. The death sentence would have been more welcome. They were destined to roam the earth eternally, separated from God; immortals. In their distorted point of view they believe the only way to gain God's favor (and ultimately die and go to heaven) is to kill other sinners.
Jagger Baird survives a car crash that takes the life of his best friend, his arm, and sadly, his faith in God. He is struggling to come to terms with the losses, especially his faith, and relocates his family to the Middle East after accepting a job as the head of security on an archaeological dig. Unfortunately, he crosses paths with the Immortals and he and his family become intertwined with them in a very dramatic way.
The story begins in earnest with the break-in of a facility by "invisible beings", death, and the emergence of the Immortals. We meet the Immortals and become acquainted with their style, technology, and incredible abilities. There are a couple that are likable, and one makes me shudder. Their home is scarily interesting as well. Soon, the Baird family is introduced. Jagger elicited sympathy because if his struggles and I fell in love with his son, Tyler.
I LOVED this book!! I have enjoyed all of Liparulo's books, but there was something about this one that made me think: movie, movie, movie! I am a huge fan of drama and this book is full of it! It twists and turns and keeps you up at night, yet does not leave you hanging in the end. I have to admit, I guessed the truth before the end, but it in no way detracted from the story. This is definitely a book worth reading!
This book was a complimentary copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.
Another winner from an amazing author!
When Moses returned from Mt. Sinai he found his people worshipping idols. God struck many of them and they died immediately, but there were 40 that escaped the death sentence. The death sentence would have been more welcome. They were destined to roam the earth eternally, separated from God; immortals. In their distorted point of view they believe the only way to gain God's favor (and ultimately die and go to heaven) is to kill other sinners.
Jagger Baird survives a car crash that takes the life of his best friend, his arm, and sadly, his faith in God. He is struggling to come to terms with the losses, especially his faith, and relocates his family to the Middle East after accepting a job as the head of security on an archaeological dig. Unfortunately, he crosses paths with the Immortals and he and his family become intertwined with them in a very dramatic way.
The story begins in earnest with the break-in of a facility by "invisible beings", death, and the emergence of the Immortals. We meet the Immortals and become acquainted with their style, technology, and incredible abilities. There are a couple that are likable, and one makes me shudder. Their home is scarily interesting as well. Soon, the Baird family is introduced. Jagger elicited sympathy because if his struggles and I fell in love with his son, Tyler.
I LOVED this book!! I have enjoyed all of Liparulo's books, but there was something about this one that made me think: movie, movie, movie! I am a huge fan of drama and this book is full of it! It twists and turns and keeps you up at night, yet does not leave you hanging in the end. I have to admit, I guessed the truth before the end, but it in no way detracted from the story. This is definitely a book worth reading!
This book was a complimentary copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.
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