Book Review - Shattered (Alaskan Courage - Book Two)

An open and shut murder case in Alaska...right?  Reef McKenna was found with the victim and the evidence points to him as the murderer.  The sheriff is ready to close this case as quickly as possible due to the overwhelming evidence.  Reef’s sister, Piper, is not ready to lose him.  She does everything possible to prove her brother’s innocence.   She expects that those that are close to the McKenna family will see Reef’s innocence especially Deputy Landon Grainger.  Landon has been a part of the McKenna family for years.  Piper is like a sister to him until romantic feelings start to change his perspective.

Piper and Landon disagree many times on how to solve the murder case.  She places herself in danger more than once to discover the truth. Landon is trying to let the facts tell the story. Conflict comes up often between the two because of unresolved feelings and their approach to solving the case.

I really enjoyed this book.  Here are a few reasons why I think you should read it. This book is a good murder mystery.  The answer was not obvious to me initially who committed the murder.  Bravo to the author for keeping me guessing.   The dialogue between Piper and Landon was fun especially before their true feelings were realized.  The location of Alaska was great.  It became its own character to me like someone or some place I wanted to visit.

Shattered is a romantic suspense novel, but there are some excellent spiritual lessons for us, too.  Landon is a rugged, manly character who depends on himself.   There comes a point in the book where he realizes that he is not in control.  He humbles himself before God when he is hit with this realization.

One of my favorite quotes is advice from Piper’s older brother, Cole to Landon “You need to be sure you are in the right place, that the urge to self-destruct isn’t your default setting anymore, that God is the one steering your life.”

This book has so much of what I like in a story - mystery, interesting people, great location and a reminder that God is with us through it all.

Shattered is book 2 of the Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey.   You can read this book without reading Submerged, but I highly recommend reading book 1 first.  

Rating: 4 stars

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for my opinion about this book.

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Pilgrims at Midnight

I went searching for a nonfiction book for my eight year old twins. I used the Overdrive app on my nook HD+ to borrow an eBook from my library. Why am I reading Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Pilgrims near midnight? I am in the middle of several other books for parenting, fiction and religious study, but the Pilgrims got me up reading. 

My kids recently saw The Mayflower Voyagers starring the Peanuts gang. This book I'm reading now will expand their knowledge of the Pilgrims.

Is it to early to say Happy Thanksgiving?!

Good night.

Introduce Little House at a Younger Age

Going to Town (My First Little House):Amazon:Books

Going to Town was my bedtime story with my daughter. The My First Little House book series is a wonderful way to introduce Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little House on the Prairie to children at a younger age.

Book Review - Otter and Owl Set Sail

I was not expecting to find a lesson for me when I picked up Otter and Owl Set Sail by Crystal Bowman from the library for my 5 year old daughter.   I usually leave the library with 30 books mostly for my kids.  The lessons are meant for my children, but sometimes I am the one who is taught.

Owl had an idea to build a sailboat.  His friend, Otter helps him to make it.  When the boat is complete, it's ready to sail.  Well, at least that was what Owl and Otter hoped for.  Nothing happened when they first got in the boat.  After a few tries, the boat did not budge.   Owl was very disappointed.  He thought that his sailboat was not good.  Otter being a good friend reassured Owl that his boat was very good.   The boat just needs something that only God can provide - wind!   The sailboat finally takes off and Owl and Otter were finally able to make it to the other side of the pond.

This book made me think of things that I am working on that I am sure God wants me to do.   The problem is nothing seems to be happening.   Frustration comes and I think that maybe I'm not good enough.   Then I remember to trust in the Lord and not to depend on my understanding because He is leading.   God will send what is needed at the right time.  He did it for Owl and He will do it for me, too.

Rating: 4 stars

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Book Review - You Are Special

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (Psalm 139:14)

Psalm 139:14 came to my mind while I was reading You Are Special by Max Lucado.  You are  invited to a land of wooden people called The Wemmicks.   Every Wemmick was different in some way, but they were all carved by Eli, the woodworker.

The Wemmicks gave each other stickers.  Stickers were nice for some, but not for others.  The stickers separated the "good" from the "bad"; the "talented" from the "not so talented".   Punchinello was considered to be clumsy and without talent.   When anyone would met him, they would know the type of person he was right away.  Why?    It was because of the stickers on him.     

These labels did not make Punchinello feel good about himself.    Fortunately, he met Lucia.   She stood out from everyone because she did not have any stickers!   Lucia told him to go see Eli.  Something wonderful happens when Punchinello mets Eli.

This book is encouragement for children and big people like me to remember "I am special" because of what God thinks!

Rating: 5 stars

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Book Review - Wonderfully Made

Wonderfully Made by Joyce Meyers is a charming story of Hayley the Hippo who wants to be in a talent show. She does not have any idea what to do for the show.   Everyone else she knows has an act ready for the show.  Hayley watches her friends practice, but it does not help her determine what she should do.  Hayley tries to copy others, but she is disappointed with the results.  Hayley can not do anything or so it seems. While Hayley is watching and trying to copy others, we the readers start to see her gift.  Hayley will soon realize that she had a talent all along and that she is “wonderfully made” by God.

This book is a great start to a discussion with kids.  It can be frustrating when you are young and want to stand out.   Everyone else seems so gifted and talented.   We all need to be reminded that God’s has a purpose for each of us.  Our unique talents can be used to carry out His purpose and bless others.  It may take time before you discover what you do best, but be patient.   Your gift will become obvious in time.

Wonderfully Made is a book full of wonderful illustrations and cute characters.  It tells children that they are special in many ways. It is a great addition to a child’s library.

Rating: 4 stars

I received a free copy of this eBook from Netgalley.

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Book Review - One Minute Prayers for Young Men

One Minute Prayers for Young Men by Clayton King is the right mix of practical advice, guy stuff and Godly wisdom.  Even though this book is for teen guys and up, I found many devotions were just right for me.  There were multiple devotions on prayer that were a blessing to me.  Here’s a recap of some of the devotionals in the book.

Made for Glory

Guy stuff -> What do players do when they win?  They celebrate their victory with their hands raised.

Wisdom -> Raise your hands in worship to God to celebrate His accomplishments.

Close the Gaps

Guy stuff -> The job of the defender on the football team is to close the gaps to stop the offense.  Gaps in the line can cause you to lose.

Wisdom -> Gaps in your spiritual life can lead to problems.  Close the gaps with prayer and other spiritual disciplines to protect your heart and mind.

Made to Provide

Guy Stuff -> The author was taught by his dad that he is suppose to provide for his family.  Pride in your work is important even if you are just sweeping floors.

Wisdom -> There are lessons to be learned while you do things you do not like.   Pay attention and do the work anyway so you do not miss the lessons

Other favorite gems of wisdom:

• “Remember God’s goodness. List it. Tweet it. Post it.”
• “Real fun is honoring to God and free of regret.”
• “Being dependable leads to great opportunities.”
• “To be a Christian, get over your problem with authority.  God is your authority.  When I disobey, I will always pay.”

Each devotion ends in a prayer to help you apply the wisdom to your own life.  This book can be used by yourself, for parent and son discussions or in a small group of guys.

I have one small issue.  I remember one devotion that talked about the Holy Spirit as a Person in the Trinity.  My belief is in Jesus as God manifested as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and not as the Holy Spirit as the third Person in the Trinity.   I am not here to debate the issue.  I only bring it up for those who believe as I do.  I wanted you to know just in case you gave it your son without reading it yourself.  Even with this difference in opinion, I do recommend this book and I would use it with my own son.

Rating: 4 stars

This book will be available in August 2013.

This free eBook was provided to me by Netgalley.