One Wrong Turn at a Time: How We Navigated Fifty States, Forty-Five Years & One Marriage by Jan Heidrich-Rice

 

One Wrong Turn at a Time: How We Navigated Fifty States, Forty-Five Years & One Marriage by Jan Heidrich-Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun and witty book to read about the adventures of Honey and Rice as they take road trips and navigate through marriage. I wasn't sure I'd love this one as much as I did but I'm glad that I gave this one a chance. This story will take you on adventures that you might have been on yourself. You'll laugh and maybe even tear up.

A great summertime read!

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Escape to the South Land by T.J. Beach

 

Escape to the South Land by T.J. Beach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She's escaping a past and trying to give her daughter a better life. He's trying to deny his attraction to her so that he doesn't feel tied to place that he's trying to escape from. Set in the beautiful, vibrant scenery of New Zealand, this is the story of Libby and Oliver. It was neat to see their relationship develop in the midst of turmoil and secrets.

There is humor, friendship, mystery, suspense, and a slow burn romance in this great read.

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Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley Hale is settling in at Alamo Grace as a chaplain and safety officer. Not the plan that she had for her life but after a devastating accident cost her the use of her left arm, she was no longer able to serve as a nurse in the ER. Her soon-to-be roommate, Kate, is the charge nurse of the ER and is helping Riley to improve her skills. While returning to clean up a treatment room, Riley sees a strange man with a needle about to insert it into his skin. As safety officer, it's her duty to protect this man from himself and others. Little does she know, this is Dr. Travis. THE Dr. Travis of the free clinic in town and rotating ER doctor.

The Bluffs community is not pleased with Dr. Travis's free clinic. Too many unsavory incidents have happened there of late. Andrea will do everything she can to be sure that the clinic will be closed down. Meanwhile, many patients are helped by Dr. Travis, Riley, and Bandy. Where will these people receive the care they need if the clinic is to close?

As always, Candace Calvert does not disappoint. I had a very hard time putting this book down once I got started. There is humor, romance, and lots of suspense! I have always enjoyed Ms. Calvert's writing and this one is no different! If I were to pick a favorite character in this book, it would have to be Bandy. He is the best "nurse", besides Riley of course, in this story. Bandy's back story is one that really touched me.

I'll be coming back for more from Nurse Calvert! :)


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Review: Behind Church Doors by Sylvia Brown-Roberts

Behind Church Doors: A Novel by Sylvia Brown-Roberts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I highly recommend this book to all readers. This is a glimpse into Sister NikkiMac's life while at church. The usher who gives the evil eye when one has to get up to go to the bathroom, the "Baby Jumpers", and those who come in late are a few of the characters to be met in this book.

Sylvia Brown-Roberts wrote an exceptionally hilarious (serious when needed) book about life during a church service in the Lord's body. She models what a church service should look like from a Biblical standpoint while giving you a glimpse into NikkiMac's thoughts. There were several points of this book that I had to read to my husband. I'm not sure how many of the sayings were cultural and I was just unaware or if the author is just that witty!

Needless to say, this was a great cultural book, as well as one that teaches proper church respect. I would have to say that my favorite character is Cletus. I hope you'll take the time to read this book and see why I loved him so much! :)

Happy Reading!

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CSFF Blog Tour Day 3: My Thoughts on Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

It's time to wrap up this fun tour of Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review!


I wish I had something funny and witty to say here but I don't because, well, I'm just not funny and witty! I can tell you a little about this book though...

• You *will* be offended...especially if you find yourself in here (I found myself a few too many times!)
• You will meet a talking donkey in this book. Her name is Daisy. She's such a smart ass!!
• You will find at least one Jesus that you know...and several others that you are acquainted with (hey wait a minute, I thought there was only one!?!?!?)
• You will get a great visual depiction of the President in tighty whiteys scrubbing a bathroom (insert President of your choice!)
• You will get to hear Matt's story of modern medicine in the ancient world (Advil anyone?)
• Finally, you will meet a prostitute, a couple of Mormon elders, and a slew of other sinners

I loved this book. It covers some very serious issues with humor. Which Jesus do you follow? Is it the One and Only? If not, it should be!

In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.



Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:



Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).



Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).


Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).



Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).



Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).



Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

OPEN INVITATION
Now that you are aware of a church in the 20th century which is built according to the blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it? In becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his church!

If you desire finding a church home, please email me (using contact information at bottom left of blog) and I'll be happy to assist you!



Stop by and visit these other bloggers on tour this week! We all love comments!!

*Participants’ links (paste as is in the body of your post or update the links in your sidebar):

http://www.christiansciencefiction.blogspot.com"> Brandon Barr
http://www.AdventuresInFiction.blogspot.com/"> Keanan Brand
http://www.splashdownreviews.blogspot.com"> Grace Bridges
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://valeriecomer.com/"> Valerie Comer
http://blog.rlcopple.com/"> R. L. Copple
http://www.the160acrewoods.com/"> Amy Cruson
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://word-up-studies.blogspot.com"> Stacey Dale
http://www.scificatholic.com/"> D. G. D. Davidson
http://scriptoriusrex.blogspot.com/"> Jeff Draper
http://projectinga.blogspot.com/"> April Erwin
http://askandrea.adamsweb.us/"> Andrea Graham
http://going-greene.blogspot.com/">Tori Greene
http://jessebecky.wordpress.com/"> Becky Jesse
http://crisjesse.wordpress.com"> Cris Jesse
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://www.molcotw.blogspot.com/"> Julie
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/"> Krystine Kercher
http://www.momofkings.com"> Dawn King
http://www.slygames.net/"> Leighton
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.leastread.blogspot.com/"> John W. Otte
http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/"> Donita K. Paul
http://prochristroetlibertate.blogspot.com/"> Crista Richey
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com/"> Chawna Schroeder
http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/"> Rachel Starr Thomson
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler
http://kmwilsher.blogspot.com/"> KM Wilsher

CSFF Blog Tour Day 2: Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Today, let's pause for a moment to get to know the author of Imaginary Jesus, Matt Mikalatos.


Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review!

To read the first chapter of Matt's great book, go to www.imaginaryjesus.com and click on the link in the middle of the page!

Tweet with him on Twitter! @mattmikalatos.
"Like" him on Facebook!!

Read his blog for great stories but don't expect to find Matt...remember, he's imaginary! (Shhh...I don't think he realizes this yet!) LOL

Tomorrow, you can read a little about this book through my "official" review. I'm warning you, this guy had President Obama stripped down to his tighty whiteys cleaning his toilet. He's good....



*Participants’ links (paste as is in the body of your post or update the links in your sidebar):

http://www.christiansciencefiction.blogspot.com"> Brandon Barr
http://www.AdventuresInFiction.blogspot.com/"> Keanan Brand
http://www.splashdownreviews.blogspot.com"> Grace Bridges
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Beckie Burnham
http://valeriecomer.com/"> Valerie Comer
http://blog.rlcopple.com/"> R. L. Copple
http://www.the160acrewoods.com/"> Amy Cruson
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
http://word-up-studies.blogspot.com"> Stacey Dale
http://www.scificatholic.com/"> D. G. D. Davidson
http://scriptoriusrex.blogspot.com/"> Jeff Draper
http://projectinga.blogspot.com/"> April Erwin
http://askandrea.adamsweb.us/"> Andrea Graham
http://going-greene.blogspot.com/">Tori Greene
http://jessebecky.wordpress.com/"> Becky Jesse
http://crisjesse.wordpress.com"> Cris Jesse
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com/"> Jason Joyner
http://www.molcotw.blogspot.com/"> Julie
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com/"> Carol Keen
http://krystisbooks.blogspot.com/"> Krystine Kercher
http://www.momofkings.com"> Dawn King
http://www.slygames.net/"> Leighton
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.leastread.blogspot.com/"> John W. Otte
http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/"> Donita K. Paul
http://prochristroetlibertate.blogspot.com/"> Crista Richey
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com/"> Chawna Schroeder
http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com/inklings/"> Rachel Starr Thomson
http://christiansf.blogspot.com/"> Steve Trower
http://frederation.wordpress.com"> Fred Warren
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog/"> Phyllis Wheeler
http://kmwilsher.blogspot.com/"> KM Wilsher

CSFF: Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Today the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy book bloggers are introducing ">Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos.


Author Web site - http://imaginaryjesus.com/

This is a great book that will challenge even the strongest of minds. It is offensive, funny, challenging, and downright needed in our society today! Come back tomorrow for a bit more on our featured author, who is working on another book that will make an appearance in 2011! In the meantime, check out these other reviews....


*Participants’ links (paste as is in the body of your post or update the links in your sidebar):

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Valerie Comer
R. L. Copple
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between

The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between by J. W. Nicklaus


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a book of about 15 short stories written by J.W. Nicklaus. There is a little drama, humor, romance, and more in this book. I enjoyed reading it during a conference when the topics did not interest me as much as the book did! I found it hard to put the book down at times because the stories were so captivating. In my opinion, the most memorable stories in the book are the following with a short review:

Requiem for Linny: I enjoyed this story because it reminded me of my grandmother a little bit. There are some things that people hang on to and have a hard time letting go. Reflecting back on this today, the story means a little more as a young man I know died in a drowning accident over the weekend. He's the second in my church in 3 days to drown. Puts a different spin on a story like this.

10:18-All I can say about this one is "WOW". If this one doesn't change your life....well, it SHOULD change your life!!

One Washington Diner: This one I read in the doctor's office this morning and needless to say, the tears in my eyes caused my doctor some concern when he finally came in my room. This was one of my favorites. It's a very sweet love story that had me reflecting back on my marriage and our relationship and how I might improve that.

Winter Rose: Another tear jerker...this is a MUST read. If you only read one story in this book, make it this one. In light of present world events it puts some things in perspective.

In the Name of Love: This is the only non-fiction story in this book. It's very personal and will strike a chord with anyone with a heart.

While these were my favorites, I don't want to take away anything from the other stories. They were all enjoyable and I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some inspiration, a "feel good" story, or who is just looking for a quick read while at a conference, the doctor's office, or whereever else the world might take you.

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A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenoweth

A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages by Kristin Chenoweth

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
WoW!!!! Witty!! Whimsical!! Wicked!?!?! I absolutely loved this book from first page to last! I read this book in about 6 hours time and hated putting it down for a much needed nap. This is a short synopsis of the life of Kristin Chenoweth. As a lover of theatre and musical production, I really appreciated the "insiders view" of life in the limelight. Kristin's wit and humor kept me entertained, yet she let's her readers know that life isn't always a bowl of cherries. I have an even greater appreciation for theater now and I'm glad she shared the "secret" to Elphaba's 'Defying Gravity' flying scene. Having seen "Wicked" twice, I still find it amazing the things that are done these days!



Life as Chenorkin? Keep us posted please!


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