Author Archives: Susan Wachtel

Close to Home by Deborah Raney – Interesting Characters and Relationships

Posted in Abingdon Press, Book Review, Chicory Inn Series, Net Galley by

Close to Home

Close to Home is the first book I’ve read by author Deborah Raney.  Even though it’s fourth book in the Chicory Inn Series, I didn’t feel like I had to start with the first book to enjoy it.  Enough background information is woven into the storyline, so even a reader new to the series won’t be lost.

Close to Home tells the story of Bree Whitman, who has been widowed for five years.  Since her husband Tim was killed in Afghanistan, she has remained close to her in-laws and extended family, who have shared a common bond of grief.  But there is a desire stirring in Bree.  She is still young and now contemplates marrying again and starting a family.  Those feelings are intensified when Aaron from work starts showing an interest in Bree.  How will romance with a new man affect her relationship with people who have been her family these past five years?  Will she have to cut off those ties?  Will those feelings of betraying her husband and his memory ever fade?  Is Aaron the right man or has the Lord planned someone else for Bree?  To find out, you’ll want to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney.

I really enjoyed the relationships between Bree and the other characters.  I thought the author had some good insights into people, emotions, what’s going on under the surface.  I liked the characters, with the exception of one person who seemed rather narcissistic, but that’s probably why I didn’t like him.

There were a few times that the book seemed a little slow and dragged a big.  Especially when it came to Bree getting a clue on what she needed to do about a relationship.

There was a little bit of faith woven into the book, but it was very minimal with a couple of references to prayer and church.  There was one point in the book when Bree and Aaron were having lunch and they independently bowed their heads to pray.  That just seemed really odd.  Why wouldn’t they pray together?

Personally, I think the book would have been richer and fuller if the author would have done a bit more with faith.  Have a person pray out loud, or even show how they are impacted from reading the Bible, hearing a sermon at church or through relationships with other believers.

I did appreciate that the book is clean.  There are no sexually inappropriate scenes or language, nor situations that are offensive.

All in all, I really liked Close to Home by Deborah Raney.  She is gifted in developing characters and relationships and is insightful.  I recommend this book and I would like to go back and read the first three books in the Chicory Inn Series and look forward to future books by this author.

I would like to thank Abingdon Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

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The Useful Reporter

Posted in Journalist, poem by

He calls himself a journalist
Confident that he’s a crack reporter
Truth be told he’s nothing but a shill

A useful, pliable tool
In the hands of the left
An attack dog released at their command

Unquestionably believes everything he’s told
Long ago he gave up aspirations
To be a serious and well respected journalist

Stories of substance go untold
For they take too much time and effort
Followed by unrelenting criticism if he goes against PC storyline

So what if a high ranking political leader
Gets away with lying criminal actions
With nary a slap on the wrist

So what if the door is held open wide
No attempt to seriously vet those who may have hateful intentions
Stand by with shock and horror when murderous plans are unleashed

So what if our military is abandoned despite pleas for help
Only to be left to fend for themselves
When overrun by well-coordinated radical Islamic jihadists

So what if our borders are like a sieve
After all, US sanctuary cities
Stand ready to embrace illegal immigrants, no matter their crime

When race relations are at a new low
He adds fuel to the fire
Joining the popular political narrative

A thorough investigation will take too much time
Headlines will be missed
What if the facts don’t match the story at hand

Long ago, his quest to be a great journalist was forgotten
No longer known for truth, honesty, integrity and digging into a story
Instead he’s settled for being just another useful reporter

by Susan Wachtel
July 19, 2016

This poem was inspired by the ridiculous irrelevant stories the press is running with following the first day of the Republican National Convention.  If reporters and journalists were to actually focus on real stories of substance, we might have a chance for real dialogue on important issues of our day.

#RNC2016
#MelaniaTrump

Trust God in the Darkness

Posted in Trusting God by

Ps 91-2

T – Trust God in the darkness
When the future is unknown
When silence pierces
My heart, mind and soul

R – Remember God is faithful
As He has revealed Himself
In His Word
In prayers answered in His perfect timing

U – Understand God is good
Even when circumstances are not good
Utter His praises all day long
He is able to do far more than I can imagine

S – Salvation and deliverance
Grace and mercy from His hand
Discipline and encouragement
Strengthen my weary heart, mind and soul

T – Thank the Lord
For His past faithfulness
His ever present goodness
His never changing perfect character

Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon – So-so

Posted in Book Review, Kensington Publishing Corp, NetGalley by

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I enjoy reading a good mystery book, especially during the summer.  That’s why I selected Cheryl Hollon’s newest book Cracked to Death.  This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I had some mixed feelings about it.

On the positive side, I liked the character Savannah Webb and her boyfriend Edward Morris.  Both characters seemed likable and cared about others.  I found the premise of a mystery involving the art of glasswork interesting.  A few of the characters had disabilities and Savannah was quite caring towards them.  Homicide detective David Parker was interesting, but not fully developed.

What I didn’t like:  Some of the characters (Rachel and Faith, SueAnn, Officer Boulli to name a few) seemed like caricatures not real people.  There were a lot of politically correct, edgy things included in the book, to the point of distraction.  It took away from the storyline.  For example, when a homeless person urinates on the side of an art studio, Edward suggests that America needs to build more public toilets.  I don’t read mystery books to have PC views shoved in my face.  There was one curse word but it was unnecessary.

Previously I mentioned that the story included characters with disabilities.  The one I didn’t understand was Arthur who had Crohn’s disease.  He was not a major character and he goes into a detailed explanation about the disease.  Since his character was a minor part of the story it wasn’t value added to the story.

I thought it was interesting that the two overweight characters where portrayed negatively.  An emphasis was made on their physical appearance and one is incompetent and the other is rather stupid.

One of the most obnoxious characters was Amanda.  There is a reference to her sexting.  Thankfully the book didn’t go in to detail.  But it was not a good or necessary part of the story.  I felt like it was thrown in to be edgy.  This character makes some ridiculous choices and it gets tiring after a while.  Bad choice after bad choice and of course she’s “sorry”, weepy and didn’t mean it.  She felt like people where judging her.  Perhaps they were just astonished at her bad nonsensical judgment.

I didn’t care for Savannah “smiling down at these two absurd looking elders.”  Really?  That was uncalled for.

Later when Amanda is telling about her relationship with Martin, she is assured by Edward and Savannah that her friends wouldn’t judge her.  Perhaps instead, Amanda needed friends to lovingly speak up when they see her exercising lack of wisdom and discernment.

Another edgy reference:  “You know how liberal this community is.  It’s not quite as diverse as deliberately quirky Gulfport.”

Amanda wasn’t the only person using poor judgment.  Savannah had her fair share of bad choices, most of which revolved around her acting as a “consultant” for the police.  There were times when she should have called the police and given them information and not talked to a witnesses or suspects.  This wasn’t very realistic.

All this adds up to the story not being really believable.  Many people and references seemed like they were thrown in just to make the story edgy or politically correct.  The character of Amada was irritating rather than interesting.  Savannah overstepping her bounds as a consultant about glass seemed to go too far to be believable.

There may have been a few errors in the book.  Location 625 – screenedin should have been screened in.  Location 1049 – references a third bottle that was found that was an original Bristol blue bottle, like the first one.  A little later, in location 1111, the third bottle is referenced again, “Jacob noticed was also a copy.”  Location 1155:  the word should have been “frequented” instead of frequent.

All in all, I found the story in Cracked to Death, by Cheryl Hollon, so-so.  Some of the storyline and characters were not believable or they were downright annoying.  At the same time, there were some characters that were likeable and the setting in a glass art studio was interesting.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for the opportunity to read Cracked to Death by Cheryl Hollon in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.

 

Together at the Table – by Hillary Manton Lodge – Lovely and Insightful

Posted in Blogging for Books, Book Review by

Together at the Table

Together at the Table by Hillary Manton Lodge is the first book I’ve read by this author.  What a treasure I’ve found.  I love it when I find a new author whose writing and characters I connect with.

Together at the Table is the third book in the “Two Blue Doors” series.  The book continues the story of Juliette D’Alisa and her big family, including the mystery about her ancestors to whom she feels connected.  Sometimes it’s hard to come into the middle of a series when you haven’t read the earlier books.  To some degree I didn’t feel the connection with the characters right away.  But Hillary does a good job in giving enough background so new readers have insight into the characters and storyline.

It was about page 70 that I started to connect with the characters.  I found Together at the Table and Hillary’s writing to be thought provoking, insightful, wise, real, tender, good perspective, thoughtful, honest and healthy.  The characters were not afraid to say painful things, but in a loving, kind and caring way.  I especially liked the insights on love.  There were a number of thoughts and feelings expressed by the characters that I highlighted because I found them to be insightful or perfectly capturing the emotion.

I would like to also note the Christian faith and the Gospel message are not really a part of this book or storyline.  I do appreciate that there was no profanity or inappropriate sexual scenes in this book.

Something I did object to was on page 258.  Character Letizia is talking about her grandmother and says, “When I was sixteen I thought she should have gone through with the affair.  But we should not be surprised.  After all, we came from somewhere, no?”  Obviously that doesn’t line up with Scripture’s view of adultery.  But like I mentioned earlier, there’s not a lot in this book that speaks of the Christian faith.

Something fun about this book is quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the recipes that are included at the end of some chapter.  I’d like to try some of the recipes.  Reading this book made me want to cook.

I found Hillary to be a safe writer.  By that I mean she doesn’t manipulate the characters or put them in precarious situations just to keep the reader in suspense.

Hillary Manton Lodge is a gifted wordsmith and paints beautiful pictures with her words.  She unveils her characters with insight and depth.  I really liked Together at the Table and look forward to going back and reading Hillary Manton Lodge’s earlier and future books.

I would like to thank Blogging for Books and WaterBrook Press for the opportunity to read Together at the Table by Hillary Manton Lodge in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

Applauding United Kingdom of Great Britain

Posted in Uncategorized, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Leaving the EU by

Keep Calm

Hat’s off to the citizens of United Kingdom of Great Britain for having the courage to say “Hasta La Vista!” to the EU

Here’s to sovereignty!  Here’s to not tying your nation to folks in the European Union who are making very unwise decisions.  Here’s to being able to protect your citizens.  Here’s to retaining your independence and identity as a sovereign nation.

Prime Minister David Cameron made a respectable decision to step down and allow someone else to lead Great Britain in this new direction.  Not a lot of men would have had the courage to do that.

 

The Lord Rebuke You

Posted in Pastor Donnie Romero by

John 13-35

When there is silence from Muslims in the wake of terror committed by Islamic extremists I am angry and puzzled.  How can they see the horror that has been committed in the name of their religion and not speak up?

That’s why today, I need to speak up loud and clear against the so called “Christian pastors” who have said ugly, vile, disgusting things about the Orlando mass murderer and the victims.

Sacramento pastor Roger Jimenez said, “Hey, are you sad that 50 pedophiles were killed today?  No … I think that’s great.  I think that helps society.  I think Orlando, Florida’s a little safer tonight.”  That’s bad enough, but he went on to say, “The tragedy is that more of them didn’t die.”

I wish I could say that the Jimenez was alone in the vile things he said.  But unfortunately he wasn’t.

Fort Worth pastor Donnie Romero from Steadfast Baptist Church said, “These 50 sodomites are all perverts and pedophiles, and they’re the scum of the earth, and the earth is a little bit better place now.”

The Lord rebuke you pastors Jimenez and Romero.  What you have said is beyond the pale.  It’s vile and disgusting.  It drives sinners away from Christ and repentance.

Is practicing homosexuality a sin as declared in the Bible?  Yes, absolutely it is.  So is adultery, fornication (sex outside of marriage), pornography, gossip, slander, pride, stirring up dissension, haughty eyes, not honoring your father and mother, lying, stealing and coveting to name a few sins.

Why is your heart not broken over these people?  God had mercy on the people who survived and you wish they had died?  What’s wrong with you?  Do your words reflect a hardened heart?

Why is your heart not burdened for these men and women created in God’s image?  Are you in prayer for the people who survived, that they will repent and come to faith in Christ?  Do you desire to go to them and share the Gospel message that salvation is found in Jesus Christ?  Is your heart breaking over that which breaks God’s heart?

The angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents.  You however wish they had died and their fate was sealed in hell for eternity.

Please remember that some of Jesus harshest words were for the religious leaders.  What do you think Christ Jesus would say to you?  Before you go to help take a speck out of your brother’s eye remove the log that is in your own eye.

My sin, though different from the people murdered in Orlando, is every bit as sinful and wrong and would have resulted in me spending eternity in hell apart from God’s grace and mercy towards me.  I’m not saved because of any good thing in me.  I’m saved solely by the perfect atoning work of Christ on the cross.  I’m saved because the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to help me see my sin and caused me to repent.  The only thing I did to participate in my salvation was to sin and make it necessary that Christ die on the cross bearing my sin.

God calls us to love our enemies.  Who are you to know if perchance some of these survivors are people whom God has sealed from before the foundations of the earth to be saved.  To be forgiven of their sins.  To be part of the brethren of whom it will be said, “And such were some of you.”

When you said these hateful ugly words, every member of your congregation should have walked out.

Do you think that there are families at your church that have family members or friends that struggle with homosexuality?  Do you think there may be a member or attender at your church that is struggling with this sin?  How do you think they felt when they heard your ugly hateful words?  Do you think that will encourage a person who is sinning to come to you and ask how they can repent?  How they can be saved?

What you said is hateful, prideful, ugly and wrong.  You have besmirched the name Christ and Christianity.  You have driven sinners away from repentance.  You have given Christianity a black eye.

I call upon to pastors Jimenez and Romero to examine your heart and see if you are in the faith.  Do you need to think about stepping down from pastorate?

I hope and pray that I hear other Christians and Christian leaders speak out against you.  I hope that instead they will reach out with the soul saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ and not words of hatred and condemnation.

 

Medical Judgment by Richard L. Mabry – Mixed Emotions

Posted in Abingdon Press, Book Review, Net Galley, Richard L Mabry by

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I’ve read several of Richard Mabry’s novels and looked forward to reading his newest book Medical Judgment.  I like suspense and books where Christian writers include faith as part of the character’s development.  Richard Mabry includes the element of medicine which is drawn from his years of experience as a medical doctor.  Unfortunately, I have some mixed feeling on this book.

I liked and appreciated faith of not only the main character, Dr. Sarah Gordon, but also the several other characters including Detective Bill Larson who was investigating the threats against Sarah, her friend Kyle Andrews and Pastor Steve Farber.  I liked the character Connie, a nurse in the ER.  She seemed like solid Christian who truly cared about people.  She was honest and open with her faith.

The narrative at the end the chapters, from the perspective of the stalker, was effective in creating a suspense.  I also appreciate that the author doesn’t resort to filthy language or sexually inappropriate scenes.  Also, I really liked the character towards the end of the book veterinarian, Dr. Brad Selleck, he seemed like the most well-adjusted and healthy of the bunch.

Now to some of the things that I didn’t care for.

The main character Dr. Sarah Gordon got a little irritating after a while.  She seemed slow to admit she had a serious problem and that she needed to take steps to protect herself.  She whined about setting her security system just about every time she set it.  Enough already!  It was a little repetitive.  It surprised me that the security system did not include cameras.  At times Sarah seems scatterbrained which doesn’t really seem in sync with someone who is an emergency room physician.  It didn’t ring true to me that Sarah could have had a dog at home for less than a day and she misses him so much when he’s being treated at the vet’s office.

I struggled with the character Kyle Andrews who seemed very presumptuous, obsessive and bordered on creepy at times.  He talked about his faith, but not until the end did he seem to recognize that perhaps his actions were not done with the purest motives.  At times I wondered if Kyle was really a true Christian.  When he is obviously sinning he didn’t have the Holy Spirit reining him in.

Theologically, there were a couple things that were off.  On page 181, Kyle is recalling what Pastor Steve told him about grief and when bad things happen.  Specifically, I take issue with this sentence, “He’d assured Kyle that God didn’t cause bad things to happen, but after they did, God would provide the help needed to get through them.”  This doesn’t quite square with the sovereignty of God.  Also, on page 184, Detective Bill Larson prayed for someone who was dead.

I think this book could have been a little shorter and left off some of the repetitive actions and thinking of the characters.  The ending seemed to occur really quickly after a longtime getting there.  There were a lot of potential suspects and I couldn’t figure out who done it.  I would like to have seen the Pastor not included in the list of suspects, and instead just been a stable and good solid influence.

Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry is not great and not horrible, it’s okay.  While this book wasn’t his best, I still look forward to reading future books by author Richard Mabry.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Abingdon Press for the opportunity to read Medical Judgement by Richard Mabry in exchange for an honest review.

 

Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton – Steer Clear, Don’t Waste Your Time or Money

Posted in BookLook, Lynne Hinton, Sister Eve and the Blue Nun, Thomas Nelson Publishers by

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I hardly know where to begin my review about Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by author Lynne Hinton.  An alternate title for this book might be Sister Eve the Lying Nun.

This is the second book I’ve ready by Lynne Hinton.  I like mystery and suspense novels, especially by Christian authors that weave their Christian faith into the storyline and characters.  This book does not even come close to that.

My objections?  The first thing that caught my attention was that the main character Sister Eve lied; repeatedly lied throughout the story.  Purposeful and intentionally lying by a nun seemed rather incongruent with a character who is supposed to be a person of faith.  The character doesn’t express any grief or sorrow over her sin.  She doesn’t seem to acknowledge or be aware that lying is bad or that it’s a sin that Christ died for.  Not only does this character lie, she steals, compromises a crime scene and hopes that Father Oliver, the head of the monastery, will remain silent about her senseless and wrong actions.  Secondly, throughout this book Eve makes the stupidest decisions and she lacks common sense.  She needlessly puts herself in danger and refuses to accept help or seek help when she needs it.

For brevity’s sake I’ll wrap up my objections.  Eve, for no explained reason seems to have a serious mistrust of police.  She is prideful and arrogant in thinking she is the be all and end all in solving crimes.  So much so that she not only compromises the crime scene but she steals a key piece of evidence.  What didn’t make a lick of sense is that once she established that someone had been murdered she didn’t have a sense of urgency on calling the police or concern that there may be a murderer lurking about and she may not be safe.  That’s just the beginning for Eve’s stupid decisions.  This book was painful to read.  More than anything Eve was irritating and not someone I want to read about.

Obviously, when I read a book about a nun I know that there may be things from the Catholic faith brought up.  I found the differences between Protestant Christianity and Catholic faith disconcerting.  For example, when Eve was praying to the saints, but not to God.

It seemed as if the author was agenda driven about women and the church.  In this story Eve expresses thoughts that women are oppressed by the church.  Late in the story, another character concurs with her feelings.

There was nothing much of Christian faith shared in this book.  There was a scene that seemed reminiscent of new age philosophy when Eve is injured.  It doesn’t square with Biblical Christianity.

Was there anything likable in this book?  I did like Eve’s dad Captain Jack.  He seemed to care about his daughter and had some common sense.

All in all, I thought this book was bad, really bad.  Theologically, it’s out to lunch.  The main character does things that don’t make any sense.  I was sorely disappointed by this book.

Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this book.  Steer clear, don’t waste your time or money on Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

The Armor of God – Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare – by Pastor Gregory Brown

Posted in Bible Study, Pastor Gregory Brown, The Armor of God by

Armor of God - Gregory Brown

When Pastor Gregory Brown presented me with the opportunity to read his newest Bible study, The Armor of God – Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare, I said yes without delay.  Previously I had read his Bible study on the book of Philippians – Pursing Spiritual Maturity – and I appreciated that Pastor Brown is a solid Bible teacher.

Pastor Brown has once again has shown himself to be a 2 Timothy 2:15 kind of pastor and teacher.  He is a workman approved rightly dividing the Word of truth.  He preaches Christ and Him crucified.

Pastor Brown has done a thorough study of Ephesians 6:10-20 and it’s evident in his exposition of the Scripture.  He uses Scripture to interpret Scripture.  He uses Scripture to give examples on what we should do or not do, and take heed and learn from other’s failures.  He shares some keen insights into the armor God has provided for the saints to wear so we can be victorious in this battle.  Pastor Brown takes the Word of God seriously and knows the power of God’s Word in a believer’s life to help us grow in holiness, obedience and sanctification.

Something I especially appreciate about Pastor Brown’s studies is that he doesn’t presume that the readers are Christians.  He knows that there will be some who are in church or in a Bible study, but not in Christ.  He shows through Scripture how you can be saved from sin and know with assurance of your salvation in Christ.

I was challenged, reproved, corrected and encouraged as I read this study on The Armor of God by Pastor Gregory Brown.  I highly recommend this Bible study.  It would be good for the individual who wants to better understand Ephesians and the Armor of God.  It would also be a good study for a small group or to prepare a Bible study leader teaching this passage.

Are you tired of feeling like you are losing spiritual battles?  Maybe it’s time for you to dig deeper in to God’s Word and learn how you can be equipped to Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare.

I would like to thank Pastor Gregory Brown for the opportunity to read his new Bible study, The Armor of God – Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare, in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

If you would like to know more about Pastor Gregory Brown and his Bible studies, you may want to visit his website:  Gregory Brown

 

Before I Forget – by B. Smith and Dan Gasby – A Painful but Valuable Resource For Those Facing Alzheimer’s

Posted in Alzheimer's by

How do I write a book review on something that’s personal, not just a subject of interest?  How do I write a review on a book that stirs up memories and emotions from the six most difficult years of my life?  That’s my challenge as I try to sum up on thoughts on Before I Forget by B. Smith and Dan Gasby with Michael Shnayerson.

I looked at this book, Before I Forget, and read the description a number of times before I decided to take the leap and read B. Smith and Dan Gasby’s experience on the Alzheimer’s.  I knew it would bring back the memories from the years my mother battled Alzheimer’s; a losing a battle she and our family had to endure.

Before I Forget was indeed painful to read; but I urge you to read it anyway.  It’s made all the more painful because B. is far too young to endure the indignities that Alzheimer’s inflicts on her daily and ultimately the robbery of her memories, her personality and finally physically as she succumbs to this horrible disease.  But I thank God for B. and her beloved husband Dan Gasby who are willing to be open and transparent and be the face of Alzheimer’s to help educate people and raise awareness and funding for this important and hugely impacting ugly, ugly awful disease.

Before I Forget would have been very helpful when I was going through this with my mother.  I would have found relief and comfort knowing that others have felt similar emotions that I experienced.  Dan shared a lot of information about various treatments that may be beneficial and the latest drug research.  Some progress has been made since my mother died in 2008.  One of the biggest advances is being able to diagnose Alzheimer’s with a PET scan.  Just a few years ago that wasn’t possible.

It was alarming and disheartening to read about the disparity of funding for Alzheimer’s compared to other diseases, especially considering the number of people and families affected.  I had never heard about the greater incidence of Alzheimer’s in the African –American community, nor the reluctance of people in that community to participate in medical studies.  I was stunned to read about the Tuskegee research which was unconscionable at best and criminal at worst.  After reading about that, I can understand why some people might be jaded and hesitant to participate in medical research.  I applaud Dan’s persuasive arguments to participate in spite of research history.

I appreciated the detailed explanations of the various stages of Alzheimer’s.  That would have been very helpful, not only to understand what stage my mother was in, but also to know what the road up ahead was going to be like.

What I loved the most in this book was the open sharing from B. and Dan, her husband, as he is watching the woman he loves robbed daily.  How blessed they both are, but especially B. to have a man committed to being there with her and for her and her advocate.  Their daughter Dana has been a huge support and help.

One word of caution, if you are offended by profanity, I want you to be aware that there is some salty language in this book, but not a lot. I found myself sad that Dan and B. do not have the benefit of faith in Christ to undergird them and carry them through each day along with the support of a church family.  I pray that they will meet God in the midst of this battle.

One memorable line from Dan was, “Don’t fear Alzheimer’s.  Hate it!  And Fight Back – with the one weapon we have, money, to develop the drug that finally beats it.”

I highly recommend Before I Forget by B. Smith and Dan Gasby.  I wish I had this book when my mother battled Alzheimer’s.  I recommend this book to anyone who is stricken with this wretched disease as well as the family and friends whose lives have been or will be greatly impacted.

I would like to thank Blogging for Books and Harmony Books for the opportunity to read Before I Forget in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

A Perfect Day

Posted in Dallas Arboretum, Springtime by

Yesterday I was able to go with my friend Julie to the Dallas Arboretum.  We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.  Below are some of my favorite pictures from the day.

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None Like Him by Jen Wilkin – An Effective Tool To Help You Become a God-Fearing Woman (Which is the beginning of wisdom)

Posted in Crossway Publishers by

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It was my privilege to read Jen Wilkin’s newest book None Like Him – 10 Ways God Is Different From Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing).  As a student in her Bible study class I was excited for the opportunity to read her latest release.  If it was anything like her Bible studies, I knew I would be challenged and indeed I was.

In None Like Him, Jen takes a look at God through His unique attributes: Infinite, Incomprehensible, Self-Existent, Self-Sufficient, Eternal, Immutable, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent and Sovereign.  I felt like she was holding up a gem and looking at the different facets of God as the light shines through them.  She does this through comparison looking at what God has revealed about Himself in Scripture and contrasting that to how different we are as humans.

Jen effectively helped me to see God more clearly and look at myself in the mirror of God’s Word (not always a pretty picture).  Because she is open and transparent, it makes some of the hard things she shares and confronts the reader with more tolerable.  Especially in light of the good goal of becoming a God-fearing woman.

There were times I felt like Jen had been reading my diary because what she expressed captured my thoughts, feelings and experiences.  I highlighted many passages in this book to look back on.  I especially appreciate the tools she has at the end of each chapter.  She includes verses to meditate on that highlight the attribute of God studied in that chapter.  Also included are thought provoking questions for reflection and the invitation to write out a pray to God.

I highly recommend None Like Him by Jen Wilkin.  This is a wonderful book.  Even though I received a free copy of the e-book, I’m going to purchase a hardcopy so I can go through this again at my own pace and take a closer at each attribute of God.  This summer I am hoping to join with friends as we go through None Like Him during our break from Bible study.  I also want to purchase some additional copies of this book to share with family and friends.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Crossway Publishers for the opportunity to read None Like Him by Jen Wilkin in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

 

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips – Gifted Storyteller

Posted in Bethany House, Litfuse by

The Inheritance

It’s been many years since I’ve read a book by Michael Phillips but the storyline of his newest book, The Inheritance, drew me in. I’m so glad for this opportunity to reconnect with this author for he is a gifted storyteller.

The Inheritance tells the story of the Tulloch family through the generations who have lived on the fictional island of Whales Reef which is part of the Shetland Islands of Scotland. Following the unexpected death of laird Macgregor Tulloch the fate of the Tulloch legacy and fortune hangs in the balance while the courts determine who the rightful heir is. The community of Whales Reef is impacted as well as everyone awaits the news of who will be their new laird. How will their village be affected? Will their way of life continue on and be protected or are changes coming their way? How does a young woman over 3,400 miles away in Washington DC factor into the equation? To find out, you are going to want to read The Inheritance.

Author Michael Phillips knows how to weave a good story. He starts by unveiling the storyline and weaves in a cast of characters that seem to come alive. After reading this story I feel like I could take the ferryboat from Lerwick and step on to the island of Whales Reef and walk down the street and see the people I’ve been reading about. The author takes the time to develop the characters. He really captures the unique way of life on the Shetland Islands and the accent was captured when the characters spoke.

I liked the character David Tulloch and thought his character was well developed. David’s interaction with people seemed to reflect a genuine Christian faith, but he didn’t speak about it, pray, read the Bible or go to church. I would like to have better understood the character of Loni. The reader learns about how she was raised, but faith doesn’t seem to be evident in her current life. Towards the end of the story she expresses an interest in the Christian faith and shows appreciation her family heritage. The other character I would have liked to have seen better developed is Hardy who seemed rather one dimensional. One character who did openly share his faith was Sandy Innes as he prayed and interacted with Loni. I loved this character.

A Christian author is in a unique position and has a huge opportunity to share the soul saving message of the Gospel. I wish that had been done in this book. I struggled somewhat because the Christian faith and church were distorted in the beginning of this book because of false teachers that were part of the story. The characters just seemed to stop going to church altogether. Another concern I have is that some of the thoughts and feelings expressed don’t line up with Biblical theology. An example is when David was recalling an incident from his youth (page 251), “His quest for the great Fatherhood of the universe had begun.”

I recommend The Inheritance by Michael Phillips for its rich storyline and interesting characters; not sound Biblical theology. The story starts out a little slow, but it’s worth pressing through. I look forward to reading additional books in this series. Michael is very adept at writing historical fiction and draws the reader in.

I would like to thank Litfuse and Bethany House for the opportunity to read The Inheritance in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Inheritance Giveaway

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inheritance by Michael Phillips please click on the link below:

https://promosimple.com/ps/9735

Target Is Missing the Mark

Posted in Target Boycott by

Target

Target
An ironic name for a store
That is missing the mark

In a world gone mad
Run by feelings
Thought and reason are irrelevant

Right and wrong no longer matter
Truth has been abandoned
In favor of what feels good

Beware when the left redefines words
The word sex has been jettisoned
Gender is now in

Male, female
Why thinkest thou so narrow
Your “gender” is now what you feel

Chromosomes…who needs them
Who cares what body parts you have
Choose the bathroom that feels right to you

Who cares if a woman wants privacy
So what if a mother is concerned about their child
Safety and privacy now trumped by feelings

Caution my friend, the door has been opened wide
Quietly in will slip the sexual predator
The child molester looking for their target

Transgender…unsure about just who they are
Deserving of compassion
For they too are created in God’s image

But is an open bathroom
The way to go
No one was denied their rights to use the restroom

Not that it will make a huge difference
But my business and money
Will be spent elsewhere

At retailers that respect all customers
Companies which put safety and privacy first
No more shopping at Target…it just doesn’t feel right

 

By Susan Wachtel
April 26, 2016

Do This In Remembrance of Me

Posted in Communion, Good Friday by

Do This In Remembrance of Me-2

 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. – 1 Corinthians 11:26

Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity by Gregory Brown – A thorough exposition and study of God’s Word

Posted in Bible Study, Philippians Pursuing Spiritual Maturity by

Philippians Pursuing Spiritual Maturity

Recently I was offered the opportunity to read Pastor Gregory Brown’s new Bible study Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity – The Bible Teacher’s Guide. I had not heard of Pastor Brown or his Bible studies before so I looked up information on him and found favorable reviews and feedback on his work. So I agreed to take a look at his new Bible study in the book of Philippians and I’m so glad I did.

In these spiritually perilous days in which we live in, it’s heartening to find a solid Bible study from a Pastor and teacher who takes the Word of God seriously. Pastor Brown does solid and thorough exposition of the Scriptures. He begins the study talking about whom the author is, the historical background and purpose of the book. He goes on to look at what are the signs and marks of a healthy (and unhealthy) church, its members and how we can develop spiritual maturity, grow in our walk with Christ and with body of Christ where we worship and serve.

I found this study very convicting and challenging. As you work through this study you will be examining yourself according to God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you through the washing of the Word.

If you want an easy Bible study that will make you feel good and doesn’t take much time, this probably isn’t it. But if you want to grow and mature in your walk with Christ and have real and lasting changes in your inner man which are reflected outwardly, then this study is for you. If you want to be better equipped to lead a Bible study, this book will give you a solid understanding of the book of Philippians.

I would like to thank Pastor Gregory Brown for the opportunity to read his Bible study Philippians – Pursuing Spiritual Maturity. I look forward to going through other studies by this gifted teacher. Be sure to check out his website, Gregory Brown, where you can find his Bible studies, sermons, articles and blog.

I was offered this book free in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

If I Run by Terri Blackstock – Will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end

Posted in BookLook, Terri Blackstock, Zondervan Publishers by

_240_360_Book.1818.cover

I’m a fan of Terri Blackstock’s writing so I was excited at the opportunity to read her newest mystery If I Run.

This book is much different from her other stories. If I Run is written in the first person narrative from two character’s perspectives, Casey and Dylan.

The story jumps right in to a mystery from the first sentence with Casey leaving the scene of a murder. Over time the reader learns more about who was murdered and why and why in the world Casey is on the run.

Shortly thereafter readers are introduced to Dylan, a friend of the murder victim, who was hired by family to help bring into custody the chief murder suspect Casey.

Why is Casey fleeing the scene? If she’s really innocent why doesn’t she hang around to defend herself? After all, won’t the evidence exonerate her if indeed she is innocent? Does Dylan really want to find the person who murdered his friend? Or is he hunting Casey down just for the money? Will truth prevail or will evil triumph?

To get answers to those questions, you’ll have to read If I Run by Terri Blackstock. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

One of the things I appreciate about reading Christian writers is when they incorporate the Christian faith into the characters. Unlike some of her other books the main characters aren’t believers. They’ve had some exposure to Christianity, but they aren’t believers yet.

Both characters, Casey and Dylan were very likable. I’ve got to confess, Casey had me pulling my hair out at times. But I realized that the character reminded me of real life. We can’t control what other people do and the decisions they make and they have their reasons for making them.

I recommend Terri Blackstock’s newest book If I Run. Readers will enjoy Terri’s unveiling the characters and storyline one layer at a time. I forewarn you, you may need to stay up late to finish this book.

I would like to thank BookLook and Zondervan Publishers for the opportunity to read Terri Blackstock’s newest book If I Run in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Can I Just Say – Open Letter to Senator Marco Rubio and Mr. Donald Trump

Posted in Uncategorized by

Rubio Trump Debate

Can I just say, Senator Rubio and Mr. Trump, that the level that you two have taken the Presidential debates to is a new low.  For goodness sakes, parents shouldn’t have to be ready to cover their children’s ears while watching a debate.

Senator Rubio, you were wrong to even go down the road of making an insult on another candidate’s body parts much less adding sexual innuendo.  You were absolutely wrong!  As a Christian, I also want to remind you the Bible speaks against course jesting.

During last night’s debate, you had the opportunity to step up and play the man.  To publically apologize to Mr. Trump for insulting him in a childish manner and to the citizens of this country for lowering the discourse of this election to the level of junior high boys.

Mr. Trump, you had the opportunity to turn the other cheek and not even bring up the topic.  You could have said, “Let’s not even go down that road.  Instead let’s talk about the issues that matter.”  That’s what’s really important to the American citizens.  Instead you chose to answer back a juvenile foolish insult.  You’ve got to stop taking the bait Mr. Trump.

Do you honestly think that any voter gives a hoot and a holler about the candidates body parts?  Really?  Seriously?

What we do care about is your mind, thinking, values, character, courage, integrity, knowledge and experience.  We care about your understanding of the foundation and principles our nation was built on.  We want to know what you think about the United States Constitution, laws and the separation of powers.  We want to know if you respect a citizen’s rights for freedom of religion.  That’s just to name a few things.

We want candidates that act like men of integrity and focus on the issues.  It’s time to step up and be gentlemen and act like decent, respectable men.

@realdonaldtrump @marcrubio #GOPDebate