Monday, January 30, 2012

A Lasting Impression - 5 stars



A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander 

Books like this make me want to don a beautiful southern belle dress and go out. Even if I just go grocery shopping!

Claire is an artist, but when a robbery goes awry and her father is murdered, she flees to Nashville. With no money, no friends and no family, she is desperate. She meets Sutton Monroe, who seems to show up at just the right moment. In a whirlwind, she finds herself with a job with one of the most wealthy women in Nashville. While Claire tries to continue painting, she realizes that the robbery was much more than just a whim. Sutton begins to doubt her, and she fears for her life.

I love the themes of grace and forgiveness in this book. Claire runs away from grace, feeling undeserving, but somehow the grace of God continues to pour over her. I find this so true to how God works in my life. So many times, I want to reject the grace of God since I don't deserve it. What a lie! God's grace is given to us as a gift, no one deserves it. My job is to just open up my arms and accept it! When Claire learns to do this, she sees how God intervenes in her life to work all things for good.

5 stars!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Shadow in Serenity - 4.5 stars


Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

I love Terri Blackstock, I think she is a great writer. Her stories weave Christian themes, romance and suspense together into a nice package. This story was no exception.

Carny Sullivan is suspicious, she isn't that way by nature, except when she senses a con. When a new man comes to town, Carny's suspicions flare up immediately. Although he claims to be the real deal, she knows that Logan Brisco is a con man at heart. Even his name screams, "CON MAN!" She makes it her personal mission to expose him for who he really is. In that endeavor, she finds herself forced to get personal with this charming man.

I really enjoyed this book. Terri Blackstock developed the characters and made them very believable. I found myself confused as to who I should 'root for' some chapters, I was angry at Logan and wanted Carny to be right. Other times, I found myself wishing she was wrong and hoping that Logan was truly who he said he was.

This book really made me think about how it is possible for anyone to change. Often times, people feel as if God could never accept them because of their past, but God accepts anyone who comes to Him. He didn't save those who were sinless, He came for the sinners:

Romans 5:8-
"God demonstrates His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

4.5 stars!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Healer - 5 stars

The Healer by Dee Henderson

This book made me want to change my career. Really. I began researching all about how to become a trauma psychologist for kids. Then I got married and that was that.

The Healer is a suspenseful ride, make sure you bring some tissues. It is also an emotional one.

Dee Henderson is back with another member of the O'Malley family. This time, Rachel is the one who seems to find disaster. A school shooting proves to be a challenge; not only for the students but also for the entire O'Malley family. Rachel must deal with her grief while being the support her family and the children so desperately need.

I found myself relating to Rachel a lot in this book. She loves other people, but tries to be strong. She has to learn to rely on God to get her through the tragedy and to keep her safe.

The Healer was definitely an emotional ride, but the suspense kept me up late reading. 5 stars!