BOOK REVIEW- Plain Jane and The Enforcer(# 8 of Plain Jane Series) by Tmonique Stephens

   

Two alpha A-type personalities should never be in a relationship. Good thing because Bruno and Nevaeh want nothing to do with each other... Until a friend’s wedding changes everything.

No biggie. Sex between consenting adults with no expectations of anything deeper is perfectly fine. As long as it never happens again.

But it does happen again.

And again.

 And again.

No post-coitus cuddles and no strings attached. It’s the perfect arrangement for two people who have no intention of falling in love.

When one of them catches feelings and breaks the rules, the strings attaching them are suddenly steel cables.

There’s a thin line between love, hate, and obsession. And no line when you’re a victim to all three. It’ll never work. So, one of them has got to go. Who will it be? The mob enforcer with everything to lose? Or the chick with no filter who’s lost everything and has nothing left except vengeance.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

I will say that this is definitely an adult story. Just so you know that going in.

Both Bruno and Nevaeh make really good main characters.  Nevaeh may have started out a loving, woman who was unloved, pretty much forgotten by family, and used by men but she's coming out of that shell.  NO one is going to use her ever again, she's over that and has moved on to the the one to enforce HER rules. 

Bruno didn't give too hoots for any woman, certainly not enough to change HIS rules. He also had his heart broken by a woman he trusted.  So he was done with that. He had his group of men that he trusted with his life and would give his life to trust them.  They all worked together to keep things together for their line of work.  Problem was so many of the men had fallen in love with strong women and they were happy, and building a life.

Something that really got to me was Bethany's part in the story.  She's a woman that Nineveh had found temp work with.  Nineveh was unexpectedly drawn to help her.  

Plenty of danger, enemies with some of them hiding in plain sight. You just know things are NOT going to work out well for those enemies.  

Towards the end of the story one of those enemies punishment did make me cringe.  

There is a good Epilogue and some good news for our couple. There is also a question that needs to be answered about another girl's parentage.  Which sounds like a lead in to another book.  Which does sound like a good idea. 

I just have to add how interesting the book covers are for this series and this cover doesn't disappoint either.  I REALLY like them. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

+BOUGHT/BOOK REVIEW- One Word from God Can Change Your Destiny

   

God has a magnificent plan for your life! Perhaps you've seen glimpses of it in the talents and abilities He's given you or even in the dreams you have for your future. But transforming your dreams into reality requires a combination of faith and hope. That's the kind of hope you'll find in this book the kind that forges a vision for your future! In this powerful book, you will gain the insight needed to place you on the road to your destiny and keep you there! Learn how to distinguish God's voice to find His specific plan for you and to sidestep any obstacles in your path. Allow the Word of God to build success in you and bring your dreams to life! Find the keys to realizing your destiny revealed by: Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, and Happy Caldwell Don't put your dreams on hold another day! Find out today how One Word From God Can Change Your Destiny...forever!

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS

It may be smaller but it packs quite the punch ! A good one.  

There's just so much here that there is no other way to review it than to say it is FULL of helpful Truths ! And you really need this book if you are in a jam.

BOOK REVIEW- Rock Bottom (Sisterhood #35) by Fern Michaels

   

General Fiction (Adult) 

 The Sisterhood: a group of women from all walks of life bound by friendship and years of adventure. Armed with vast resources, top-notch expertise, and a loyal network of allies around the globe, the Sisterhood will not rest until every wrong is made right.


Isabelle “Izzy” Flanders and Yoko Akia are beginning a new project—an indoor/outdoor café that will be the cornerstone of a market village. Izzy knows just where to get the project off the ground: her old college classmate, Zoe Danfield, now vice president of a huge construction corporation. But the Zoe that Izzy reencounters doesn’t seem like her old, confident friend. This Zoe is tense and stressed, and Izzy eventually learns why.

Buildings and bridges have been collapsing all over the world, causing hundreds of deaths, and Zoe suspects her firm’s inferior foundation materials are the cause. When she asks questions, she gets told to keep her nose out of what doesn’t concern her. Zoe knows someone has to blow the whistle and reveal the truth. Who better than the Sisterhood? But this adversary has money, power, and resources to match the Sisterhood’s—and no intention of giving up without a fight . . . 

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

A good foundation is laid making it like a revisit to old friends or a way for new readers to clue in. Whatever it is that you need. There will be quite a few people in the story to get to know for new readers.

Something that was something that slowed the story down for me was the repetition when it came to Zoe was being introduced to a couple of the group at a time.  Each time what her problem was gone over.  Repeated until they finally were all together in the War Room.  Not everyone was available but enough were. 

Things do pick up as we get an inside look at two people who were behind all the evil.  Not to worry though we also get to know several people who are innocent bystanders and they do come out smelling like a rose.  I liked that. And Zoe is definitely one of the innocent bystanders. She was an interesting, unique person.  The Sisterhood really gets things moving when they get involved.  It's a good thing they have a large team because they have a lot of plates spinning in the air.  But it was fascinating seeing them pull it all together.  And the punishment that the team pulls off, benefits many other people when it came to people getting their spoils.   But the punishment the two get personally will definitely NOT benefit THEN one little bit. 

Just a bit of fun. I had to look up what a pork-pie hat was though because I had no clue as an American what that was.  and this is it:

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

  _NETGALLEY-

+BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- An Invitation to the Supernatural Life by Michele Perry

 

An unlikely missionary shares miraculous personal stories of God's power and shows how you, too, can experience daily, life-changing, supernatural encounters with God.

AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK 

 5+ STARS

 I liked her opening introduction when she said that walking in God's supernatural was never meant to be a complicated exercise only available to the spiritually elite. 

 What a charming, innocent seeking of a pivotal question. At 15 years old she wanted to know what God sounds like if He even still speaks.  That propelled her into an adventure she never expected. I liked how she got one of the confirmations that she was hearing God. It was  when she realized she had a thought was beyond anything she could ever have thought of.  

The section about inner vows was enlightening.  As was the information about being like the Berean Jews. (Acts 7:11) They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Ten Myths about the supernatural life will really open your eyes. She doesn't leave you hanging there because there are some steps that will help.

There is just SO many good things that come in reading this book.  We're not just talking nuggets, it's more like good boulders of revelation.

Each chapter has Discussion Questions and Activation's at the end. 

 

---- My notes:

Pg. 62-Ask Jesus to show you something in Heaven.  Then write it down.

Pg. 89-It's easy to be impressed by someone's supernatural giftings.  She celebrates the gifts of others  but refuses to be impressed by any one or anything other than Jesus.

Pg. 95- Saying Good Morning Holy Spirit, ths greeting, acknowledges the angelic and kingdom ream operating around my life. What you acknowledge you empower to function around you.

 

READ FREE WITH HOOPLA-BOOK REVIEW- Switch On Your Brain Every Day by Dr. Caroline Leaf

   

365 Devotions for Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health

According to researchers, the vast majority--a whopping 75-98 percent--of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. What we think about truly affects us both physically and emotionally. In fact, fear alone triggers more than 1,400 known physical and chemical responses in our bodies, activating more than thirty different hormones! Today our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses. In Switch On Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf gave readers a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns. Now she helps readers live out their happier, healthier, more enjoyable lives every day with this devotional companion to her bestselling book. Readers will find here encouragement and strategies to reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life--every day

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

Not sure that I'm going to make it all the way through the book because of my book loan.  I didn't realize it was a 365 days devotion.  I guess I didn't read the information as closely as I should have.  I really wasn't looking forward to a devotional but I'm glad that I did get it to read. And no, I didn't make it all the way through but what I read was really good.

The brainy tip for Day 8 was enlightening.  Proverbs 15:13 about a glad heart makes a cheerful countenance.  The tip was about a real, deep meaningful smile called the Duchenne smile.  Learned something there because I never heard of it before.  Day tip 9 also got my attention with the scripture and the tip to: laughter and play are incredibly healthy; no matter how old you are. 

Tip Day 10: Your brain and body respond to your mind.  Now that is something that I am finding that is more truth that I've discovered for myself over the last year or so. Okay that is enough, I was only give you a taste.

I read or buy very few devotionals because for me I find most just don't minister to me in a deep enough way.  There are a few and I think this one has so many great nuggets that I just might HAVE to buy it.

+BOUGHT- BOOK REVIEW- It's Good to Be Queen(: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba) by Liz Curtis Higgs

 

Gain wisdom from a legendary royal! Longing to deepen her understanding of God's ways, the queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to sit at Solomon's feet. In It's Good to be Queen, Liz Curtis Higgs invites you to join this celebrated woman as she learns how to be bold, seek counsel, admit wrongdoing, and above all else, to honor the King of Kings. 

AMAZON Paperback LINK 

 

Right off the bat I have to say that I loved the cover for this book.  I loved it when I bought it and I still love it.  There's just something about it that stirred me. 

Why have we overlooked Sheba?  The author makes a good point when she says that Esther was easy to like and Jezebel was easy to hate.  She also brings up the fact that Sexy Sheba is only in Hollywood.  But Sheba did start out as a pagan Queen.  It helped that she loved and desired truth and searched for wisdom.

I enjoyed how this journey was put together. The author has some personal experiences woven in being vulnerable and sharing some of her near misses in her walk with God.

Some of my favorite insights is when it came to Encouragement,and Learning to Receive, that it teaches us Humility.  There are plenty other insights as well.  

There is Discussion Questions and a Study Guide at the back of the book.  Also a more in-depth questions and study as each Chapter has it's own questions too. 

---A couple of final notes for me:

Pg. 117- "according to 1 Kings 10:10 Queen Sheba gave 120 talents of gold" Her favorite translations says "Gold weighing as much as 120 small men".Really small men because a talent weighted only about 75 pounds.  Anyway you weigh it, "4 1/2 tons (ERV) or "nine thousand pounds (EXB) of gold is a staggering amount.

-Liz's husband received a gift from her that meant so much.  He could spell out the words "Soli Deo Gloria"  which means in Latin, " Glory to God Alone". 

BOOK REVIEW- The Whole Time (The D'Angelos #4) by Catherine Bybee

   

Romance | Women's Fiction 

Description

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go.

Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager—without a husband, thank you very much. But even on a restaurant salary, she soon finds herself strapped for cash. Salena’s never been afraid of living on the wild side, though, so she takes on a side hustle that’ll raise big bucks…and eyebrows, if anyone finds out.

Tattooed biker Ryan is the youngest of the wealthy Rutledge wine family and has never dreamed of rings, forever, or continuing the family business. He’s perfectly happy living his own life and helping out hardworking folks in his own way.

When these two independent singles spot each other at a Rutledge-D’Angelo wedding, the attraction is instant. But as their friendship with benefits evolves into something more, the secrets Salena’s keeping—from family, friends, and Ryan—threaten the happily ever after she never knew she wanted.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

I have to say that I liked this book but with some reservations. Salena really was a spunky, original kind of woman that I did like.  She marched to the beat of her own drum fighting resistance most of the way. What was the resistance?  Family trying to force her into their old world mold and ideas.  It gets pretty exhausting for her many times, being pressured and put down so much.  But she was so funny and bold with others, which made you think, "What's coming out of her mouth next?"

 Ryan has his own resistance, when it comes to being his own man.  But at least he has had more success with his parents than Salena has gotten.  I couldn't help but like him.  Several people told him he was taking a risk when they noticed how Salena was drawing him in.  He just said she was worth it and called her "Trouble".  She didn't mind that title at all.  If you want emotions in a story this one will have plenty of them in a non-mushy way.

 The only downside for me was so much sexual innuendo, and while there weren't explicit scenes, they do figure in.

I did like the secondary people that surrounded both main characters.  Especially brash, direct, 9 year old,  Frannie D'Angelo.  She was hilarious! She WAS like Salina in the way that you never knew what was going to come out of her mouth next.

There are several other things going on in the story that adds even more depth to the story.

The ending was good and the Epilogue even better.  

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

-NETGALLEY-

BOOK REVIEW- Never Wager with a Wallflower: A Novel (The Merriwell Sisters Book 3) by [Virginia Heath]

Romance

Description

Never Wager with a Wallflower is the third and final delightful installment in Virginia Heath's Merriwell Sisters Regency rom-com series.

Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?

AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

 This story had main characters that were shown with great depth. As did the people who surrounded them. Venus and Galahad (Gal) were each clever in their own ways.  It was like Venus had so much family around her who loved her, even if they interfered from time to time. Where Galahad had almost no one when it came to family.    Although it had people with some serious issues and pasts, it also managed to have some humor to it at times too.  I just wish that I had liked it more. 

It does get points for a good ending and epilogue.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

  NETGALLEY

BOOK REVIEW- Skye Fall (A Pressley-Coombes Romantic Suspense) by Paige Edwards

  .

 Christian | Mystery & Thrillers | Romance  

 

Description

Isla Montjoy has it all, a new career in nursing and a police officer boyfriend she adores―until she stumbles across proof of her boyfriend’s corruption. Determined to protect his secrets, he attacks her and leaves her for dead. But against all odds, she lives. On the run for two years, Isla’s life is far from assured as her would-be murderer doggedly tracks her across the UK, intent on silencing her forever.

On a climbing trip in the Scottish Highlands, Ben Pressley-Coombes encounters Isla, a beautiful woman who promptly pepper sprays him without warning or reason. After that rough start, Ben hopes never to lay eyes on her again―but fate has other ideas. Forced into an uneasy association that transforms into a deep-seated romance, the pair soon faces a deadly threat: Isla’s relentless pursuer has discovered her hiding place. If she is to survive, she and Ben must outmaneuver the dirty cop and his treacherous plot to snare her.

 AMAZON LINK  

5 STARS

 This was a beautifully woven story.  Isla and Ben were great main characters, each having quite a depth to them.  Ben's father also was a joy and I was glad that he had a part to play.  He was a smart businessman who had made an error when it came to hiring someone.  But he never really lost the twinkle in his eyes. Ben & his interesting family history that came through his mother added a twist when it came to falling in love. 

The language chart at the beginning was a helpful addition; although I didn't really need it. I did enjoy the crossover between England and America.

There was such awesome world building, like words painting a picture.  And the evil that was chasing Isla ruthlessly was also done so well.  The resources that he had and the way he used them was not only scary but shown brilliantly. So were the emotions from both Isla and Ben on their independent issues and as they deal with each other.

Everything comes together towards the end in a believable and satisfying way.   

Yes, God will be mentioned but that part doesn't overwhelm the great story.  I say that for anyone who don't want a Christian story.  Don't pass this great book on that basis, it's really that good. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

-NETGALLEY-

 

 

BOOK REVIEW- Blind Trust (A Tess Barrett Thriller) by Michael W. Sherer

    

Mystery & Thrillers | Teens & YA 

 

Description

Who can you trust when you can’t even see?

Life used to be so easy when she was a royal. All she had to worry about was her wardrobe and makeup. Tess Barrett doesn’t know who to trust anymore. Alice, maybe, the long-time manager of the Barrett household, but Alice has all the warmth and charm of a rattlesnake on a snowy night. Not exactly the kind of person Tess wants to cuddle up to and confide in. as

Then there’s her personal assistant Oliver, who’s been acting like a jealous middle-school kid whenever their friend Derek is around. And Yoshi, the gardener and Tess’s martial arts teacher, suddenly seems to have secrets Tess never imagined. Tess even thinks her Uncle Travis might not be that bad since he let her go to homecoming, but he’s let Robyn back into their lives, the woman who Tess is sure tried to come between her parents.

Homecoming was the worst disaster imaginable. Bad enough that Oliver tried to kiss her (eww), but then a hired assassin attempted to kill her in front of half the school. Her quick reaction when he hesitated was all that saved her. Now, the principal wants her gone unless Travis provides extra security and metal detectors at all the entrances. Everyone hates her for it. Someone hates her so much that he—or she—posts a porno video made to look like Tess is the star.

With mid-term exams coming up, the deadline for college applications looming, and her AP Chemistry teacher threatening to make her drop the course, Tess is feeling more pressure than any senior should. None of it will make a bit of difference if she doesn’t find out who’s trying to have her killed. Tess, Oliver and Derek follow the money. When she discovers the trail leads to one of the most powerful men in Washington, D.C., and to someone in her father’s company, she’s no longer sure she wants to know the truth. 

Once the wheels are set in motion, though, there’s no turning back. And with every step she takes, Tess learns the conspiracy against her and everything she holds dear is far deeper and more dangerous than any of them had imagined. She’ll have to trust someone, and it will take every resource she can muster to get to the heart of what these dark forces want…if she survives.  

AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

It wasn't exactly what I was expecting !  But that really wasn't a bad thing either ! I had wondered how intense this could be.  As you read it, you will find it is way off the charts.  The world building was also off the charts good.  The people had depth to them as well and coming from such different backgrounds and personalities. You want emotions?  This story will reel you in on that too.

I will point out that for me when it switched to a different person "speaking" the transition was a little bit rough.  It usually took me a few sentences to realize, "Oh this is ___ speaking."  That kind of threw me off at first but I did adjust.  Just saying that wasn't as comfortable for me to get into another P.O.V.   That said the story was well worth it. 

   Tess is probably the most conflicted person, who is also struggling with who can she trust  But look of the stuff she had to go through and sometimes she was selfish and kind of snarky.  But she's maturing by the end of the book.  Oh, wait that was only the end of this book.  I didn't realize when I chose it that it was a series. Enjoyable, edge of seat story ended up covering a lot of questions being answered after twisting and turning. The next book will be looking at least a few major questions left undone for now. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

-NETGALLEY-

BOOK REVIEW- CODE NAME:GEMINI (Zodiac Tactical #6)by Janie Crouch & Danielle Haas

 

  

Tasha Volkov has been on the run for three years from a brutal cartel who want her dead.
Aka: her family.

She already paid a heavy price for crossing them, and has the scars to prove it. Her only choice is to keep running, even if the tiny town of Pine Valley feels more like home to her than anywhere else she's ever been.

The last place Zodiac Tactical agent Andrew Zimmerman expected to find the missing Volkov sister was with his friends at the Crossroads Mountain Retreat in the mountains of Tennessee—a place for wounded law enforcement and veterans to heal.

Tasha may not have been the one who gave the order that killed his wife—and very nearly killed him and his twin baby girls—but she can lead Andrew to the man who did.

And Andrew's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

No matter how much Tasha's vulnerability pulls at him. No matter if everything about her screams innocent, not guilty. No matter how his gut says to keep her safe and close to him.

He thinks he knows all her secrets. But he doesn't.

Turns out, neither does she...

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

This was a 5 star story all the way.  Different in some of the best ways.  It was emotionally off the charts, without being mushy.  Both Andrew and Tasha they really pulled at the heart strings.  

The team that is more like brothers are there for Andrew and are willing to help him in any way that they can.  The team is trying to put a stop to the very violent Volkov family.  Roman Volkov is now the head of the group and is even worse than any before. 

Tasha, she doesn't want to run anymore but what can a girl do when Roman wants to kill her? She loves the town she landed.  As hard as she fought getting close to anyone, Laura has managed to "chisel" her way in.  So one more fear is placed on Tasha's shoulders.  She doesn't want her now best friend to get hurt just because she's around her.

Put your seat belt on for more surprises, twists and dangers as the story winds down.  It all comes to a good ending.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.” 

+BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Taking on Goliath: (How to Stand Against the Spiritual Enemies in Your Life and Win)by Barbara J. Yoder

   

We live in a spiritual war zone, and we need to become a godly warrior generation that can confront the forces attempting tot thwart the purposes of God for His people today. Only an encounter with God will bring revolution and a supernatural faith that will apprehend the impossible, Taking on Goliath inspires the believer to arise as a warrior and go into all the world and change it.

 AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK

There are several points that really got my attention. There are demonic structures that sit at entrance to the new place. They are there to intimidate you and me. They are there to make us to waver and to threaten us with death. This evil power is trying to keep us in our old place of defeat or at least in a former arena of authority.  This power must be overcome. After David overcame Goliath, he was given a new place of being seen as a warrior. 

I also liked how the author explained what the Hebrew word Philistine meant. Meaning, "rolling up and down, migratory, changing geographical positions, rolling in dust or wallowing in self." 

Philistines battle against their enemies on several fronts  one time. That rang so true, since I see many people battling against challenges and it is coming against them in multiple ways at once. 

 Warriors are guardsmen.  The word "shamar" in Hebrew means guard. And it means that part of your warrior anointing is that you will guard what you have been entrusted with. 

They are also passionate warriors to bring change in the fight against evil.  They want God's Kingdom to come. Not to be confused with physical assault, it's to bring spiritual change.  

The section about Ignorance Opens a Door to the enemy was also enlightening part with just the title catching my attention all on its own.

There is so much more to this book that I really can't add so this is just a taste. 

--------

Once again it is mentioned that you need to ask the right questions. 

God's warriors have a violent spirit. We are not terrorists trying to overcome our country's government.  But our warfare is the fight against evil and to bring change for God's Kingdom. Warriors  are passionate for the Kingdom of God. I sure hope that doesn't get misunderstood. It was interesting to see that someone else brought that up too.

+BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Turning Your Adversity Into Victory by Jerry Sevelle

 

Savelle writes about God's plan for us, how we can stay focused on what God has for us and how we should prepare ourselves to allow Him to move mightily on our behalf.

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS

You get a really good look at the comparison between Negative effects and Positive effects of Hopelessness.   He makes a strong point that the positive effects has nothing to do with positive thinking. 

When he prays he expects results, but it's not arrogance.  If you pray for healing but don't expect to improve.  That is hopelessness. And hope deferred makes the heart sick which eventually affects the total person.  Good point. 

I like how the author wrote in ways that was easy to understand and relate to.  I enjoyed some of the personal stories that he shared as well as the Spiritual Laws.  All ending into the true fact that we have choices to make  Whether we will believe or not. 

 

_____

I especially liked when he mentioned that when Oral Roberts entered a room, they felt his presence.  Something came in with him. It changed the atmosphere, the same was said of Billy Graham. This is the way it should be with all  of us.  The anointing of the Lord should be so strong on us, that everywhere we go, people sense it. 

According to your expectation and your hope Philippians 1:20

+ BOUGHT/ BOOK REVIEW- Special Agent Hunter (Undercover FBI Book 10) by Mimi Barbour

 

Detective Cora Taylor isn’t expecting the cop who’d haunted her dreams for ten years to return and find her drunk, wearing a torn wedding dress, and surrounded by tiny, white puppies. Go figure her rotten luck. The last time they’d met, she’d been a sweet-looking rookie too fearful to shoot a killer who ended up later murdering a family of four. Guilt from that night changed her into a speed demon, a hardened detective with colorful language… in fact a whole new persona. One who wears too much makeup, bleaches her short messy hair, and has developed many professional skills that earn everyone’s respect.

Agent Kal Hunter remains flummoxed by the altered vision of the pony-tailed rookie he remembers as the sexy woman he sees today. Being OCD about most things in his world this unconventional female rings his bell constantly. Besides his need to have her assistance in stopping the ten-year-old, cold-case killer who’s again on a rampage, there is something about her he can’t resist. She’s her own boss, a cop who has no illusions. Yet when her shell is penetrated, there’s sweetness that rips a man to pieces. He has only one worry. When they meet up with the savage killer this time, will… can she take the shot?

BOUGHT @ AMAZON LINK 

5 STAR

A very unique story.   Starting with the very interesting main characters.  The first time that Cora and Kal meet back up is just as hilarious as the book information claims.  Although the reason that she is in that state is more serious.  As time goes on, it was easy to see why people adored Cora.  The tough detective with a heart as big as the sky when she needed to show it.  No wonder people would go out of their way for her.

Now, Kal took me a bit of time to warm up to.  Because his OCD ways made him fussy I wasn't sure about him.  And how in the world could wild Cora and fussy Kal work together as partners?  Partners in any way.  Kooky, Sam shows up and won't leave Kal alone even though Kal never wanted a dog.  But in this he really doesn't have a choice, Sam has adopted him and won't let go. 

He gave me many pages of enjoyment.  And so did the little fluffy puppy that decided that Cora was her person.  Cora really didn't have any idea how many people cared about her with such a passion.  Well, she knew her mother did and she did what she could to ease her mother's worry about her job.

Plenty of emotion, action, mysteries and that darn 10 year old case, that is cropping up again.  There is a startling discovery about what's going on with that.  With a dramatic ending and a H.E.A for Cora and Kal wrapping things up.   Oh, and finally a sweet, meaningful name for that puppy.

+BOUGHT- BOOK REVIEW- The Names of God by Marilyn Hickey

   

Each of God's names reveals a wonderful aspect about His nature that can meet your deepest needs, comfort you in times of personal tragedy, and release you to new heights of praise in times of joy. God is so vast that the heavens cannot contain likewise, His personality is so complex that one name cannot adequately describe Him. Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed Himself to His people through His various names. Marilyn's practical teaching on 19 different names of God will whet your appetite to pursue fully God's love and purpsoe for your life.

AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK 

5+ STARS

Finally, it was time. I had to go through my paper-book stash and start sorting them out.  I had already given quite a few to our local friends of the library collection.  Not only to help them raise money for the library but to also let others enjoy the books too.  I had this book in my hands and I remembered how excellent it was.  Of course, I had to open it up and take a look again. So.  That's how it happens that the Library won't be getting this one. Sorry, there will be other ones for you.  It's just too rich with content and I'm discovering answers to some questions and am revisiting other goodies.  Many of the Names of God I knew but Marilyn went even deeper with them. She really did her research adding names that I wasn't familiar with.  A woman of scripture all the way too. 

This one is now in my Keeper File for sure.  

 

 

 

Page 140- JEHOVAH ROPHE – Marilyn asked God what was the Balm of Gilead ? He answered in her spirit to look up GILEAD- it means “Praise”. What happens when you praise? You bring JEHOVAH ROPHE on the scene. You bring in healing.

BOOK REVIEW- Highland Surrender (Sons of Sinclair Book 5) by [Heather McCollum]

   .

Romance

Description

With his family’s honor on the line, Norse warrior Erik Halverson has no choice but to follow the orders of the royal house of Denmark. Now he must follow his destiny—and royal command—to sail to Scotland, find his enemy’s weakest link, and abduct her. Their mistake, of course, was thinking the Sinclair lass wouldn’t fight back.

From the moment her four brothers took control of their clan, Hannah Sinclair has learned to stand tall and defend herself. So when a big, brawny, and admittedly handsome warrior tries to abduct her, she isn’t about to give in. And the more he tries, the more she’s determined to make it as hard as possible...and enjoy it all the while.

Now Norway’s greatest warrior has a Highland hellcat on his hands, and Odin help him, he can’t resist her. But with the brutal Sinclair brothers coming after them, Erik is out of options. War is inevitable. And when a man is forced to choose between duty and passion, only one will win…

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

This was a book that had interesting main characters, interesting supporting people, great world building and what seemed to me a slow start. All of these things making it harder for me to rate.  There were just some parts that I liked more than others.  

I will say that the little girls, Libby and Trix do add a lot of mischief to the story.  Those little girls were so brave, and adventurous, which led them into a lot of trouble. Hey, they just wanted to help. 

Although it did start out slower as it laid the foundation, it wasn't slow as things began to come to a clever conclusion.  It was emotional as well as satisfying. 

 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

    -NETGALLEY-