The Rector: A Christian Murder Mystery (The Solo Ladies Bible Study Book 1) by Michael Hicks Thompson A Review

ABOUT THE RECTOR
The Rector: A Christian Murder Mystery (The Solo Ladies Bible Study Book 1)

If Solo, Mississippi, had any claim to fame in the 1950s, it was due to the small town’s proximity to notorious Parchman Farm Penitentiary.

When the rector of Calvary Episcopal Church dies suddenly, most locals believe he had a heart attack. Martha McRae, widow and owner of the local newspaper and boarding house, disagrees. She knows the young rector was carrying on with Martha’s friend, Mary Magden Grater, wife of the wealthy Capp Grater. Martha believes Capp had more than enough motive for murder.

Martha’s suspicions go unvoiced—in part because she hopes to shield Mary’s past from public scrutiny and in part because the new rector captures her attention. Father Cain’s brand of prosperity preaching and good works captivate everyone in town, but something about the man doesn’t sit well with Martha.

Then Cain is murdered. Everyone’s a suspect. Including Martha. When the new rector arrives, she encounters a different sort of puzzle. One that takes her into Parchman Penitentiary where she comes face to face with evil.

The Rector is a thrilling mix of mystery, suspense, and Christian allegory. Solo may be a speck on the map, but a story as large as the heavens is playing out in its boundaries

File Size: 2177 KB
Print Length: 372 pages
Publisher: Shepherd King Publishing, LLC (actual publication release date is February 7, 2016); 1 edition (February 8, 2016)
Publication Date: February 8, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01BLWL4L4

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MICHAEL HICKS THOMPSON was born in his mother's own bed. Raised on a farm in Mississippi, he claims to know a thing or two about small towns, strong women, and alcoholic men. And Jesus. He graduated from Ole Miss, served in the military, then received a masters degree in mass communication from the University of South Carolina. Married to Tempe Adams for forty-four years, he lives in Memphis, Tennessee. He's the father of three Christian men, grandfather of four, and mortgage holder of a home full of toys. The Rector is his sixth novel. Michael founded an advertising agency in 1977 that grew into a multi-city, multi-service marketing organization with 87 employees, which he sold in 2011. Michael has written movie scripts and novels, is a self-taught artist of religious works, a licensed offshore sailor, and scuba diver. He's traveled to Cuba twice on door-to-door evangelism mission trips, is a member of Kairos prison ministry, and member of IPC Church for 36 years.

MY REVIEW
  The Rector by Michael Hicks Thompson is a good novel. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed it. I love thrillers that involve murder and mystery and The Rector didn't disappoint.
   You won’t believe all of the twists and turns this novel takes you on. You will believe you know who was murdered the victim and why, but you will be mistaken. Not just one person is murdered or dies in this novel, but several. The plot really gets you thinking and guessing about what really happened.          
   The characters are well developed and believable. The one who solve the murders is a woman who is in a Bible study group. She never does everything alone, she always involves the sheriff or local police.  This book is witty and funny with very serious parts. That will make you think and get involved.  I really enjoyed The Rector. It is really a great mystery that has many thrilling suspenseful moments.
     Highly recommend. Great job to the author.

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Thank you to the  Author/Publicist  for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Heart Answers by Colleen Coble~A Review~

ABOUT THE HEART ANSWERS
 Jessica knows all about men—and how they should never be trusted.

Jessica DuBois is not used to getting her hands dirty or her heart broken. When her mother remarries and takes Jessica with her to rugged Fort Bridger, Wyoming, Jessica longs for her Boston parties and the control she used to have over her life.

Then she meets Reverend Clay Cole, a man who seems only to have eyes for God and his adoring three-year-old cousin. Clay is not just immune to Jessica's charms, he challenges her selfish attitude.

When tragedy brings this unlikely pair together, they must decide: Is love truly powerful enough to heal the soul?

Rich in historical detail, The Heart Answers takes us to 1867 Wyoming, where a misplaced socialite and an independent preacher ask the deepest questions of the heart.


Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (June 14, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0529103443
ISBN-13: 978-0529103444
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

MY REVIEW
  The Heart Answers by Colleen Coble is a good story of love and redemption. I’ve read many of Colleen’s books and this one isn’t my favorite.
  This is a series and I didn’t read the first two books, but didn’t have any trouble following along.
  The Reverend Clay Cole wasn’t a very good example of how to be a Christian. He didn’t believe that Jessica could become a better person and he gave up on her near the ending.
  I’ve heard others say that the first two books in this series Jessica was so evil that they had a hard time believing she would change.
  It was a good story, but didn’t care for how Jessica and Clay treated each other and how they fought so much. The only thing that kept them talking and seeing each other was Clay’s little three year old cousin.
  It was a sweet, sad, redemptive kind of story and I recommend it.


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I received my free copy from Net Galley for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips~ A Review

ABOUT THE INHERITANCE
Dramatic New Series from Fan Favorite Michael Phillips

The death of the clan patriarch has thrown the tiny Shetland Islands community of Whale's Reef into turmoil. Everyone assumed MacGregor Tulloch's heir to be his grand-nephew David, a local favorite, but when it is discovered that MacGregor left no will, David's grasping cousin Hardy submits his own claim to the inheritance, an estate that controls most of the island's land. And while Hardy doesn't enjoy much popular support, he has the backing of a shadowy group of North Sea oil investors. The courts have frozen the estate's assets while the competing claims are investigated, leaving many of the residents in financial limbo. The future of the island--and its traditional way of life--hangs in the balance.

Loni Ford is enjoying her rising career in a large investment firm in Washington, DC. Yet in spite of her outward success, she is privately plagued by questions of identity. Orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her paternal grandparents, and while she loves them dearly, she feels completely detached from her roots. That is until a mysterious letter arrives from a Scottish solicitor. . . .

Past and present collide in master storyteller Phillips's dramatic new saga of loss and discovery, of grasping and grace, and of the dreams of men and women everywhere.

Series: Secrets of the Shetlands (Book 1)
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 5, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764217488
ISBN-13: 978-0764217487
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Phillips is a bestselling author with more than 70 of his own titles. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly 30 more books. He is known as the man responsible for the reawakened interest in George MacDonald of the last 30 years. In addition to the MacDonald titles adapted/edited for today's reader, his publishing efforts in bringing back full-length quality facsimile editions also spawned renewed interest in MacDonald's original work. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland but make their home near Sacramento, California.


MY REVIEW
  I’ve read  many of Michael Phillips books and this was a good one. It is the beginning of a series-Secrets of the Shetlands. You get a lot of detail in the description of the characters, the scenery is greatly meticulous.
  I really love Michael Phillips writing style, but at times it can be very slow and boring. I think his description of people, places etc.. can be to long and to much detail is in it.
   I read this book to find out what happens to certain characters and what happened to the Inheritance, but by the end of the book you are still wondering. I wish more things had been settled, but being a series sometimes that doesn’t happen.
  I love to read books about  Scotland, inheritances and family and this book has it all. It’s a long book, but the chapters are short so that is nice.
  I recommend this book. Besides being very descriptive it is interesting.

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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Chasing Grace DVD Review

ABOUT CHASING GRACE
A tragic accident threatens to destroy a pastor’s family and sets into motion a complex betrayal between two brothers, while exposing secrets no one wants to face.

Pastor Jonathan Matheson lives in a world of black and white, yet finds a way to navigate the “grey in-between” to work to his advantage, while facing one of the most tragic moments of his life. Set in small-town America and woven inside a tale of redemption, “Chasing Grace” is a story of how one family takes on the burden of guilt in order to make sense of their loss. While pointing the finger of blame at his brother, Pastor Jonathan also chooses to hide from the truth while trying to escape his own personal demons. “Chasing Grace” is loosely based upon true events and provides a powerful story about the redeeming power of forgiveness.

Format: Color, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Rated:
 Unrated
 Not Rated
Studio: Word Films P&D
DVD Release Date: May 3, 2016
ASIN: B01CUJ8GUE


MY REVIEW
  Chasing Grace is a fantastic DVD. So many issues are covered in this DVD. I wanted to see Chasing Grace ever since I’ve heard of it. Really glad I got the chance to watch and review it.
   When you watch this you will see how secrets always comes out, but not always in the way you would think. Chasing Grace talks about problems like alcoholism, guilt, death, grief and redemption. Really Chasing Grace is a love story about family.
  Chasing Grace is about a young girl and a tragedy that haunts her family and friends until everyone is blaming themselves that it happened. How this family came through it and the steps they took to bring it about.
   A lot of harsh things are said, but needed saying and that in itself was a help. It amazes me how one life touches so many others. How many people are touched by one mistake.
  I really like this DVD Chasing Grace as it helps us all see that only going with God completely and giving everything over to Him will make our lives right and keep us right.
  Really fantastic DVD that makes us all think that we aren’t alone in this life and our lives touch so many others.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Doboro the Bottlenecker by Kevin M. Kraft A Review

ABOUT DOBORO THE BOTTLENECKER
Dave Granger took the wrong job with a bad man.
That mistake cost him the life of his wife and daughter and nearly his own.
Rendered crippled and blinded, he was spirited away to distant South Korea for his own sake, where he underwent seven years of extraordinary physical and personal rehabilitation under both the harsh tutelage of a martial arts master and the God of his youth.
Now…seven years later, he is back in the states as a wandering street musician—a brand new man with a brand new name. And with his new lease on life, a new mission: to anonymously protect his daughter, whom he had assumed dead, from the malevolent forces that soon resurface with his appearance to finish the job they attempted seven years ago. His skills are remarkable. But he’s only human. And his love for his little girl could very well be the thing that finally dooms them both, unless he can summon strength beyond himself, to finally confront the threat against them.
And that is only the beginning.

File Size: 931 KB
Print Length: 376 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1329174003
Publisher: Lulu.com (October 23, 2015)
Publication Date: October 23, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0167ASJWC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin M. Kraft is an award-winning author and screenwriter, as well as a singer-songwriter, cigar box guitar guru (and founder of the annual Kansas City Cigar Box Guitar Festival), actor, motion picture director and producer in Kansas City, Missouri, where he currently resides with his wife and children, for whom, despite all he does, he still makes plenty of time for.

A lover of great storytelling and an avid writer from a very young age, inspired by Ray Bradbury, Kraft was always displayed a penchant for "effective" and "visual"writing, getting the attention of teachers and fellow classman alike. Later, after forays into short stories, novelettes and novellas, he tried his hand a screenwriter, which was a perfect fit to his visual bent. His second screenplay, TOPWORLD, won a number of screenwriting awards and Kraft continued to writes script, enjoying the real-time screen format, before return again to writing novels.

With the publication of his novel, S, he introduced a new type of novel: the "contemporary religious fantasy." With a love for great storytelling, he set a new standard for broad-based, inspirational books with the publication of his "inspirational thriller", MOMO (adapted from his award-winning screenplay).

Mr. Kraft enjoys getting feedback from readers and welcomes you to do so either here on Lulu or at his official website.

Incidentally, Kraft has been working hard at bringing MOMO to the big screen, lacking only the funding thus far to do so

MY REVIEW
  This is the second book I have read of Kevin M. Kraft and I must say it is just amazing. I read MOMO  and loved it also.
  In this book you will see how every decision you make will bring about consequences. Be it bad or good.
  David Granger took a job that with a man that was bad and he didn’t know it at the time, but he lost his wife, daughter and almost died.
  He was taken to South Korea blind and crippled.  For seven years he was under great pain in the physical and personal sense. David was taught under a martial arts master and he never gave up on God. The martial arts master was very hard on him, but it had to be that way.  Without the harshness David might have just given up.
  David then comes back to the U.S. and finds out his daughter is alive, but doesn’t remember him. He feels he must protect her.
  This book is full of suspense, adventure, struggling and most of all hope and love. The spirit that is in David is one to never give up. It really is amazing at how he learns so many different things and how he takes care of himself. I would love to see a book two. I just loved reading it. You won’t be able to put this book down and when you come to the end you will want it to keep going.  I love the name of this book and what it means.
  Highly recommend this wonderful book.
 

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Thank you to the  Author/Publicist  for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Living Hope DVD~A Review

ABOUT LIVING HOPE

LIVING HOPE is the story of three extraordinary individuals who have devoted their lives to serving the poor in South Africa. It is a feature length documentary created by the filmmakers behind Journey to Everest, Apostles of Comedy, and Honoring a Father’s Dream: Sons of Lwala.  John Thomas, a pastor who is leading his church to serve the sick, hungry, and dying in the communities that surround them. Journey beside John through the neighborhoods where they work, meet the people their ministry has impacted, and hear from his heart why they chose to make a stand for the poor.  Joey Lankford, a businessman and father of four who moved his young family from the United States to Cape Town. Journey beside Joey as he equips men and women with job skills, and leads them out of the bondage of poverty.  Leonie Rustin, a single mom and nursing assistant, who turned from a life of crippling drug addiction to follow Christ. Journey beside Leonie as she attempts to help other in her community unshackle the chains of addiction and prostitution.

Format: Color, NTSC
Language: English
Number of discs: 1
Rated:
 NR
 Not Rated
Studio: Word Films
DVD Release Date: March 1, 2016
Run Time: 90 minutes

MY REVIEW
  Living Hope is a wonderful documentary about three people who changed their lives to help and serve people in South Africa.  I was moved and greatly inspired by all of these people. They are doing as the Lord tells us, to serve the sick and poor.
  John Thomas, a pastor who with his church are helping the sick, hungry and dying.  In this DVD you can find out why they are helping the sick and poor and meet some of the people that they have helped. How through this program they are bringing many souls to the Lord.
  Joey Lankford a very prosperous businessman and father of four. He had everything anyone could want, but something was missing from his life. God spoke to him and Joey followed the Lord. They moved to Cape Town and Joey is helping the people with job skills and helping them get out of poverty. I really was inspired by this young man and his wife. He really has a heart for the people and doing the will of the Lord.
  Leonie Rustin, is a single mom and she is an assistant nurse. She was very addicted to drugs and doing her own thing. She is an amazing lady. Leonie really loves the Lord and the people who are around her that are addicted to drugs and prostitution. She tries to help as many as she can to come clean and live a decent life.
  All three of these people are doing a mighty work for the Lord and His kingdom. It is so inspiring and amazing what a person can do if they just try. As long as you have God on your side you can do anything.
  I highly recommend this documentary. You will be blessed just by watching it.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one of the products  mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”