Downfall by Terri Blackstock

Emily is a former drug user who caused much trouble and danger for her family.  She is now clean and sober and attending college when trouble seems to find her again. Just when things seem to be going well, her life starts spiraling out of control. 

This is a good mystery with twists that kept me guessing until the end.  The theme of trust runs throughout this book as evidence shows up that makes Emily look bad.  Her family loves her, but can’t help but wonder if she has slipped back into addiction.

The family dynamics were outstanding as we see a family in recovery.  Her brother and mother also suffered from Emily’s past, but they try to put it all behind them and trust her again.

The characters are realistic, not perfect people, but individuals trying to do the right thing.  At first I was a little put-off by Emily’s impulsiveness and the way she jumped into some situations without thinking, but I realized how realistic that behavior is with an addictive personality.  It was that impulsiveness that continued to cause problems for her. 

While I haven’t read all of Terri Blackstock’s books, I have read quite a few and have never been disappointed. I definitely recommend Downfall for those who love a good, fast-paced, mystery.

Amazon.com link to purchase Downfall (I receive no compensation for purchase).

The Coming Revolution by Dr. Richard G. Lee

 Many call the United States a Christian nation, while others argue against this premise.  Dr. Lee brings the history of the founding of the United States to light as he explains just what roll Christians had in the settlement of our country.   We have watched our country slip further and further into debt, immorality has become the norm, and the loss of individual liberty grows daily.  Average citizens are now rising up and taking action.   Not a revolution of guns and war, but with responsible political action. 

The Coming Revolution is more than just a history lesson.  It is a call to action with specific positive approaches we can take to put our country back on the right path.  The author doesn’t believe that it is too late to stop the downslide of America.  History is not my usual genre, but the author explained just enough to hold my interest and explain his points.  I liked that he talks about specific steps we can take to make a difference in a positive way and without violence. Even if we can’t do everything he lists, there are some things that we can all do.

Dr. Lee is a pastor and Christian speaker.  His book represents the Christian perspective of how much it should mean to us to be an American and to possess not just the American spirit, but a personal spirit of independence.  His outlook is one of optimism and not doom and gloom. The book contains pages of footnotes and is indexed for quick reference. 

Note:  I received an advanced reader copy of The Coming Revolution by Dr. Richard G. Lee in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon.com link  to purchase (I receive no compensation if you purchase through this link.)

The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg by Doug Bremner

Amazon link to purchase The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg

Accutane was a drug that was prescribed for the treatment of severe acne.  There were, however, a significant number of teens that committed suicide while on the drug, including the son of Senator Bart Stupak.  The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg looks at the attitude of drug company, Hoffman-La Roche, and their cover-up of the side effects of Accutane.  The author, Doug Bremner, was asked to research the possible link between Accutane and suicides and was also involved in presenting his findings to the courts.  This was an interesting and frightening look at the length that drug companies will go to prevent the loss of dollars in spite of the loss of lives.

The book also looks at the author’s family history and genealogy.  As a genealogist, I found it interesting to read about his search for family members, but I had trouble keeping his extended family straight.  I have trouble keeping my own in order, so trying to remember who is who for another family was impossible. Still, it had good tips and links for others researching their family members.  The author also included information about his personal family tragedies and emotional issues.   

It was difficult at times to take seriously a book about the science of drugs and the tragedy of teen suicide when the author is also talking about “Indigo children” and other new-age non-scientific subjects. 

I think that the book traveled too much from its original purpose. It had an important message about the drug companies, but that aspect of the story did not give me a satisfying resolution.  I wanted to know more about the drug, its continued availability, and the legal ramifications surrounding Hoffman-La Roche. That said, I did find the book interesting, and I think it has an important warning we should all heed when we take what we assume is a safe prescribed drug.

Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

I grabbed this e-book when it was free on BarnesandNoble.com.  I didn’t read it right away, but when I finally had time I really enjoyed this inspirational medical based story.  There were a few problems with word spacing and dropped letters, but I don’t know if it was book editing or e-book formatting problems.  It didn’t bother me, but I know some find it annoying.

The story is about a female doctor whose life is spiraling out of control when her identity is stolen.   She is a woman of faith and therefore her decisions and daily life reflect that faith.  In fact, at one point I was disappointed in a decision she made only to realize that her decision was the morally correct one. What was I thinking!  The story is not “preachy”, but just part of her life. 

I thought it was a good story and will definitely read more by this author.

Oath of Office by Michael Palmer & Giveaway

Amazon.com link to pre-order Oath of Office Pre-order NYT best-selling Michael Palmer’s 17^th medical/ political thriller OATH OF OFFICE and support The Food Project, a great organization in Eastern Massachusetts supporting youth through sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the initiative and how to get involved:  http://on.fb.me/zya842

Michael Palmer is the author of sixteen medical mystery/suspense novels.  It is no secret that he has been one of my favorite authors for years, and Oath of Office is another outstanding book by this author. 

The character of Dr. Lou Welcome brings us an area of medicine that patients do not like to think about.  He is a medical doctor that has fought his way back from addiction and is now helping other troubled doctors.  Unexpectedly, one of his doctors suddenly goes on a shooting spree. He kills patients, another doctor, and his staff before killing himself.  Lou was overseeing this doctor’s progress and is held responsible for the carnage.  But things are strange all over the small town of Kings Ridge, and Lou finds several cases of individuals behaving out of character.  He must solve the mystery to keep his position as counselor to his troubled colleagues. There is a political connection (non-partisan) in the story that leads all the way to the First Lady and President. 

I always enjoy the medical foundation to the story, and with the suspense and great writing, this book was a pleasure to read. Each of the main characters of the book is unique. Lou Welcome was likeable, and I enjoyed the relationship he had with his father, daughter and even his ex-wife Renee.  He and Renee still had a respect and fondness for each other.  Of course, there is action and adventure when Dr. Welcome finds criminal activity going on where you least expect it. There is a perfect balance of dialog and narration, and I highly recommend Oath of Office.

Congratulations!  The winner of Oath of Office has been chosen by Randomizer.org and has been notified.  The winner has 48 hours to send her mailing address, or another winner will be chosen.

Giveaway

Michael Palmer has offered a reader copy of Oath of Office for one reader of Bookvisions.  

1. US Only and no P.O. Boxes

2. Contest will end February 10, 2012 at Midnight Central time.

3. One winner will be chosen and will have 48 hours to send me your mailing address. 

4.  Leave a message with your email address and let me know of any other Michael Palmer books you have read.

Shear Murder by Nancy J. Cohen

Barnes and Noble link to pre-order Shear Murder

Shear Murder is a fun mystery/romance. There is quite a bit of detailed wedding information because the character, Marla, is not only a bridesmaid in a wedding, but also planning her own wedding.

Imagine finding a dead body under the wedding cake table! Suspects abound in this story, and Marla is well know by local police as someone who likes to get involved.  I think that there was maybe a little too much information gained by eavesdropping, but Marla is eager to solve the crime.

I was a little worried when I saw that the book contained just over two pages of a Cast of Characters with the names and brief bio of everyone in the book (including pets!), but keeping track of everyone was not a problem even without the list.

This is the tenth in the “Bad Hair Day” mystery series, but it is very much a stand alone. This was the first in the series that I read and I never felt like I didn’t know something that had happened in the past. I am not sure if this is the last in the series, but if it is, fans will be pleased by the ending in this book.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Link to preorder Gone to Ground

Gone to Ground is a serial killer murder mystery told from the perspective of three women.  Each of these women believes they know who committed the murders, and all have something to lose by coming forward.  Amaryllis, Mississippi is not the type of town where murders happen, but now a serial killer has the whole town on edge.  Brandilyn Collins takes us into the lives of these three women as they try to do the right thing.

You are first introduced to Cherrie Mae, the senior of the three ladies possessing the grace and wisdom of a mature Christian. She cleans houses and finds information that leads her to think that one of her employers is the killer.  There is a dialect used for her narration, but it is not overdone and doesn’t interfere with the flow of the story. Tully, a young pregnant woman, believes that her abusive husband may be the murderer. Deena, a beauty shop owner, is afraid her special needs brother may be involved. Woven through the book is the story being retold as a newspaper article by Trent, a reporter.  All of the characters are likeable and realistic.

Although the chapters change the point of view, you will never be lost in this chilling tale of murder.  I appreciated the Brandilyn Collins’ careful development of each character and clear “voice” for each. Of course, it also helps that the chapters are labeled with the name of the viewpoint!  The story brings the three women together so that their lives intertwine. Once again Brandilyn Collins brings suspense, mystery, and faith to her characters in a special way.  Of her books I have read, I think this is the best so far.  

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

I have a great new book, and I will be posting my review this week.  For now, I just want to give you a little information about the book and how Brandilyn Collins researched it.  I enjoyed Gone to Ground very much.  Scroll down for the book trailer.


About Brandilyn Collins -Author of Gone to Ground
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark

Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline, Don't forget to breathe . . .®, and have made her one of the most well-known figures in the mystery/suspense literary genre.

Following the steps of a mysterious serial killer, Brandilyn's latest novel, Gone to Ground (March 2012, B&H Fiction, $14.99, Trade Paper), takes readers to the fictional Southern town of Amaryllis, Mississippi. To research this book—her first set in the South—Brandilyn ventured to Jasper County, Mississippi. One of her biggest challenges lay in learning the accent well enough to recreate it in dialect, especially for the black character.

“I need to speak with an African American woman who’s at least sixty,” Brandilyn told the clerk. She was introduced to Cherrie Mae Gammage, whose first and middle names were so perfect for the character, Brandilyn asked for permission to use them. Cherrie Mae agreed, and later lent her musical Southern accent to the book trailer for Gone to Ground. Auditions for the other two characters’ voices were eventually held in Bay Springs, and the city clerk who introduced Brandilyn to Cherrie Mae became the voice for thirty-five-year-old Deena.

Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on numerous local and national TV/radio spots, including daytime talk shows. A speaker on the writing craft, Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

BRANDILYN COLLINS is the bestselling author of 23 novels. Awards for her work include the Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching creative fiction at writers' conferences. She and her family divide their time between homes in the California Bay Area and northern Idaho. For more information, please visit
BrandilynCollins.com.

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

Amazon Link to purchase: Nearing Home:  Life, Faith and Living Well

Rev Billy Graham is one of the most well known and respected Christian pastors.  I am so happy that he chose to write this book about how to live an honorable and useful life as we grow older.  There is much useful information for those of any age, but especially those who are starting to feel the restrictions of age.  Rev. Graham shows how God used men and women from the Bible when they were in their later years of life, and, of course, how He can still use us today. 

Although he writes about failing strength, health issues, retirement, loss, and family decisions, this is never a depressing book.  He also writes about the “Foundation that Lasts”, influencing those around us by our attitude and behavior, and our home in heaven, and I felt only his upbeat optimism for his heavenly future.

This is a wonderful book not only for seniors, but for every age.  As a matter of fact, young adults will benefit from this book because Rev. Graham gives great insight into the need for preparing for the future.  This is an easy book to read and I appreciated his message.  Growing older is not easy and can easily be depressing if we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can. Rev. Graham has accomplished so much for the cause of Christ, but he is always humble in his demeanor and writing.

I received this book for review from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.

Concrete Garden Projects by Malin Nilsson and Camilla Arvidsson

I was the fortunate contest winner of this book, a gift certificate to Home Depot, and foam molds to create concrete address numbers.  The project for the house numbers was a video garden project presented on the Timber Press website.  http://www.timberpress.com/

A couple of years ago I made some stepping stones with concrete with found “treasures” around the house, but when I saw Concrete Garden Projects, I realized there were many other things I could make with a little concrete.  I love projects that repurpose and use found items.

This book has inspiration as well as specific instructions for creating useful concrete objects for the yard.  There are a variety of pots using either homemade molds or other containers you have around the house.  There are also mini-ponds, birdbaths, tea lights, and other decorative items.  The last section of the book is the Project Handbook with step-by-step instructions and photographs for working with concrete and molds. There are instructions also for adding decorative touches to your concrete project.

The photographs are nicely done and most are full-page.  Most of the projects are easy and can be made with things you have around the home or inexpensive kitchen or candle molds. This is a great book for those who love their patio spaces!

Pinterests

I am frequently asked to post links to articles written by others, and I usually don't because they are clearly are done to promote their websites.  I did find this one interesting though, and thought I would go ahead and post the link with the understanding that I am not promoting their website, only the article.

Perhaps I am falling behind in the tech/web world (no, I don't have a "smart" phone), but I had never heard of Pinterest before.  http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2011/12/14/25-beautiful-pinterest-pins-bookworms/

Stuck by Jennie Allen - A Women & God Bible Study

“The vision is that we would see broken spots in our soul.”  I received the leaders’ kit for this group Bible study program that contains a leader’s guide, a workbook, a DVD with eight video lessons, and a deck of conversation and scripture cards.

The Bible Study Meeting:

The leader is reminded to listen, not lecture, and not to counsel.  The lessons, except lesson one, are to be completed at home before the meeting.  To do the lessons properly I would say they would probably take 30-45 minutes at home to study and complete. The homework discussion at the meeting should last 20-30 minutes.

The DVD lessons are very nicely produced.  The speaker is engaging and the backgrounds in the video are very nice.  The video and teaching should last 10-40 minutes.

There is a deck of cards that contain questions used as conversation starters. The cards for that week are set out and each lady chooses her favorite one. The scripture card for the week is also placed out.  The ground rules for the card session are:

1. Be concise
2. Keep sharing confidential
3. Rely on scripture for truth
4. No counseling

Meeting attendees are reminded of these rules at each meeting.  The women are then asked to “share” their answers to the question they chose.  This session should last 30-75 minutes.  I chose three questions randomly as examples:

1. What do you love more than God?
2. What things in your life right now get you down?
3. How has your past contributed to your stuck places?

The material as a whole is very good and we all want to be able to say “It is well with my soul.”  I would say that this Bible study would appeal to young women, immature Christians, and not-yet believers seeking God for their lives. Jennie talks quite a bit about her life and her children in the DVD lessons, and I think this age group would find it most engaging.   It is very much a feelings based study, and some of the sharing the women are asked to participate in is very personal.  The fact that the leader is to remind them at each meeting that the conversation is confidential means that it could be very damaging if that confidentiality isn’t held.

The print in both the leader’s book and the study guide is gray instead of black and is very difficult to read.  While lovely to look at, it is very hard on the eyes.  My hope is that in later printings the print will be darkened. 

With only eight lessons, I think this is a good way for women who feel they are stuck in their spiritual lives and to receive a needed push to move forward.

No Cure for Murder by Lawrence W. Gold, M.D.

Sometimes I just can 't figure out authors!  There are a few ways that authors or publicists can contact me and ask for a book review.  One is directly by going to my website and reading the side-bar paragraph about what types of books I like to read. Another is a listing in a an e-book that was distributed to independent authors with the same information.  They can see the other books I review (some are Christian, some not), and it states that I will read Christian books. I also get emails with requests for reviews with an introduction to their book, and that is how I found this book.  So why wouldn't the author mention that an important part of the story is that Christians are reviled in this book?


There was nothing on the back cover or in what I was sent that would warn me that I would be insulted on every other page of this book.  I am still a little stunned at the hatred on those printed pages. This isn't the first time this has happened, but I just can't figure out why an author would want to insult so many people.  Do they think Christians don't read general fiction?


Here is my review, and I tried to be fair:
Although I did not enjoy this book, it is a pretty good medical mystery. The plot follows a doctor as he introduces each patient, his connection to them, and their treatment. Several become victims of a serial killer. Although I was able to figure out the killer early on, there were plenty of suspects and interesting characters throughout Brier Hospital.


I have tried to review this book fairly and not let my personal views get in the way. Unfortunately, the author did not give the reader the same courtesy. I would not recommend this book for Christians, or anyone who is pro-life unless you don't mind being insulted on every other page. 

Spotlight On Neutrals by Pat Wys

Since I prefer browns and beiges to bright colors, this is definitely the right book for me.           

The book begins with an explanation of neutrals, values, planning, general cutting and piecing instructions, appliqué, and binding. There are very good instructions from start to finish that would help even a beginning quilter.

Skill levels are not listed, but I would say seven are beginner to easy, three intermediate, and two experienced.  My favorite easy projects are Summer Stitch In which is a pattern with squares and triangles, and the matching pillow Woven Pillow Sham.  My favorite experienced project is Going my Way?, a French braid type quilt.

The cutting and piecing instructions are clear, and the templates are full-sized. The snowflake templates have to be placed on the fold of fabrics, but are easy to use.

I like this book very much and it has earned a place on my permanent shelf.

Thank you to Martingale & Company for the review copy of this book, accepted with the understanding that I will give my honest opinion.

Stigma by Philip Hawley Jr.

Setting the scene for a medical story is often difficult and unrealistic, but Philip Hawley was able to make the opening hospital scenes believable and intense when a young boy arrives with an unknown deadly illness. The web of secrets and lies creates an interesting and unforgettable story.

Stigma is a first-rate medical thriller/action/adventure and I would never have guessed this was an author’s first book.  Philip Hawley’s book can stand right along side books by the more “famous” authors. Each character is developed carefully so that the reader becomes involved with each of them and the story.

The story doesn’t just stay in the hospital though, it travels out of the country and off on an adventure I didn’t expect. It is a good story with interesting characters, and is the type of story that will appeal to both men and women.