A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer

Amazon.com link to purchase A Heartbeat Away by Michael Palmer

 One of the most talented authors in the medical thriller genre has done it again!  I don’t think I have ever read a bad Michael Palmer book and this one did not disappoint me at all.

The story opens on the night of the State of the Union address.  In a split second the president has to make life and death decisions when terrorists release a highly contagious and deadly virus. The president must rely on virologist, Griff Rhodes, a man he sent to prison as a terrorist, to reopen his lab and work on a way to save the leaders of the free world.   

The storyline is believable, and there is a good balance of the medical/lab information in the story without getting too technical.  The story is fast paced, and I was not sure what would happen until the end.   As a matter of fact, it fooled me a few times.  The characters are believable, and I thought the terrorist organization was quite realistic.  I even found myself matching some of the personalities of the characters with real life Congress men and women.  Whether or not that was the author's intention for the characters, I don’t know, but I had fun with it!

I enjoyed the subplot that dealt with Griff’s pledge to use no animal testing in his experiments. He was challenged by his deep conviction to protect animals and the time constraints to save those who were exposed to the virus. 

I enjoyed A Heartbeat Away very much and highly recommend it for those who love their thrillers with a little medical twist. 

Witnessing to Dracula - A Memoir of Ministry in Romania by Billy Ng

Amazon.com link for Witnessing to Dracula 
I have read quite a few books about missionaries on the field, but I have never before read one that was this entertaining and honest. In his story of his mission to Romania, Billy Ng puts on no pretense. You see his discouragements, his problems, and his humor. There is never once an “I am so holy” attitude. He is an honest guy trying to serve the Lord in the middle of a culture shock.


The book is easy to read as each of the 61 chapters has its own short story. In one chapter he takes us through a city overrun by stray dogs. Then there are the painful experiences with dishonest people. I loved his attitude as he endured a six-hour search by border guards, sharing his faith the entire time.

Billy Ng explains much of the daily life –and death- in this unique country, along with a little history of the real Dracula and the culture of the Gypsies. He shares his conversations with God about the mistakes he made and how he learned what it means to have a meaningful ministry.

I highly recommend this engaging story. It is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My only criticism of the book is the cover art. I understand the Dracula reference, but it is just too graphic for me. I normally will take a book with me when I know I will be waiting somewhere, but I would have been embarrassed to be seen with this book. I LOVED the book, but hated the cover.

Here is the website for the book where you can read an excerpt:  Witnessing to Dracula

Second Chance by Sandra J. Gerencher

Link to purchase Second Chance by Sandra J. Gerencher

Second Chance is a charming story written in the point of view of a rescue dog. Chance is adopted by a family with an autistic child, Ryan, and three other dogs, P.J., Little Rascal, and Shelby. A special bond develops between Ryan and Chance. There are many things Chance doesn’t understand about his new home (especially why Shelby likes to bite at his paws!), but he gradually learns about his family and his new home. He also doesn’t initially understand Ryan’s behavior or what the word “adopt” means. All becomes very clear and he is embraced by this loving family.

The book is a wonderful way to teach children about autism, and adoption of both children and dogs. I loved reading the story from this confused and frightened dog’s point of view.

The first paragraph of this book brought back memories of when I went to our local Animal Control Center and a beautiful white and brown puppy walked up, sat down, and leaned against my leg. Then he peed all over the floor, and I knew he was going home with me.

Read an Excerpt
Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:

Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).

A God with a Wider Heart by John Daniel Kunnathu

Amazon.com link for A God with a Wider Heart
In God with a Wider Heart, the author retells some well known Bible stories in dialog form and in modern language.

In his introduction, John Daniel Kunnathu explains that as a child he was taught that the Bible was historical fact, but as he grew older, he began to believe that they need to be understood metaphorically. He decided to tell the stories as he understands the bible stories now which contrasts from the way he viewed the stories growing up.

While I disagree with his view of some of the stories, they are beautifully written. However these stores are embellished and there is added dialog between characters that does not appear in the scriptures. One story that caused me concern was one in which the author believes that both thieves that were crucified with Christ went to heaven, but the unrepentant thief would just experience it as hell because he could not discern light and darkness.

I would recommend this only if you believe the Bible is mythology, which I do not.

Mere Churchianity by Michael Spencer

Amazon.com link for Mere Churchianity
In the first section, the author tries to explain why people are leaving the traditional church denominations. Unfortunately, the book takes on the tone of a rant. While the author gives a cursory criticism of all of the major denominations, he was especially hard on his own Evangelical churches. It reached the rant stage when he repeatedly criticized churches for not embracing the homosexual lifestyle and abortion. In the author's view, people are leaving traditional churches exclusively because of these social issues, and I think his view is misguided. There were also a few stories given as object lessons that were childish and the point was difficult to find.

While I didn't like the first part of the book, I thought the last three sections were rich with information and insight. The author explains with clarity that an individual can leave the church, but not necessarily leave behind their devotion to Jesus. In fact, sometimes they need to leave the church to find Jesus. My favorite chapter title is "It's a Bad Idea to be a Good Christian" where he explains the importance of a gospel without adjectives. In other words, true Grace.

Do you see Jesus in your church? If not, you may need to leave the church to maintain your integrity as a believer. I would recommend the book to those who have left or been driven out of the church. I also think those still in the church may be able to improve the vision of their church.

I received this book free of charge for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers.

The Cutting Edge by Darcia Helle

Amazon.com link for The Cutting Edge

Skye Summers is not your ordinary hairstylist. What is so different? This hairstylist fantasizes about killing her clients. Skye takes the reader through her day with her regular clients and their problems, confessions and families.


The Cutting Edge is written with a combination of styles. There is a little of everything in this book - a serial killer mystery, humor, thriller and more. As the book starts, it is written in a sarcastic and humorous tone with the main character describing her regular customers and her dislike for them. It is at this point the story is borderline cozy, but then it takes on a darker tone. Later in the book the serial killer storyline takes over and it becomes more intense and gruesome, a little too gruesome for me.

The story wraps up in a very satisfying way and a little different than I expected. Even though it was a little too brutal for me, I enjoyed this unique storyline and this very special character.

Judgment Day by Wanda L. Dyson

Link to purchase Judgment Day 

Suzanne Kidwell is a cutthroat journalist for her weekly cable news show, Judgment Day. She will use any means possible to expose corruption, but her own methods of doing so are called into question. Suddenly the tables are turned and she must prove her own innocence in a murder.


Suzanne is a character you will love to hate. At first, you may even cheer when she is in trouble, but eventually she is forced to learn to be humble. Marcus and Alexandria are both good solid characters that provide a light romance (very light). I liked the character of Alexandria and the way she turned her back on her father’s wealth and business to take her own road.

There were some twists in the book including one that took place early into the book that took me by surprise. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian fiction without obvious preaching.

Secret of the Shroud by Pamela Binnings Ewen

link to purchase Secret of the Shroud
 

Following a childhood tragedy and feeling abandoned by God, a bitter Archbishop Wesley Bright has led the Christian church in the wrong direction.  He is a charismatic leader preaching a gospel absent of absolute truth.  Everything he has sought to destroy is now challenged by a scrap of cloth.

I have never had an interest in the Shroud of Turin, but I have to admit after reading this book, I understand why so many people find it fascinating.  

I enjoyed each of the characters and their unique perspective to the story.  I especially liked the way the story blended three points in time, from the time of Christ, the 1950s, and the near future.  

The story starts with a shocking tragedy that scarred a child’s heart and filled him with guilt for life.  As shocking as the event was, a true similar incident happened in Chicago a few years ago. 

The author uses an impressive blend of scientific information and history so that the characters could bring this historical article to even the hardest of hearts. I really enjoyed Secret of the Shroud and would recommend it for those who like suspense/mystery novels with a moral storyline.

The author's website: Pamela Binnings Ewen



Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Link to purchase Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo 
This is an easy, quick read with a likeable child who purportedly visited heaven and spoke about what heaven is like.

The book is well written and there are some nice black and white photos of the family in the middle of the book. I decided to read this book because it was written by a pastor, and I thought it would be an account that would be an honest and thoughtful story.

Unfortunately, in order to believe this story your have to make some choices in what you want to believe. Either Colton visited heaven while still alive or he died on the table and the surgeon, anesthetist, and nurses didn’t notice. There was no mention by the doctors in talking with the parents or in medical records that Colton died on the surgical table. Also, there is a time problem. Colton talked about seeing God shoot power down to his dad while preaching. This means either Colton’s father was preaching while the child was in surgery (he was not) or there was some time traveling going on. His father explains this away by saying he was in “God’s time”.

The author’s strongest evidence is that the child talks about a deceased family member and a miscarriage his mother suffered, both of which he supposedly had no knowledge. I find it hard to believe that at no time was this child away from the parents and in the care of another family member who could have mentioned these events or even just overheard his parents talking about it. Other events mentioned by Colton sound more like Sunday School 101.

I really wanted to like this book because I am a believer, but I think this child’s parents are reading way too much into his precocious and creative behavior.

An Orientation to our Life: A Guide to Young Men and Women by John Daniel Kunnathu

Link to purchase An Orientation to our Life
Set in a pre-Christian setting, a group of young Jewish men and women gather around the Rabbi seeking answers for questions about creation, life, and death. The author takes the role of the Rabbi and gives enlightenment and thought-provoking answers using, and limited to, only the first three chapters of Genesis.

There are several insightful messages that stood out for me, including the importance of asking for forgiveness for restoration and our relationship to God in death.

I think the most valuable aspect of this book is in the lessons we can learn about how to engage our young people to read, study and interpret the scriptures. This question and answer method is going to have a more lasting impression than would a teacher or church leader who approaches subjects with lectures and rigidity. If we allow them to ask questions without condemnation or ridicule, and then give answers that will require reflection and more study about the subject, they will learn discernment.

This is a short book, easy to read, and beautifully written. My favorite two quotes from this book:

“We are the expression of God’s life within the limits of time and space.”

“When they (life and earth) separate, we die. Earth goes back to the ground and life goes back to join the creator. Thus our life and God's life are one, and so we have no death.”

Operation Thriller

Five of today's most critically acclaimed thriller writers (left to right) Douglas Preston, Steve Berry, David Morrell, James Rollins, and Andy Harp posed for a group photo during a USO meet-and-greet in Kuwait on November 8, 2010. Part of a week-long USO tour entitled "Operation Thriller," the authors were in the Middle East extending America's heartfelt thanks to US troops.

Mission Possible by D. L. McCarragher

Link to purchase Mission Possible at Alabaster Box Publishing

A brief outline of this book is best described by the author:
“This book will serve to encourage your heart, strengthen your soul, and stretch your faith.”

Mission Possible begins by describing the priestly role model that Jesus portrays for the husband in the household. Unfortunately, he will not follow this role if your spouse is not a believer. Becoming a believer while your spouse is not can cause stress, heartache, and discouragement.
 
Mission Possible is a detailed, scripturally based boot-camp for the believing spouse on a new Godly mission – to be a testimony and a representative of Jesus to your husband. D. L.McCarragher’s experience and energy presents the Word of God to edify and instruct on prayer, pitfalls and priorities.

The book is set up to use as a devotional or Bible study. It has a “Seek and Find” section with questions, discussion and addition Bible verses after each chapter. There are also short clever remarks inserted into the chapters that can only be described as Pure Encouragement!

I especially enjoyed “In the Meantime- Serve”. In this chapter she talks about serving the Lord, but doing so with respect to the husband and the problems that may arise. She explains how to make good decisions that will maintain love and peace in the home.

I highly recommend this book for individual or women’s group Bible studies. For those using an e-book, Mission Possible is very well formatted for the e-book format with easy chapter navigation.
D. L. McCarragher's website

Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen

Amazon.com link for Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen

I have an earlier Iris Johansen Eve Duncan book on my to-be-read shelf, but I received this one for review so I decided to read this first. Although part of a series, it is certainly a stand-alone book.

Eve and Joe are both interesting characters, but as a couple the spark seems to be missing. There was nothing that would make me look forward to another book about them or run to a previous book to find out how they reached this point in their relationship. The other characters in the book are all over the top in whatever they do. There is some sarcastic attitude, which I can appreciate, but they are too much like comic book characters.

All in all I can say that it is not a bad action/adventure/thriller but I just couldn’t enjoy reading about the sadistic psychological torture, rape, and other physical abuse especially when a child is involved.

A Place to Die An Inspector Gerg Buchner Mystery by Dorothy James

Barnesandnoble.com link to purchase A Place to Die
About the Book: Eleanor and Franz Fabian arrive from New York to spend Christmas with Franz's mother in her sedate retirement home in the Vienna Woods. Their expectations are low: at best, boredom, at worst, run-of-the-mill family friction. But when the wealthy, charming Herr Graf is found dead in his apartment with an ugly head wound, the Fabians are thrust into a homicide investigation. Some residents and staff have surprising connections to the dead man, but who would have wanted to kill him? Inspector Büchner tracks down the murderer against a backdrop of Viennese history from the Nazi years to the present day..

My Review: A Place to Die is a well-written traditional mystery with mature characters in a unique setting. It is an interesting look into an assisted living facility divided between those who can still care for themselves and then the dreaded section where more assistance is needed. There are many characters living in this facility and their loves and friendships are portrayed in detail. It is the type of mystery that is well thought out, painstakingly described, and comes around full circle for the conclusion.

It was a little difficult for me to follow the characters at first until I got used to the terms Herr and Frau before the names. I thought two of the three main characters were rather unpleasant and their unhappy relationship grated on me. There were some unexpected sexual situations dropped into the story that were just too awkward to add to the story. Inspector Buchner, however, was wonderful, and I look forward to reading more with his character.

Generation Ex-Christian: Why Young Adults are Leaving the Faith and How to Bring Them Back by Drew Dyck

Amazon.com link for Generation Ex-Christian
Generation Ex-Christian is a look at why so many young people are leaving behind the faith they learned as a child. The author interviewed ex-Christians, and he breaks down the “leavers” into six types, postmodernist, recoiler, modernist, neopagen, rebel, and the drifter. He highlights several individuals and what caused them to change. What would cause a Christian to turn to Wicca, or lead them to commit to atheism? Imagine being a youth leader and an offhanded harsh comment would so hurt someone that they would turn their back on God.

In breaking down the categories, the author gives specific instruction on how to relate to the individuals with the hope of leading them back. This is an important read for youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, and others in the ministry.

My only criticism of the book is the oversimplifying impression that those leaving the church are leaving God. Many youth leaders make our young adults feel as though they will never live up to what is expected of them. Spiritual abuse is a painful experience, and we should never minimize the saving grace of Christ or equate church attendance with salvation. 

Satan no longer has to destroy Christians; the church is doing that work for him.