Placebo by Steven James

The very emotional and heart-wrenching beginning of Placebo introduces the character of Jevin Banks. It draws the reader moment by moment into the worst day of this man’s life. This is the most unusual idea for a character that I have seen in a while. Jevin is an illusionist and escape artist who now debunks those who use those talents to defraud people. He and his small crew seek out charlatans claiming psychic type gifts and expose them – on tape for his TV show. The character of Jevin was so strong that he rather overshadowed his assistant, Charlene. I think one of the more interesting characters was Xavior with his quirky ideas, conspiracy theories, and knowledge of Jesus. I wanted to know more about him. Also in the circle is Fionna, a home schooling mom of four children who works as a computer tech expert. After the emotional beginning, Placebo became a rather technical with the neuro medical topics, but once you get through the details the pace picks up again quickly. The team finds themselves wrapped up in situations that go far beyond their original purpose. The story is gripping and the characters are interesting. The story wraps up nicely, and I look forward to the next in this series. Be prepared for the change in tense when Jevin takes over narration. I find it annoying, but that is just a personal preference. Placebo is available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sirius Loss by Tim Edwards

Sirius Loss, by Tim Edwards, is a story that mixes Christianity and science fiction. Written in a style that would most interest preteen/teen aged readers, the story has an interesting plot when astronomer Jennifer Bass discovers a series of events that threaten Earth and all life. The author succeeded in making the story seem real, and I never knew until the end how it would turn out. The main characters are David Lopez, his wife Jennifer Bass, and their children Allison and Justin. The family is astonished by the discoveries, hounded by the media and challenged by the choices they make. The portrayal of this solid, loving family is a good role model for young readers. The book did not leave me hanging, but it did make me look forward to a possible sequel. I would recommend this for young readers, but I also think that older readers also can enjoy this quick read.

Lifted by Angels by Joel Miller

Lifted by angels is a serious look at angels and their relationship to God and to us.  The author takes passages from scripture and from writings of our ancient fathers to explain what angels were to the early Christians. It is sad the way our world has portrayed these beings in such a trivial way. We have come to take them for granted, or worse, some think of them as imaginary beings.

The book covers the nature and origin of Angels, the fall of Lucifer and demons, watch-care over Israel, the angels and their work under Christ, the ministering spirits, how they work our prayers, and our guides as we pass over. 

It starts a little dry, and I confess I was irritated by some of the references.  For example, he attributed one contribution to "An anonymous fifth or sixth-century thinker".  However, as I read through and envisioned those beings in my life I was able to immerse myself in the book.  I was especially comforted by the vision of an angel taking the hand of a loved one to lead them as a "Final Companion. It is a short read but an important look at how we are Lifted By Angels.

This book was received from the Booksneeze program with the promise of an honest review.

Digital Postcard

This is so cute!  I received this digital postcard from T. L. Higley author of Petra: City of Stone, and City of the Dead.  Her website is Tracy L.Higley to see all of her books.

She sent the photo from the city of Ephesus.  Behind her is the huge amphitheater that was the site of the dramatic confrontation between Paul and the worshippers of Artemis. Her next book is So Shines the Night for release next March.

The card she is holding says:
Hi Linda! Having a great time in Ephesus. Wish you were here! Tracy

I thought it was a clever way to send a message.

Ghosts of Savannah by Terrance Zepke

This little book can serve double duty.  Ghosts of Savannah is an interesting introduction to the ghostly legends of Savannah, Georgia.  It can also serve as a nice travel book for sightseeing in Savannah.

The book starts with a little information about the city and its history as well as its haunted history.  As for the ghost tales, each starts with a story or dialog set back in time at the beginning of the location’s history.  This beginning is brief, but sets the stage for the story.  Also included, when available, is the status of the building or location, the address, website, and tour information. 

While not an in-depth study of the different locations, I enjoyed reading briefly about each of the sites, especially the historic, old houses.  The history of the houses was just as interesting as the stories about the ghosts that haunt there.

There are black and white photos of the locations.  Although color photos are usually preferred, I think the black and whites help set the scene with the historic locations.

Whether you want an introduction to the haunts of Savannah or are planning a trip there, Ghost of Savannah is a good start.   

My Grandma & Me by Crystal Bowman

There is nothing more special than to sit down and read a book to my granddaughter.  My Grandma & Me by Crystal Bowman is already a big hit with her and she is only two years old.  Although probably more appropriate for an older child, she already brings me the book and listens when I read or sing the songs to her.

The book is beautiful with the illustrations created by Katherine Kirkland. They are colorful, but with a soft, pleasant appearance.  Although the book has a nice hard cover, I would have preferred that the pages to be of stronger paper and tear resistant for younger children.

Each double-page devotion starts with a Bible verse, then a rhyming lesson, and ends with a short prayer or song.  The songs are designed to be sung to familiar tunes. The rhyming devotions cover such topics as being afraid, saying you are sorry, caring for others, giving praise, giving thanks, and much more.  The devotions are designed for the short-attention spans of children, but bring a wealth of important truths from God’s Word in each paragraph.  Bible verses are taken from various translations such as NIrV and ICB, but some are not marked for versions. 

The author gives ideas on how to use the book including ideas for long-distance grandparents.  At the end of the book is a section called Passing Down the Faith which offers The Ten Commandments, Psalm 23, and The Lord’s Prayer, all of which I remember learning as a child.  There is also a Grandmother’s Prayer to end the book.

Tyndale House Publishers provided a review copy of this book in return only for an honest and fair review.  

Small-Space Container Gardens by Fern Richardson

As soon as the first frost hits here I am planning for next year’s plantings.  Small-Space Container Gardens has already helped me start planning for our spring porch and deck.  No matter what your available space, this book has something for you.

The first few chapters set the scene by choosing colors, containers settings, and location.  Following that there is information on attracting wildlife and growing food plants in containers.  There is a section on succulents and scents, and a chapter on privacy planting. You can learn to create a vertical garden, and battle pests. There is even a green thumb crash course.  This is just a brief summary of what is in this information packed book.

The book helps with ideas for designing not just individual pots but, an entire patio or porch.  There is something for the spacious areas for those who live in the country as well as those who have limited space in the city.  Large or small, there are planting ideas for all.

There are several projects for inexpensive pot upgrades and very unique ideas using thrift shop or found items. My favorite project was the beautiful garden table that would be so simple to create with only a few materials. 

Timber Press provided a review copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review.  

I provide a link to purchase the book, but it is only as a courtesy and I receive no compensation if purchased.

 Link to purchase Small-Space Container Gardens

Fireproof by Alex Kava

Fireproof by Alex Kava is another in the Maggie O’Dell series.  It is a quick read with a similar format as I found in one of her previous books in this series, Damaged, with several story lines growing parallel and not intersecting.  One will be the preparation for the next book.  In this story we have the police force finding similarities in a string of fires.  Jeffery Cole is a local reporter trying to get that one story that will make him famous.

Maggie is struggling with a head injury and instead of getting medical care, she is trying to “tough it out”.  Her character is the tough and self sufficient law enforcement officer who prefers to go it alone.  We do find her opening up her life and her home to her recently discovered half-brother. Patrick.  He is a welcome addition to this series as a private firefighter. The interaction with Maggie, Patrick and Maggie’s mother was the personal touch this book needed. 

Her personal life still suffers. Her maybe, almost, but not really love interest, Benjamin Platt, is a romance that seems to be going nowhere and was a waste of time in this book. Detective Julia Racine played a larger part in this book,  becoming more of a main and the politically correct character,  taking too much focus off of  Maggie.

The story of the serial arsonist kept me guessing with twists and then end left me prepared for her next book.

Succulent Container Gardens by Debra Lee Baldwin

When I received Succulent Container Gardens by Debra Lee Baldwin I liked succulents, but now that I have read it, I absolutely love them.  This is the best container gardening book I’ve found.  I always pick out a plant and put it in the right size pot with no consideration to color and shape.  This book helps the reader make their container gardens into works of art.

Succulent Container Gardens is divided into four parts. In part one Pairing Plants with Pots, the book shows how the shape and color of the plant and pot can compliment each other.  Different pot styles are discussed, including ideas for using items around the house or thrift store finds.  For a quick crash-course there is a section, Ten Quick and Easy Plant-Pot Combos.

Part 2 is Plant Palette with a description of the different kinds of succulents and their growing needs.  Also included is information on the use of some nonsucculent plants as companion plants.

Part 3 is Creative Designs and Displays which shows plant groupings, hanging baskets, wreaths, stacked displays and even working with miniatures.  These are some of the most beautiful succulent displays I have ever seen.

Part 4 is Planting, Care, and Propagation to make sure your plants stay healthy and prolific.

The photographs throughout the book are outstanding and numerous. They inspired me to begin planning for both indoor and outdoor displays. My favorite quote of the book is in the preface: “These are the plants that allow you to be lazy.”  I highly recommend this book.

Link to Purchase Succulent Container Gardens by Debra Lee Baldwin

Timber Press provided a review copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review.  I provide a link to Amazon.com to purchase the book, but it is only as a courtesy and I receive no compensation if purchased.

Things your Dog Doesn’t Want you to Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson

Dear Human! What would happen if your dog could write you a letter? Things your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know lets you in on all of those secrets your dog is thinking.  Eleven dogs, Axelrod, Bandana, Dimples, Tinkerbell, Orson, Sophie, Sarge, Charlie, Moonbeam, Gabby and Rufus T. share their dog-thoughts in the form of letters to their owner/parents. 

Some of the essays are funny, some strange, and a couple brought tears to my eyes. You can pretty much guess most of the topics such as food, toys, digging, bad habits, peeing,   - well, you know, dog stuff.  Just as a warning, I would rate this book PG because of some of the topics discussed. 

The book is visually pleasant and fun to read. The pages have different backgrounds with some looking like stationery, paper on a clipboard and some are scrapbook style.  The pages are colorful and on heavy glossy paper.  So, if you are ready for 11 courageous canines to tell all, you will love this book.

I received a review copy of this book with the understanding that I would give my honest opinion of the book.

The Reason by William Sirls

The Reason by William Sirls is a very good first Christian novel by this author.  It is well written, interesting, and the characters are believable in their imperfection and complexities. This is a story of sin, faith, redemption and reconciliation. 

When a major lightening storm hits a small church strange things start happening and people take notice.  A mysterious carpenter seems to know more than he should about the residents of town.  A sick child brings a story of hardship and suffering.

The relationships and friendships described in the book were realistic, and displayed real life emotions and actions, both the good and bad.  The major characters were likeable and each of their search for redemption was interesting.

I had a small problem remembering some of the minor characters when they were only mentioned briefly here and there.  I really enjoyed the book until I reached the ending of the book.  Then I found it disappointing and unrealistic.  For me it turned the genre of the book from a drama to a fantasy. Of course I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but I can tell you from experience that no matter how much we believe, how we pray with absolute faith, it is still God’s will how the end will be.  To insinuate that any other result would be the fault of lack of faith is the wrong message.

Still, The Reason is an interesting book that will make you think.  

I received this book for review with the understanding that I would give my honest opinion.  

Real Wolfmen by Linda S Godfrey

A fun read!

Real Wolfmen, True Encounters in Modern America is an unusual compilation of eye-witness accounts of strange bipedal doglike creatures.  It is interesting to read each of these accounts from ordinary people in ordinary situations when they come upon this strange sight.  I understand that eyewitness accounts can not always be taken at face value because of the way our minds process some information, but for so many people to describe the same phenomenon in different areas of the country is fascinating. 

Initially I thought the author was a little too flippant with her paragraph titles which made it sound as though she was ridiculing the people who trusted her by sharing these accounts with her.  I recently heard the author, Linda S. Godfrey, on a radio program and she did not sound at all as though she was doing that.  I guess it was just a little sarcastic humor in the book.  She also covers briefly what is several ideas speculating about what could account for these sightings, but it is just that – speculation. 

I enjoyed reading Real Wolfmen  as I do most books about cryptozoology.  Cryptozoology includes the study of animals not proven to exist, the existence of known animals in places where they were not expected to occur, and sightings of animals presumed to be extinct. 

 I am not sure if I received this specifically for a review or if I won it in a drawing, but my standard disclaimer applies.  I did not pay for the book, I did not get paid for a review, and I only post my honest opinion whether I like it or not.

True Medical Detective Stories by Clifton K. Meador, M.D.

I’m a big fan of mysteries and I am also a big fan of medical stories.  True Medical Detective Stories satisfies both of those interests.  This is an interesting book containing 18 stories of patients with mysterious illnesses. When we go to the doctor, we expect that our physician  will rely on their vast knowledge after years of schooling, but in this book Dr. Meador explains how he and other doctors also have to use the skills of a detective.

Dr. Meador has been practicing and teaching medicine for more than 50 years and his wisdom, wit, skill and compassion are evident throughout the book.  He also shows how the most important part of the human body for a doctor to understand is the brain.

Normally I breeze over the prefaces and dedications, but in this book I was really touched by the nice dedication he wrote for his childhood hero, author Berton Roueché. 

Some of the stories are shocking and some will make you chuckle, but all of them will hold your interest. I enjoyed every one, and it left me eager to find Dr. Meador’s other books.

Link to purchase True Medical Detective Stories

I received an advanced reader copy of True Medical Detective Stories by Clifton K. Meador, M.D. with the understanding that my review will be my honest opinion of the book.  I receive no compensation for books purchased through my link to amazon.com.

Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenburg’s new book Implosion: Can America Recover From Its Economic & Spritual Challenges in Time? presents thought provoking evidence that America is in trouble.  But is America in decline?  Is it near an implosion?  The author cites political leaders, journalists and political commentators with both sides of the issue. Quotes from Keith Olbermann, Glenn Beck, Al Gore, Charles Krauthammer and quite a few more show the balanced approach he took in presenting the problems in America.

This book is a study in current affairs, a history lesson, and a Bible study as the current state of America is discussed with reference to the end times of the Bible. He takes a look at America through the lenses of economics, politics, and scripture. He answers such questions as:

What roll, if any, should Christians have in politics?

What are the signs of the last days?

What happens to America in the last days?

How does the Bible describe the Rapture?

This is a good guide for Christians to examine themselves, their church, their politicians, and open their hearts for a revival.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review.

Doll's Eyes by David Grace

Doll’s Eyes is an intriguing story that begins when 16 year old Hannah McGuire saves the life of 13 year old JT Trainer and then disappears. JT grows up to become a homicide detective with a life-long passion to find Hannah. 

When a young girl is killed when caught in the cross-fire of an assassination plot, JT finds a web of murder, fraud, child abuse, and corruption of high officials.  This is a police procedural that gets a little bogged down with details at times, but I did enjoy the story and the underlying need to know what happened to Hannah. The characters are believable and I especially enjoyed the relationship JT had with the couple that took him in when he had no family. 

This is the second David Grace book I have reviewed.  Shooting Crows at Dawn was the first.