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.

What You Need to Know about Bible Prophecy by Max Anders

What You Need to Know about Bible Prophecy: 12 Lessons That Can Change Your Life by Max Anders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy is a book with 12 lessons that can be taught in a Bible class, Sunday School or personal Bible Study. The book has a “who, what, where, when and why” feel to it. Why study prophecy and what is the big picture? It is also presented with differing viewpoints commonly believed by different faiths, and presented in a neutral manner. This is not a fluff study, but tends to provoke thought and discussion.

Following each chapter is a review section that I think is one of the best I have seen. Sometimes in the review I try to find an answer, but I am not sure I am correct. These review sections are divided into five subsections. The first, entitled Speed Bump!, is a question and then the answer is provided. Next is a fill in the blank of the same questions and answers. There are also discussion questions, and a section for non-believers to understand how to apply the information. The last is scripture and books for further study.

I received a copy of this book free of charge from the Booksneeze program of Thomas Nelson. It is accepted with the understanding that I will give my honest opinion of the book.


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The Wrong Man by David Ellis

The Wrong Man by David Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How does a lawyer defend a man that can’t or won’t defend himself? When Tom Stoller, a homeless Iraqi war vet suffering from PTSD, is accused of murder, Jason Kolarich takes on his defense. His defense is complicated by the fact that his client won’t talk and statements at the time of arrest appear to be a confession. Jason is a bulldog of a lawyer that doesn’t rest until he finds the best way to defend his client, especially when he starts to believe that Tom may be innocent.

Although The Wrong Man is book three of a series, it is very much a stand-alone story. I never felt I needed to know some back story to fully understand what was happening. It did have some problems that put me off a little. There were certain surprise twists in the story that were not much of a surprise for me. Also, the way he incorporated a girlfriend into his work life was odd. I did enjoy reading the book and I would still recommend it to those who like legal mystery/thrillers.

Disclosure: I won an ARC of this book from librarything.com.

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The Hour of Predators by Lane Stark

The Hour of Predators is a different twist on a murder mystery. Marcus Chao is not your typical law enforcement character, and I enjoyed his interaction with the other characters, especially with his ex.  This well-written story takes on some strange characters and situations, but the story flowed so well that I felt as though all was normal.   Set in a small town in Canada where the culture clash between the Native Indians and the whites creates a difficult case to solve.  Strange traditions, magic, and ordinary redemption brings this story to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to another book by this author and hope another Marcus Chao story is in the works. 

The Hour of Predators is Available at Amazon 

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin

 As someone with a huge salt and pepper shaker collection how could I not love a book about a woman who shares that interest!

Harriet has reached a certain point in her life when she knows she needs to make a change.  Her husband has passed and she feels as though she has never accomplished anything.  After losing a bet, she agrees to move in with her son and daughter-in-law.  She packs up her huge salt and pepper shaker collection and sends her dog ahead to her son’s home. But Harriet decides that she will set off to travel cross country by bus – not the Greyhound kind - but local transportation whenever possible. Her main goal is to make it to the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg TN. (yes, it really exists)

Harriet Beamer Takes a Bus is a delightful story of an older woman as she discovers things she never knew about travel, people, and her own family.  She has quite a few adventures along the way and meets many interesting people.  She reaches out to people who are hurting and shares her wisdom, but also opens her heart and learns much in return from them.  

Thank you to Zondervan for the advanced reader copy of this book.  I accepted the book with the understanding that I would give my honest opinion.  I provide a link to purchase the book, but I receive no compensation for any purchase through my link.

Link to purchase Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus

The Women’s Fibromyalgia Toolkit by Dawn A. Marcus, MD and Atul Deodhar, MD

The Women’s Fibromyalgia Toolkit contains current information including some of the changes in diagnosing fibromyalgia.  There is now a larger umbrella of symptoms to help with the diagnoses. It also includes a diagram with the original diagnosis tender points.  My personal opinion as someone who has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia is that the tender point chart gives a more accurate picture of the condition. I think the new criterion creates a muddled view of fibromyalgia.

There is a lack of organization in the book, but fortunately there is an index to help find all of the topics covered.  There is a large section with suggested exercises complete with black and white photographs.  Also included is information on nutrition, pain management drugs, symptom tracking charts, pain management through pregnancy, and what to discuss with your physician.

The Women’s Fibromyalgia Toolkit is a good reference for the newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia or for someone who suspects they may be suffering from this syndrome and would like to know more about it. 

The Anxious Gardener's Book of Answers by Teri Dunn Chace

If you are planting your first garden or perhaps have just had your first garden disaster, this is the book to find out where things went wrong.  As much as I would like to stick a few plants in the ground, scatter some seeds, and come back to a bountiful garden, it doesn’t work that way.  There are planting times, weeds, pests, and a variety of problems that can occur. 

The Anxious Gardener’s Book of Answers is written question and answer style with topics covering most of the important aspects of good garden care.  The book covers proper planting times and depths, soil, weed control, fertilizer, pests, different plant types, and much more.

Most topics contain information on what can go wrong, the right way to do it, and if it can be fixed if a mistake is made.  This book is more for beginners because there is just basic information on each subject, but it is certainly enough to get started and a great quick reference guide if you are not sure about something that has gone wrong.

Thank you to Timber Press for providing me with a review copy, accepted only with the understanding that I give my honest opinion of the book.  I receive no compensation for books purchased through any of my links. 

Link to purchase The Anxious Gardener's Book of Answers  

The Desperate Christian by Leigh Crane-Freeman

There is a problem within today's churches that in many cases causes them to go stagnant. Christians can get discouraged, unattached to the church, and desperate. Leigh Crane-Freeman helps the reader get back on the right track. She encourages the reader to focus more on who you are through Christ and less on what you do.

The book is well referenced with end notes at the end of each chapter and loaded with scripture as a guide. It is divided into two parts. In the first, she lets the Christian know that they are not alone in feeling a spiritual void from the church and explains some of the problems in today's church. In the second part there is specific information for the struggling Christian to put them on the path for spiritual growth. She answers questions such as "What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit?", and "What does God need from me to work through me?" There are eleven questions in all that the author answers using scripture and practical advice.

This would make a nice devotional, Bible study, or could even be used in a church setting because she does encourage anyone that has fallen away from the church to go back.


I received an electronic copy of The Desperate Christian free of charge with the understanding that I would read and give my honest opinion of book.  I receive no compensation for any books purchased through my link.


Link to purchase The Desperate Christian