By Reason of Insanity was written by Randy Singer and published by Tyndale Fiction
Looking for a good courtroom drama that will keep you interested til the end? How about this book by Randy Singer? I haven't read many of John Grisham's books, but others have said Randy Singer is just as enjoyable a writer as he is.
Randy is a vetran trial attorney, so he knows his stuff.
By Reason of Insanity is a book about Catherine "Cat" O'Rouke, a newspaper reporter who, after a series of kidnappings and murders, begins to have visions about them. These visions provide so many details that she ends up becoming the main suspect in the serial murder investigation.
Enter Las Vegas lawyer Quin Newberg. He's a wonderful (though high priced) lawyer who has just made his name famous by specializing in insanity cases. Catherine just covered a story of him defending his sister in a murder trial involving the plea of insanityl Because there is no reason for Cat to have had these visions if she's not the killer, she hires Quin to help her plead her case as guilty by reason of insanity.
As the trial ensues, we are taken on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Will Catherine be found guilty of the serial murders? Is she really insane, or is she a cold blooded killer? Or is she really innocent and being framed, as she is inclined to believe.
For a great read, and a surprise ending, I recommend By Reason of Insanity.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Fearless By Max Lucado
Fearless by Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers 2009
This is my 2nd Max Lucado book I've read, and I want you to know that he has now joined Brennan Manning as one of my favorite non-fiction writers, which is saying a lot since I much prefer fiction to non-fiction! He is an author that begs to be read. A man that can put profound thoughts into simple sentences. He writes books that capture me from the first chapter, yet are still easy enough for my 12 year old son to read and understand. I'm thinking of having him do just that!
Now, the review.
In a world peppered by fear - fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of H1N1 virus, fear of terrorist plots, fear of earthquakes and tornadoes, where can we turn? The media scares us more and more every day. Newspapers are filled with bad news. Watch any 6 o'clock news program, and you'll want to go crawl in a hole - or even better - a bomb shelter. Even prescription drug commercials are filled with so many possible side effects that you never want to take another pill in your life!
How can we overcome that fear to become "Fearless"?
The only way we can is by listening to the words of Jesus - the One who spoke the words "Fear Not" many more times in the Bible than I had ever known. He used this phrase with his disciples, his followers, and with those who had never met Him before. He calmed the fear of the man paralyzed from birth before He healed him. He calmed the storm and then asked his disciples why they were afraid. And He tells us not to fear - we are worth more than sparrows, and He sees every one of them that falls, and feeds them too.
To quote Max himself, "There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Let's be among those who stay calm. ... Let's be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's."
Reading this book gave me the tools to put that into practice. As so many of us do, I struggle with fear. But as Jesus becomes bigger in my life, my fear begins to shrink. Faith begins to replace that fear. What would it be like to always live like that? I don't know yet. But I want to find out! And this book gives me the tools to begin to life my life like that.
It is a book that you will not want to miss. It is a book I intend to read and re-read. And yes, a book I intend to give to my son to read. Please, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy for your self. You have nothing to lose but fear itself. :)
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers 2009
This is my 2nd Max Lucado book I've read, and I want you to know that he has now joined Brennan Manning as one of my favorite non-fiction writers, which is saying a lot since I much prefer fiction to non-fiction! He is an author that begs to be read. A man that can put profound thoughts into simple sentences. He writes books that capture me from the first chapter, yet are still easy enough for my 12 year old son to read and understand. I'm thinking of having him do just that!
Now, the review.
In a world peppered by fear - fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of H1N1 virus, fear of terrorist plots, fear of earthquakes and tornadoes, where can we turn? The media scares us more and more every day. Newspapers are filled with bad news. Watch any 6 o'clock news program, and you'll want to go crawl in a hole - or even better - a bomb shelter. Even prescription drug commercials are filled with so many possible side effects that you never want to take another pill in your life!
How can we overcome that fear to become "Fearless"?
The only way we can is by listening to the words of Jesus - the One who spoke the words "Fear Not" many more times in the Bible than I had ever known. He used this phrase with his disciples, his followers, and with those who had never met Him before. He calmed the fear of the man paralyzed from birth before He healed him. He calmed the storm and then asked his disciples why they were afraid. And He tells us not to fear - we are worth more than sparrows, and He sees every one of them that falls, and feeds them too.
To quote Max himself, "There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Let's be among those who stay calm. ... Let's be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's."
Reading this book gave me the tools to put that into practice. As so many of us do, I struggle with fear. But as Jesus becomes bigger in my life, my fear begins to shrink. Faith begins to replace that fear. What would it be like to always live like that? I don't know yet. But I want to find out! And this book gives me the tools to begin to life my life like that.
It is a book that you will not want to miss. It is a book I intend to read and re-read. And yes, a book I intend to give to my son to read. Please, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy for your self. You have nothing to lose but fear itself. :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Update - January 1, 2010
Sorry, Guys! I haven't been able to read for a long time. I started "Fearless" by Max Lucado, and am still reading it. I hope to have it done before I go back to work on Wednesday of next week. I've been sewing a gift for my sister in Alaska, and then my youngest son had surgery. But the sewing's almost done, and my son is on the mend. So back to reading I go~ very soon. Hope to post several more reviews in the near future.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Shack - By Wm. Paul Young
The Shack is written by Wm. Paul Young and is publishe by Windblown Media
Once again, my friends, this is a review of one of my all time favorite books. I have read/listened to the book 2 times, and will read it many more. I love this book so much, that I have currently given away something like 14 copies. I will ALWAYS be thankful for Mr. Young, and the way he showed the love of God to me in such an unconventional way.
The Shack is about Mackenzie Allen Phillips, known as "Mack", who have had a horrible tragedy in his life. While on vacation with his children the week before school begins for the year, his youngest daughter, Missy, goes missing. Evidence found in a shack up in the nearby mountains suggests that her life came to a violent end.
Thus begins "the Great Sadness" in Mack's life. He feels depressed and abandoned by God, even though his wife, though sad about the tragedy, has clung to her faith, and even calls God "Papa". As his depression deepens, he goes to check the mail on an icy day, and finds a suspicious letter addressed to him with no return address.
The note says "Mackenzie, It's been a while. I've missed you.
I'll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together.
- Papa"
Who would dare write him a note like that?! Is it the killer trying to lure him and his family into his trap, so that he can take more lives precious to him? Is it a horrible prank?
But, against Mack's better judgement, he decides he'll go to the shack and see what's going on. He can always turn around and come back. H secretly leaves for the shack, not telling his wife, Nan, so as not to worry her, to spend a weekend with Papa.
What will he find there? Will he see God, or find the killer waiting for him? If it really is God there, what will He look like? Will he be condemning? Will he be comforting?
I can tell you that what he does find there will change his life forever. As it has changed mine.
This book is a must read for all, whether you are searching for God, or already know Him. It will change your perspective of Him in ways you've never expected. It will take Him out of the neat little box that most of us have put Him in, and make Him real. It may even change your life!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SHACK !!!!
Once again, my friends, this is a review of one of my all time favorite books. I have read/listened to the book 2 times, and will read it many more. I love this book so much, that I have currently given away something like 14 copies. I will ALWAYS be thankful for Mr. Young, and the way he showed the love of God to me in such an unconventional way.
The Shack is about Mackenzie Allen Phillips, known as "Mack", who have had a horrible tragedy in his life. While on vacation with his children the week before school begins for the year, his youngest daughter, Missy, goes missing. Evidence found in a shack up in the nearby mountains suggests that her life came to a violent end.
Thus begins "the Great Sadness" in Mack's life. He feels depressed and abandoned by God, even though his wife, though sad about the tragedy, has clung to her faith, and even calls God "Papa". As his depression deepens, he goes to check the mail on an icy day, and finds a suspicious letter addressed to him with no return address.
The note says "Mackenzie, It's been a while. I've missed you.
I'll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together.
- Papa"
Who would dare write him a note like that?! Is it the killer trying to lure him and his family into his trap, so that he can take more lives precious to him? Is it a horrible prank?
But, against Mack's better judgement, he decides he'll go to the shack and see what's going on. He can always turn around and come back. H secretly leaves for the shack, not telling his wife, Nan, so as not to worry her, to spend a weekend with Papa.
What will he find there? Will he see God, or find the killer waiting for him? If it really is God there, what will He look like? Will he be condemning? Will he be comforting?
I can tell you that what he does find there will change his life forever. As it has changed mine.
This book is a must read for all, whether you are searching for God, or already know Him. It will change your perspective of Him in ways you've never expected. It will take Him out of the neat little box that most of us have put Him in, and make Him real. It may even change your life!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SHACK !!!!
Blink of an Eye - By Ted DeKker
Blink of an Eye is written by Ted Dekker and is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
I've had Blink of an Eye sitting on my shelf for over a year. If I'd known how great a book it was, I would have read it long ago!
Blink of an Eye is a story about a Saudi Arabian princess named Miriam running from an arranged marriage to a horrible man, and a certified genius, Seth who meet under unlikely circumstances in California.
No one would think that the life of a Saudi Arabian princess would be one to run from. But after seeing her best friend murdered by her own father for refusing to follow Saudi rules for a young wife, and then meeting the man to whom she is betrothed, even though she is in love with another man, Miriam thinks it really is time to run.
The reason for the arranged marriage is purely political, hopefully resulting in a coup. This is the worst thing that could happen in Saudi Arabia.
Miriam flees to California, where she meets Seth who saw her in a vision before she encounters the man looking for her.
Seth's "visions" of the future continue, and will throw the two of them together in a high-stakes chase in which they don't know who to trust and who not to trust. As they flee for their lives, with the enemy on their tails, and no time to sleep, will they make it through alive?
This is one of Ted Dekker's older novels, and I enjoyed it very much. If you like action, adventure, and a little romance, this is a book for you!
I've had Blink of an Eye sitting on my shelf for over a year. If I'd known how great a book it was, I would have read it long ago!
Blink of an Eye is a story about a Saudi Arabian princess named Miriam running from an arranged marriage to a horrible man, and a certified genius, Seth who meet under unlikely circumstances in California.
No one would think that the life of a Saudi Arabian princess would be one to run from. But after seeing her best friend murdered by her own father for refusing to follow Saudi rules for a young wife, and then meeting the man to whom she is betrothed, even though she is in love with another man, Miriam thinks it really is time to run.
The reason for the arranged marriage is purely political, hopefully resulting in a coup. This is the worst thing that could happen in Saudi Arabia.
Miriam flees to California, where she meets Seth who saw her in a vision before she encounters the man looking for her.
Seth's "visions" of the future continue, and will throw the two of them together in a high-stakes chase in which they don't know who to trust and who not to trust. As they flee for their lives, with the enemy on their tails, and no time to sleep, will they make it through alive?
This is one of Ted Dekker's older novels, and I enjoyed it very much. If you like action, adventure, and a little romance, this is a book for you!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thr3e - By Ted DeKker
Thr3e is by Ted DeKker and is published by West Bow Publishers
I must start out by telling you that Thr3e is one of my favorite stand alone novels of all time, and definitely my favorite stand alone novel of Ted Dekker's! As soon as I read it, I became a fan!
The book starts out with Kevin Parsons, genius and budding theologian, in his car, when he receives a very threatening phone call. Apparently a killer is after Kevin, and if Kevin doesn't tell his secret for the whole world to hear within 3 minutes, the killer will detonate a bomb in Kevin's car.
The only problem is, Kevin doesn't know what secret he's supposed to tell! He wracks his brain, but can not figure it out. 3 minutes later, the bomb explodes. And so begins the suspense filled novel that got me hooked on Ted Dekker, and many of my friends also.
As Kevin tries to figure out what the killer wants before the town in general, and he himself in particular, are targeted once again, he is joined in his search by Sam, a childhood friend of his, and by Jennifer, a law enforcement officer. Both ladies want to help protect him.
Join Kevin, Sam and Jennifer as the three of them try to solve the killer's riddles before it's too late. What does Kevin need to confess? How many more innocent people have to die? Read this page turner to find out!
I must start out by telling you that Thr3e is one of my favorite stand alone novels of all time, and definitely my favorite stand alone novel of Ted Dekker's! As soon as I read it, I became a fan!
The book starts out with Kevin Parsons, genius and budding theologian, in his car, when he receives a very threatening phone call. Apparently a killer is after Kevin, and if Kevin doesn't tell his secret for the whole world to hear within 3 minutes, the killer will detonate a bomb in Kevin's car.
The only problem is, Kevin doesn't know what secret he's supposed to tell! He wracks his brain, but can not figure it out. 3 minutes later, the bomb explodes. And so begins the suspense filled novel that got me hooked on Ted Dekker, and many of my friends also.
As Kevin tries to figure out what the killer wants before the town in general, and he himself in particular, are targeted once again, he is joined in his search by Sam, a childhood friend of his, and by Jennifer, a law enforcement officer. Both ladies want to help protect him.
Join Kevin, Sam and Jennifer as the three of them try to solve the killer's riddles before it's too late. What does Kevin need to confess? How many more innocent people have to die? Read this page turner to find out!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
Double Minds by Terri Blackstock is published by Zondervan Publishers.
I bought Double Minds because of the title and cover art. As you will notice book covers tend to be one of the main selling points for me as a reader! I also chose it because I am a big fan of Terri Blackstock's suspense.
I must tell you that I didn't even read the back cover before I bought this book. I just thought the title Double Minds was referring to someone with multiple personalities or something like that. I was mistaken!
The title Double Minds comes from a Bible verse saying that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways." It's also the title of the most famous of contemporary Christian artist Parker James' songs. You see, she is a song writer living in Nashville, TN, hopefully on her way to stardom herself. Right now, though, she writes songs for her best friend, Serene, to sing. Serene is the epitomy of an entertainer, having the perfect voice and the perfect body for the part.
But Serene has a secret. And it's Parker's job to help Serene see it for the destructive truth it is.
And someone is stealing Parker's songs, too! How can this connect with the dead body sprawled in front of Parker's desk where she would have been sitting if she hadn't traded nights with that girl?
Read the book to find out.
I would give this book 3 stars out of 5. It wasn't my favorite book of Terri Blackstock's but it's worth a read, especially if you live in or near Nashville, TN as I do.
I bought Double Minds because of the title and cover art. As you will notice book covers tend to be one of the main selling points for me as a reader! I also chose it because I am a big fan of Terri Blackstock's suspense.
I must tell you that I didn't even read the back cover before I bought this book. I just thought the title Double Minds was referring to someone with multiple personalities or something like that. I was mistaken!
The title Double Minds comes from a Bible verse saying that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways." It's also the title of the most famous of contemporary Christian artist Parker James' songs. You see, she is a song writer living in Nashville, TN, hopefully on her way to stardom herself. Right now, though, she writes songs for her best friend, Serene, to sing. Serene is the epitomy of an entertainer, having the perfect voice and the perfect body for the part.
But Serene has a secret. And it's Parker's job to help Serene see it for the destructive truth it is.
And someone is stealing Parker's songs, too! How can this connect with the dead body sprawled in front of Parker's desk where she would have been sitting if she hadn't traded nights with that girl?
Read the book to find out.
I would give this book 3 stars out of 5. It wasn't my favorite book of Terri Blackstock's but it's worth a read, especially if you live in or near Nashville, TN as I do.
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