“Jesus Talked to Me Today” by James Stuart Bell

book-cover-jesus-talked-to-me-today….And a Little Child Will Lead Them!

“Giants” with swords appear and protect children from bullies.  A little girl is given the words to write a song that touches hearts after the September 11, 2001 attack.  A homesick child receives spoken words of comfort during the night that bring peace and rest.  All of these stories and more will be found between the covers of this book.  The incidents are true and happened to children in different circumstances and places.

Some of these accounts have been written by the adult who had this happen to them as a child. child-with-purse-sunset-free-use Most of the others are written by an adult, usually a parent.   The tales cover a gamut of experiences ranging from a child seeing a man “wearing a white dress,” to saying someone played with them, to having a dream that contained an important message.  Forty-one different occurrences are chronicled in this volume, they are each fairly short, and easily read.  Because of that, the book lends itself to reading a little at a time, or all at once.  The back of the volume contains a small amount of information about the author of each event.

angel-children-in-schoolroom-old-fashioned-free-useI am always interested in true accounts of heavenly experiences, when they are told from a Christian perspective.  All of these definitely fit that category, and there is no offensive language or situations.   Since these are stories based on a child’s experience, some of them are a bit vague.  But I found others to be very touching.  As the Bible says, “a little child will lead them,” and these children’s encounters just might lead the reader to a deeper faith, or comfort from the Lord.  I recommend this 5 star book to those who like true stories or Heavenly encounters.angel-warrior-free-use

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Jesus Talked To Me Today, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

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“Magnolia Moonlight” by Mary Ellis

book-cover-magnolia-moonlightDouble Your Pleasure – Two Mysteries in One!

Did Reverend Dean really steal thousands of dollars from the church, and then kill himself because of it?  Or was he really murdered?

Price Investigations of Natchez, Mississippi, owned by Nate Price is about to find out.  But Beth Kirby and new-to- investigation-work, Mike Preston, will be in charge of the case.  Former policewoman Beth has to navigate many hurdles from her past co-workers while trying to solve this investigation.

Mike also causes problems when he impulsively does things that make Beth look bad.  Will Beth be able to continue to train Mike while Nate is gone despite his many mistakes?  Or will her patience be lost with her meddling family that she has moved back in with while she is in town?

In the mean time, Nate and wife Isabelle are taking a long overdue honeymoon to Bay St. playing-cards-free-useLouis.  While down there, Izzy is shocked to spot her first husband, Craig, coming out of a local casino.  Although compulsive gambling led to the end of their marriage, Craig had supposedly kicked the addiction, gotten his life together, and remarried.

Izzy is determined to get to the bottom of this, and attempts to enlist Nate’s help to find out.  Is Craig gambling against his will, or has the gambling bug bit him once again?  Will Craig’s problems ruin Izzy and Nate’s romantic trip?  Or in the end, will Izzy and Nate have a surprise for them all?

dective-magnifying-glass-finger-printsThis is the third installment in The South Mysteries Series, but, this story definitely stands on its own.  I give you fair warning, once you read this, you will want to get the first two–and then anxiously await the fourth addition.  Your attention will be grabbed from the very beginning of this 5 plus star book.  This enjoyable romp offers two mysteries to puzzle through along with interesting back stories from the characters.  And all of it is wrapped up in a story with no offensive language or situations.  I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers, and fans of well-written fiction.  Get a copy as soon as possible!

Harvest House Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Magnolia Moonlight, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  www.maryellis.net 

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author/

 

 

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“To Follow Her Heart” By Rebecca DeMarino

 

Does Absence Really Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

Book Cover To Follow Her HeartPatience Terry loves Captain Jeremy Horton.  Jeremy claims to love her, too, and has even promised to marry her.  However,  he seems to love just about everything else more.  First, he had to assist the militia to convince the Dutch to give up New Amsterdam.  Afterwards, he wanted to help in case there were uprisings during the transition.  Each time, he asked Patience to put off their marriage.

Patience has waited, but each delay has hurt her more.   Her friends helped her make a wedding gown, and plan the wedding.  But then Jeremy found yet another reason to post pone their marriage.  Patience is fast running out of patience!  Others have asked Jeremy if he really loves Patience, and if he intends to marry her.  Although he Wedding Bands Free Useanswered yes to both questions, he keeps finding more reasons to ask Patience to wait, and the waiting time extends longer than a year.

Another man has pledged his love to Patience, will she tire of waiting, and take up with this other person?  Will Jeremy stop making excuses, and marry Patience at long last?  Or will the final straw for their relationship be Jeremy’s trip to England?

To Follow Her Heart is the third book in The Southold Chronicles.  For the most part, this story stands on its own, and is written from a Christian viewpoint.  The setting for this tale Colonial Couple Free Useis Long Island in the 1660’s, and the author does a great job describing what life would have been like during that time.  I recommend this 4-star book to fans of historical fiction.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of To Follow Her Heart, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:   www.rebeccademarino.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRebeccaDeMarino

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RebeccaDeMarino

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“Without Warning” by Lynette Eason

Book Cover Without Warning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Your Back!

Daniel Matthews seems to have it all, the owner of highly successful restaurants, lots of material wealth, a mom and niece who love him.  Everything is going well until the night the body of his former employee is found hanging in his restaurant’s basement.  Shortly afterward, on that same night, his other restaurant is set on fire.  Soon it becomes apparent that Daniel himself is the target of whoever is doing these horrible things.  In addition, the target might extend to his niece Riley, too.

Cat & Mouse Play Chess Free ImageSo begins a deadly game of cat and mouse.  Katie Singleton of the Elite Guardians Protection Agency is brought in as a bodyguard for Daniel and Riley.  Despite Katie and her crack team, more attacks take place, and the person behind it all remains a mystery.  While facing life and death situations together, Katie and Daniel begin to learn a lot about each other.  They discover they have a lot in common, and cautiously hope that if they survive, the two of them might spend even more time together.

This fast-moving book will grab your attention from the first page, and keep you wondering who is behind it all.  Daniel faces a variety of attacks which range from bullets, to bombs, and even a backhoe.  Additionally, Daniel’s anger at God because of his brother and sister-in-law’s deaths add a lot of depth and reality to his character.  Riley’s strong faith in spite of her parent’s deaths, along with maturity and spunkiness, make her very likable.  The reader will find themselves hoping Riley will survive all of these attacks unharmed.  Katie has skeletons of her own in her closet.  Many will find common ground with her as she blames herself for her brother’s death.

I really enjoyed this intense story.  This is book two in the Elite Guardians series, but this story stands on its own.  The author does a great job of keeping the reader in suspense as Daniel attempts to find out who is behind all the attacks–before it is too late.  I had a hard time putting it down, and give it 5 plus stars.  Without Warning is highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers written from a Christian viewpoint.Target with Dart Free Use

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Without Warning, through Revell Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:   http://www.lynetteeason.com/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lynetteeason

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“Young and Beardless: The Search for God, Purpose, and a Meaningful Life” by John Luke Robertson

Book Cover Young and Beardless

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Duck Leaves the Nest!

Can a young man, who is not yet twenty-one years old, write a book that will keep an adult’s interest?  John Luke Robertson can, and the proof of that is evident from the first page of this volume.

Many may be familiar with him, along with his family, who are featured on the television Duck Quackingshow, Duck Dynasty.  But his family’s affluence has not made John Luke materialistic.  Far from it, he strives to live a God honoring life, and he shares a lot of that in this book.  This is a genuinely nice young man who is intelligent, has lots of ideas, and is very energetic.

Faith, commitment and fun are three words that could be used to describe John Luke.  He is serious about his faith, his commitment to Book Young & Beardless John Luke & Wifehis wife, Mary Kate, and he has a fun streak that is a joy to read about.  He has had lots of interesting experiences, and has traveled widely in his young life.  Books have always been important to him, and he is well-read.  In fact, he ends each chapter of Young & Beardless with a book he recommends reading, as well as, questions to make the reader think.

In my opinion, there is nothing more spectacular than listening to someone who is really “turned on” to God.   That is, a person who is passionately living out their life to please the Lord.  That is what John Luke is attempting to do, and what he wrote about in this book.  His outlook on both his faith and life are impressive, even more so because of his age.

I enjoyed learning about this young Book Young & Beardless John Luke Robertsonmember of the Robertson family, as well as, the less well-known part of his family, his mother’s side.  Their history and faith is also inspiring.  John Luke has a really good head on his shoulders, and I wish him all the very best as he continues a life with God at the center.  This 5-star book really lends itself to teenagers and young adults, but older adults will enjoy it as well.

Thomas Nelson Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Young & Beardless for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.youngandbeardlessbook.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/237420599953870/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/john316luke923

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“Eden Hill” by Bill Higgs

Book Cover Eden Hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life in the Slow Lane?

Life is about to take an interesting turn in the small town of Eden Hill.  Cornelius Gas Station Pump Cartoon Free UseAlexander decides to gamble everything he owns on a get rich quick scheme the Zipco service station company is offering.  When he stumbles into Eden Hill one afternoon, Cornelius decides that is the perfect place to build his station.   It is right across the street from Osgood’s Oil, the only gas station in the small village.  Owned for years by the Osgood family, this new station seems to be taking direct aim at the Osgoods and their only source of income.  Suddenly this peaceful little settlement might become a battlefield between the two businesses and families.  Will this turn into something like the Hatfield and McCoy feud?

Rev. Caudill certainly hopes not.  In fact, he starts asking the entire congregation, including the Alexander and Osgood families, some hard questions.  Most importantly, he talks about neighbors and how they should treat each other.  Just as the man in the Pastor Cartoon Free UseBiblical story wanted to know, the Osgoods question who exactly is their neighbor?  Does that include the “neighbor” who decides to go into direct competition with them, and then attempts to lure long-time customers away?  Will the Alexanders go bankrupt and lose everything?  Or will the Osgoods have to close their station because of the shiny new one across the street?  Can one small town support two of the same type of businesses?

Take a step back in time, and enter into small town life with all its joys–and surprises!  At first glance Eden Hill may seem like a quiet little town without much happening.  But  that couldn’t be further from the truth.  The residents of this little town cope with situations that range from racial prejudice to illegitimate children, along with a gentle sprinkling of humor.  At the same time, God is trying to touch their lives, and make all things work together for good. 

I enjoyed this 5-star book.  The characters were interesting, and each of their stories really drew me in.  Reading this will make you wish Eden Hill really exists. I recommend this book to all fans of well-written fiction.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Eden Hill, for the purpose of review.  I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBillHiggs/

The Author’s Blog:  http://billhiggs.com/

 

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“Enlarge My Territory? Bring it On!” by Suzi Johnson

Book Cover Enlarge My Territory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want a Fulfilled Life?

What would life be like if Christian principles were followed daily?  Suzi Johnson has attempted to do just that, and she shares her story.  This book contains the wisdom she has gathered over the years of living life with God at the center.

She contrasts what life is like when completely depending on God, as well as, what life is like when not doing that.  The author includes examples from her own life when she relied on God, and not herself, along with the resulting blessings.  She recounts the time she had only one hour to get many hours of tax work done, but by asking God to take over, she was able to finish it in the small amount of time she had.  By trusting God, she had a miraculous outcome.Book Review Pictures Author Suzi Johnson Enlarge My Territory

Family is also very important to the author, and she stresses how vital it is to make sure your children understand what it means to be a Christian.  For instance, despite raising their boys as Christians, the author and her husband were shocked to discover their children had never learned some very basic tenets of their faith.  She shares what happened in her own family’s life when they made the decision make sure their boys knew what they believed.  As part of that change, they made a stronger commitment to church attendance.  That decision had far-reaching consequences in all of their lives.

The author includes some very clever ways to remember important precepts for success, which she calls the Tic-Tac-Toe–Success in a Row.”  A win-win solution will be the result of incorporating those concepts, which are:

First row, The ASK Principle:  Ask, Seek, and Knock.

Second row, The Formula:  Preparation (+), Success (=), and Opportunity (+)

Third row, The “Be” Vitamins:  Be Informed, Be Involved and Believe

God Sky Writing Free Use - CopyThis book is not a hard to understand theological work, but rather it is written in an easy to read, down-to-earth style.  She has kept her instructions simple, with her overriding message being to trust God, and have faith in Him.  Enlarge My Territory? Bring it On!, is a combination of a memoir of Mrs. Johnson’s life, along with some suggestions about how to live in a God-centered way.  She includes lots of scripture, and other creative methods to remember rewarding ways to live.  The real-life situations the author shared were especially enjoyable and helpful.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys true stories about people who have successfully followed God’s principles.

The publisher, WestBow Press, has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Enlarge My TerritoryBring it On!, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.suzijohnson.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Suzi-Johnson-Author-511164895652541/

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“Grieving the Loss of a Loved One” by Kathe Wunnenberg

Book Cover Grieving the Loss of a Loved One

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Master of the Sea

Grief.  How can it be depicted?  Experts have analyzed it, dividing grief into stages, claiming certain feelings and reactions are predictable–even if the one experiencing it finds it hard to believe anyone else could forecast such a thing.

Some have used Biblical references.  For instance, part of the 23rd Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death….,” has been used to describe the journey through grief.

Wave Ocean Large Free UseWater and ocean references have also been used in an attempt to explain it.  Such phrases as “drowning in grief,” “throw me a line to get out of my grief,” or “where is my anchor in grief?” have all been used.  Grief has been compared to the waves in the ocean.  And just like the waves at the sea shore, some really big grief waves, with tsunami-type strength, can come along, and try to knock you down.

This book has been written for someone who is experiencing loss, perhaps someone who despairs of happiness ever returning.  Grieving the Loss of a Loved One came out of the pain and loss the author herself experienced.   Her wish is to help others navigate their way through their own difficult time.

This volume is divided into short sections, each Anchor Blue Looks Like Cross Cartoon Free Usedealing with different aspects of grief.  That format makes it easy to thumb through when looking for a particular issue.  There is even space for journaling in each section.  The book itself is very well-made, with a padded cover, along with strong, thick paper.  It can handle being opened and closed often, or even a bit of rough treatment, if it is carried around a lot.  It is a very sturdy volume, and is written from a Christian outlook.

This book doesn’t have all the answers.  Nothing does.  Or at least that is how it can seem during times of grief.  But the author attempts to give the broken-hearted an anchor in their personal storm.  During grief, I have gleaned very little from books that have not been written from a Christian viewpoint.  Without the promises of God, there is very little hope secular books have to suggest.  Books that do not include God during grieving leave me flat, without hope, and–I have found–are a waste of time.

Grieving the Loss of a Loved One will not be a waste of your time.  The author very clearly points to Jesus, and scripture, as the life preserver needed to keep one from drowning during their own storm of grief.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone experiencing loss. Life Preserver Cartoon Free Use

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Grieving the Loss of a Loved One, through Zondervan Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Website:  www.hopelifters.com

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hopeliftersunlimited/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hopelifters

 

 

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“Amazing Modern-Day Miracles” by Suzanne Frey

Book Cover Amazing Modern-Day Miracles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a Miracle!

Does God hear our prayers? Does He answer them?  Does He perform miracles in the livesPraying Woman of ordinary people today?  This book contains evidence that shows all of those questions should be answered with a yes.

For instance, there is the time a mother prays for her little girl’s finger.  A couple hours later when the bandage is removed, the finger is completely undamaged, and no longer hurt.  The child’s finger is absolutely perfect.

Bear Attack - CopyOr consider the time when three young college students go camping in the woods.  With only plastic sheeting for shelter, they find themselves defenseless when in danger of being attacked by a bear.  After praying for God to send the bear away, the forest quiets, and the young men sleep safely, and undisturbed.  The next day, they discover evidence the bear had been just yards away.  Additionally, campers near them had spent a terrifying night as a bear destroyed their camp looking for food.

This book doesn’t claim to offer a “formula” that if followed, God will always answer exactly as the petitioner may want.  In fact, some have had to pray faithfully for many years before getting an answer.  That is the case when two sisters, along with their spouses, prayed for decades before their brother became a Christian.

In other cases, God may never answer a prayer.  The mom in the story above, had her prayer quickly and miraculously answered when she petitioned God for her little girl.  Yet years later, when she prayed for another of her children, that prayer was not answered.  No one has the answer to “why?”  The mystery of God cannot always be understood, and this book recognizes that.  But Amazing Modern Day Miracles also offers the evidence and hope, that we should remain faithful, and prayerful about all our needs.  We should not lose heart, or give up.Man Silhouette with Stars Joy Free Use - Copy

I enjoyed reading these true stories about the move of God in various people’s lives.  There are fifty-two short stories that can be read all at once, or enjoyed at your leisure, reading one or two at a time.  I also had the pleasurable surprise of discovering one of the stories is written by someone I know!  Whether or not you realize you are acquainted with one of the authors, I believe you will like this 5-star book, find it uplifting, and faith strengthening.  I highly recommend it to everyone.

If you have a miracle story of your own, the author would love to hear it.  Contact her on-line at her website.

The publisher has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Amazing Modern Day Miracles, through Harvest House Publishers for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:   www.SuzFrey.com

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Suzanne-Frey-976822315719802/?pnref=story.unseen-section#

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Suzanne_Frey 

 

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“Missing” by Lisa Harris

Book Cover Missing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will She Have Enough Time?

Two people are missing, and two people are dead.  Nikki Boyd, part of The Missing Boat at Dock Free Useage - CopyPersons Task Force, has been called in to track down the two that are missing.  Suddenly, the case gets really personal for her.  One of the crime scenes is on a boat, The Isabella, owned by her good friend, Tyler.  After that, things get even more complex when it is revealed that George Brennan, Tyler’s estranged, alcoholic father-in-law, is involved in this case as well.

Tyler and Nikki have a complicated relationship.  Tyler is the husband of Nikki’s best friend, Katie.  But a year earlier, Katie drowned–falling off The Isabella–leaving Tyler, her young son Liam, and Nikki heart-broken.  The three of them have spent a lot of time together this past year trying to cope with their grief.  Lately, Nikki has found herself starting to develop romantic feelings towards Tyler, and has pulled back from him and Liam.  She is torn between happiness and guilt for feeling that way.

Magnifying Glass & Finger Prints Free UseNow, this case is bringing Nikki face to face with Tyler, as well as, Katie’s dad, George.  Following the clues and evidence leads Nikki from the pharmaceutical offices in an expensive office building, to sleazy motels in the worst part of town.  Before this investigation is over, Nikki, Tyler and Liam’s lives will all be in danger.  At the same time, Nikki works hard to unravel just who is behind all this.

The reader will be kept on the edge of their seat, while finding out if Nikki will be able to solve this crime before it is too late.  In the midst of all this turmoil, Nikki can’t stop thinking about her growing feelings for Tyler.  Will she have the courage to tell him how she really feels?  If she does, will it destroy their friendship if he doesn’t feel the same way?Heart Shape in Clouds with Sun Shining Free Use

This book is a real page turner, and I really enjoyed it.  Missing is the second installment in The Nikki Boyd Files, but this story can definitely stand on its own.  It is written from a Christian point of view, which I really appreciate.  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-written suspense stories, with a dash of mystery.  Missing rates five plus stars.

I was provided a complimentary copy of Missing, for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Website:  www.lisaharriswrites.com

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/heartofafrica

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaHarris

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