A Hero For Jessica
Pamela Tibodeaux
www.thewildrosepress.com
2008
Inspirational
*****
From their first encounter, Paul Seville and Jessica Aucoin are fascinated by each other. When she turns to the handsome attorney forChristian, help in dealing with an issue from her past and a change she wants to take in her writing future, Paul becomes the hero she needs. Is Jessica who he needs?
I dare you not to smile before this story is over. The only possible flaw is its brevity. I could have easily read Paul and Jessica's story for another couple of hundred pages. Romans 8:28 is played out with a sweet reality that will encourage you and give you hope. I can believe that this might really happen, thanks to the characters being so true to life. Ms. Thibodeaux has a gift; if you read her works you will give yourself one.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Getting free of your problems
Get Out of that Pit
Beth Moore
Thomas Nelson
2007
ISBN 1591455529
Christian Living/Self help
*****
Let me begin by saying the term self-help might be the closest term to apply to this book in secular terms, but it is NOT a self help book; it's a getting God's help book. If you have tried the Secret, to have your "best life now," find your purpose, or have a positive attitude by using what amounts to the Music Man method- just telling yourself to be happy, you have by now found they don't work. This is what you've been searching for, or at least the first step to getting there. In a folksy, yet powerful fashion, Mrs. Moore gives her readers hard hitting reality about how everyone at some point in their life finds themselves arriving in a pit, whether they just got there accidentally, were shoved in, or dove in with their eyes open. She makes it clear that God alone can get you out of there and how surrendering to Him and cooperating with Him is the only rope that will get you free. The back of the book even offers a mini workbook so that you can on your own go through with scriptural prayers and questions designed to help you think about what you've read. Unlike some bestsellers in the "self help" genre, this one is replete with the Bible. Maybe you can't get to a Beth Moore study or you're a guy and would feel like a duck out of water among a few hundred women. This is a good substitute or supplement.
Beth Moore
Thomas Nelson
2007
ISBN 1591455529
Christian Living/Self help
*****
Let me begin by saying the term self-help might be the closest term to apply to this book in secular terms, but it is NOT a self help book; it's a getting God's help book. If you have tried the Secret, to have your "best life now," find your purpose, or have a positive attitude by using what amounts to the Music Man method- just telling yourself to be happy, you have by now found they don't work. This is what you've been searching for, or at least the first step to getting there. In a folksy, yet powerful fashion, Mrs. Moore gives her readers hard hitting reality about how everyone at some point in their life finds themselves arriving in a pit, whether they just got there accidentally, were shoved in, or dove in with their eyes open. She makes it clear that God alone can get you out of there and how surrendering to Him and cooperating with Him is the only rope that will get you free. The back of the book even offers a mini workbook so that you can on your own go through with scriptural prayers and questions designed to help you think about what you've read. Unlike some bestsellers in the "self help" genre, this one is replete with the Bible. Maybe you can't get to a Beth Moore study or you're a guy and would feel like a duck out of water among a few hundred women. This is a good substitute or supplement.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Triple treat
The Visionary
Pamela S Thibodeaux
Ensperon Press
978-1-897540-12-1 Electronic book ISBN
978-1-897540-11-4 Print book-ISBN
*****
A professional relationship quickly turns personal for Terry Broussard and the Forrestier siblings, Taylor and Trevor. When he wants to hire their architectural firm, he is quickly impressed by Taylor's talent as an artist and decorator. Friendship is added to the working dynamic, and when a crisis rocks Taylor's world and nearly ends Trevor's life, Terry is there for the young woman. Not even when he learns the truth about the darkest secrets of her past will he turn away from her. Despite his and her strengths and personal convictions, though, there are battles ahead of them; Trevor's soul lies in jeopardy and discovering love brings Taylor and Terry into temptation as they struggle to remain pure, despite their passions.
Once again, I am struck by Ms. Thibodeaux's ability to create realistic characters and situations that both portray things the way they truly are for Christians and honor God, while never becoming graphic. While many romance writers feel it necessary for people in love to automatically say "yes," she shows that it is possible to do the right thing and in a way that can be seen as the hero and heroine being strong, not white Wonder bread milquetoasts. This story in particular tackles tough, dark gritty subjects, not the least of which being how difficult forgiveness can be. It is a true crime she is not on the NY Times bestseller list; the world desperately needs to read things like this timely, relevant tale.
Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake
Laurie Brown
Source books
Nov
ISBN 1402210132
Ghost/Time Travel Romance
****1/2
Josie Drummond finds herself not only hired by a ghost, but as part of her work, taking a trip back in time to prevent her employer, Deverell Thornton, the Ninth Earl of Waite, from meeting with a ruinous event. A modern woman in the Regency era is somewhat of a fish out of water, but with the help of Deverell the ghost and her own wits, she manages. She also begins to fall in love with the living man, Dev, who is in his own way as charming as the ghost he will become. Romance might be the angle she would like best to pursue, but there are mysteries to solve, a fraud to unmask, and she does need to decide which version of the Earl of Waite she belongs with, all before Deverell's power is exhausted and she has no hope of ever returning home.
Combining multiple unusual plot devices into a compelling romance that sweeps across the centuries, Ms. Brown gives her readers a fascinating story filled with twists and surprises, particularly the startling ending. Josie's love triangle is perhaps the one that of all literary triangles can be considered truly unique. How many people fall in love with the same man, but have to choose which version of him to be with? Though this is clearly a satisfyingly complete tale that leaves little to no room for it to become a series, readers will want to keep their eye out for more from this talented author, at least this one shall.
> Netherwood
> Michele Lang
> Shomi
> March
> ISBN 0505527596
> ****
>
> In the cyber world, plain Jane sheriff Talia Fortune can be Amazonia, a
> warrior woman capable of besting the Avenger in the arena. Between the two
> foes, there is respect and a definite heat that she never expects to
> encounter in the flesh and blood world. However, when assigned to check on
> affairs on the plant her uncle oversees for the family company, she will
> meet the Avenger face to face and find that his real world is far more
> dangerous and exciting than any fictional world created by circuits and
> bytes. In truth, Kovner, aka, the Avenger, is a futuristic sort of Robin
> Hood, bent on toppling those who want to enslave humanity into virtual
> existence. Though at first dedicated to her duty, as Talia learns more
> about
> what the world is, what her beloved grandmother has become, and perhaps
> most
> importantly, how much she loves the real Kovner, the Sherriff finds
> herself
> wanting to join the outlaws. Though she has never believed in souls or
> religion, as both are illegal, Talia just may have discovered hers and
> will
> have to fight to retain them.
>
> It's difficult to sum up this book without spoiling it. Ms. Lang's writing
> has always been superb, yet the complexity of this plot and the
> relationships she has made integral to its furtherance shows that she is
> light years ahead of the game. Though there are elements of Robin Hood,
> the
> Matrix, Braveheart, and the Prisoner, just to name a few things implied in
> the text, they are freshly blended into something new that will challenge
> your mind and keep you hooked. Unrealized elements in all the implied
> archetypical stories are brought into a fuller, better focus than they
> have
> been before in other media. Particularly enjoyable is the realization and
> exploration of what it means to be human and possess a soul.
Pamela S Thibodeaux
Ensperon Press
978-1-897540-12-1 Electronic book ISBN
978-1-897540-11-4 Print book-ISBN
*****
A professional relationship quickly turns personal for Terry Broussard and the Forrestier siblings, Taylor and Trevor. When he wants to hire their architectural firm, he is quickly impressed by Taylor's talent as an artist and decorator. Friendship is added to the working dynamic, and when a crisis rocks Taylor's world and nearly ends Trevor's life, Terry is there for the young woman. Not even when he learns the truth about the darkest secrets of her past will he turn away from her. Despite his and her strengths and personal convictions, though, there are battles ahead of them; Trevor's soul lies in jeopardy and discovering love brings Taylor and Terry into temptation as they struggle to remain pure, despite their passions.
Once again, I am struck by Ms. Thibodeaux's ability to create realistic characters and situations that both portray things the way they truly are for Christians and honor God, while never becoming graphic. While many romance writers feel it necessary for people in love to automatically say "yes," she shows that it is possible to do the right thing and in a way that can be seen as the hero and heroine being strong, not white Wonder bread milquetoasts. This story in particular tackles tough, dark gritty subjects, not the least of which being how difficult forgiveness can be. It is a true crime she is not on the NY Times bestseller list; the world desperately needs to read things like this timely, relevant tale.
Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake
Laurie Brown
Source books
Nov
ISBN 1402210132
Ghost/Time Travel Romance
****1/2
Josie Drummond finds herself not only hired by a ghost, but as part of her work, taking a trip back in time to prevent her employer, Deverell Thornton, the Ninth Earl of Waite, from meeting with a ruinous event. A modern woman in the Regency era is somewhat of a fish out of water, but with the help of Deverell the ghost and her own wits, she manages. She also begins to fall in love with the living man, Dev, who is in his own way as charming as the ghost he will become. Romance might be the angle she would like best to pursue, but there are mysteries to solve, a fraud to unmask, and she does need to decide which version of the Earl of Waite she belongs with, all before Deverell's power is exhausted and she has no hope of ever returning home.
Combining multiple unusual plot devices into a compelling romance that sweeps across the centuries, Ms. Brown gives her readers a fascinating story filled with twists and surprises, particularly the startling ending. Josie's love triangle is perhaps the one that of all literary triangles can be considered truly unique. How many people fall in love with the same man, but have to choose which version of him to be with? Though this is clearly a satisfyingly complete tale that leaves little to no room for it to become a series, readers will want to keep their eye out for more from this talented author, at least this one shall.
> Netherwood
> Michele Lang
> Shomi
> March
> ISBN 0505527596
> ****
>
> In the cyber world, plain Jane sheriff Talia Fortune can be Amazonia, a
> warrior woman capable of besting the Avenger in the arena. Between the two
> foes, there is respect and a definite heat that she never expects to
> encounter in the flesh and blood world. However, when assigned to check on
> affairs on the plant her uncle oversees for the family company, she will
> meet the Avenger face to face and find that his real world is far more
> dangerous and exciting than any fictional world created by circuits and
> bytes. In truth, Kovner, aka, the Avenger, is a futuristic sort of Robin
> Hood, bent on toppling those who want to enslave humanity into virtual
> existence. Though at first dedicated to her duty, as Talia learns more
> about
> what the world is, what her beloved grandmother has become, and perhaps
> most
> importantly, how much she loves the real Kovner, the Sherriff finds
> herself
> wanting to join the outlaws. Though she has never believed in souls or
> religion, as both are illegal, Talia just may have discovered hers and
> will
> have to fight to retain them.
>
> It's difficult to sum up this book without spoiling it. Ms. Lang's writing
> has always been superb, yet the complexity of this plot and the
> relationships she has made integral to its furtherance shows that she is
> light years ahead of the game. Though there are elements of Robin Hood,
> the
> Matrix, Braveheart, and the Prisoner, just to name a few things implied in
> the text, they are freshly blended into something new that will challenge
> your mind and keep you hooked. Unrealized elements in all the implied
> archetypical stories are brought into a fuller, better focus than they
> have
> been before in other media. Particularly enjoyable is the realization and
> exploration of what it means to be human and possess a soul.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun
Rene Lyons
Samhain
2006
ISBN 1599980673
Paranormal
****
Centuries ago, a band of Templars was cursed to "live" as vampires. Yet, despite this, they still aspire to redemption and hope to regain a chance at Heaven. Thus, Rogue, Constantine, Sebastian, and Tristan have spent the last six centuries fighting evil. Yet, they live with cold hearts and let no one outside their fellowship get close to them. Then, they rescue Allie from a renegade vampire. The mortal woman becomes a regular part of their world, and one that Sebastian cannot ignore. Giving in to the love that she longs for would only place her in danger, especially with the evil brand of vampires becoming more reckless and daring.
Though the theme of vampires seeking redemption is a rather common one, Ms. Lyons spin on it is not trite at all. Having the vampires live together as a company, as well as their vocation being Christian, is unique. Moreover, they do not get too broody, which can be a flaw in many such stories. There is plenty of action and romance to keep the story moving and the world that she has built is very intriguing.
Rene Lyons
Samhain
2006
ISBN 1599980673
Paranormal
****
Centuries ago, a band of Templars was cursed to "live" as vampires. Yet, despite this, they still aspire to redemption and hope to regain a chance at Heaven. Thus, Rogue, Constantine, Sebastian, and Tristan have spent the last six centuries fighting evil. Yet, they live with cold hearts and let no one outside their fellowship get close to them. Then, they rescue Allie from a renegade vampire. The mortal woman becomes a regular part of their world, and one that Sebastian cannot ignore. Giving in to the love that she longs for would only place her in danger, especially with the evil brand of vampires becoming more reckless and daring.
Though the theme of vampires seeking redemption is a rather common one, Ms. Lyons spin on it is not trite at all. Having the vampires live together as a company, as well as their vocation being Christian, is unique. Moreover, they do not get too broody, which can be a flaw in many such stories. There is plenty of action and romance to keep the story moving and the world that she has built is very intriguing.
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