Yours, Jack
C.S. Lewis
Harper One
May
ISBN 0061240591
Biographical, Inspirational
****
C.S. Lewis was famous for the amount of time he spent composing letters and answering his mail. Every day brought dozens of pieces of fan mail and other correspondence that he spent hours dealing with daily. In this volume, we get to see the results of this time, the author's unvarnished heart and mind, not polished for publication. His questions and search for deeper answers as he pursued his Christian life, his personal concerns, his hopes, and his sorrows are all exposed for us to see and share in. Through this medium, we get insight into his professional writing and into the life of one of the twentieth century's most influential philosophers. We also gain much in the way of Christian instruction in a very readable format. This is a must for any fan of Lewis and Narnia.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturdays with Stella
Saturdays with Stella
Allison J Pittman
Multnomah
Aug
ISBN 1601421397
Inspirational/Devotional
***
Owning an unruly dog can be a challenge, but for the author, it proves to be one of the best things that ever happened to her. When she takes her dog, Stella, to obedience classes, Allison begins to reflect on how like the canine she can be in relation to her Master, God. Through watching Stella's lessons and applying them to her spiritual life, she gleans lessons that are applicable to us all, such as sitting at the Master's feet, staying, letting go, and more. Pet owner or not, you'll discover something new that will help you as you walk with God.
Allison J Pittman
Multnomah
Aug
ISBN 1601421397
Inspirational/Devotional
***
Owning an unruly dog can be a challenge, but for the author, it proves to be one of the best things that ever happened to her. When she takes her dog, Stella, to obedience classes, Allison begins to reflect on how like the canine she can be in relation to her Master, God. Through watching Stella's lessons and applying them to her spiritual life, she gleans lessons that are applicable to us all, such as sitting at the Master's feet, staying, letting go, and more. Pet owner or not, you'll discover something new that will help you as you walk with God.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Zoe Martinique Book II Spectre
Spectre
Phaedra Weldon
Ace
July
ISBN 044101593X
Urban fantasy
*****
In the weeks and months since being transformed to a Wraith, Zoe Martinique has adjusted to her new status; she has some awesome powers while in spirit form, the only real drawback is no voice. However, as things generally do, life is about to take a downward spiral for her. Because powerful beings connected to her hidden past want some gems that will give them power beyond measure, Zoe finds herself trying to solve a mystery and being forced into even more unspeakable acts than possession in order to save her mother from a fate far worse than death and all mankind from an evil as old as time.
Zoe's wry humor gives her a "voice" that readers will readily identify with and enjoy. She's sharp and funny, even at her most serious moments when things look dire. Ms. Weldon's unique concept of a world is fascinating and one that makes you want to see more of it, soon. Truly original spins on concepts are few and far between. Thankfully, readers can say they have found something special and new in the Zoe series.
Phaedra Weldon
Ace
July
ISBN 044101593X
Urban fantasy
*****
In the weeks and months since being transformed to a Wraith, Zoe Martinique has adjusted to her new status; she has some awesome powers while in spirit form, the only real drawback is no voice. However, as things generally do, life is about to take a downward spiral for her. Because powerful beings connected to her hidden past want some gems that will give them power beyond measure, Zoe finds herself trying to solve a mystery and being forced into even more unspeakable acts than possession in order to save her mother from a fate far worse than death and all mankind from an evil as old as time.
Zoe's wry humor gives her a "voice" that readers will readily identify with and enjoy. She's sharp and funny, even at her most serious moments when things look dire. Ms. Weldon's unique concept of a world is fascinating and one that makes you want to see more of it, soon. Truly original spins on concepts are few and far between. Thankfully, readers can say they have found something special and new in the Zoe series.
Friday, August 29, 2008
AT last Acheron
Acheron
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Aug
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312362153
Epic urban fantasy
*****
His birth was heralded by prophecy, eleven thousand years ago. He would been slain on account of his odd eyes then and there, if it were not for the fact that if Acheron died, so would his "twin," the crown prince of his land. Yet, from that time on, he was the hated child of his family, loved only by his sister Ryssa, but even her compassion and royal place could not save him from being sent away to the most demeaning of slaveries that would come near to breaking him. Though he knows freedom for a time, he soon finds himself in chains again, forced to the most humiliating, debased service, doing unspeakable acts for the pleasure of others. Yet, he now finds someone else to love him, the goddess Artemis. Or is she just another user? Then, things happen that will forge destinies for millennia. Ryssa was taken as Apollo's concubine and bore his child. Then, the god's enemies killed them both and his revenge created the Daimons, as well as killed Acheron. However, Acheron finds his life in death, discovering his true heritage as the child of Atlantean gods. He also learns how treacherous his lover is. To counter the evil, Artemis creates the Dark Hunters, and binds them to Acheron. If any of them ever discover love and want to be free, she will allow it, if Ash will pay the price in her bed.
In the modern world, Acheron continues to serve his purpose as the leader of the Dark Hunters and pay for their lives when needed, but now, someone is about to discover his secret. Tory, a young scientist who is seeking Atlantis, has found his sister's journals. If that were not bad enough, she might be able to set free Ash's mother, an act that would rain death upon the world. That could happen anyway; for she has captured his heart and Aphrodite is not a goddess who bears rivals lightly.
This book is almost impossible to sum up in a few lines. With a massive, multi-faceted storyline that will draw you in and make you want to read fast, but need to read slowly so as to catch all the details and nuances, it forges a pivotal chapter in Dark Hunter history. Your heart will bleed for Acheron and many scenes are violent and graphic. However, the characterizations are brilliant, driving the many plots forward. Truly, if you love character dominant stories, this is a perfect book for you. It's also an excellent stand alone one, though this is a series not to be missed. Changes take place that will be felt in all future books, and I can't wait to see what the effects are.
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Aug
St. Martin's
ISBN 0312362153
Epic urban fantasy
*****
His birth was heralded by prophecy, eleven thousand years ago. He would been slain on account of his odd eyes then and there, if it were not for the fact that if Acheron died, so would his "twin," the crown prince of his land. Yet, from that time on, he was the hated child of his family, loved only by his sister Ryssa, but even her compassion and royal place could not save him from being sent away to the most demeaning of slaveries that would come near to breaking him. Though he knows freedom for a time, he soon finds himself in chains again, forced to the most humiliating, debased service, doing unspeakable acts for the pleasure of others. Yet, he now finds someone else to love him, the goddess Artemis. Or is she just another user? Then, things happen that will forge destinies for millennia. Ryssa was taken as Apollo's concubine and bore his child. Then, the god's enemies killed them both and his revenge created the Daimons, as well as killed Acheron. However, Acheron finds his life in death, discovering his true heritage as the child of Atlantean gods. He also learns how treacherous his lover is. To counter the evil, Artemis creates the Dark Hunters, and binds them to Acheron. If any of them ever discover love and want to be free, she will allow it, if Ash will pay the price in her bed.
In the modern world, Acheron continues to serve his purpose as the leader of the Dark Hunters and pay for their lives when needed, but now, someone is about to discover his secret. Tory, a young scientist who is seeking Atlantis, has found his sister's journals. If that were not bad enough, she might be able to set free Ash's mother, an act that would rain death upon the world. That could happen anyway; for she has captured his heart and Aphrodite is not a goddess who bears rivals lightly.
This book is almost impossible to sum up in a few lines. With a massive, multi-faceted storyline that will draw you in and make you want to read fast, but need to read slowly so as to catch all the details and nuances, it forges a pivotal chapter in Dark Hunter history. Your heart will bleed for Acheron and many scenes are violent and graphic. However, the characterizations are brilliant, driving the many plots forward. Truly, if you love character dominant stories, this is a perfect book for you. It's also an excellent stand alone one, though this is a series not to be missed. Changes take place that will be felt in all future books, and I can't wait to see what the effects are.
Sons of Destiny
The Storm
Jean Johnston
Berkley
Aug
ISBN 0425222179
Fantasy
****
In the Cat, we saw one side of a love story involving two sets of twins. Now, Rydan and Rora must find their way to each other, something only complicated by his solitary ways and her need to not be touched. Moreover, Rora and her sister have a tough time trusting this family that has taken them in, and in winning the trust of the growing clan. With mishaps and magic providing the background, though, love can ovecome even the highest, strongest walls around toughened hearts.
Ms. Johnston's created world is one that is becoming a comfortable place in which to park one's mind. Each brother provides a fascinating portrait, and the women they love are equal to the task of winning them. The auther has truly turned their "Curse" into a blessing, for readers, that is. Her characterization skills are among the best out there.
Jean Johnston
Berkley
Aug
ISBN 0425222179
Fantasy
****
In the Cat, we saw one side of a love story involving two sets of twins. Now, Rydan and Rora must find their way to each other, something only complicated by his solitary ways and her need to not be touched. Moreover, Rora and her sister have a tough time trusting this family that has taken them in, and in winning the trust of the growing clan. With mishaps and magic providing the background, though, love can ovecome even the highest, strongest walls around toughened hearts.
Ms. Johnston's created world is one that is becoming a comfortable place in which to park one's mind. Each brother provides a fascinating portrait, and the women they love are equal to the task of winning them. The auther has truly turned their "Curse" into a blessing, for readers, that is. Her characterization skills are among the best out there.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Body Movers
Three Men and a Body
Stephanie Bond
Mira
July
ISBN 0778326071
Romantic Suspense
****
What should have been a fairly "fun" trip with Coop, one of the trio of men courting Carlotta Wren, to pick up the body of a celebrity who has died at a young age under somewhat odd circumstances, turns out to be a pivotal event for Carlotta. Not only do she and Coop agree that it seems like the late star's death is more than a simple asthma attack, but their romantic interlude is cut short by her kid brother's intrusion on the trip and the fact that someone keeps trying to steal the body. Moreover, little brother Wesley's gambling debts are causing continual problems, ones that get in the way of any relationship with Jack, the cop she is interested in and keep her tied to her former fiance', Peter, who wants to be reinstated, despite his earlier betrayal. Making matters even worse are all the unwelcome truths that Carlotta finds herself being forced to face about her father's past.
This is a complex story, but still, filled with light and amusing moments off setting the terrifying ones. Ms. Bond has created characters that live and breath and make you want to know them better. I can hardly wait for the next one.
Stephanie Bond
Mira
July
ISBN 0778326071
Romantic Suspense
****
What should have been a fairly "fun" trip with Coop, one of the trio of men courting Carlotta Wren, to pick up the body of a celebrity who has died at a young age under somewhat odd circumstances, turns out to be a pivotal event for Carlotta. Not only do she and Coop agree that it seems like the late star's death is more than a simple asthma attack, but their romantic interlude is cut short by her kid brother's intrusion on the trip and the fact that someone keeps trying to steal the body. Moreover, little brother Wesley's gambling debts are causing continual problems, ones that get in the way of any relationship with Jack, the cop she is interested in and keep her tied to her former fiance', Peter, who wants to be reinstated, despite his earlier betrayal. Making matters even worse are all the unwelcome truths that Carlotta finds herself being forced to face about her father's past.
This is a complex story, but still, filled with light and amusing moments off setting the terrifying ones. Ms. Bond has created characters that live and breath and make you want to know them better. I can hardly wait for the next one.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Death Angel
Death Angel
Linda Howard
Ballantine
July
ISBN 0345486544
Romantic Suspense
****
As a result of her gangster sugar daddy's latest deal with an assassin, Drea's life changes forever. In lieu of money, Rafael gives her, for the space of one afternoon, to a hitman he wants to keep happy. At first, she is angry at being such a pawn, but that is a magical afternoon and sets in motion plans she has made over the span of years. Though Drea played dumb, she was really brilliant and after being with a man who at least pretended to cherish her for a short time, she has to make her escape. Had she not taken over two million dollars along, Rafael might have let her go, but for that kind of change, she finds herself on the run and terrified. The man who inspired the change is among those hired to eliminate her, but instead, he turns into her greatest ally, after he kills her, that is.
Possibly this is her best book since Mr. Perfect. Drea's story draws you in immediately and steadily increases in intensity from there on out. It's one you can't put down once it really gets going so compelling are the characters and situations. I could have easily read it another hundred pages had it been longer, and probably still wanted to know more.
Linda Howard
Ballantine
July
ISBN 0345486544
Romantic Suspense
****
As a result of her gangster sugar daddy's latest deal with an assassin, Drea's life changes forever. In lieu of money, Rafael gives her, for the space of one afternoon, to a hitman he wants to keep happy. At first, she is angry at being such a pawn, but that is a magical afternoon and sets in motion plans she has made over the span of years. Though Drea played dumb, she was really brilliant and after being with a man who at least pretended to cherish her for a short time, she has to make her escape. Had she not taken over two million dollars along, Rafael might have let her go, but for that kind of change, she finds herself on the run and terrified. The man who inspired the change is among those hired to eliminate her, but instead, he turns into her greatest ally, after he kills her, that is.
Possibly this is her best book since Mr. Perfect. Drea's story draws you in immediately and steadily increases in intensity from there on out. It's one you can't put down once it really gets going so compelling are the characters and situations. I could have easily read it another hundred pages had it been longer, and probably still wanted to know more.
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