In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix

This is the 2nd book I have read by Michele Phoenix and I must say that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her books are full of witty writing, hard hitting stories and flawed, realistic characters. "In Broken Places" is a book that sticks with you long after you have read it. The story is about Shelby who has carved out a predictable life which is exactly what she wants after a horrific childhood with an abusive Father. But now Shelby's world is once again upturned when she is given custody of 4 year old Shayla. Things are overturned even more when Shelby accepts a teaching position in Germany where she is pursued by a persistent coach and learns more about healing and letting go of the past.
This book was exceptional and for me was a good reminder about the healing hand of God.I like how the book accurately portrayed how healing does not happen overnight and how God is continually working with us. It also shows the ravaging affects of an unhappy childhood and the scars it leaves.

I highly recommend this book, it is not an easy read as it breaks your heart to read about Shelby's childhood, but it is a book that sticks with you long after you have read it and I cannot recommend it enough.

 I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers but it in no way influenced my opinion.

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

Sweet Mercy is a good,easy read by the Christian author Ann Tatlock. I have not read any of her books before,but really enjoyed this sweet,easy read and look forward to trying out more books by her in the future.
When Eve and her family move to Ohio from the corrupt big city, Eve is hoping she is leaving a city of gangs, mobs and bootlegging behind. She thinks Mercy, Ohio where her Uncle runs a lodge will be full of good people,but when she find there is bootlegging going on in Mercy and that some people who are close to her are involved what will she do?

This story is about mercy and forgiveness and I like the message that Ann Tatlock was trying to get across. Some aspects of the book could of been better developed, but overall I thought this was an enjoyable good read.

Avenged by Janice Cantore

This is the 3rd book in the series Pacific Coast Justice which is about Officer Carly Edwards and her husband Sergeant Nick Anderson. In this book Carly and Nick are afraid their town is going to go into a full fledged gang war after 3 young men are shot from one of the gangs. When weapons are found that were stolen off of a military base as well as explosives things explode. On top of that Carly reputation as an officer is being shredded as a reporter seems to have it out for her. Will God help Carly to save her career and figure out what is going on?

Janice Cantore is a retired police officer so for me it was fun reading a book actually written by a veteran officer. The books have an interesting plot, however the characters for me were not nearly as engaging as they could of been. Overall it was a good book and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Tyndale Fiction for sending me a copy of the book to review.

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

This is one of the most engaging, interesting books I have read in awhile and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel that comes out in July!
The book is about Errol, a young man who is an orphan and is the town drunk. His life changes drastically when he takes a message to a hermit monk in the mountains, suddenly Errol is under threat from assassins. Errol is soon on a adventure that could change the fate of the kingdom.

Patrick Carr is a new author on the scene and I thoroughly enjoyed this book by him. It had a wide array of characters that were engaging and interesting. The storyline was well developed and it had enough going on to keep it interesting, but it was not very confusing.
I highly recommend this book, it is great for the female audience as well as males as both would enjoy it.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, but this in no way influenced my opinion  of the book.

Damascus Count Down by Joel C. Rosenberg

This is the 3rd book in the wonderful series by Joel Rosenberg that is full of heart racing action, mystery and intrigue.
I love how the story weaves in so many different stories and has excellent secondary characters, I am also glad they have a list of characters in the front of the book as you need it to keep everyone straight!

CIA agent David Shiraziis trying to get into the inner circle Iranian regime, but is time running out as the Twelfth Imam retaliates against Israel looking to annihilate them because Israel destroyed all of their nuclear warheads,but two. Will David and his team be able to find the two remaining nuclear warheads that the Iranians have before  they are used against Israel?  

I really enjoyed this book,it was well written and fascinating. Despite it being a large book (over 400 pages) the reading went very quickly and I had no problem getting through it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and end time type books.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from Tyndale House.

To Honor and Trust by Judth Miller and Tracie Peterson

"To Honor and Trust" by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller is the 3rd book in the Bridal Veil Island series.I have not read the two previous books,but I do not think that put me at a sever disadvantage.

Callie DeBoyer is a young governess on Bridal Veil Island trying to figure out where God wants her to go in life.Should she continue working as a governess or join her family as missionaries in Africa? When Callie enrolls in her young charge in golf lessons she  gets to know the instructor Wesley Townsend and is attracted to him,but when she finds out his secrets will she be able to trust him again? 

This book was a frothy, easy read. It was a cute story without being horribly profound, but if you want a nice easy read it is not bad.

Disclaimers: I received this book for review from the publisher Bethany House. 

I Am Not But I Know I Am by Louie Giglio

This is a great reprint of the popular book by Louie Giglio. This book " I am not but I know I am" is a great reminder that God the creator of the universe is looking for everyday, ordinary people to help Him. This book really encouraged me as I thought Mr. Giglio did a superb  job at speaking to everyone and reminding us that in God's eyes we are all significant and important. He did a great job of mixing scriptures and stories from his life, which I found very interesting.

I highly recommend this book and hope more people will realize just how significant they really are to God.