I Feel So Unnecessary

Playing Saint By: Zachary Bartels Genre: Christian Mystery/ Thriller 352 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson, October 2014 I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. Yesterday, Parker Saint’s only concern was his swiftly rising star power. Today, he’s just trying to stay alive. Parker Saint is living the dream. A cushy job at a thriving megachurch has him on the verge of becoming a bestselling author and broadcast celebrity—until life takes an abrupt turn that lands him on the wrong side of the law. To avoid a public scandal, he agrees to consult with the police on a series of brutal murders linked by strange religious symbols scrawled on each victim. Parker tries to play the expert, but he is clearly in over his head. Drawn ever deeper into a web of intrigue involving a demanding detective, a trio of secretive Vatican opera...

The Butterfly and the Violin Hidden Masterpiece #1 By: Kristy Cambron 329 pages Genre: Historical/Romantic/Christian Fiction Publisher: Thomas Nelson, July 2014 Source: Received complimentary copy from publisher via BookLook Bloggers  Present day: Art gallery owner Sera James is looking for a painting she seen as a child that haunted her. To her it links her to her Father. When she meets William Vanover- who has loaned her the painting they decide to work together to try to find it. William has a stake in finding it as well- his family's fortune. 1942: Adele Von Bron, a renowned concert violinist. Her story will take her from a privileged upbringing to a concentration camp- sent there for helping Jews. Her only hope is to become a member of the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz. There the thought of playing for God in the face of evil sustains her. As William and Sera try to unravel the mystery of the painting they find that even in the midst of unspeakable horror th...

In the Beginning By: Abby L. Vandiver Genre: Christian Fiction 335 pages Publisher: Media Web Publishing Publication Date: June 2013 Purchase the book here: Amazon   B&N     Synopsis: In 1997, Biblical Archaeologist Justin Dickerson is unhappy with her life in general and has decided to run away from her problems. Intervening, her mentor asks that she go with him to the Fifty Year Jubilee commemorating the finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Jerusalem. There she finds that in 1949 Jerusalem some of the 2,000 year old manuscripts, hidden in clay pots in the caves of Qumran, may have been destroyed. Justin, obsessed with this revelation, is determined to get to the bottom of the deceit. Uncontrollable emotion takes hold of her, and family and faith help guide her as she unfolds the truth of Earth's ancient mysteries discovering what really happened In the Beginning . . . My Thoughts: * I was provided a free copy in exchange for ...

The Other Side of the River By: Robert  D. Halpert, MD Genre: Historical/ Christian Fiction 282 pages Publisher: WestBow Press Publication Date: February 2013 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  Purchase the book here: WestBow Press   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Kobo   Synopsis: Bold and thought-provoking, this historical novel journeys into an era of great upheaval in U.S. history and into the mind of one of the era’s most unique characters, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The Other Side of the River draws a picture of his deep-rooted faith at war with himself within a parallel breathtaking background of a nation at war with itself. See Jackson’s military brilliance—a...

* I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Formats: Kindle   Paperback   Nook Published 2013 by AltWit Press 317 pages Synopsis: Nathaniel Taylor was a Christian who thought believers were exempted from "dark times." That was until he entered his own long time in the dark. When he meets Lilly, a young woman in danger, it sends him on a journey to discover the difference between night and day and that during dark times, the light is hidden, not gone. My Thoughts: I thought the book started off slow but towards the middle it picked up and I found myself enjoying it more. Nathaniel was a great character and while I found Lilly to be a little annoying at first she quickly grew on me. I know the theme of the book was light vs. dark but I found it to be a little heavy handed at times- I thought the point the author was trying to get across could have been more subtle. That didn't stop me from enjoying the book though a...

Paperback , Nook , and Kindle formats Publisher: Henery Press ( November 2012) 290 pages * I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers' scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder – and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence. So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped. My Review: A cute mystery set in West Virginia. It's filled with interesting characters and has the beginnings of a nice romance in it for the protagonist. ...

Paperback or E-book format 358 pages Publisher: WestBow Press (December 2011) I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A faded picture sets in motion a perilous journey for five young men in 1962, who, with a twist of mystery and revelation not only encounter harrowing adventure in the forbidden Niagara Gorge, but are forced to confront the swirling illusions of the world and God—changing their lives forever. More than a simple tale of camaraderie and adventure, this is a fascinating tale rich in historical fact and stories of visitors journeying through Niagara on the underground railroad and the Devil’s Hole Massacre.  Journeys across America  is a kaleidoscope of adventure and history exploring the questions confronting people of all ages. My Review: Though the book had an interesting premise but I found it hard to get into. I also thought the author had a hard time with the voice of tee...