I Feel So Unnecessary

Wilderness Rising: A Church Builder Novel By: A.L. Shields Genre: Christian/ Thriller Publisher: Zondervan, 2015 352 pages Beth Barclay is on the run from The Wilderness- a powerful cabal bent on ruining Christianity. They murdered her best friend, framed her, and kidnapped a teenager she was protecting. To get the girl back Beth must find the Pilate Stone, a relic from the federal century that might not even exist. But she's not the only one searching for it. Will she find it, save her friend, and defeat the Wilderness? A thrilling adventure with fully realized characters that keeps you on the edge of your seat. So, I'm giving it... 3 stars LISA

Bathsheba Bathed in Grace: How 8 Scandalous Women Changed the World By: Carol Cook Genre: Christian 227 pages Publisher: West Bow Press, 2012 Adultery, lies, deception, scandal, murder, cover-up, heartache, pain, and loss—stories with these sordid elements are relevant today. And women with shady pasts—labeled, shamed, and linked with tragedies—are part of our heritage. Bathsheba, a victim or temptress, Eve outside of Eden, Tamar posed as a prostitute, Leah stole her sister Rachel’s fiancé…Sarah gave Hagar to her husband and Rebekah masterminded a grave deception. How well do you really know the women of the Bible? An interesting read about the women of the Bible who possessed questionable morals. It provides a new perspective on their actions. I found it to be a fascinating read. 3 stars * I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. Get it: Amazon Lisa

Andi Under Pressure Andi Boggs # 2 By: Amanda Flower Genre: Children's Mystery 176 pages Publisher: Zonderkidz, September 2014 Twelve-year-old Andora 'Andi' Boggs and her new best friend Colin Carter couldn't be more excited to attend the prestigious science camp at the local university in Killdeer, Ohio. Unfortunately, Discovery Camp's curriculum appears to include much more than just chemistry and biology. From day one, the university is plagued by a series of pranks---missing markers, loose crickets, and stolen scales. Campus security blames the mysterious janitor Polk, but even though Andi agrees he's acting suspicious, she can't believe the gentle old man would do anything illegal. Then one prank goes too far and their chemistry professor is injured by an explosion in the lab, upping the stakes of the investigation. Andi and Colin must unravel the secrets behind the chemistry department and Polk's dark past before danger closes t...

The Confession By: Robert Whitlow Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2014 406 pages I received a complimentary copy from the publishers via BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. Holt Douglas is an assistant district attorney for Ashley County, GA and  getting criminals to confess is a big part of his job. But lurking in his past is a dark secret that could ruin his career and end his relationship with Angelina, the woman he hopes to marry. As he starts to investigate an old suicide of a prominent businessman he suspects is murder the guilt from his past threatens to destroy what he's worked for. I found the book to be a little uneven in places but overall I enjoyed it. The characters were well developed and the plot was paced well. The themes of confessing your sins, judgment, and forgiveness was subtle, yet effective.So, it's a ... Add it on Goodreads Buy it at Thomas Nelson / Amazon / B&N / Kobo Visit the author's website Lisa ...

The Queen's Handmaid By: Tracy L. Higley Genre: Historical Fiction 400 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: March 2014 I received a copy of the book from the publisher via BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. Orphaned Lydia is a nurse to Cleopatra's young son. When her mentor dies she is entrusted with the writings of the prophet Daniel. She then flees to Jerusalem where she becomes Queen Mariamme's- the wife of Herod- handmaid. She must then protect the scrolls from the evil forces who wish to thwart the coming of The Messiah. This book was a well- researched, well-plotted out novel. It flowed well, it was suspenseful, and the characters were fully realized. I enjoyed it very much. Lydia is the perfect protagonist. So, I'm giving it... Buy it here: Thomas Nelson Amazon B&N Author Links: Facebook Website Twitter

Since the middle of February I’ve spent most of my time with a loved one in the hospital or going on doctor appointments.  Because of this I have also spent more time running errands. Usually I take all this in stride. My family is quirky. It usually doesn’t bother me. I handle crises most of the time fairly well. Now, I’m not saying I don’t snap at loved ones at times or have mini-breakdowns. I do.  And I feel like a jerk when that happens. I’m a Christian. Usually I’m more private with my faith but I believe that in being one it helps me cope. Gives me peace. Holds my tongue ( A LOT). But lately with all the various health issues family has been having I’ve gotten away from focusing on Christ. My temper is shorter. I have no filter on my mouth. I’m stressed and tired. I need a break. When I do a favor for someone and sit down I usually am asked to do something again. ( GIVE ME A BREAK! JUST GIVE ME FIVE MINUTES!) I yell in my head. I have been delegating m...

The Prodigal- A Ragamuffin Story By: Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett Genre: Christian Fiction 304 pages Publisher: Zondervan Publication Date: October 2013 Purchase the book here: Zondervan Amazon B&N Synopsis: From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jack Chisholm is “the people’s pastor.” He leads a devoted and growing megachurch, has several best-selling books, and a memorable slogan, “We have got to do better.” Jack knows how to preach, and he understands how to chastise people into performing. What he doesn’t know is anything about grace. This year, when it comes time for the Christmas sermon, the congregation at Grace Cathedral will look to the pulpit, and Jack will not be there. Of course, they will have seen plenty of him already---on the news. After an evening of debauchery that leads to an affair with his beautiful assistant, Jack Chisholm finds ...

Like Moonlight at Low Tide By: Nicole Quigley 256 pages Genre: YA Christian Fiction Publisher: Zondervan Publication Date:9/23/12 Get it at: Zondervan Amazon B&N Christianbook  * I received this book through BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis:   In Nicole Quigley's debut YA novel, sixteen-year-old Melissa Keiser returns to her hometown expecting to face the same bullies who called her the ugliest girl in school. Instead her new appearance sparks interest from the popular crowd who made her miserable. When Melissa has a chance to escape her rough home situation and find the life she's dreamed of, she must choose between a longtime crush, a new friend, and the brother who doesn't belong. Melissa's choices may have dire consequences. My Thoughts: This book captured my attention after the first few paragraphs. The plot was paced well and the author captured the voices of teenagers perfectly. She tackled social issues ...

Shine: How to Walk the Talk  By: Nancy Segovia Genre: Christian/ Non-fiction 112 pages Publisher: Faith and Reason Publishing Publication Date: May 2013 Synopsis: L et your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,  and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16 The Bible tells us we need to "shine before men," but what does this mean and how do we do it? In Shine: How to Walk the Talk, Nancy Segovia lays out a series of simple steps you can to take to walk the talk: to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. Using parables, folk tales, and struggles from her own life, she provides uplifting insights into the Christian walk that can make your first steps easier. She examines scripture for clues on what it means to shine, how to reflect God’s love, and what to do when the muddy messes of life blot out God’s light in you. You will relate to her failings, those "Duh!" moments when spiritual understand...

  Rules of Murder: A Drew Farthering Mystery By: Juliana Deering Genre: Cozy/Christian Mystery 336 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publication Date: August 1, 2013 * I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.   Synopsis: From The Tip of his black Homburg to the crease in his stylish cheviot trousers, he's the epitome of a stylish 1930s English gentleman. His only problem? The body he just discovered. Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. With the help of beautiful and whip-smart Madeline Parker, a guest from America, Drew proposes to use the lessons he's learned reading his mysteries to solve the crime. Before long, he realizes this is no lark, and no one at Farthering Place is who he or she appears to be--not the butler nor blackmailer, the chauffeur nor embezzler. Trying hard to remain one step a...

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. Formats: epub  mobi  pdf 108 pages Publisher: WestBow Press (2012) Synopsis:   Becoming a caregiver for a terminally ill family member is an enormous challenge. This guide is a gift to my late husband, who not only taught me how to live well but how to die well. I hope it will carry on his legacy of always teaching and sharing, even as he faced the end of his life. A compact guide that you can easily reference along your personal journey, it is filled with practical suggestions to help you, as the caregiver, honor the way your family member would like to create his or her final journey toward paradise. My Thoughts   A handy tool for caregivers- it offers practical advice with a wry sense of humor thrown in to help caregivers and loved ones on their journey.It was a very quick read. It even had tips I was not fami...