Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Review: Don't Be Silly! At My Age? by Jacqueline Diamond

 

Don't Be Silly! At My Age?

by Jacqueline Diamond

They’re never too old for love lessons!

At 54, the fearless nurse doesn’t believe in love but she’s writing a romance. At 60, the bestselling novelist is happy to teach her about more than just storytelling... if he can stop her cat from terrorizing his dog.

When Mandy dives into Richard’s writing class, this outspoken duo is headed for a collision that will rock both their worlds. Don’t miss the fun, surprises, and unexpected twists!


My Take:

At 54, Mandy Matchett is a driving, no-nonsense single woman who knows exactly what she wants, and that does not include any romantic entanglements. Yet she's been challenged to write a romance. At 60, Richard Forbes is a bestselling novelist burdened with the loss of a wife, and no desire to open his heart up again. He'd rather be alone, thank you, even wishing to drop the small writing group he leads in his father's bookstore. But when Richard's dog breaks free on a walk and chases Mandy's cat, she joins his writing group out of spite. These two are on a collision course that will come to a head when a stalker targets Mandy for sending him to jail.


 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's some drinking in this, bottles of alcohol in the fridge, casual drinking. A drug addict comes calling, and there is some discussion of medicines and their abuse. 
 
Violence:
G – Not much, though there's some threatened.
 
Language:
G – Nada.
 
Adult Content:
G – This is a lighthearted romance, but there's little more than kissing mentioned. There are some mild references to moving in together.
 
Christian content:
There's a bit here. Several characters have come to faith and it makes a dramatic difference in them. There are a few references to praying and church attendance. But threaded throughout this novel there are themes of self-sacrifice, trust, faith, and second chances. Redemption and forgiveness play a significant part in the story. A broken marriage is reconciled. 
 
Final Analysis:
As I'd said before, I'm not usually a reader of lighthearted romances, but I enjoyed the book before this, and looked forward to reading more. I was certainly not disappointed. The writing in this novel was polished, engaging, and entertaining. I especially loved the banter between the main characters. Lines I found especially memorable: 

Well, he'd only dumped her two days ago. That wasn't a lot of lingering.
"And so it starts, with half a carton of purloined Chinese food and a sincere apology."
Mandy smiled all the way down to her slippers.

Hilarious dialog, engaging characters, edge-of-your-seat drama... what's not to love? Five Stars!

About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances (17 in all) and mysteries (four so far).

She is currently writing a series of romances about three sisters, all over 50, finding or rediscovering love. They are part of the Better Late collection of romantic comedies by Jackie and several other authors. Jackie's first romance in the series is Really? At Your Age?

Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net, where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter. You can contact Jackie at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook or as @jacquediamond on Twitter.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Review: Walking With God Day By Day by Rachel Jamerson

Walking With God Day By Day 

by Rachel Jamerson

I have always had an inquiring mind. I want to know the who, what, when, where, how, and why of everything. I pay careful attention to what people don’t say-- as well as what they say. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn by simple observation. I also have a habit of asking ‘Why’ in my conversations with others, for which I have been criticized. However, I don’t do it to embarrass anyone. I’ve just always wanted to create in others the desire for knowledge, to get people to question the world around them and the things they do. To think about their own lives and to analyze what they believe and why they believe it. I want them to THINK. That’s why I ask questions and that’s why I wrote this book. God gave us an awesome gift called the brain. Let’s use it! How does this apply to you? You have a purpose. Everyone born on this earth does. From your first breath until your last, every choice you make affects the world in some way, and the decisions you make have a permanent effect on you and those in your circle of influence. That’s why it’s so important to ask the ‘Why’ questions. Just as we leave our marks on others, they also leave their marks on us. Think about the people you have met in your life and how they affected you. Teachers, family members, friends, and leaders from all walks of life. People you admired or those you despised. Those you loved and those who loved you. They all left you with something. Whether it was negative or positive, you were changed in some way. This brings me back to this book and why I wrote it. I am not much of a fiction writer. I like to write about the things I have learned --usually the hard way. I am also not one who reads much fiction instead; I like to read about other people’s journey and what they have learned. Many times, you will find a reference to another author’s work in my writing, because what they wrote meant something to me and I want to share it with others. My hope is that in reading this book, you will begin to understand the importance of asking the right questions. Of looking at things from a different perspective, as well as understanding the cause and effect of our relationships with others. I hope that you will understand the importance of using God’s Word to illuminate your understanding and how to apply His wisdom in your life. What follows is a collection of vignettes, thoughts, and life lessons that are presented to challenge and encourage you. They are the result of my 75 years of life experience, 45 of them spent walking with the Lord. By observing my life and applying God’s wisdom as shown in His Word, I pray you will become wiser, growing in confidence in your relationship with Jesus.

My Take:

Have you ever looked for words of wisdom from someone who has been down the road ahead of you, someone who can give you spiritual advice, a mentor who is invested in helping you ask the right questions and arrive at your own informed answers? What if you boiled down those decades of experience into a handy devotional that you could spend just a few minutes each day reading? Well, look no further, here it is from the pen of Rachel Jamerson, a multi-published Christian author with decades of writing under her belt.


 Content:

As this is a Christian devotional, I'll be skipping the usual ratings of drug, adult content, violence, and language. While such things COULD theoretically exist in a devotional like this, they do not here.
 
Christian content:
You might expect a Christian devotional to have content about Christ, the nature of God, and the Christian walk. And Jamerson does not disappoint. This book is packed with advice on church life, God in politics, how a church should look and how we contribute to its life. She does not shy away from hot topics such as the delusion and spiritual attacks leading our country and even churches away from God's truth, and exposes misconceptions on the nature of God and what a Christian is. Topics such as depression, women's ministry, the Sabbath, and the inclusion of pagan practices in Christian religious holidays are discussed, all from a solid biblical worldview.
 
Final Analysis:
This devotional is a quick read. Each of the 25 devotions in this book take about 2 minutes to read. Each comes with a scripture quote or passage, and each with a quote from a prominent person of faith. I found it challenging, informative, and encouraging. I especially liked her explanation of the inductive study method of scripture, and her take on walking with the Lord. Five Stars!

About the Author:

I have been writing for twenty-five years. My favorite resource is scripture. A hunger for God’s Word took me to the campus of Precepts International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There I learned the Inductive Bible Study method, which completely changed the way I view scripture.

I served for five plus years in a local chapter of CONTACT USA. While there I served on the board of directors and as a crisis line specialist. In addition I am certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors in Caring for People God’s Way. I remained an active member until 2005. I am currently retired.

After becoming a Christian, my desire to write and quest for answers were dedicated to understanding God’s message to man. What exactly was He saying and why were there so many different interpretations? As a result, I became an avid student of scripture. My book ‘Spiritual Compass’ contains excerpts from various articles written over the years. It also takes the reader on a simple walk through the Word of God and offers insights derived from the personal journey of others.

I am a widowed grandmother of eight, retired and living in Southwestern Virginia.



Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Review: Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins


Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy 

by Craig R. Hipkins 

Clement is no ordinary thirteen year old boy. He lives in a castle in 12th century Normandy. After helping Adalbert on his quest to find a long lost treasure, Clement and his friend Dagena return for another adventure. This time, Clement must overcome the evil ambitions of his wicked uncle, Sven the Terrible! Prepare yourself for some medieval action and excitement that you will not soon forget. 

My Take:

Clement de la Haye is a recently orphaned in Normandy. The death of his father has made him the new Count de la Haye, and set in motion several plans to wrest his power, his castle, and his holdings from him. Visitors to the castle inform him that he is going to be forced by the king to wed a suitable wife of high station, within the year, though he is not yet thirteen. But his heart is set on his childhood companion Dagena, the daughter of a scullery maid. They ride out on an adventure to explore a local cave with his best friend Olaf, unknowingly escaping a deadly trap by his villainous uncle Sven the Terrible. With only their wits and a couple daggers, they must rally an army to rescue their castle under siege and rout the evil invader and his army of mercenaries and highwaymen.



 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
PG – There are a couple scenes with cadavers. There is a glossed-over chapter concerning a battle between armies. There is a discussion of killing prisoners. 
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – There is a bit of preteen angst, but no kissing.
 
Christian content:
Clement is a Christian, and says as much multiple times, taking the high road frequently due to his faith. There is a discussion of salvation by faith, and some content appropriate for a visit to an abbey. Prayer is not a stranger to this work, and faith in Providence carries them through several tight squeezes. Class distinction is a powerful destructive theme here, and Clement's stalwart refusal to succumb to that mindset makes him endearing and sets him far above others. Self-sacrifice plays a pivotal role, and care for the poor, identification with the downtrodden, and rescue of the innocent are strong themes in this work. 
 
Final Analysis:
Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is an outstanding, fast-paced historical coming-of-age adventure. Significant research went into making the period clothing, buildings, daily life, and speech of the times accurate. The characters were believable and had their own transformations along the way. I especially liked the camaraderie between Clement and Dagena. The worldbuilding was immersive, and the white-knuckle action had me on the edge of my seat as Clement and his friends moved from one scrape to another in a constant barrage. This page-turner is perfect for fans of coming-of-age adventures in historical times. Five Stars!

About the Author:


Craig R. Hipkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He currently lives in North Carolina.
Craig published his first book, “Fireballs: A History of Meteors and other Atmospheric Phenomena” in 2009. Adalbert is his first novel. It is the sequel to the novel Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner. He also enjoys astronomy and reading history in his spare time. His website is https://hipkinstwins.com/

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Review: Scribes' Descent by Dylan West


People worship technology on Planet Daishon.

With inventions that prolong life and eradicate disease, it's little wonder. Death seems obsolete until an earthquake kills thousands, including Mallory's parents. They should have lived for a thousand years, not just fifty. Mallory scrambles for answers. Such a disaster shouldn't be possible.

Quakes have never happened on this world before.

Suspecting the top research center had triggered it, her best friend's father investigates. When he turns up missing, Mallory goes on site after him as a geology intern. She can't bear to lose anyone else.

An old mine sits at the epicenter of the recent quake, and an unbreakable alien barrier seals it off. But a door hidden in its surface opens for Mallory when she translates its engravings. Once inside, she evades underground predators while cut off from the tech that's always protected her.

Some graves run much deeper than six feet, and this place could be one of them.

Within this self-contained world lie the remnants of a universal war, revealing that Daishoni folklore is more than superstition. To survive, Mallory must trust in something more than science and logic. She must follow the voice of one she can't see down to the very bottom. Something deadlier than a quake is trapped there, and it is trying to escape.


 My Take:

Mallory Leighyan's family emigrated to Planet Daishon to escape the devastating quakes on their homeworld, earthquakes destroying the old planet's crust due to the terrible mistakes of their technologically advanced civilization. Planet Daishon was perfect for them, after all, because it was deemed impossible for this new planet to have quakes at all. Until it did. A devastating quake kills both Mallory's parents and propels her into a world-changing quest to seek answers. And this will take more than her brilliant intellect - it will require trusting a Voice of one she cannot see, in a descent deep into the crust of Daishon, where something far deadlier than a quake is waiting for release.

 



Content:
Drug Content:
G - squeaky clean

Violence:
PG - There are a few scenes where horrific carnage occurs, but they are rather glossed over. A monster destroys a team of commandos. Most violence is committed by monsters or against them. There is a scene where a girl is kidnapped in order to be eaten, and she barely escapes. 

Language:
G - squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:
PG - There is a bit of late teen angst, but nothing physical. The only kiss I recall was on the hand.

Christian content:
Scribes' Descent has many oblique references to faith in multiple different deities, as the religions of the different worlds collide. The Protectors follow a mono-theistic religion which does a reasonable job of paralleling the God of the Bible. The Voice in one place askes the Scribes to 'Follow Me'. There is a species of light-emitting creatures that seem quite similar in some respects to the Seraphim. Faith and praying are commonplace, especially for those living deep underground. Forgiveness and mercy play pivotal roles in this adventure. Mallory must come to grips with death, with divine purpose, and the existence of something greater than intellect and more eternal than a 1000-year lifespan. 

Final analysis:
There is something refreshing in reading an adventure story of this magnitude, with an overarching plot that requires the faith of just taking the next step. The worldbuilding in this series is extraordinary, and the characters fully developed. Supporting characters have transformational arcs of their own, and it makes for a much more enjoyable journey. I especially appreciated the way the elements of faith were intertwined throughout the story, without distracting at all from the storyline. The action is intense in places, and the stakes could not be higher. The plot was riveting, and I found it impossible to put down. I'm looking forward to finding out what's at the bottom, and how it will affect the fate of worlds in book two. Five Stars!

 About the Author:


Dylan West is a Jesus lover, web programmer, video game developer, Navy veteran, foreign language nut, and a nut in general. While other people are busy thinking normal thoughts, he's crafting corny jokes. His novels are young adult, science fiction, and faith-based. Dylan lives in Chesapeake, VA, with his wife and daughter and two demanding tabby cats. Sign up for his newsletter here to receive updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the science research behind his stories: https://dylanwestauthor.com

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Review: Equinox - Raven's Record #2 by Debbie Hightower

 

Equinox - Raven's Record #2 


What sort of scar would smear across the face of history if the United States ceased to exist? Second in a thought-provoking science-fiction series, this installment takes place after a cataclysmic destruction of much of North America. Seeking to rise from the ashes, citizens of the Earth utilize new technology to send 21st-century pioneers across the universe to settle Planet Equinox in the Proxima Centauri system. In order to survive the terrors and challenges of this new world, the colonists must leave their Earth baggage behind and work together, hopefully without repeating the mistakes of the past.


My Take:

After a devastating alien attack that destroyed the United States, Earth sends out its first colony ships to Proxima Centauri. There, humans find Equinox, a habitable planet with a light side, and a dark side. In Equinox: Raven’s Record #2 by Debbie Hightower, Raven Munoz has been tasked with documenting the efforts of over 400 colonists to survive and build a new civilization on the new planet. And it won’t be easy. Giant predators and killer bugs threaten the existence of everyone. Fire and natural disasters make survival difficult. And there is evidence that somebody has already been here. Is it the aliens, involved in some unknown enterprise on the dark side of the planet, or could humans have somehow settled here already? And are these aliens the same race that destroyed the United States?

 


Equinox by Debbie Hightower is a high-stakes hard science fiction sequel to American Survivor, and a satisfying continuation of the story of Raven Munoz. The character development is realistic, and the pacing is quick and steady. Challenges face the colonists at every turn, and supporting characters add depth and realism to the adventure. Alien flora and fauna are well-described and believable. The actions of the crew to survive are plausible. I especially liked the antics of Freddie Ogunjobi, a construction engineer who got angry, stole a vehicle and took off for the dark side of the planet. Wild cards like that make for a lot of variation and spice. Each supporting character seems to have a significant backstory and part to play. Expansive, immersive, enthralling and gripping. Perfect for lovers of hard science fiction.

 About the Author:


Debbie Hightower is a lifelong North Carolina resident and newspaper reporter who recently made the transition to writing science fiction novels. She is an avid fan of science fiction as well as the emerging technologies that will one day take humans across the cosmos and allow them to explore the stars and planets beyond the solar system.

Review: American Survivor - Raven's Record #1 by Debbie Hightower


 American Survivor - Raven's Record #1 

by Debbie Hightower

Smoke and ashes cover most of the North American continent. While emergency responders race against the clock to rescue survivors, government officials scramble to obscure details of the event that claimed the lives of millions. Was the calamity a volcanic super eruption? Or an unprecedented weapon unleashed by an enemy with a vendetta against the United States? After losing everything, one of the survivors hurdles red tape and false flags in an attempt to uncover--and broadcast--the real story.


My Take:

In American Survivor: Raven’s Record Book 1 by Debbie Hightower, Raven Munoz barely survives a devastating alien attack that destroys the United States in only a few minutes. The official story is that the supervolcano in Yellowstone is to blame. But Raven knows better. Her efforts are thwarted at every turn when she tries to uncover the truth. Any evidence pointing to an alien attack is removed, and those who try to speak up disappear. While Raven tries to document the truth, Rocket Lab engineers race to build a warp-capable fleet to settle a colony at Proxima Centauri. When their plans are stolen, a competitor, Space Corps, launches first. But their prototype, the Magellan, is lost with all hands. Will the ships Rocket Lab is building avoid the same fate before the aliens return to destroy the rest of mankind?


American Survivor by Debbie Hightower is a thought-provoking near-future apocalyptic thriller. The main character somehow survives an alien attack that destroys all of the continental United States, including the building she had just vacated. The official coverup story is predictably laughable. Her quest to learn the truth behind the attack makes for an interesting dive into forensic journalism. The resistance to her efforts to uncover and communicate that truth provides for a top-notch alien conspiracy yarn. I especially enjoyed the hard science overlaying references to Star Trek lore, and the seamless integration of futuristic interstellar travel with historic space exploration. Interwoven throughout is the question of whether this destruction was the vengeance of God, an alien species, or both. Perfect for lovers of hard science fiction and conspiracies.


About the Author:


Debbie Hightower is a lifelong North Carolina resident and newspaper reporter who recently made the transition to writing science fiction novels. She is an avid fan of science fiction as well as the emerging technologies that will one day take humans across the cosmos and allow them to explore the stars and planets beyond the solar system.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Review: Summer Blues: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #3 by Victoria Simcox


Summer Blues: Norma Elliot's Secret Journal #3 

by Victoria Simcox


Book 3, "Summer Blues," takes you on a journey through my escapades from last summer. Like before, it's a blend of life lessons and chats with God in my secret journal.Nope, not a perfect kid. Actually, the more I write in my journal, the more I see that I'm not really good at being perfect.This time, you'll find me dashing through my sprinkler resembling a zebra from fake tanning cream, daydreaming about baked chicken in the sweltering heat, stressing over puberty stuff, entering a singing contest, and loads more fun stuff.If you liked my first and second stories, ‘'Tis the Season’ and ‘Spring Fever,’ I'm totally hoping ‘Summer Blues’ brings you the same joy.Bye for now.  


My Take: