This author is so good. I love legal thrillers anyway, and he is just as good if not better than Grisham, Patterson, and the like.
The first book of this 2-book series is Life Support. Baxter Richardson is pushed off a cliff by his wife Rena, who is shocked to discover that he survives the accident. Baxter is now in a coma and Rena wants to terminate life support. She claims that her husband would have wanted that, but the reader knows the real reason Rena wants him dead. Baxter's husband, the very wealthy Ezra Richardson, wants to keep his son alive to protect his own interests.
Meanwhile lawyer Alex Lindale is sent by her firm to help the Richardson's sort out their disagreements about Baxter's power of attorney. She ends up representing Rena without knowing the truth about Baxter's fall. This leads to a "conflict of interest" with her firm and she is fired. Alex decides to open her own practice.
As this is all happening Alex meets music minister Ted Morgan, whose faith and giftedness on the piano draw her in. Alex has never had a strong faith but begins to learn more about what it means to trust in God. She sure needs a lot of help in representing Rena Richardson.
All of these characters and story lines are woven together creating an intriguing plot. I was racing to the end only to discover the dreaded cliffhanger! After a few days of impatiently waiting I had book number two, Life Everlasting. I won't go into too much detail because it will spoil the ending of book one. Let's just say Rena's lies get more and more complicated and Alex is struggling to keep up with her. Her relationship with Ted is becoming more serious, and Baxter's life is still on the line.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Favorite Authors
One of my favorite authors is Angela Hunt. I've read almost all her books and always love them. I even got to meet her when she spoke at First Baptist Church, Richmond. She was absolutely delightful! It was so much fun to talk with her. I'll never be able to fully review every book I've read by her, but here are a few tidbits about some that I remember pretty well.
Legacies of the Ancient River (Titles are Dreamers, Brothers, and Journey)
Biblical fiction, story of Joseph in Eygpt
The Fairlawn Series (Doesn't She Look Natural?, She Always Wore Red, She's in a Better Place)
Contemporary, some humor, recently divorced single mom inherits a funeral home and moves her kids there.
The Debt
Contemporary. The secrets of a pastor's wife are revealed, and it threatens the image of the megachurch her husband serves in. She must make hard decisions. A very touching story that makes you reflect on your own walk with the Lord.
The Note
Contemporary. A note survives a plane crash that has no survivors. This is the story of the reporter's search for who the wrote the note and who it was intended for. It is riveting. A must read.
Magdalene
Biblical fiction, story of Mary Magdalene. Excellent.
The Fine Art of Insincerity
Contemporary Three estranged sisters meet at their grandmother's beach house to ready it for sale. So much family baggage comes out as they talk and remember. Loved this one. Very touching.
I plan on doing a full review of Uncharted.
Legacies of the Ancient River (Titles are Dreamers, Brothers, and Journey)
Biblical fiction, story of Joseph in Eygpt
The Fairlawn Series (Doesn't She Look Natural?, She Always Wore Red, She's in a Better Place)
Contemporary, some humor, recently divorced single mom inherits a funeral home and moves her kids there.
The Debt
Contemporary. The secrets of a pastor's wife are revealed, and it threatens the image of the megachurch her husband serves in. She must make hard decisions. A very touching story that makes you reflect on your own walk with the Lord.
The Note
Contemporary. A note survives a plane crash that has no survivors. This is the story of the reporter's search for who the wrote the note and who it was intended for. It is riveting. A must read.
Magdalene
Biblical fiction, story of Mary Magdalene. Excellent.
The Fine Art of Insincerity
Contemporary Three estranged sisters meet at their grandmother's beach house to ready it for sale. So much family baggage comes out as they talk and remember. Loved this one. Very touching.
I plan on doing a full review of Uncharted.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Beware of the Cliffhanger!
After I read Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow I decided to get some more of his novels. I went to the Paperback Swap (more on that later), looked him up, and ordered the first one I saw.
The book was Life Support and it was great! I finished it in one evening. But....it ended in a cliffhanger! I didn't even realize this was a 2-book series. I immediately ordered the next one, but it took over a week to get to me. I've been not-so-patiently waiting to see how the story ends. I finally got it today.....so you know what I'm reading tonight!
By the way, the title is Life Everlasting. I'll be reviewing both books soon!
The book was Life Support and it was great! I finished it in one evening. But....it ended in a cliffhanger! I didn't even realize this was a 2-book series. I immediately ordered the next one, but it took over a week to get to me. I've been not-so-patiently waiting to see how the story ends. I finally got it today.....so you know what I'm reading tonight!
By the way, the title is Life Everlasting. I'll be reviewing both books soon!
Love Biblical Fiction?
If this is your favorite genre, let me give you a few suggestions!
1. Author Angela Hunt
Her Biblically-based novels are Magdalene, The Shadow Women (women in Moses' life), Legacies of the Ancient River series (3 books on Joseph in Egypt)
2. Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers (5 novellas, one for each of the women included in the lineage of Jesus)
3. Author Jill Eileen Smith
She has several books based on women in the Bible. I have read the Wives of King David series and loved them.
4. Acts of Faith series by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
These arse set during the time right after Jesus' resurrection, focusing on the early church.
5. Jesus Chronicles by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
One of each of the Gospels--in narrative form they tell the story of each one. Excellent. Especially loved John.
6. Hadassah: One Night with King by Tommy Tenney and Mark-Andrew Olson. Story of Esther.
7. The Fisherman by Larry Huntsberger Story of Peter. I loved this book, it makes you see Jesus in a whole different way.
1. Author Angela Hunt
Her Biblically-based novels are Magdalene, The Shadow Women (women in Moses' life), Legacies of the Ancient River series (3 books on Joseph in Egypt)
2. Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers (5 novellas, one for each of the women included in the lineage of Jesus)
3. Author Jill Eileen Smith
She has several books based on women in the Bible. I have read the Wives of King David series and loved them.
4. Acts of Faith series by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
These arse set during the time right after Jesus' resurrection, focusing on the early church.
5. Jesus Chronicles by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
One of each of the Gospels--in narrative form they tell the story of each one. Excellent. Especially loved John.
6. Hadassah: One Night with King by Tommy Tenney and Mark-Andrew Olson. Story of Esther.
7. The Fisherman by Larry Huntsberger Story of Peter. I loved this book, it makes you see Jesus in a whole different way.
Friday, November 16, 2012
All Things New by Lynn Austin
Lynn Austin is one of my all-time favorite Christian fiction (CF) authors. One of the first CF books I read in my adult life was her novel Hidden Places. Lynn writes contemporary as well as historical novels. She has one Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings. This is a five-book account of the kings of Israel from Hezekiah to Manasseh. Sounds boring....but she makes it come alive.
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to find out her new book, All Things New, was just released. This novel is set in the aftermath of the Civil War on a Virginia plantation (I love books set in or near my home!). The main character Josephine is torn between wanting the life she had before the war and trying to change everything she's known to make a better way. Josephine and her family lost their father and one brother in the way, and Josephine's mother, in particular, is deep in grief. Her mother wants desperately for things to be the way they were before. Josephine's surviving brother is full of hatred for the Yankees and the now-free slaves. Josephine is in favor of letting the former slaves work the land in return for food and shelter, but the rest of her family is against it. Josephine must try to convince her family this is what they must do to survive.
I thought the book gave a great picture of what life was like for Southern women after the Civil War. In many cases, they were the ones that had to rebuild their lives. The story is told through the eyes of three women---primarily Josephine, but also her mother and their former house slave, Lizzie.
Once again, Lynn Austin doesn't disappoint!
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to find out her new book, All Things New, was just released. This novel is set in the aftermath of the Civil War on a Virginia plantation (I love books set in or near my home!). The main character Josephine is torn between wanting the life she had before the war and trying to change everything she's known to make a better way. Josephine and her family lost their father and one brother in the way, and Josephine's mother, in particular, is deep in grief. Her mother wants desperately for things to be the way they were before. Josephine's surviving brother is full of hatred for the Yankees and the now-free slaves. Josephine is in favor of letting the former slaves work the land in return for food and shelter, but the rest of her family is against it. Josephine must try to convince her family this is what they must do to survive.
I thought the book gave a great picture of what life was like for Southern women after the Civil War. In many cases, they were the ones that had to rebuild their lives. The story is told through the eyes of three women---primarily Josephine, but also her mother and their former house slave, Lizzie.
Once again, Lynn Austin doesn't disappoint!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Christmas favorites
Ready to get in the Christmas mood? I actually really enjoy reading Christmas-themed novels around this time of year. I have a couple favorites to share.
Advent of a Mystery by Marilyn Leach
This novel is set in a small English village. The wife of the parish priest is a former investigative reporter who can't help but get involved when someone dies at a Christmas party. I loved the mystery as well as the fun characters.
O Little Town by Don Reid (yes, the Statler Brother!)
Set in a small Virginia town (modeled after the author's hometown of Staunton) in the 50's, this book tells the story of several families dealing with tough issues around Christmas. There are also flashbacks to a murder that happened 50 years ago and how that ties in with the current characters. It's a very tender, touching read.
The Shepherd's Prayer by Richard Barry
This is the story of the shepherd's who were there for Jesus' birth. I never thought about how they might have been treated for telling their news---remember, Jesus' birth caused great grief when Herod ordered all the male babies killed. But the shepherds kept their faith and hope in what they witnessed.
The Nativity Story by Angela Hunt
A novel based on the movie. I like this book because it really shows the hardships of the Jewish people during the time of Christ's birth. It reminded me of how difficult life was for all of them, and how hard the journey must have been for Mary and Joseph.
Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley
I plan to do a post on the whole Harmony series--some of the few books I have read more than once--but I especially love this one. You can certainly read and enjoy it without having read any others in the series. Sam Gardner is pastoring a church in his hometown, and the folks there are--well, different. They give the reader a lot of laughs but the author weaves in a great deal of wisdom among the humor. One of my favorite quotes about the Christmas season is from this book--"In this unsettled world, it is good to have this steadiness -- the Christmas Eve service, the peal of the bell. . . .There is a holiness to memory, a sense of God's presence in these mangers of the mind. Which might explain why it is that the occasions that change the least are often the very occasions that change us the most."
On my list for this year! Look for reviews soon:
The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere
Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson
I'll be Home for Christmas by Julie L. Cannon
Advent of a Mystery by Marilyn Leach
This novel is set in a small English village. The wife of the parish priest is a former investigative reporter who can't help but get involved when someone dies at a Christmas party. I loved the mystery as well as the fun characters.
O Little Town by Don Reid (yes, the Statler Brother!)
Set in a small Virginia town (modeled after the author's hometown of Staunton) in the 50's, this book tells the story of several families dealing with tough issues around Christmas. There are also flashbacks to a murder that happened 50 years ago and how that ties in with the current characters. It's a very tender, touching read.
The Shepherd's Prayer by Richard Barry
This is the story of the shepherd's who were there for Jesus' birth. I never thought about how they might have been treated for telling their news---remember, Jesus' birth caused great grief when Herod ordered all the male babies killed. But the shepherds kept their faith and hope in what they witnessed.
The Nativity Story by Angela Hunt
A novel based on the movie. I like this book because it really shows the hardships of the Jewish people during the time of Christ's birth. It reminded me of how difficult life was for all of them, and how hard the journey must have been for Mary and Joseph.
Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley
I plan to do a post on the whole Harmony series--some of the few books I have read more than once--but I especially love this one. You can certainly read and enjoy it without having read any others in the series. Sam Gardner is pastoring a church in his hometown, and the folks there are--well, different. They give the reader a lot of laughs but the author weaves in a great deal of wisdom among the humor. One of my favorite quotes about the Christmas season is from this book--"In this unsettled world, it is good to have this steadiness -- the Christmas Eve service, the peal of the bell. . . .There is a holiness to memory, a sense of God's presence in these mangers of the mind. Which might explain why it is that the occasions that change the least are often the very occasions that change us the most."
On my list for this year! Look for reviews soon:
The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere
Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson
I'll be Home for Christmas by Julie L. Cannon
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Hello Facebook Friends!
Just put this on Facebook, so hopefully I'll actually get a few readers!
The best place to start is with this post about why I love Christian Fiction. Welcome!
The best place to start is with this post about why I love Christian Fiction. Welcome!
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