Dopple Ganger - The First Escape

 First I have to say I would never have picked this book up if it wasn't on the Tyndale Summer Reading List AND available at the public library.  It is a tween/teen book.  I'm not sure how to sum it up rather than weird.  However, by the end of the story I did have to wonder what mayhem Sadie, Saskia, and Erik will get themselves into next.  The book went back and forth between novel and graphic novel.  I wasn't really a fan of that back and forth.  I didn't feel the characters were really developed.  The sisters were always up to no good.  Erik seemed to dislike them, yet he came to their rescue.  I wasn't sure why.  I did like the fact that the evil was exposed and the kids decided to do the right thing.  Of course they were rewarded for that as well.  The questionable Muzzy was rescued only to "rescue" them.  I assume the Companion referred to God.  I'm not sure about Madame Raphael; an angel?  It was an OK story.

Renegade by Mel Odom

 Renegade by Mel Odom is the second in the Called to Serve series.  The characters pick up where they left off from book one but this book focuses on Pike Morgan.  Therefore you could read book two without reading book one, but why would you?  Pike Morgan grew up in a series of foster homes before ending in an orphanage, and then running off.  The demons of his past torment him constantly.  He's lived his life with the purpose of laying low until he can exact revenge against those that killed his only constant - Petey.  Pike is like 2 people.  The violent side that is always under the surface, and the loner that attempts to slip through life without making waves.  Pike finds himself glad to be deployed to Afghanistan because he's become uncomfortable with his emotional attachment to young Hector.  He's unsure how to let anyone in because then he risks losing them.  However, events in the battles he find himself in, keep reminding him of Hector and/or Petey.  He seems to be unable to shake them.  Others see a difference in him, but can't get close.  He especially notices the changes in Bekah Shaw who found Christ in book one.  Yes the story is violent.  War is violent.  God is woven throughout the story.  Scripture references that those in Pike's past have spoken come to him in moments that are shaping him.  Slowly the reader sees changes in Pike that he himself notices by the end of the story.  I look forward to the next installment in Called to Serve.

Roadtrip to redemption

 This book wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was good nonetheless.  It was much more a parenting book, than a memoir.  I was thinking it would be more of a memoir of this epic family trip to heal the family.  While it was that more or less toward the end, it wasn't all about that.  Since I'm not a parent at times it wasn't relevant to me.  But I still gathered some great thoughts.  For instance, "earned faith."  He states we don't like the ultimate grace concept because it excludes us from having anything to contribute. We "need" to have a role - any role - in the great story of our lives.  As hardworking religious folks it doesn't seem fair that we don't get credit for our efforts.  Yet when we lean on grace plus our efforts, we end up having guilt, shame and failure.  Another one - When facing a storm, which we'll all have, we have 2 choices.  Stay where we are out of fear of the dangerous unknown, or take a risk and fight through the fear to push us on.  Staying put often feels safe, but it's a choice not to grow, a choice to hold on to our fears.  While our goal is to keep things from getting worse, God's purpose is to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. One last, is one I've heard and/or experienced so many times.  We keep asking for God to show up, to answer our prayers, and we end up frustrated when our heart cries go unanswered.  But God does answer.  We miss His response because we expect Him to show up the way we planned it.  I'll quote him directly. "When we feel like our prayers have been deemed unimportant in God's eyes, we have to learn to quiet ourselves and remember what he has told us.  Then we wait patiently in prayer, keeping our spiritual eyes open to the unexpected yet wonderful ways God will show up."  Reminds me of one of my favorite verses.  "Be still and know that He is God!"

Still Lolo

 Still Lolo was a interesting story.  I felt there were positive and negative things about the book itself.  The beginning chronicled so much of Lauren's early years and the parents split, then reunion.  While it might have been worthy of sharing, I didn't see the need for so much detail.  I felt it took awhile to get to the actual point of the book.  One other thing was the abundance of help Lolo received.  I'm glad she could have the best of therapy,  several arm and hand prosthetics, and 2 parents who could choose not to work when she needed them.  Personally I doubt see that being reality for most of us.  While great for Lolo, it might be discouraging for others in horrific accidents.  The positive was the faith of the family.  I liked that they were real.  Their struggles, their doubts, fears, pain, hope and trust came shining through.  Yes they have Christ.  Yes they still had to process the emotions and ways it would change them all forever.  Too often I feel Christians portray their faith and trust, without revealing the other emotions are real and necessary.  Lolo is a very determined young woman, who draws her strength from God and His blessings in her life.  Worthwhile read overall.

Band of sisters

 Gohlke has another winner with Band of Sisters.  I thoroughly enjoyed a work of fiction that revolves around another work of fiction.  Olivia reads In His Steps by Charles Sheldon and challenges those around her to ask themselves the question "What Would Jesus Do?"  Introduce 2 immigrant sisters from Ireland making their way through Ellis Island and entering America.  Maureen is determined to do it herself.  She weaves careful lies to make it seem like she's got it together.  She trusts the wrong people and quickly is in over her head.  So many times God placed people in Maureen's path who could have helped, but she allowed fear to determine her life.  The book dealt with a difficult subject - human trafficking.  Her characters were realistic and well developed.  The reader had a view of God's handiwork in each character's life.  Good plot, time frame and subject. 

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales

 I LOVE a good mystery.  It takes a master storyteller to keep me in suspense the entire book.  Randy Singer captured me in this legal crime story, and I NEVER figured out the "who done it?"  There were at least 2 surprises at the end that I didn't see coming.  The story had a lot of characters, but they were all well developed and important.  He wrapped everything up quite well.  Sometimes when there are numerous characters "someone" gets left hanging.  Really only 1 person didn't have an "ending" but his role in the story was over.  Good combination of grace, trust, loyalty, second chances and the negative side of human emotion - greed, selfishness, revenge, hatred.  Characters were believable and their motives relatable.  Another great read by Singer.

I still believe. Do you?

 I have loved Jeremy Camp's music for many years.  I think I have all his CDs.  While I knew some of his story, reading I Still Believe filled in a lot of gaps, so to speak.  What an inspiring message.  Even in our darkest moments we can choose to believe.  We can chose to trust.  No one ever said it would be easy, but we still have that choice.  Something I thought was powerful was when he shared how a friend though he had a strong relationship with God, until he suffered great lost.  He realized that he was only in the meadow near the cross.  After it happened, he went to the foot of the cross and stayed there.  Suffering is an opportunity.  None of us volunteer for suffering.  We have no option to go through it, but we have the option of how we respond.  Will we get up and walk to the foot of the cross?  Will you?  Will I? I pray I always chose to still believe!

Captive in Iran

 WOW!  I just finished Captive in Iran by Maryam Rostampour, Marziyeh Amirizadeh & John Perry.  If I were to sum this book up in one sentence it would be "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28"  Maryam and Marziyeh's conversion story is amazing.  Being raised in an Islamic Regime that punished converts to Christianity by death, they were unhappy and unfulfilled.  Both had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that forever changed their lives.  What they accomplished before their arrest was incredible in and of itself.  Their story is riveting.  What was an evil plot to destroy them, God used to lead untold others to Himself.  Regardless of being in the worst place on earth, they found love, joy, acceptance and total freedom to share Christ with others.  Truly an example of how God can use ANYTHING when we've surrendered to Him.   

Damascus Countdown - Joel C Rosenberg

This is the 3rd book in this series by Rosenberg.  I've read each book - one a summer as part of Tyndale's Reading Program.  Once again the novel was fast paced, edge of your seat suspense.  The false messiah has plans to wipe out the infidels with a nuclear weapon.  He is rapidly becoming the leader of all Muslim states.  The CIA operative David/Reza are on a mission to find the missing 2 nukes.  Back at home, his mother has died, Marseille is hanging on to hope he'll make it home alive, and the government is not sure what to do next.  Israel is in much the same state.  Many characters, and many different scenes to follow, but they all are woven into the storyline.  After reading on 1300 pages in this saga I can say without a doubt that Rosenberg knows his Bible and how to use it!  This well crafted novel carries you through the story while also challenging your knowledge and beliefs in the Bible.  Highly recommend it for those that like end-time stories.

Tangled Ashes

 I have read other books by Michele Phoenix and liked them.  However, Tangled Ashes was difficult for me.  It was well written.  Once again she uses a two part narrative.  Events go back and forth between two time periods.  She did a good job of combining them in the end.  Her books are emotional and difficult subjects.  I didn't like the characters in Tangled Ashes.  They were tangled in anger, hurt, bitterness.  I felt the story lacked redemption and freedom for the characters.  The story line had potential.  Marshall is hired to restore Lamorlaye Castle in France.  He is an alcoholic with serious issues.  The nanny, Jade, provides his meals and they clash often.  As details of all the secrets of the castle unfold, Lamorlaye has dark history - serving as a hospital for the breeding of Nazi's during World War II.  Likewise, the secrets of the current inhabitants of the castle have dark histories, that still are effecting them.  I just wished it moved me more.... 

The Judge

I've always enjoyed reading Randy Singer books.  His legal thrillers always are deep enough to teach, and mysterious enough to keep you glued.  At times The Judge was a little slow.  The court room scenes where they defended their faith got a little long.  But the reactions of the others kept you reading.  Judge Finney was chosen to be on a reality TV show Faith under Fire because he was a judge and terminally ill.  An unknown millionaire is funding the show because he has received a news that he has terminal brain cancer.  As one with no faith he decides to have those of various faith defend their beliefs and he'll decide who is right.  Finney quickly learns all is not as it seems.  He sends coded messages to his court room assistant back home.  Everyone wonders if it's hype or reality when they fear someone is going to die.  Even the reader isn't sure who to believe and who is being deceitful.  The interesting story line kept me reading and guessing right up to the end.

All in Good Time - Maureen Lang

 I enjoyed reading All in Good Time.  The characters were very different from me, however, as humans we are all so alike.  I liked the main character, Dessa.  She wanted to help others as she had been helped.  She knew what the life of those less fortunate was.  Yet Dessa was afraid that if anyone knew her past, she wouldn't be accepted.  She tried so hard to be what she viewed as the perfect example of a Christian; Sophie Pierson, her deceased mentor.  She was so caught up in trying to earn what she already had - Christ's love and acceptance for who she was.  Enter Henry who has the same fear, for very different reasons, with very different responses.  Henry made himself rich, by robbing the Wells Fargo coach.  Though he had paid it all back he constantly lived in fear that if anyone knew the past, he would be ruined.  So Henry became a cold, hard, lonely man.  Through divine design Dessa and Henry are thrown together.  Her to help rescue the "ladies of the night" through building Pierson House. Him to "salvage" his investment in Pierson House.  Lang wove the faith of Dessa and Henry's uncle in such a way that they were genuine.  The truth of everything became known in good time, changing and challenging the hearts of the characters and the readers.

Man in the Blue Moon - Michael Morris

 Honestly, if I hadn't been reading this book as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program I don't know if I would have stuck with it.  Even 200 some odd pages into it, I wasn't sure where he was going with the storyline.  Set during the end of World War I Ella finds herself left to provide for her 3 sons and a Creek indian.  She's almost in foreclosure and is torn with what she should do.  Pay more on the mortgage that her husband took out on her property (illegally) or going to the county seat to pick up a box from the Blue Moon Clock Company.  Thinking that maybe the "clock" will sell for enough and pay off her mortgage, she heads off to pick it up.  So far, so good.  The "clock" isn't a clock after it.  It's a man.  Supposedly, a distant cousin of her wandering husband.  From there the story has multiple characters.  Each has their own motives, most are criminals, or controlled by one.  One bad thing after another happens to Ella as she works her land in an effort to keep it.  The man in the box has healing powers that I couldn't tell myself if they were mystical or Godly until the end.  The Christians in the story were weak, busybodies that made every situation worse.  Scene after scene I wanted someone to step up and be a man or woman of God.  It seemed He was absent from their lives, or uncaring at best. While the end has some redemptive qualities, I wasn't overly fond of the book.

Rescue Team

I read Rescue Team by Candace Calvert in one afternoon.  It was a great book. A little mystery, suspense, love story, and redemption.  Kate has run from her past so much she doesn't know how to stop.  Her interim job as the ER nursing director may be the next stop in a long line of jobs.  She has high walls around herself and doesn't want anyone to change that.  She meets Wes, the local search and rescue team captain, and immediately declares, "no one here needs rescuing."  But of course, that isn't true.   Wes almost takes it as a personal mission to see a smile on her face.  Kate is as prickly as a cactus.  Obviously one can see where this story is going.  However, there are enough unsuspected plot turns, that keep you reading.  The Tanner family is loving.  The Braxton family is comical, in their old age and simplicity.  Nancy Rae is a character in and of herself!  Some things I saw coming, others I didn't.  Another winning Calvert novel.

In Broken Places

 I just read In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix.  Personally I found it interesting that I read Wings of Glass about spouse abuse and then In Broken Places about child abuse.  I didn't plan it that way at all.  That said, I really like In Broken Places.  Maybe because her sarcastic whit is so me!  The story went back and forth; her childhood and her life now.  Shelby had a boring, predictable life.  Exactly what she wanted.  Then she is contacted, the her estranged, abusive father has died and has left her an inheritance.  Shelby's entire world is rocked.  She doesn't know what to do with what he left her.  What can she do?  In an attempt to start over she takes a teaching position in Germany, only to find she must face her past in ways she could never predict.  I loved the relationship Shelby and her brother Trey had.  It provided comic relief and blunt truthfulness, that carried the storyline well.  In the note from the author Michele writes, "Pain need not win.  There is life beyond bleeding.  There is love beyond fearing.  There is hope beyond despairing."  What a message for all of us, not just survivors of child abuse.

Wings of Glass

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes was a great book on a very difficult subject.  Domestic Abuse.  Penny's love for Trent allows her to be "rescued" from an overbearing father, only to be "stuck" in an abusive marriage.  Penny continually gives Trent chances.  As is the case so often in domestic abuse, she blames herself and excuses his behavior.  Reading the book brings emotions of anger, frustration and a whole host of others to the surface.  Holmes wove a story that was realistic and unfortunately all to true.  Yet it gives hope that there is an better way.  There is a better ending.  Things can change.  You can change.  Through "angels" in two very different ladies, Penny begins to see hope and a new course for her life.  She begins to see God even in the midst of a horrible life.  Her glass wings may be broken, but she can still learn to fly.  Though not an easy read because of the topic, it's a book that draws you in and you can't put down.

Borders of the heart

 Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry was action packed from start to finish.  Main character JD was running from life.  He chose to give up all he had, go where no one knew him, and start over.  Only problem is, he came along.  JD's one fast rule is soon challenged as his heart tugs him in another direcion.  Through the constant danger he and Maria face, he is faced with himself.  He finds out sometimes it takes saving another to save yourself.  The story line kept you going, as it was filled with twists, turns and abrupt unsuspected things.  However, I felt some of it was a little much.  I love action and suspense books, but a few times I was shaking my head in disbelief.  My incredulity left me feeling that some of it was just too much.  All that said, Chris Fabry is a talented writer, with great usage character development to drive the story line.

Crazy about horses

 Horse Dreams by Dandi Daley Mackall was a quick read for an adult, but seeing as it's a children's book, that's not unusual.  Cute book for your young horse fans.  Ellie desperately wanted a horse.  She was always in trouble for daydreaming about horses while at school.  When she "sees" a horse and announces it, troubles follow.  Only Ellie did see a horse!  A rescued pinto has escaped.  Ellie has been praying for a black stallion for so long, she almost misses the answer to her prayers; the pinto.  How many times in our own spiritual life do we miss what is right in front of us all along?  Like Ellie, we are so stuck on what we want that we miss God's answer has already come.  Fun read for your elementary age.  Filled with kooky characters and a spiritual lesson.

Will she give it all for a song?

 All for a song by Allison Pittman was an interesting book.  Dorothy grew up as the pastor's daughter in a small town.  She was engaged to the new pastor who replaced her father.  Life was predictable, boring and unfulfilling.  Though Dorothy was faithful to live out the life carried out for her.  When visiting her sister in St. Louis she happens about a Aimee Semple McPherson revival.  Suddenly Dorothy finds herself thrust into a world completely different than all she's known.  She must make decisions that will forever alter her life, as she is offered the chance to lead worship for Aimee's tour across the US. The story is set in the Roaring Twenties, and filled with all that time frame is known for.  The story is told in two parts.  One is Dorothy Lynn living her life then.  The other is Lynnie more than 90 years later... Piqued my interest in the history of both that time in history and Aimee Semple McPherson's life and ministry.

Congo Dawn

Another great book by Jeanette Windle.  I have read her other books set in Afghanistan.  This one is set in Africa.  It isn't an easy read, but a worthwhile read.  All is not as it seems.  As Robin finds her services needed as a translator, she sets off to the Congo, needing money for her sick niece back home.  She meets up with Michael from Doctors without Borders, a rocky past full of misunderstanding and misconception.  Both think they are on the "right" side, but quickly learn things are not always what they seem.  Who can they trust?  Is God trustworthy enough for Robin to give him a chance?  Will she let Michael explain? Will he?  As all this drama swirls below the surface, evil is at work.  The people of the Congo are being used and abused. Goverment is corrupt.  People are afraid.  No place is safe. Danger, Intrigue and a touch of romance, make a tough subject, compelling and real.

Sparkly Green Earrings

Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle was not what I expected when I picked it up, but I'm glad I read it. A memoir of a mom, filled with laughter, wisdom and Scripture. I laughed a lot. I could relate a lot. I could see it happen so vividly. And I'm NOT a mom. Great read about life and learning to trust God and enjoy the journey. Quick read. Recommend to all women. I think no matter where you're at in life, it will speak to you.

Deployed by Mel Odom

I just read my first book by Me Odom "Deployed."  Excellent read for you military fans.  Bekah joins the Marine Reserves to provide for her son Travis, when her ex-husband fails to provide for them.  She never really saw herself being actively deployed to some of the most dangerous places in the world.  Now she must struggle with getting her job done and returning safely to her son.  The book dealt with many different emotions, all which were relatable and realistic.  Characters on all sides of the story were developed and woven together. Great read.

Grace's Pictures

I really enjoyed Grace's Pictures. You got to see Grace as a little girl, the young women sent to America, and her life once here. Trust was an overriding theme in this book. The characters emotions were realistic and engaging. Grace's life was drastically changed by the actions of others. She viewed all police as her enemy, yet continually finds Owen to be there offering help and support. She struggles with if she should trust him, trust those that tell her to trust him, and her own self preservation. Grace has not been able to trust anyone, and continually struggles with accepting others. A lot of historical interest, in a setting that was both intriguing and heart stirring. Worth a read.

Take a Chance on me

While we return to the town of Deep Haven, the characters are new and heartwarming. Warren once again develops realistic characters that draw you in. The Christiansen family is the type family everyone dreams of. Full of love, drama, fun and diversity. Darek, the tough, rugged, gorgeous man with a huge chip on his shoulder becomes the main character. Ivy, alone and looking to start over, inadvertently is paired with Darek. Like typical romance stories, she begins to fall in love with Darek. Yet all is not as it seems. Ivy is responsible for the heartbreak Darek has experienced. Will her secret come out? Will it destroy them? Will her acceptance into the Christiansen clan, end with her own heartbreak? Follow the twisting plot turns, and find out.

Time for the Tyndale Summer Reading Program

Once again Tyndale is doing their Summer Reading Program. I am happy to say I have a supply of this summer's titles awaiting me already!  Here's my first book review on Susan May Warren's "You Don't Know Me." Another visit to the Deep Haven community. Warren has another winner, with realistic characters and a mysterious plot. Though part of the Deep Haven series, it can easily be read by itself. Annalise has been living a lie, through no fault of her own. Suddenly she is faced with her past, and the inability to hide. Will those who have been her life for the last 20 years accept her? Will her past enemy catch up to her? Will she trust God and those who love her, or will she run? There are many twists and turns, making you think you've got it all unraveled, when you really haven't. I always enjoy returning to Deep Haven, and this did not disappoint.

Store Closing - June 30, 2013

Dear friends of the Lighthouse,
 God has given us over 16 wonderful years to share the love of Jesus and make life long friendships with fellow believers like each of you.  We have been blessed beyond measure.
Due to major retail marketing changes in shopping methods and sources, it is no longer viable to continue operating the Lighthouse.  Therefore, we will close this store on June 30th.
If any church, school or other no for profit group has an interest in any of our fixtures, please come soon and fill out the request forms.  We have some very usable bookcases, storage units, etc.
Special order for gifts can be placed through May 1st.
Special orders for books, church supplies, bibles can be placed through June. 1st.
Credit slips, coupons and gift certificates will be honored until June 30.