Winning Balance - Shawn Johnson

Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson's book "Winning Balance" takes an honest look at the life of an elite gymnast.  I enjoyed Shawn's transparency about the emotional her journey has taken her on.  Starting with an energetic little girl who's parents were told had no talent, to winning 4 medals in the 08 Games, Shawn shared her life.  Living out her dreams and trying to ride out the emotions of hope, defeat, questions and longing.  She struggled with the "now what" questions we all face.  When we've been driven to achieve one thing and then it's done, you wonder what to do next.  Her parents quest to keep her life balanced has taught her the important lesson of being true herself.  A fast read that was well timed with the completion of the 2012 Games.

The Betrayal - Jerry Jenkins

This is book Two in the Brotherhood series by Jerry Jenkins about the Chicago Police Dept; specifically the Organized Crime Division.  The story picks up where the first left off.  Though you could read it as a stand alone, you'd be better off to read it after the first!  Drake Boone is shot in the line of duty and it becomes obvious it was an inside job.  His new found love Haeley is framed for the "leak" in the department.   Motives are questioned.  Relationships are tested.  Will the trust come out?  Only one thing I questioned.  Boone is seriously hurt, awaiting surgery to rebuild his shoulder, obviously on pain meds, and yet he can solve the case?  That seems a little far fetched.  However, it's a fast paced crime drama that doesn't disappoint.

The Atonement Child - Francine Rivers

I am not one to reread a book.  Nor to watch a movie I've already seen.  It's kind of like - I know the ending, therefore, the story loses it's appeal.  Not so with "The Atonement Child' by Francine Rivers.  I originally read it as an older teen.  Now as an adult I saw things in the characters I didnt' before.  As is usual with Rivers writing, the characters are realistic and well developed.  The reader has a myriad of emotions reading this book.  An amazingly accurate look at the motives behind the actions.  Though never in the same situation as Dynah, I still can learn a lot from her.  Her relationship with God was gripping and honest.  He doesn't always make sense, but will I trust Him regardless?  He doesn't always "feel" like He's there, but will I believe He still is?  He asks tough things, but will I rely on Him to do them?  Or will I struggle in my own efforts?  Will I choose to forgive and love in the midst of my pain?  Those are just some of the things the book addresses.  Worth your read.  Even if you've read it before!

Bees in the Butterfly Garden

Bees in the Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang was certainly not the book I expected it to be.  As a fan of historical fiction I've read a lot of different authors and subjects.  I don't think I've read one on organized crime before.  The cover and title didn't make me think of the dark, underside the novel would explore.  Lang developed her characters and made their internal struggles realistic.  The guilt, shame, revenge, jealousy, fear, heartache, and motivation of each character wove together to make a well rounded, believable storyline.  Will Meg "prove" she's her father's daughter?  Will Claire and Nelson's friendship and Godly example change Meg's heart?  Will Kate's new found faith change her friendships?  Will Brewster or Ian climb to the top, and who's motives are pure?  Are either one's?  Add in Evie, her bird Pindar and Geoffrey and you'll have plenty of actions and attitudes to keep you reading.

A heart for freedom - Chai Ling

What a book.  An education about China's history, culture, and mindset.  I was in high school when Tiananmen square took place.  I didn't know the events leading up to it.  However, reading the story of Chai Ling, then commander of the Defend Tiananmen Square Headquarters, shows I probably wouldn't have known the truth.  What began as a peaceful protest, wanting dialogue with their leaders, led to a massacre.  Yet those events shaped Chai Ling for the work God has given her as an adult.  All Girls Allowed is a direct reflection on the heart, passion and desire of Chai Ling to see China free.  Her decision to follow Christ and the ministry that is a result, is powerful.  The book is full of statistics and mind boggling facts about China's one-child policy as wells as the forced and coerced abortion and gendercide of girls.  One line was so powerful to me.  "Chinese women have no choice, and their babies have no life."  Chai Ling is convinced that God has a redemptive plan for all of China.  Male and female.  To save the people and free them.  She challenges the read to ask yourself the question she asked, that changed her life forever: Are you ready to walk with Jesus?  Your answer may change your world, just as Chai Ling's is changing hers.

Skip Rock Shallows by Jan Watson

Set in the early 1900s in Skip Rock Kentucky, the reader enters the world of coal miners.  Lilly is a female doctor, strike one.  Lilly is an outsider, strike two.  Lilly is educated, strike three?  After she accepts this internship her carefully planned life begins to unravel.  Lilly finds a strong desire to be accepted by these stubborn, superstitious people.  Lilly wrestles with her feelings and questions everything about her life.  Great development of the characters and the motives of the heart.  If you like historical fiction, Skip Rock Shallows is worth reading.

Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert

While Trauma Plan at times was a predictable boy meets girl story, it did have enough unknowns to make it a good read.  Each person had their own motives.  Each person had those motives challenged. Jack, Riley, Kate, Bandy and Vesta each carried baggage that effected everything they did.  As the story unfolds the reader begins to see the story within the story.  How like life that is.  If we only knew what motivates the actions of others, we may see each action in a different light.  God's plan unfolded for each person.  Would they accept God or continue to try life on their own?  Read and find out!