Rare Earth

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Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.

Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area's reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements - called rare earths - have inflamed tensions on the world's stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land.

Review

Marc Royce is an agent for the State Department and does undercover covert operations when needed.  Last time it was the Middle East, and this time he is being sent to the heart of Africa to look into a relief organization.  The only problem is that he doesn’t know what he is looking for.  There is something about the organization that is raising red flags, and it is up to him to pinpoint what it is.

Against the backdrop of an erupting volcano, Marc navigates the politics of a ravaged land to find the truth.  From corruption within an aid organization, to displaced villagers, Marc handles everything thrown at him with a clear, level-headed, if not a bit unorthodox, approach. 

This novel had all the great elements: action, conspiracy, adventure, and slight touch of romance encapsulated by strong characters and a well-developed storyline.  It was a multi-layered novel, as the conspiracy kept getting deeper and deeper.  The action scenes were fabulous to read, and probably my favourite parts of the novel.

All in all, it was a great book!  It is actually book two in a series, the first being Lion of Babylon.  That is one book I will be checking out very soon!

Book Trailer

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Deposit Slip

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$10,000,000 is missing.

Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper - a deposit slip - with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and went out on his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

How far will one lawyer go to find the money? And how far will someone go to stop him?

Review

Jared Neaton is getting rather down in his luck.  He took a big chance on a potential “breakthrough” case, and unfortunately the scales of justice did not tip in his favour.  Now collection notices are a daily occurrence and his current clients are getting anxious and impatient about being neglected.  The last thing Jared needs is another sketchy “breakthrough” case to lose more money and resources on.

But then his former mentor refers him to Erin Larson.  Erin is just trying to determine if the deposit slip she found in her deceased father's safety deposit box is actually legitimate, and if so, where did the money go?  It’s not even about the money – she just wants some answers.  Being rebuffed at every turn, undergoing daily threats and vandalism to her property, and with her case coming close to being dismissed, Jared is her last hope.

As Jared reluctantly takes the cash, it becomes increasingly clear that the more Jared and Erin push for answers, the more convoluted and shady things appear.  With time and money running out, it becomes a round the clock race to find the truth. 

A debut novel for trial lawyer, Todd M. Johnson, The Deposit Slip, shows a promising second career for Mr. Johnson.  The plot was quite unique, and story had several twists and turns.  While I wasn’t as immersed in this novel as I would in a John Grisham work, it was a decent read.  You can tell that Mr. Johnson enjoys courtroom drama and theatrics, and I equally enjoyed reading the verbal parrying between the lawyers.  While this novel has made no mention of being the beginning of a series, there is definitely potential for one. 

Given this promising debut, I will be looking forward to Mr. Johnson’s next work!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Inescapable

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Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people - especially her old friend, Noah Housler - she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run - to the Father whose love is inescapable.

Review

What do you do when you have seemingly nowhere to turn?  Who do you turn to for help?

For Lizzie Engel and her daughter Charity, the answer meant home.  Home to Kingdom, Kansas, a strict Mennonite community, and an even stricter father, the same things she ran away from years earlier.  She hopes that the residents of Kingdom would have forgotten about her and the scandal she ran away from so she can hide out in obscurity until the danger has passed.  What she didn’t expect was the many welcoming faces and open arms.

Her father, on the other hand, is as harsh and unyielding as ever.  Unable to stay at her old home, Lizzie and Charity are taken in by a kindly widow who provides Lizzie with a job.  However, not soon after Lizzie arrives, the danger she thought she escaped shows up again, and she is forced to contemplate running yet again.  The ante doubles when someone from her past shows up with highly questionable motives.

Inescapable, the first book in the “Road to Kingdom” series, was a really pleasant, nice read.  The characters were well-developed and the story moved along at a good pace.  Everyone can relate to Lizzie at some point in their life - that moment when everything seems to be falling apart and the only One you can look to is God above, Who is ever faithful.  Noah is the quintessential wonderful, strong guy that any girl would love.  He is always there to lend a hand – even to those who dislike him - and has a fierce protectiveness for the ones he loves.

Overall, it was a really good light read and I enjoyed the journey to Kingdom, Kansas.  I’m looking forward to book two in the series, Unbreakable, coming in Spring, 2013.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I am Second

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Countless Stories.  One Incredible Ending.

A major league baseball player.  A Tennessee pastor.  A reality TV star.  A single mom.  A multi-platinum rocker.

What do these people have in common?

They’ve all hit bottom.

And none of them stayed there.

Famous or unfamiliar, these are the stories of real people who reached the end of their strength, the end of their control, and found the most surprising truths.

It taught them not to rely on self or substance but to lean on the only completely reliable source of love, hope, and freedom:  the God who created them.  Shocking in their honesty, inspiring in their courage, these testimonies are critical reminders that no one is too far from God to find him.

Join these and thousands more who have discovered the life-changing power in putting God first and proclaiming, “I am Second.”

Review

I am Second is a powerful book.  Jam-packed with emotional testimonies of people who got to a point in their lives where they hit bottom and declared themselves “second” and God first, you cannot help but be awestruck at the power of God in how he transformed their lives.

Today’s culture is all about “me, myself, and I”.  As humans, we live to serve ourselves, our wants and desires.  But we were created to serve our Creator.  We were created for His great purpose, to glorify and praise Him.  Seeking a life of pleasure will not bring full satisfaction in your life.  True peace only comes when embracing the grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love God extends to us and leaning on the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.  It does not mean that your life will get better, that it will be smooth sailing, but that there will be a Captain at the helm Who will guide you through the rough waters. 

I am Second is a great and moving read.

A little bonus: 

Newsboys singing “I am Second”:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLH4gDgBqaM.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Touching the Sky

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Though their first encounter is hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid.  As an officer over the colored troops, he eagerly supports her desire to educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the defeats of the South is a bitter reality.

When Laura’s sister marries her confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation after overhearing a discussion with frightening consequences.  In her heart she feels she should confide in Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister’s life.  Yet as the stakes continue to rise and Brandon’s motives for pursuing her come into doubt, Laura questions where to turn…and wonders if her own dreams of love may be forsaken.

Review

Touching the Sky is the second book in the “Land of the Lone Star” series.  (You can read my review on the first book, Chasing the Sun, here.) 

Touching the Sky is Tracie Peterson at her best.  A tale richly woven in history, every effort was made to instill the reader into the thinking and mannerisms of the day.  The reader feels along with the characters and sympathizes with their beliefs and dreams.  I felt that one of the subtle points of the story was finding out God’s will for one’s life and following through.  For Captain Reid, it was whether or not to go back home to Indiana to work on his father’s Thoroughbred horse breeding farm, or start up his own in Texas.  And for Laura, she strongly wants to help the recently emancipated blacks with reading and writing in order that they may have better job opportunities. 

This novel is also one about healing. 

Even though the Civil War was over, it was far from over in the hearts of many people.  Acceptance and forgiveness are things not easily given when hurt has been inflicted.  The lines were still drawn in the sand between former neighbours, friends, and family.  And most certainly between those who fought for the South and the newly freed slaves.  But through God’s grace, which he has so generously showered among us, healing may begin.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Short-Straw Bride

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No one steps on Archer land.  Not if they value their life.  But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance harden a man.  Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away.  And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again. 

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side.  But will love ever be hers?  Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

Review

Short-Straw Bride was a perfect read.  As soon as I turned the last page of the book, I wanted to start it all over again.  The only thing that stopped me was the fact that I had another book to read and review for this month!

Orphaned at a young age and left to take charge of his three brothers, Travis built a "fortress" in order to protect his family.  He has to control everything that goes on in the family to ensure the safety of his brothers.  With Meredith, who is passionate, out-going, and very trusting, his control is challenged, and he is forced to look at his brothers as the men they have become, and not the boys they were. 

This novel encapsulates the perfect balance of romance, wit, and adventure.  The interactions amongst the four Archer brothers often had me grinning and the sparking moments between Travis and Meredith will draw out a sigh from even the hardest of hearts.  I loved it from beginning to the end and would highly recommend it.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Love in Disguise

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Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use.  Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself.  Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation.  When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments.  In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow…or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie.  Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays!  Should she give up and reveal her true identity?  What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor and mystery for a can’t-put-down read.

Review

This was a very delightful read!  Combining the world of theatre, old western towns, hint of romance, and a Murder, She Wrote-type mystery, and you come up with Love in Disguise.

Ellie is desperate for a job, nearly any job, and she jumps at the chance to work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.  To her, it sounds like a thrilling adventure one reads about in dime novels, and it finally provides her with a stage to use her acting skills. 

For Steven, all he ever wanted was a chance to redeem himself to his father.  When his grand dream is failing due to nefarious deeds, he becomes desperate to have the wrong-doer caught.  He first meets Ellie as elderly Lavinia Stewart, tripping over a broken board in the mercantile and falling into his arms.  He immediately has a soft-spot for the sweet Mrs. Stewart, who has promises of investing into his mine.  When Mrs. Stewart’s niece, Jessie Munroe, arrives, he is blown away by her vivacious personality, looks, and charm.

Ellie now not only has to determine who is stealing the silver, but balance both of her characters (and keep those wigs in place!), and stop her heart for falling for Steven.  Because it’s Jessie he’s falling in love with…right?  When the stakes are raised by suspicious “accidents”, Ellie realizes that she must find out who the thief is, or else she may pay with her very life.

Full of charming characters, delicious dialogue, and mysterious twists and turns, Love in Disguise is one novel you shouldn’t miss!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.