Musings on snow

PLACEBO by Steven James - Book Review

From back cover copy:

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

This book, first in the Jevin Banks series, is gripping from first page right till the end. The story is well told, and the characters well defined. It is suspensful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was hard to put it down.

Placebo is a real page-turner, which I define as a book with short chapters and a story which keeps you wondering what is coming next.
It is masterfully told by a master storyteller (Steven has a master's degree in storytelling!)

If you are a fan of suspense thrillers, this is the book for you. Those who are already familiar with Steven's Patrick Bowers series will be sure to enjoy Placebo, which is written in the same style.

Now we have to wait until Fall 2013 for the next Jevin Banks novel.

Steven James has written more than 30 books. He is a contributing editor to Writers' Digest, and has taught writing and storytelling on three continents.

Meet Steven at www.stevenjames.net, and on facebook and twitter at sjamesauthor.

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

 


Are You Ready For Christmas?

Ready for Christmas? How often do we hear that question asked. I think the one asking is wondering if we have our tree up, gifts bought and wrapped, baking done, house cleaned, and so on. I think of something else.

Is my heart prepared to worship Jesus - Immanuel, God with us?

I love the story of the shepherds in the fields, who were the first to hear the message from the angel that the long-awaited Messiah had been born. And they were told where to find Him, and how He would be recognized.

Imagine witnessing that great heavenly host of angels as they gave glory to God! After the angels left, they hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby.

I remember teaching a class of two and three year olds at our church. Small as they were, they recited a poem. "The shepherds were excited to see God's only Son. The Bible says they came with haste; I know I would have run!"

The shepherds were the first people to see the Lamb of God. How appropriate! They worshiped Him.
"O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

After they had seen Jesus and worshiped Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child. They could have told how the angel came and announced the Saviour's birth, or how the glory of the Lord was shining all around them, or how the angels were giving glory to God. But instead of speaking of their personal experiences, they focused on Jesus. What a witness that was. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told  them.

The story of the shepherds challenges me to focus on the One who became flesh and dwelt with us, who paid a debt He didn't owe because we have a debt we cannot pay. The spotless, sinless Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world.

I am reminded of the song, O Come, All Ye Faithful. And so we come, as did the shepherds, to bow down and worship. But then we must share the good news with others. "Go Tell It On The Mountain," Jesus Christ is born!

May those with whom we come in contact over the Christmas season see that Jesus is at the centre of all we say and do. And may this celebration be a blessing to you and your family. Have an amazing Christmas!

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson - Book Review

The Christmas Pony is a Christmas novella set in 1937 Arizona. It is just before Christmas, and all eight year old Lucy wants is a pony, which she saw for sale at a nearby farm. But her mother and grandmother run a boarding house with no paying guests at the moment, and barely enough money to care for themselves. They needed paying boarders.

When in town doing errands, Lucy meets two strangers on their way to California. The car breaks down, and they are in need of a place to stay. Lucy tells them about her mother's boarding house, and convinces them to stay. Lucy learns about the couple, and wonders if they will still be there for Christmas.

Lucy's world is about to change forever. It will be a Christmas to remember.

I love Christmas novellas, and this one does not disappoint. It is well-written and gripping, lifting one out of the 21st century and back to simpler times. I found myself turning the pages, and putting it aside with difficulty. It is a quick read. The story is heart-warming, and will not only prepare you for Christmas, but will remain in your heart long afterward. I highly recommend this delightful book.



Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred, including several Christmas novella.

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

 

THE GIFTED - Book review

'''The Gifted" is 5th in the Harmony Hill series by Ann H, Gabhart. These stories all center around life in the Shaker community of Harmony Hill.
You CAN tell a book by its cover when it comes to Ann's books. They are gorgeous! I would love to have all the covers in frameable prints.

Ann's writing is superb. At once, I felt as if I were a part of the Shaker community. The author writes beautifully, with plenty of description.

I fell in love with the main character immediately. Jessamine Brady is a girl struggling with where she belongs. She has been a part of the community since childhood. She is curious, and desperately wanting to know how life is in "the world". Her curiousity leads her into places of conflict. Does she belong in the Shaker village, or in the world?

This book is a fascinating read. I highly recommend it.

The author:

Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Gabhart is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Outsider, The Believer, The Blessed, The Seeker, and Angel Sister.

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

 Available through www.amazon.com, www.christianbook.com   and wherever you buy Christian books.

EMBRACED BY GOD by Babbie Mason - Book Review

Embraced by God is a 21-day encounter with the unconditional love of God. The book contains seven promises to study, and each chapter presents four challenges by which to embrace the day. By the end of the book, Babbie hopes you will have increased your capacity to love God and to receive His love. Go on a journey of discovering what it means to be unconditionally loved, approved, accepted, forgiven, blessed, cherished, treasured, and favored by God.

The subtitle os this book is Celebrating Who and Whose You Are.

The seven themes are:

1. God's Passion for You is Unconditional 
2. God's Picture of You is Beautiful
3. God's Presence in You is Perpetual
4. God's Provision for You is Immeasurable
5. God's Plan for You is Exceptional
6. God's Power in You is Accessible
7. God's Promise in You is Incomparable

Each day, there are exercises in response to the reading. Think About His Love, Read About His Love,
Pray About His Love, and Be About His Love.

In this book, Babbie combines Scripture with personal experience. Here is the story of a woman consumed by love for God. For those new to the faith, this would be an excellent book of affirmation, and for mature Christians, a great reminder of the depths of God's love.

For more information, see www.babbie.com

This book is available through www.amazon.com. www.christianbooks.com, and other fine retailers.

Copy for review provided by Litfuse Publicity. Published by Abington Press.