Ya Know What I'm Say'n by Kris & Keith Bridgman

This book is a must read for anyone interested in ministry of any kind. It is the story of how two people were used by God to comfort so many in Bowling Green, KY.

I don't say that because I wrote the foreword. It is such a high honor to be asked to write a foreword to a book, and frankly, there are no words to express how great an honor it was for me to be asked to write the foreword to this book by Kris and Keith Bridgman. I just love promoting God's work, and this is a true account of God at work.

The Foreword

Within these pages you will find a startling world of raw compassion. Raw because the compassion is unadorned with worries of what other people may think; the actions illustrated here are ingenuous, very much as Jesus would do. I have heard compassion defined as empathy and love at work, and that describes Kriss and Keith Bridgman’s hearts as well as their two ministries. But, the book is larger than just two hearts working hard to reflect the brilliant light of agape in a dark world.

These are life stories that are certainly heart breaking, there are tormented souls, and there are those who choose a different god than the Lord God Almighty to worship. Some of these people know Jesus, and want to let the mind of Christ take charge, but cannot break free of Satan’s sticky web. They wear shackles and chains, imprisoned by their past. What unfolds is the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the homeless lifestyle.

What Kris has lovingly penned is a result of a real life fast in the vein of Isaiah 58:
6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (ESV)

While Kris and Keith do not bring the homeless to live in their home for reasons that will become obvious as you read this book, they have inspired numerous people to bring help and hope to the homeless of Bowling Green. They pray, they bring food, they lift the yoke of bleakness and despair, they pry open cold hearts by extending the warm fires of God’s love to these homeless people. There is a mighty fast pleasing to God ongoing in this fair city.

A harsh lesson is illustrated in this book as well. Often times we try so hard to live the Christian life in our own strength. We work so hard at eliminating bad habits relying upon our own resources. This is so far from God provided for us, and how He designed for us to live doing the work He planned long before the foundation of the world. Charles Stanley once said God had to teach him he could not live Christ-like twenty-four seven under his own steam. Only when he could trust God enough to do it for him would he ever come close to pleasing God in the way he lived.

Just like an amputee seems to feel the missing arm, or has an itch on a missing leg, so Satan makes a person feel chains and shackles that have been removed by God Himself. They are phantom shackles, but they feel so heavy and so real. When people live oppressed, weary and heavy laden, they must be taught how to live free. This book is a strong testimony for the critical need for discipling God’s children.

You will find no better illustration of this truth than right here in this study. No doubt you will tsk at the old Greg, cheer for the new Greg, weep for Dallas, clap for Theresa, root for Tony, gasp, laugh, and pray for them all.
This is a beautiful portrait of compassionate outreach to hurting people. Read and see the physical illustration of the spiritual promises God lays out in Isaiah 58.

Isaiah 58:8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

What could be better than living like that?

Interview with Kris

What have you learned from this experience?
Homelessness is one of those aspects of life that most people simply ignore. More often than not, our attitudes toward those caught within its grasp is one of indifference or complacency believing that they are homeless because they want to be, and there is not much any one person can do to make a difference. When I began to explore the world of the homeless I discovered people with broken hearts, lost hopes, and destroyed dreams. I saw firsthand how addiction to alcohol and/or drugs can diminish a person’s self-worth to the point they simply give up and no longer try to change. I’ve also witnessed incredible strength and perseverance.

Almost all of them are searching for value in their lives, all too often finding it inside a bottle. When I began talking with the people and listening to their stories, an entirely new perspective materialized. These are people with a history who desperately cling to one important good element from their past lives. That is what gives them a semblance of purpose to show to those around them that they do value, so they can find within themselves a small spark of importance.

Many of them claim to know God. Most of them only know him superficially as some kind Helper to get through hard times. Rarely is there any kind of meaningful,  spiritual connection. Almost all of them are searching for the very thing that only God in their lives can provide, they just fail to understand how to reconcile who they are now with what they can become with Christ in their lives. The Blanket Ministry opens doors to share with them the value that only Christ can offer to them.

It is amazing at how many tears are shed during some of the conversations. Emotions locked inside search for release, and when a simple prayer is offered for them, many times even the most hardened will let go of pent up emotional needs and begin to cry. I’ve seen long term alcoholic homeless men encapsulated with a thick crust of distrust have tears pool across their cheeks, and walk away after we have shared with them. The homeless are not devoid of good emotions, they just need some kind of trigger to allow it to surface, and listening with a caring heart combined with a gentle hug or touch will often allow those good emotions to be released. It is during those times that hearts can be changed.

How have you been changed by this experience?
No longer can I look at a homeless person without first understanding that a back story, a history exists for that person. I’ve discovered that regardless of their current situation, there was always something from their past that contributed to them being there. Those histories reveal a great deal about who they are, and why they have allowed themselves to be negatively influenced by their current circumstances. It has helped me understand how to answer the question, Who is my Neighbor? When we begin to understand that our neighbor is everyone, especially those who are hurting, we can then identify how to direct our own lives.

No one person can solve the problem of homelessness and all of its causes. But, it is not so much a matter of solving the problem as it is understanding that the problem exists then being willing to doing something to help. Churches are very good at teaching their congregations all the Ought To scenarios, but they are less effective at teaching and encouraging them How to. I may not be able to travel to other countries to share the love of Christ, but I can sit on a park bench and share Him with those I meet. As worn down and forgotten as the homeless are, they are still precious souls to God. When we stop looking at those we encounter through the tinted glasses of preconceived notions, and begin to see them through the filter of Christ, how can we not be changed?

Where to now?
I’ve learned that when God is in control, He will lead you where He needs you. At this point I’m not sure where He is leading me other than to stay where I am.  The Blanket Ministry has grown from handing out blankets to those we encounter, into a homeless outreach ministry at the bridge that offers not only basic necessities such as blankets, socks, coats, personal hygiene supplies, but also hot meals once a week and food bags. It offers an opportunity to befriend those who may not otherwise have that opportunity. We spend time speaking to and praying for those we meet, and offer encouragement and direction about finding other resources for assistance.

For now I will continue with the Blanket Ministry and Homeless Outreach Ministry until God decides otherwise. We are experiencing amazing stories from the bridge, and I am in the beginning stages of using that as a theme for a follow up book. We are developing trust and friendships with not just the homeless, but many who are simply lonely and have few resources on which to survive. We are establishing bonds, and we are sharing Christ’s love with those we meet. For now, I am convinced this is what God wants me to do.

Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon, Jr. and Cindy Kelley

MY REVIEW

The story is gripping. I was into it by the end of the first page. However...

Sticklers for Civil War era history won't be satisfied, because there isn't much history in it. It also revolves around a young woman who has lost her memory. Great premise.

She remembers how to speak very proper English, but she has not clue what fork to use at a fancy dinner. She is comfortable in homespun clothes, but almost as comfortable in fancy clothes. You get numerous clues to how she was raised, but there are also numerous contradictions to that raising. Quite confusing, but still compelling.

Then you read about her falling in love with a man... with few real reasons why she fell in love with him. He is in love because she's the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. The character is written to be superficial and that part of the story works very well.

I also like how various characters are developed and they act and react to situations in tune with how they are developed. This is very good, and fairly rare these days, too. But...

This woman called Mercy by the nuns she lives with is a very stupid woman. I hate stupid women. She is developed as a person who is intelligent, full of humor, loves horses and has a way with them that surpasses any other handler, and she is person savvy. She understands what motivates people, why they act in certain ways, and seems to accurately predict reactions of other characters in the book. Then she does something so incredibly stupid that I was sorry I read to the very end (for that is where this thing happens).

This is the first in a series. At the end of this book she still has no memory of where she came from or why she had the uniform of a Confederate sergeant on when she was found quite senseless. But, she's headed off to find her roots at the end of the book. Good luck with that, little Mercy. The South is huge. It is torn up with reformation, carpet baggers, and scallywags. She had no clue where to start looking, but she's determined to do it by riding through a Union state with bounty hunters on her trail.

So beware if you purchase this book. In fact, don't even read the last chapter because it makes no sense with a Union captain deserting his post to try to find a stupid female. The authors should have stopped the book before the last chapter. I'm thinking I won't read the next one. I have no patience for lack of historical research, no patience for lack of adherence to the most simple laws and rules of the land and organizations, and no patience for orchestrated tension designed to make the reader want to buy the next book, but instead makes me want to run the other way.

I give it 2 out of 5 stars. Good writing, but bad plotting at the end.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life. Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

...MY REVIEW

 I am enthralled with this new author Katherine Reay. She writes with such empathy and such delicacy. Here is someone who does not insult the reader by rehashing so much of the storyline you wonder where the story actually is. She captures just the right way to make you laugh out loud, or to make you cry. When was the last time I cried when reading a work of fiction?  Ummmm. 1902? Oh, I've cried while writing my own stuff, but that's because I deeply felt what I was writing about. I cried in this book because I had such deep empathy for the antagonist, Samantha Moore.

I love the fact she wanted to be a journalist. I've lived that life, and I understand it. Obviously, Reay has taken a few courses in journalism. But, I'm not sure she's taken Master's courses in it. Some of that didn't ring true, but there are all sorts of colleges and all sorts of approaches. Everything else rang completely true and believable. So much so that I found myself constantly thinking about the characters as real people and real situations. That rarely happens with me. Character development is crucial for a really good novel, and critical for good story. Reay nails the character development as well as the growth of the main character. Little by little you see her blossom, and you can almost hear Jane Austin cheering from the sidelines.

Reay also has a unique way of telling her story through letters. Reminds me of Lady Susan. I love this because there is no head jumping, no threads hanging, no flash backs Praise the Lord! Great story telling.

Great book. Go buy it. You will be very pleased.

5 of 5 stars

...ABOUT THE BOOK

Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others—namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story—by giving that story to a complete stranger.
Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore.

But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.

As Sam’s dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it’s straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.

Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

MY REVIEW

Rarely have I enjoyed a book so much that I read far into the night, and then thought about it during the day. This one met the bill.

Wingate out does herself with this novel. There are a few characters that we've met before from Moses Lake, which is interesting and neat. Grandma Rita has passed on, but her pithy humor and wonderful sayings come though loud and clear from her granddaughter Allie Kirkland.

At first, I thought I would not like this book because after I was "in" to it, I discovered it was written from two different perspectives. I do not like head jumping from one character to another if it is not done to perfection. I did not need to fear. Wingate has perfected this tactic of story telling to that soft, silky slide like slipping into the most comfortable bed in the world. She proves herself a Master.

Allie's story is wonderfully written with the development of all the characters. Little hints and breadcrumbs are dropped to fill out characterizations. There is no... zero... nada rehashing of character development or character situations. Sure there is whining about a situation, but that character (Kim, Allie's best friend) is designed to whine. There is some gentle reminding of certain rules in place for the film crew and the actors. I say gentle because it is done so delicately, you just get all tense inside and start screaming at Allie, "Don't do that! You'll get fired!" Of course, she doesn't listen. The reader is drawn into the friendship between Kim and Allie, wondering why they are so close when they are obviously so different.

Blake--who would not fall in love with Blake. Surely, there is a Blake somewhere for me??? Maybe he is too good to be true? But those are the kinds of characters that make romance so wonderful to devour.

Bonnie Rose's story is gripping. There is a character development masterfully done without having to revert to agonizing rehash. Bonnie Rose has suffered tragedy, but the full truth is slowly revealed like coffee that is too good to gulp down.

Classy. Riveting. Nail-biting. Satisfying. Delicious romance. Mysterious. Culminating in a most satisfying ending that feels just right.

This book receives 5 of 5 stars. It's perfect.

ABOUT THE BOOK

With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father's unfinished destiny. When she's offered a production assistant's job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father's footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region's folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood--including Blake Fulton, Allie's handsome neighbor on the film set--seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn't know whom she can trust. If she can't find the answers in time, history may repeat itself...with the most unthinkable results.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo courtesy of Jarrett Studios

1. Lisa Wingate

   Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women's...
   

   Continue reading about Lisa Wingate

Beowolf by Ronnie Kendig

(I received this book from the publisher on NetGalley, so I read it on my Kindle.)


MY REVIEW

I usually do not jump into a series of books at the last or the middle.

I am not a fan of all kinds of action going on and then the music swells and the protagonists gaze longingly into each others eyes and ba-boom the kiss. Fortunately, that does not happen here. Romance, yes... suspense laden romance which is my cup of tea. The back drop is Afghanistan, and I am not a fan of this... it seems this is military life, so we if we must, we must.

You do not have to read the first 2 in order to deeply appreciate this book. It is stand alone, and very well done stand alone. Character development is fever-pitched from the start and that makes the storyline extremely impactful. Kendig does a very nice job of storyline weaving in and throughout the characters. Where some fiction seems forced, this is a good story flow, without plot surprises coming from forced character actions--in other words, the characters are believable and act according to their profile with gradual changes for the better, changes toward harmony. That is rare these days.
However, with this book, I did. I really liked the Discarded Heroes series, so I figured this one would be excellent... and it is,  for the most part.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Former Navy handler Timbrel Hogan has more attitude than her Explosives Detection Dog, Beowulf, but she’s a tough woman who gets the job done.

Green Beret Tony “Candyman” VanAllen likes a challenge and convincing the hard-hitting handler they belong together might just get him killed. When tragedy strikes and Tony’s career is jeopardized, Timbrel must re-evaluate her life and priorities—and fast. A terrorist plots to unleash a weapon of mass destruction on American soil.

Can Timbrel and Beowulf track the chemicals in time? Will Tony surrender everything to save the woman nobody wants to love—except him?

4 of 5 stars
Good book worth the money.

Moonbow by Shelia Hollinghead

This started out with a bang. What a great, tension packed beginning. Then I thought it would continue building, but it fell a bit flat. I got heavily bogged down switching back and forth between Gisa and Raydon. Great premise, but it didn't follow through to the end.

The prologue is unnecessary. It does not add to the flow of the story, nor does it create anything but a deceptive understanding of what the storyline will be.

Character development is okay. The split between the two protagonists creates a story flow jam. No tension builds because the reader is yanked from one character's story to another every few pages.

I'm not a fan of this style of story plotting The dialogue is a bit stilted, and doesn't seem natural in places as if the author is trying to make characters do and say something that is just a a bit out of character for them.

Otherwise, the pace is fast and the writing is pretty good. It would be good for a fast, afternoon read. I give it 2 of 5 stars.

An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson

MY REVIEW

I do like how Robertson writes. He has such a knack for painting pictures with words. For example, Leonhard has walked the streets of his town all his life. Robertson describes the scenery such as a boy might see, leaving out much detail. Then as Leonhard grows up from an 18 year old boy into an 18 year old man, Robertson describes more detail as Leonhard walks along the streets making the city come to life.

He illustrates thoughts that will lay in your mind rising to wakefulness when you least expect it. The story stays with you even after you turn out the light.

This story is not a light or fluffy read. There is lots of meat to chew on, and many points to ponder as you chew. Sometimes Robertson will not lead into an illustration well and you may find yourself lost, groping for some kind of foundation. Descriptions of what Leonhard sees (because he sees things not seen), do not seem to meld into the story well. You find yourself struggling to connect some dots. But, those are few and far between.

The characters are extremely well developed. No head jumping or hopping for the story is written in first person. As Leonhard delves deeper into the mystery, the reader is sometimes left to wonder what Leonhard has just discovered. It reminds me of sitting in Algebra class and everyone "got" the illustration, but I'm sitting there without a clue.

Mathematics plays a huge role in this storyline, but in this part of the story everything remains crystal clear. Robertson does an excellent job describing and explaining what the role in complete clarity.  No connecting dots or wondering if a paragraph or two was cut and laying on the editor's floor.

Frankly, the mystery is not the fascinating part of the novel. Leonhard's journey to maturity, and his deep faith through this journey is the most fascinating. Somehow when you get to the end, you aren't panting for "whodunit" but you are marveling at how gently, inexhorbaly you are drawn to understand how important faith, honesty, and God's will is to the believer.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the Rules That Govern Men Are Shattered, All You Can Trust Are the Invisible Rules That Govern Life Itself

For math prodigy Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But this is a family torn by jealousy. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.

Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Jacob Bernoulli, his master's brother, twenty years ago, Leonhard soon discovers he's facing an elusive puzzle as complicated as any math equation. Surrounded by the world's most brilliant--and cunning--minds, Leonhard finds himself tracing an unraveling and invisible spiral of greed, blackmail, and murder. He'll need all his genius to find an elegant solution to this desperate battle of wills.

Critical Reaction by Todd Johnson

MY REVIEW

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Courtroom suspense combined with a tightly woven action/thriller storyline makes for an excellent page-turner (or as in my case, a fast paced thumber on my Kindle). I found myself reading far into the night, which doesn't happen very often for me.

All things considered, the story is very interesting, and gripping. Johnson does an excellent job of painting realistic scenes of corporate management, courtroom drama, and blue collar worker motivations in small town America. Quite ingenious how he weaves these nuances into motivations. I'll be looking for more from this author.


Critical Reaction is written from several points of view. Although head jumping is not one of my favorite storyline ploys, there is no head-hopping within a single scene, praise the Lord! The writing is excellent and draws you into this very believable story.

Ryan The Attorney whose daughter, Emily, is also an attorney. Ryan lost his wife and was devastated to the point of basically losing his practice if not his reputation. He was so decimated by his wife's death, he almost completely alienated his daughter. He is extraordinarily perceptive, so much so that you wonder how he could have allowed his relationship with his daughter fall so far into the pits. 

Kierney who is on temporary duty at the Hanford plutonium, supposedly now defunct, factory finds himself in terrible straits after his first chapter harrowing experience. He calls his friend Emily who talks her dad into representing him.

Poppy is another security guard at Hanford. You follow his experiences after the first chapter explosion trying to juggle life, wife, family, and a search for his friend Lew who disappeared after the first chapter.

Another mid-management person whose name I have forgotten. This character proves to be crucial to the whole story, but I found his character development rather 2-dimensional. We are privy mostly to his thoughts and they don't seem to develop and then expose his motivations, except Greed. For all the nuances of this novel, the motivation is just too obvious. You know at the very first of his villainous personality traits but they don't become apparent until well into the book.

There is quite a bit of rehash. Three or four times we get Ryan's background about his wife and daughter. Enough already. The character I liked the most is Poppy. He is the most believable and direct. It is almost like an initial story centered around him, then was later expanded to include background stories of the rest of the characters.

I won't spoil the ending for anyone, but frankly I felt a bit ripped-off. Investing all my time in reading this story I wanted very much to have that satisfaction of Ryan and Emily wiping the courtroom floor with Hanford. Not. So don't get your hopes up. They do get just desserts, but just not in the courtroom... sigh.

Where to Purchase

• Baker Retail
• Amazon.com
• Barnes & Noble
• Christianbook.com

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife and daughter. Visit his website at www.authortoddjohnson.com.

Strait of Hormuz by Davis Bunn

MY REVIEW

A most exciting and satisfying sequel to Rare Earth. I highly recommend this offering by Davis Bunn. Marc Royce on another mission, this time to prevent global conflict and an Iranian nuclear arms attack... or would that be chemical warfare against the United States. Royce's love life is explored, and it is very well done, too.

You can read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE BOOK 

"They're out there. The danger is real... and inbound."--Marc Royce
An under-the-radar phone call from the U.S. State Department puts Marc Royce once again on assignment--ferreting out rumors of a clandestine operation stretching from Asia to the Mideast. At stake is Iran's threat to blockade the narrow Strait of Hormuz, cutting off vital shipping routes and escalating global tensions beyond the breaking point.

Under the guise of investigating money laundering via high-end art purchases in Europe, Royce finds himself in Switzerland with only sketchy information, no backup, and without a single weapon other than his wits.

His appointment with a gallery owner in Geneva is a dead end--the man is on the floor with a bullet through his chest. But it turns out Royce does have backup. The Mossad has sent someone to keep an eye on this undercover op, which is of more than casual interest to the Israelis. And it's someone Royce knows...

A small team gathers around Royce--
a single objective against multiple enemies.

Available in December... look for it at your favorite book store.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. The first two novels in the Marc Royce series have been bestsellers and also won praise from
critics. Lion of Babylon was named one of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2011, and Rare
Earth won the 2012 Christy Award for Suspense Fiction. What do you see is behind this
success?
The stories have certainly resonated with the audience. I have tried to develop a strong sense of
unfolding drama combined with a unique spiritual theme. This moral structure plays out both
in the story and the characters. My aim is to create an inspirational challenge that remains with
the reader long after the book has been set down.

2. All three of these stories focus on the missionary church movement in high-risk areas of
the world. Lion of Babylon explored the church in Baghdad, and Rare Earth looked at the
rising church movement in Kenya. Where does Strait of Hormuz take place?
Well, obviously the title gives this away, at least in part. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the
world’s most critical waterways. Stretching between Iran and the Gulf states, the Strait is home
to two U.S. fleets. More than one-third of all the oil consumed worldwide passes through these
waters. But the story actually begins in Switzerland, before traveling to the Sinai Peninsula and
then into the hotly contested Strait of Hormuz.

3. What spiritual theme is the focus of this third novel?
One growing area of the missionary church movement is with displaced persons. More than
five million Iranians have been expelled from their homeland or been forced to flee the current
regime. This includes virtually the entire Christian population. The missionary movement has
made enormous strides in bringing peace to these families and introducing Christ to those
Muslims exiled because of an oppressive government.

4. What drew you to the missionary church movement as a theme?
I actually came to faith in a missionary church. I was working as a consultant based in Germany.
The year I accepted Christ, the Southern Baptist Mission Board founded a missionary church in
Dusseldorf. I attended the church, I grew in the church, I studied under two amazing
pastors, and one of them returned to Europe to officiate my wedding. It was also where I learned
to write. Two weeks after coming to faith, I felt called to writing. I wrote for nine years and
completed seven books before my first was accepted for publication. The church, its members,
and the elders all played a vital role in bringing me to where I am now. I am living testimony to
their ministry.

5. All three of these novels have given significant insight into the Muslim world, something
critics around the nation have picked up on. What experience do you have with this region?
For the four years prior to moving to Germany, I lived and worked in the Middle East. I was the
only non-Muslim in the management structure of a family-owned company. They had three
major arms: construction equipment, shipping, and pharmaceuticals. I rose to become
marketing manager of the pharmaceutical division. One of the requirements of the job was to
take instruction in the Koran and Islamic history from an imam who taught at the local
university. I think this experience played a major role in my coming to Christ. And that is a story
I would love to tell.

The Shadow Protocol by Andy McDermott

(Editor's Note: I am conducting an experiment concerning secular books and Christian fiction books to see if there really is a vast difference between the quality and substance and author-skill. I am using books posted to NetGalley.com (it's by invitation, I think) to do this. I am cautious because some books I've downloaded are full of graphic junk and foul language. The books I review on this blog that are not touted as specifically Christian Fiction or Christian Non-fiction are ones that have quality, no graphic sex scenes, and very little or no foul language.)

MY REVIEW
Great book.

It is touted as similar to Robert Ludlem's Jason Bourne series. Actually, it is not written that well, although it is close. The random use of foul language does not add to the story but creates some kind of shock value that is not necessary. The action is so tightly packed, there is no need for foul language, and frankly I seriously doubt it would be missed since it is so random and only interjected in places where the other dialogue is more important to the story flow. It does not illustrate some character's personality. It is just an exclamation point or two sprinkled through out. (I skipped over them, but I do not think there is any taking of God's name in vain. I notice those and won't continue reading the book.)

Description of the action is very good. There is little to no confusion as to what is happening. That is a very difficult thing to do. I applaud Andy McDermott for a riveting story with fairly believable characters. I like the reference to the Carpenter in the beginning. I think both women in the plot could be fleshed out more. Although, with so many characters, it is difficult to make all of them vibrant because it detracts from the storyline.

All around, though, I will recommend this book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Move over Jason Bourne. Here from Andy McDermott, the New York Times bestselling author who “raises the bar to please adventure junkies who prefer to mainline their action” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), is the high-octane start to a new series starring American agent Adam Gray. Filled with intrigue, adventure, and non-stop action, The Shadow Protocol is perfect for fans of Robert Ludlum and James Rollins.

NO ONE CAN KNOW HIM. NO ONE SHOULD TRUST HIM.
AND AMERICA WON’T SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM.

Adam Gray is a cipher, a disciplined loner conditioned not to betray abe America’s worst enemy—before he’s back to being Adam Gray again.

Now Gray and his team are racing to stop a plot to release a radioactive isotope that could kill millions. And in a nerve-racking clandestine meeting, Gray senses that his cover is cracked and that the mission—not to mention his life—may be in grave danger. But as they fight this violent conspiracy around the globe, another threat has emerged. This one has the perfect cover, the most unlikely double agent, and the most terrifying power of all. For a beautiful young scientist has discovered an unforeseen weakness in PERSONA: Adam Gray’s own past.
single emotion. Part of an elite team spearheaded by a brilliant neuroscientist, Gray is a covert agent armed with PERSONA, a device that allows him to copy the brain patterns of the terrorists and operatives he meets in the field. For twenty-four hours he can recall their memories. He can know every detail of their plans. He can

Beloved by Robin Hatcher

MY REVIEW
This is not one of Robin Hatcher's best offerings. It is the tail end of a series. The premise (read below) is excellent. I thought with Hatcher writing, this will be a great few hours spent reading. I have no idea why some authors feel the need to keep repeating some characters' thoughts/feelings about their situations over and over. I kept thinking "Let's move on! Quit wallowing and do something." Frankly, I got bored by the 10th chapter and quit reading the book. I've got other books to read and I do not have time to waste with a mediocre novel no matter who wrote it.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher returns to the adventurous

American West in the final book of her Where the Heart Lives series. This story is filled with Robin’s trademark heartwarming and emotionally charged message of faith, courage, and love.

When Diana Brennan’s husband returns eight years after abandoning her, can she find it in her heart to forgive him?

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for eight years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom. He agrees with one condition––she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright

My Review -
I was a bit confused at the beginning of this book because it sounded

so familiar, like something I had read before. However, it quickly became evident that it was not, although it has a copyright for 2002. That may be why I thought I'd read this before.

The door to what might happen if the lost ark were every found is unlocked with this sequel to Blessed Child. There is a plethora of novels centered around the happenings in the Middle East. As God said would happen, the bitter conflict between Ismael and Isaac affects the entire world.

In this novel the conflict is not only between Ismael the Muslim assassin and the Jewish archeologist Rebecca, but also between long held Jewish tradition and Christian faith. Rebecca has to decide in her heart to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Caleb helps her to "jump off the cliff" and believe through several miracles that only God could make happen.

I found it intriguing to imagine what might be, and to see unfold the mighty outstretched arm of God orchestrate love in those who are open to His redemption, and to allow hate to run its course to destruction.

Well written, exciting to the end, fast-paced to the point of lack of sleep. Don't start this book late at night or you'll read until it be morning.

I give it 5 of 5 stars.

About the book -
One man holds the key to finding the Ark of the Covenant.

In this explosive sequel to Blessed Child, Rebecca Soloman leads a team deep into the Ethiopian desert to hunt the one man who may know the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. But Islamic extremists fear that the Ark's discovery will compel Israel to rebuild Solomon's temple on the very site of their own holy mosque in Jerusalem.

They immediately dispatch Ismael, their most accomplished assassin, to pursue the same man. But the one in their sights is no ordinary man. His name is Caleb, and he is also on a quest—to find again the love he embraced as a child.