The DMZ a novel by Jeanette Windle

Book Description: More than a decade after the end of the cold war has chilled the Marxist rebel movements around the world, one hot spot remains: Colombia. Why a democratic country with a growing economy should still feel the brushfires of a civil war is a mystery to U.S. analysts, but not to certain parties on the other side of the world.

The inexplicable loss of three major U.S. assets draws the attention of the world to the Colombian demilitarized zone. Are the local Colombian rebels responsible? Or is a deadly Middle Eastern secret cloaked by the jungle canopy of the DMZ?

Among the contingent of politicians and media headed for the DMZ seeking answers is reporter Julie Baker, whose parents had been missionaries in Colombia. Old hurts and terrors surge as she revisits the place of her birth... and her parents' deaths. When Julie's own abduction by guerrillas triggers a time bomb that has been ticking under the feet of the U.S. for a decade, she is left with more questions than answers.

My Review:   My review of this incredible book,  The DMZ a novel by Jeanette Windle  needs to begin with the definition of DMZ: "demilitarized zone: a zone from which military forces or operations or installations are prohibited."  This is not only the title of this novel but an important aspect of the read itself.

Julie Baker is a journalist who, against her publisher uncle’s wishes, accepts a job covering the turmoil in Columbia. She returns to the country she vowed she’d never enter, after her missionary parents were murdered when she was sixteen. Now Julie finds herself in the DMZ!  Not a place most of want to find ourselves but for Julie this is where the road of life has led her.  Now, "The guerrilla commander’s glance was indifferent, and with it, Julie’s shoulders slumped with relief. Then this nightmare was all over, and they were all about to be released. But with his next words, his tone chilled to solid ice, and Julie’s stomach with it." 

This action packed adventure is also laced with some romance between Julie and her Special Forces officer, Captain Rick Martini.  If you enjoy politics and suspense then this thriller read is for you! 

This book was completed on September 11, 2001, and is somewhat prophetic in light of the events of the past decade.

This is a very thick read but worth the time. One of those reads that makes one pause to ponder.

*This book was provided for review by Litfuse Publicity Group*

The Fitting Room: Putting On the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter

Book Description: Kelly Minter explores what it means—in real life—to “clothe” ourselves (Col. 3:12) in Christian virtues like forgiveness, joy, patience, compassion, and more.

Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe” ourselves in Christian virtues like forgiveness, joy, patience, compassion. But how does that work in real life? Can we really “dress up” in the character of Christ? Kelly Minter says the answer is yes—if we let the Master Designer do the fitting. This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study with real-life stories and simple, down-to-earth explanations of tricky concepts as justification and sanctification—stitching it all together with dry humor and down-to-earth honesty. There are no gimmicks, no guilt trips, just an irresistible invitation for women to enjoy a spiritual makeover—to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.

My Review:  We all struggle with our self image.  Some feel they're too fat, some too thin, some feel they aren't worthy and the list.goes.on.and.on and we try to either dress up by spending lots of money on our clothing or we dress down, maybe, hoping no one will notice us !  But how are we to truly clothe ourselves?  Kelly brings a fresh approach to dressing up:  Let the Master Designer "dress" us with the clothing of His Word.

This down-to-earth laced with dry humor read brings us the honest way to a spiritual makeover.

Using this key verse from Colossians 3:12 Kelly centers a spiritual makeover around the following words, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." 

On pages 180-181, Kelly writes Jesus shows it (patience) more than He explains it, "...one of the reasons I find patience difficult to nail down is because it's so closely interwoven with with all the other virtues."

Are you clothed in His apparel?  Are you seeking to live as a patient, kind, gentle with humility type of woman?  If so, this is the read for you!  

Kelly also writes of Joseph's life in the chapter entitled Forgiveness, Part 2.  To me Joseph is a great example of one who allowed God, The Master Designer, to clothe him and therefore, Joseph was able to show great forgiveness to those brothers who had so greatly wronged him.  

This is an excellent book for men and women---not gender focused!  For we are all seeking to find God's best for our lives!

*This book was provided for review by The B & B Media Group, Inc*

About the Author:

Kelly Minter is passionate about women coming to know Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture while discovering Him in their everyday lives. She enjoys encouraging women in this process through speaking,writing and singing, all of which keep her traveling throughout the country on a regular basis. Her roots as the oldest of four and daughter of a godly mother and incredible pastor, Mike Minter, have given Kelly a love for Scripture ever since she was a child.??Kelly's most recent Bible study is on the book of Ruth, aptly entitled "Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy". This study follows up her first work "No Other Gods", which many were introduced to through Beth Moore's summer Bible study when she took women from her online community through "No Other Gods".??Kelly's most recent record ??"Loss, Love & Legacy" is a collection of songs based on the themes from the book of Ruth. This record follows up "Finer Day", which is Kelly's first worship record for KingsWay Music.?? Kelly resides in Nashville, TN where she has found a home in the uniquely artistic town where many create for the glory of God.

A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

Book Description:  Abigail is just in Moose Creek, Montana for the summer to temporarily care for her great aunt. But a tender-hearted cowboy beckons her to stay.Abigail Jones intends to spend just one summer in middle-of-nowhere Montana with her Aunt Lucy. Time away from her job is just what Abigail needs to reassess her life. The slow pace has her breathing deeply for the first time in years. And the majestic scenery encourages her to get reacquainted with herself . . . and God.What she didn't count on was the handsome widowed cowboy who owns the ranch where her aunt lives. When the rancher loses his daughter's nanny, Abigail decides to lend a hand for the summer.Wade Ryan can't help being attracted to Abigail. But he's given up everything to protect his daughter, and he's not about to risk it all on a pretty face.Under Abigail's care, Wade's home and daughter thrive. And with Wade's touch, Abigail's heart feels at home at last. But Abigail knows this elusive rancher is hiding something. Will her own secrets separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

My Review:  Abigail Jones is on an "errand" for her mom to check on her great aunt, Lucy. And to give Abigail a much needed rest. Abigail writes as a columnist for her mother's failing magazine, The Truthseeker. In seeking truth Abigail also finds adventure and a love interest. She also meets Maddy, an eleven-year-old in need of a nanny and Maddy's dad, Wade, who is in need of a woman's touch at his fenced-in-ranch somewhat true about his fenced-in-heart. Wade is a former World Rodeo champion turned quiet rancher. School is about to dismiss for the summer and Wade needs a nanny for his sweet daughter, Maddy. He also harbors a few secrets about his past. Wade and Abigail meet . . . sweet romance with July Fourth fireworks sparks between the two! Somehow, in short order, Abigail goes from big-city columnist to small-town nanny, but her new charge is growing on her, to say nothing of her ruggedly handsome boss. Love blossoms between Abigail and Wade--despite her better judgment. Wade didn't ask questions of Abigail's past or present when he "hired" her since she was Lucy's great niece. Now Abigail has "found" information about Wade that would make an award winning article for the magazine and probably make a name for Abigail herself! But as secrets go . . . will writing an article of this nature bring Truth or will it bring death to Wade and Abigail's budding relationship? And in seeking truth will Abigail find God the author of all Truth? Will the secrets of the past separate the Truth of the present? This is a clean romance where church attendance is mentioned and Abigail seeks and "sees" Truth but that's about all this read brings from the Christian sector. It is a fast, fun read that will hold one's interest and attention. A definite 4 star read for every one who enjoys a good.down.home.story laced with romance and good deeds.

*This ebook was provided for review by B & B Media and Net Galley*

About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the nationally published author of bestsellers Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't writing she's busy raising three heroes-in-the making with her husband.

You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by joining her FaceBook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124248046980

Tuesday Teaser

I thought this sounded fun-  Tuesday Teaser  {hosted by Miz B @ Should Be Reading}.


Here are the rules:

• Grab your current read
• Let the book fall open to a random page
• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

BUT BE AWARE: DO NOT GIVEAWAY SPOILERS! CHANGE PAGES IF NEEDED IF THAT PAGE GIVES AWAY SPOILERS! 

I'm currently reading, Point of No Return Missions of Mercy by Susan May Warren:

"Are you sure you don't want to let me have a whirl?

She glanced at him and sighed, "Fine, grease monkey, have at it."  She handed him the jack. "Clearly, I'm just in the way."

"You know I was trying to -"

"I know protect me."

"There's a war going on, if you hadn't noticed."

A Deeper Kind of Calm by Linda Dillow

Book Description: Through the Psalms, women can learn how to positively handle the disappointments of life, discern the comforting truth found in God’s Word, and be encouraged to deal with the waves of trials, depression, and discouragement.

• Includes a 4-week Bible study

My Review:  The Psalms are one of my favorite books of the Bible.  When I need comfort, peace or am in need of encouragement this is the book of the Bible that I immediately turn to.  

In a Deeper Kind of Calm Linda speaks from the heart.  Sometimes with humor, sometimes straight up and always with kindness.  

This is a short, four chapter book.  But filled with "gems" from the Scriptures.  The study guide provided at the back of the book is ideal for a short (four week) study on joy during difficult situations. The focus is on Psalm 77~ I remember, Psalm 46~ I hide, Psalm 63~I cling and Psalm 84~ I journey.

Through the soul.searching.words of Psalms we gain a Deeper Kind of Calm that comes from the Father of Love.

Even if you're not experiencing anxiety, depression, trials or discouragement this book and study will give you a faith lift and also will help you understand that even biblical heroes even had times of learning to trust more in God.

Even though this a short 103 page book (not including the Bible study pages) the depth of knowledge that one gleans from its pages is phenomenal.  

If you are longing for a Deeper Kind of Calm be sure to pick up this great-tastic book and start your study today!  You won't be disappointed!

*This book was provided for review by NavPress*

Click HERE to read a sample chapter!

  

New Blog URL

It happens to the best of us.... a virus and "boom" your whole blog is wiped out in seconds!  So, here I start again.  I need your help . . . please "re-follow"  if you will.  Thanks for understanding!

Snow Melts In Spring (Seasons of the Tallgrass, Book 1) by Deborah Vogts

Book Description:  Mattie Evans, a young veterinarian in rural Kansas, saves a horse injured in a terrible accident. But she also finds herself tending the wounded relationship between a prodigal son and his ailing father. Love, conflict, forgiveness, and renewal drive the first book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series. 

My Review:  Deborah Vogts brings a fresh new look at rural ranch life in Snow Melts In Spring. 

The main character, Mattie Evans struggles with insecurity because she is a young veterinarian trying to prove to the locals that she can and will make a go of this career she loves.  Mattie also struggles to prove self worth because her parents lost their ranch in an unscrupulous business deal.  Mattie's feelings of inadequacy are clearly portrayed and makes her seem so real.  

Then one evening Mattie comes upon a horrible accident where a horse has been severely injured.   She wants to leave and not get involved but she finds out that the horse belongs to an older man, John McCray, who is one of Mattie's best friends and supporters.  She decides she will save his horse!

Gil McCray, John's son, is having some issues of his own as a famous quarterback.  Gil is sent home with an injury and meets Mattie.  Not really wanting to enter into the "dark recesses" of his memories....Gil has secrets (but has good reasons for not sharing this info).  

Mattie wants Gil and his father, John, to reconcile....to let go of the past and forge a bridge of peace.

This is a fresh new author for  me.  A delightful, fast, fun read!  I truly enjoyed reading about Mattie, Gil and John.  My love of horses was ignited by Deborah's vast knowledge.  

Faith is not just a sideline but part of the "big picture" for these characters.  A truly wonderful, well written read!

*This book was provided for review by Zondervan*

Also check out:

  About the Author: 

 

 Deborah Vogts' debut release, Snow Melts in Spring, is the first in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series by Zondervan. Deborah and her husband live in SE Kansas and have three daughters. She enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and playing the piano. Some of her favorite activities include taking walks with their two golden retrievers, caring for their American Quarter horses and watching old movies. To learn more about Deborah, please visit her Country at Heart blog or her web site at http://www.deborahvogts.com.