While the theme of framing a doctor for killing patients is intriguing, I wondered why Elena didn't report harassing phone calls and letters and why s...moreWhile the theme of framing a doctor for killing patients is intriguing, I wondered why Elena didn't report harassing phone calls and letters and why she waited so long to find out if the problem was with her. The story was filled with suspense, but there were too many coincidences for my taste. I was happy to see her regain the faith she had lost when her husband died but would have liked a little more about her spiritual growth. (less)
There were several "information dumps" in dialogue, conversation that people wouldn't really have, to provide backstory for readers who hadn...moreThere were several "information dumps" in dialogue, conversation that people wouldn't really have, to provide backstory for readers who hadn't read the first two books. This makes it a stand-alone book, but it seems a little stilted and repetitive to someone who has read the previous books. This book wasn't as well-edited as the earlier books—one character had a different name in one scene (or I was totally confused) and there were some discrepancies (such as a conversation that started out one way and ended up as if the initial conversation had been different). However, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the great lesson on forgiveness.(less)
I really liked that the Scriptures to be read were included in the text. I read this on my Kindle, often in a doctor's waiting room, so I appreciated ...moreI really liked that the Scriptures to be read were included in the text. I read this on my Kindle, often in a doctor's waiting room, so I appreciated not having to go to a separate Bible. One problem with the Kindle edition is that the comments about specific verses, words, and phrases often don't show up in the right place. Apparently in the print edition, the comments are to the side of the verses. However, in the Kindle edition, some are above and some are below the verses. The book could have been formatted differently so that the comments always came after the verses so they would be easier to read and understand in context of the Scripture. Another thing I liked was that cross-references were included, for example, Matthew's version of the same parable or Paul's commentary on a subject. (less)
I marked this sci-fi, but I'm not really sure what it is. At the beginning, Mariah's psychic powers seem to come from God, and she converts from Judai...moreI marked this sci-fi, but I'm not really sure what it is. At the beginning, Mariah's psychic powers seem to come from God, and she converts from Judaism to Christianity. However, as the story progresses, her actions seem less and less Christian. The language is offensive, and she and the videographer who tapes her "Findings" move in together. Mariah starts to punish the kidnappers rather than just save kidnapped children, and she consciously tries to strengthen her powers. Then all of a sudden, aliens enter the picture. It's never clear where her powers come from or what she is supposed to do with them. A very confusing read—I kept hoping the story would make sense at the end, but it made even less sense.(less)
This is short (twelve lesson) study of the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles. Each lesson begins with a reflection and a description of t...moreThis is short (twelve lesson) study of the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles. Each lesson begins with a reflection and a description of the situation in the reading. Then the reading follows in both the New Century Version and the New King James Version. I had never read the New Century Version before and discovered it is a very easy read.Pastor Lucado asks a series of questions about the reading, points out some life lessons, and includes a short devotional from one of his other books. Each lesson ends with a question to consider and journal. He also includes other Scripture references related to the subject of each lesson, and chapters to read in Acts to read the entire Book of Acts while going through the study. You can make this short and simple by reading the lessons only, or you can make it a much longer and more in-depth study by reading the cross-references and the chapters in Acts as well as journaling about the lesson and the thought-provoking question at the end. (less)
The author considers his role as Santa a ministry. He combines it with his ministry to disabled adults and children, where he provides free services s...moreThe author considers his role as Santa a ministry. He combines it with his ministry to disabled adults and children, where he provides free services such as wheelchair repair to handicapped people around the world. As Santa, he has a special place in his heart for ill and disabled kids and mentally challenged adults who come to Santa like children. He tells all the kids that Santa loves them and that God loves them and explains the real meaning of Christmas. Some stories are sad, such as when a young boy whispered to Santa that all he wanted for Christmas was for his dad to stop beating him. Since Dad was standing right there, all Santa could do was to whisper back to the child to talk to his favorite teacher and show the teacher the burn marks on his hands and neck. Others are happy, as when Santa's photographer was able to give money and a Christmas tree to a needy family when they came to the department store to see Santa. Throughout the stories, the main theme is always God's love for all His children, young and old. (less)
These stories were Christmas stories only by being set at Christmas time. They were more about lust and love than about Christmas. Season of Wonder st...moreThese stories were Christmas stories only by being set at Christmas time. They were more about lust and love than about Christmas. Season of Wonder stood out from the rest in my opinion.(less)
This collection of short stories all focus on the real meaning of Christmas. My rating of 4 stars is an average—some of the stories I would rate 3 sta...moreThis collection of short stories all focus on the real meaning of Christmas. My rating of 4 stars is an average—some of the stories I would rate 3 stars individually and a couple I would rate 5 stars. (less)
Michele Bachmann has always impressed me as a dedicated Christian and conservative who puts principles before politics. That impression was certainly ...moreMichele Bachmann has always impressed me as a dedicated Christian and conservative who puts principles before politics. That impression was certainly borne out in this book. She and her husband made a commitment to live out their faith in their lives and marriage. For example, as staunch pro-life advocates, they have helped pregnant women in crisis and served as foster parents. Her educational activism led to her involvement with politics.
I expected her to be knowledgeable about the issues and to do her homework. However, I was surprised at how much of the book is about issues rather than about her personally. She gives extensive details about specific laws and issues and explains why changes are needed.
She shares how her background prepared her for public office, even though it was not something she had aspired to. She says that parenting five toddlers in the terrible two's as well as 28 kids in their teens (her own five biological children plus 23 foster children) was great preparation for politics.
Prayer and Scripture are sprinkled throughout the book as throughout her life. Michele Bachmann jokes that she has a titanium spine--I think that comes from her faith. (less)
The only thing about Christmas was commercialism. The heroine didn't totally fit her own description of romantic suspense heroines—TSTL (too stupid to...moreThe only thing about Christmas was commercialism. The heroine didn't totally fit her own description of romantic suspense heroines—TSTL (too stupid to live)—but she certainly took unwise and unsafe chances, and her police officer friend shared too much official information with her. However, the mystery was unusual, interesting, and not easily solved.(less)
A fictionalized account of a 3rd century Roman empress who was a Christian during a time when her father and husband were persecuting and killing Chri...moreA fictionalized account of a 3rd century Roman empress who was a Christian during a time when her father and husband were persecuting and killing Christians. So many believers were martyred during that time, and they considered it an honor to die for the Lord. Would I have that kind of faith and courage?(less)
I think many Christian women can identify with Rose. We want to do so many things that we forget how to say "No," and we end up doing too ma...moreI think many Christian women can identify with Rose. We want to do so many things that we forget how to say "No," and we end up doing too many important things poorly and neglecting even more important things. A quick, easy read with a reminder of God's message: "Be still and know that I am God."(less)
I have followed Abby Johnson's transformation in the news, but reading it in her own words was even more powerful. She is very open about her life and...moreI have followed Abby Johnson's transformation in the news, but reading it in her own words was even more powerful. She is very open about her life and faith, seeing God's hand in her journey from pro-choice to pro-life. I recommend that everyone who believes in the sanctity of life read Abby's story. You will find hope that hearts can be changed by the power of prayer. Abby and her husband were denied membership in an evangelical church because she worked for Planned Parenthood; they joined an Episcopal Church only to become persona non grata there when Abby left Planned Parenthood and joined the pro-life movement. All this time, the Christian volunteers at Coalition for Life were praying for Abby and her coworkers as well as for the women who were Planned Parenthood clients and their unborn babies. (less)
The suspense is fast-paced, but I figured out the bad guys long before the end of the book and was a little frustrated that the protagonists--a detect...moreThe suspense is fast-paced, but I figured out the bad guys long before the end of the book and was a little frustrated that the protagonists--a detective and a FBI agent who is a computer expert--took so long to recognize what was pretty obvious to the reader. I liked that the detective who had blamed God for all the bad things he saw came to a deeper faith during a difficult time.(less)
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