Book Review: Dateline Jerusalem, by Chris Mitchell

“History’s final chapter will be written in Jerusalem. When an Iranian president thunders a murderous threat or an obscure Turkish drunkard has a dream in Mecca or a Jewish couple from Brooklyn lands at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, these events might seem disconnected. But they’re not. In Dateline Jerusalem, CBN News correspondent Chris Mitchell connects the dots and unveils Jerusalem as the epicenter and crossroads of the spiritual, political, and, yes, supernatural worlds. For thousands of years, Jerusalem’s powerful draw has transcended simple economics, military strategy, and religious affiliation. In our own time, as the Arab Spring threatens to become an Islamic Winter, one commentator warns: “The Arab Spring doesn’t lead to democracy, it leads to Jerusalem.” Indeed, the fragile peace of Israel is in new peril as violent Islamic factions vie for control of surrounding nations. Yet Muslims are converting to Christianity in record numbers. Dateline Jerusalem untangles and chronicles all this through the riveting narrative of a Christian reporter in the upheaval of the modern Fertile Crescent. We live in a world where we cannot afford to be ill informed. What happens in the strategic Middle East, Israel, and Jerusalem is critical. It matters to you. Today’s news might focus on Washington, New York, London, or Moscow, but history’s final chapter will be written in Jerusalem.”

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I think the last days is a fascinating topic of study, and the summary of the book sounded really cool. I was looking forward to the dreams and supernatural events, but I actually found the book very dry and unexciting to read. The book was written well, and was very informative, but I was disappointed in the lack of more exciting stories. I feel like if the teaser promises “thunderous murder threats” and “crossroads….of supernatural worlds” it should be more thrilling of a tale. Maybe the teaser should have just said what the book really is: a timeline of happenings in the Middle East, some of which I was aware of from watching the news.

Overall I was disappointed and often bored when reading this book. If I had known it would be less enthralling and more like reading a news report, I probably would have selected a different book to review.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Book Review: Dark Halo, by Shannon Dittemore

“One halo brought sight to Brielle. Another offers sweet relief from what she sees.

“Brielle can’t help but see the Celestial. Even without the halo, the invisible realm is everywhere she looks. It’s impossibly beautiful—and terrifying, especially now. Because a battle rages above Stratus, Oregon.

“The Terrestrial Veil is ripping, and demons walk the streets past unseeing mortals. Dark, sticky fear drips from every face, and nightmares haunt Brielle’s sleep.

“Worst of all, Jake is gone. The only boy she’s ever loved has been taken by the demon, Damien. When she receives instructions from the Throne Room leading her to Jake, she unknowingly walks into a diabolical and heartbreaking trap.

 “Now she’s stranded in a sulfurous desert with the Prince of Darkness himself, and he’s offering her another halo—a mirrored ring that will destroy her Celestial vision. All she has to do is wear it and she’ll see no more of the invisible world. No more fear. No more nightmares. No more demons. It’s a gift. And best of all: it comes with the promise of a future with Jake, something the Throne Room seems to be taking from her.

“Will Brielle trade the beauty of the Celestial and the truth of the world around her just to feel ordinary again?”

 

The book, Dark Halo, by Shannon Dittemore, is the third in the Angel Eyes trilogy. I really enjoyed the first book in the trilogy, Angel Eyes, but this one, Dark Halo, fell a little flat for me. The story line seemed a little week, like she wrote it just for the sake of having a third book. I think most of the story could have been wrapped up in a slightly longer sequel instead of a trilogy.

The actual dark halo in the book seemed to not play that big of a role. She wasn’t really that torn about it, at least that’s the impression I got. And there were several aspects of the plot line that remained unanswered when all was said and done.

Overall, the book was just okay, but not something I would read again or recommend to others to read.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Book Review: Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold, by Joyce Magnin

Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold is a novel about a 70-something year old woman who has moved across the country to live with her son and daughter-in-law. She is kind of bored in her new town and is homesick for her best friend and her old stomping grounds on the East coast. She is feels like a 5^th wheel, always feeling like a guest instead of a member of the family. One day she meets a teenage girl and her father and decides to invest in their gold mine business, giving them a lot of her money. She feels slightly nervous about her investment but mostly excited about the prospect of striking it rich with gold. She decides to keep her investment a secret from her son and daughter-in-law, when her best friend comes for a visit. Soon the jig is up, the FBI is involved, and Harriet is feeling a little sheepish about her foolish mistake. She discovers that she was really rich with “gold” all along, her friends and family surrounding her with love.

I chose to review this book because I assumed it would be a quick, easy read, which it was. I found some of the writing and phrases to be a little cheesy, and the story mostly predictable. I wouldn’t say I didn’t like the book, but I wouldn’t say I loved it, either. I felt like the characters were developed well, and the story kept moving throughout the book. There wasn’t any kind of exciting climax, really, but the story wrapped up nicely at the end. Overall it was a quick, easy read, but probably not one I would go out and tell everyone else to read, too.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Book Review: Francis, Man of Prayer, by Mario Escobar

Francis, Man of Prayer, by Mario Escobar, is a biography of the new Pope Francis of the Catholic Church. This book covers the life of the Pope when he was a child, teenager, young adult, and adult. It explains why he decided to become a priest for the Catholic Church. It also tells about the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. It explains their history and their activity in modern times. This book also goes into some of the things the recent popes have done during their service, and explains how a pope is selected, going into the details of the current Pope Francis’ election.

As a practicing Christian, I was pleased to find a brief history of the Catholic Church and explanations for why and how certain things are done in that religion. This biography of the new Pope was enlightening. I enjoyed learning about his background, his personal beliefs, and his goals for his ministry. It was interesting to learn about some of the recent problems the Church has been having, and how their leaders have dealt with those issues. It gave a more personal look into the new Pope, and helped him seem more like a real, every day person, instead of a mysterious leader of a religion different than my own.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

Book Review: Domination, by Jon Lewis

Summary

“Their goal is simple: total domination.

With six arms and jaws that can snap a man in two, the warmongering race of aliens known as the Thule has conquered every planet they’ve attacked.

And now their invasion of Earth has begun.

Humanity’s only hope springs from a mysterious Thule legend about a Betrayer, who they believe will rise up and destroy their people. The American government tried to manufacture their own Betrayer by injecting children with Thule blood but time after time the experiment failed . . . until Colt McAlister.

A decade later, Colt is a 16-year-old cadet at the CHAOS Military Academy where he’s training to defend mankind. But he’s afraid that the alien blood may be turning him into a Thule—and he’s beginning to suspect that fulfilling his role as the Betrayer may cost him everything.

Experience a cosmic battle filled with high-tech gear, gateways to other planets, and ultimate stakes. Not everyone will survive. But heroes will rise up and step into their destiny in this earth-shaking conclusion to the C.H.A.O.S trilogy.”

Review

I truly enjoyed this book. I read the first two books in the trilogy first so I would have a clear understanding of the characters and plot, but soon discovered that wasn’t totally necessary. The author does enough reviewing of characters and plot that you could read this book without having read the other two. The plot was interesting, edge-of-your-seat-exciting, and unique. I was afraid it would be too much like other sci-fi plots, but there were enough twists and turns along the way to keep the reader guessing. I thought the character development was perfect and enjoyed the little bit of relationship/romance that was involved, and since it is geared towards young adults, it wasn’t trashy or graphic in the romance area. The reader gets attached to each character and hopes that they survive the thrilling ending. Without giving the ending away, I will just say it ended just right with no disappointment.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.

book review: The House that Love Built, by Beth Wiseman

“Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love?

“In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret—maybe even a treasure—and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way?

“Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again?

“Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat—and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.”

I loved The House that Love Built. At first I didn’t think I was going to like it. The writing was so much like other novels I’ve read, that I thought it would be too predictable. Yes, the story of the romance of the two main characters was a little predictable, but the other characters in the book that end up making the “unconventional family” really added to the story. I loved how everyone in the book learned that blood relationships aren’t as important as love, and that anyone can love someone and they can become family. It doesn’t matter if it’s biological or even a legally binding relationship, as long as they are committed to care for one another.

The mystery aspect of the story was also a great addition, giving the whole story a little suspense and the surprise relationship at the end warmed my heart. I have to say this book actually made me cry a little, and I don’t usually cry from reading novels.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming, clean romance with a few little twists and turns along the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Pursuing Justice, by Ken Wytsma

“If God designed us to experience true happiness and abundant life, why do so many Christians feel dissatisfied and purposeless? We try to make our lives better by chasing our own dreams, but that only makes the problem worse. Instead, the path to a just life that’s satisfying and permeated with meaning leads us alongside the orphan, the widow, and the powerless. Using clear evangelical theology and compelling narratives drawn from two decades of global ministry and travel, Ken Wytsma, the founder of The Justice Conference, shows God’s unchanging love for all His children. On the way, the author calls us back to a proper understanding of biblical justice, a redeeming glimpse into the true meaning of righteousness and the remarkable connection between our own joy, the joy of others, and the wondrous Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pursuing Justice shows that God isn’t primarily concerned with personal piety but about empowering His children to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their creator. The message is as hopeful as it is fresh: when you discover anew the meaning of the Gospel and give your life away, you will find it…and it will be the best life you can imagine.”

I found Pursuing Justice a difficult book to get in to. It was not a very easy read and I didn’t sit down and read it through like I do most books, even dry ones.  I’m sure it’s a decent book with good ideas in it, but with my busy life style, I like reading more entertaining books. There were illustrations and diagrams to back up the points made in each chapter. With quotes and stories to try to make it easier to read, the author did try to make up for the lack of entertainment in the meat of the book. It felt like he was just trying to make it longer, though.

I will keep this book on my shelf, but am glad I didn’t have to pay for it.

disclosure: the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookSneeze®.