Friday

Little Pilgrim's Progress


I enjoyed reading Pilgrim's Progress when I was an older teen.  I feel that Pilgrim's Progress is one of the greatest books to be read, second to the Bible.  In fact, when the pioneers were traveling to the West most would carry a Bible and a copy of Pilgrim's Progress (how fitting).  I wanted my son to grow up knowing the christian classics but knew he wouldn't be able to understand the "adult" Pilgrim's Progress version.  So, when I found this book by Helen Taylor I immediately bought it.  We have read it several times!  She has done a wonderful job of directing the language to "kid speak" without taking out the meaning of the story.  It simply and beautifully tells of Christian's voyage, here on earth to the Celestial City.  Children ages 6 and up will understand Christian's trials, tears and fears.  But also Christian's moments of happiness when he reaches the cross, meets true friends and then crosses to the Celestial City.  If you're looking for a great christian classic for your young reader then this is the book to begin with!   A 5 star read!

Thursday

The True Princess


The True Princess
This is one of my most favorite children's books!  The illustrator, Diana Magnuson, has excellent illustrations.  But it's the message of the story by Angela Elwell Hunt that really hits home.  I've read this story many times to both boys and girls in children's church classes and they all seem to enjoy the lesson.  The True Princess comes straight from the heart.  The story is all about learning to live as the King wants us to and not as selfish beings.  The princess learns to bake, clean up and to laugh at her self.  This is a wonderful story with a great lesson for children and adults alike.  It seems to be out of print now.  But if you can find one on EBay, Amazon or another place be sure to purchase it.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Wednesday

Snow Treasure by Marie Mcswigan

Snow Treasure

My Review:  I read this book to my class of third graders and would have to stop but the class would beg me to continue.  I was SO into the story too that I would gladly read another chapter.  This story takes place in Norway during WWII (1940).  The adults of the small, Norwegian town need to get the gold bullion out of their town before the Germans find it.  There are German guards posted everywhere so one can safely carry it safely to the ships which may be searched by the enemy.  The townsmen come up with a daring plan.  Since the children use their sleds for transportation and for fun they are asked to secretly carry out the gold. However, there is one small problem...will the snow last until the last shipment is safe?  It's a great read for children and adults like.  Most say this story isn't true BUT the author was a journalist at this time in history. Some believe that she heard about the town and their gold bullion and thought this would make a great children's book. Whether it's true or not it's a 5 star read.  Also, a great book to read for the summer reading list even though the book's setting is in the winter time.  Adults and children alike will love this story!


Giving this book away! 
SO leave a comment with your EMAIL!
AND BE  A FOLLOWER!
Giveaway Ends May 7!!!!


You can also buy Snow Treasure at Amazon :)

Tuesday

Concord Cunningham the Scripture Sleuth (Concord Cunningham Mysteries)

Concord Cunningham the Scripture Sleuth (Concord Cunningham Mysteries)
 If your child enjoys Encyclopedia Brown Mysteries then Concord Cunningham will be a great favorite too.  Concord solves mysteries using his trusty Bible and his concordance; hence, his name Concord.  The mysteries are short with an answer page for the mystery at the end of the book.  Each mystery has to do with something in Concord's life such as school, camping, etc.  I would suggest that children ages 8-12 would probably enjoy this book the most.  We have read the first book (pictured) and greatly enjoyed solving the mysteries and learning about the Bible at the same time.  It's a very ingenious way to get kids to know their Bible.  Sort of like, hiding vegetables in cake.  I've also read one of the mysteries before a Sunday School lesson to get the kids attention.  A definite 5 stars!

Monday

The Sunflower Parable

The Sunflower Parable: Special 10th Anniversary Edition (Parable Series)




This week I'll be reviewing ALL children's books.  Even though they are written for children be sure to check them out for yourself too, as many, are interesting reads for adults too.  

Liz Curtis Higgs has been a favorite author of mine for sometime now.  I especially like her children's books.  I've read this to kids in Children's Church and then sometimes we will plant flowers to go with the story.  It's a great book for kids ages 3-10.  I love the way Liz brings out the growth of plants in comparison to those who grow in Christ.  Logan, the boy in the story, is disappointed when he plants his tiny seeds and sees nothing for days.  And then he begins to see the fruits of his labor.   Nice illustrations to go with a GREAT story.  

Saturday

Neat, Frugal Cleaning Tip for the Dishwasher


How to Clean Your Dishwasher By Using Lemonade Kool-Aid

I just recently learned about this neat cleaning agent....tried it last Saturday and WOW!!  my dishwasher looks so clean and white. Buy some cheap Kool-Aid lemonade for about 20-cents and pour it into the dishwashers main washing dish. Run your dishwasher while it's empty. To get the best maximum cleaning effect,  nothing should be obstructing the cleaning process.
By cleaning your dishwasher about once a month, it will help clean any lime deposits and iron stains that may be lurking inside your dishwasher. Lemonade is the only flavor that works, so make sure it's the right kind. Cheap generics will work just fine too. The citric acid in the lemonade mix will wipe out any stains. If you want to really do some MAJOR cleaning {let's say, for example, you've never cleaned your dishwasher before}, add some baking soda (about a teaspoon) to the mix as well.
   It worked GREAT for me.  Did you try it?  Leave a note in the comments and let me know how it turned out for you.



Friday

The Crystal Cavern by Hannah Alexander

The Crystal Cavern (Re-Issued as Hidden Motive)







The Crystal Cavern by Hannah Alexander is one of my MOST favorite books!  This is a wonderful suspense story with a lot of mystery and romance mixed into the plot.  The plot is well developed and it was quite hard for a seasoned, couch detective, such as myself, to figure out the mystery.  The story takes place in Missouri on a cold, winter's day.  As you begin reading the book, you will of course, think you know what is going on and what will happen BUT there are more twists and turns in this story than a cowboy riding a not-yet-broken-in bronco.  Don't start this book expecting to put it down....you'll be hooked from page one!  


Thursday

Texas Roads a Miller's Creek novel by Cathy Bryant {Giveaway}



                              About the Book: City gal Dani Davis just wants to find a place to call home. Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town.
   Dani secretly finances renovations to the downtown area of Miller’s Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed.Steve Miller is determined to save his dying hometown. When vandalism jeopardizes the downtown restoration project, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips.






   Will Steve and Dani be able to call a truce for a higher cause, and help Dani understand the true meaning of home?


My Review:  Texas Roads is a wonderful debut novel by Cathy Bryant.  Dani, a young widow is trying to  find her place in this world.  She feels restless and like she just doesn't belong. It's been a rough year for Dani since she lost both her father and husband. Needing a break she takes off to visit a favorite aunt, Aunt Beth, better known as Mama Beth, who is a tower of strength in Dani's life. There are roads in our lives which can lead us in several directions but, as we read in Texas Roads, God has a special road for all of us if we just follow Him. Living in a small Texas town I can relate to the nosy neighbors, a place where everybody knows your business, hairdressers who talk nonstop and, of course, the country roads. The long road into Dallas and eating out at the West End, even visiting sick loved ones at Baylor hospital all seemed so real to me.  But you don't have to be from Texas or even from a small town to enjoy this wonderful story.  You'll enjoy the well rounded characters, a Godly message and some good, clean romance when reading this book! This is a definite 5 star read AND I am anxiously awaiting her next novel A Path Too Narrow.


{GIVEAWAY}
**The author is graciously giving  one reader a copy of Texas Roads**
Leave a comment. Winner will be announced Monday, May 3!
Please be a follower and leave your EMAIL ADDRESS!





The Author:  Cathy Bryant has spent her entire life in small Texas towns, and is proud of her heritage. She is a published composer and writer, having devotions published both online and in book and magazine format. Her first novel, "Texas Roads," finaled in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Competition. 

Wednesday

Kidnapped by Dee Henderson

Kidnapped
My ReviewDee Henderson writes GREAT suspense books!  Kidnapped is a fast paced read with intrigue and romance mixed into the suspense of the "what happened and how am I going to solve it" plot.  Caroline Lane is devasted when her sister, Sharon, and her family disappear. Then her fears increase when  her brother-in-law, Mark, is found in a wrecked car!  Her fears mount!  It's soon clear that a kidnapping has taken place and FBI agent Luke Falcon, Mark's cousin, races against time to find Sharon and her son, Benjamin. He prays that innocent people will not be hurt..and that he can salvage his relationship with Caroline.  Need a little excitement in your life?  This book will make your heart pound like a well oiled jackhammer!  

Kidnapped can be purchased at Amazon :)


About the Author:  Dee Henderson is the author of 14 best-selling novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series. As a leader in the inspirational romantic suspense category, her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA's RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois and is active online. Visit her at www.deehenderson.com.


Tuesday

AND the WINNER is . . .


Congratulations!!

AND THE WINNER 
of 
Chloe May:  Daughter of the Dust Bowl 
is
#10 . . . Paris!


Winner will be contacted by email.  

Monday

Free Audio/Download Book From Zondervan

I love a freebie! So, when I see a good one I like to share it with others who might enjoy it too.  Here's a great freebie from Zondervan.....Get a FREE Audiobook of Stuff Christians Like! This is a hilarious book that helps Christians not take themselves too seriously! Use the code APR2010.  


Also, here's something to go with the book your reading (not free but a great deal :)  Dairy Queen is happy to participate in Customer Appreciation Week April 19-25! You can take this Dairy Queen printable coupon and use it for a .25 cent Blizzard when you buy another!






I would call your local Dairy Queen to see if they are participating in this promotion!
(Click On Above Link :)

Saturday

Deceptively Delicious Cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld


Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food I worry that my son doesn't get enough vegetables but didn't know what to do about it UNTIL I saw Jessica Seinfeld's cook book Deceptively Delicious.  I love the title!  And I've tried a few of the recipes.  Food SO good even an adult can't tell there are vegetables in the food and don't we all need more vegetables!  I've posted one of the recipes here....delicious.  *Kids who don't eat meat will like these without the chicken. Or you can also puree the chicken after cooking and add to the bean mixture.
Servings: Serves 4


Ingredients:

Quesadillas (with Butternut Squash)
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound chicken cutlets or boneless chicken breast , rinsed and dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon chili powder , or to taste
  • 1/2 cup canned navy beans , drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butternut squash puree
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
  • 4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas
  • 1/2 cup bottled salsa
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the oil. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and chili powder, add it to the pan, and cook until no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side for cutlets. For chicken breast, cook 5 minutes per side, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 9 to 10 minutes longer. Cut the chicken into thin slices, or puree it, if necessary.

In a small bowl or mini-chopper, mash the beans with the sour cream. In another bowl, stir together the butternut squash puree and the cheese.

Spread the bean mixture over two of the tortillas, then arrange the chicken slices or spread the pureed chicken on top. Spread the cheese mixture over the other two tortillas and press one of each together to form sandwiches. Place on the baking sheet and bake until the tortillas are crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa. 


From the book Deceptively Delicious 

Friday

Thanks for the Sunshine Award

What an honor to receive the Sunshine Award from one of my blogging buddies, Molly @ Book Reviews.   I like to think that I'm passing on His sonshine. :)


This award is traditionally passed on to those blogger's that inspire others and show positivity and creativity, so, in that spirit, I picked my nominees from blogs that I visit regularly and are very informative and inspiring to me.
The rules for accepting the award are:

This is what I've done and the nominees should do the same if they choose to:

1) Put the logo within my blog or on my post

2) Pass the award onto 10 fellow bloggers

3) Link the nominees within my post

4) Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog

5) Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.

Here are my 10 nominees, please visit them and check out their blogs!  As you know we all live for comments!



 C.J. Thomas @ Earls Daughter


A Girl of Many Colors


Kristen@We Are That Family


Baba@Baba's Farm Life


Trinity Rose@Trinity Rose's Garden


Abi@4 The Love of Books


Gwendolyn@ A Sea of Books!


Luanne@A Book Worm's World


Bobbie@Til We Read Again


Deborah@Butterfly Journey


May His "sonshine" light your day!















Thursday

Motherhood Musings!

Where does the time go?!?  Today I'm not reviewing a book, I'm reviewing life.    Okay, just my life not yours.    When I was single I seemed to have time on my hands.  You know, time to do my nails, time to take a bath, time to read (besides just at bedtime) BUT when I became a MOM all of that changed.  For the better, of course!  I love my son and I don't regret the time I don't have for myself.  What I do regret is not realizing how fast time would disappear beginning with the day he was born.  Today my son is 10 years old....a little man who is trying to make his place in the world.  Today, I also, asked the Lord to let the next 10 years go slightly slower.  I enjoy my child's laughter, the sound of the refrigerator constantly being opened and the little notes left on the counter that read, "I love you, MOM."                 
"I love you, Son!  Happy Birthday!"

Wednesday

75th Anniversary of the Dust Bowl {GIVEAWAY}


Today commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Dust Bowl.  My maternal grandmother lived through the Dust Bowl and told numerous stories to my mom and uncle.  When my grandmother passed away my mom wrote a book, Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl, as a tribute to her mother and as a living history for her children and grandchildren.  My mother was invited to Guymon, Oklahoma this past weekend because her story is about the Dust Bowl.  She went and met others who had gone through the Dust Bowl and others who wrote about this dark time in history.  Chloe May is a great read.  If you enjoy Janet Oke you'll also enjoy Grace Lundmark's story of the Dust Bowl! So, in her honor, I am giving away one book to a follower of this blog.  
If you would like to read Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl  please leave 
your name and email address by April 19.  Winner will be announced April 20!  
***Must be a follower and leave your email address. :)***
Author generously gave me the book to giveaway!


About the Author:  Grace Lundmark was born and raised in the scorching, but beautiful, deserts of the Southwest. Her father, a Texan/New Mexican, and her mother, an Okie/New Mexican filled her head and heart with their stories of growing up in West Texas and the mountains of New Mexico. Her first novel, "Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl" is a true-life novel written from the stories her mother told of her family's struggle for survival on the high plains of Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Now living in Texas, the wife, mother, and grandmother of eight, has finally found time to write about the people she has known and admired, in fiction form. She plans to continue writing about the people of the Southwest. 
Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl
   Chloe May:  Daughter of the Dust Bowl  may also be purchased at Amazon.

Tuesday

Does God Exist? Dvd Kit (TrueU)

Does God Exist? Kit: Building the Scientific Case (TrueU)




Product Info:  In this first DVD set of the TrueU series, Dr. Stephen Meyer plays a “philosophical survival game,” pitting four worldviews against one another in the quest to decide which one gives the best answers. Dr. Meyer examines the evidence and provides the tools needed for students to defend their faith and make it their own. This is the perfect resource for students preparing to enter college and a culture that may be hostile to their faith. 


My Review:  In my opinion anything that Focus on the Family produces is going to be good.  I have been looking for something to study with the high school Sunday School class at church and this is a great resource.  I don't think it's stand alone material.  I used more biblical references and some thoughts from Pastors Commentaries.   After viewing this set I would recommend it for older students, preferably ages 14 and up.  In my opinion it's not graphic or ugly. I just think the older student can better grasp the ideas that are presented.  I like the way the dvds encourage/inspire students to discuss the material.   We began with Faith and Reason. The students had many great comments.  They not only learned from the dvd but more from each other.  I would recommend this set with a definite 5 stars.


*I reviewed this set for Tyndale Publishing*
Buy this set at Christianbook.com!

About the Author:  





Stephen Meyer
Stephen Meyer

is director of the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture (CSC) and a founder both of the intelligent designmovement and of the CSC, intelligent design's primary intellectual and scientific headquarters. Dr. Meyer is a Cambridge University–trained philosopher of science and the author of peer-reviewed publications in technical, scientific, and philosophical books and journals. He has been widely featured in media appearances on CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, PBS, and the BBC. In 2008, he appeared with Ben Stein in Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. He's also featured prominently in two other science documentaries, Icons of Evolution and Unlocking the Mystery of Life.

Meyer's research goes to the very source of the mystery of life: its origin, and more specifically the origin of biological information as represented in DNA. Signature in the Cell, published by HarperOne in June 2009, presents a radical and comprehensive new case, revealing the evidence not merely of individual features of biological complexity but of a fundamental constituent of the universe, namely information. Meyer's work in biological information represents the cutting edge of the argument for design.

Monday

GREAT WORK!

We have a winner....Mary was the first to post the next book, Walker's Wedding.

A Kiss for Cade by Lori Copeland

A Kiss for Cade (The Western Sky Series)
  My Review:   I've been reading Lori Copeland's books for about seven years now.  And I've yet to be disappointed.  I read Outlaw's Bride and loved the story. Lori's books are stand-alone stories.  No need to read the first book to understand the rest. When A Kiss for Cade was published I eagerly read this book too.   This story is about patience, forgiveness and the willingness to put yourself on the line.  I enjoyed the interaction amongst the characters. The main characters, Cade Kolby and Zoe Bradshaw, give the book the action of love and adventure.  Cade and Zoe are trying to figure out where they fit into the scheme of caring for Cade's orphaned nieces and nephews. This is a sweet story but not so sweet you'll want to gag.  It isn't full of suspense or mystery. But it is a great story for those times when you just want to sit and read for enjoyment without trying to solve a mystery or think ahead of the author.  This is a story of simpler times when neighbor helped neighbor and moms made delicious homemade pies. This book is second in the Western Sky Series.  It's an entertaining read and definitely 5 star rated!  Be sure to check it out at your library or Amazon.  


*Reviewed for ReadersFavorite.com*

The first person to tell me the title of Lori Copeland's next book in the Western Sky Series that will come out on June 1, 2010 (My birthday:) will win A Kiss For Cade!  
Must leave your email....or I can't contact you! :)


About the Author:  My husband and I live in the beautiful Ozarks. Our three sons, Randy, Rick and Russ live nearby so we get to enjoy our five grandchildren on a weekly basis. James, Joe, Josh, Gage and Audrey. Naturally I dote on the grandchildren! We also enjoy our many friends from our church and RV club.

Saturday

Please pray for Emma

A friend sent me this special prayer request.  And I'm posting it because my mother's heart is breaking and crying for this family.  Please pray for Emma and her family today, tomorrow and whenever she comes to mind.   To read more about Emma and her family click here.  

AND the WINNER is . . .

The winner of the book 
Plain Jayne is....#4
Winner will be contacted by Email.


**Check in Wednesday as I will be giving away
a new author's book..!!  A fantastic read!!

Friday

Anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace

Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace
DVD Package:  What is a moral person to do in a time of savage immorality? That question tormented Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German clergyman of great distinction who actively opposed Hitler and the Nazis. His convictions cost him his life. The Nazis hanged him on April 9, 1945, less than a month before the end of the war. Bonhoeffer's last years, his participation in the German resistance and his moral struggle are dramatized in this film. More than just a biographical portrait, Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace sheds light on the little-known efforts of the German resistance. It brings to a wide audience the heroic rebellion of Bonhoeffer, a highly regarded Lutheran minister who could have kept his peace and saved his life on several occasions but instead paid the ultimate price for his beliefs.


My Review:  Today, April 9, is the anniversary date of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's death.  Dietrich was reared in a wonderful home with loving parents.  He had a disciplined childhood with music and educational lessons at the forefront of his young life.  A well educated man with all that money had to offer, Dietrich's soul longed for more.  In his early 20's he had the opportunity to visit America.  This visit changed his life.  He found the true and living God in a Harlem church,  Abyssinian Baptist Churchin New York City.  After returning home to Germany with Hitler at the helm of the nation.  Dietrich knew that God had a higher calling on his life.  He "on-accident" became a double agent for truth.  The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is incredible and the story of his life will make you cry but also encourage your heart to do what is right--no matter what the cost!  This is a great dvd.  It's also a hard-to-find dvd but I know Amazon has a 3 pack dvd set on Bonhoeffer.

Thursday

Adam Raccoon and the Circus Master ( About Forgiveness)

Adam Raccoon and the Circus MasterBack of Book:    Parables for Kids Let Adam Raccoon and King Aren the Lion help your kids learn biblical truth.  Children will see themselves in rascally, fun-loving Adam who wants to follow his King, but finds it so easy to stray.  The wise, loving King Aren will remind them of Jesus, their King.


My Review: I love the Adam Raccoon books by Glen Keane.  Adam wants to go to the circus but King Aren asks him to wait.  Adam goes without King Aren.  And learns a hard lesson.   Adam is just like us--trying so hard to please the King. Then something will come along and before he knows it....Boom!  he's gotten into a mess of trouble.  But each time King Aren wisely and lovingly counsels Adam and then Adam is forgiven for his mischief.  I like the fact that Adam is forgiven BUT there is a consequence to his actions.  A great lesson in this story that adults and children alike will relate to.  Definite 5 stars!




About the Author:  When Glen Keane isn't writing and illustrating Parables for Kids, he is a directing animator for Walt Disney Pictures.  His work has appeared in many animated features including "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast."  Glen, his wife, and two children live near Los Angeles, California.








Buy at Amazon

Wednesday

Strawberry Shortcake Snake

Just in time for spring!  Just had to share this cute idea.


This snake is made out of strawberry shortcake.


A cute idea for kids and grandkids!


Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl. Cut in the margarine with a pastry cutter. Or use a vegetable grater to grate the stick into the mixing bowl and let your kids take turns blending the margarine into the dry ingredients with their fingertips. Once the dough is crumbly, slowly stir in the milk.
  2. Turn out the dough onto a floured working surface and gently roll or pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick rectangle (it should measure about 6 x 8 inches). For the best results, handle the dough as little as possible.
  3. Slice the rectangle into four 1 1/2- x 8-inch strips. Place the strips on an ungreased baking sheet, then let your child mold and curve them into S shapes that resemble snakes. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Transfer the baked shortcakes to a wire rack (a parent's job) and let cool. Carefully slice the cooled shortcakes in half lengthwise or split them with a fork and then set aside.
  4. Wash the strawberries and let your kids select four to use for the snakes' heads. Slice the rest of the berries lengthwise into a mixing bowl. Toss with the confectioners' sugar and let stand while you prepare the whipped cream. Combine the whipping cream and confectioners' sugar in a chilled bowl and beat with an electric or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
  5. Just before serving, arrange berries on the bottom half of each shortcake, then cover with the shortcake top. Spread on whipped cream and add a layer of sliced strawberry "scales.".

  6. For the snakes' heads, cut mouth openings in the tips of the whole berries and place one at the end of each shortcake. Press a pair of mini chocolate chip or M&M's eyes into the sides of each head and add a forked tongue cut from green fruit leather.
  7. *From Family Fun Magazine

Tuesday

HAND OF FATE by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

Back of Book:   The second installment in a New York Times best-selling series featuring three professional female crime fighters. Fox News legal correspondent Lis Wiehl teams up with veteran mystery novelist April Henry for this compelling new mystery. Warning: this one’s not for the faint of heart.   Hand of Fate A Triple Threat Novel

When the host of a popular Portland, OR radio talk show is murdered, the Triple Threat Club—a federal prosecutor, an FBI agent, and a journalist—must narrow down the lengthy list of suspects who wanted him dead.

Outspoken radio talk show host Jim Fate dies tragically and dramatically when poisonous gas fills his recording booth while his show, “The Hand of Fate” is on air. In the ensuing panic, police evacuate downtown Portland, leaving FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges trapped in a high-rise building.
Crime reporter Cassidy Shaw is the only journalist brave enough to report from the scene as chaos overtakes the streets. And federal prosecutor Allison Pierce must rescue a child separated from her family even as she escapes the danger herself.
In the days following Fate’s murder, these three colleagues and friends team up to piece together the not-so public life of Jim Fate in order to uncover the stunning truth of who killed him—and why.
You may be familiar with Lis Wiehl, who appears weekly on The O'Reilly Factor and on other FOX radio and television programs like Fox and Friends, Your World with Neil Cavuto, and Hannity, Alan Colmes, and others. And if you read closely, you may just recognize the inspiration behind Jim Fate, the controversial talk radio host featured in the novel (wink, wink).
Thomas Nelson Fiction’s mission has always been to publish the best possible stories, from the most gifted storytellers, for the widest possible audiences, always written from a Christian worldview. Some of our titles contain overt Christian messages; others, while also written from a Christian worldview, are shelved rightfully in the General Fiction section alongside other bestselling mainstream suspense and mystery writers like John Grisham or Mary Higgins Clark. Hand of Fate is one of the latter, for all readers who enjoy mystery novels in which good wins out over evil.

About the Author:  Lis Wiehl (born August 9, 1961, Seattle, Washington) is a legal analyst for Fox News, joining the network in October 2001. She is an adjunct professor of law at New York Law School, and formerly was an associate professor at University of Washington Law School. She frequently may be heard giving legal analysis on Bill O'Reilly's radio program, "The Radio Factor". She is also a legal commentator for National Public Radio program All Things Considered.
MY REVIEW:
Hand of Fate  is a mainstream suspense/mystery.  It isn't written necessarily from a christian viewpoint.  References to praying, church and God's help are intertwined within the story.  I would label this as a suspense story because Jim Fate dies as a result of a poisonous gas and three friends take on the job of finding the culprit.  Jim Fate is a radio talk show host with "The Hand of Fate Show."  The book's title is a play on words set against the Hand of Fate talk show.   Thus, the suspense of the whole story revolves around who might be next on the list and finding the person responsible for such a devious act.  I love the Triple Threat reference because the three friends began their friendship over a meal and a shared dessert called Triple Threat Chocolate Cake.  My kind of friendship!   There are many twists and turns in this story that keeps the reader guessing and trying to figure "it all out."  The three friends lives are also entangled within the story and makes for a great plot.  This is a 5 star read!  A book you won't want to put down. 
*A copy of this book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing (BOOKSNEEZE)*


Buy At Amazon
         OR
Thomas Nelson Publishing