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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Bloodline


Just finished almost an all-nighter because I simply could not put this book down. Sometimes sleep is over-rated anyway and when you find an amazing, edge of your seat, suspense thriller, you have to finish it.

In Bloodline by James Rollins, you are in for an action-packed roller coaster ride from the beginning. Trying not to give away too much, this novel blends a little DaVinci Code, National Treasure, Indiana Jones, Mission Impossible and a twisted bit of Science Fiction into this one, so if you have an interest in any of those, you will just LOVE this one.

The basis for this novel begins with the Knights Templar and ancient history involving a priceless icon that holds a mysterious and terrifying power that promises to change humankind forever. Here's just a sample of what is going on:

"On February 21, 2011, the cover of Time magazine declared: 2045, The Year Man Becomes Immortal. At face value, that might seem a wild claim, but other scientists have made similar statements.

We are living in an exciting time when advances in medicine, genetics, technology, and a myriad of other disciplines are opening the newest frontier for mankind: eternity.

How will that manifest, what form will it take? Within these pages, you'll discover that answer. The concepts raised in this novel are based on facts, on exhaustive research, going back to studies done by the Soviet scientists during the Cold War. But before you turn to that first page, I must make one correction concerning the startling statements made above. They are, in fact, far too conservative in their estimates.

For not only is immortality within our reach - it is already here." (preface excerpt).

Now with the presidents daughter kidnapped, it's only a matter of time before they discover who she really is, and what she is carrying within her that will make her one of the most valuable people in the entire world. If only SIGMA, a unique special operative groups, can locate her before her secret is uncovered, and she becomes a pawn in a shattering act of terrorism with dark repercussions and one that SIGMA may not even be prepared to deal with.

I received Bloodline by James Rollins compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and like I stated earlier, this was one I could not put down. Just when you think the good guys might be gaining an upper hand, a darker force will pull them down once again. A true roller coaster ride of great suspense and literal edge of your seat action. It had me surfing the internet while reading this one to see if the places described really exist and how much of this is really fiction! It's that great! For me, I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and I already have my husbands interest peaked just telling him what this one contains. This is my first James Rollings novel but definitely will not be my last.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also learn more on James Rollins website by clicking here.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Treasures of Healthy Living



If you were to experience the following symptoms, what would you do?

Blood Pressure Changes
Fatigue
Flushed Skin
Headache
Infrequent Urination or Dark Yellow Urine
Light-Headedness, dizziness, and decreased coordination
Loss of appetite
Muscle Cramping

Was your first thought to reach for a glass of water or an aspirin? Have you ever had symptoms like these? Stress, headache, back pain, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, and many serious degenerative health problems are the result of chronic dehydration. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, all of these ailments can be easily corrected with water.

Is it really that simple and we, in our current lifestyles have complicated our lives and are literally making us sick? The answer is simply yes! This is NOT the way God intended us to live our lives and yet we find ourselves seeking medical care, more pills and still we are no healthier than when we started. The answers can be found in this wonderful Bible Study called, Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey.

This is a week by week plan walking through both the Bible and our kitchens to put us back on a healthier way of life and give us back what we all want in our lives. If we feel healthy, then it affects the remainder of the relationships in our lives, or working relationships, personal relationships with family and friends and so much more.



I was so excited when I was offered the opportunity to review this wonderful new book, based on what God has in store for us through His word and how we are literally killing ourselves through what we are doing to our food, what we drink, how we live, what we store our food in and how we prepare our meals.

Here are some things to consider and are answered in the book:

1. What kind of cookware do you use to prepare your meals? You might just be killing yourself and making yourself ill with the utensils or cookware your using.

2. What is the best beverage to drink for healthy living? Sure we all know water is the best, but water are you drinking yours from?

3. What is the best balance of foods to eat to maintain energy, health and weight? You'd be surprised at this food pyramid and one I am changing immediately!

4. Do you really understand what is in the food you are eating, even though it says healthy? You might be surprised at what lines the cans of the foods you are buying and how they can be making you sick.

There is so much wisdom in the Bible so it only seems fair that in order to maintain the bodies God gave us, we should seek His answers to what we should be doing. I think this is a MUST read for all churches, Bible Study Groups, and those seriously looking to get back their health in the right way. We must stop letting society dictate how we eat because we are so much busier today than we were tomorrow. This book can put you on the right path today!

I received this book, Treasures to Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations and Pleasant Word Publishers for my honest review and I can't wait to get started on this journey. I would easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars! It's never to late to start and I would love to start a Book Club/Bible Study Group using this book for those that want to join me. Simply send me an email and then pick up a copy of this book today! Let's take back our bodies and get healthy once again!

For more information on this book, the authors and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder and Dr. Richard Couey

There are even more great tips on Facebook so stay up to date by clicking here.


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Coexist - Giveaway and Review


"An elfin child on the side of light will be born with the gift of sight. Light and dark shall meet, and it is unknown who will defeat. Eldest son of a warrior great, it is this child who will determine the elfin fate." ~ The Book of Elfin Prophecy.

Keegan could never understand the secrecy of the lives of those in her family and why she remained in the dark until quite recently. She was an elf and so was her entire family. They made efforts to dwell among the human race, unknown to them as was part of being a light elf. If only her friends knew what she really was, but it went against the code of elves to consider revealing her true identity to them.

What she was constantly thinking about was her life mate that was chosen for her at birth. She found out his name from her brother, Thaddeus, who gift was being a seer. They were forbidden to meet until they both turned 18, and if they met before their chosen time, their elders implemented a punishment of an added year apart if the rules were disregarded.

It wasn't until a chance encounter with a dark elf at a street fair that caused Keegan's world to come crashing wide open and with it that she was the answer to the ancient prophecy concerning the war against dark and light elves for the past 2000 years. She would be the one who could save their people from extinction. So now the real training begins for Keegan, if she can only keep her mind from wandering to Rourk, the name of her life mate. Every time she thinks of his name, he feels compelled to find her wherever she is, but he can never reveal himself to her. He must wait until she turns 18 before he can show himself to her. For now, he remains tortured at the sound of his name in her thoughts.

In the novel Coexist by Julia Crane, I was immediately drawn into the world of the elves and their existence with the human race. They each have unique abilities that enable them to help the humans that they live amongst, from being able to see into the future, to moving objects, healing and being super strong. Being a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings series, I knew this young adult novel was sure to engage my interest and it did from the very first page.

The world that Julia Crane creates is magical and truly believable. The writing is geared to a young adult audience and keeps the story line moving along so as not to bore the reader with a lot of details that aren't necessary. There is also a unique chemistry that exists between Keegan and Rourk that draws you in and you want to know what their first meeting will be like and if they will break the code that keeps them apart. Truly this is a great book and can't wait to read the rest in Keegan's Chronicles series!

I received Coexist by Julia Crane compliments of Reading Addictions Blog Tours for my honest review and have to say if you love fantasy fiction with a touch of suspense and romance, then this is the perfect book for you! I would rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and like the way I could use this book even in a Christian Fantasy Fiction between the contrast of light and darkness at war. I look forward to many more books by this author in the future.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also stay on top of the latest by Julia Crane by following her on Facebook by clicking here.

Thank to the generous folks at Reading Addictions Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy of this book to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book, along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Share this review with your friends, family, Facebook followers, bloggers, you name it. I think this makes for a great gift and a witnessing tool as well.

The giveaway will end on August 10th and I will notify the winner via email and post their information on my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Doctor's Devotion


Lauren Bates and Mitch Wellington have a lot in common to say the very least, besides the fact they both care deeply for Lem, Lauren's grandfather. Since Lauren has been living in Texas, Mitch has been taking care of the 70-year old since Lauren is the only family remaining to help. Mitch has kinda taken on the role of grandson to Lem and helps him out with whatever needs fixing on his ranch. Since Mitch has lost both of her parents and has no other family, Lem has become one for him as well.

Lauren is still running from her past as well. Finally becoming a nurse, she loses her faith and her self confidence when a patient she tries to save, suddenly dies. For Lauren it's more than she can handle and decides to put her nursing into an early retirement. Since losing her parents to carbon monoxide poisoning when she was young, she took up nursing as a way to help save lives but feels perhaps it isn't her true calling after all. So taking a brief time out from jobs, she heads back to Illinois to spend some time with her grandpa, only it seems that Mitch has replaced her in her grandfather's life.

When they arrive at a ribbon cutting ceremony shortly after picking her up at the airport for the new trauma center in Eagle Point, they are all suddenly pulled into action when a three car accident caused by a texting teenager puts the trauma center into use. Being short-handed since it's not suppose to officially be open yet, Mitch turns to Lauren's training to lend a hand with 4 trauma helicopters arriving. She has no other option but to jump in and lend a hand, but soon it will prove to Lauren that perhaps God really does have plans for her and nursing after all. It just perhaps wasn't a call in Texas.

In the Love Inspired Series by Cheryl Wyatt, The Doctor's Devotion takes the reader on a journey into losing your faith and trying hard to reconcile with your past and learn to forgive yourself when you can't control things that happen around you. We get to see the flaws in the characters of Mitch and Lauren, who both have undergone huge traumatic events and the paths the each of them have taken to come face to face with their faith. Mitch leans heavily on his while Lauren pushes hers away. What happens in this novel is a great story that I can't wait to share with my readers and the perfect summer read.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say, I was hooked as I usually am by most medical romance stories. Those always seem to capture my heart and soul as I believe I missed my medical calling to be a trauma doctor and still have the hopeful romantic at heart as well! I rate this one easily a head over heels 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to pick up more by Cheryl Wyatt in the future.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of The Doctor's Devotion today, please click on the links below:


You can also stay up to the minute on the latest from Cheryl Wyatt by becoming a follower of hers on Facebook.

You can also follow the rest of this book tour by clicking here.

Never Tell - Giveaway and Review




NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher has been called to the scene of a murder at a luxurious Manhattan townhouse. When she arrives, she finds the grieving mother who is both distraught and angry. Her daughter, Julie Whitmore, only sixteen-years old is dead in the bathroom upstairs. She has a right to be upset but angry? Ellie learns that the EMT's that have arrived on the scene before her, claim that this is nothing more than a suicide but her mother doesn't believe that is what happened. She believes her daughter has been murdered.

The tell-tale signs? Besides the body in the bathtub filled with a pinkish water, she has slit her wrist and there is the razor blade next to the body. There are even a couple of practice marks just above that one. A bottle of wine, lies on the floor of the bathroom and on the bed, a tear stained suicide note. Even Ellie, can't disagree with the EMT's theory. She has seen way to many of these to even wager than anything out of the ordinary has indeed taken place. So when she brushes this one off, she finds out that money can buy more than just happiness, it can get you to do the job you were hired to do, and the Whitmore's have more than enough money and influence to justify having Ellie launch a full-investigation.

What she will soon discover is the seemingly small details she missed when she assumed that this was an ordinary suicide and launches this investigation in ways she never thought possible.

In the novel, Never Tell by Alafair Burke, the reader is immediately taken in from the first page into a tragedy that happens on many levels and yet interconnected at the same time. The first part of the investigation is into the apparent suicide/murder of Julia Whitmore and the second into the life that Julia really lead that no one seems to understand, not even her parents or close friends. This is a rollercoaster ride of the best kind for those of you that love a great crime solving murder mystery. If you love shows like CSI or Numbers, then you will LOVE this novel.

I received Never Tell by Alafair Burke, compliments of TLC Book Tours for my honest review and have to say, this one keep me guessing. I ran into more dead ends on my own investigation and that too me, is a sign of some great writing! I would easily rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. There is some profanity that some of my readers might find offensive, but overall the book is an amazing mystery!

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also find more great reviews from this book tour by clicking here. If you want to stay on top of the latest by Alafair book, you can join her Facebook page by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at TLC Book Tours, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog and here are your guidelines to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart and leave me a comment.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment telling my why you'd love to win a copy of this novel and don't forget to include your email address in the comment box below. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of the giveaway when it ends on July 9th and will also post it on my Facebook page, Reviews From the Heart as well.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of the second annual Duffer Awards, hosted by Alafair Burke, author of the upcoming thriller, Never Tell.

You may remember from last year that the Duffer Awards take over Alafair's website for the month of June and pair up characters from some of the biggest mystery and thriller series in zany categories like "Best Hawaiian Shirt Collection" and "Best Twitter Feed." Last year over 14,000 people visited Alafair's website during the Duffers, so we're bringing back the fun, and we hope you'll participate!

CHECK OUT THE DUFFER AWARDS BY CLICKING HERE.

Description: How to Participate

Visit www.alafairburke.com each day from now until June 19th, and vote for your favorite thriller characters.

I hope that you'll also share the Duffer Awards on your blog and your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Plus you can get Alafair's last Ellie Hatcher novel, 212, on your e-reader for only $.99 for a short time. Find the links to download it here.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The First Warm Evening of the Year


Looking at the cover of this book, almost beckons the reader to open it's cover and discover a wonderful story inside. However, for me this wasn't the case. It's unusual after having read so many books during the last three years to find one you can't quite connect with but can't really explain why. This is one of those for me, however it may not be for you. This is a novel about two characters drawn together by an unusual set of circumstances.

Geoffrey Tremont, currently living among the busy life in New York among his sophisticated friends, and a bit too organized for me as a man in a relationship with Rita, whom he claims he loves but doesn't really think about her much when they are apart. Does that mean they aren't really in love or simply not right for each other. It seems they are both very content with their individual lives but have issues when it comes to compromising ways that they would each have to give things up if they were to be successful at their relationship.

Geoffrey gets a break from this relationship when he is called as an executor of an old friends will. This shows the reader throughout the book, how the impact we make in relationships we get involved with will and can have lasting results in those people's lives, something we should consider with everyone we meet. Laura Welles was someone from Geoffrey's past, two years ago, from college who asks him to deal with her estate and to send the funds to the music program at the college she attended.

This brings Geoffrey into contact with the only remaining relative of Laura's, her brother Simon. Together the two of them work together to try and make sense of their lives at this point and to find a way to sell Laura's home in Shady Grove. When they both arrive, Geoffrey encounters his possible soul mate, who is also grieving a recent loss, Marian Ballantine, who seems to know Geoffrey based on the conversations she used to have with Laura. Geoffrey seems convinced that Marian can change him in ways that he wasn't willing to compromise with Rita over. However Geoffrey will soon learn that the situations that Marian has gone through in life will also make her a victim of circumstance and has changed her in ways she may not be willing to give up. It's those qualities that have enabled her to survive up to this point.

Will they both be able to find a way to get past the barriers they both have put in place based on the circumstances life has dealt them or will they come to realize that some people will never possess the ability to change, even if something good comes into their life they've been waiting their whole life for?

You'll need to read, The First Warm Evening of the Year by Jamie M. Saul to find out what happens. I received this novel compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and I have to say I'd rate this one a 3 out of 5 stars. I just could not connect to the characters well enough to truly care about what happens to them. Perhaps its because they were too set in their ways or just had to many issues to deal with in life, that they were content to be who they were. It just didn't resonate with me, even though the writing is well thought out and the premise sounding interesting as well as the cover draws you in. I know others might be drawn to this story but it just didn't work for me.

For more information on the novel, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Search


The murderer still is at large in the Amish community of Crittenden County and Detective Luke Reynolds is still questioning the residents fearing that he is getting no where closer to the truth. After discovering the body of Perry Borntrager at the bottom of the well on the Miller's Farm, it seems like quite a few of the townspeople have secrets that they hope will never be discovered.

Frannie Eicher was the last person to see Perry alive, and not being the type to want to share more details than necessary about the dead, she avoids providing some information to Luke. She believes that these details are necessary for helping him solve the case, but it seems the more times Luke discovers new information, it points back to Frannie and causes him to not trust what she has been telling him. He knows she is holding something back but can't figure out why.

In the second book in the series, The Secrets of Crittenden County, The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray picks up right where the first book, The Missing left off. It seems like there is a connection between Perry's murder, his unusual and unpredictable behavior, and the secrets certain people are keeping about what they know about Perry. Someone within this small Amish community is hiding a very deep secret and it's up to Detective Luke Reynolds to find out where this search will lead him.

I love this series of books because Shelley is taking her time with her readers in this murder case involving an Amish resident, a young man, who seems to have gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd, but is that the men who are selling drugs, the Englischers, or someone in town that wanted Perry gone in whatever manner it took? I can't wait to find out who it is, and I've got my own suspicions using details from both books who it might be. For those of you looking for a bit more than is usually found in your Amish novels, you might want to pick up this series. You'll get a great cast of characters that are carefully created and you will always meet someone new along the way. I loved, Frannie's father and Beth, her friend in this novel. Their inspiration to helping Frannie find the answers she needs, are worth reading about.

I received this novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I would have to say this one rates right up there with the first one, a 5 out of 5 stars. Now if I can only wait until September this year, for The Found to be released, I might have my answers in who I believe killed Perry. Maybe I have what it takes to make a great detective, but I know I have found a true love in reading Shelley Shepard Gray's novels. They have a forever home on my bookshelf.

For more information about The Search, Shelley Shepard Gray and where to pick up this series today, please click on the links below:


To stay up to date on the latest from Shelley, consider following her on Facebook by clicking here.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

The True Heaven - Review and Giveaway



Ever really wonder what heaven will be like? We will all come to the end of our lives at some point and only two choices will remain where we will go from there, either heaven or hell depending on your beliefs. But what do we really know about heaven and where do we gain that information from?
The people who die and return with glimpses of what the afterlife holds for us or do we look to God's Word, the Bible to see what His promises are?

Joe Beam and Lee Wilson took an extensive study into the Bible to look at what The True Heaven really looks like. Are they Bible scholars? By no means. Just a couple of guys trying to understand scripture and put it into effect in our lives. Do they have all the answers? Obviously not. They aren't shy about sharing their views, but they admit that they are just that - their views. Their goal in writing this book isn't to get you to agree with everything; it is to get you to think. Feel free to disagree, to ask your own questions. Their hope is that groups of Christians - or anyone interested in what happens after human death - will use this book as a starter for Bible study, discussion and lively debate. I personally think they have done an outstanding job!



In their book, The True Heaven: Not What You Thought, Better Than You Expected that tackle with scriptures such questions as "What happens when we die?" "Will we have bodies in heaven?" Are the dead aware of what is happening on earth now?" "Will we keep our memories in heaven?" "Do animals go to heaven?" and so much more.

I guess the biggest question and one that Joe and Lee addressed in the book was the fear that all we would be doing in heaven was sitting around singing worship songs for an eternity. That might be enough to scare some people who don't appreciate some worship songs. Imagine doing that FOREVER, yet is that really what God intends for us when we get there? You'd be surprised at just what the Bible reveals God's plans were and what he intends to do to restore those plans. I found great comfort in digging along with them through scripture and seeing God's voice speak to me through His Word, about being reunited with our loved ones and wondering just how we will spend our eternity. Will we eat real food? Will we have supernatural powers? Will we know everything once we get to heaven? What happens after we die, do we go straight to heaven, remain in a deep sleep or does judgement immediately await us?

I think this is a fantastic book to research things on your own through a personal study or even better as a small group study. They include some amazing study and group discussions in this book and I could see working through this book in a study a chapter at a time. The best part is that there is a real place that God has created for His believers for when we die and I, for one, am happy to know what it might be like according to God's word when I get there.

I received The True Heaven by Joe Beam and Lee Wilson compliments of Lee Wilson, himself for my honest review. I think this book puts to rest some of those deep fears we all have that after this life on earth, what happens next. It provides hope to those who are grieving the loss of babies and small children that didn't get to know about Jesus, and for me, what happens to my pets when they die. This book is about hope for something so much more. It's encouraging and shows us that God does really love us as much as we want to believe and that there will be a better plan for us, once this life ends. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion and think it's a great place to begin a personal study on your own to find out what God has to say about it all.

For more information about The True Heaven, the authors, Joe Beam and Lee Wilson, and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also learn more from their Facebook page, by clicking here.

To order your copy from Amazon, please click here.

Thanks to the generosity of Lee Wilson, he has provide me with a giveaway copy of this book for one lucky follower of my blog. Here are you details.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me what question you want answered the most, along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Share this review with your friends, family, Facebook followers, bloggers, you name it. I think this makes for a great gift and a witnessing tool as well.

The giveaway will end on July 10th and I will notify the winner via email and post their information on my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart.

Mud, Sweat and Tears: The Autobiography of Bear Grylls




"Life continues to be an adventure, and in many ways more so than ever. I have had to learn to prioritize clearly in my life: to be safe, get home fast, and keep it fun - the rest is detail."

In Mud, Sweat and Tears: The Autobiography of Bear Grylls, I was inspired to pick this one up after reading a short article in Guideposts magazine about the life of the man we all know from his television show, Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. Is all this staged? Where did his training come from? Why would anyone do this as a way to make a living?

This is where you will find yourself as you experience what it was like growing up as Bear Grylls. Being a born adventurer as a child, he often joined his father in expeditions that involved mountain climbing, romps through the mud and most of all a lesson in unconditional love and perseverance modeled through his eyes by his own father.

Bear struggled in school academically but was a huge lover of extreme sports, often found scaling the chapels on his school grounds at Eton College. He grew up and had a deep desire for adventure and soon found himself talking his best friend, Trucker into joining him at signing up for the Special Air Service or SAS, an elite group of what is known as the British Special Forces unit. The amount of challenges he would face there, would provide him with the additional support and love of adventure that would carry him through all of life's struggles.

He would later be called to put that mental and emotional training into affect, when during a parachuting accident, he would break his back in three places. It was one of many wake up calls where Bear would put his faith in God to the ultimate test, to see if he would ever walk again. He was almost lost to severe depression but realized without any goals to push for, he wouldn't likely recover. His next dream, to climb Mt. Everest at 23 years old. He remembered that from small acorns grow big oaks.

He would later on film almost six seasons of Man vs. Wild, Worst-Case Scenario, and a whole series on what it is like to go through basic training inside the French Foreign Legion; he would lead countless expeditions to Antarctica, the Himalayas, and the Arctic, raising more than 2.5 million dollars for children's charities around the world; he is considered the most admired person by the middle classes, second only to the Queen in the UK among many other things that have made him successful. There are also some great photos that are shared in this book of different aspects of his life up to this point.

His words of advice after it's all said and done, "Every day is the most wonderful of blessings, and a gift that I never take for granted. Oh, and as for the scars, broken bones, aching limbs, and sore back? I consider them just gentle reminders that life is precious - and that maybe, just maybe, I am more fragile than I dare to admit" (pg 401).

I received Mud, Sweat, and Tears: The Autobiography of Bear Grylls compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. The one them that remains a constant in this book is that through hard work and perseverance, you can achieve whatever you want in life. His goal in writing this was to show his roots: the early, bigger missions that shaped him, and the even earlier, smaller moments that steered him to become the man, husband and father, he is today. He wrote this book as a way of passing down the life lessons he has learned to his three younger sons, and there are so many great quotes and take aways from this book. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and really admire the circumstances that he had to endure during his life that makes Bear Grylls, the man he is today.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can learn more survival tips from Bear Grylls at his Facebook page, by clicking here.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Beach Colors


Margaux Sullivan is at the end of her rope. Once at the top of her game in the fashion world, creating breath-taking designs and clothes, her husband Louis, emptied the house, their bank account and her world when he left without saying anything. Now that she has her car and a little money left, she heads back to her childhood home, a beach front house in Crescent Cove, Connecticut. Just before she finally makes it to her retreat, red and blue flashing lights appear in her rearview mirror. This is part of her past she didn't see coming, literally.

Nick Prescott is the Chief-of-Police and when a speeding blue convertible heads into his down just before the height of summer, he knows his days will be longer than he ever thought. Pulling her over, Nick learns that the driver of the car, is the girl from his childhood, the one who captured his heart then and now it seems has snagged it once more. As he hands her a speeding ticket, he realizes that even though so many years have separated them, she will always have a place in his life, even though she doesn't know it.

Nick is beyond overwhelmed with not only his job, but taking care of his nephew Connor, who was abandoned by his mother one day when she decided to drop him off at a neighbors and never returned. She simply couldn't deal with the loss of her husband and the burden of raising a child on her own. Now however, Connor has been dealing with tragedy by isolating himself and has come to lock himself inside his own little world, no longer the little boy that he should be. Nick knows between himself and his mother, they will try everything to help him recover, if Nick can only find a way to reach him.

In the beautiful novel, Beach Colors by Shelley Noble, Nick and Margaux have to learn to deal with challenges that are often outside of their control and learn to accept help from others. It doesn't label them as weak or failures, it simply shows us that with the love of friends and family, we can weather through any of life's storms. This is a beautiful summer read, that captivated it so richly, I could feel the warm summer breezes and see the details landscapes and colors that Shelley Noble so eloquently describes. She places the reader in her book so well, you are disappointed when you realize you aren't really there. The characters are vibrant and personable, the setting breath-taking and above all, the storyline is magical, just the perfect recipe for success in my opinion.

I received Beach Colors compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and I absolutely love Shelley Noble's writing style. It conveys a warmth and love for her characters that appeals to the reader and keeps the story engaging so you simply can't put it down. While this is my first book from her, it most certainly won't be my last. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and a must read for anyone looking for a bit of romance along a small beach side town and filled with starry nights, hopes and dreams just waiting to be fulfilled.

For more information about this book, the author or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


To keep up with all the latest from Shelley, please follow her on Facebook by clicking here.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Lucy Come Home


Ever since I was a young child, I have always been fascinated by the world of the people who work in carnivals and the rough life it must be, always traveling and never being in the same place twice. A homeless existence if you will. In the novel, Lucy Come Home by Dave and Neta Jackson, we get a different view of that homeless existence as the world of Lucy Tucker is paralleled between two different time periods in her life, one from her childhood and one later in life, more current.

The book opens as the reader is taken on a car trip with Lucy's family as they leave their home in Arkansas in 1942 just as the Dust Bowl has claimed the livelihood of their job prospects. Now becoming migrant workers that travel through different cities and states in search of work, they have wound up in Lapeer County, Michigan to harvest sugar beets until their contract expires. As they enter town, the carnival has come to town and is in the stages of being set-up. This is something all the kids in the Tucker family are drawn to but they know they can barely afford a loaf of bread and milk to make a meal, so attending the carnival will be only a dream.

When James Bodeen, whose father owns Bodeen Midway Rides and contracts with the local carnivals to provide all the rides, goes searching for his missing dog among the migrant camps, he meets Lucinda, or Cindy Tucker for the first time. Feeling an immediate attraction towards her, he invites her to the carnival after she finishes work at the migrant farm working at the commissary and helping to take care of the pregnant wife of the boss, Mr. Doyle. However Mr. Doyle has more interest in Cindy than simply providing her a place to work and when things get out of hand late one night, it will take Cindy and James on a journey for their very lives.

The story continues to flash back and forth from childhood to present day where we see Lucy is still homeless in both places and the way she has continued to make a life for herself along the difficult roads that lie ahead of her. You get a sense after reading this that Lucy was merely a victim of unfortunate circumstances that would continue to dictate in an unforeseen way how she would eventually wind up, always finding a home wherever she could. It makes her untrusting of the people she comes into contact with and you get a sense of that as you continue along in the story. I think this makes for a fantastic story by the time you get to the final pages and get a true sense for who Lucy has become.

I received this book compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. It often makes us take a look at the homeless people that surround us today and wonder just what their story is and how they have arrived at where they are today. I bet we would be more than surprised at what they would have to say, if we are only willing to listen. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think everyone will take away something different from this novel. For me, it's simply NEVER to judge a book or a person by what we see. There is always more going on, than what you would think.

For more information on this book, the authors and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:


You can also read more reviews from this book tour, by clicking here.

Rebel



This story is set in late Sixth Century AD. Alyn O'Byrne and Kella O'Toole are the two main characters in this book who have been sent on a very important mission for to deliver the written books Kella has scribed to Mons Seion near Fortingall. Through trial and tribulation, these two characters who are childhood family friends find themselves rediscovering who they are along the way. They are also trying to find Kella's love Lorne who has been lost in a battle between the Miathi and one of King Arthur's armies who were ambushed along with her father Egan O'Toole.

Both Alyn and Kella's family play a very important role in the fate of both of these characters past, present and future. Through strong character development and story research and background, this book should be labeled as Historical Non-Fiction along with Fiction. Through a very rigorous search of history, Linda Windsor has very effectively written a book about a time where magic, mythology and history combine to make one heck of a great read!!

Sit down, grab a comfy blanket and be prepared to be whirled away from the first chapter!

I received Rebel by Linda Windsor compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is third book in the Brides of Alba Series and I felt so engulfed by this book that I wish there was another book after Rebel to continue the story of these two characters!! I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information on this book, the author and where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also stay up on the latest from Linda Windsor by becoming a follower of hers on Facebook by clicking here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Heirs of Prophecy - Giveaway and Review


Through a fluke of nature, the Riverton Family is transported to the strange new world of Trimoria, where two young brothers gain unusual powers.

An ancient prophecy foretells that they must lead armies of men, dwarves, and elves against a demon horde. One thing stands in their way: the evil wizard Azazel, whose brutal warriors are sworn to seek and destroy them. (rear cover synopsis).
This excerpt from the back of the book doesn’t do enough justice to describe the story of the Riverton’s and how Ryan and Aaron discover their unusual gifts talents (magical powers). They have to learn how to grow both of the talents that they have while keeping away from Azazel’s private army looking for strangers. Throll, who is the ranger and protector of Aubgherle discovers the Riverton family just coming out of the mists and decides to take them in seeing how they are unfamiliar with the territory and how out of place they seem.
Little does Throll know that he has just discovered the prophecy of the younger brothers without even knowing who they are. Together with his wife Gwen, and daughter Sloan, the Lancaster family soon befriends the Riverton’s to stay with them while they sort out a good place to hide them. Jarod, the father soon becomes the towns blacksmith with help from Throll. Will the prophecy come about? And what of this Ogre who cannot eat meat have to do with the coming of the prophecy? Read the Heirs of Prophecy by Michael A. Rothman to be whirled away form your troubles into a land of magic and mystery!

I received Heirs of Prophecy compliments of TLC Book Tours for my honest review. This the first book in this series, with the second book slated to be on the shelves in July. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!! A great read with an even better cast of characters!! I loved reading this book and would recommend to all who love mystery, fiction and Christian Fiction. The First Protector has several direct connections with our lord Jesus Christ and how he comes back for his people. Thank you so much for this book to read and review!! If you have a young adult or middle schooler who loves action adventure stories, then I know you will absolutely LOVE this one!

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:


You can also stay up to date on the latest from Michael A. Rothman by becoming a follower of his on Facebook by clicking here.

To read more reviews from this book tour, you can click here.

Thanks to the generous folks at TLC Book Tours, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your details:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page at Reviews From The Heart and leave me a comment.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave a comment below telling me why you would love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner by email at the conclusion of this giveaway on August 1st. So please be sure to include your email address with your comment.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

First Visions: Second Sight - Giveaway and Review



Kate Edwards is tired of being labeled as a freak, and that is precisely why she has remained hidden away from friends, family and being in the public eye. Ever since she awakened from a coma caused by bacterial meningitis, she was given a gift, yet she considers it a curse. She was given what some call, "second sight" or psychic abilities. She has no control over what she will see when she falls asleep at night. Her dreams become visions she sees through the eyes of another person, but of events that have already happened. She doesn't see the future.

So when she woke from her coma with precise details of a recent kidnapping including providing the description and location of the suspects, she became what some would call a "freak." It isolated her from people she considered as friends, had to enroll in an on line college course to avoid the constant stares and whispers whenever she walked by. The media circus surrounding her success in the Matt Spencer case was more than she could handle. She told people it was a one time thing and she didn't have the abilities to find other missing persons. But that was a lie. She continued to see things she shouldn't and the onslaught of mail from people searching for a lost family member was difficult to endure. She felt that she could only see visions of people who were still alive, how could she tell people that she believed the person they were looking for were dead, or simply chose to walk away from their previous life.

So when Detective Jared Corbett, shows up a her door asking for her help in the recent kidnapping of an eight-year-old girl, Corinne Preston, she has a hard time telling him no, especially when he is so great looking. She learns that one of the reasons he is pursuing this case is because the victim, Corinne is the sister of her girlfriend, which automatically keeps her social status from becoming anything more than single. But she is drawn to him in a way like no other. Perhaps its because he can relate to her, his aunt also has the ability to predict the future in some aspects and he knows how ruthless the public can be.

In the novel, First Visions: Second Sight by Heather Topham Wood, the reader is immediately drawn into the character of Kate and can sympathize with her emotions of wanting to help but doesn't want to go through what she did when she helped with Matt's case. She finally agrees to help if Jared can keep her from being linked to this case, promising him that her visions aren't something she has control over. What she gets when she dreams is completely unpredictable, it could be a past event in the life of her parents, friends or even the kidnapping victim, but since he is so cute, she offers to help. In this novel, Kate will get more than she bargained for.

I received First Visions: Second Sight compliments of My Reading Addictions Book Tours for my honest review and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was wonderful and keep me moving so much I didn't want to put it down. I love the vulnerability that Heather writes into her characters and keeps them flawed in ways, it makes it more believable for the reader to relate to and I love Kate's personality. My readers should be warned however as there are some elements that some may not find favorable. There is some profanity, references to Wicca witches and some sexual content. With that warning however, the story line is amazing in this series. It reminds me of the television series the Medium and I look forward to reading more in this new series. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars based on my rating system and think Heather Topham Wood is off to a great starting in writing!



Author Bio:

Heather Topham Wood graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a
bachelor’s degree in English. Working full-time as a freelance writer for publications such as
USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine, she writes fiction
novels in her spare time. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons.
First Visions is the first novel in the Second Sight Series.


For more information on this book, the author and where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

First Visions: Second Sight by Heather Topham Wood

You can also read more great reviews from this tour, by clicking here.

Thanks to the generous folks at Reading Addictions Blog Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy of this book to one lucky reader of my blog. Here are your details:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart and leave a comment.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address, please No P.O. Boxes please.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. Don't forget to include your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner via email when this giveaway ends on June 30th and will also posted this to my Facebook page at Reviews From The Heart.


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Mary's Blessing


Mary Lenora Murray has spent her whole life it seems trying to figure out just who she is. She learned early on that she was adopted and currently living with her father, Kenneth Murray and her three siblings. Her mother passed away along with her three sisters leaving her in the role as caretaker and mother at only 13. Looking at her life, she wishes her father, would step up and take on the responsibility at helping her care for her brothers, George and Bobby along with her sister Frances. But all he seems to do is poor himself into taking care of their farm and then coming in exhausted at the end of the evening with nothing but an appetite left for her. Mary knows that this will be her burden until the children are grown up enough to take on more of the responsibility and before that happens, she'll be too old to finally have a life for herself.

Daniel Winthrop has been Mary's childhood friend and as they both have grown, Daniel realizes he has more than just friendly feelings for Mary. He sees how hard she works carrying for her family and knows she would make the perfect wife for him. By marrying her, he could give her the life of luxury so she wouldn't have to work so hard any longer, he could provide her with servants to take care of the house, and fill their lives with love and a family of their very own. Now if he can only convince Mary of their future together.

When Mary learns of Daniels interest in being more than just her friend, she wonders if it's possible to begin a life for herself or will she always have to care for her family's needs before her own?

In the latest novel from Lena Nelson Dooley, Mary's Blessing is the second book in the McKenna's Daughters series and picks up perfectly with a brief introduction from book 1, which I loved. At first, I thought I had read this book before, but LOVED how Lena captured the beginnings of Mary's birth so that the reader can truly pick this one up as a stand alone and love it just as much as the first book.

In this one, we get to see how Mary is growing up after being adopted along the Oregon Trail by her mother, Melody and father, Kenneth. Now that Mary has lost her mother, she feels burdened and worn out by all that she has to do while trying to care for the house, the children and try to find a life for herself in there as well. She dreams of a day when she can begin a life for herself, but may soon realize that God has bigger plans for her than what she could ever believe is possible. Now she struggles at trying to find a way to make a relationship with Daniel work when difficulties keep on piling up on her shoulders and she soon learns that Daniel may not be the man she thinks he is.

I received Mary's Blessing compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED this one. Being a huge fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to see what happened to the little baby that the Murray's adopted. The reader will even get a sneak peek at the next book in the series as Mary learns more about the real family she was a part of along the Oregon Trail. This is a beautiful book about learning how to be a servant of Christ and more importantly how to maintain a love for doing it without being resentful. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read Catherine's Pursuit coming in 2013.

For more information about Mary's Blessing, Lena Nelson Dooley and where to pick up this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also keep up to date with all the latest from Lena Nelson Dooley by joining her Facebook page by clicking here.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Leaving Lancaster



When Esther Gingerich left her Amish community in Lancaster, PA during her rumspringa, with the love of her life Samuel Fisher, the rest of their family expected them to return. Yet they didn't. Instead, they headed for a completely new life in San Francisco and would later move to Seattle where life again would take an unexpected turn. In this case, Samuel would be drafted into the Vietnam War and would never be found again. He would remain forever Missing in Action, just like Esther and Samuel did when they left their families.

Now many years later, Esther receives word from her ailing mother, Anna to return home to help take care of her before the rest of the family sells the farm and moves to Montana to begin a new life all over again. If Esther can only find a way to tell her daughter, Holly, that everything she has believed up to this point has been a complete lie. How funny that she would fail to tell her about her Amish upbringing while running an Amish Shoppe? Or that her grandmother is still living when she was told she was dead? How can she ever find a way to return home and expect Holly to come with her?



In the novel, Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd, Esther has to find a way to return home and face up to the past she's not only been lying about, but also running away from. Holly has a right to get to know the family she has hidden from her including many grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. But will it be as easy as believing that the Amish are so easy to forgive her, or will there be no place for Esther and Holly to return to. Just how sick is her mother anyway and why does she want them to come home now? This is truly a story about forgiveness and what the seeds of bitterness will grow if we allow them to continue uninterrupted in our lives. It is a wonderful story of starting new chapters in our lives and learning the importance of family, of putting aside grudges and accepting forgiveness.

I received Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd compliments of David C Cook Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. Too often we can't see beyond our anger and resentment to see what we are missing if we are willing to let go and forgive. This novel does the perfect job at that through the alternating chapters that Esther and Holly share in this Amish fiction, conveying for the reader just what each of them in going through as they work towards resolving their own issues. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion and loved how the story finally ended.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:


You can also stay up to the minute on all the latest on Kate's book by becoming a follower of hers on Facebook.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

To Heaven and Back



"Many have said that my experience is remarkable. What I find more remarkable, however, is how readily many people in our society believe outlandish and unsubstantiated urban myths and conspiracies (Pop Rocks and Coke, JFK assassination, AIDS is man-made, etc.), yet disregard thousands of personal and consistent testimonies of miracles and near-death experiences from people throughout all cultures and religions." (pg 205).

Dr. Mary C. Neal, an orthopedic surgeon, thought she had an understanding of heaven, angels and Jesus being a believer from a young age, but nothing would prepare her more, than dying and getting first hand knowledge that everything she ever believed was not only true, she had to tell others. That is precisely what she did many years later after her children had grown from when she first drowned in a kayaking accident in Chile.

That is the one significant thing in talking with anyone who has died, gone to heaven and returned, they never forget the precise details no matter how long it's been. Unlike trying to recall a wedding or even the birth of a child, the longer you wait in between talking about it, some of the details fade. Mary Neal felt God was now telling her to take what she experienced and not only share in through her words in a book, but even now she incorporates that into the care of her patients as well.



In the novel, To Heaven and Back, Mary C. Neal describes her life leading up to her death and what happens long afterwards, sharing with the reader how many of the events could be described by some as luck, good fortune or karma. However when you connect the dots in all these circumstances, it becomes clear, that God's divine hand was orchestrating it all and in fact continues to do so. Not much time is spent on her time in Heaven since she wasn't allowed in, but merely got up to the entrance point, but what lives on even now in her life, continues to impact those around her.

I received To Heaven and Back compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest opinion and truly believe what Mary experienced is real. To doubt her word, would mean you had more information into what happened than she did, and I would find that hard to believe. Mary isn't hoping to make a profit off her experience and is in fact donating portions of the sale of this book to many non-profit charitable organizations you would find on her website.

The one thing that remains consistent for me, in reading her story is prayer to God was invaluable not only in the difficult roads in her life, but offering up thanksgiving and gratitude in those prayers as well. Being a huge believer in the power of prayer, I LOVE how simply stated Mary's experience truly was and gives me hope that we will live a long eternal life after we simply finish our jobs here. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars in my personal opinion and it's a great source of comfort to those wondering if life exists past this one besides the Bible and who may be grieving.

For more information about this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

To Heaven and Back by Dr. Mary C. Neal


To learn more about Mary C. Neal, you can visit her website by clicking here.


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Cottage By The Sea


Two squeezes meant simply that I love you; three squeezes in return meant I love you too! That was the way things were communicated silently in the Bryce family, only Erin really needed this confirmation from her father which was always left with wanting more.

As Erin Bryce and her best friend Sharlene prepare for the launch of their new wedding planning business, The Happiest Day, she receives a phone call from her dad's wife, Delores telling her that he has had a stroke. Erin immediately leaves for the small beach side community of Moss Cove in Oregon to see how her father is doing. When he appears normal and back to the old self she remembers, she books a flight home and begins to prepare herself for her new business venture but also a future wedding for her son Jordan.

As Erin waits for her father and Delores to show up for the day of the wedding, she tries hard to keep her emotions in check. She blames Delores for keeping her father away and making all the decisions for him. When the day comes and goes with their presence missing, she phones her father's home and learns they are still there. Ready to unleash all her anger, Delores informs her that her father has suffered another stroke and this time he won't be returning back to his old self anytime soon.

In the latest novel, Cottage By The Sea by Robin Jones Gunn, the reader is drawn into the story between a love that is needed by both Erin and her father, Jack. Now with a stroke removing his ability to verbal communicate, Erin and Jack have to rediscover a way to connect after so many years and reestablish the love that both of them need before its too late. This is a timeless story of one of the great needs I believe a woman needs to have in her life, the love of a father and Robin does such a wonderful job at completing this through her novel. I was moved to tears by how well she made me feel for both Erin and Jack's needs.

I felt the frustration that Erin had toward feeling the care of her father was dumped on her shoulders while everyone else seemed to have a life to return to; her anger at Delores when she learns that Delores simply can not stay with someone who requires this type of care; and her crushing need to find a way to fix things between her and her father as communication between the two have a small window that seems to be rapidly closing.

The parts of the book I was immediately drawn to are the setting for the story, being a long time resident of Orange County in California, the reminders of the strawberry fields in Irvine, the John Wayne airport and the poetic way that Robin leads you into the story and magically paints a picture so well, you know it's real. Here's one of my favorite lines from the book, describing the ocean outside her father's cottage:

"Erin could now recognize the waves' varying sounds. She knew, just by listening to the intensity of the waves' roar through the open kitchen window, when they were crashing against the rocks and sending a spindrift into the air. She also knew when the sea was at rest, simply breathing in and out, sending the waves rolling to the shore and then curling them back. Today the sea was feisty. With a curled-up fist, it hurled the white-capped waves onto the shore. The salty avengers tumbled far up the sand before receding in haste and preparing for their next pitch. (pg 177)."

I received Cottage By The Sea compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review. This is such a beautiful book to describe the love between a father and daughter and one that Robin shared through her own personal experience. This one will tug at your heart strings and reel you in with all the emotion from words found on the pages. It truly will be unforgettable for me and one I will treasure. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and one that has found a permanent place in my library.

For more information on this book, the author and where you can purchase this book , please click on the links below:


You can also visit Robin Jones Gunn on her website by clicking here. You can also become a follower of hers on Facebook and stay up to date on all the latest here.

Friday, June 15, 2012

The Inquisitor's Key - Giveaway and Review



What would you consider the greatest archaeological find? The cup of Jesus from the last supper, the nails from His crucifixion? The crown of thorns from his head? The true Ark of the Covenant? What if you discovered what appeared to be the actual bones from Jesus Christ? How would that impact the world if proof could be given, that they were real? What if they actually held supernatural powers?

Such is the premise behind the latest novel from Jefferson Bass, The Inquisitor's Key, when a trio of experts, Dr. Bill Brockton, a forensic anthropologist, Miranda Lovejoy, his assistant, and Stefan Beauvoir, a colleague of Miranda's happen upon a discovery beneath the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France and uncover what appears to be the bones of what could be Jesus Christ. The identifying marks on the wrist bones, ankles and ribs appear to coincide with what we know of his death. What would the impact be on the world if in fact these could be proven to be genuine? What would some people do to ensure that this discovery remains buried beneath the earth?

This is the 7th novel in the Body Farm series and a first for me when I read this one. The story line toggles between present time and in the 14th century as the reader begins to unravel clues to determine what relevance this new find of buried bones will do for the world. Could it be that a great hoax has been created as a way to move forward certain religious teachings? What would the implications be if this was discovered and shared with the world? I guess you'll have to pick up this novel and find out for yourself.




I received The Inquisitor's Key compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Being a huge history fan as well as a follower of Jesus, I had mixed interests in seeing where this one might be headed, but it does cause you to wonder just what makes us believe certain artifacts may be real or have some been a huge lie all along. I was interested in where this was headed and some points of the novel drag on a bit without an apparent reason for the delay. However, if you can endure this one to the end, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I think the author researches their history well and this book is really geared for that fan base over a mystery genre. I would rate this one a 3.5 out of 5 stars and really kept me guessing along with the characters just what they would ultimately discover in the end.

For more information on The Inquisitor's Key, Jefferson Bass or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:


Thanks to the generous folks at William Morrow, they are providing a giveaway copy to one lucky follower of my blog and here are your guidelines to enter.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart and leave me a comment.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US mailing address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment telling my why you'd love to win a copy of this novel and don't forget to include your email address in the comment box below. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner of the giveaway when it ends on June 25th and will also post it on my Facebook page, Reviews From the Heart as well.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Angel Eyes


Just how far would you go for the ones that you love? Would you be willing to lay down your life for theirs? How about if you just met? How long would it take and just what is the value of a life?

Brielle Matthews is about to find out when she returns home after the death of her best friend, Ali and the ongoing investigation into her death in which Brielle feels personally responsible for. She feels this is a death she could have prevented. She had seen the signs, the fear, the long-moments in between visits and phone calls and of course the bruises all over her body. Not to mention the fact that her new boyfriend, Marco seemed to like to keep her all for himself lately. Now it's too late but how can Brielle expect to find a way to move forward in her life when fear and despair are keeping her captive.

Jake is the new kid in school this year and Brielle finds every single girl in school wants to meet him. Fortunately she has him in two of her classes and he seems to have a special interest in Brielle. Maybe it's that smoldering look in his eyes or perhaps it the incredible heat that comes off him whenever they are near one another especially in the middle of winter and somehow she is drawn to him in a way she can't explain. She soon finds herself confiding in him with her issues and spends her free time getting to know him. It turns out he is an only child and is being raised by his guardian, Canaan after a tragic childhood himself. It seems that Jake and Brielle are destined to be together and soon he will tell her just why he has come into her life.

In the darkness, evil waits in the town of Stratus, Oregon. An evil that wants nothing more than to control and rule, but since humans are hard to find with special gifts, Damien searches for a way to satisfy his hunger. When he learns that Jake has the gift of healing, he soon plots for a way to kidnap him and lure him away from God and into what he has been planning. Only his guardian angel stands guard to protect him at all costs and soon the battle lines will be drawn and both human and angels will be called to war.

In the debut novel, Angel Eyes, by Shannon Dittmore, the reader is immersed in the story of two different worlds, one seen and one not seen. The world of humans and how angels and demons can work between them. In this story we are given a rare glimpse into the roles angels play in the lives of Brielle and Jake and how the demons will stop at nothing to kill either of them. What purpose Jake and Brielle have in coming together is explained in this wonderful new series that enables them to use a special gift from God to help battle against the enemy. For those of you that love This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, then I know you will love this new series of books.

I received Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittmore compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and can't wait to read the sequel Broken Wings coming out soon. I love stories that combine spiritual warfare in the unseen world parallel with our own human world and this one does an outstanding job at drawing the reader in. This is both a love story and an action adventure from a Christian perspective. The writing is astounding, poetic and lyrical in how she describes the unseen world from God's eyes. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and now have another new favorite Christian author whose writing speaks to my parched soul.

For more information on this book, the author and where you can pick up this book today, please click on the links below:


You can find more great reviews from the Angel Eyes book tour by clicking here.

To follow Shannon on Facebook to keep up with the latest in what she's doing, click here.

Suggested Title: Win a Nook Color from Shannon Dittemore (@ShanDitty)! "Angel
Eyes" Giveaway and Facebook Party {6/26}
Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with
her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!




Find out what readers are saying here.







One "angelic" winner will receive:




  • A Brand New Nook Color

  • A copy of Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore




Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at
noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the "Angel
Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26
. Shannon will be hosting a book
chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!



So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June
26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the
book - don't let that stop you from coming!)





Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter




Don't miss a moment of the RSVP
today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you
on the 26th!