New Release- Defending the Innocent Target by Carol J. Post

 

Danger in the shadows.

A K-9 keeping guard.

When Isaac Cooper and his K-9 partner investigate suspicious activity at the house next door, they discover Brandi Feldman, the frightened new owner who has been attacked. The home she inherited hides dark secrets, and there are traps around every corner. As threats against her escalate, it’s clear someone wants her gone—at any cost. Under Isaac’s vigilant protection, Brandi must uncover the truth about her deadly inheritance. But can they outmaneuver a killer determined to make Brandi’s next move her last?

From Love Inspired  Courage. Danger. Faith.

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My Review

Defending the Innocent Target is a fast-paced, high-tension suspense novel that I couldn't put down. I finished it in one sitting. The Feldman family was close, and Brandi Feldman was surprised to inherit a house and money in New Orleans from someone she never knew. That's when everything became complicated, and a secret held for years was finally revealed.

The storyline is amazing as more secrets surface and Brandi suddenly watches her life fall apart. I loved the sweet, slow romance as Brandi begins to trust Isaac. The ending wraps everything up nicely, as I was on the edge of my seat to the end. This one has no dull moments.

I received an ARC copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Julie

New Release September 29th- The Resistance Art Club by Heidi Eljarbo

 

The tension in Europe is rising. The world is on the brink of disaster.

Oslo, 1939. Secretary Heddy Vengen spends her evenings in a basement, secretly learning how to break codes. When she assists those who evacuate art collections from the National Art Gallery, she has her first encounter with the war situation.

Only days after Hitler’s army marches down Karl Johan’s Street in Oslo, German soldiers storm into her office and make it their own, cementing Heddy’s determination to do more to oppose the occupants. Driven with a fierce desire for freedom and a deep compassion for her beautiful country and its people, she joins the resistance movement and leaps into dangerous, covert operations whenever she’s needed.

During this time, she meets Sverre, a spirited undercover fighter whose resolve is as firm as hers. Bold and seemingly fearless, he faces every mission with personal optimism and masterful skill, and over a short while, he and Heddy grow close.

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My Review

The Resistance Art Club tells Heddy and Sverre's story and serves as a prequel. I loved reading their story, and it fascinated me from the beginning. I read the story in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down.

Sverre is an outstanding character full of courage, strength, and determination to carry out the most dangerous missions. Heddy is also courageous and determined. Their story is inspirational and uplifting, especially since it is happening during WWII. As you might guess, the resistance faces dangerous conditions, suspense, and times of desperate measures.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie

New Release- "Swedish Sunrise" by Linda Shelton Matchett

 

Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love?

Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden - “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm?

Silas Cronin is one of the lucky ones, and his plane crash lands in neutral Sweden. Bored with cooling his heels in an internment camp, he raises his hand when the government comes looking for someone who can type. Suddenly, he’s in Stockholm, mired in intrigue and subterfuge, and more than a little attracted to his new secretary who wants nothing to do with him. Is she right that wartime is no time for romance?

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My Review

Swedish Sunrise grabbed me from the start. I loved how the author introduced historical details, architecture, and relatable characters. Silas and Birgit took part in behind-the-scenes secret missions. They were dangerous, suspenseful, and weighed heavily on them. I was captivated by tense, emotional issues that ran the gamut- one being Christian beliefs v/s service to the cause.

The budding sweet romance, which was especially hard during wartime, had me rooting for the couple as their many layers were revealed. I especially loved the ending, which wrapped up everything nicely. An inspirational story that will stretch your emotions but also warm your heart.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

The Good Farmer & The Worried Donkey: A Story About Finding Peace in God's Strength by Hannah E. Harrison (Zonderkidz)

 

The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is an honest and heartwarming picture book that reminds us that we are not alone and God is our strength. This story beautifully captures the essence of Matthew 11 (“his yoke is easy and his burden is light”) and the parable of the sower.

Farmer will no longer want him. But Charlie is in for a surprise, because his farmer is a Good Farmer who is patient, wise, understanding, and strong. Through both touching and humorous moments, Charlie learns about his special place on the farm and why he can trust the Good Farmer with his worries.

The Bible is full of references to seeds, wheat, and farming, but what do those stories tell us about the attributes of God? Or how can we learn to rely on God? In a time when anxiety rates among children are rising, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey uses a relatable character and a riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and show how we can cast our cares on God.

FCharlie is a small donkey who works for the miller, but he’s not the strongest, and he sometimes makes the miller mad. When a farmer takes Charlie to a beautiful farm, Charlie worries that if he disappoints him, the farom Hannah Harrison, the author and illustrator of Christlit Book Award-winning and ECPA bestselling The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is perfect for:

• children age 4 and up

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MY REVIEW

The book reflects the story of the parable of the sower from the Bible. 

When given to a farmer, Charlie the donkey worries that he won't be good enough or strong enough.  The farmer's patience and understanding put Charlie at ease.

The story has relatable characters and beautiful illustrations that will give the book its special place on your shelf.

"Spaceship Parenting" Raising Smarter, Kinder, More Capable Children by Ricky Arenson, MD

 

Spaceship Parenting had me laughing through the Prologue.  It was written with humor but also had elements of great teaching. It is entertaining, insightful, and funny.  I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to raise more capable children.

I was impressed and inspired by the Foundation of Nine Rules, and I wish this book had been available when I was raising my children. I take to heart the information and plan to share it with my grandchildren.

The Rules and my interpretation of them.

Rule #1- Be a Manager- Be in charge! Let your children know you care and want to keep them safe.

Rule #2- Make a Pact to Survive- You and your spouse must work together to raise your children and to keep your marriage strong.

Rule #3- Positive Energy Must Overweigh Negative- Have a positive attitude to be an example for your children. This was one of the most important things during my life raising children.

Rule #4- Work With, Not Against Them- Be involved in your children's lives. Let them know you care. Talk to them calmly and get to the bottom of issues.  Listen to their side of the situation.

Rule #5- Outcome Is Proportional to Investment- The outcome of how your children relate to you depends on the amount of time you are willing to put into the relationship. 

Rule #6- The Stop Rule- Help your children make decisions based on outcomes and accurate information. Don't make decisions based on emotion and expedience. No hasty decisions.

Rule #7- Raise Minds, Not Mayhem- Teaching is better than preaching. Learn them to become problem solvers. Explain things, answer questions and always make the time.

Rule #8- Use Technology to Advance Your Civilization- Use technology as a tool for progress. Limit your child's screen time.

Rule #9- Teach Children to Become Their Own Managers- Teach them how to manage themselves, their relationships, and their future.  They will become responsible adults.

Another part of the book that touched me is The Three Super Goals.

1. Instill in your youth an active desire for happiness.  When they are happy, they are more productive in a positive way.

2. Seek connection with others.  People are happier when they have relationships with friends, etc.

3. Teach love of family, friends, and humanity.  Then they won't put materialism first.

Growing up, I remember these three being taught. My parents had many friends that they considered more than friends. They were part of our family.  I grew up around them and felt the same.  Happiness was a result of helping others.

As you read this book, I believe you will have a-ha moments, as I did. Some things in the book you may have grown up with, but I'm sure you will find something that will bring you insight into parenting. 

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New Release September 24th- Watched -Windy City Westons Book 3 by Jerusha Agen

 

His mind is a steel trap. He didn’t know it could trap him.

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

Watched continues the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger, love, and God in the city of Chicago. (Each book can stand alone or be read as a 

series installments.)

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My Review 

Another great read in the Windy City Westons. This one was fascinating as I read about Robert Weston, a psychiatrist who is experiencing memory issues that push his practice to the limit. His attorney, Monty Montgomery, is drawn into his malpractice suit and becomes more involved than she could have imagined.

The main characters are strong-willed, determined, and have close family ties. Even these traits aren't enough when they find themselves targets. The story revolves around revenge and lies, with faith intricately woven throughout. There are lots of edge-of-your-seat moments and non-stop action. The ending wrapped up everything nicely.

I can't wait to read the next in the series.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie