Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker is up on CFBA with giveaway and bonus review by hubby!

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Immanuel's Veins Thomas Nelson (September 7, 2010)


by Ted Dekker



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling author of more than twenty novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans.

Early in his career he wrote a number of spiritual thrillers and his novels were lumped in with ‘Christian Fiction’ a surprisingly large category. His later novels are a mix of mainstream novels such as Adam, Thr3e, Skin, Obsessed and BoneMan’s Daughters, and fantasy thrillers that metaphorically explore faith. Best known among these is his Circle Series: Green, Black, Red, White and The Paradise Books: Showdown, Saint, and Sinner.

Dekker was born to missionaries who lived among the headhunter tribes of Indonesia. Because his parents’ work often included extended periods of time away from their children, Dekker describes his early life in a culture to which he was a stranger as both fascinating and lonely. It is this unique upbringing that forced him to rely on his own imagination to create a world in which he belonged.

After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States to study philosophy and religion. Upon earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he entered the corporate world and proceeded to climb the proverbial ladder. But his personal drive left him restless and, after many successful years, he traded corporate life for wide range of entrepreneurial pursuits that included buying and selling businesses, healthcare services, and marketing.

In the early nineties while visiting a friend who had just written a book, Dekker decided to pursue a long held desire to be a novelist. Over the course of two years he wrote two full length novels before starting from scratch and rewriting both. Now fully enamored by the the process and the stories, he realized that storytelling was in his blood and a new obsession to explore truth through story gripped him anew.

He sold his business, moved his family to the mountains of Western Colorado and began writing full-time on his third novel. Two years and three novels later his first novel, Heaven’s Wager, was published.

Now, Dekker’s novels had sold over 3.4 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels, Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in production. Dekker resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Lee Ann and two of their daughters.


ABOUT THE BOOK

This story is for everyone--but not everyone is for this story.

It is a dangerous tale of times past. A torrid love story full of deep seduction. A story of terrible longing and bold sacrifice.

Then as now, evil begins its courtship cloaked in light. And the heart embraces what it should flee. Forgetting it once had a truer lover.

With a kiss, evil will ravage body, soul, and mind. Yet there remains hope, because the heart knows no bounds.

Love will prove greater than lust. Sacrifice will overcome seduction. And blood will flow.

Because the battle for the heart is always violently opposed. For those desperate to drink deep from this fountain of life, enter.

But remember, not everyone is for this story.


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Immanuel's Veins, go HERE.


Watch the book trailer:




My answer to the question... What is sacrificial love?

It's the kind of love that comes from God and that Jesus came to the earth to show mankind. It's the kind of love that is more precious than gold. It's the kind of love that is willing to give up everything for the one he or she loves. According to my husband who read this book before I could...it's what Dekker's book Immanuel's Veins is all about.

Here is a picture of me wearing the tee shirt and holding the book that will be given away this week!  To be entered to win the shirt AND the hardcover book, make sure to enter a comment that answers this question... What is sacrificial love? If you don't answer the question, you won't be entered for a chance to win the prizes. I will draw the name of the winner using the Randomizer program next Monday night when I return (9-20-10) from a conference. Oh, and I saved the best for last...my husband reviewed this book (posted below.) My son is begging for it next (and the tee shirt) so he will get my shirt and can show it off at NAU. It's great advertisement, right? 20,000+ students and one handsome freshman (my son) wearing a Dekker shirt around campus. Sweet!

Hubby's book review:

This latest book by Dekker was profound. As Romans 11:33 says... "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God: How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!"

No matter how far the human soul can sink, God's Love can bring us healing. Dekker's book Immanuel's Veins has shown this so powerfully! What an awesome novel! You will be thinking about the story long after you put the book down. The difference of what the enemy wants for us and Christ wants for us is vastly different. Satan came to destroy, but Christ has come to give us abundant life.

Hebrews 2:14 says... "For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death , that is the devil."

*Now that he's finished with the book, it's my turn, then I mail it to my son at college. He's begging for it.*

Thank you Thomas Nelson for the book to review and for the awesome giveaway!

Hubby's review of Deceit by Brandilyn Collins.

  

About the book:

A harrowing stand-alone novel from Seatbelt Suspense® author Brandilyn Collins. Seven years after her the disappearance of her best friend, Linda Jackson, skip tracer Joanne Weeks must locate a witness who can put the man who Joanne knows to be Linda’s killer behind bars—before he silences Joanne for good.

Hubby's review:

Fans of Brandilyn Collins will not be disappointed with her latest release. The very first page says this... "Some evil shouts from rooftoops, some scuttles in the dark. The greatest evil tips it's face toward light with shining innocence. Baxter Jackson shone with the worse of them."

Deceit starts with twists and turns that keep you flipping the pages. The story builds to the point where it's hard to tell where things are going to go. The author has a way of pulling you in and making you sense the fear so much that you worry about the characters. It's hard not to sit on the edge of your seat while reading any of Brandilyn's books, this being another perfect example of seatbelt suspense. However, the relief when things finally resolve is more than satisfying.

It's difficult to say more without divulging some spoilers, so you'll have to read the book to find out why this story is so amazing. If you enjoy mind-blowing suspense, you'll love Deceit.

Hubby's review of Scream by Mike Dellosso!

Hubby's review:

Mike Stone is the central character in the story and he is separated from his wife. He’s driving down the road and while he is talking to his friend on the phone he hears a thousand freaky-sounding screams, like people in torment. His friend is killed in a car accident while they are still talking on the phone. Similar incidents like this happen to him several more times in this story. Then several women in the community disappear but nobody realizes this at first. When his estranged wife disappears and he gets a phone call from her with the same eerie screaming in the background, he is in a race against time to find his wife and save her before she ends up like the rest.

No more details can be given without spoilers. The spiritual message is very strong and the way the author brings everything together at the end is a total mind blower, but will also bless the reader and move them to tears. Hubby can’t say enough good things about this book! The Hunted was amazing, he says, but Scream even tops his first book. He wants to read any book Mike Dellosso writes now. He’s now a fan for life because he feels like the author has a special gift and insight that is effective in the spiritual realm. He says Dellosso effectively portrays how believers are called to pull from the eternal fire like it says in Jude 21-23 (KJV)

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Hubby's review of Double Cross by James David Jordan

About the book:

Raised by a father who was a former Special Forces officer, Taylor is beautiful and brilliant and knows how to take care of herself. But she is haunted by her past and the sacrifice her father made to save her from a brutal rape when she was seventeen. After a controversial stint in the Secret Service, she has become the most prominent private security specialist in America. When she discovers the body of a former client's top assistant, all the evidence points to embezzlement and suicide. But Taylor has no way of knowing that her mother, who ran out when Taylor was nine, is about to reappear and lead her down a twisting path of danger and deceit. It's a road that won't end until they reach the spot where Taylor's father died-where Taylor learns some sacrifices can never be earned.

Hubby's review:

When Double Cross begins Taylor is living in the house with Simon Mason’s daughter, Kacey, and they are good friends. First, she discovers a body of a former client. Then Taylor’s mother shows back up in her life after being missing for about twenty years. Taylor wants to be loved, but she doesn’t know what real love is, so she is looking in all the wrong places and hooking up with people who use her just like she uses them.

The story has so much danger and intrigue combined with dizzying twists and turns that the reader is on edge waiting for disaster to happen. The author does such a fantastic job pulling you into the characters’ lives that you are blown away by some of the things that take place. He does an excellent job making you care about them, which is what makes the story so inspiring. This reviewer didn’t want the story to end but was satisfied with how things turned out. It’s impossible to not long for more installments in the series.

Double Cross was published by Broadman and Holman and releases October 1, 2009.

Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir is up on CFBA - bonus review by Michelle's hubby.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Night Watchman
Multnomah Books (May 5, 2009)
by
Mark Mynheir


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Mark Mynheir was born and raised on the east coast of Central Florida. Like most boys growing up, Mark enjoyed sports, mainly football and martial arts.

In 1983, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. After serving four years in the Marines, Mark changed gears and pursued a career in law enforcement.

During his career as a police officer, Mark has worked as a narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. team member, and a homicide detective.

Over sixteen years ago, during a health crisis involving his oldest son, Mark gave his life to Jesus Christ. Shortly after his conversion, he felt God leading him in a new direction: writing. Now he balances dual careers as a police officer and novelist.

He has authored Rolling Thunder (The Truth Chasers Book One), From the Belly of the Dragon (The Truth Chasers Book Two), and The Void (The Truth Chasers Book Three).

Mark is married to the love of his life and has three fantastic children, and they all currently reside in Central Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When everything is ripped away...

Eleven months ago, Ray Quinn was a tough, quick-witted Orlando homicide detective at the top of his game-until a barrage of bullets ended his career.and his partner's life.

Now medically retired with a painful handicap, Ray battles the haunting guilt for his partner's death. Numbing the pain with alcohol and attitude, Ray takes a job as a night watchman at a swanky Orlando condo community.

But when a pastor and an exotic dancer are found dead in one of the condos in an apparent murder-suicide, Ray can no longer linger in the shadows. The victim’s sister is convinced her brother was framed and begs Ray to take on an impossible case─to challenge the evidence and clear her brother’s name.

Ray reluctantly pulls the thread of this supposedly dead-end case only to unravel a murder investigation so deep that it threatens to turn the Orlando political landscape upside down and transform old friends into new enemies. As Ray chases down leads and interrogates suspects, someone is watching his every move, someone determined to keep him from ever finding out the truth─at any cost.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Night Watchman, go HERE


Hubby's review:

While not a fast-paced read like some of the author’s prior novels, Night Watchman is an excellent story that will grip your heart and pull you into the world of law enforcement with all of its complexities and dangers inherent in that field.

The story begins with a strip dancer and a pastor found dead in his apartment. Initially it was ruled as a murder/suicide by the homicide department and the case was closed. It looked like a dead end case, but then ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn enters the scene when the pastor’s sister pleads for help. She doesn’t believe her brother was murdered.

Ray Quinn was injured during a prior investigation and his partner at the time was murdered. He walks with a limp due to the severe injury he received. Even though it is physically taxing on him, he reluctantly helps the pastor’s sister.

The story takes you in to a deep political landscape with imbedded corruption that seems impossible to escape. One of the lessons learned from this story is that sometimes the people you least expect are the people who will save your neck.

Night Watchman was published by Multnomah and released in May 2009.

Hubby's review of Certain Jeopardy by Jeff Strueker and Alton Gansky

About the book:

Six American men live behind a protective facade, their real work hidden from neighbors and friends. Different in countless ways, they are intimately the same in one: at any moment their lives can be altered with a phone call, and their actions may change the world.They are Special Ops. And one team's mission is about to hit certain jeopardy status when the discovery of an Al Qaeda base in Venezuela becomes secondary to thwarting the transport of a nuclear weapons expert from that training camp to Iran.

Hubby's review:

Certain Jeopardy is a thrilling look into the heart of special operations in the US military. The plot shows how the men and women in our armed forces, especially in special ops, endanger their lives for their love of freedom and the United States. It also shows how much their families give to up to support them in their commitment to serve the country. It’s a very fast-paced novel and keeps you wondering what will happen next. The characters operate as a team, almost like brothers, but tighter. It’s because of their drive to survive and do the right thing so that millions of people will be saved from certain jeopardy. Without their intervention people wouldn’t be safe and the men bent on destruction would win.

Certain Jeopardy was published by Broadman and Holman and released in May 2009.

Hubby's review of Comes A Horsemen by Robert Liparulo

About the book:

The ancients saw Death as a blazing figure on horseback, swift and merciless. Those facing the black chasm often mistook their pounding hearts for the beating of hooves.

Now, two FBI agents pursuing a killer from a centuries-old cult realize they have become his prey.

Hubby's review:

The opening is scene is gruesome, but it pulls you deeply into the realm of spiritual warfare. It shows how some people will do anything for power or religion…even sell their souls. The story is compelling, fast-paced and will really make you think. People who scare easily will not want to read this book at night or before going to sleep. It’s that intense.

Comes a Horseman was published by Thomas Nelson and released in August 2006.

Hubby's review of The Immortal by Angela Hunt

About the book:

A man claiming to be 2000 years old says he is on a holy mission to prevent a global cataclysm. To uncover truth, heroine Claudia must re-examine her beliefs as she delves into ancient legends of the "Wandering Jew," biblical warnings about the Antichrist, and eyewitness accounts of the Crucifixion, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust.

Hubby's review:

Having never read anything by Angela Hunt, my husband didn’t know what to expect. He said the first quarter of The Immortal is spent getting to know the characters, which can make it hard to stick with the story. However, once you get past that point, the story really picks up speed and will leave you pondering your own life by books’ end. The main character is a young woman named Claudia. She is a jury consultant and through her work she becomes involved in an important trial. Claudia is approached by the spiritual leader of the Global Union, who takes her to Rome, Italy. Her job is then to give guidance on hiring people for the Global Union. Through this process she meets a man named Asher. He is either a religious man, a lunatic, or he is telling the truth. She is challenged to search her own heart and is convicted by what she finds. And the reader will experience through her life how a new believer can speak the truth into someone’s life as effectively, if not more so, than someone who has allegedly known God for many years. My husband highly recommends this story.

Hubby's review of A Wolf Story by James Byron Huggins

About the Book:

A powerful, intricately woven epic adventure for adults. Long ago, the animals of the deep woods were given a choice: either follow the Silver Wolf and his lord, the Lightmaker--a path of strength and peace often won through suffering and pain--or pursue their own passions, joining forces with Corbis and the other creatures of darkness.

Hubby's review:

A Wolf Story is an allegory. All of the characters are animals. The Silver Wolves represent those who follow the Light Maker. But they have free will, and thus can also follow the wolves of the Dark Council. The story is filled with battles. A key theme is not knowing who your true friends are until you experience conflict. In this story a young gray wolf becomes friends with a dying rabbit, then later becomes friends with another rabbit, who is quite a fighter. The wolf end up saving several lives. Each battle is a struggle between good and evil. Many times things seem hopeless. The author does a great job making you worry about this dynamic little rabbit who has guts and is willing to do anything for a friend. But the main character in the story is actually the gray Wolf, who learns that Faith in the Light Maker and clinging to the truth will carry you through to the end. This books is fun and easy to read. Highly recommended for anyone.

The Hunted by Mike Dellosso is up on CFBA! (With hubby's review.)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

The Hunted
(Realms - June 3, 2008)
by
Mike Dellosso


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted. He was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years and has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets. Mike also has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters.

Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer's Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.

You can read a great interview with Mike, over here on TitleTrakk


ABOUT THE BOOK

A town's deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith...

After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence.

As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God's hands. Will his young faith be strong ehough to battle the demonic forces of The Hunted.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

Mike Dellosso could very well be the next Frank Peretti-if you liked The Oath and Monster, you are going to love The Hunted.
--C.J. Darlington, Cofounder and book editor, Titletrakk.com

A spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes, and second chances. A story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight--just in case!
--Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams

Mike Dellosso's pins-and-needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. I dare you to take this one home!
--Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series

With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut."
--Creston Mapes, author of Nobody

A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion."
--Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished

Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted. And sleep with the lights on.
--Austin Boyd, author of Mars Hill Classified trilogy

Hubby's review: (He snagged the book and read it almost straight through and I haven't had a chance to read it yet.)

The Hunted is about a man, Jo Saunders, who comes to town in search of his lost nephew. Filled with guilt and remorse over his brother’s death, Jo finds his nephew in an old outhouse. He’d been mauled by a large animal and is in a coma. His nephew lives in Dark Hills. The police chief of Dark Hills is Jo’s old girlfriend. The town is filled with dark secrets and cover-up runs rampant even among the residents. As the story unfolds there is conflict that appears to be of flesh and blood but is actually a spiritual battle. Jo is determined to learn the truth at all costs. For readers who love spiritual battles in fiction form, this book will totally thrill you. However, it is realistic and frighteningly real enough to warrant reading while the sun is out. A suspenseful page-turner, this book should not be read at night. But the ending will bring tears to your eyes, so it’s not all terror and angst. In fact, it reminds you of the scripture where it says that Satan prowls the earth like a roaring lion and YOU and The Hunted. (1Peter 5:8) Highly recommended.

Hubby's review of The Fuse of Armageddon by Sigmund Brouwer and Hank Hanegraaff

About the Book:

Hostage negotiator Mulvaney Quinn is unaware that global catastrophe is hours away. He is equally unaware of how his past is about to betray him. When he is sent into a hostage situation in the Gaza Strip with a woman cop who hunted him for a failed terrorist bust, they become unlikely allies fleeing for survival. Only the two of them can stop an unholy trinity prepared to trigger a final battle of civilizations.

Failure means Armageddon.

Hubby's review:

The Fuse of Armageddon really brings to the forefront of your mind the ongoing conflict amongst the Jewish and Palestinian people, as well as the Christian community in the Middle East. The peoples highlighted in this book are from radical sects in these three religions. The story starts out with a man named Quinn who is in Las Vegas pursuing a terrorist. Quinn is also a hostage negotiator and he is the main character. He is a sought after man and suspected to be a terrorist himself by a female cop from Vegas, but he doesn’t know he’s a wanted man. As the plot unfurls he finds himself caught up in negotiations to stop a conspiracy that will set off Armageddon. As he pursues truth, he uncovers a variety of perspectives regarding the root of animosity in the Middle East. It will make you think about the precarious balance which exists and the core conspirators which often reside within the structure of governments and officials running these countries. If you don’t want your mind challenged and your belief system rocked, then don’t read this book. However, if you enjoy a stimulating story that will make you think about the way things are as opposed to the way they should be, you’ll want to check it out.

The Fuse of Armageddon is published by Tyndale and was released in January 2008.

Hubby's review of The Trophy Chase Trilogy by George Bryan Polivka.

Legend of the Firefish



Packer Throme stows himself on a pirate ship in an empty keg of rum, and the adventure begins. Packer, the main character, is on the most beautiful ship in the world, Skat’s pirate ship, The Trophy Chase. Packer had gone to seminary but was kicked out and becomes a master swordsman. He’s in love with the priest’s daughter and had been since they were children. Throughout the story his faith is tested and his love for God grows through his trials. This book is a fantastic opening to the series and leaves you craving for the sequel because Skat is going to kill Packer…until Packer tells him he knows how to find the firefish.

The Hand That Bears the Sword


Packer gets married and while on his honeymoon he is forced to leave his wife. The Drammun King, Hezzan, is out to get Packer and capture him along with the Trophy Chase ship. The horrors of war come alive in this story and Packer is plunged into dangerous times. Those who really care and have trust and faith in God grow through their trials despite their many losses. Things seem hopeless as the kingdom of Nearing Vast almost comes under the control of an evil empire. This second book leaves you yearning for the conclusion of the series, The Battle for Vast Dominion.

The Battle for Vast Dominion


This awesome conclusion to the series will leave you breathless. Nearing Vast is under near-total control from the Drammuns. The Vast army is surrounded and about to be slaughtered. It’s a miracle that they are saved, but a message from the new Hezzan, who has taken control of the empire, reaches them. Mighty miracles performed by God cause the Hezzan to ask Packer to come to the Drammun kingdom. She sends a message requesting that Packer Trome arrive in the Trophy Chase ship, where they face the most dangerous test of all. Packer and his men face awesome challenges and learn they must rely on God to make it though. The story is so deep and profound you will be unable to adequately describe it in words. You are literally part of the world created by Polivka and you don’t ever want to leave it. Especially not at the end. This series is powerful and I loved it!

Hubby's book review of Vanish by Tom Pawlik.

About the Book:

Caught in a mysterious storm, three strangers survive to find everybody else has vanished. When unscrupulous lawyer Connor Hayden, aging model Helen Krause, and enterprising mechanic Mitch Kent meet, they're desperate. And they're being watched---by "observers" who force them to relive their pasts. Does a mute homeless boy hold the key to their future?


Hubby's review:

Similar to Dekker, but with a unique flair all his own, Pawlik has created an amazing thriller of a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The intro to the book says… It all began with an eerie feeling. No kidding! It makes even the reader feel eerie while consuming its pages. The survivors who manage not to vanish have pretty major issues to deal with. They’re alone and desperate and are looking for answers. They feel like they are being watched and they see shadows but nobody is there. Nightmares in their lives pop up and freak them out. But these dreams are real. You can touch them. The last few chapters will blow your mind. If you want an amazing experience, go on a wild ride with Vanish! All is not what it seems… Great novel!

Vanish was published by Tyndale and will be released July 2008!

I'm giving away Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins (and bonus review by hubby included).

To enter the drawing all you have to do is post a comment telling me why you want to win this book. Please leave me a way to contact you if you win! Thanks!



About the book:

In book four of the Kanner Lake Series, a Saturday morning celebration at Java Joint coffee shop for the Scenes and Beans bloggers turns into terror when three gunmen burst into the coffee shop, shoot one person, and hold the rest hostage. Their demand: the worlds attention. The stakes: the lives of over a dozen Kanner Lake citizens.

My thoughts and hubby's review:

My husband zipped through this book in one day. Yep, he read it that fast. He said it was a definite edge-of-your-seat book (so the author once again lives up to her tagline of writing seatbelt suspense). He said it was an awesome end to a great series. The author quotes Proverbs 14:32 and it is the perfect scripture for this book. You can't read Crimson Eve without truly appreciating what police officers do on a daily basis to protect citizens. But no matter how bad the situation looks, God is in control. What impacted him the most was the illustration of the power of unity in the body of Christ and of prayer. When God's people are under seige nothing will touch them that God doesn't allow for their benefit. He is thorougly impressed with this author (as am I) and he wished the series didn't have to end. I loved Crimson Eve and listed it as one of the best books in 2007. So of course I have to read Amber Morn. I just haven't had the chance to start it yet.

My hubby's review of The Void by Mark Mynheir

About The Void:

The Truth Chasers Book Three

Someone’s trying to play God…
and he’s turning Palm Bay into hell.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn’t know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind.

So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad’s best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside.

But what’s going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues–and a growing attraction–they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition…but this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.

My hubby's review:

One of the best books combining spiritual warfare and human nature out there, The Void addresses many profound truths. Like how sometimes even things done with good intensions can be warped until they get so out of control that only God can fix them. The insight the author has into the mind of the deceiver is incredible, and the truths revealed in this book will open to your eyes. You’ll see the extent of the enemy’s hatred for God’s love of mankind, and especially for those who are redeemed. Mynheir has amazing skill when it comes to evoking emotion in the reader. You’ll really care about the officers in the story and appreciate all that they do. Mynheir also shows how darkness will go to great lengths to strategize ways to douse the light…so much so; it will give you the chills. Seriously, this book will change the way you view things. An awesome read!

The Void was published by Multnomah and released in August 2007.

Hubby's reviews of three books in the Colton Parker series

Seventy Times Seven

Seventy Times Seven is very suspenseful and contains high-paced action as Colton searches for a man’s missing beloved wife. This engaging tale dealt with forgiveness and the painful reality that you can’t go back and change the past, but you can choose to forgive today. It also highlights the importance of having a good friend to help you to the hard times. By books end he was desperately wanting to find out what happened next and was delighted to see that book three was on the shelf.

The Root of All Evil

A high-paced action story involving biker gangs and drug dealers, The Root of All Evil is about a very wealthy man who is searching for his missing son, who he longs to have a relationship with. Colton is hired by this man to find his son because he wants to know him before he dies. What is so compelling about this story is that the main secondary character who is a biker is not what he seems at first. Reminiscent of the movie Mask, starring Cher, this story is sure to touch even the toughest heart and leaves you longing for the next book in the series.

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Sheep is a beautiful illustration of a father’s heart and the love a father has for his child. The most emotionally compelling of the four stories (though they all evoked emotion) this novel will have you wishing Colton Parker was a real person because you feel like he’s your friend. In this story, Colton delves into the depravity found in the “Sin City” when he investigates prostitution rings, drug dealers and warped cults. With all of the twists and turns in The Lost Sheep, you’ll want to set aside time to read this book strait through as it will have you on the edge of your seat. By books end you are satisfied with the results of Colton’s investigative work. You’ll not only weep with Colton, but you’ll also want to hang out with him on future cases

Adding a new reviewer to my blog!!! Review of One Step Over the Border by Stephen Bly!

It occurred to me today that my husband tends to read different books than I do or that he reads them long before I get a chance to check them out. Especially if the authors are male. My son is the same way. I am going to take advantage of that and interview them after they finish the books since they tend to rave about them to me when they are done, anyway. So starting today I'm going to post reviews by my family members as well as my own. That will hopefully get me a bit caught up. Here goes...

My spouse's review of One Step Over the Border by Stephen Bly.



About the book:

Award-winning author Stephen Bly weaves the tale of a pair of contemporary cowboys on a quest across the West. As a boy in Wyoming, Hap Bowman fell in love with a girl named Juanita. Ever since, he's experienced nothing but failure and misfortune.

Laramie Majors--quiet, reserved, and patient to a fault--hasn't left Hap's side since they became rodeo partners right out of college. Now, after spending most of his adult life looking for Juanita, Hap wants to do one last big search that will take them all over the Southwest before he admits defeat.

Together these two cowpokes find themselves reluctant heroes in a series of misadventures as they travel the West, all the while thinking that Hap's--or Laramie's--true love may be in the next town.

Hubby's review:

A slightly humorous tale about two friends who are always getting into trouble, One Step Over the Border was hard to put down. Engaging characters and an interesting plot keeps you turning the pages. The main character was looking for his childhood sweetheart and the antics that occurred on his search created some laugh-out-loud moments. By story’s end you’ll want to keep hanging out with the rodeo cowboys, especially since a very touching scene will stir your heart at the conclusion of the story.

To read chapter one on Barnes & Noble's site, click here

READ Chapter 1