Book Review: Presumed Dead by Barbara Ann Derksen

Andrea Wilton and Brian Strait, from Shuster Detective Agency, take on another case to find a missing person. This second book in the series introduces DJ Wiebe, a biker who rides with The Sons Riders, a Christian biker ministry. Another biker, a member of The Demons Raiders, is missing and presumed dead. DJ, his friend, hires Shuster Detective Agency to find him. He initiates Andrea and Brian into the biker culture, a world that encompasses motorcycles, leather, drugs and murder.

I chose to review this book because I had read the first one. Presumed Dead by Barbara Ann Derksen was written in the same style as the first one. It was good mystery that kept my attention because I wanted to see how it ended. The dialogue was a little cheesy at times and I have a hard time with the way Brian is portrayed. There is a couple of times I said to myself, "really". However, I did finish reading it. The author did a good job of weaving two story lines together along with reminding us of situations from the first book. You can still read this book and follow along even if you haven't read the first one. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes and no. If you are looking for an indepth story line with deep characters and interesting byplay this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a quick weekend or vacation book that you can enjoy without too much thought then you will like Presumed Dead by Barbara Ann Derksen

You can purchase this book at Amazon. 

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

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Book Review: Vanished by Barbara Derksen

Vanished by Barbara Derksen 

"Their lives are changed forever when murder and kidnapping take Brian Strait and Andrea Wilton to Haiti, the land of voodoo and street children. Vanished tells the story of their search for their friends, Trent and Diane Michner, but before they ever get started, a neighbor is murdered on Andrea’s doorstep and then her house is burned to the ground. Two men in a black Mustang shadow the couple."

All they had to say in the description was that this book was considered a mystery and I was hooked. It was an easy quick read and the story kept my attention fairly well. There were a few plot twists and surprises but it wasn't one of those "Oh My Goodness, I didn't see that coming" type of books.

There is some easy banter between friends with a blossoming relationship that you know is coming. The two main characters decide to save their friends and have many obstacles to face including their house being burned down. There is a great side story that will really warm your heart as they show compassion to a little girl in Haiti. I enjoyed the fact that Andrea came into her own and became an independent and strong woman by the end of the story.

This is a great weekend of vacation read, the type of book that you don't have to think to much about as you go along. It is the first part in a series and I have the second book so stay tuned for that review.

You can purchase this book on Amazon in paperback or Kindle version

 I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

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Book Review: Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss

Have you ever heard of the Proverbs 31 woman found in the book of Proverbs in yes, chapter 31? Many of us have and many strive our entire lives to live up to a standard that is frankly unachievable. Amy Bayliss’ book Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 has given me a fresh perspective on the Proverbs 31 woman and also a freedom from guilt that is totally misplaced.

This bible study is laid out in an easy to handle format. Each chapter gives you a chance to dig deeper into Proverbs 31 and also deeper into The Word. There is scripture to look up, which I really like because we are told to test what hear against God’s Word. There are also thought provoking questions that really make you take a look at yourself and see where you stand. Amy also uses examples from her own life to explain things, which helps me to understand where she is coming from.  It makes her more of a real person, living a real life, just like me.  She also gives us suggestions to implement the things that we are learning from God’s Word.

All in all I enjoyed Amy’s book Pursuit of Proverbs 31.  It put a clearer perspective on the illusive Proverbs 31 woman making her more of a guideline not a rulebook!

You can purchase this book on Kindle at Amazon.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

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Book Review: Simply Grilling

Simply Grilling by Jennifer Chandler was a very informative and interesting cook book. As a cookbook junkie, I was excited to review this book. The recipes were well organized and easy to follow. The pictures, which are important to me, were outstanding! I really like that she offers suggestions for sides and desserts that are also in the book. Yes, there are desserts also that you can make on the grill. I really enjoyed this book!












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

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Book Review: Farm Fresh Southern Cooking Straight from the Garden to Your Dinner Table

I decided to review Farm Fresh Southern Cooking: Straight from the Garden to Your Dinner Table this time because I love cookbooks! Probably to the point that I collect them more that actually use them. I decided to get the ebook version because I am trying to simplify and get rid of things. However, I don't think I like doing this with actual cookbooks.


I did enjoy Farm Fresh Southern Cooking. It has stories of different farms all over the south that corresponds with certain recipes. I like cookbooks that bring in the "real world". One thing that I didn't care for was that a couple of the recipes used baking mixes and such but that is more of a personal preference. The pictures were amazing and the recipes looked yummy! I can't wait to try a few of them! I think it would be much easier if I lived farther in the south and had access to Farmer's Markets year around. 








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

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Book Review: The 13th Tribe

 

If you have been following my reviews you may have noticed that I enjoy a certain type of book. It's no secret that Ted Dekker is my favorite author! Suspenseful, intense, thriller, those are the types of books that I enjoy and I have to say that The 13th Tribe by Richard Liparulo did not fail to deliver!

I was very excited that I got to snag a copy of this book before they ran out. The book starts out in a archeological dig where the main character has job as a security guard. He has been through a traumatic accident that left him questioning his faith. He and his family decided a change of scenery was needed. The story continues to build and has so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down. I don't want to give away to much because at the end there was such a plot twist I actually said out loud,"NO WAY!" The story intertwines with the book of Numbers in the Bible, when the Israelites convinces Aaron to make the golden calf. Again, I don't want to give away to much so you need to grab a copy and read it for yourself. If you do, leave me a comment when you finish and let me know what you think!

Now, I don't want to scare you away by the fact that I said Dekker was my favorite author because this is a straight up story with no "slime on the walls". It is an action packed book that I couldn't put down. In fact, as soon as I finished it I went to check out Liparulo's other books!




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

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Book Review: Behemoth

Do dinosaurs still exits? I recently read Behemoth by Jonathan C. Leicht that was about this exact question. As the book starts out, I feel like I am in Jurassic Park. It quickly moves into a university setting where a professor is giving his last lecture before he has to leave. He is making the case for his belief that dinosaurs did exist at the same time as man. I enjoyed this book because it was different than my normal type genre. It did keep my attention although it was a little technical at times. I definitely would give it a chance.











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

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Book Review: Eyes of Justice

This is the third Lis Wiehl book that I have had the opportunity to review and it is the fourth book in the Triple Threat series. I really enjoy Lis Wiehl's books and believe she is a great story teller. This book was very intriguing. I couldn't believe how quickly the story drew me in. I couldn't put it down. The first chapter sets the stage and by the second chapter you are shocked to the core. If you have read any of the other books in the series you won't want to miss Eyes of Justice.

The characters are well written and I feel like I am right their with them. I get completely wrapped up in the story and their lives. Great story!
















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

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Book Review: The Soul Reader

The Soul Reader by Gerard D. Webster was the second book in a series. I hadn't read the first one but was able to follow the story easily. It actually made me want to go back and read the first book. The main character, Wade, has the gift of being able to read souls by looking into their eyes. He is involved in a criminal investigation which leads him down a dangerous path. Along the way he learns more about himself and how he is losing his own soul. There was enough suspense to keep me interested plus a great story line along the way. I enjoyed reading this book and will be reading the first book soon.










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

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Book Review: Invasion

Over the weekend I finished another book. This time I chose a fiction book. At the time I didn't realize it was a young adult book. As I started reading Invasion by Jon Lewis, I was quickly hooked. The main character is a 16 year old boy whose parents are killed in a car wreck. He is told it was by a drunk driver but soon finds out that was just the cover story. As the story progresses we find out there is a whole world out the public has no idea exists. I don't want to give to much away but think comic book heroes and aliens among us. I enjoyed the story and think my sons will like to read it also. It is going to be a series so I am sure I will be reading the next one too. If you have children in your family that like sci-fi fiction give this book a chance. It was a good book and kept me interested once I got into the story.






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

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Book Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church

I was accidentally shipped the wrong book recently but I decided to go ahead and read the book I recieved. I surprisingly enjoyed it. The book was "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Murrow. As a wife to a husband that rarely goes to church, I thought this book has some great insite. The author opened my eyes to what he calls the feminization of Jesus. There was so much that I hadn't really thought about. I highly recommend this book if nothing else just to make you think. Look around your own church and see if the population is mainly women. If so ask yourself why.

One question that I thought was interesting is toward the end of the book in the chapter Getting the big story right, is the gospel being portrayed as a chick flick?  Is the Lamb of God being predominately preached or the Lion of Judah? It even made me think about some of the praise songs we sing. Like I said this book really opened my eyes to how some men might feel sitting in some of our churches today.










Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

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Newborn Pictures: Baby Emma

I love newborn photoshoots!

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Book Review: Heaven is for Real

I decided to review "Heaven is For Real" by Todd Burpo even though I am a tad bit leery or cynical about books like this. I have heard a ton of people talk about it so I figured why not. It is a really easy and interesting book to read. I love to read about people's lives and this book really drew me in. I have a special needs daughter who has spent time in the hospital so I felt a connection with the parents. When I started reading Colton's description of heaven it made me think of having such child-like faith.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It is a fairly short book but it will draw you in and hold your attention. I even cried a little! Heaven is a wonderful place and the description from the mouth of a child makes me long for it.








Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

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Book Review: Waking Hours

First thing I want to say is that if you get easily spooked or dream about what you read, I wouldn't recommend reading this book before going to bed. That being said, I really liked this book!

Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl was a well written story. It made you think about things that we don't see with our physical eyes. There is a spiritual world right along with our physical word, that we don't see and some do not like to think about. This book makes you look at possibilities some try to ignore. I love books that make you think outside the box.

The story line was easy to follow and I didn't want to put it down. The two main characters and the story line flow well with each other. One is a forensic psychologist, the other is a private investigator in training. The story doesn't completely end, and it looks to be a trilogy. Check it out and see what you think!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Book Review: The Baker's Wife

I chose to review a fiction book this time and boy was it good. It was a quick read, which is all I seem to have time for lately. Anyway, I really enjoyed The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to walk in someone else's shoes? What if you could actually feel the pain and hurting that another person was experiencing?  If God led you to a hurting, needing, person would you step out of your comfort zone and help them even if it caused you physical pain? The main subject in this book had to ask herself these questions.

The Baker's Wife had just the right amount of suspense to keep your attention. I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense stories but also stories that make you wonder could that really happen. I was entertained but challenged all at the same time.






 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

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A nice getaway

My husband and I ran away for the weekend. We spent three days at a wonderful treehouse cabin. No cellphones, wifi, or our children. Which was just what we needed! :-)




I have been very busy with my business and he has been left at home to keep up with the kids.



We needed time to ourselves to reconnect with each other!



This was the perfect place and was just what the doctor ordered.



Time alone together is so important and I forget that at times. Can't wait to go back next year!

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Book Review: Put Your Dream to the Test

I know I haven't posted on here in ages but I wanted to share a review of a book that I read. It is Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to help you see it and seize it by John Maxwell. This has been a very encouraging book and has helped me ask myself some hard questions. It has encouraged me to pursue my dream by taking ownership of it. By writing down my dream it helps me to focus on it and the steps to pursue it.

What are your dreams? Do you have a general idea or a clear path? "Only those who see their dreams are able to seize their dreams."






 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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365-192-198

Just random

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365-187-191

I was able to take pictures of a precious newborn last week. I enjoyed it so much!
Here are a few!

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