Thursday 30 September 2010

Petra, A city of Stone ~ review





About the Book:

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discover the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.

About the author:

T. L. Higley holds a degree in English literature and has written six precious novels including the Christy Finalist Shadow of Colossus, City of the Dead, and Guardian of the Flame.

My review:

This is yet another new author for me and I have to say WOW! T. L. Higley makes Petra the City of Stone come ALIVE and you feel as if you are there! The History comes alive and this story is fascinating to say the least! The mystery of this story will keep you reading and if you are like me....I did NOT want to put it down!!

This is a MUST READ!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Thank you B&H Publishing group for this complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review! ! I am ever so thankful!

Monday 27 September 2010

Judgement Day ~ Review

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Judgment Day
WaterBrook Press (September 21, 2010)


by
Wanda Dyson






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Wanda Dyson – "a shining example of what Christian fiction is becoming..." (Christian Fiction Review). She's been called a "natural" and a "master of pacing," but her fans know that whether it's police thrillers, suspense, or bringing a true story to life, Wanda knows how to take her readers on a journey they'll never forget.



Wanda is a multipublished suspense author, currently writing for Random House/Waterbrook. Her one attempt at a nonfiction book was picked for an exclusive release on Oprah. In addition to writing full time, she is also the appointment coordinator for the CCWC, Great Philadelphia Christian Writers, and ACFW conferences.



Wanda lives in Western Maryland on a 125 acre farm with a menagerie of animals and when she's not writing critically acclaimed suspense, or away at conferences, you can find her zipping across the fields on a 4-wheeler with Maya, her German Shepherd, or plodding along at a more leisurely pace on her horse, Nanza.



With the release of her newest hit, Judgment Day, Wanda is heading back to the keyboard to start on her next high-octane thriller, The Vigilante.





ABOUT THE BOOK



Sensational journalism has never been so deadly.



The weekly cable news show Judgment Day with Suzanne Kidwell promises to expose businessmen, religious leaders, and politicians for the lies they tell. Suzanne positions herself as a champion of ethics and morality with a backbone of steel—until a revelation of her shoddy investigation tactics and creative fact embellishing put her in hot water with her employers, putting her credibility in question and threatening her professional ambitions.



Bitter and angry, Suzanne returns home one day to find an entrepreneur she is investigating, John Edward Sterling, unconscious on her living room floor. Before the night is over, Sterling is dead, she has his blood on her hands, and the police are arresting her for murder. She needs help to prove her innocence, but her only hope, private investigator Marcus Crisp, is also her ex-fiancé–the man she betrayed in college.



Marcus and his partner Alexandria Fisher-Hawthorne reluctantly agree to take the case, but they won’t cut Suzanne any slack. Exposing her lack of ethics and the lives she’s destroyed in her fight for ratings does little to make them think Suzanne is innocent. But as Marcus digs into the mire of secrets surrounding her enemies, he unveils an alliance well-worth killing for. Now all he has to do is keep Suzanne and Alex alive long enough to prove it.



Watch the book trailer:







If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Judgment Day, go HERE.


My REVIEW:

This book was AWESOME! I could not put it down! The suspense, mystery, and hint of romance were all just incredible! Suzanne is one of those reporters that doesn't care what she says or who gets in her way! She just wants the ratings and will do whatever it takes to be #1! Well, finally she messes with the wrong person and everything that she has ever done comes back around!
The only person who is qualified to the job and help her is her ex !! Even He knows what she is capable of and isn't sure he should take her case ! Judgement Day comes for everyone but Suzanne was sure hers wasn't coming as soon as it appeared it might! To find out more this is one you won't want to miss!

Judgment Day is a ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥



Sunday 26 September 2010

What are you reading?



Sheila with Book Journey
I am SOOOOO VERYYYY excited about this weeks reading! You know when you get those books that are just so stinkin awesome that you wish you could just hideaway in a cabin somewhere with LOTS of firewood, coffee and do nothin but READ!! :) YEP~ I have one of those weeks!

This is book 2 in the Women of Justice series by Lynette Eason! The first book (Too Close to Home) was AWESOME!


This will be yet another new author for me and I am really looking forward to this one!


This is a book I have waited for with GREAT ANTICIPATION!! This is..... Billy Coffey's debut novel! I have read Billy's blog for quite some time now. If you aren't a follower of Billy's ...trust me...You should be! I will be reviewing his book in mid-october!



Tomorrow I will posting my review of this book!! It's a Page Turner for sure!!


What about you? How is your reading this week? Hope it is a good one!!

Have a blessed week and Happy Reading ♥

Thursday 23 September 2010

Love's First Bloom ~ Review

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Love's First Bloom


Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)


by
Delia Parr






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:







Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.









ABOUT THE BOOK



Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime.



But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist.



Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for.



Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's First Bloom, go HERE.



My Review:

This book will capture you from the beginning! Life isn't always easy and sometimes we question and doubt why we are in certain circumstances but in Love's First Bloom you will find that Truth prevails and God works in ways that will surprise you!
When Ruth is sent away with a child in her arms she struggles with her new identity and the last thing she ever imagined would be that she would fall in love! But just like Ruth, Jake has a secret of his own! Will they be able to get past the lies and deceit?
You will have to read this one to find out!!

This book has romance, mystery and faith that will inspire you! I rate it ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Thank you CFBA for the complimentary book in exchange for this honest review


Wednesday 22 September 2010

Running around (and such) Review




Running Around (and Such)
Lizzie Searches for Love, Book 1
By Linda Byler
Published by Good Books
May 2010;$13.99US; 978-1-56148-688-5

CAN LIZZIE FIND HAPPINESS IN HER AMISH COMMUNITY OR WILL SHE HAVE TO SETTLE FOR SOMETHING LESS THAN HER DREAMS?

Lizzie Glick longs to fit into her quiet Amish community. Her sisters, Emma and Mandy, are ready to get married and settle into the traditional rhythm of having children and keeping house. But Lizzie isn't sure that's what she wants for her future. It isn't that Lizzie doesn't want to stay Amish. It's just that there's so much to figure out!

Stephen, her quiet, gentle friend, hints that he might be interested in a relationship deeper than friendship, but Lizzie is also drawn to the charming Amos who seems to have eyes for everyone but her.

She has certainly attracted the attention of the egg-truck driver. A thrill runs through her every time the worldly man comes to pick up an order, each time extending his stay a little longer. How long will she keep this a secret from Emma -- and Mam and Datt?

What will become of Lizzie? She has too hot a temper. She hates housework and dislikes babies. She loves driving fast horses but is petrified of going away from home for a week to work as a maud (maid). Is she too spirited, too innocent, and almost too uninhibited for a young Amish woman?

INCLUDES EIGHT OF LIZZIE'S FAVORITE AMISH RECIPES

Author Bio
Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children, and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.


MY REVIEW:

I haven't really read alot of books about the Amish, but have truly enjoyed the ones I have read so far! This particular book is written by an Author who is Amish herself! Isn't that awesome!! Running Around (and such) is really a young teen or pre-teen range of book. Lizzie is a bit too whiny & selfish but I know some teens go through this phase in their lives. She is so upset when her FAther sells their family business and takes them to a new home on a farm in a whole new county! She is distraught thinking she & her sister won't find any boys if they move! She struggles with many things and I was glad to see the Amish families written so "real." I look forward to seeing if she matures in the next book for sure!

This is the first book in this Series and I will look forward to reading the 2nd book in the "Lizzie searches for Love" Series!

Thank you FSB Associates for the complimentary issue of Running Around (and Such) in exchange for my honest review.


Sunday 19 September 2010

Mondays what are you reading?




Sheila with Book Journey hosts this meme and I love joining! Sharing my books & finding what others are reading too :)

This week looks like this

I CANNOT wait to begin this Series! I started with Book 4 "The Bishop" and Loved it so much I got all the other ones on my Kindle. So I'll begin reading this one....It is going to be soooo AWESOME!!


REview book for CFBA


Another review book for CFBA With all the suspense I look forward to some romance too ;)



What about you? What are you reading this week??

Have a blessed week

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Nudge ~ Review





About the Author:

Currently the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University, Madison, NJ, and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon, Leonard Sweet has been Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Theological School at Drew University for five years. Author of more than two hundred articles, over twelve hundred published sermons, and dozens of books, Sweet is the primary contributor (along with his wife Karen Elizabeth Rennie) to the web-based preaching resource sermons.com. Sweet has held distinguished lectureships at various colleges, universities, and seminaries and has presented academic papers before major professional societies. The founder and president of SpiritVenture Ministries, Sweet is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, state conventions, pastors’ schools, and retreats.

About the Book:

Brace Yourself. This book is set to revolutionize your understanding of evangelism. That revolution stands to affect not just your everyday habits, including encounters you have with other people, but the very roots of your faith, the range of our mission, and the limits of your freedom.

In the tradition of The Gospel According to Starbucks, this groundbreaking book dares to ask: Instead of bringing people to Jesus, how about joining Jesus in what He is already doing?

Author Leonard Sweet challenges you to use all five senses to interect with God and others. Nudge will remind you that for God to do something through us, God must be doing something in us.

My Review:

I am BIG on listening to the Holy Spirits prompting (nudges) !! I will be the first to confess I have failed miserably at times but there are also those times that I completely obeyed and WOW to watch what God does and being a part is sooo amazing!

In Nudge, Sweet teaches how to apply each of our 5 senses in a spiritual way! I have never even considered this way of Evangelism but am Amazed and Inspired by this! I've been known to pray that I have Ears to hear what the Spirit is saying or eyes to see what the Spirit shows me on that particular day but I don't recall ever asking to smell, taste, or touch Spiritually!
Sweet has some really awesome thoughts, and this is the type of book that you will want to take notes from or highlight and then go back and read it so that you "get it all" in! I highly recommend this book and am so thankful to have this in my Library.
I believe according to the statement above that says "This revolution stands to affect not just our everyday habits, but the very roots of our faith and the range of our mission" pretty much says it all! Nudge is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page!

Heart of a Bookworm gives Nudge ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥!!!

Thank you B&B media for allowing me a complimentary issue in return for my humble review.

NUDGE: Awakening Each Other to the God Who's Already There
by Leonard Sweet
www.DavidCCook.com ~ www.Leonardsweet.com
ISBN:978-1-4347-6474-4/256






More Than Words ~ Review

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


More than Words
Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)


by


Judith Miller






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history....



With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series. Please check those out on the "My Books" page on my website.



God's design on the lives of His people never ceases to amaze me! Because I am eternally grateful for my own forgiveness and salvation, I strive to share God's desire to pull us from the mire of sin and set us free to live exciting lives for Him. Through His abundant grace and love, God gifts and equips each of us to share the story of salvation and eternal life. Won't you share His story using the special gifts He has given you?





ABOUT THE BOOK



Journey to the charming villages of the Amana Colonies, 1885



Gretchen Kohler is an Amana storekeeper's daughter with a secret passion for writing. But artistic pursuits are frowned upon in her conservative Amana village, so she confines her poems and stories to her journals, letting only close friends read them.



When a young reporter comes into her store, she believes she's found a kindred spirit. She shares a few of her stories with him--only to have her trust betrayed in the worst of ways, resulting in trouble for her entire community.



The scandal is made even worse by the fact that gypsies have camped nearby and seem to be preying upon the Amanans' compassionate, pacifist nature. Will Gretchen lose her job, her reputation, and the love of her childhood beau all because of one bad decision?



Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.



If you would like to read the first chapter of More than Words, go HERE.






My Review:

Yet another new author for me and I have to say I Loved this sweet story with Gretchen, Conrad, Mr.Finley & of course the gyspies! I can't forget her grandmother OMA, who suffers with Alzheimers. Her character brings so much humor to this story and although it is funny to us, poor Gretchen wouldn't agree with me one bit! LOL It is a sweet story full of humor, a triangle of romance, dreams yearning to be fulfilled and consequences unfolding. I would definitely recommend "More than Words" and rate is 4 out of 5 ♥'s for sure! This is the first book in this series and I look forward to the 2nd book !!

Happy reading!

Saturday 11 September 2010

Max Lucado does it again! Out Live you Life ~ Review




These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.


My Review:

Max Lucado has really outdone himself with Out Live Your Life!" If you are feeling as if you are in a slump emotionally or spiritually ....THIS is the book for you! It is so Motivational and Lucado inspires us emotionally, physically and especially when it comes to making the VERY MOST of the relationship we have one on one with the LORD.

Out Live your Life is Phenomenal! A definite ♥ ♥ &hearts ♥ ♥

Also! 100% of the authors royalties from Out Live Your Life products will benefit children and families through World Vision and other ministries of faith-based compassion.

Friday 10 September 2010

Medical Error ~ Review

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!



You never know when I might play a wild card on you!





Today's Wild Card author is:





and the book:



Medical Error (Prescription for Trouble Series)

Abingdon Press (July 12, 2010)

***Special thanks to Maegan Roper, Marketing/PR Manager, Christian Fiction, Abingdon Press for sending me a review copy.***



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Dr. Richard Mabry built a worldwide reputation as a clinician, researcher, author, and teacher before retiring from medicine. He entered the field of non-medical writing after the death of his first wife, with the publication of his book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse.



Richard describes his work as "medical suspense with heart." Medical Error is his second novel. His first novel, Code Blue, was published by Abingdon Press in April of 2010, and will be followed next spring by the third book in the Prescription For Trouble series, Diagnosis Death.



He and his wife, Kay, live in North Texas.





Visit the author's website.

Visit the author's blog.



Product Details:



List Price: $13.99

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Abingdon Press (July 12, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1426710003

ISBN-13: 978-1426710001



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:





Eric Hatley’s last day alive began routinely enough.



He paused beside his brown delivery truck, shifted the bulky package, and turned in a tight circle to search for the right apartment.



Shouts filled the air. Firecrackers exploded all around him. A dozen red-hot pokers bored holes through his gut.



The package flew from his arms. He crumpled into a privet hedge at the edge of the sidewalk, clutching his midsection and recoiling when his fingers encountered something wet and slimy.



A wave of nausea swept over him. Cold sweat engulfed him.



Eric managed one strangled cry before everything faded to black.



* * *



Dr. Anna McIntyre bumped the swinging door with her hip and backed into Parkland Hospital’s Operating Room Six, her dripping hands held in front of her, palms inward. “Luc, tell me what you’ve got.”



Chief surgical resident, Dr. Luc Nguyn, didn’t look up from the rectangle of abdomen outlined by green draping sheets and illuminated by strong surgical lights. “UPS driver, making a delivery in the Projects. Got caught in the crossfire of a gang rumble. Took four bullets in the belly. Pretty shocky by the time he got here.”



“Find the bleeding source?”



“Most of it was from the gastric artery. Just finished tying it off.”



Anna took a sterile towel from the scrub nurse and began the ritual of gowning and gloving made automatic by countless repetitions. “How about fluids and blood replacement?”



Luc held out his hand, and the nurse slapped a clamp into it. “Lactated Ringer’s, of course—still running wide open. We’ve already pushed one unit of unmatched O negative. He’s finishing his first unit of cross-matched blood. We’ve got another one ready and four more holding in the blood bank.”



“How’s he responding?”



“BP is still low but stable, pulse is slower. I think we’re catching up with the blood loss.”



Anna plunged her hands into thin surgical gloves. “Lab work?”



“Hematocrit was a little over ten on admission, but I don’t think he’d had time to fully hemodilute. My guess is he was nine or less.”



Anna turned slightly to allow the circulating nurse to tie her surgical gown. “Bowel perforations?”



“So far I see four holes in the small intestine, two in the colon.”



“Okay, he’ll need antibiotic coverage. Got that started?”



Luc shrugged. “Not yet. We don’t know about drug allergies. His wallet had ID, but we’re still working on contacting next of kin. Meanwhile, I have Medical Records checking his name in the hospital computer for previous visits.”



“And if he’s allergic—“



The nursing supervisor pushed through the swinging doors, already reading from the slip of paper in her hand. “They found one prior visit for an Eric Hatley, same address and date of birth as on this man’s driver’s license. Seen in the ER two weeks ago for a venereal disease. No history of drug allergy. They gave him IM Omnilex. No problems.”



The medical student who’d been assisting moved two steps to his left. Anna took his place across the operating table from Luc.



Luc glanced toward the anesthesiologist. “Two grams of Omnilex IV please.”



Anna followed Luc’s gaze to the head of the operating table. “I don’t believe I know you. I’m Dr. McIntyre.”



The doctor kept his eyes on the syringe he was filling. “Yes, ma’am. I’m Jeff Murray, first year anesthesia resident.”



A first year resident on his own? Where was the staff man? “Keep a close eye on the blood and fluids. Let us know if there’s a problem.” Anna picked up a surgical sponge and blotted a bit of blood from the edge of the operative area. “Okay, Luc. Let’s see what you’ve got.”



In the operating room, Anna was in her element. The green tile walls, the bright lights, the soft beep of the monitors and whoosh of the respirator, the squeak of rubber soles as the circulating nurse moved about the room—all these were as natural to her as water to a fish or air to a bird. Under Anna’s direction, the team worked smoothly together. Conversation was at a minimum, something she appreciated. Do the job in the OR, talk in the surgeons’ lounge.



“I think that’s got it,” Luc said.



“Let’s check.” Anna’s fingertips explored the depths of the patient’s belly with the delicate touch of a concert violinist. Her eyes roamed the operative field, missing nothing. Luc had done an excellent job. He’d do well in practice when he finished his training in three months.



Anna stepped away from the table. “I think you’re through. Routine closure, leave a couple of drains in. Keep him on antibiotic coverage for the next few days.”



Luc didn’t need to hear that, but she figured the medical student did. She might as well earn her Assistant Professor’s salary with a little low-key teaching.



She stripped off her gloves and tossed them in the waste bucket at the end of the operating table. “If you need me—“



“Luc, we’ve got a problem. Blood pressure’s dropping, pulse is rapid.” A hint of panic rose in the anesthesiologist’s voice.



The scrub nurse held out fresh gloves, and Anna plunged her hands into them. “He must be bleeding again. Maybe one of the ligatures slipped off.”



“No way,” Luc said. "Everything was double-tied, with a stick-tie on the major vessels. You saw yourself, the wound was dry when we finished.”



“Well, we’ve got to go back in and look.” Anna turned to the anesthesiologist. “Run the IV wide open. Hang another unit of blood and send for at least two more. Keep him oxygenated. And get your staff man in here. Now!”



He snapped out a couple of requests to the circulating nurse before turning back to Anna. “He’s getting hard to ventilate. Do you think we might have overloaded him with fluid and blood? Could he be in pulmonary edema?”



“I want your staff doctor in here now! Let him evaluate all that. We’ve got our hands full.” Anna snatched a scalpel from the instrument tray and sliced through the half-dozen sutures Luc had just placed. “Deavor retractor.” She shoved the curved arm of the instrument into the edge of the open wound and tapped the medical student’s hand. “Hold this.”



Anna grabbed a handful of gauze sponges, expecting a gusher of blood from the abdomen. There was none. No bleeding at all within the wound. So why was the blood pressure dropping?



“Pressure’s down to almost nothing.” The anesthesia resident’s voice was strained. “And I’m really having trouble ventilating him.”



Dr. Buddy Jenkins, one of the senior anesthesiologists, pushed through the swinging doors. “What’s going on?”



Anna gave him the short version. “Blood pressure’s dropping, pulse is climbing. We’ve gone back into the belly, but there’s no bleeding. And there’s a problem ventilating him.”



Jenkins moved his resident aside, then slipped a stethoscope under the drapes and listened for a moment. “Wheezes. And no wonder. Look at his face.”



Anna peeked over the screen that separated the patient’s head and upper body from the operative field. Her heart seemed to skip a beat when she saw the swelling of the lips and the red blotches on the man’s face.



“It’s not blood loss,” Jenkins said. “He’s having an anaphylactic reaction. Most likely the blood. Did you give him an antibiotic? Any other meds?”



Anna’s mind was already churning, flipping through mental index cards. Anaphylaxis—a massive allergic reaction, when airways closed off and the heart struggled to pump blood. Death could come quickly. Treatment had to be immediate and aggressive.



“He had two grams of Omnilex,” Luc said. “But his old chart showed—“



Jenkins was in action before Luc stopped speaking. “I’ll give him a cc. of diluted epinephrine by IV push now, then more in a drip.” He turned to the anesthesia resident. “Get that ready— one milligram of epinephrine in a hundred milliliters of saline.”



“Luc, you two close the abdominal wound,” Anna said. “I’m going to break scrub and help Dr. Jenkins.”



Jenkins handed her a syringe. “Give him this Decadron, IV push. I need to adjust the ventilator.”



Anna injected the contents into the patient’s intravenous line. She said a quick prayer that the epinephrine and steroid would turn the tide, that they hadn’t been too late in starting treatment.



The team battled for almost half an hour, at first gaining ground, then losing it steadily. Finally, Jenkins caught Anna’s eye. They exchanged glances. There was no need for words.



She sighed and stepped away from the table. “I’m calling it.” Her voice cracked. “Time of death is eleven oh seven.”



Luc let the instrument he’d been holding drop back onto the tray. Jenkins picked up the anesthesia record and began to scribble. Murray, the anesthesia resident, turned back to his supply table and started straightening the mess. The medical student looked at Anna. She nodded toward the door, and he slipped out of the room. She didn’t blame him. This was probably the first patient he’d seen die.



Anna tossed her gloves and mask into the waste container. She shrugged, but the tension in her shoulders didn’t go away. “Any idea why this happened? The blood was supposed to be compatible. He’d tolerated Omnilex before. What else could have caused it?”



No one offered an answer. And she certainly had none. But she intended to find out.



The OR charge nurse directed Anna to the family room, where she found Hatley’s mother huddled in a corner, twisting a handkerchief and occasionally dabbing at her eyes. The room was small and quiet, the lighting was soft, the chairs as comfortable as possible. A box of tissues sat on the table, along with a Bible and several inspirational magazines. Soft music playing in the background almost covered the hospital sounds drifting in from the nearby surgical suite.



Anna whispered a silent prayer. She’d done this dozens of times, but it never got any easier. She knelt in front of the woman. “Mrs. Hatley, I have bad news for you.”



Anna stumbled through the next several minutes, trying to explain, doing her best to make sense of a situation that she herself couldn’t fully understand. When it came to the matter of permission for an autopsy, Anna wasn’t sure of the medico-legal situation here. Hatley had died after being shot, but his injuries weren’t the cause of death. Would she have to call the County Medical Examiner and get him to order one? The weeping mother solved the problem by agreeing to allow a post-mortem exam.



There was a light tap at the door, and the chaplain slipped into the room. “I’m sorry. I was delayed.” He took the chair next to Mrs. Hatley and began speaking to her in a low voice.



Anna was happy to slip out of the room with a last “I’m so sorry.” Outside, she paused and took several deep breaths.



It took another half-hour for Anna to write a chart note, dictate an operative report and final case summary, and change into clean scrubs. She was leaving the dressing room when her pager sounded. The display showed her office number followed by the suffix “911.” A “stat” page—respond immediately.



As she punched in the number, Anna wondered what else could possibly go wrong today. “Lisa, what’s up?”



“Dr. McIntyre, there are two policemen here. They want to talk with you. And they say it’s urgent.”



* * *



Nick Valentine looked up from the computer and grimaced when he heard the morgue attendant’s rubber clogs clomping down the hall. The summons he knew was coming wasn’t totally unexpected. After all, he was the pathologist on autopsy call this week, which was why he was sitting in this room adjacent to the morgue of Parkland Hospital instead of in his academic office at the medical school. But he’d hoped for some undisturbed time to get this project done.



The attendant stuck his head through the open door. “Dr. Valentine, you’ve got an autopsy coming up. Unexpected death in the OR. Dr. McIntyre’s case. She asked if you could do it as soon as possible. And please page her before you start. She’d like to come down for the post.” The man’s head disappeared like that of a frightened turtle. More clomps down the hall signaled his departure.



There was nothing new about an attending wanting a post-mortem done ASAP. You’d think they’d realize there was no hurry any more, but that didn’t seem to stop them from asking. At least she was willing to come down and watch instead of just reading his report. Nick turned to the shelf behind his desk and pulled out a dog-eared list headed “Frequently Needed Pager Numbers.” He ran his finger down the page. Here it was: Department of General Surgery. Anna E. McIntyre, Assistant Professor. He picked up the phone and punched in her number. After he heard the answering beeps, he entered his extension and hung up.



While he waited, Nick looked first at the pile of papers that covered half his desk, then at the words on his computer screen. He’d put this off far too long. Now he had to get it done. To his way of thinking, putting together this CV, the curriculum vitae that was so important in academics, was wasted effort. Nick had no interest in a promotion, didn’t think he’d get one even if his chairman requested it from the dean. But his chairman wanted the CV. And what the chairman wanted, the chairman got.



The phone rang. Probably Dr. McIntyre calling back.



“Dr. Valentine.”



“Nick, this is Dr. Wetherington. Do you have that CV finished yet?”



“I’m working on it.”



“Well, I need it soon. I want you to get that promotion to Associate Professor, and I have to be able to show the committee why I’ve nominated you. Don’t let me down.”



Nick hung up and riffled through the pile on his desk. Reprints of papers published, programs showing lectures delivered at medical meetings, textbooks with chapters he’d written, certificates from awards received. His professional résumé was pitifully small, but to Nick it represented the least important part of his job. What mattered most to him was what he was about to do: try to find out why the best efforts of a top-notch medical staff failed to save the life of some poor soul. If he did his job well, then maybe those doctors would be able to snatch some other patient from the jaws of the grim reaper.



His phone rang. “Dr. Valentine, are you about ready?” the morgue attendant said.



Nick looked at his watch. Almost half an hour, and Dr. McIntyre hadn’t responded to the page. He hated to start without her, but he might have to. “Give me another ten minutes.”



While he waited, Nick figured he might as well try to make Dr. Wetherington happy. Now when did he deliver that paper before the American Society of Clinical Pathology? And who cared, anyway?



* * *



Her administrative assistant met Anna at the doorway to the outer office. “Dr. McIntyre, I didn’t know what to do.”



“That’s all right, Lisa. I’ll talk with them.” Anna straightened her white coat and walked into her private office, where two people stood conversing in low tones. Lisa had said, “Two policemen,” but Anna was surprised to see that one of them was a woman.



The man stepped forward to meet Anna. “Doctor McIntyre?”



Anna nodded.



He pulled a leather folder from his pocket and held it open for her inspection. Anna could see the gold and blue badge pinned to the lower part of the wallet, but couldn’t read the words on it. The card in the top portion told her, though. It carried a picture beside the words, US Drug Enforcement Administration.



Lisa had been wrong. These people were from the DEA, not the police. Still, an unannounced visit from that agency made most doctors sweat. You never knew when some innocent slip might get you into trouble.



The man flipped the credential wallet closed. “This won’t take long.”



“Good. I’ve just finished an emergency case, and I still have a lot to do.” Anna moved behind her desk and sat.



“Your chairman said you’d give us as much time as we need.”



Anna glanced pointedly at her watch. “Well, have a seat and let’s get to it. What do you need from me?”



The man lowered himself into the chair, his expression slightly disapproving. His partner followed suit. “We have some things we need for you to clear up.”



“Could I see those credentials again?” Anna said. “Both of you.”



They obliged, laying the open wallets on the desk. Anna pulled a slip of notepaper toward her and began copying the information, occasionally glancing up from her writing to match the names and faces on the ID’s with the people sitting across from her. The spokesman was Special Agent John Hale, a chunky, middle-aged man wearing an off-the rack suit that did nothing to disguise his ample middle. Anna thought he looked more like a seedy private eye than an officer of the law.



The woman, the silent half of the pair so far, was Special Agent Carolyn Kramer, a woman who reminded Anna of a California surfer bunny, complete with perfect tan and faultlessly styled short blonde hair. The resemblance stopped there, though. Kramer’s eyes gleamed with a combination of intelligence and determination that told Anna she’d better not underestimate the woman. Kramer wore a stylish pants suit that had probably cost more than Anna made in a week, How could a DEA agent have money for an outfit like that?



Anna handed the badge wallets back to Hale and Kramer. “All right, how can I help you?”



Hale pulled a small notebook from his inside coat pocket and flipped through the pages. “Doctor, recently you’ve been writing a large number of Vicodin prescriptions, all of them for an excessive amount of the drug. Can you explain that?”



“I don’t know what you mean,” Anna said. “I’m pretty sure I haven’t written any more Vicodin ‘scripts than usual, and I certainly haven’t changed my prescribing practices.”



Hale nodded, stone-faced. “What are those practices?”



“I prescribe Vicodin for post-operative pain in many of my patients, but always in carefully controlled amounts, usually thirty pills at a time. By the time they’ve exhausted that first prescription I can generally put them on a non-narcotic pain reliever. It’s rare that I refill a Vicodin ‘script.”



Apparently it was Kramer’s turn in the tag-team match. She picked up a thick leather folder from the floor beside her chair, unzipped it, and extracted a sheaf of papers held together by a wide rubber band. “Would you care to comment on these?” Her soft alto was a marked contrast to Hale’s gruff baritone,



Anna’s eyes went to the clock on her desk. “Will this take much longer? I really have things I need to do.”



Kramer seemed not to hear. She held out the bundle of papers.



“Okay, let me have a look.” Anna recognized the top one in the stack as a prescription written on a form from the faculty clinic. She pulled it free and studied it. The patient’s name didn’t stir any memory, but that wasn’t unusual. She might see twenty or thirty people in a day. The prescription read:



VICODIN TABS



Disp. [#100]



Sig: 1 tab q 4 h PRN pain



At the bottom of the page, three refills were authorized. The DEA number had been written into the appropriate blank on the lower right-hand corner.



Anna squinted, closed her eyes, then looked again. There was no doubt about it. The DEA number was hers. And the name scrawled across the bottom read: Anna McIntyre, MD.



“Can you explain this?” Kramer asked.



A familiar vibration against her hip stopped Anna before she could reply. She pulled her pager free and looked at the display. The call was from the medical center, but she didn’t recognize the number. Not the operating room. Not the clinic. She relaxed a bit when she saw there was no “911” entry after the number. If this was about the autopsy, she’d have to miss it.



Hale picked up the questioning as though there had been no interruption. “What can you tell us about all these prescriptions for Vicodin?”



“I suppose the most important thing I can tell you is that I didn’t write them.” She riffled through the stack, paying attention only to the signature at the bottom of each sheet. “None of these are mine.”



“That’s your number and name. Right?” Kramer said.



“Right. But that’s not my signature. It’s not even close.”



“Can you explain how someone else could be writing prescriptions on your pads using your DEA number?” Hale asked.



“I have no idea.” Anna made no attempt to keep the bitterness out of her words. “Sorry, I’ve just lost a patient, and I’m not in the best of moods. Can’t we wind this up? I didn’t write those ‘scripts, and I don’t know who did.”



Obviously, Hale didn’t want to let the matter go. “You’re sure there’s nothing you want to tell us?”



“What would I have to tell you? I said I don’t know anything about this.”



Kramer spoke, apparently filling the role of good cop. “Take a guess. Help us out here.”



Anna felt her jaw muscles clench. These people were relentless. She had to give them something, or this would never end. “I really don’t know. I mean, we’ve got an established routine, and all the doctors here are pretty careful.”



Kramer pulled a silver ballpoint from the leather folder and began twirling it between her fingers. “Why don’t you walk us through that routine?”



Anna wanted to follow up on Hatley’s autopsy, talk with her department chair about today’s events, eventually sit down and try to relax. She was drained. The agents, on the other hand, seemed to have unlimited time and energy.



“Doctor?” Kramer’s voice held no hint of irritation. Patient, understanding, all the time in the world. Just two women chatting.



“Sorry.” Anna tried to organize her thoughts. “The prescription pads in the faculty clinic are kept in a drawer in each treatment room. That way they’re out of sight, although I guess if someone knew where they were he could latch onto one when no one was in the room.” She looked at the agents. Kramer simply nodded. Hale scowled. “Hey, we know it’s not perfect, but that’s the way we have to do it. Otherwise, we’d waste all our time hunting for a pad.”



“And do you ever forget and leave the pads sitting out when you’ve finished writing a prescription?” Kramer asked.



“Sure. Especially when we’re in a hurry.” Anna’s cheeks burned.



Hale turned a page in his notebook and frowned. “How about your DEA number?”



“You’ll notice those aren’t printed on the forms. Each of us has to fill in our number.”



“Maybe someone else had access to your number. Do nurses ever write the prescriptions for you?” This came from Kramer. Anna felt as though she was watching a tennis match, going back and forth between the two agents.



“When we have a nurse in the room with us, yes, she’ll write the prescription. I don’t know what the other doctors do, but I sign the prescriptions after she writes them. And I add the DEA number to the narcotic ‘scripts myself.”



The questioning went on for another half hour. Anna’s throat was dry, her eyes burned, she felt rivulets of sweat coursing between her shoulder blades. Finally, she’d had enough. “Look, am I being charged with something? Because if I am, I’m not saying another word without a lawyer.”



Hale replaced his notebook in his pocket. Kramer picked up her folder and purse. They let the silence hang for a moment more before exchanging glances, then standing.



“Right now, we’re simply investigating, Doctor,” Hale said. “You may be hearing from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police as well. Also, since your DEA number and identity have been compromised, I’d advise you not to prescribe any controlled substances for now. You’ll receive formal notification in writing tomorrow about applying for a new permit.”



The agents walked out, leaving Anna with her hands pressed to her throbbing temples.



* * *



Nick stepped back from the autopsy table, pressed the pedal under his right foot, and spoke into the microphone hanging near his head. “No other abnormalities noted. The balance of findings will be dictated after review of the histopathology specimens and the results of the toxicology tests. Usual signature. Thanks.” He turned away from the body and gestured to the morgue assistant to close the incisions. “I’ll be in the office if you need me. Thanks for your help.”



Nick removed his goggles and stripped off his mask, gown, and gloves. He was standing at the sink outside the autopsy room, drying his hands, when he heard footsteps hurrying down the corridor toward him. He turned to see a woman approaching. The attractive redhead wore surgical scrubs, covered by a white coat. As she neared him, he could make out the embroidered name above the breast pocket: Anna McIntyre, MD. She stopped in front of him, and the set of her jaw and the flash of her green eyes told Nick she was in no mood for light banter.



“Dr. McIntyre?”



She nodded.



“Nick Valentine. I paged you, but when you didn’t answer I had to go ahead and get started. Sorry.”



She waved away his apology. “No, it’s my fault. I couldn’t break free to answer your page. What can you tell me?”



“Why don’t I buy you a cup of coffee and I’ll tell you what I’ve found so far? If we go to the food court, we can get away from the smell down here. I hardly notice it anymore, but I’ve learned that my visitors aren’t too fond of the odor of chemicals.”



She hesitated for a few seconds. “Okay. Lead the way.”



It seemed to Nick there was a Starbucks on every corner of every major city in the US. Most important to him, however, was the one here in the basement of the Clinical Sciences Building at Southwestern Medical Center. As he waited to order, he sniffed the rich aromas that filled the air. The smell of coffee never failed to lift his spirits. Maybe it would do the same for the woman who stood stoop-shouldered beside him. For most doctors, caffeine was the engine that helped propel them through long days and longer nights. Maybe all she needed was a booster shot.



When they were seated at a corner table with their venti lattes Nick filled her in on his findings at the autopsy he’d just completed. “That’s about it,” he concluded. “I’ll sign the death certificate with the preliminary cause of death as anaphylaxis due to an unknown cause.”



“But you won’t have a final diagnosis until—“



“Right. I’ll review the tissue samples and the results of the toxicology screen, but I doubt that we’ll find anything there. I’m going to have some tests run on the blood samples I took, and maybe that will help us. I’ll need to research whether there’s a good blood test for a drug reaction or latex allergy. The long and short of it is that we may never know the real reason he developed anaphylaxis and died.”



“I hadn’t even thought of latex allergy,” she said. “But that’s pretty rare, isn’t it?”



“Less than one percent of the population. Seen in people chronically exposed to latex: surgeons and nurses, industrial workers, patients with lifelong indwelling catheters.” He felt himself slipping into his lecture mode and made an effort to pull back. “I mean, we could talk about all these uncommon things, but I’ll bet you learned the same thing in medical school that I did. When you hear hoof beats—“



“Think horses, not zebras.” She managed a tiny smile. “Yes, I know. So we should concentrate on the blood or the antibiotic. If it was the blood, there’s a problem in the blood bank because he got one unit of unmatched O negative, which should have been okay, and one unit that was supposedly compatible by cross-match.”



“The residuals in both bags of blood are being re-typed and cross-matched against your patient’s blood as we speak. We’ll know the answer by the time we finish our coffee.” He drank deeply from his cup. “Don’t you think an antibiotic reaction is the most likely cause?”



She took a sip of coffee. “Probably, although I hope not. Choosing an antibiotic wasn’t a routine matter, because we didn’t know if Hatley had any drug allergies. The resident—one of our sharpest ones, by the way—thought he’d see if we could get the information another way. He had medical records check for a previous visit for the patient. They found a recent emergency room visit by the patient where he tolerated Omnilex. Since that antibiotic’s the best choice to cover spillage from a perforated bowel, I agreed with Luc when he ordered it.”



“But—“



“I know. If you give that drug to a patient who’s allergic to it or to penicillin, their reaction is likely to be severe—like this one. But I thought, since we had that history of tolerance, it was okay.” She blinked hard. “I should have known better. Should have made him use a different drug.”



Nick sensed he was treading on thin ice here. Maybe he should change the subject. Besides, he wanted to know more about this woman. “You know, I’ve seen you in the halls, but we’ve never actually met. Did you train here?”



She hesitated before reeling off what had apparently become a stock answer. “Raised in Oklahoma. Graduated from med school in North Carolina. Duke, actually. Lucky enough to get a surgery residency here at Parkland, and when I finished I was offered a faculty position in the Surgery Department. I’ve been here a little less than a year now.”



Nick held up a hand, palm out. “I know better. You don’t get a surgery residency here because you’re ‘lucky.’ You get one because you’re good. Let me guess. AOA at Duke?” If Anna was Alpha Omega Alpha, she must have been in the top ten percent of her class.



“Right. But I don’t guess it’s enough to be bright if you foul up and cost a patient his life.” She drank from her cup, and Nick noticed that she kept swallowing several more times after that.



Nick was barely aware of the activity around him, the ebb and flow of people, the sounds of pagers punctuating dozens of conversations. All he saw was Anna. She was one of the prettiest women he’d encountered in quite a while. But he was certain there was more to this trim, green-eyed redhead than striking good looks. Right now she was focused on medicine—it was obvious she cared a great deal about her patients, and this loss hit her hard—but Nick had a sense that in a different setting she’d be fun to know. And he intended to see if he couldn’t arrange that. Anna shifted in her chair. He couldn’t let her leave yet.



“Wait a minute,” he said. “Aren’t you curious about me at all? There may be a prize if you can answer all the questions later.”



Did he see the ghost of a grin? “Sure. Why not? What’s your story—the Reader’s Digest version?”



Nick moved his cup aside and leaned forward with his elbows on the table. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could draw out their time together, but he was determined to give it his best shot. “My roots are Italian. Named for my grandfather. He was Nicolo Valentino when he got off the boat, changed his name when he got his citizenship. I’m Nicolo the Third.” He ticked off the points on his fingers. “Worked my way through pre-med at Texas Tech. Got into the med school there by the skin of my teeth. Managed to get a residency in pathology here at Southwestern. When I finished, they had an opening in the department.” He held out his hand, palm up, fingers spread, thumb tucked under. “So here I am—four years in the department, still an Assistant Professor. Up for promotion now, and I suspect that if I don’t make it they’ll cut me like a dead branch from a tree.”



Nick’s last sentence rang a faint alarm bell in his head. He had to finish that project or the chairman would be royally ticked off, but it only took Nick a second to put that chore out of his mind. He was sitting with the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. He wanted to get to know her better, and he intended to keep her here as long as possible, even if it meant incurring Dr.. Wetherington’s wrath.




MY REVIEW:

I read Dr. Mabry's first book Code Blue before this one and I enjoyed both of them soooo much! I thought they were going to be in series and although it is the "Prescription for Trouble Series" each book reads on its own.

I love the suspense & romance in both of these books! I devoured Medical Error and simply cannot wait until the 3rd book comes out next Spring. The books are clean and the women are strong and fearless (in a good way) I love how Dr. Mabry weaves in being a Believer and how that looks to those who might not have a relationship with Christ.

I rate Medical Error 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ &hearts ♥



Happy Reading!

Wednesday 8 September 2010

The Thorn ~ Review

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The Thorn
Bethany House (September 7, 2010)


by
Beverly Lewis






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Not until her own children were well into middle school did Bev seek to publish her work, first in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Dolphin Log, and Guideposts for Kids. Her first book followed in 1993—Mountain Bikes and Garbanzo Beans—presently retitled Big Bad Beans (book #22 in the popular CUL-DE-SAC KIDS series of chapter books—see list of Bev's children's books).



Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."



Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Bev's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."



A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and playing with their three grandchildren. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."







ABOUT THE BOOK



Lancaster County, with its rolling meadows and secret byways, may seem idyllic, but it is not without its thorns. THE ROSE TRILOGY is the stirring saga of two Amish sisters on the fringes of the church, and the unforeseen discoveries that change their lives.



Rose Kauffman, a spirited young woman, has a close friendship with the bishop's foster son. Nick dresses Plain and works hard but stirs up plenty of trouble too. Rose's sister cautions her against becoming too involved, but Rose is being courted by a good, Amish fellow, so dismisses the warnings.



Meanwhile, Rose keeps house for an English widower but is startled when he forbids her to ever go upstairs. What is the man hiding? Rose's older sister, Hen, knows more than she should about falling for the wrong man. Unable to abandon her Amish ways, Hen is soon separated from her very modern husband.



Mattie, their young daughter, must visit her father regularly, but Hen demands she wear Amish attire--and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, despite her husband's wishes. Will Hen be able to reestablish her place among the People she abandoned? And will she be able to convince Rose to steer clear of rogue neighbor Nick?



Watch the book trailer:











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


MY REVIEW

Will have to wait, I have yet to receive this book but hope to receive it tomorrow :) I look forward to reading this as I have heard awesome things about this author!! The book comes out today so if you LOVE Beverly Lewis then get out there and get this one!


Tuesday 7 September 2010

Choosing to SEE ~ Review




Choosing to SEE

About the Book:

From the beginning, Mary Beth Chapman's life was not how she planned. All she wanted was a calm, peaceful life of stability and control. Instead, God gave her an award-winning singer/songwriter husband, crazy schedules, and a houseful of creatively rambunctious children. Most difficult of all, God's plans for her also included tragedy.

In Choosing to SEE, Mary Beth unveils her struggle to allow God to write the story of her life, both the happy chapters and the tragic ones. And as the story unfolds, she's been forced to wrestle with some of life's biggest questions: Where is God when things fall apart? Why does God allow terrible things to happen? How can I survive hard times?

No matter where you find yourself in your own life story, you will treasure the way Mary Beth shows that even in the hard times, there is hope if you choose to SEE.


MY REVIEW:

I am just beyond thrilled with the books that I have been blessed to review lately! This book by Mary Beth Chapman & Ellen Vaughn is best described in the words of Beth Moore ~

“Every now and then a book comes along that is not only great --- it’s a gift. An Extravagant gift. This is one of those books.”

I would venture to say that whether you are a Christian or not, you most likely heard of the devastating accident involving the daughter of Christian Music Artist Steven Curtis Chapman. I can remember hearing it on the news and was just heart broken for this family. I couldn’t imagine how horrific it was for all of them and just prayed that God would get them through the most difficult times they may ever face.

When I saw that Mary Beth had written a book and then found out I had the opportunity to review it....I knew I had to read it!

Choosing to SEE is not only the story of losing their precious “Maria” but it is a story of Gods grace, HIS Strength, and the Hope that ONLY God can give. Mary Beth gives us an honest account of her early years and how she grew to know Christ and have a loving relationship instead of the religion that she grew up living in. You will find that she is as honest as Job in her despair, yet God meets her and her family in every moment of anger, sadness, doubt, and grief.

Choosing to SEE is one of those books that will be with me always....inspiring me in the days long after I’ve read it. I felt as if I had entered the home of the Chapmans and the heart of Mary Beth....a wonderful loving and godly woman that shines brightly for Christ no matter what she does....in joy or in pain.



Thank you Revell Publishing for this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review! This is a book that EVERYONE should read!



Friday 3 September 2010

Valeria's Cross ~ REVIEW




Kathy Macias and Susan Wales authored this Phenomenal Book titled Valerias Cross.


About the Book:

In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius’ wife against her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure. Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows she will never find again.



My Review:

This is an amazing read! Valeria's life is one of royalty and servants. Yet, clearly, things are NOT as they seem, as you will see as each page turns. Valeria faces temptation, doubts, and suffers just like any common person would yet Valeria comes to find the ONE that no matter what she faces she will prevail! Valeria will inspire you to rise above your circumstances no matter how bleak they may seem and rely on the ONE who will provide ALL you need! I could not help but think of the Scripture in Philippians and the Message version says it best:

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Phil 4:13

I would encourage you to read Valerias Cross! You will NOT be disappointed!

Thank you Abingdon Press for providing this complimentary in return for my honest review! 5 stars for sure :)