The Girl in the River by Kate Rhodes

I've been introduced to a new mystery series from England and I like it. This is the fourth of the Alice Quentin novels. It reads well on its own and I liked it well enough to read the others in the series.

Alice Quentin is a psychologist invited to work with the Forensic Psychology Unit of the Met. The daughter of a government minister had been attacked a year ago and survived. The Met had closed the case after six months but the mother was insisting it be reopened. Alice would use her expertise to support the family and look for new leads.

The attack was shocking. The woman's face was horribly disfigured and she was left in the Thames to drown. Alice begins her consulting and immediately another is attacked, disfigured, and left in the Thames to drown. The victims are associated with the minister and Alice finds there is a deadly secret in the family. When a police woman working the case goes missing, Alice works desperately to uncover the murderer.

I like Alice as a character. She is a flawed sleuth as she suffers from claustrophobia. She has relationship issues. She has a mother succumbing to Parkinson's and a brother battling depression. Even with these issues weighing her down, she works hard to identify the villain.

I like Rhodes' writing style. There is a good pace to the novel as Alice's personal life is revealed while the work to catch the murderer intensifies. There are well developed scenes in the novel, some gruesome and some filled with suspense.

I always like to learn something when I read a novel and in this one it was about excavating the Thames. There is a great deal of history centered on this river and it was interesting to read about the artifacts discovered and their meaning.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a psychological thriller. It has a good pace with believable characters. It may be a bit complex but I found it an enjoyable novel.

A note to my regular blog readers. There is casual sex and mild swearing in this novel.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Kate Rhodes is the author of two collections of poetry and the Alice Quentin novels. She writes full time and lives in Cambridge with her husband, a writer and film-maker. You can find out more here.

Witness Impulse, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

When Trouble Comes by Philip Graham Ryken

Jesus told his disciples they would have trouble (John 16:33). That's true for us too. Trouble will come. Ryken looks at the lives of several people in the Bible and clarifies what they did when trouble came. He gleans lessons for us today from their examples.

From Isaiah we learn our part of confessing our sins and God's part of atoning for that sin. From Elijah we learn about spiritual depression, its causes and cures. From Ruth we see that some blame God for their troubles while others, like Ruth, continue to go with God. From David we learn about sexual sin and from Jeremiah, about the dark night of the soul. Mary is an example of being devoted to God. Ryken reminds us that Jesus understands our troubles. Jesus did not try to get out of his troubles but embraced his calling. He gives us our highest motivation, a commitment to God's glory. Lastly, Paul yields encouragement for being persecuted because of faith.

Ryken's final words are based on those of Jesus too. “Take heart.” If Christ has overcome the world, then we can overcome the world, resist temptation, persevere through persecution, live and die for Christ and his kingdom.

There is a great deal of encouragement in this book. “So do not take the easy way out, make the hard choice instead. When the situation is desperate and even God seems to be going against you, do not give up, but trust his good plan.” And, “Don't give up and don't give in. Keep offering your life for the plans and purposes of God.”

What the book lacks is practical suggestions for doing what Ryken encourages. I thought perhaps the Discussion Guide would have some. Unfortunately, it does not. One of the questions is, “What activities or disciplines might renew your spirit and help you experience God's grace in times of trouble?” Apparently readers must come up with their own ideas as to not giving up, persevering, etc.

The best part of the book, I thought, was Ryken sharing what helped him when he was experiencing trouble. Knowing that his trouble was a normal part of life, trying to live the ordinary routines of life, friends, and God's Word were what sustained him.

From the way the book is written and structured, I suggest it be read and discussed within a group of trusted friends. People can share with others what worked for them when trouble came. This is a short book so it would not be intimidating for new Christians.

Food for thought: “Jesus did not get out of trouble, but went through it, and everything he went through brought glory to God.”

You can watch a video of Ryken on this topic here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Philip Graham Ryken is the eighth president of Wheaton College. He formerly served as senior minister of Philadelphia's historic Tenth Presbyterian Church. He has written or edited more than 40 books. He has lectured and preached at universities and seminaries worldwide.

Crossway, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Eden Hill by Bill Higgs

This debut novel was a delightful trip down memory lane. If you remember fried Spam and Tang for breakfast, you'll love this novel. If you're too young to remember ducktail haircuts, read this novel and be introduced to an era we Baby Boomers remember well.

The setting is the early 1960s Eden Hill, Kentucky. A small town where everybody knows everybody else. The peacefulness of the town is tested when a young couple shows up and the husband buys a vacant lot and begins the process for building a franchise service station. It will be right across the street from Virgil's old service station that's been there for years.

How Virgil and the rest of Eden Hill accommodate this intrusion makes for a fine novel. Virgil struggles with it. Is he to compete or is he to be a good neighbor? He knew times were changing but was unsure what to do about it. How was he to obey God's command to be a good neighbor yet provide for his own family?

Virgil is just one of the many characters in this novel that tug at your heart. There is a Baptist pastor who loves the people of the town yet faces a quandary. When all is not right in Eden Hill, should he meddle? There is a crotchety old church member who complains about everything. There are farmers and storekeepers. There is Virgil's wife, a woman trying to make her way through a time of change and modernity. There is the young, would be service station owner with a wife and newborn daughter.

The novel brings out many issues of the day. Franchise businesses were getting popular in a time when owning your own business was the American dream. Some of the parent companies would burden their franchise owners with huge financial debts. More generic issues include arrogance, compassion, and racial tension.

There are some funny times in this novel too. Virgil's wife loves to try new recipes. She makes a casserole of cauliflower, rutabagas, eggplant, tomatoes, and zucchini. On top? Coconut and whipped cream. The cornstarch package showing the recipe on the side panel said it could also be served as dessert. Only in the 60s!

This is a rewarding nostalgic journey to a time when women made their own clothes, gas sold for under thirty cents a gallon, and neighbors helped one another. I recommend it to those who like the Mitford novels or ones similar.

You can find out more about the book and read the first chapter here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Bill Higgs is a former engineer and avid storyteller. He lives in Kentucky with his wife, author Liz Curtis Higgs. This is his first novel.

Tyndale House, 400 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this novel from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Escaping Reality by Rachel Skatvold

I enjoyed this Christian romance. The plot was rather predictable but I really liked the characters. They made the book a delight.

Addison is part of a media popular family. She was a well known TV personality herself. And she had just run away from her wedding rehearsal – after her fiance was caught kissing another woman. And now she was stuck in the mud on a rural Montana road, miles from the secluded getaway where she hoped to put her life back together.

Enter Logan, a bearded horse rider who would rescue Addie and take her to the family ranch. But Addie has no trust for a man and sparks fly. It isn't too long, however, and a different kind of spark begins to kindle.

I had a like/dislike attitude toward Addie. She has been deeply hurt and it just might be that a family like Logan's will help in the healing process. But she is not honest with them and hides that she is a TV star. That comes back later to hurt Logan and sabotage their budding romance.

It was the secondary characters that I really liked. Logan's grandfather is a wise man and gentle in his advice. He is a great mentor character. I liked Logan's mom too. She has been hit a hard blow by the loss of a son and her own debilitating injury. Yet she is able to evaluate her family's situation and provide good counsel. My favorite character was Dylan, the young deaf nephew of Logan. He faced a tough future and needed strong mentoring. My least favorite character was Jared, the jerk who betrayed Addie on the way to the altar. Skatvold did a good job of getting me to dislike him.

Discussion Questions at the end of the book cover some of the themes. There is the theme of loyalty within a family and among friends. Addie must decide if she will be honest, even if it means the loss of potential love. Logan faces the challenge of overcoming what he feels was a major failure on his part. Logan's parents face the daunting task of passing on the ranch to the next generation.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a good romance with a wonderful setting and great characters.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book:

Blog Stops

July 6: Blossoms and Blessings
July 7: The Editor’s Note
July 8: Bukwurmzzz
July 9: Texas Book-aholic
July 9: Cassandra M’s Place
July 10: 100 pages per hour
July 11: Reviewing Novels Online
July 12: Inklings and Notions
July 13: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
July 14: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
July 15: Daysong Reflections
July 16: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 17: Carpe Diem
July 18: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
 

Rachel Skatvold is an inspirational author and stay at home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance, devotions, and encouraging blogs. She enjoys a number of hobbies, including camping with her husband and two young sons. You can find out more at www.rachelskatvold.com.

You can purchase the book here.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Ante Up by Chautona Havig

   This is a good novel about family relationships, loyalty, forgiveness, and more. It is the last one in the Aggie Series but the author has included synopses of the previous novels so it can be read on its own. Aggie became the guardian of her sister's large family years ago. Now Aggie is married and she and her husband are adding to the brood.

   The novel opens as Aggie's family returns home to vandalism, again. The culprits seem to be guys Vannie, the oldest niece, knows. The damage may be a result of comments made about the odd clothing she wears.

   The novel includes good examples of family dynamics, such as forgiveness. It also includes the troubles of young teens as they try to understand their coming of age and the actions of other teens. A major feature of the novel is Aggie's very pregnant state, including an uncooperative bladder.

   I found the author's writing style a bit confusing for me. There are lots of broken sentences that left me wondering what was going to be said. This also happened with thoughts.

   Sometimes I just didn't understand what is going on. Here's an example. Vannie, the oldest of the kids, and a newly found friend in the form of a guy, have finished teaching kids' Sunday School. As they are walking back to the church:

   “A strange rapping, tapping sounded nearby. She started to make a joke about Poe when Laird's face showed in the men's bathroom window. He plastered his cheek against it, palms on the pane, and slid down out of sight. 'Oh, brother.'”

   Josiah laughed with her all the way back to the church steps. 'I know how he feels, though. Sometimes...'”

   And the scene moves on to another thought and topic. I have no idea what that scene was all about. I wish Josiah would have told us what he meant about knowing what Laird felt. I haven't a clue.

   There is some good humor in the book. For example, one of the boys sings, “So shall I be saved from anemones!”

   I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a novel about a conservative Christian family making their way through the adventures and trials of life.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Chautona Havig lives in a small, remote town in California's Mojave Desert with her husband and six of her nine children. She writes stories of fictional people who have real problems, weaknesses, and triumphs. Through their stories, she tries to share the Hope that is within her.

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 386 pages. Purchase your copy here.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer & Sandra Glahn

This novel is centered on cutting edge medical procedures. Readers interested in IVF, cloning, and stem cell research will find a great deal of information included in the plot.

The story revolves around the work of an embryologist and his experiments manipulating human embryos. He is a partner in a fertility clinic helping couples who are having trouble conceiving. A high profile couple from Mexico uses the clinic's services, resulting in the birth of twins. It is clear from their skin and hair color, that the twin girls are not the offspring of the husband. He sues the clinic and the lives of the three doctors are forever changed.

This novel contains a vast amount of medical information regarding fertilization, DNA, cloning, and stem cell research. For me, it was too much information. I would have preferred the novel concentrate on one aspect of the several cutting edge medical issues involved. The novel could have then been a little shorter and, for me, a little more readable.

The plot is complex. The embryologist is experimenting in embryo stem cell research because his family, including a very high public official, is suffering from a debilitating neurological disease. He has the secret help of government officials, something that seems unrealistic to me.

There is a good Christian message included in the book. Two of the doctors are committed Christians and we read of their witnessing to the third, the rogue embryologist. There is some suspense in the novel too, as the secret government officials are willing to kill to keep the covert research from being made public. There is also a little romance involved, although it takes a back seat to the medical research topic.

I recommend this novel to those with serious interest in issues like stem cell research. You'll receive a great deal of information while reading the story.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

William Cutrer, MD, (1951-2013) was a recognized expert in reproductive technology and medical ethics, and an ordained minister. At the time of his death he was a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sandra Glahn, PhD, is a professor in media arts and worship at Dallas Theological Seminary. She is a journalist and the author or co-author of twenty books.

Kregel Publication, 416 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Murder Mezzo Forte by Donn Taylor

Taylor has crafted a rewarding novel for readers who enjoy clever word play. The allusion to literary works, the (sometimes awful) puns, and the snappy dialog are the crowning features of this mystery.

This is the second novel featuring Preston Barclay. I've not read the first one but really enjoyed this one. He's a professor of history who has music constantly running through his mind. I wasn't familiar with many of the pieces he heard and found the whole concept a bit irritating. He hears less of the music as the novel progresses so that aspect of the novel ended up being tolerable for me.

Another professor has been murdered and Preston is implicated. He sets out to find the real killer, enlisting the aid of another professor. Mara Thorn is a religion professor, a former Wiccan converted to Christianity. It becomes apparent that there are those who do not want Preston and Mara to succeed in their investigation.

Here are a couple of examples of Taylor's writing style. Preston and Mara are talking to an old woman who cannot see well. “...[T]hey call it 'immaculate degeneration' or some such...” (201) Here is the description of the chairman of the math department. “Freda...was a heavy woman of about sixty or so with a personality like a horned frog. She was shaped kind of like one, too.” (17)

I appreciated the development of the characters in the novel, especially Mara. She has a past trauma she needs to conquer. It was good to see her relationship with Preston be a part of that healing.

I like to learn a little something when I read a novel and in this case it was about the academic world. The administration of this private university was always concerned about funding and sometimes that took precedence over academic issues. Preston's daughter was involved in an incident of free speech on another campus so I learned a bit about that too.

This is a decent mystery with a surprise villain at the end. I highly recommend it to those who like characters steeped in literature and music.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Donn Taylor is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Afterwards, he earned a doctorate in Renaissance literature and taught at two liberal arts colleges. He has written several novels and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, Texas. You can find out more at http://www.donntaylor.com/.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, 295 pages. You can buy a copy here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Life is Better at the Beach

I grew up on an island, spending lazy summer days at the beach. I know life is better at the beach.

This is a great book to read on vacation. It contains insights centered around relaxing at the beach and then applies them to daily life. Some are lessons about life in general while others are specific to the Christian life. Scripture and quotes from well known people are also included. The illustrations of beach scenes are beautiful.

Here are some of the insights:

• Take time to soak in the sun (Son).
• Wake up each day with hopeful anticipation.
• Observe the rhythm of the tide (and God's perfect timing).
• Ride a wave and realize you are in God's care.
• Get lost in a book (engage your mind, share the lives of others).
• Relax to the sound of the waves (God, creating and sustaining).
• Create lasting memories (every day).

A trip to the beach reminds us of the beautiful gifts God gives us daily. This book reminds us to keep our eyes open each day, watching for evidence of God. It reminds us we can choose our priorities, that we can leave our troubles with God.

This book would be a good one to take on vacation. I suggest you take a journal along and read a rule a day, jotting down your thoughts. Or you could read a rule a weekend, as the author also suggests. You could experience the peace and rejuvenation of a day at the beach every Saturday.

Food for thought: “Be encouraged: you can live like you're at the beach.”

Thomas Nelson, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.