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Reviews Written by
Michelle Sutton (Arizona)
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This exciting romance is satisfying on so many levels. Bravo!, June 27, 2009
Angel with a Ray Gun is an emotionally moving novel and packed with spiritual truths. And it's all wrapped up in a delicious romance. What more could a romance-loving reader like me want? This author is one of the best "kissing scene" writers I've ever come across. Her writing makes me breathless without making me feel overly stimulated. Seriously. The tension in her multi-layered plotting is so realistic, too, that the conflict works perfectly to build the tension in the story. I could see the congregation finding fault with the pastor for writing science fiction and worse, for being single. I could really sense his physical temptation (and hers) and understood their desire for true love. Everything about this story made it a truly compelling read. There were no meandering sections or boring chapters. Everything worked together beautifully. It's hard to share much detail about this book because I don't want to post a spoiler. But I can honestly say that aspiring authors who want to develop believable and quirky characters, amazingly delicious romantic tension, complex internal and external plotting, and spiritual ARCs that ring true would be wise to study this novel. The only bummer is that when the story ended I could no longer hang out with Matt and AJ. They seemed so much like real people to me, and that is what makes this story superior to most romances. I really cared about both the hero and heroine's plight. Ms. Kinnard is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
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The Firstborn
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by Conlan Brown
Edition: Paperback |
| Price: $10.97 |
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| Availability: In Stock |
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Truly insightful and powerful reading., June 24, 2009
Conlan has crafted a compelling story along the lines of such talent as Bronleewe, Dekker and Parrish. I am truly impressed. The creativity of this story combined with a believable plot that twists around world problems in existence today is profound. This story breathes life and truth rather than destruction. Seriously. Don't let the creepy cover fool you.
Yeah, there are dark people in this story, but there is also light and self-sacrifice. Serving God rather than ourselves is a major theme, and showing just how misguided people can be when they think they know best rather than consulting God can be disastrous. This novel really makes you think. It's scary, bloody and a bit gross, but not without purpose. It's a man's man book, yet this wuss enjoyed it, too. Why? Because I enjoy an intelligent book with symbolism and truth interspersed throughout the plot.
I didn't see false doctrine or new age teaching, just a storyworld with clearly fabricated spiritual gifts (this is fiction) that conveyed a real life lesson Christians need to read about and hopefully allow into their hearts. The end doesn't always justify the means, but following the God of Love is crucial. Conlan did a great job showing these things without distorting the heart of the Scriptures. Bravo!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
More like 4.5 stars. Great story and emotionally engaging., June 12, 2009
This was a wonderful story. I actually got tears in my eyes at the ending. Any book that makes me sniffle from happy tears is a good book. That means I cared enough to feel something for the characters. These authors did a great job pulling me into Christine's world. She was very much a typical teenager so their perspective from Christine's point of view was excellently done. Those heart-engaging endings are the kinds of endings I love seeing in inspirational books. One that offers hope and healing and encourages young adults. It's so much the opposite of what teens read in secular YA fiction.
Anyway, because this story wasn't typical YA fiction I enjoyed that slight difference. There were no pat answers and healthy grieving was encouraged. The struggles the teens experienced were typical and well-done. Everything is "embarassing" at that age. Also, I didn't feel like a bunch of girls of verying ethnicities were thrown together to make a multicultural book happen. It flowed naturally and didn't seem forced. I appreciated that. I also appreciated the subplot involving Riley's brother Michael. I can't wait until that story comes out. I think it will be the best story of them all.
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3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
Truly horrific even if the writing was amazing!, June 9, 2009
Never wasting my time reading a scary book like this again. I feel sick. Horror is not a genre I care to read. I should have been suspicious when the back of the book merely said "fiction" and nothing else. Hmmm... If there was any doubt in me before, this story proved my gut instinct was right on. Ghostwriter was indescribably terrifying. But that word is woefully inadequate so I'll try on more for size. Disturbing. Frightening. Horrific. Gory. Disgusting. Evil. Creepy. Ack! I couldn't stop reading this book and it scared me to death. One thing I know for sure is I'm never reading another one of Thrasher's books. This one was too much like a slasher film with bodies maimed, blundgeoned to death, cut into pieces, rotting, etc. everywhere and there were so many I lost count! Ick, ick, ick. It's like reading a Stephen King novel, only worse! I won't read those either.
Interestingly enough, my oldest son (who loves Dekker) was so disturbed by Thrasher's other book, Isolation, that he refused to read this one. He said Isolation felt "dark" and he didn't feel good after reading it. He's never said this about a book before, so I was intrigued. You think I'd be smart and take his advice? Um, no. Like an idiot, what does this stupid mother do? She reads the book Ghostwriter to review anyway because the premise sounded good. And while compelled to keep reading this book, a sick sense of dread filled me the entire time and my stomach hurt. And guess what? I felt that same "ick" feeling after I finished the story. Too dark. Not redemptive enough to make it worth my time reading any more of his books. Okay, so it's not redemptive, period. Is the guy an amazing author? You bet. He did an amazing job with this story. Do I want to put myself through that type of horror again. NO WAY!
That's my review. Like it or leave it. I said my piece. It's up to you now if you want to be scared sick or not.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Good but not great., June 8, 2009
Breathe was a decent story. But it wasn't great. It seemed to last a bit too long for me. I finished it and that means it didn't bore me to tears. There were situations where the author did a great job when it came to tension and showing abusive situations, and there were times when I was worried the characters would get hurt. But I didn't connect with them as much as I would have liked to. I did appreciate the realism when it came to romantic scenes including those after marriage. Those scenes made me smile. I also appreciated that the ending wasn't rushed. But the story was a bit too drawn out, in my opinion, and would have been better if some of the storyline had been drawn tighter so that it didn't lag in some areas. The feel of the story was more of a mystery than a western, too. I would recommend this book, just not with a lot of enthusiasm.
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Great read! I was right inside this teen's head!, June 6, 2009
I am thoroughly impressed with this debut novel. Why? Because Unsigned Hype pulled me into the head of a young man who attends an inner city school and is quickly getting recognition for his musical talent. For me the sign of a truly great novel is when the story transports you to a world different than your own. This story does just that. I didn't want to do anything except read this book. And not because it was full of junk, but because it felt real to me. Obviously "keeping it real" doesn't need to include a bunch of trash because a lot can be said without being said. If you are street smart you know what the author means. I think that is the main reason that Unsigned Hype will appeal to urban youth. It doesn't hurt that the author has credibility from his own experiences in life either.
This story clearly shows the slippery slope that one must travel when fame and recognition comes your way. The more naive you are, the harder it is to stay clean. Mr. Mattison did an excellent job showing how teens can still keep their heart right in the midst of temptation and how even the best kids can get hit with the worst knocks if they're in the wrong place at the wrong time or hook up with the wrong people. I loved the young girl in the story, Precious Lord. Yeah, that was her name. Cute, eh? She was great for Tory and so was her father. The strength of family and love from people who have integrity and good character shines brightly throughout this novel. I found it very inspiring when contrasted with the emptiness of what the world pushes at young people. For that Mr. Mattison gets high marks from me! I hope to read the next book in his series. If it's half as good as this one I'm in for a treat!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
One of the best novels I've read in 2009!, June 1, 2009
I don't recommend reading this in public because you'd have a hard time getting past the lump in your throat to explain just what it was that evoked that level of emotion in you. I'm not exaggerating. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to be emotionally moved when you read Scared. The entire time I read this book I was in Africa right along with the characters. That's great writing.
While the abuse and poverty were disheartening to experience through the story, the way people who loved God reached out with the little they had was truly uplifting. Evocative and intense, Scared cuts deep into your heart as you read along. Healing fills the pages, yet there are no easy answers given, and it shows how each day is a struggle for the people of Swaziland to even survive. That's why the orphans and the widows need people who care. I loved how Scared showed that many of the sick and dying were truly victims of AIDS through no wrongdoing of their own. This book should be an award winner for the message alone. Seriously.
I've rarely experienced this level of realism in a novel, especially in the CBA. It's so realistic, it's downright edgy - but to the extreme. Like the Holocaust, there are some awful things that happen in this book. Unspeakable things. But it also shows how God holds those who suffer close to His heart. You see that in this book in a way that is rarely portrayed in Christian fiction. All of the ugly stuff is not smoothed over, nor is the God-given compassion. I was moved to tears so many times I lost count.
When the people who were starving literally danced with joy when offered a meager ration of food, it really touched me. We have so much in this country, yet we are so ungrateful. Gratitude is definitely a missing element in most people's lives in the United States. We'd be so much kinder to each other if we were truly grateful for the gift of salvation we've been given, and for the many undeserved blessings that God has granted us. One way to thank Him is by showing love in action and not just in our words. Scared shows love in action.
One caution, though. I'd be careful about reading this novel if you have a weak stomach or if atrocities like rape will give you flashbacks. It's graphic and harsh in some places, but sooo worth reading. I highly recommend it.
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More like 4.5 stars. Great spiritual content and believable conflict!, May 31, 2009
I read this book pretty much straight through and finished it in two days. It's a sweet romance between two young people who are recent college graduates. But it's more than just a romantic tale. It's a story of healing and revealing secrets. It's a story of wounded people learning to love and support each other...and learning to trust and be honest about how they feel. There are many beautiful, Biblical themes in Sunset Beach that make it well worth the read. The hero was yummy, and the heroine was loveable. You couldn't help but want to see things worked out in her family. I found the conflict to be very realistic and well-done. The character arcs were gradual and satisfying as well. I didn't cry my eyes out like I did with Trish's last book, Beach Dreams, but I managed a satisfied sigh at the end of this one. This is a great beach read. For real. Check it out!
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Shame: A Novel
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by Greg Garrett
Edition: Paperback |
| Price: $8.72 |
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| Availability: In Stock |
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Edgy and realistic. That's my kind of book!, May 29, 2009
This story was amazing. I must admit that I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of and edgy content in David C. Cook's books that have been released so far this year. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that whoever acquired their books this past year had amazingly good taste. I've enjoyed every novel. Their stories are all unique and contain deep concepts with strong emotion and great characterization. There is nothing blah or same-old, same-old here. If I were to purchase books solely based on the publisher alone, I'd select anything Cook releases...unless they change their pattern. Now enough about the publisher and on to the book.
Shame is the kind of book I like to sink my teeth into. I love novels with genuine thoughts and real characters. People who are flawed and aren't model citizens. People like me who don't always make the best decisions or choices, but they want to live their life in a way that is pleasing to God. Yet they still struggle. Shame is one of those books.
Numerous times I found myself smiling as the author had his character thinking honest thoughts. I wanted to cheer for the author. Why? Because so many books portray people as "near-perfect" and who always choose the right thing. The marital issues in Shame are typical of many couples. The family problems are also not unusual. The insight the author had into both topics was incredible. He portrayed everything in such a believable manner.
Also, the small town setting and the farm drew me in. I felt like I was involved in the same activities of the main character and his friends. The setting was very well done and it was easy for me to forget the present and delve between the pages of Shame. And like a good book is supposed to do, Shame brings the reader full circle when it comes to emotion. There are no unresolved issues, and yet everything doesn't always end up perfectly fixed. Just realistically wrapped up.
I had a warm glow after finishing this story. It left me feeling inspired and I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves to experience angst and drama in a book but only when it's done with realistic characters and emotions. Everything felt very natural and nothing was forced. Bravo!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
More like 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the romance in this one!, May 26, 2009
Another enjoyable romantic historical tale by Robin Lee Hatcher. Ahhhh...
While the storyline is typical for a western historical romance, I still found the characters fun and the plot enjoyable. Sure, it's formulaic--because it's supposed to be that way. But even though I knew it was supposed to have a happily ever after ending, I was never bored with the story. I get tired of the same old same old stuff and this was a really fun read for me. Not too fluffy and not too sweet. I literally enjoyed every page. In fact, I kept waiting to get bored and it never happened.
The romance was the best part of the story because it seemed natural and believable to me, and not contrived. The dialog was also very well done. I felt like I was living in the town along with the characters. The author really knows how to crank up the romantic tension and bring a couple together in such a way that it will make you sigh when they finish kissing. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story with the whole women voting plot and the mayoral race. The hero was, of course, divinely heroic and a perfect match for the heroine. :) Overall this was a great read. I'd recommend it to anyone.
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(Arizona)
