Prayers for Hope and Healing by Sarah Forgrave

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736971513
• ISBN-13: 978-0736971515

About the Book:

Amid Pain and Weakness...There Is HOPE

Serious or chronic medical issues bring a litany of painful and confusing feelings that only someone else who's been in a similar situation could possibly understand. Sarah Forgrave has walked the difficult road you find yourself on. And she empathizes with the uncertain future you face.

No matter the road ahead, you don't have to face it alone. Even in the depths of your worst emotional and physical pain, God is right there beside you, offering His comfort, love, and peace.

As you read these heartfelt prayers and devotions, let this book be your manual to help navigate the difficult set of emotions that come with health issues. Read it front to back or go directly to the devotion addressing how you feel at any given moment...when you need it the most.

Above all, know that you are never, ever alone.

My Thoughts:

This is the most powerful devotional I've encountered in some time!  Sarah Forgrave has lived every page, and her writing rings with truth and compassion.  Each reading is brief, but packed with meaning, and each prayer is heartfelt.

"Prayers For Hope and Healing" is the book for anyone going through chronic illness, a loss that is beyond your control, or a tragedy that leaves you feeling lost and alone.  And the design?  Gorgeous. Just the colors and floral pattern brings a sense of peace.

"Prayers for Hope and Healing" receives my "For Such A Time" seal of approval.  This is a book you will want to give to others again and again.  Sarah Forgrave is a gifted writer, and I wept healing tears as I read each devotional.

Forty-four readings with accompanying prayers, a lavender ribbon to mark your place, and words that serve as a healing, soothing salve for your hurting soul..."Prayers for Hope and Healing" is a treasure. My thanks to Harvest House Publishers for my complimentary copy, with no promised obligation in return.

Until the next page turns,

Deena

Convicted by Jameel Zookie McGee and Andrew Collins, with Mark Tabb

• File Size: 5562 KB
• Print Length: 226 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0735290725
• Publisher: WaterBrook (September 19, 2017)
• Publication Date: September 19, 2017
• Sold by: Random House LLC

About The Book:

Jameel McGee: “For the next three years not a day went by that I didn’t think about my son who I had never seen and the cop who had kept me from him. And for most of those three years I promised myself that if I ever saw this cop again, I was going to kill him. I intended to keep that promise.” 
 
Andrew Collins: “I watched this angry man march through a crowd, a little boy and another man struggling to keep up with him....The man walked straight up to me, stopped, and stuck out his hand. I took it. “Remember me?” he asked in a tone that sounded more like a threat than a question. 
Somehow, a name came to me. ‘Jameel McGee,’ I replied.” 
 
It reads like a gripping crime novel…except this story really happened.
 
Racial tensions had long simmered in Benton Harbor, a small city on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, before the day a white narcotics officer--more focused on arrests than justice—set his sights on an innocent black man. But when officer Andrew Collins framed Jameel McGee for possession of crack cocaine, the surprising result was not a race riot but a transformative journey for both men. 
 
Falsely convicted, McGee spent four years in federal prison. Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released--when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course—not to violence—but forgiveness.  
 
As current as today’s headlines, this explosive, true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation.

My Thoughts:

"Convicted" is a story for our time.  Tensions between racial groups and animosity toward law enforcement is at an all time high, and it is nearly impossible to have a conversation about either issue.  Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins are real people, and this is a true story that pulls no punches. Instead, it gives all of us a glimpse into a world most of us will never experience.

When I began reading the book, I was leary.  What kind of real life scene was I about to experience. The more I read, the angrier I became.  Andrew Collins was a dirty cop.  He didn't set out to be one...but he dropped his moral guard and as a result, he made decisions that were suspect and eventually were against the law.

I could understand the lack of trust in our law enforcement, and our judicial system.  I could understand why so many feel marginalized and painted with a broad racial brush.  And I wanted to speak out on Jameel's behalf, trying to get justice for him.

As I got deeper into the story, I came to an understanding concerning the racial tide in America. Bottom line, Jameel McGee didn't stand a chance.  He was convicted before he was ever charged, and no one believed him.  Was it just because he was a young black man?  For me, the answer was a resounding yes.

But it wasn't just law enforcement that lacked a moral compass.  Our judicial system didn't come out smelling like a rose either.  If we truly have judges that behave this way, they need to be removed from the bench and stripped of their robes.  Lady Justice is blind, and she weighs the charge and evidence on a scale to find justice.

But her blindfold was off and prejudice, laziness, and greed triumphed instead.

What made "Convicted" so compelling was the powerful message of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. I spent the first half of the book so angry with Andrew Collins and concerned for Jameel McGee, and unable to find a solution.  I found the solution toward the final third of the book, and it's the only solution we have.

The answer to this situation, and to all of the things wrong with our society today is found the power found in a relationship with Jesus. 

My one and only criticism was the stilted tone of the writing, but I was reading from an advance, unedited copy.  The lack of contractions was a distraction, and I'm hoping that was addressed before the book went to print.  It's minor, but as an avid reader, it just bugged me.  I'm thankful to Waterbrook/Multnomah Press for my advance copy, given with no expectation or obligation.

"Convicted" is a non-fiction title, but I'm still calling it a book "For Such a Time As This".  My prayer is that word spreads about Jameel, Andrew, and Jesus.  Don't miss "Convicted".

Until the next page turns,

Deena

A New Shade of Summer by Nicole Deese

• Series: Love in Lenox
• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Waterfall Press (September 12, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1542046688
• ISBN-13: 978-1542046688

About The Book:

As an artist, Callie Quinn relies on inspiration to guide her wandering soul. This summer she accepts a short-term muralist job in her sister’s charming town to spend some much-needed time with her family. After meeting her nephew’s friend, Brandon, she’s eager to draw out his untapped artistic talents—however, it’s the boy’s straitlaced single father who could use a little color in his life.

Davis Carter may be the town’s favorite animal whisperer, but his experience is limited when it comes to understanding his preteen’s rebellious behavior. Desperate for a breakthrough, he follows the lead of a free spirit who claims to know the way into his son’s closed-off world. Soon, Davis isn’t the only one caught up in the hope of a new beginning.

Just as Callie considers trading her unattached existence for a life rich with promise and permanence, an unexpected visit from the past threatens to send her packing once again. Davis and Callie must learn to surrender their fears so they can find a love that will outlast the summer.

My Thoughts:

Get ready for another amazing trip back to Lenox with Nicole Deese's newest novel, "A New Shade of Summer".  

I fell in love with this series a few months ago, and I've been eagerly waiting for this book!  This is most definitely my new favorite Deese novel...until she writes her next one, I'm sure!

Everyone needs a friend like Callie Quinn in their lives.  She's the ultimate free spirit, and her warmth and whimsy bring an abundance of life to the story. Davis most definitely needs Callie's influence, especially with his son, Brandon. Withdrawn and rebellious, Brandon may end up in a world of hurt if Davis can't get to the bottom of what is troubling his son.

With a fun and loving cast of supporting characters, Nicole Deese once again has me longing for some time in Lenox, the unique little town that boasts some of my favorite imaginary people!  My thanks to my friends at NetGalley for an advance copy of "A New Shade of Summer" with no obligations promised in return.

Make sure you take the time to read 'A New Shade of Summer", if for no other reason than the scene in the botanical gardens!  Naturally, I'm awarding my "Oh, the Feels!" to this one.

Until the next page turns,

Deena

Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Series: Atlanta Justice (Book 1)

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 5, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764219804
• ISBN-13: 978-0764219801

About the Book:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything--even murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

My Thoughts:

This is my first time reading a Rachel Dylan novel, and I guarantee it will not be the last! I'm a HUGE fan of legal suspense, reading every Randy Singer book along with Robert Whitlow's legal thrillers. In my opinion, Dylan has earned a place on my "must read list".

The story kicks into high gear on page one and holds you in its white-knuckle grip until the final page turns. In fact, it's been a very long time since I've devoured a book in one sitting. There's just no way to put this one down. Plus, right when I knew I had it all figured out, Rachel Dylan schooled me in the art of the red herring...also known as the bait and switch.

Which, for me, is not an easy thing to do. Please, don't miss this outstanding novel. I'm giving "Deadly Proof" my "Oh, the Feels!" and "Packs a Punch!" stamps of approval.

Until the next page turns,

Deena

Rule of Law by Randy Singer

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 5, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1496418166
• ISBN-13: 978-1496418166

About the Book:

What did the president know? And when did she know it?

For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.

But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.

Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?

Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.

Equal justice under law.

It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?

My thoughts:

How can I tell everything in my heart right now?  I've always had the highest respect for our military and their families.  But, after turning the final page of Rule of Law, I am truly in awe.  Too often we take their sacrifice lightly, and it's too easy to forget the families of those who serve.

Randy Singer is a phenomenal writer.  His legal career gives every novel an authentic voice, and he has the unique ability to write about the legal system in our country and make it easy to understand without diminishing the real life aspect of conducting an investigation, going to trial, and the inner workings of a law office.

Rule of Law is a novel for our time.  Singer raises the singular and most necessary question for today's reader: is anyone permitted to be above the law, even if that someone holds the highest office in our country?

To find the answer to that question, you'll have to read the book.

Randy Singer also has that intangible something that causes the characters to come alive from the moment you meet them.  Patrick, Beef, and the entire cast of characters in Rule of Law are memorable and so real you might find yourself praying for them!

If you only read one novel this year, please make it Rule of Law.  I honestly believe that this was the story Singer was born to write.  And the novel's release is both timely and enlightening.  I thoroughly enjoyed Rule of Law, and I believe you'll enjoy it too.  I'm giving this one my "For Such a Time" stamp of approval.

Until the next page turns,

Deena

Reunited by Danger by Carol J. Post

• Series: Love Inspired Suspense
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (September 5, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373457316
• ISBN-13: 978-0373457311

About the Book:

When a former classmate is murdered at Detective Caleb Lyons's ten-year high school reunion, he knows the victim's old group of friends are keeping secrets. That includes Cedar Key, Florida, police officer Amber Kingston. Back in school, Amber was headed for trouble, but now she's as dedicated to the law as he is. As he works overtime to get the pretty cop to open up to him, Amber and her friends receive messages threatening payback for past deeds. And her friends keep dying…one by one. But protecting Amber and unmasking a murderer isn't just the widowed detective's shot at redemption—it's his unexpected second chance at love.

My Thoughts:

Having read a number of Love Inspired Suspense Titles, I can tell you with total confidence that this is one of my top ten favorites.  Carol J. Post has crafted my ideal suspenseful story, filled with excellent characters and a reveal that isn't clear until the final pages.

She's also reminded me why I don't attend class reunions!

Amber Kingston and her posse from the past were up to some not so great things during their high school years, and someone in that crowd has a very good memory and a thirst for justice.  Problem is, everyone has a reason and true justice turns out to be vengeance.  And vigilante justice never ends well...

...for anyone.  Can Caleb dig up the truth?  Will buried secrets come back to life?  And who is the one person that holds all of the answers?  Well, you'll just have to pick up a copy of Post's new release to find out, 'cause I'm a spoiler free reviewer!

My thanks to Carol J. Post for a complimentary advance copy of "Reunited By Danger", with no obligation or services promised in return.  I'm giving this one my "packs a punch" stamp of approval.  "Reunited By Danger" is out now...so go buy a copy!

Until the next page turns,

Deena