Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

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• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 4, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718083474
• ISBN-13: 978-0718083472

About the Book:

Hayden is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious DC law firm . . .

If the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.

Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain that follows when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.

Further complicating matters is Andrew Wesley, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?

The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?

My Thoughts:

True confessions:  this is my first Cara Putman novel.  I'm not normally a fan of historical fiction, and most of her novels are in that genre.  But "Beyond Justice" is a legal thriller that will make a mark in THIS genre that is here to stay!

The story tackles a hot-button issue in today's culture: immigration.  When attorney Hayden McCarthy has a wrongful death case land on her desk, the action kicks into gear and continues at a breathless pace.  Putman shines a light on our government's containment practices, and puts a new perspective on just who is our neighbor with it comes to the Christian faith?

Her characters are well developed and the romance is light, but sweet.  I enjoyed the action packed story, with the ins and outs of our legal system on display, and watching Putman's heroine navigate the law to get to the truth was fascinating.  I'm eager for more in this series!

I received a free download of "Beyond Justice" from NetGalley with no obligation for review of services rendered.  "Beyond Justice gets my "For Such a Time" award since it tackles an issue we are all wrestling with in today's political and faith climate.

Also look for Putman's prequel novella, "Dying For Love", also available from Thomas Nelson. Until the next novel...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Nifty Gifty: The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets by Mike Berenstain

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (March 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310748828
• ISBN-13: 978-0310748823

About the Book:

In the newest Berenstain Bear Living Lights title, The Berenstain Bears Bless Our Pets, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear love their pets Little Lady, Gracie, Swish, and Cutsie … they are just like part of the Bear family. So when Preacher Brown holds a special Blessing of the Pets service on Sunday, the Bear family joins in. But what starts as a peaceful gathering of Bear Country neighbors and their animal friends on the lawn of the Chapel—including dogs, cats, rats, goats, and even a snake or two—ends up needing a little heavenly intervention.

My Thoughts:

Once again, Mike Berenstain creates a winning storybook for little readers that celebrates an event I'm not familiar with, but I know is a very big deal to many believers.  "Bless Our Pets" tells the story about Brother and Sister Bear and the excitement of taking their pets to church in order to have a prayer said for them.

From teaching their animals songs, to cleaning them up nice and spiffy, the antics the Berenstains endure to get to the church on time for the annual blessing of the pets is heartwarming and hilarious.  Even if this isn't an event you and your family take part in, your children will realize that even their beloved furry friends are blessings from God.

Just be prepared to have your own "Bless Our Pets" day!  I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz with no services or opinions promised in return.  Until the next book...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Titanis: A Quiet Professionals Novella by Ronie Kendig

• File Size: 2654 KB
• Print Length: 143 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Task Force Press (April 3, 2017)
• Publication Date: April 3, 2017
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English

About the Book:

Never Again. 
A vow written in the blood of the fallen is threatened in Australia’s rugged Top End. 

Eamon “Titanis” Straider left the military and civilization behind after betrayal cost the life of a teammate. Living on this super yacht, the ViCross, Eamon reluctantly agrees to host an event for his parents, who are part of the Australian political machine. When an attractive woman arrives with his mother, Eamon is furious—and determined to find out what she is hiding. 

Lady Ellis Rostov-Leclair has never felt so threatened as she does by the infamous “Beast of Cape York,” a man notorious for removing people—by force if necessary—from his yacht. His uncanny perception endangers not only her reason for being aboard the ship, but a secret she’s held for twenty years. 

When the yacht is seized by a man with one goal: make those responsible for his brother’s death pay—the Beast of Cape York must live up to his name and protect those under his charge, or die trying.

My Thoughts:

It's always hard to evaluate a novella, because for an avid reader a novella is just never enough.  Unless it's a novella by Rapid-Fire Fiction author Ronie Kendig--this author packs more into fewer pages than anyone else I've read!

"Titanis" is a long-awaited story about one of Kendig's "Quiet Professionals", a series from several months ago.  I had to recalibrate my reading, because I've been so caught up in her current stories (The Tox Files), but I fall head over heels with all of Kendig's heroes so I only need a few pages to remember this 'titanic hero'.

Eamon went through more than most men can take with the betrayal that cost the life of one of his men. His desire for isolation is understandable, but even a soldier's mom won't respect a boundary when she knows what's best for her son.  Unfortunately, she brings trouble along with her surprise guest.

The action is just as potent as a full length novel, and the passion is hot without being scalding (i.e., going against the honor of God).  Kendig has a way with her military warriors and their lady loves that no one in the industry is able to match.

That's why "Titanus: A Quiet Professional Novella" is getting my "Oh, The Feels!" award, and you can purchase an ebook version of this fan favorite now.

Just like I did for myself!  Until the next book...

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Nifty Gifty: Whatever is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal (Faithgirlz) by Allia Zobel Nolan

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 8 - 12
• Series: Faithgirlz
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (December 6, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310754100
• ISBN-13: 978-0310754107

About the Book:

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

—Philippians 4:8

Did you know you can totally change your life by changing your thoughts? Well, you can, and Whatever Is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal can get you started. With examples based on girls just like you, each of these 90 devotionals will show you how to fill your head and your heart with virtues taken straight from Philippians 4:8, helping you grow closer to God and the amazing life he intended for you.

Featuring a trendy color interior, a ribbon marker, and journaling lines for you to write your thoughts, Whatever Is Lovely will inspire you to read and reflect on the devotionals every single day.

My Thoughts:

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love every single book Allia Zobel Nolan creates for today's youth. But this one...this is my all time favorite!  "Whatever is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal (Faithgirlz)" is ideal for this time in our world, because we have more than enough stinking thinking to go around.

Created for young girls ages 8 and up, "Whatever" contains 90 devotional readings all centered around the well known (but rarely practiced!) passage of Philippians 4:8.  Just imagine getting this gorgeous book into the hands of your 8 year old daughter and allowing the readings to mold her thinking around all that is good and positive in her world!

I love the cover design, I love the carefully crafted readings, and I love that Nolan always packs her books with Scripture.  Seriously, you cannot go wrong purchasing multiple copies of "Whatever is Lovely: A 90-Day Devotional Journal (Faithgirlz)" for each and every young girl in your circle of influence.

I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz with no services or opinions provided in exchange.

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Nifty Gifty: The Berenstain Bears Mother's Day Blessings by Mike Berenstain

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (March 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310748690
• ISBN-13: 978-0310748694

About the Book:

• Mama Bear is the best mama in all of Bear Country and Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear know just what to do for her on Mother’s Day. In this newest title in the Berenstain Bears Living Lights, 
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• The Berenstain Bears Mother’s Day Blessings, join the Bear family and all of Bear Country as they spend Mother’s Day together remembering just why our mothers are so special to all of us!

My Thoughts:

I mean, really?  How can I NOT love a book with the beloved Berenstain Bears??  "Mother's Day Blessings" is adorable, and is out now--more than just in time for Mother's Day!  In the latest paperback treasure, Brother Bear and Sister Bear celebrate the best mama bear in all of Bear Country.

Not to spoil the surprise, but it involves a banner, a make-shift parade, and FOOD!  So help your little ones learn to appreciate just how special their own Mama is by getting a copy of "Mother's Day Blessings" by Mike Berenstain.

I received a complimentary copy from Zonderkidz with no services or commitments rendered in exchange.  Until next time,

Mark Your Place,

Deena

Nifty Gifty: Would You Like To Know Collection by Candle Books

• Age Range: 3 - 5 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - Kindergarten
• Series: Would You Like to Know?
• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Candle Books; Combined volume edition (February 27, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1781283273
• ISBN-13: 978-1781283271

About the Book:

In this new addition to the fantastic Would You Like to Know? series, six little books are featured in one boxed gift set. Each book offers a starting point for young children to explore some of the key points of their faith and gain a greater understanding of Christianity. Each title has accessible illustrations, an inscription page, and notes for parents. A wonderful gift for those getting to know the church.

Contains:
Would You Like to Know About God?
Would You Like to Know How to Pray?
Would You Like to Know Jesus?
Would You Like to Know the Bible?
Would You Like to Know the Story of Christmas?
Would You Like to Know the Story of Easter?

My Thoughts:

I've been an avid reader from the day I learned all of the squiggly lines on the paper made letters, which made words, which made sentences, which made stories...and I was gone! So sharing quality books with you is just like breathing to me--just comes naturally.

I've been a Nana to five of the most precious littles for almost 8 years, and I adore the fact that each one is a bookworm.  I'm so thrilled to tell you that my two oldest grandsons accepted Christ just over two weeks ago, and this is why I scour the literary world for quality children's books that point the way to Jesus.

The "Would You Like To Know Collection" is a set of six little books in a slip case, with each book explaining about a particular spiritual topic in easy to understand language for the youngest in your family.

With this little set, you can introduce your child, grandchild, niece or nephew, or any little on under your care to the Bible, the true meaning of Christmas, how to talk to God, just who God is, why we celebrate Easter, and who was Jesus.

Each and every topic is a fascination for the younger set, as evidenced by the questions I've been answering for my grandchildren over the past few years.  I highly recommend the "Would You Like To Know Collection", and it is the ideal gift for this springtime of events, ranging from communion to graduation, to Easter and Passover.

I received a complimentary copy of the set from Candle Books with no services in exchange.  Until next time...

Mark Your Place,

 Deena

Nifty Gifty: Princess Prayers by Crystal Bowman

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Series: The Princess Parables
• Board book: 30 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition (April 4, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310758696
• ISBN-13: 978-0310758693

About the Book:

Good morning, Lord, it’s time to rise.

The sun is shining bright.

I’ve got my day ahead of me,

so help me do what’s right.

Help me to be kind and good

and do my very best

to show my love for you today

so others will be blessed.

Princess Prayers includes fifteen sweet prayers for little girls who want to live like princesses for God their King. Prayers are included for girls to be able to pray and learn alongside princess Grace, Hope, Faith, Charity, and Joy. Every little girl is a princess, and this padded cover board book will help them engage with Scripture and discover how to open their hearts to God.

My Thoughts:

What if ever girl on earth realized she was a princess.  But not just a princess...a daughter of the Most High King?  Would that change how she views herself?  Would we deal less with the outer image and focus more on the inner being?

Most definitely!  That's why I'm so excited to share "Princess Prayers" with you during this special time of year.  Ideal for any little girl's gift basket, this gorgeous book is meant for the special little ones in your life. The book has sturdy pages, colorful illustrations, and sensitive prayers that each little girl can offer up to her God, her Father.

Each prayer is accompanied by a verse of Scripture, and the focus is on the girl growing on the inside as opposed to the outward image the world judges.  Fifteen sweet passages of verse and prayer offerings to Abba Father.

My thanks to my friends at Zonderkidz for my complimentary copy with no services or opinions provided in exchange.  Pick up multiple copies today for the special little girls in your life today.

Mark Your Place,

 Deena