(Book One of the “Heroes of Quantico” series)
By Irene Hannon
Genre: Fiction/Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Revell 2009
Action in “The Burg”!!
How fun to read an action filled book set in Virginia, naming places in and near the Shenandoah Valley you might have recently visited! The action will be vivid to Virginians as they visualize scenes in Richmond, Charlottesville, and northern Virginia. Also Harrisonburg, known by the locals as “The Burg,” is the location of a climatic event in this fiction book.
In this story, a high-level, seasoned U. S. diplomat faces the kidnapping of three Americans in Afghanistan. David Callahan finds this assignment almost routine until the terrorists threaten to kidnap his estranged daughter in Richmond. Using his influence to have the best protection available, David asks the White House to call in the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT).
His daughter, Monica, sees her life in Richmond so far removed from terrorists that she takes the threat lightly. Soon, she faces chilling events that force her to recognize the danger. Meantime, one of the handsome HRT partners, Coop, finds challenges in this assignment that he has not encountered before in his job. This time he faces a look at his own life and relationships, something he senses could be dangerous under the circumstances.
A most impressive recommendation comes from popular Christian author Dee Henderson (O’Malley series). She writes, “I found someone who writes romantic suspense better than I do.”
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Rick & Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage
by Burgess & Bussey
This tongue-in-cheek book expounds on a variety of gender differences, a trendy topic in psychology circles. Written by two married guys, the reader should expect hilarious, testosterone induced observations.
Not an "almost nearly perfect" book on marriage, but taken in perspective, this book may encourage lively discussions for married couples. Taken too seriously, the stereotypes could encourage a major fight ending with someone sleeping on the couch.
There are snippets of wisdom for both genders, such as the chapter labeled, "Three Sides To Every Story." This includes "his version," "her version" and "the truth." The chapter on respect holds many gems.
The lurking bits of truth are treasures worth the search but watch out for the pitfalls along the way. I found this book best taken in small doses at a time. The CD is an added bonus.
This tongue-in-cheek book expounds on a variety of gender differences, a trendy topic in psychology circles. Written by two married guys, the reader should expect hilarious, testosterone induced observations.
Not an "almost nearly perfect" book on marriage, but taken in perspective, this book may encourage lively discussions for married couples. Taken too seriously, the stereotypes could encourage a major fight ending with someone sleeping on the couch.
There are snippets of wisdom for both genders, such as the chapter labeled, "Three Sides To Every Story." This includes "his version," "her version" and "the truth." The chapter on respect holds many gems.
The lurking bits of truth are treasures worth the search but watch out for the pitfalls along the way. I found this book best taken in small doses at a time. The CD is an added bonus.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
This Is Your Brain on Joy: A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth
By Dr. Earl Henslin
How do you picture joy?
Some may envision children with Jell-O-red smiles, rambunctious puppies, or Fourth of July parades. For others, joy may conjure up memories of time spent with someone you love or warm summer evenings.
However, in this book, the author takes a more scientific approach. Through the use of SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) imagery, brain scans are now able to expose emotions such as joy, anger, depression, fear, etc.
Why is this important to the average lay person? This imagery provides powerful information to identify disorders such as ADHD (attention concerns), fears, addictions, compulsions, obsessions, depression, grief, anger, etc. In other words, conditions common to the average person in today’s world.
Doctors, counselors and therapists use this information to prescribe personalized treatment. While treatment may include medication, usually there is a combination
of diet, supplements, music, cinematherapy (watching certain movies), laughter, aromatherapy, biofeedback, as well as physical and spiritual exercise (prayer, reading scripture, etc.).
The author, Dr. Henslin, is a licensed counselor and graduate school faculty member. According to the back cover, “Dr. Henslin has been integrating brain imaging into the treatment of psychological, physical and spiritual problems (at his) Christian counseling group in Brea, California.”
I found this book to be enjoyable, practical and easy to read.
How do you picture joy?
Some may envision children with Jell-O-red smiles, rambunctious puppies, or Fourth of July parades. For others, joy may conjure up memories of time spent with someone you love or warm summer evenings.
However, in this book, the author takes a more scientific approach. Through the use of SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) imagery, brain scans are now able to expose emotions such as joy, anger, depression, fear, etc.
Why is this important to the average lay person? This imagery provides powerful information to identify disorders such as ADHD (attention concerns), fears, addictions, compulsions, obsessions, depression, grief, anger, etc. In other words, conditions common to the average person in today’s world.
Doctors, counselors and therapists use this information to prescribe personalized treatment. While treatment may include medication, usually there is a combination
of diet, supplements, music, cinematherapy (watching certain movies), laughter, aromatherapy, biofeedback, as well as physical and spiritual exercise (prayer, reading scripture, etc.).
The author, Dr. Henslin, is a licensed counselor and graduate school faculty member. According to the back cover, “Dr. Henslin has been integrating brain imaging into the treatment of psychological, physical and spiritual problems (at his) Christian counseling group in Brea, California.”
I found this book to be enjoyable, practical and easy to read.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Noticer
by Andy Andrews
Lunatic… or Angel? Perspective is everything.
Has someone ever impacted your life by saying what you needed to hear at just the right time? In The Noticer, a fictional story, a community is blessed to have a quirky man named Jones who turns up at just the right place, at just the right time. Jones takes words and sayings you may have heard before, applies it to your life until it seems new and suddenly, your perspective changes.
Couples about to divorce recognize a love worth saving. A man about to take his own life decides his life is not over. An old woman who believes her life is useless, realizes the best may be yet to come. Even teenagers ask for advice!
The situations you face don’t change, however, your perspective changes and you are changed.
The impact of the wisdom in this small book will not stay on the written pages. To fully understand, you must go a step further. First you must ask, who are the “Jones” in your life, and secondly, who needs you as “Jones” in theirs.
This small book holds great ideas that will spill forth and multiple.
Lunatic… or Angel? Perspective is everything.
Has someone ever impacted your life by saying what you needed to hear at just the right time? In The Noticer, a fictional story, a community is blessed to have a quirky man named Jones who turns up at just the right place, at just the right time. Jones takes words and sayings you may have heard before, applies it to your life until it seems new and suddenly, your perspective changes.
Couples about to divorce recognize a love worth saving. A man about to take his own life decides his life is not over. An old woman who believes her life is useless, realizes the best may be yet to come. Even teenagers ask for advice!
The situations you face don’t change, however, your perspective changes and you are changed.
The impact of the wisdom in this small book will not stay on the written pages. To fully understand, you must go a step further. First you must ask, who are the “Jones” in your life, and secondly, who needs you as “Jones” in theirs.
This small book holds great ideas that will spill forth and multiple.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Edge of Recall
by Kristen Heitzmann
Tessa is a landscape architect obsessed with labyrinths. She is drawn to the ruins of an intriguing labyrinth; however, to follow her passion, she must work with a man she once loved but who ultimately betrayed her.
The Edge of Recall may be of the genre contemporary romantic suspense, however, "thriller" seems a more appropriate label. Until the end, it's unclear as to who should be wearing the white hats and who deserves the black.
If you are looking for a great read, pick this one up. To fully explore the depth of the messages hidden within this book, consider more than one reading.
~ ~ ~ If you are interested in Prayer Labyrinths ~ ~ ~
Tessa is a landscape architect obsessed with labyrinths. She is drawn to the ruins of an intriguing labyrinth; however, to follow her passion, she must work with a man she once loved but who ultimately betrayed her.
The Edge of Recall may be of the genre contemporary romantic suspense, however, "thriller" seems a more appropriate label. Until the end, it's unclear as to who should be wearing the white hats and who deserves the black.
If you are looking for a great read, pick this one up. To fully explore the depth of the messages hidden within this book, consider more than one reading.
~ ~ ~ If you are interested in Prayer Labyrinths ~ ~ ~
You may wish to explore prayer labyrinths such as the one at
Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
For history and information on the EMU labyrinth, go to https://www.emu.edu/seminary/whylabyrinth.html
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel
Reflections of God’s Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel
By Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh
“In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”
David Ben-Gurion (p. 18)
Written by two friends, a Christian from the United States and a Jew from Israel, this “arm chair tour” of Israel illustrates miracles, both ancient and modern.
As the two friends move from the Judean Wilderness to the Garden Tomb, the women journey not only in miles but in depth of heart and kinship. Two unlikely traveling companions. Two women bonded in search for what they hold holy.
Through the eyes of the two friends, we come to the Western Wall, a sacred place of prayer for centuries. We see men dressed in traditional religious garb while others wear khaki shorts and athletic t-shirts. The history is fascinating (“Did You Know?”) but Eva Marie Everson’s insights (“Reflections”) stir the soul.
At Beersheba’s well, we wonder with the authors, “…how deep I’m willing to go each day to find water from the stream.” (p. 33)
At the Field of Boaz, we understand that when one traveler cannot enter Bethlehem safely, the other will not go. Like Ruth and Naomi, they are not parted.
This book is not just beautiful and inspirational, it touches the soul. It tells of miracles of the past while creating hope for the future.
Reviewers Notes:
One of my favorite sections of the book is the story of when Rebekah sees her future husband for the first time. When translated from the original Hebrew, Genesis 24:64 “…says that when Rebekah saw Isaac, she fell off the camel!” Later in this section, the author asks, “When was the last time your Heavenly Bridegroom knocked you off your camel?” (pp. 30-33)
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