Author: vicklea

I love to read! I’m a retired teacher with a spouse of 45 years, three amazing children and nine wonderful grandchildren. I am blessed!

Review of Final Approach by Lynette Eason

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review8 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800741228 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:08/05/2025 Series:Lake City Heroes , #4 Pages:320

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity. 

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there’s more to this story than meets the eye—and more to love and admire about each other. They’ll have to put their skills to the test—and their hearts on the line—to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

My Thoughts

I always enjoy a new book by Lynette Eason and this one certainly did not disappoint! Air Marshall Kristine is supposed to be on vacation with her friends from Lake City when the plane is abruptly hijacked. She uses her professional skills to try to defuse the situation, is somewhat successful, but ends up not going on vacation as her FBI friends on board have to investigate the hijacking. Nothing is as it seems in this thrilling why-do-it from this master of the genre. We know who did it, but the motive is elusive and the clues just pile up. Kristine and her friend FBI Agent Andrew seem to be chasing shadows as a clue appears and then points in another direction. The story is compelling as they try to solve the mystery and as Andrew and Kristine both find themselves endangered, but they don’t know from whom. Following the clues was highly entertaining, especially with all of the red herrings that led me on a merry chase down several dead ends. With danger getting closer and the friends unable to find a motive, Kristine uses her powerful deductive reasoning abilities as well as events from her past to take us on a roller coaster ride to the truth, a truth that was surprising but not totally unexpected. I really enjoyed the fast-paced plot with non-stop action and the appearances of all of the Lake City heroes from previous books in the series. This book can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the entire series so that the backstory for each character can help you understand the intricate connections between each of them.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awares including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Baker Book House

Christian Book

Target

Books-a-Million

Audible

Apple Books

Verb Tenses

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, Song2 Comments

As a Spanish teacher for over almost four decades, verb tenses have always interested me. I notice verb tenses as most people note adjectives and adverbs. I want to know when something happened or if it’s a progressive, ongoing thing. Look at the tenses in this scripture verse today.

The verse starts with God shows His love for us. Some translations say demonstrates, but no matter which version you read, this verb is in the present tense. This is an ongoing action…it happens constantly. We are sinners saved by grace, but we are still sinners. And God’s love keeps showing up for us, helping us to clean up our act and to be more like His Son.

The next verb says that Christ died for us. That is a completed action. Christ died once for all and he said “It is finished.” The sacrifice that God the Father sent Him to earth to complete is done, one time, on the cross. We are still sinners, but He died so that we can leave that sinful life behind and be washed clean in His blood. He died once but He loves forever. Tenses are interesting, but they are also important.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being around people who need to take a shower or bath. The smell often makes me try to hold my breath or I gag. I have come across homeless people who smell like this and it is not a pleasant odor. Now, consider that we were all unclean, wallowing in our sins, but God loved us right then, no more or no less than after we accepted His Son as our Savior. God loves the sinner even in the midst of our pig sty of sin and guilt and shame. Then, when we accept the sacrifice He made for us, He is the One who cleans us up with the precious blood of His Son and makes us righteous before Him. We didn’t have to get clean first and then come to the Lord. In fact, we cannot do anything to clean ourselves of our sin. That takes the blood of the Lamb, and that is the free gift of a loving Father.

Washed in the Blood-Faith&Grace

Prayer from the YouVersion App, Daily Refresh, 8-07-25

Tired of Doing Good?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, prayer, Scripture4 Comments

It is very easy for me to get up and right away declare that I am tired. Sometimes, it’s because I didn’t sleep long enough, and other times it is because I didn’t sleep well enough. But that is not the tired I am talking about today. Today I want to address the walking away from those who have needs that we can do something about because we are just too self-centered to want to step out of our comfort zone and lend a hand. God’s word tells us not to get “weary in doing good.” For me, I find myself weary of helping others when I don’t feel appreciated. But that is not what the verse says. It doesn’t say to stop doing good if you don’t feel appreciated and no one thanks you. I remember the ten lepers whom Jesus healed and only one came back to thank Him. What if the Lord had said, “That’s it! I’m done. I did all of this and one…only one thanked me. It’s just not worth it!” But He didn’t. Jesus continued to reach out and touch and change lives all the way until the end of His ministry. In fact, even on the cross, He reached out to the thieves on either side of Him. Always selfless and ready to sacrifice. He is our model for doing good and how long we should keep doing it. We may never see people change or show gratitude towards us or to the Lord, but we have to keep doing because the harvest is coming one day, even if we don’t see it.

A prayer from the YouVersion today. I hope you will join me in saying this prayer wholeheartedly, mean it and look forward to ways to be like Jesus so that others see Him in you.

Seeing and Being Seen

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture4 Comments

Life today is a busy rush from one place or thing to another. We keep our eyes on the goal of finishing our errands or appointments and then getting back home again. But do we look around at other people? Do we even notice them, speak to them or acknowledge them?

God takes note of wherever we are and whatever we are doing. He truly sees us. Can we do any less for others?

Even in restaurants, people who are sitting at a table together are not engaging in conversation. Instead, you will generally see them on devices, checking emails, texting, going on social media or even playing a game. Meanwhile the family is distancing themselves from each other even while they are “spending time together.”

I, for one, am very glad that God doesn’t get on a device and leave me to tap my foot in dismay or harrumph loudly, hoping that I will be noticed. God always sees and always notices us, so that’s our cue to do likewise to others. The world would be a lot better off if we would put our phones down, especially in public places and just look around and notice those occupying the same space that we are. The lady who looks overwhelmed and sad, the child who is bored and perhaps crying, the elderly man who looks bewildered and perhaps somewhat lost. Do you see them? God does, and He wants us to see, too.

How can we minister to the needs of others if we are never cognizant that there is even a person near us, much less someone who could use a kind word or a prayer? I like to be seen when I go into a place. I want the person at the desk to acknowledge that they know that I have arrived. I want the others around me to smile pleasantly and perhaps ask how my day is going. If that is what I want, don’t others desire the same? Probably. We will never know if we don’t leave our comfort zone of a shield of protection behind a screen and step out to speak up. It’s okay to be uncomfortable talking to strangers. I didn’t say to whip out a Bible, a footstool to stand on and start expounding on the Roman road to salvation. What I am saying is to practice common, everyday courtesy and speak kindly to others, ask how their day is going. Give a genuine compliment to them. Show compassion and understanding in what you say and in your body language. You may be the only one who really sees this other person, in a world full of people who are totally unaware. Keep your eyes open and your heart and mouth ready. Who knows who God will put into your path who needs your kindness and compassion today, the ones who need to be seen?

Do You Hold the Door Open?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App6 Comments

Holding the Door Open

In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter writes to encourage his friends…

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

Peter is reminding them that the world in its present state won’t last forever. We look forward to the day when the new heavens and new earth will arrive and all evil, suffering, and death will pass away.

But our time holds a special characteristic: it’s a chance for people to repent and find salvation.

Jesus, in His kindness, is holding the door open—giving time for more people to turn away from destructive living and come to Him.

This is our golden opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus. Through His followers, He is actively extending His offer of new, eternal life to the world.

And those who respond to that invitation will find the peace of God’s presence. They’ll have access to joy that can’t be taken away by circumstances. They can develop a relationship with the living God, who loves them without reservation.

He wants EVERYONE—all of humanity—invited to the party. Invited to turn away from their old life of destruction. To come to Him and know Him, experiencing His life-changing love. To be with Him, and follow Him today and into eternal life.

What an amazing chance we have been given! And you get to participate! You can help spread the word, making God’s offer of life known:

Jesus came to offer redemption to all who would come. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News for ALL PEOPLE, and the time to share it is now. Will you do it?

My Thoughts

Since I am elderly, I cannot do a lot for other people when I am out and about. They may start walking behind me towards the store, but most people get there before I do. And holding the door takes no effort at all since most doors are electronic. But think about the imagery of going ahead of someone and then going into a regular door and just shutting it once you are inside. That’s what a lot of Christians are doing to non-Christians. We don’t give them a chance to come into the kingdom because we just shut the door. I think sometimes my opinion about their lifestyle weighs too heavily, so I just assume that they don’t want to listen before I have even tried to share. Seriously, is there anyone to whom Jesus did not even offer a chance for eternal life? He gave everyone the opportunity to listen and believe, even though He knew the Pharisees and Sadducees probably wouldn’t hear the truth, He still presented it to them.

It is not up to us to decide who gets to hear. We should be telling everyone. Jesus’s gift of eternal life isn’t a secret that we hold close behind closed doors. The door is open to all who want to listen and come in. I want to be a door holder, not a door closer.

Just Read Publicity Tours: A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Augusta

On By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review10 Comments
Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Family On His Doorstep
Author: Alena Auguste
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes a tough situation

Requires a leap of faith…

Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walker overcome their scars from the past and embrace the possibility of a happily-ever-after together?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Thoughts

Written with a lot of heart and a foundation of faith, this story was absolutely a well-written and delightful romance. Rebecca arrives to the small town of Eden, pregnant and hopeful that she will find the job she needs to take care of herself and her unborn baby. There she is blessed to be taken in by Bell Greystone and her adopted sons. Accepted into their family unit, Rebecca finds a perfect job for her and perhaps even someone she can trust and love in Walker Greystone, a contractor with a lot of heart and plenty of plans to take care of the family business. With a blemished past, Walker has to learn to accept himself and the fact that God created him and loves him while Rebecca has to accept the fact that being rejected repeatedly does not mean that she is unlovable. This story has appealing and believable characters and a charming story with a warmhearted romance that was easy to cheer for. This debut from the author is a slam dunk for me with its emotional depth and refreshing look at what family really means.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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About the Author

Alena Auguste lives in Texas and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Married to her very own knight for thirty plus years, she and her husband have four amazing grown children and two of the handsomest grandsons ever! When she’s not creating trouble for her characters or working at the family business, you can find her cozying up with a steaming cup of tea and a good book. She would love to hear from you at alenaauguste.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Obedience or Disobedience?

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, testimony1 Comment

Many years ago as I was busily raising small children, one of our pastors preached a message about obedience. He said that delayed obedience is disobedience and used the example of training children not to run into the street. If they decide to go ahead and run into traffic and then stop in the middle, the results could be catastrophic. The same is true when God tells us to do something and we are so busy doing our own thing that we put off doing His requirement.

How do we know what God is telling us to do? He speaks to us in His Word, if we just take time to listen and then to obey.

You know what else is disobedience? Partial obedience is the same as disobedience. I used to tell my children that they could have a snack and then they had to finish all of their homework BEFORE they could play. Well, they had their snack, but I found that frequently, the older ones would do part of the homework, tell me that they had finished (a lie) and head outside. After all, they told me later in their reasoning, the sun was only going to be up for so many hours but they could do their homework when it was dark. That sounded reasonable, but it was still disobedience as well as lying, and consequences followed. I always told them that if they had trouble obeying me who was right there with them, how would they learn to obey God whom they could not see? They understood well enough to change their habits and get all of the homework done before playtime. And I relented slightly after seeing their willingness to obey, so after a few weeks, I let them prioritize their homework into what would take the most time and do that after playtime. Compromise, but it worked for us after the lesson in obeying completely was learned.

We cannot say we are obeying God if we only do part of what He has told us to do. Remember the Bible lesson about the people Jesus said He never knew? They thought they were doing what He wanted them to do…but were they partially obeying or delaying in their obedience? God does not take disobedience lightly and neither should we. If we know what to do, then we need to do it. That is my Scripture verse today and my lesson for myself, too.

Is there something God has been prodding you to do and you have put it off? Just obey so you can move on with life and in right relationship with the Lord. I am not sure about this, but I don’t think that God will give you the next thing to do until you complete the first task that He has already given you. We grow with God, one step of obedience at a time, not standing at the crosswalk and debating with ourselves whether it’s a good idea to do what God says or not. If we are trying to talk God out of having us obey, that won’t work. Look at Balaam whose donkey spoke to him when he refused to obey the Lord as your example. God can use anything or anyone at any time to get your attention when you are in the process of disobeying. I think it’s a much better idea just to heed His call and obey in the first place so you can grow in the Lord the way you were meant to. Don’t be the one who runs into the traffic and then look up at God and ask how you got into that mess in the first place. Just listen, obey, repeat.