Five-Star Books Releasing Tomorrow

I reviewed each of these books and give all of them five stars and a big thumbs up. They are clean Christian fiction and ready to be enjoyed by all readers TOMORROW!

With much appreciation to Harlequin, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the advanced copies to read and review!

Interview: Anne Lamott, Author Of ‘Help, Thanks, Wow’ : NPR

On September 22, 2023September 21, 2023 By vickleaIn Quotation and Citations, UncategorizedLeave a comment

As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for. Novelist and memoirist Anne Lamott says she is filled with “wonder at the just sheer beauty of creation.” She discusses her new book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers.
— Read on www.npr.org/2012/11/19/164814269/anne-lamott-distills-prayer-into-help-thanks-wow

Interestsing insight on prayer. We are quick to say “help” may or may not show gratitude and say “thanks” but how many of us take time to sit in awe of what God has done and say, “Wow”?

America’s Final Chapter?

On August 20, 2023August 19, 2023 By vickleaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/video-is-this-the-final-battle/

Please go to the original site and follow the author. Some eye-opening facts here. Read, think and pray.

Facebook and Censorship

On May 30, 2023May 30, 2023 By vickleaIn Re-blog, Uncategorized6 Comments

narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2023/05/29/facebook-cracks-down-on-christian-content-labels-it-hate-speech/

Please go to the original post and follow. Although I had heard rumors about this, it is the first actual censored post that I have seen. This is absolutely censorship but as a private company FB can get away with it.

Review of HONOR BOUND by Hallee Bridgeman

On September 12, 2022September 8, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review, Uncategorized1 Comment

This is high-octane romantic suspense centered around an obstetrician, Dr. Cynthia Myers, and the head of a special forces team, Captain Rick Norton. Cynthia is in Africa doing medical missions when a warlord threatens her and the entire village where she is practicing. One of Captain Norton’s missions is to safeguard Cynthia, so he does, killing various enemies in the process. Cynthia, a pacifist by nature, is torn up by the violence and does not understand why Rick has to kill people as part of his job. The action in this book is absolutely non-stop. I was a little put off by the three or so pages of military jargon in a glossary at the beginning of the book, but I did find referring to those acronyms useful more than once. This is a dynamic and riveting page turner, with a fast pace that never let up. Rick is coming to grips with his career, his failure to safeguard all of his men, and his growing feelings for Cynthia while Cynthia is in denial about her feelings for Rick and determined to forge a future without him. The story of their romance is a roller coaster ride of emotions. There is a great deal of depth to the story as the two separately explore their feelings and their faith in God. The plot was well-crafted and multi-layered with insightful looks into the lives of those in the spotlight and the warriors tasked to protect them. The character studies are fascinating and cleverly written to move the story along. With a unique perspective of military life and sacrifice, this book was enjoyable entertainment and a delightful story at the same time. I sincerely look forward to the next book in this series by the author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Intense action but a clean Christian read

Hallee Bridgeman is the award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee settled with her husband in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she’s not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. ***Author photo and bio on website on Amazon at*** Amazon/Hallee Bridgeman

This is a new release for September! Purchase Links:

Review of HER DARKEST SECRET by Jessica R. Patch

On July 25, 2022July 26, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review, Uncategorized3 Comments

LIS is always an entertaining genre for me and this book was no exception. Having read and been enticed by the synopsis, I was thrilled to be chosen to read and review it, and it did not disappoint. There were some parts on the book in which I got bogged down in details that seemed superfluous, but overall the book was well written. It was filled with action and surprising twists that kept me guessing who the villain was. My favorite thing about the book was how well the author expressed the emotional turmoil of the characters as they raced to catch the killer. FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly returns to her old team in Memphis because she has heard that the Nursery Rhyme Killer, known as NRK or just “Rhyme” is active again and is beckoning her there with messages just for her. Her history with him has her magnetically drawn to the scene and working on guessing what the clues mean and when and where he will strike again. Once in Memphis, Fiona has to also confront her ex Asa Kodak, the leader of the team who is currently involved with a police detective named Amanda. There are tons of characters in this book, but the way the author depicted each of them realistically helped me to keep them all straight. The plot was complicated but well-developed so that even when the racing train veered in a different direction, I was able to hold on to the straps and stay in my seat reading. The secondary characters are important to the action and unified to catch the killer. There was also an element of faith involved, especially since Asa is a new Christian and openly shares his faith. The intense action and the dynamic characters made this a book worth reading and worth looking for more in the series. Fans of high-octane romantic suspense will enjoy trying to solve the mystery along with the team.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Please note that this is NOT for all readers as it depicts extreme violence. The faith that is in this novel is like the faith of a new Christian and not firmly entrenched in the story. The characters express faith as well as doubts in the face of vicious evil. I would not encourage anyone to read this book who is not a mature reader. Rated M.

**Author bio**: Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. You can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on fun adventures (all in the name of research), and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook

This book is available for purchase now. Purchase Links:

Many thanks to Harlequin and LIS for the ARC to read and review!

#JessicaRPatch, #HerDarkestSecret, #LoveInspired

Review of SUNBURST by Susan May Warren

On July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Former SEAL Ranger Kingston is involved in a mission to rescue a group in Nigeria from Boko Haram. In fulfilling this mission, he meets Noemi Sutton for the second time and realizes that they may be destined to be together. With his brothers Dodge and Colt, Ranger runs toward danger and this book is chock full of action from page one all the way to the end. Set mostly in Nigeria but also in Alaska, the descriptions themselves make the book worth reading. The characters were take-charge and rough and ready kind of people. I especially loved Noemi’s family in Nigeria, particularly her Aunt Precious and Uncle Efe who loved her so much and wanted to take care of her. The celebration that they organized for her was sheer perfection to read and an education about customs in Nigeria. Ranger’s family in Alaska is a daring one, with a sky rescue service and the willingness to go wherever they were needed. So much was happening in this book at all times that I almost got whiplash from reading it! This was a fun, entertaining and edge-of-your-seat read that I had difficulty putting down. Each time I returned to it, I was so happy to see that the characters were all still alive because it was that realistic. I loved every minute that I spent engrossed in this book and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. Fans of romantic suspense, with the emphasis on thrilling suspense, will devour this book and clamor for more from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*The intense action and events make this a PG-13. It is a clean Christian read.*

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.
Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”
And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”
Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and http://www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. **BIO and PHOTO from the author’s website on Amazon at** Amazon

This book is available now and can be purchased wherever Christian books are sold. Here are purchase links:

My Steps Are Directed

On May 28, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture, Uncategorized6 Comments

bible.com/bible/113/pro.20.24.NIVUK

I don’t know how you all are feeling about life right now, but I have been buffeted by some heavy storms lately and I needed this reminder. I may not know what God is doing, but I can rest assured that He knows. He knows my heart is hurting because of what is happening with my grandson. We were told on Friday that his Bible that I had bought him to take to boot camp was stolen. He has no access to computers or the internet so that was his only access to God’s Word. I’m going to write him later today and tell him to ask the chaplain for a Bible and hope he can get a new one that way. My sister who has lived in the area (less than an hour from me) is moving to North Carolina today for health reasons. We share our love of books and will still be able to talk on the phone, but I cannot get to her easily if I want to because she will be almost four hours away. Finally, my daughter called and both of her dogs, the friendly faces that greet me when we go to visit, died this week. Her children are rightly upset which tears at this Nanna’s heart. Yes, they were old and they died peacefully, so there is that to be thankful for. It was just “one more thing.”

In spite of (or maybe because of) all of these events, I have been weepy and more that a little discouraged. I pray, I worship, I read and I write. Then, on Thursday, I ended up at my doctor’s office because I was having difficulty breathing. The usual for me..sinus infection and bronchitis with prescriptions for steroids and antibiotics. The good news is that our planned trip to Maryland and Pennsylvania to visit our children and grandchildren can still happen. I just have to take my nebulizer along and use it regularly. Was this part of my plan? No, of course not! None of the above circumstances were part of what I would plan for me. But God is in control and the final word is that I trust Him, completely and without reservation. He has the road map and I only have a small part of it that He shows me as He needs me to know. All of my crying and dismay is not for nothing because I have been pouring my heart out to my Heavenly Father, getting closer to the Only One who can lead me through all of this. He knows what is going on and He has comforted me and sent me words of hope and encouragement like those above. Meanwhile, I would appreciate prayers from each of my friends online for strength and for renewal of my spirit. I appreciate you all more than words can say because I know that wherever you are, you will pray for me and my little road bumps. I will go on in fellowship with God, believing that He is working all things out for my ultimate good.

May God bless you with a straight path that you can walk in victory.

The Way of Love

On April 27, 2022April 27, 2022 By vickleaIn Uncategorized3 Comments

Growing up, I used to hear an old saying in my house a lot. “Your actions are speaking so loud that I can’ t hear what you’re saying.” Well, the grammar was poor (should be loudly), but the sentiment of the sentence is spot on and even Biblical in a way. We can’t just go around saying the Good News; we have to live it in front of others.

Do you remember a game I played as a child called “Follow the Leader”? Whatever the leader did, we were supposed to do and you were out of the game if you failed to follow. The Christian life with Jesus is not a game, but we are all definitely called to follow our leader and do whatever He would do and nothing that He would not do. The movement a couple of decades ago called WWJD (What would Jesus do) is based on a Scripture verse that encourages believers to imitate Christ.

Just as our children imitate us as they are growing up and learning the ways of the world, we are told to be like children and to imitate Christ. What did Jesus do? He loved…always loved. He rebuked sin and stood firmly for righteousness, but He personified love even in His stern rebukes of the rampant sins of the day. He empathized with those who were hurting and who needed a touch from Him to be made whole. He loved! Can we do any less? When we see someone in need, are we content to say, “I’ll pray for you” or do we get into the trenches with that person and try to meet their needs, just as Jesus did? I’m talking to myself as much as to you. Oftentimes, more often than not, I am not as bothered by the plight of people as I should be, so I just give them an over my shoulder as I walk away blessing and prayer and continue on my way. How many lives could we touch for Jesus if we took the time to really look at others and their needs and to meet the ones that we are able to? To me, that is walking in love. You walk, you see someone in need, you help fulfill the need and then you walk on and find the next person in need. I think that it is in meeting the needs of those we encounter on a daily basis that we show them the heart of Jesus. Once we have met the physical needs, these people will be much more willing to hear our words about the sacrifice that Jesus made for them.

Our actions then need to match our words. If we say we love Jesus, then we need to imitate Him, follow His example and be lovers of His people, the lost sheep who are perishing without the hope that only He can give. Telling people that I’m a Christian has not brought a single person to the foot of the cross, but showing people what actually following Jesus means is evangelism in action.

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Category: Uncategorized

Interview: Anne Lamott, Author Of ‘Help, Thanks, Wow’ : NPR

America’s Final Chapter?

Facebook and Censorship

Review of HONOR BOUND by Hallee Bridgeman

This is a new release for September! Purchase Links:

Review of HER DARKEST SECRET by Jessica R. Patch

This book is available for purchase now. Purchase Links:

Many thanks to Harlequin and LIS for the ARC to read and review!

Review of SUNBURST by Susan May Warren

This book is available now and can be purchased wherever Christian books are sold. Here are purchase links:

My Steps Are Directed

The Way of Love

Have a blessed day and may you be aware that as you follow Jesus, others are looking to see if you are really imitating Him and walking in love.