Book Review: Tandem by Tracey Bateman

As of now, I know I can officially declare myself not "with it" and out of touch with what is cool today. But that's all right with me because if being cool means I should like books like Tandem, then I say, "no problem".

I feel that I have been hoodwinked. I went to the publisher's website to choose a book to review. I clicked on the blurb for Tandem, and this is what it said:

"As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers. Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?"

So, where does it say that this is actually a VAMPIRE book? I couldn't believe that we were not told that before we received the book. I know I wouldn't have bothered reading it if I knew. I read Twilight and, yes, I am one of those who was not impressed at all. So, needless to say, I did not enjoy reading Tandem.

The plot was pretty shallow and the characters (especially the vampires) unbelievable. As I read (which was hard for me to do, considering the vampire theme of the book), I kept thinking maybe the author would, at some point in the book, debunk the whole idea of vampires and thus redeem the book. But instead, the vampires were shown to be "real" and even at one point the author declared that perhaps "reformed vampires get to go to heaven"!

I was also surprised that there was no mention of the fact that what the vampires did (kill people to drink their blood) is morally wrong. The other characters seemed to accept the notion that this was normal and acceptable (once they learned that these were not ordinary people). I kept turning the pages, incredulous that this would even be published by a "Christian book" publisher.

I am disappointed. I give Tandem 1 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Book Review: If God is Good by Randy Alcorn

Every so often a book comes along that I believe will become a classic because of the infinite wisdom and value contained inside. If God is Good is such a book. Written primarily for Christians, it is a book that I think anyone may benefit from reading.

The subtitle of this book is Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil. In the first chapter, Mr Alcorn states, "Our failure to teach a biblical theology of suffering leaves Christians unprepared for harsh realities. It also leaves our children vulnerable to history, philosophy, and global studies classes that raise the problems of evil and suffering while denying the Christian worldview. Since the question will be raised, shouldn't Christian parents and churches raise it first and take people to Scripture to see what God says about it?" He then proceeds in the rest of the book (a whopping 500+ pages!) to answer, biblically, many (if not all) of the questions about suffering and evil in our world. Even though its size may intimidate some readers, I feel that the time spent reading If God is Good is well worth it.

One idea that Mr. Alcorn teaches is that the Christian worldview is fundamentally different than a man-centered worldview. He explains the reason for which God created the world: "If we come to see the purpose of the universe as God's long-term glory rather than our short-term happiness, then we will undergo a critical paradigm shift in tackling the problem of evil and suffering. The world has gone terribly wrong. God is going to fix it. First, for his eternal glory. Second, for our eternal good." We must realize that all that happens in our lives are happening (ultimately) for the glory of God and for our good. And we must trust Him in that.

The author also makes it clear that "God isn't the author of evil, but he is the author of a story that includes evil. He intended from the beginning to permit evil, then to turn evil on its head, to take what evil angels and evil people intended for evil and use it for good. God intended to show his highest good."

Some readers may ask, "But wouldn't it be better if God, being good and all-powerful, miraculously intervened every time someone intended to do harm, thus doing away with evil, or, at least the consequences of evil?" Mr. Alcorn answers: "If God disarmed every shooter and prevented every drunk driver from crashing, this would not be a real world in which people make consequential choices. It would not be a world of character development and faith building. It would not be a world where families put their arms around one another to face life's difficulties. It would be a world where people went blithely along with their lives, content to do evil and put up with it, feeling no need to turn to God, no incentive to consider the gospel and prepare for eternity. In such a world, people would die without a sense of need, only to find themselves in Hell." Who are we to question God about what He is doing in this world and why? Job learned the answer to that one, didn't he?

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"

I don't know about you, but I find that extremely comforting.

I give If God is Good 5 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Book Review: The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

Let's begin this review with a synopsis from the publisher:

What if you had the power to amend choices you made in the past? Would you do it even if it changed everything?



Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s. The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper and spends seven years making herself indispensible to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then she gets a frantic call at dawn—it’s the biggest news story of her life, and she can’t print a word of it.


Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City—decisions they’ve made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the mystery locked between the pages—Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy because she wants to fulfill the book’s strange purpose. But when a mystery from Mercy’s past arrives by train, she begins to understand that she will have to make choices that will deeply affect everyone she loves—forever.

After I received this book from Waterbrook for review, I decided to read another book by Ms. Jordan so I could get a feel for her style of writing. I read The Messenger of Magnolia Street, which was a strange novel about people fighting the forces of evil in their hometown. I thought it was a little too contrived, and so I wasn't sure what to think about The Miracle of Mercy Land.

I needn't have worried. I think Ms. Jordan's writing improved over the last four years, causing her to have more likeable characters, and a plot that, although not possible in real life, is filled with allegory and symbolism that bring the reader to understand God and His world a little bit better.

I was frustrated in the reading of the book at first because I was trying to make sense of what was happening and instead saw the story become weirder as I continued. However, when I got about halfway through, I beagn spotting the comparisons that were so subtly made that I almost missed some of them. I'm sure if I read it again I would see more, but I don't think my little brain would withstand the pressure.

As I think back on this story, I have decided that I did like it after all. I agree with Mercy when she says that scars are "a good sign of the soul of (a) man" and that if a person "shows up perfectly whole on the outside, there's a fair chance something's ill on the inside". I am learning more and more about the heart of man and it's not always pretty. Until one is "filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19), he/she will incur scars. And trials, whether they are the result of our sin, or the hand of God on our lives for the purpose of sanctification, will leave us with scars every time. But I'm so glad that I can trust Him to work all things together for my good, and for His glory. No matter how much I try to get into the way. 

I give The Miracle of Mercy Land 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!

What I am currently reading: Relentless by Robin Parrish - I was told about this book from an 18-year-old friend of mine. It is the first book in a series. She said they were some of her favorite books. Since we both like Ted Dekker and other authors, I thought I would probably like this as well. Well, I have read the first 90 pages, and I am intrigued. I'll probably want to read the others when I am finished with this one. I will try to write a review within the next several weeks.

What I recently finished reading: The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan - I commented on another of Mrs. Jordan's books last week. This is one I received from Waterbrook Press, and will write a review for it sometime next week.

What I'll probably read next: Triumph by Carolyn Jessop - I read Escape by Ms. Jessop last year. This woman has an amazing story of her life in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a sect of the Mormon church that practices polygamy. I became interested in this group and Ms. Jessop in particular when the church's ranch was raided and the children removed after law officials learned about their illegal practices. I grew up in the town where the police took the children (and some of the mothers) to live while their case in court was decided. I watched on TV as they escorted them to and from the courthouse that I immediately recognized from my childhood. The whole situation is just so sad. I admire Ms. Jessop for her outspokenness and courage. You can read more about her here. Very, very interesting.

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky

You may have read other reviews of Shades of Morning by now, since the blog tour started on Monday and I'm just now getting my review posted. I read a few before reading the book and I became excited about having the opportunity to read and review it. Now that I have read it, I must say I was not disappointed. Much.

I LOVED one of the main characters, Emmit. Emmit is a boy with Down's Syndrome who lives in New England. His mother dies and he is sent to live with his aunt, who lives on the other side of the continent. His mother's lawyer is a man who was once in love with the aunt. Problem is, she never knew Emmit existed, and she wants no contact with Taylor (the lawyer) or anyone who reminds her of the past she tried to leave behind. But Emmit needs someone to take care of him.

Emmit is a very loveable guy, even when he keeps getting into trouble. He has a way about him that melts his Aunt Marnie's heart. He always seems to do and say just what she needs and helps her overcome her fears and regrets. He is also obviously in love with God, as expressed by his exuberant and uninhibited worship. I know I would love Emmit if I met him.

The one thing that I didn't quite like is the twist at the end. Since I can't elaborate because it would give away a major part of the story, I will just say that I feel that it didn't seem like the best ending to this story. The way that Marnie's friends stuck by her, however, was nice and the romantic element satisfying.

I still enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good, clean read.

I give Shades of Morning 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420250

(I received this book from Multnomah for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

WWW Wednesdays

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!

What I am currently reading: Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky - I'm liking this one so far. I read a review of it on Goodreads and the reader loved it, so I hope I will, too. Review to come in a few days here on this blog. Published by Multnomah.

What I recently finished reading: Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck - Published by Revell. It was okay, but not great. My review of this book is here.

 

 

What I'll probably read next: Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook - This author is the one who wrote Must Love Dogs, which is also on my TBR list. I will be reviewing Seven Year Switch on July 19. 

What are you reading? What are some that you recommend?

Book Review: Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson

Many times throughout my life I have struggled with depression. I have tried to deal with it in my own strength, which does not work, at least in the long run. It's never gotten so bad that I have been suicidal, but I can identify with those who think things are hopeless and look for a way out of this life. I have had people in my life who have helped me to see that God is my strength and my joy. And because of Him, I can be content and at peace in this life, regardless of my circumstances or how much it hurts.

Kristen Anderson was 17 when she tried to commit suicide. She saw her life as unbearable and the only way she knew to "fix things" was to end it by lying down on the train tracks near her home. As a result, she lost both of her legs.

Thankfully, Kristen survived. In her book, Life, In Spite of Me, she describes how she struggled through her recovery and eventually came to understand that she needed Jesus as her Savior. She found hope in Him and is now serving God through her ministry to others.

This is an inspiring story of healing and second chances. God has done a wonderful work in Kristen's life. It is a great resource for those who are dealing with depression and for those who minister to them.  

To read Chapter one of Life, In Spite of Me, go here.

(This book was sent to me by Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.)

WWW Wednesdays

(Yes, I know it is not Wednesday, but I'm posting a review tomorrow, so I thought I would put this post in a day early.)

WWW Wednesdays is a meme from Should Be Reading, where we answer three questions: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? and What do you think you'll read next? If you want to participate, answer the three questions, then put your link on the Should Be Reading Blog in the comment section. Happy reading!

What I am currently reading: Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson - a story of a girl who tried to commit suicide by lying down in front of a train. As a rsult, she lost both of her legs, but found hope in Jesus and is now helping others who are comtemplating suicide.

I will be reviewing this one next week for Multnomah Publishers. 

What I recently finished reading: More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias - This book is the second book in the Extreme Devotion Series. I think Kathi Macias is now one of my favorite fiction authors.

I will have a review of this book on this blog tomorrow.

What I'll probably read next: The Last Christian by David Gregory - This one is also a book I received for review. It is a "Christian futuristic" book from Waterbrook Press. It has quite an intriguing plot.

There will be a giveaway along with the review of this book (sometime during the week of May 24-28)!

What are you reading this week? Do you have any reviews to share, or comments about recent titles you have discovered? Let me know.