Chosen, by Ted Dekker

Chosen is the first book in a series called "The Lost Books". Dekker wrote this series for younger readers although I enjoyed them myself. His writing continues to be excellent and takes you to this "other world" where teenagers go on a dangerous mission to recover the seven lost books. I highly recommend this book to any age reader and am looking forward to continuing the series.

Journey to the Bottomless Pit by Elizabeth Mitchell

If you toured Mammoth Cave in Kentucky around the year 1838, you would have been led by candlelight through miles of dark winding tunnels, to the edge of a terrifying bottomless pit, and curiously, a church built underground. Your tour guide would have been seventeen-year-old Stephen Bishop, an African American, and a slave. Bishop had a job he found truly thrilling--exploring and recording every inch of his exciting adventures at Mammoth Cave and escorting tourists to show them his discoveries.

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers

Considering Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors I had high expectations for this book and I certainly was not disappointed. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I completely enjoyed the character development. Marta's character is thoroughly developed I felt like was right there along with her. Once she started writing from the viewpoint of Hildemara it was so intriguing how perspectives are so important. What a great story about a Mother's love and a daughter's desire to know it. I loved this book and cannot wait to read the conclusion to the story in Her Daughter's Dream.

The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann

I read this book on an airplane and had it finished in 4 hours. It was a good read with just enough suspense and plot development. It seemed to drag out her reasons for all the nightmares but was still enjoyable.

Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren

Hannah Grace is the first in a 3 book series each book about a different sister. This first book was an easy read with a sweet story. I thought it to be completely predictable but that's not always a bad thing. Its a sweet romance with a happy ending which leaves you feeling good.

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

I thought I better read the Reading Olympics books for this year and being a middle school target, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.  I would recommend this for any age.  Good humor and antics, good character development, and I loved to see the change in the main character.  Definitely recommend even if you aren't in the Reading Olympics or middle school!

Vienna Prelude by Bodie Thoene

Not usually a type of book I read but I do love books about the Holocaust ... and I loved this one.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series as I've gotten totally caught up in the characters.  I want to see what else happens!

Romance, suspense, action are all included.  Highly recommend!

The Fruit of my Lipstick by Shelley Adina

Cover looks like bunch of rich girls who only care about how they look; start reading it and it is about a bunch of rich girls who only care about how they look.  But I vowed to stick with it and while the rich kids in a high school boarding school live a lifestyle that is not familiar to me, they face the same situations and get pulled into the same types of sin we do.

It's also interesting to learn how we judge people based on looks, just like I judged this book based on the cover.  In the end, I liked this book.  Not riveting but a good "beach read" while still conveying good morality.

Arena by Karen Hancock

One of my all time favorite books. This book takes you on an adventure that is an allegory of the Christian life. The author does an amazing job with the characters and creating an "Arena" that is so much more than meets the eye. A great book for discussion as well.

Israel, My Beloved by Kay Arthur

This is not usually the type of book I read but I heard this was a great book on the history of Israel and I agree...it sure is. The book is an overview of the history of Israel starting around the time of the Babylonian captivity (slightly before that) up until today and includes the "certain yet unknown future". The story takes place from the perspective of "Sarah" who is Israel personified & is the bride of God. It is an intense journey of persecution but reveals the faithfulness of God. I have a better understanding of Israel and what they have been through. It really is amazing when you look at their history to realize how much persecution they have been through.

The Centurion's Wife by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

The Centurion's Wife is the first book in a series called Acts of Faith. Taking place at the time of Jesus and right after his death and ressurection it places you in Jerusalem with the people who were trying to figure out who Jesus really is. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and looking at it through the perspective of the Roman's at the time. It has many elements in this book from history to romance to action. I am eager to keep reading this series.

From the Belly of the Dragon, by Mark Mynheir

Another good story that will keep you from putting this book down. It is full of action and suspense. The police detectives get personal as this story involves the one detective's daughter getting in the middle of a huge spiritual battle. They must find a way to get her out but it becomes more difficult than they could ever imagine.

Rolling Thunder by Mark Mynheir

The first book in the Truth Chasers series is in my opinion the best one. While it is mainly about police work and searching for a missing boy the sub plot is about the main character forgiving his father. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness and the power of how it can change your life.

The Void by Mark Mynheir

This is the 3rd book in his Truth Chaser series. It involves police detective work and a spiritual journey for the only female detective, Robbie. I found it interesting as the story is about scientists who are able to perfect human cloning and the consequences of their success. I enjoyed the spiritual battle that goes on in the lives of the detectives but it was a little over the top for me. It seemed to be rushed and predictable but I would still recommend it. It was an easy, fast read that definitely kept me interested.

On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan

On This Day is set up like a 365-day devotional.  Each day has a short, 1-page story about people in Christian history which is an easy way to introduce some of these martyrs and heroes.  I think it would be especially inspiring for someone in ministry or missions who is or has the potential to encounter tough situations.  Many of the people in this book died for their faith; others perservered through amazing situations to create profound changes.

Especially helpful as a devotional tool is the Index of Topics in the back; however, adding an index by person would have made it a useful tool for research also.

Blink by Ted Dekker

My first Ted Dekker ... excellent!  My first thought was "impossible" for this "clairvoyance" to happen but if you believe that nothing is impossible with God, you may want to think again.  Action, terror, thrills, love. 

Head Game by Tim Downs

Finished!  In the beginning, I kind of thought "hmm, a little predictable"; however, some excellent character twists that I didn't expect plus some action, some danger, some conflict, some personal struggle and yet, thrown in here and there, some humor.

If you like Ted Dekker, give this one a read!

Degrees of Guilt

Degrees of Guilt is one basic situation told by 3 different people; therefore 3 different perspectives.  There are actually 3 books:  Miranda's Story by Melody Carlson, Kyra's Story by Dandi Dailey MacKall, and Tyrone's Story by Sigmund Brouwer,.  All 3 have done something wrong to contribute to the central situation.  What I especially like is you can clearly see the decision they made that started them on the path they took.  This decision could have been changed at any point and stopped what happened, but no one repented; no one changed until it was too late. 

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

A wonderful story about the power of forgiveness and love. Based on the book of Hosea, you will not be able to put it down. It causes you to look at the true meaning of "seventy times seven". A definite must read for everyone.