Thursday, July 20, 2017

The Cover Story by Deb Richardson-Moore (Book Review!)

The Cover Story

A Branigan Powers Mystery, Book 2

by Deb Richardson-Moore
(received in exchange for an honest review)
The Cover Story
Genre- Fiction / Christian / Mystery
Published by- Lion Fiction
Copyrighted- 2017
Number of pages- 286
Age Group- Adult
Branigan Powers is off to solve another crime.  This time it’s personal, her niece, Charlie, and her friend have been in a tragic car accident.  Charlie was badly injured, and her friend was killed.  Charlie thinks they were run off the road by an old hearse, the police think it was an accident.

Branigan and her friend, Malachi, are determined to learn the truth.  The clues lead them to a nearby university and several sororities.  Soon another young lady is killed.  Will Branigan and Malachi find the murderer?  Is Charlie’s life in danger?

About the Author-

Deb Richardson-Moore is currently a pastor in South Carolina.  She has been a journalist and worked with the homeless.  Her website is www.debrichardsonmoore.com.

My thoughts-

I know I often say that I can’t put a book down, but I really couldn’t put this one down.  I took myself to a people and animal free room, shut the door, and finished reading the book.  I did not want to be disturbed.

I liked how Branigan teamed worked again with Malachi, who is homeless.  It’s interesting how Richardson-Moore shows the invisibility of homeless, but shows that everyone’s perception of them is wrong.  They do pay attention to what you do and they are wonderful at helping in times of trouble.

I read a lot of mysteries.  I thought that it was great that Branigan could get away with look for clues, since she was a reporter.  It sure helps to solve crimes when they involve family members, if all you’re doing is looking for your next big story.

I would like to see more involvement with Pastor Liam and God in future stories.  Pastor Liam plays an important part, but his role as a pastor and advocating for God doesn’t seem as important.

I can’t wait for another book in the series to see what the memorable characters are up to.  I highly recommend this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Cover Story, by Deb Richardson-Moore, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Season of Heartbreak by Mark Gregory Karris (Book Review!)

Season of Heartbreak
Healing for the Heart, Brain, and Soul
by Mark Gregory Karris
(received in exchange for an honest review)
Season of Heartbreak
Genre- Nonfiction / Religion / Christian Life / Relationships
Published by- Kregel Publications
Copyrighted- 2017
Number of pages- 226
Age Group- Adult
Description of book- paperback, listed price- $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4471-5

Using his own circumstances and those of his time as a therapist and pastor, Mark Karris has written a book to help those who are grieving. 

This book was written in four parts:

  • Part 1 is about the grieving process.
  • Part 2 is about three different connections- God, others, and yourself.
  • Part 3 is about ways to help grieving- like prayer, journaling, and forgiving.
  • Part 4 is about learning to listen to others and a theology of suffering.

About the Author-

Mark Gregory Karris currently lives in Japan with his wife.  He is a recording artist, ordained pastor, and licensed marriage and family therapist.  His website is www.markgregorykarris.com.

My thoughts-

This book has so many nuggets of advice for those who are dealing with heartbreak.  It was easy to read as it didn’t have a lot of technical terms and had lots of relatable stories from his life and those in the Bible.

While I liked all of the different parts and all of the information that was given, there were some parts I would like to see added.  In nonfiction books like this, I like having a summary at the end of each chapter which discusses the most important points.  I also enjoy having study questions so I can find out more about myself from the material.

Season of Heartbreak would be a great book for those who are suffering and need healing for themselves. 

I recommend it!    

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Season of Heartbreak, by Mark Gregory Karris, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.