Life in Defiance by Mary DeMuth

I was so excited to get an advanced copy from the publisher of Mary DeMuth’s book Life in Defiance. It is the third book in a trilogy about a crime that happens in the town of Defiance, Texas. But between the dog having her puppies, gearing up for lifeguarding at the local pool and doing some much needed spring cleaning I was afraid my reading would have to wait.

Once I found a slot of time to begin reading the well woven tale by DeMuth, I found I couldn’t put it down. She weaves a tale with unforgettable characters who bring the reader along on an incredible journey of self discovery, repentance and forgiveness.

Oussie Pepper cringes at the sound of her hot tempered husband’s voice. Her only hope to save her life from the cruelty of his quick fisted anger is in the form of a book on becoming a Godly wife. Can a book help to repair the damage done, or the fear that hides behind the eyes of her two children? Does she have enough strength to save them from Hap’s rages or from the person responsible for the unsolved murder of Daisy Chance?

When a wandering man who calls himself a modern day prophet appears, Oussie is hesitant to respond to his words of counsel and truth. Who is the older man who seems to appear out of nowhere and know the very thoughts she is feeling, and the fear she tries to swallow. Between this stranger and some of the most unlikely women in the town Oussie learns that the best advice and friendship usually come from the most unlikely sources.

This a great book for those who enjoy suspense and well written woman’s fiction.

For those who haven’t checked out Mary’s blogs and website visit her at www.marydemuth.com.

A Matter Of Character

The other day my mother in law asked me, "Do you read anything just for pleasure?"

I have stacks of newspapers and magazines. Piles of books and volumes of research material. I read all the time, but when she asked me that simple question I felt like someone who had just received a mild concussion and could remember their name.

"Umm...the last fiction book I read strictly for pleasure..."I realized my coffee was gettting cold as I just stood there and stammered something inarticulate. "Probably not as often as I would like too."

Thankfully there are writers who write with an easy to read flow and with a freshness that captivates readers.

Robin Lee Hatcher is one of those writers.

A Matter Of Character is the third book in "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs " series. While this is the first book I have read of Robins, it will not be my last. I enjoyed reading about what Idaho would have been like in 1918 and was thankful to have received an advance copy.

A Matter Of Character left me thinking about my own life and the questions that we find ourselves asking when we find ourselves at a crossroad.

What do we really want in life and am I really honoring the Lord with the gifts He has given me?

Check out Robin's website www.robinleehatcher.com to learn more about this series and the other novels Robin has written and while you are there make sure to check out the contest she and Zondervan have going until June 11th 2010. You many even win a Kindle!

And the next time I see my mother-in-law, I am going to tell her I just read a great book for pleasure and loan her my copy!

"O Me Of Little Faith"

I have been reading quite a few books lately, one of which is recently published and a preview copy from Zondervan, "O Me of Little Faith" by Jason Boyett.

Boyett discusses a topic rarely uttered within a church parking lot, let alone a small group Bible study or church service. He candidly talks about doubt.

Boyett describes being in second grade and saying "the Prayer". Which as he put it made him feel great about his eternal destiny-for about five months.

"I was going to heaven," Boyett wrote in his memoir. "Finally I could ride in the car without worry that an errant driver might sideswipe my soul into eternal fiery damnation."

But fear isn't enough to sustain a growing relationship with the Lord. Boyett writes about his journey of discovering he is not alone in his doubts. He is in good company, starting with some of the disciples, namely Peter and Thomas.

His candid look at what it is to doubt our faith in the face of trials helps readers who also struggle with wondering if God really exists.

In the end, this conversational book about the "True confessions of a spiritual weakling" encourages readers that they are not alone in their journey, especially when they find themselves feeling skeptical about their faith and offers hope that they are not alone in their doubts.