‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ by Susan May Warren – Book Review

Susan May Warren’s latest release, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside,’ continues, as far as I am concerned, her streak of consistently entertaining and well-written novels. 

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

Five Strangers with broken hearts. One raging blizzard. Baby, it’s cold outside!

Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home – or her heart – this Christmas. After all, her holiday spirit froze over when she lost her son in World War II. But when the blizzard of the decade descends on Frost, Minnesota, trapping Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she discovers that opening her door might also open her heart to a miracle…and a new reason to celebrate Christmas.

Here is the biography of this author:

Susan May Warren is the RITA Award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and four books have been Christy finalists. Her novels have compelling plots and unforgettable characters that have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia with her family, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church. She now writes full-time and cheers on her two sons in football and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking and canoeing.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of the My Book Therapy website, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

This book is set in December, 1949, four years after the end of World War II, in Frost, Minnesota. A huge snow storm strands five people in the home of Dottie Morgan. Each person in the story is going through struggles pertaining to the War to end all wars.

This book is named after a duet that was big that season, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside,’ by Dinah Shore and Buddy Clark. In case you’re not familiar with this song, here’s a more contemporary version – Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone from the ‘Elf’ movie soundtrack. What a great song!

I’ve always loved Susan’s descriptive writing style. Here is war veteran Jake describing war veteran Violet:

Oh, she was beautiful. More than he’s guessed from Alex’s descriptions. Slim, but shapely enough in those brown pants and her dark green cardigan. He could imagine her in her WAAC uniform – no wonder Alex had chased her across Fort Meade. She had dark chocolate, slightly curly hair and green eyes that had the capacity to whisk his breath away, if it weren’t already lost. And those lips – heart shaped, red, and so expressive, even now as she caught her lower lip between her teeth. (p. 61)

Another highlight of Susan’s writing is how she glorifies God, and shows her readers that He is forgiving and loving, and that Jesus is our Savior – the Reason for the Season. Here is an exchange between Dottie and Violet:

         

Dottie held up a finger, her eyes sharp. “Don’t you talk to me of God and second chances. God took my son, and I deserved it. There are no chances left for me.”

Violet stilled. Dottie’s words landing in the back of throat, scraping it raw. She found her voice, kept it gentle. “Dottie, the point of Christmas is second chances for all mankind.”

“I don’t celebrate Christmas anymore.” She shook her head. “There’s nothing left in it for me.”

“Except, of course, Jesus.”

Dottie turned away. “You’ll find the thermometer in the bathroom cabinet.”

“We’re trapped here for a reason. What was it we prayed last night? ‘Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest’? Isn’t He here with us?”

Dottie stared out the window. “I hope not. He’s done enough already. He’s had His say in my life.”

“I don’t think God is ever done speaking into our lives. Even when we don’t want to hear it. Even when our hearts are cold.” (pp. 151-152)

Later on in the book, Violet shares one more truth with Dottie:

         

“I know it seems easier to say God doesn’t love you when terrible things happen. But the truth is, God’s love isn’t measured by the good – or bad – things that happen to us. God loves us, period. He already loved us completely when He sent His Son into our dark, painful, sinful world. We were His enemies, Dottie, and He loved us, even then. I guarantee you are not His enemy now. So, the fact is, He still loves you, even though He took away Nelson. And he’s been trying to comfort you---” (p. 199)

There are several twists and turns throughout this wonderful book, and the ending is very satisfying (you’ll have to read it to find out the ending!).

I have reviewed several of Ms. Warren’s novels on my blog: 'Double Trouble' (you can read my review here), 'Licensed forTrouble' (you can read my review here) 'Sons of Thunder' (you can read my review here), ‘Nightingale’ (you can read my review here), and ‘My Foolish Heart’ (you can read my review here). There has not been one book that has not left me wanting to read more – and ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ is no exception! It makes for a terrific holiday read. I would recommend it as a gift to those who follow Christ, and those who will after reading about His love and forgiveness in this book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Summerside Press. I am pleased to be part of the LitFuse book tour with these other bloggers.

‘Zombie Church: Breathing Life Back Into the Body of Christ’ by Tyler Edwards – Book Review

It is not every day that a book is published that addresses the apathy of the Church of Jesus Christ. But the latest book on my list, ‘Zombie Church: Breathing LifeBack Into the Body of Christ’ does just that – by comparing today’s Christians to zombies from horror movies. The perfect book for the Halloween season, where the contrast between good and evil is prevalent in society at large.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

There Are Zombies Among Us. Liars. Hypocrites. Men, women, and children who attend church because it’s what they are supposed to do. Just going through the motions. These are the undead – people who are disconnected from the Spirit of God – who are spreading a virus of passivity, or worse. No one is completely immune.

Zombies can live. But they will have to fight. Fight for their lives.

In this challenging, culturally relevant book, Tyler Edwards spotlights the very real but often ignored lackluster attitude of today’s believers. An attitude that can infect an entire church. Using examples from popular zombie movies, Edwards will help you recognize the symptoms and show what you can do to awaken the undead. Your mission is to take life to a dying world by demonstrating what it means to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30 NIV).

The bride of Christ isn’t dead. But she is terribly sick. Zombie Church offers the keys to survival.

Here is the biography of the author:

Tyler Edwards is the lead minister of Cornerstone Christian Church in Joplin, Missouri. He graduated from Ozark Christian College in 2006 with dual degrees in Biblical Literature and Christian Ministries, and in 2007 married Erica, a journalism and broadcasting instructor at Pitt State University.

A speaker for retreats and men’s groups, Tyler taught a class on the life of Christ to local pastors in Mbale, Uganda. He works with Rapha House, a nonprofit organization that fights child slavery and works to help victims of sexual exploitation get the healing and help they need to live a free life. He was also on the board of directors for a video company that sought to create a global awareness of sex trafficking issues.

Tyler’s hope is to see the church regain an exclusively Christ-centered focus and learn to rise above its differences for the sake of the progression of the kingdom of God.

I love this reasoning in the Introduction explaining the use of zombie in this book:

Zombies do not produce anything. They do not accomplish anything. All they do is wander around aimlessly, consuming everything in their path (including non-zombies). They are a corrupt and destructive force that taints all they come in contact with. Zombies act like they are alive, but they are dead. They just don’t know it yet.

Yes, there are zombies in our churches. Not only that, but this seems to be a growing trend. The doors are open, the people show up faithfully, the songs are sung. But that’s it. So many American churches today are filled with people whose spiritual lives consist of little more than showing up to church on Sunday morning and, for the superspiritual, maybe once in the middle of the week. We have become experts at going through the motions, but these motions are all we go through. I can’t help but wonder if God didn’t have something more in mind for His church. It seems that something is missing. (pp. 13-14)

In the final chapter, entitled ‘Searching for the Cure,’ Pastor Edwards takes this important point about today’s church:

The church has focused its attention on a lot of things. It has jumped from rules to doctrines to causes and each time has come up short of the dynamic life-changing entity it was created to be. The biggest problem in the church is that we focus on lots of things that are not Jesus. There is only one Jesus and He should always be the focal point, the centerpiece, the gravitational center of life, the foundation of the church – which is good news for churches struggling with lifelessness, because getting back to life is as simple as making the focus of your life and everything you do Jesus. (pp. 208-209)

I found this book to be really interesting – not to mention extremely convicting. I am not necessarily a fan of the horror movie or book genre, but I am familiar enough with the concepts, having lived in the United States my entire life. It is hard not to have some familiarity with zombies and the comparable ilk. Although I do tend to avoid that genre of entertainment (due to the fact that it accentuates the demonic and the dark side of the spiritual battle we all are enduring on this earth), I was fascinated by the way in which Pastor Edwards uses it for the Glory of God. I certainly see elements of the zombie in my actions at times. ‘Zombie Church’ awakened me to my apathy, and for that, I am grateful!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Kregel Publications and provided by the LitFuse Publicity Group. I am pleased to be part of the blog tour with these esteemed bloggers.

‘Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life’ by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Book Review

One of my favorite authors that I’ve discovered since I’ve been reviewing and blogging is Suzanne Woods Fisher, who focuses on the Amish community, both in the fiction and non-fiction genres. Her latest title is ‘Amish Values for Your Family: What We Can Learn from the Simple Life.’

Here is the synopsis of this book:

When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. Just how do they establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions? In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the secrets of Amish family life. In this inspiring and practical book, you will meet real Amish families that are a lot like yours. Through their stories, you’ll discover how to:

·         slow down

·         safeguard family time

·         raise children who stand strong in their faith

·         prioritize what’s truly important

Amish values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy – without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.

Here is the biography of this author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as the Lancaster County Secrets novels. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom. Her other titles include For the Love of Dogs, Copper Star, Copper Fire, The Choice, The Waiting, and The Search. She lives in California.

Here is an excerpt from the Oasis Audiobook version of this book:

In the Introduction, Suzanne shares this information regarding the Amish community:

Few people are aware that the Amish are the fastest-growing population in the United States. In 1900, there were five thousand Old Order Amish in America. Yet by 2008, according to Donald B. Kraybill, Senior Fellow at the Young Center for Anabaptist & Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, there were 233,000 Old Order Amish. And half the population is under eighteen. The growth is coming from large families, with an 85 to 90 percent retention rate as children become baptized into the church as young people.

The Amish seem to be doing something right.

So should we all “go Amish”? Of course not! However there is much we can learn from these gentle people about raising our families well; to help prioritize what’s truly important, to simplify decision making, to slow down as a family, to safeguard time together, and when age-appropriate, to let go. Amish Values for Your Family invites you into Amish farmhouses for a hearty meal, to explore the topic of rearing children who are “in the world but not of it.”

So grab a cup of hot coffee, put up your feet, and come inside the Amish world with me. (pp. 12-13)

I will focus on one aspect of this book – and that is forgiveness. The Amish are wonderful exemplars for how we are to forgive those who have wronged us. Suzanne focuses on this topic in the chapter entitled ‘Seventy Times Seven.’ Here she shows us that the Amish forgive, although it is just as difficult for them as it is for us ‘English:’

True forgiveness is never easy, and the Amish struggle with the same emotions of anger and retribution that we all do. But they choose to forgive – with no strings attached – in spite of those feelings. Forgiving is woven deep into their culture. It is not a choice; it is an expectation. The Amish forgive because they believe God’s way is the best way to live. They believe forgiveness is intended for our own good. How does that concept help you?

Is there someone you are struggling to forgive today? Having an intention of forgiveness can help to change your feelings about forgiving someone who has wronged you. Try to pray, each day, for that individual. If you have trouble with that, ask someone who understand the situation to pray for you. Don’t give up if you don’t feel anything. It might take time – but the intention to forgive remains steadfast. (pp. 133-134)

This reminder is coming at the perfect time for me. My husband, Fred, and I will be visiting a family member next week, and I still harbor some bitterness over something this person did over four years ago. I am quite sure it is doing more harm to me than it is to the other person. So I need to put this expectation of forgiveness into practice – and soon! I pray that the Lord will precede me and be there as I interact with this person. And I thank the Amish – and Mrs. Fisher – for reminding me of this – “for such a time as this.”

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Revell Books and provided by the LitFuse Group for review purposes.

‘The Fine Art of Insincerity’ by Angela Hunt – Book Review

One of the pleasures of book reviewing has been being able to read novels from authors that I have not read before. This pleasure came to me again with the latest book on my checked-off list, ‘The Fine Art of Insincerity’ by Angela Hunt.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

Three Southern sisters with nine marriages among them – and more looming on the horizon – travel to St. Simons Island to empty their late grandmother’s home. Ginger, the eldest, wonders if she’s the only one who hasn’t inherited what their family calls “the Grandma Gene” – the tendency to enjoy the casualness of courtship more than the intimacy of marriage. Could it be that her sisters are fated to serially marry, just like their seven-times-wed grandmother, Lillian Irene Harper Winslow Goldstein Carey James Bobrinski Gordon George?

Marital frustrations collide with poignant memories when the sisters gather to close up Grandma’s treasured beach house for the last time. One sister faces her husband’s infidelity, one plots the end of her life in pursuit of love, and one toys with the idea of leaving her loving but dull husband as the task at hand reminds them of their grandmother’s love and life lessons. This “girls only” weekend forces them to finally unpack their family baggage, examine their relationship DNA, and discover the true legacy their much-marrying grandmother left behind.  

Here is the biography of this author:

With nearly 4 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Elwell Hunt is the bestselling author of more than one hundred books, including The Tale of Three Trees, Don’t Bet Against Me!, The Note, and The Nativity Story. Hunt is one of the most sought-after collaborators in the publishing industry. Her nonfiction book Don’t Bet Against Me!, written with Deanna Favre, spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Angela’s novel The Note was filmed as the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie for 2007 and proved to be the highest rated television movie in the channel’s history. She often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. She and her husband make their home in Florida.

Here is the book trailer for this novel:

Lately, I have been reading books in which the characters are close to me in age (not deliberately; it’s just been working out that way). Such is the case with the three sisters in this book. By the time one reaches this age, one has been through a myriad of triumphs and trials. Such is the case with these ladies – Ginger, Rosemary, and Penny. Each chapter is seen from the point of view of one of the sisters. We get a insider’s perspective on each one, seeing how she ticks. It took me a little while to distinguish between the three of them. It was hard to believe that they had the same parents, so different were each of them! But God makes each of us in our own unique way. These characters prove to me – and should to anyone who reads this book – that God is the Great Designer of each of us.

Only one of the sisters professed faith in Christ, and it took a while for her to acknowledge her faith (actually, it was more a matter of church attendance than an actual relationship). This book, although published by Howard Books, the Christian imprint from Simon and Schuster, is not overtly Christian. However, each sister seems to be closer to her Lord at the end than she was a beginning. The reason for that is the lesson that they learned from reflecting on the life of their grandmother, Lillian.

Rosemary is the sister who is contemplating ending her life, under the incorrect assumption that those she left behind would be better off without her. I found her perspective to be interesting; I recall having a similar mindset several decades ago:

Still, if the dead can yearn for things they knew before, I will miss nature. I’ll miss birdsong, and the way soaring live oaks draw my gaze to the limitless arc of sky. I’ll miss my animals: the light in my dog’s eyes and the caress of a horse’s velvet muzzle against my palm. (p. 111)

One of the items they discovered when the sisters were clearing out their grandmother’s cottage was a tape recorder and some cassette tapes from their grandmother. I loved this prayer/piece of wisdom directed at her beloved granddaughters:

Overcome with a need to hear our grandmother’s voice, I pull the tape recorder closer. A cassette sits in the machine, so I plug the cord into the wall, then hold my breath and press play. I hear the hiss of static, a quiet chuckle, and then my grandmother’s crackling voice: “Dear Lord, how I pray for my girls. Be with young Rosie, Father, and keep her safe. Be with Penny, and let her feel your tender love. And Lord, bless my sweet Gingerbread. Teach her how to lean on you instead of trying to carry her on her own shoulders. Show her how to love. And help her be the guiding light that draws her family close.” (p. 296)

I love reading books that are set in a scenic location. Such is the case with this book - St. Simons Island in Georgia. Although the setting was ancillary to the storyline, it still sounded like a beautiful place to live/visit! 

I think this would be a great book to read with a girlfriend or two (or a group). There are insightful discussion questions in the back of the book. I loved Question # 6.:

6. At dinner on Sunday night, the granddaughters discuss what love is. How would you define it? Which of them comes closest to a good definition for love? Do you think any of these definitions have changed by the end of the novel? Whose?

In addition, there is an interesting question and answer session with Ms. Hunt.

I enjoyed reading this book! This book addresses some of the big issues in life: marriage, divorce, faith, love, relationships, etc…. I have to admit that each of the sisters drove me a little crazy at one point or another, but I was cheering for happiness and love in each one of their lives as I discovered more and more about them. I love the lessons of forgiveness and love that came through at the end of the book in each life. I know these are fictional characters, but I hope they all have lasting peace in their individual situations.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Howard Books and provided by Glass Road Public Relations for review purposes.

‘Wonders Never Cease’ by Tim Downs – Book Review

One of the most fascinating subjects to me is the subject of angels. So when I learned about a book called ‘Wonders Never Cease’ by Tim Downs, I knew it was a book I wanted to read.

Here is the synopsis of this novel novel:

“It’s true what they say, you know: If you talk to God, you’re religious; if you hear from God, you’re schizophrenic.”

When a car accident leaves a famous movie star in a coma, nurse Kemp McAvoy thinks he has found his ticket to the life he’s always wanted. As a med school dropout who was on his way to becoming an anesthesiologist, Kemp has the knowledge to carry off the crazy plan he concocts: adjust the star’s medication each night and pretend to be a heavenly visitor giving her messages. He recruits her agent and a down-and-out publisher to make sure the messages will become the next spiritual bestseller and make them all rich.

But his girlfriend’s daughter, Leah, keeps telling people that she is seeing angels, and her mother and her teachers are all afraid that something is wrong.

Before it’s too late, they’ll all learn a few things about angels, love, and hope.

Here is the biography of this author:

Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate until 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred major newspapers worldwide.  His first book, Finding Common Ground: How to Communicate with Those Outside the Christian Community...While We Still Can, was awarded the Gold Medallion Award in 2000, and his third novel, PlagueMaker, was awarded the Christy Award for best CBA suspense novel of 2007. He is also the author of End of the Earth, Head Game, Less Than Dead, Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop and First the Dead. His most recent novel is Nick of Time. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy.

There are several primary characters in this novel – Kemp McAvoy, Natalie Pelton, and actress Liv Hayden. In my opinion, Kemp has absolutely no redeeming value, other than being a child of God. He got my blood boiling numerous times through the course of reading this novel. He comes across as self-centered, dishonest, and arrogant. In contrast, his girlfriend, Natalie, had her moments of bad behavior, but, overall, I wondered what she saw in Kemp and why she was with him.

Another interesting aspect of this novel is the Hollywood/show business element. The emphasis is more clearly on the business than on the show. In his writing, Mr. Downs captures the environment perfectly. Here is an exchange between Liv Hayden and the director of her latest film project:

The director grinned at her. “I’m really looking forward to working with you on this film, Ms. Hayden. I welcome your input – your opinion means a lot to me. I mean, an actor of your – stature.”

Stature. The word stung, but Liv kept a smile plastered on her face. Stature – durability – longevity – they were all just euphemisms for the same brutal reality – age. It was no picnic being a forty-plus box office icon in Hollywood, especially for a woman. Oh sure, male actors complained about the ravages of time too, but it was different for men. Less than a week ago, she was lunching with Nic Cage at The Ivy when he started whining about hairlines and face-lifts and she shoved his corn chowder into his lap. She reminded him that Brando was the size of a Macy’s balloon when they paid him $3.7 million to do Superman – but let an actress pack on an extra twenty and the only role she’ll get is doing commercials for Jenny Craig. It’s not the same, she told him. Women in Hollywood have to do everything men do, but we’re supposed to do it crammed into a size four. (pp. 3-4)

After Ms. Hayden’s auto accident, several people, including Nurse McAvoy and Ms. Hayden’s agent, Mort Biederman, concocted a scheme to get her to write a best-selling book which would make all of them rich. The meeting to nail down the details was interesting:

“We need a story with conflict – tension – something to hook the audience and draw them in.”

“I like it,” Biederman said. “Keep going.”

“How about this? The angel tells Hayden there’s a cosmic conflict brewing somewhere in the universe, a conflict to determine which path people will follow – the old way or the new way. You know, sort of a Star Wars thing: ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.’” (p. 99)

There is not much of a Christian element in this book, which is published by Thomas Nelson. It falls under the Christian Suspense category. The only character who exhibits any Christian virtues is Emmet, a custodian at the hospital. Here is an exchange between Emmet and Kemp, as Emmet confronts Kemp on his nefarious scheme. This is a perfect example of the mindset/character of these two men:

        “The whole thing was just a harmless prank.”

“Does that seem harmless to you? You put words in an angel’s mouth – that’s a mighty bold thing to do. You’re foolin’ with things you don’t understand, Mr. Kemp. An angel’s just a messenger; that means you put words in the mouth of the Almighty, and that’s a fearful thing to do.”

“I don’t believe in angels – or the bogeyman.”

“Your daughter does.”

“My girlfriend’s daughter is a loon. Bad genes, I suppose.”

“Then let me put it another way: You’re foolin’ with words. Folks are gonna read those words, and some folks are gonna believe ‘em. Words are some of the most powerful things in the world, Mr. Kemp. Not a terrible thing’s been done in this world that didn’t start off with words. Words matter – a smart man like you should know that.” (P. 195)

The wisdom is coming from the humble man, clearly!

I enjoyed the ending of this book. It was the perfect twist! If you’re looking for a beach or summertime read, this would be a good one. Just know that there is just one character in the book who exhibits Christian virtues (if that is a component of a book that is important to you). Most of the other characters desperately need Jesus!

You can order this book here.

This review was written using the Advanced Reader’s Copy; the page numbers may not correspond with the final publication. The finished product, published by Thomas Nelson, is currently available for purchase. This ARC was generously provided by the author for review purposes.

‘A Killer Among Us’ by Lynette Eason – Book Review

I really enjoy an interesting amalgam of genres called Romantic Suspense. The latest book I have read that fits that category is ‘A Killer Among Us’ by Lynette Eason.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

What happens when the hunter…becomes the hunted? Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. These two partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is, he may be hunting one of them.

With nail-biting suspense, clever plot twists, and a hint of romance, A Killer Among Us is the latest thriller from Lynette Eason.

Here is the biography of this author:

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her master’s in education at Converse College. Author of ten inspiration romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home and Don’t Look Back, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married “the boy next door,” and now she and her husband and two sons, whom she homeschools, make their home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Here’s the book trailer for this thrilling novel:

‘Don’t Look Back’ was the second book in Lynette’s ‘Women of Justice’ series (you can read my review here). The first book is ‘Too Close to Home,’ which I have not read as yet. Sadly, this is the last book in the series.

Just as with ‘Don’t Look Back,’ I really enjoyed reading ‘A Killer Among Us.’ Mrs. Eason writes with an expert touch. The plotline is intriguing and makes me want to keep reading to determine the identity of the protagonist and to follow all of the twists and turns.

The protagonist in this book was not sympathetic at all! I did not guess who the serial killer was, but I was definitely creeped out by this person! It is sad how the world produces such people. In that way, I am empathetic toward him in that he did not know Jesus, and did not know that there is a better way of living.

One of my favorite parts of Christian-themed books is how they share the Gospel through a character. The main character in this book that has strong faith is Kit Kenyon’s partner, Noah Lambert. Generally, these characters influence other characters to look to the Lord, and that was the case in this novel. He would offer to meet with his pastor and the people he met during his job as a police detective, for instance. He also was not afraid to confront Kit with tough questions. Here is an exchange between the two of them, beginning with Kit:

“I went through several years of therapy and belonged to an amazing….” She paused and cocked her head. “Huh.”

“What?”

“I was going to say an amazing church. But I just remembered that church part.” Memories flooded her. “We had a great children’s minister. He and his wife practically adopted me after that. He was a trained counselor. Not the one I saw on a regular basis, but he helped…a lot.” She shifted, agitated. “I can’t believe I didn’t remember that until now. How weird.”

“Not so weird. You’ve already said you’re mad at God.”

“Yeah, I am. Sort of.”

“Anger is a powerful emotion. You’ve probably suppressed some good things about God in order to hold on to that anger. The question is, why are you so mad at him?” (p. 129)

If you are looking for a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and has a Christian theme interspersed, I would highly recommend that you read ‘A Killer Among Us.’

You can order this book here.

Available May, 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Books. This book was provided by Revell for review purposes.