THE CORRUPTIBLE: A Ray Quinn Mystery by Mark Mynheir

ABOUT THE BOOK

How much money would it take for you to betray the truth?

Ex-homicide detective Ray Quinn never had glamorous thoughts of the life of a private investigator—but being cornered in a bathroom stall by the enraged philandering husband of a client? That’s something he could live without. Retired from homicide and living with a painful disability, Ray’s options are limited. Stick to the job, keep impetuous sidekick Crevis alive, and spend quiet evenings with trusted pal Jim Beam, that’s about the best he can hope for.

As a new client emerges, Ray finds himself in an impossibly large boardroom holding a check with enough zeros to finally lift him from his financial pit. The job seems easy enough: find Logan Ramsey, an ex-cop turned security officer who’s taken off with sensitive corporate information. But few things are easy in Ray’s world, regardless of the amount of zeros in the check.

In what should be an open-and-shut case, Ray stumbles across Logan Ramsey in a seedy motel room. Only Ray wasn’t the first to find him. Now Logan’s dead, the client’s information is nowhere to be found, and Ray’s employer is less than forthcoming with the details. Suddenly the line between the good guys and bad guys isn’t so clear. With a foot in both worlds and an illuminating look at an unhappy ending that could well be his own, which will Ray choose?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Mynheir is the author of the Christy Award nominated The Night Watchman, the first Ray Quinn mystery. He has worked undercover as a narcotics agent, as a SWAT team member, and now investigates violent crimes as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit in central Florida, where he lives with his wife and three children.

SNEAK PEAK

Read Chapter 1 click here 

MY REVIEW

Ever watch the Mike Hammer t.v. shows? Read any of Mickey Spillane's crime novels? Well, Corruptible has a lot of that style. A tough ex-cop with danger on all sides, Ray Quinn is a character you can't help but love. He's a tough (teddy-bear) ex-cop turned private investigator with an assistant who is ready to back him in a heart-beat. Ray's new client and new case has more twists and turns than a switch-back trail. 

Mark does an incredible job in keeping the suspense high, the humor great and the pace fast, fast, fast. Through-out the story, he also weaves in Pam, the sister of Quinn's last case, who is a Christian. She helps Crevis (Ray's sidekick) prepare for the police exam, encourages Ray to let Jim (Jim Beam) go, and is there for him when he needs someone in a time of need.

Crevis is a wonderful sidekick for Ray. Impetuous, yet faithful, young and strong, Crevis acts as Ray's bodyguard, room-mate, and desires to become a cop. 

The rest of the cast in this great novel are all well-rounded, full-bodied and complete the adventurous tale of Corruptible.  

Fast-paced, an adrenalin rush from the first page to the end. This is one incredible novel. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by Mark Mynheir.

I received this free Kindle copy from Blogging For Books for the purpose of writing a review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

 

    

 

LUCY COME HOME by Dave and Neta Jackson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fifteen-year-old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan's sugar beet fields in the early 1940s -- the "war years" -- until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate -- and a dead field boss-- sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind family and everything she'd ever known.

Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday.

Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle aging mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her -- unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn't let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold... Lucy disappears again. How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy's murky past. But... why won't Lucy come home?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.

As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.

Visit http://www.daveneta.com

for more info.

MY REVIEW

The first book I read by Neta Jackson was Stand By Me. That was a truly great book. I got hooked and when I had the opportunity to read Lucy Come Home, for free from Litfuse Publicity, I couldn't wait to get it.

I was not disappointed. Lucy Come Home was so good I couldn't put it down. I had to get up for work the next day at 5:30a.m. and I was still reading the book at 12 midnight. Most people who know me knows I need eight hours to be human so less than six? Well, can we say grumpy?

Anyway, back to the book....

My grandparents were migrant workers until they settled down in California so reading Lucy Come Home helped me to see a little bit of their world which included the shortages that affected average person.

I really liked how Dave and Neta portrayed Lucy in the past and present. You got the sense of almost reading about two different people yet at the same time you could see how the decisions Lucy made in her past made her into the person she was in the present.

Those decisions, guilt, loneliness, and heartbreak all combined to make a strong, yet afraid, 80 year old woman who couldn't allow people to get close to her. How my heart broke for her as I read her story. She was as real to me as anyone I know. 

Reading her story will make you take another look at that homeless person you see every day. Maybe even cause you to reach out to them.

Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the review copy that made my review possible. And many thanks to Dave and Neta Jackson for another awesome book.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501702/lucycomehome

FLAME OF RESISTANCE by Tracy Groot

Christy Award Winner Tracy Groot Revitalizes World War II History with “Impressionistic Retelling” of the Story of Rahab

Tyndale House Releases Flame of Resistance in June.

Nazi occupation has stolen much from Brigitte Durand. Family. Freedom. Hope for a future, especially for a woman like her. Forced to turn her home into a Germans-only brothel to survive, Brigitte clings to patriotism by sneaking bits of food to the French Resistance and the downed airmen they’re hiding nearby.

When American fighter pilot Tom Jaeger is shot down over France and picked up by the Resistance, he becomes the linchpin in their plan to leverage Brigitte’s sympathy. By posing as a German officer, Tom can smuggle out critical intel she acquires from other soldiers about the nearby bridges, whose capture and defense will be crucial to Allied forces.

D-Day looms, and everyone knows invasion is imminent. But so is treachery. When loyalties are betrayed, the life of one American pilot unexpectedly jeopardizes everything. He becomes more important than the mission to a man who cannot bear to lose another agent . . . and to a woman who is more than just a prostitute, who finally realizes her courage could change the course of history.

Tyndale House Publishers presents Flame of Resistance, a stand-alone novel by Christy Award winner Tracy Groot. The novel, set in Normandy on the brink of D-Day, is an “impressionistic retelling” of the story of Rahab from the Bible (Joshua 2). Spies, prostitutes, Nazis, and Milice (the French equivalent of Gestapo) mix with calls of duty, crises of conscience, romance, and bombs bursting in air for a story centered on D-Day’s spearhead action: the Allied capture of Pegasus Bridge. A series of events calls forth depth of character, demonstrating that “people come forward to show who they are in war.” As the anniversary of D-Day approaches on June 6, Tracy Groot presents a moving work of historical fiction.

About the Author

Tracy Groot lives in Michigan with her husband and three sons. She is the author of The Brother’s Keeper and Stones of My Accusers—which both received starred Booklist reviews—and Madman, a Christy Award winner that also received a starred Publishers Weekly review. Luckily, she and her husband own a coffee shop in Holland, Michigan, where a caffeine junkie can find acceptability and safe haven. Visit Tracy online at www.tracygroot.com.

Don't forget to "like" her on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/tracy.groot

Praise for Tracy Groot

“Beautifully written. . . . [An] entertaining and compelling book.” Publishers Weekly, starred review of Madman “A gripping tale. . . . Her characters are exquisitely drawn, and the complex and convincing plot will mesmerize readers.” Library Journal on Madman “Lyrical and affecting . . .” Booklist, starred review of The Brother’s Keeper “Allusive and thoughtful. . . . A subtle tale that cleverly avoids retelling New Testament stories, instead forming a sort of commentary by telling parallel stories.” Booklist, starred review of Stones of My Accusers

Read the first chapter! You'll be hooked! 

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-5947-2.pdf

My Review

Can I say riveting? awesome? exciting? suspenseful? How about Don't start this book unless you have time to finish it in one reading; because once you start you won't be able to put it down!

Tracy Groot had me spell-bound from the first page and kept me that way until the end. Her characters are powerful, alive and breathing. Brigitte Durand and Tom Jaeger are so realistic that you almost expect to go back in your history books and find them listed with other heroes of WWII. 

I have been reading a lot of historical fictional works based on WWII and I have to say this is one of the best ones I have read. Well.... next to Tracy Goyer's work. Okay, okay, they are equally wonderful.

I wonder if I would perform as admirably as Brigitte does in a difficult time and situation, minus the brothel. She really stands up in the face of danger and possible death to help out Tom Jaeger secure vital information that will help the resistance against the Nazis. 

All of the other supporting characters are strong and realistic as well, without being over-powering. They help round out the story with their personal stories and emotions that bring to life the French resistance against the Nazis and their pride in their beloved country. A simple wedge of cheese not only brings tears to the eyes of those who are going to partake of it but help bring unity to the most unlikely group of individuals. (You will just have to read the book to know what I'm talking about.)

A family home turned into a brothel for German officers becomes a place of espionage and danger for those who are part of the French resistance group Flame. And Brigitte finds help from those she never expected help from. 

Flame of Resistance is truly a wonderful novel well worth reading over and over again. The discussion questions in the back of the book are great as well. They are a wonderful way to not only discuss the characters of the book but talk about personal reactions with your book club. 

This review was made possible by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. They freely provided me with this review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

SON OF THE UNDERGROUND by Isaac Liu and Albrecht Kaul

His father was an enemy of the state. His mother was told to have an abortion. His teachers mocked him. He first met his father when he was four years old. He and his family lived for years on the run. 

Yet Isaac Liu, son of Brother Yun, survived to develop his own faith and character, and today is serving the Lord from his home in Germany.

My Review:

Though I have not had the privilege of reading the story of Brother Yun, The Heavenly Man, reading the story of his son, Isaac Liu, was riveting.

From the moment of his illegal birth in Communist China, to the harrowing journey to Germany, Liu's life was fraught with deprivation, hardship, hunger and fear. But in spite of all he and his mother and sister and grandmother endured in China, the Lord continued to be a source of light and life.

Reading about his grandmother reminded me of Timothy's grandmother, who was a godly influence in his life. She was a pillar in their village and would travel far to other villages to bring the Good News. Nai Nai actions and deeds in her Christian faith brought many people to Jesus. She would carry young Isaac on her back as they would travel to various villages to meet with other Christians.

I can't imagine what it must have been like for Isaac to have been ridiculed, mocked and tormented by his fellow students and teachers. They did that because his father spent so much time in prison for being a traveling minister. That made his father and his family an enemy of the state.

Many times he and his family had to deal with the state police searching their home, which wasn't more than an hut, looking for his father. When the danger of being arrested would arise, the family would move to another place and change their names.

My heart broke for this young man and all that he had endured. Yet at the same time, reading his story made me take a hard look at my own faith. Would I be able to hold onto the Lord's hand in such persecution? I can only pray I would. 

In the United States of America we are still free to worship as we chose. We still have the freedom to attend any church we desire to. We Christians, still have liberties that our brothers and sisters in other countries don't have.

I am thankful for these freedoms, yet I believe those freedoms are going to disappear. By reading books such as Son of the Underground, and The Heavenly Man and For Those Tears, the Nora Lam Story, we can be encouraged to hold fast to our faith in Jesus.

Stories like Son of the Underground need to be shared. They help make those of us who are complacent and unaware of the persecution our brothers and sisters around the world are enduring to be mindful of them and remember them in our prayers. Their stories can help strengthen our walk with the Lord, bring about repentance in our lives and encourage us to live more fully for Him.

Son of the Underground was provided to me by Kregel Publications for the purpose of review. Thank you Kregel Publications.

  

 

KNOW GOD AND LOVE HIM by Joanne M. Rypma

What the book is about:

This prayer book offers you an opportunity to reflect on God and your relationship with him. It will help you to experience his presence and power in your life, encourage you to trust him completely in all you say and do. You will read about some of God's promises and his love for each one of us. Whether you are preparing for a pastoral ministry or if you just want to meditate on the Word of God, these prayers will assist you on your spiritual journey and bring you closer to him. Scripture passages from the Old and New Testaments are included in these prayers. The readings used on weekends in church for the Liturgical Years, A, B and C each have their own prayer in this book. You will find through my prayers your heart will be opened up to God's love in such a way that they will help you grow in holiness. Through the night and through the day, my heart and mind are searching for the way. Rest in the heart of Jesus and let his truth guide us through the mysteries of life. Each day let us celebrate the gift of life God has given us.

About the Author:


Joanne Rypma was attending a Bible Study class at her church and the priest would ask the parishioners attend the class to say an opening prayer. Week after week no person would volunteer so she went home and wrote several prayers that she would say as a opening prayer at the Bible Study class each week. Everyone enjoyed her prayers and often told her how much they meant to them.

She felt inspired by God the Holy Spirit to write this book of prayers. She says there are many benefits to reading a prayer book, but ultimately we will only get out of prayer the transformation we seek if we are open to listening to God guiding us.   

After 25 years of doing business office work, Joanne Rypma is giving her time and talent to working for her church in the Catholic Council of Women. She was born in Michigan and now resides in Florida.

My Review:

Though I'm not Catholic, I found many of the prayers in this book to be inspiring. I was able to use them as a springboard in my prayer time. 

Sometimes in our prayer time we struggle just to begin. Joanne's prayers are heartfelt and expressive. You can sense the presence of God in her prayers and by thoughtfully praying them they will encourage you to step out in faith and open your heart up to God and begin a good communication with Him.

Not full of fancy words, or flowery dialogue, each prayer is straightforward, pointing to God and His presence, His Son, Jesus and more.

Again, not being Catholic, I don't use the prayers directed towards Mary and such. But Joanne's book is full of other wonderful prayers. 

I believe this prayer book is a wonderful asset to any believer who needs a jumpstart in their prayer life. I think it will encourage anyone to take that step to open their heart and mouth and begin to thank God for His many wonderful gifts and change in their lives.

Joanne Rypma provided this free review copy for the purpose of writing this review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

Many thanks to her and OutskirtsPress.com.

   

BE THE ONE! God's Plan to Change Your Future and the Nation! by Charles R Ambroselli, CPA, CFP

Be empowered to take control of your life, your future, and achieve all the great things that God as destined for you. Whether it is your finances, physical health, relationships, or career. God as a plan and the wisdom you need for success. But it's up to you. You must Be the One...

My review....

I found this book to be informative, helpful, encouraging and timely in the face of what we as Christians, individuals, and as a nation, need. 

Be The One! is a book that will cause you to take a look at your relationships with your family, your neighbors, your fellow Christians and most importantly, with God. 

With timely advise, Ambroselli also provides the reader with tools to bring about change in their life. 

At the end of each chapter he has a "For Further Reflection" page that will assist in making life changes. For instance, at the end of chapter 6, 'Communication that Matters,' a few of the questions are:

          "Am I listening when God Communicates? Am I obeying?"
          "Am I truly listening when others communicate?"
          "Am I being the one whose communications glorify God?"

Carefully reading each chapter, and there is only seventeen of them, truthfully answering the questions provided at the end of each chapter, and allowing God to bring about real change in our lives and hearts and mind, I believe it's possible to see change for ourselves, our future and our nation.

This is a book I would recommend for anyone wanting to see change personally and nationally. Because it does have to start in the individual, first.

Thanks to The B & B Media Group for freely providing this book for the purpose of review.