OFF TARGET: 18 Bull's-eye Exposes by John Noe, Ph.D.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Have we Christians been led astray by our own leaders; dumbed down in our theology by ideas, interpretations, teachings, doctrines of men, and traditions that will not stand up to an honest and sincere test of Scripture; and consequently drawn off target in the practice of our faith?

This on-target, bull’s-eye-aimed book re-explores what authentic Christianity really is versus today’s institutionalized and substandard versions that we’ve comfortably come to know and accept. As you’ll discover, beliefs do have consequences. This is why our modern-day versions pale in comparison with vibrancy and effectiveness of the Christianity that was preached, practiced, and perceived in the 1st century and turned that hostile world “upside down” (Acts 17:6 KJV). They also pale in contrast with the faith that brought our forefathers to America to found this country and establish its great institutions—most of which we moderns have given away to the ungodly crowd and without a fight. Bottom line is, we Christians are paying an awful price for our self-inflicted deficiencies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Noē (pronounced “No-ee”) is president of the Prophecy Reformation Institute, a conservative, evangelical scholar, and a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. He holds an earned Ph.D. in Theology from Trinity Theological Seminary and the University of Liverpool (“With Distinction”). He’s the author of five other trade-published books: The Greater Jesus, The Perfect Ending for the World, Hell Yes / Hell No, Off Target, People Power, and Peak Performance Principles for High Achievers. John is also a screenwriter, an award-winning entrepreneur, and a past 20-year member of the National Speakers Association. He’s been featured on numerous TV and radio programs including CNN’s Larry King Live and CBN’s 700 Club, has climbed mountains around the world, and lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Cindy, a state representative. They have two grown children and thirteen grandchildren.

John Noe's website 

MY REVIEW

It has taken me some time to write this review. I wanted to be sure I had a good grasp on what Dr. Noe had to say. However, I found the book to be somewhat confusing. Perhaps it was the format.

There are some areas that I completely disagree with and found they left a dis-quietness in my spirit. That doesn't happen often when I review books. But when it does, I have to listen to what the Spirit of God is trying to show me.

Dr. Noe takes a strong stand in his belief that God is the creator of evil, no antichrist arising during a future seven-year period, nor does he think Christ will return, just to mention a few in this book.

Now if I have misunderstood what he has written in this book, then the error is mine. However, I do believe if a person is going to take such stands, then his point needs to be clearer to the reader. 

I would like to be able to close this review with an encouraging word, however I find it difficult. I would like to say to all of those who read this book and any other, that you search out the scriptures for yourself. Also, don't just read the verse mentioned, but read the whole context, determine who the writer is writing to, what was taking place historically and how does it apply today. Basic sound hermeneutics. Let us all be like the Bereans and search out the scriptures daily. 

I received this free review copy from Dr. John Noe for the purpose of writing this review.

 

 

SONS OF JUDE by Brandt Dodson

WATCH THE VIDEO TRAILER HERE!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new series of gritty, fast-paced thrillers
 

The body of a young woman is found in a dumpster in Chicago and detectives Andy Polanski and Frank Campello are charged with finding the killer. The two are polar opposites. Polanski is the son of a disgraced Chicago police officer and is fastidious about his reputation. He has also recently been transferred from another district having blown the whistle on some corrupt cops. Campello, however, takes a live-and-let-live approach to his life and job.

 

It soon becomes clear, as another young woman--a potential witness--is murdered, that a sex-trafficking operation in Chicago is preying on illegal aliens. As the ill-matched pair dig deeper, an influential alderman and his son are implicated. Then Polanski is framed for a narcotics offense, devastating the cases against the corrupt officers and the alderman. Only when Campello is challenged by a local minister, whom he meets when visiting Polanski, does he find the motivation to seek justice.

 

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

 

ABOUT BRANDT DODSON

 

 

 

 Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers, and was employed by the Indianapolis office of the FBI. He has lived in Chicago and travels to the city regularly. He is the creator of the Colton Parker series and author of several stand-alone thrillers. You can find Brandt at www.brandtdodson.com.

MY REVIEW

Sons of Jude is a well-written, exciting crime thriller. The first page had me more than ready to read the rest. I had to find out what happened to Campello's partner. Then in comes Polanski, his new partner that everyone despises. 

Brandt did exceptional in creating his very believable characters. I could understand why Campello wasn't excited about working with not just another partner but one who "betrayed" his fellow officers. And Polanski, here was an officer who wanted to do what was right, and his family is harassed as well as the grief he went through from the other officers.

Throw in the inquisitive, sharp reporter who leaves no stone unturned... and a case with more sneaky turns than straight answers, you have got an awesome novel!

Reading this book from beginning to end, I found I have to read the next one and the ones after that. I was so thoroughly entertained and hooked I couldn't quit reading it. Brandt Dodson has a new fan in me!

And guys, this is a gritty book that you will enjoy. I have an eclectic taste in reading material and I happen to like gritty crime thrillers. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't like it too. There is just enough toughness in these great characters that you will most definitely relate to them better than me. 

I also wanted to note how laid-back Brandt was in bringing out the ethical aspect in the story-line. Polanski is the Christian in this unwanted partnership but Campello doesn't realize it until the both of them are facing some real life and death moments in this crazy case they are working on. 

Well I don't want to spoil the rest of the book. So be sure to get your copy today. It's available through your favorite bookstores.

Kregel Publications made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

YOU DON'T KNOW ME by Susan May Warren

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Deep Haven Novel

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.

To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.

No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.

Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events 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!.

Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

http://www.susanmaywarren.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/You-Dont-Know-Me-First-Chapter.pdf

BUY THE BOOK HERE!

http://ow.ly/e6zml

 

MY PERSONAL REVIEW

Do you really know the person you are married to? What secrets are you harboring that may affect the ones you love? Susan May Warren addresses these questions in her novel You Don't Know Me by telling a compelling story of the life of Annalise Decker.

From a conversation Susan had with a woman on an airplane, the story of Annalise was born. Placed in Deep Haven, Annalise begins her new life. 

I was happy to return to Deep Haven and meet Annalise and her husband, Nathan Decker. Deep Haven is a wonderful little town. The first time I read about it was in Susan's novel My Foolish Heart. So it was great meeting the folks of Deep Haven again. Hmmm... I think I will have to read that book again!

I found the story of Annalise to be heartbreaking in so many ways. She lived in constant fear that the person she testified against would find her. She couldn't contact any of her family. She was afraid to tell her husband who she really was because she was worried he would hate her.

Her teenage daughter was heading down the same path that she took and yet she couldn't really tell her daughter why the fella she was interested in was bad news.

Nathan had secrets of his own that he was afraid to share with Annalise. It had to do with his campaign for the mayoral office. Also, he wanted to erase the bad taste the name Decker created in his own mind and as he perceived it, in the minds of those in Deep Haven.

Secrets and fear of rejection bound this family in so many ways.

Susan wrote another great novel and through the telling she shows her readers the necessity to be truthful and honest with the ones we love and if we are honest with others we will be surprised with the outcome.        

This review was made possible through Litfuse Publicity Group. They provided me with a free review copy.

READ MORE REVIEWS HERE!

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/you-dont-know-me-by-susan-may-warren-200-weekend-getaway-giveaway-and-facebook-party-1023 

Win a $200 Weekend Getaway from @SusanMayWarren! RSVP for Facebook Author Chat Party on Oct. 23rd!

Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The entire set of Deep Haven Books

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!