Thursday, January 28, 2016

Intervention - Terri Blackstock


Title & Author :  Intervention - Terri Blackstock
Publisher :   Zondervan
Genre :  Christian Suspense
Series :  Intervention - Book 1
ISBN :  978-0-310-32198-9
Format :  Hardcover - 324 pages
Source :  Borrowed from library

BACK COVER SYNOPSIS :

It was her last hope - and the beginning of a new NIGHTMARE.

Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment and her interventionist is found dead at the airport Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all. 

Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily's life, Barbara maintains her daughter s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he s wrong about Emily. 

The mysteries intensify as everyone's panic grows: Did Emily's obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer? 

In this gripping novel of intrigue and suspense, bestselling author Terri Blackstock delivers the up-all-night drama that readers around the world have come to expect from her.

MY THOUGHTS


This story is about Emily who is eighteen years old and struggling with drug addiction.  Her mother Barbara and brother Lance are hoping that this is going to be the lucky break for Emily where she will finally be able to seek help for her addiction.

Barbara has arranged for an interventionist to arrive and pick up Emily and take her to a treatment centre.  Emily is initially reluctant to attend but eventually does go.  Upon landing at the airport and in the car park ready to carry on with the next stage of their travels to the treatment centre tragedy strikes.  

What will this mean for Emily as she is later detected fleeing from the scene.  Do things now look a whole lot worse for Emily or does it turn out that she is just a victim of circumstance and all is not as it first appears to be.

In this day and age addiction is a very real issue to have to deal with.  It is every parents worst nightmare to learn that their child has an addiction problem and to have to try and work out what, if anything they can do to help save their child.  Intervention gives you insight as to what one parents struggle is like with her daughter and her drug addiction journey.

The chapters are short so it make it really easy to read this book quickly.  Was definitely a page turner to want to be able to read on find out what is going to happen next.

Authors Website :  http://terriblackstock.com
Authors Facebook :  
https://www.facebook.com/tblackstock/
Purchase Links :  Book Depository,  Wordery
Challenges :  2016 I Love Libraries Reading Challenge

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Modern Mrs Darcy 2016 Reading Challenge

Anne from Modern Mrs Darcy has created a 2016 Reading challenge.  You can check it out here.
The challenge details are as follows….
Devoted readers and aspiring readers: this list is for you if you love to read (or want to read more) but don’t believe reading is a competitive sport. If you need structure in choosing your books but don’t want to be pinned down. If you want to stretch a bit instead of forever reading the same author/genre/plot line.
For the MMD challenge, read 12 books in 12 different categories in 12 months. It’s simple and doable, but it provides the structure you need to approach your reading list with intention in 2016.
Make 2016 your best reading year yet with this reading challenge. It’s simple and doable, but provides the structure you need to approach your reading list with intention in 2016.
The 12 categories are practical and flexible. They’ll bend to fit your TBR list, but they’ll also challenge you to explore new territory, revisit old favorites, and finally read those books you’ve been putting off for years.
Make sure you track the books you’re reading: Download the printable to track your progress.
If you don’t use a reading journal, now’s the time to start. I use a good old-fashioned paper reading journal (I made my own printable journal to suit my needs, and you can get your free copy here), but I still update my Goodreads account because I love to search and sort my titles.
I’m also continuing last year’s group Pinterest board for the reading challenge for inspiration and motivation. To join the board, follow me on Pinterest (or Pinterest won’t let me invite you). Then leave a comment below with your Pinterest email address. (If you’d rather not leave your email address in comments, email me at modern mrs darcy (at) gmail (dot) com.) (If you participated in 2015, you’re already in: no action required.)
Let’s get started! Pin the challenge graphic for inspiration and share it with your fellow book-lovers. We’ll revisit the challenge periodically to share what we’re reading.
Join the Pinterest board, browse the book list archives here for reading ideas, and start making your lists. Share this with your fellow book lovers (I’ll be using the hashtags #MMDchallenge and #MMDreading on twitter and instagram @annebogel). But most of all, enjoy the challenge.
I’m looking forward to reading with you all through 2016. This is gonna be fun.
Are you in? What are you most looking forward to reading in 2016?
This challenge should make for an interesting selection of books to be read.

Friday, January 1, 2016

The Gifted - Terri Blackstock


Title & Author :  The Gifted - Terri Blackstock
Publisher :  Westbow Press
Genre :  Christian Fiction
ISBN :  9781595540614 
Format :  Hardcover - 159 pages
Source :  Borrowed From LIbrary

BACK COVER SYNOPSIS :

"Three friends, rescued from the rubble of an earthquake, are at first simply glad to be alive with no major injuries. They soon realize, however, that something much more miraculous happened during the earthquake. All three have been gifted with mysterious powers they neither understand nor can control."

This is the first book I have read by Terri Blackstock and now that I have read it I intend reading more books by Terri.

Three friends gather after work as they are trying to create a Christian group to gain members and be able to share their faith with others.  However as it turns out they are the only 3 people that turn up for the meeting.  They are brain storming as to why no one else turned up and what they could do to encourage others to attend and be able to share the word of God with others.  Next thing the building begins to shake and they find themselves in the middle of an earthquake.

Due to the earthquake all 3 of them find themselves buried in earthquake rubble, injured and requiring medical attention.   Before this is able to happen they need to be rescued  which duly happens and they are taken to hospital.  All three friends receive miraculous healing and and able to walk free from the hospital the next morning.  However once they leave the hospital they suddenly find they have been gifted with a unique talent they have never experienced before.  With the three of them combining their newly acquired talents they are able to go forth and help others while sharing their faith.

Was a very enjoyable read.  A subtle message woven throughout the story as you read.

Authors Website :  http://terriblackstock.com
Authors Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/tblackstock/
Purchase Links :  Book Depository, Amazon
Challenges :  2016 I Love Libraries Reading Challenge, 2016 Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge

2016 Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge

2016.MonthlyKeyword.Button

Welcome to the 4th Annual Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge! This reading challenge was originally hosted by Kimberly over at Bookmark to Blog, and has graciously handed her creative whim over to My Soul Called Life! 
How does this challenge work?
For this challenge, I have chosen six keywords associated with each month in 2016. Your task is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the keywords for that month. Simple right?
Challenge Guidelines
  • This challenge will run from January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016
  • You can join anytime before December 31, 2016
  • Books must be read and reviewed in 2016
  • You don’t have to be a book blogger to participate! You can track your progress on Goodreads, Shelfari, Booklikes, etc.
  • The book title you choose can be a variation on one of the keywords. For example, your title could include the word ‘snowing’ or ‘snowflake’ even though the key word is ‘snow.’
  • Keywords can be tweaked. For example, you could read Cinder or Snow Like Ashes for the keyword ‘fire‘ and that would be just fine. If the key word is ‘family‘ then your title could include the word ‘sister’ or ‘mother.’ If the key word is ‘food‘ then your title could include the word ‘cake’ or ‘milk.’ It’s similar to the word game Word Association
  • Link up below to participate linking your post, Goodreads shelf, etc.
  • Lastly, have fun! This challenge is simply for the pure satisfaction of reading so please don’t worry if you have to skip a month or if you have to read your books out of order!
Here Are Your 2016 Keywords 

JAN- Crowd, Girl, The, Bad, Soul, Soft

FEB- Veil, Kiss, Her, Break, Love, Stars

MAR- Game, Fire, Darkness, School, Like, Change

APR- Far, Life, Stay, One, War, Thorns

MAY-Cure, Trial, Family, Key, Thief, Bend

JUN - Moon, In, Only, Whisper, Sleep, Trap

JUL-Rose, Sun, Clock. Day, Angel, Unto

AUG-Prince, Boy, Glass, Heart, Lost, Now

SEP-Wind, Color, Touch, At, How, Sweet

OCT-Rock, Ghost, Fall, Away, Sky, Storm

NOV-Dream, Holiday, And, Of, Dawn, Beautiful

DEC-End, Promise, Everlasting, Ice, Snow, My


Anything else I should know?

There will be an End of the Year Giveaway ($25.00 USD Amazon gift card or PayPal voucher; winner’s choice) so be sure to link up your reviews for more entries! I will have a new Linky tool setup for you to add your book reviews by January 1, 2016. Also, please note that reviews can only be linked up once in 2016. One more reminder, if you are not a blogger, you can link up your Goodreads or Booklikes reviews.

Lastly, (and this is completely optional) I have created a group over at Goodreads where we can all communicate, share ideas, thoughts, and recommend books for the reading challenge. Feel free to join!

GR.KWCGD
Okay, How Do I Sign-Up?
  1. Simply enter your information in the Linky tool below as follows: Your name @ Your blog name (i.e. Claudia @ My Soul Called Life)
  2. If you are a blogger, grab the button below and create a blog post or page letting me know you are participating in this challenge ― be sure to link back to this post!
  3. If you are not a blogger, you can use Goodreads (or any other book tracking site) and create a shelf for the challenge and link to that
  4. Lastly, Tweet about the reading challenge!

I have just come across this 2016 Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge being hosted by Claudia at My Soul Called Life.  I thought the challenge sounds rather intriguing so I am keen to sign up and give it a go.  The challenge should make it interesting when it comes to selecting new books to read each month.

The Christmas Cat - Melody Carlson


Title & Author :  The Christmas Cat - Melody Carlson
Publisher :  Baker Publishing Group
Genre :  Christmas Story/Christian Fiction
ISBN :  9780800719661  
Format :  Hardcover - 169 pages
Source :  Borrowed From Library

BACK COVER SYNOPSIS :

After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

MY THOUGHTS


Melody always writes an enjoyable Christmas read and The Christmas Cat was another great read and all that more enjoyable if you love reading a cat themed book.

Garrison has the job of settling up his grandmothers affairs upon her death.  His grandmother was devoted to her beloved cats and it was part of her will requirements that Garrison was to be able to find suitable new homes for her cats.  Garrison wasn't able to just take on the cats himself as he had an allergy to cats that wouldn't allow him to.

The story details how Garrison goes about being able to find suitable homes for all the cats.  He has been left full details about each cat and the requirements that each new potential pet owner must meet to be considered acceptable as the new cats owner.  He has to make unexpected follow up visits to the new cat owners home to make sure all the requirements are being met.

Are you keen to find out how Garrison deals with this challenge?  Then be sure to grab yourself a copy of The Christmas Cat to follow his journey.

Authors Website :  Melody Carlson
Authors Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/melodycarlsonauthor/
Purchase Links :  Book Depository, Amazon
Challenges :  2016 I Love Libraries Reading Challenge

Happy New Year 2016


Happy New Year my fellow book lovers

May 2016 bring you all many great new authors and books to read
May you continue to find new authors and add new books to your never ending to be read pile
May you dust off and read some books you have been accumulating on your bookshelves and ebook readers
May you find the time to participate in and complete some 2016 reading challenges

Happy reading one and all

First Book Of The Year 2016

                                                                              

Do you plan the first book of the year that you read?  If so, then head to Sheila's blog and sign up for her First Book Of The Year:  2016.

This is what Sheila has to say.....

It can be a coveted book that you have been waiting to read, a guilty pleasure book, a re-read of a favorite that you want to explore once again… whatever you want.
Our posts of what we are reading will go live on January 1st.  You do not need to be done with the book on January 1st, just reading it on January 1st and yes, you can start on the 31st and be reading into the New Year.  I would like to link up all your posts here on the 1st as well so others can visit you and cheer you on!  If you are interested, please fill out the short form below.
For my first book of 2016 I have chosen to read.....
I look forward to reading this book and it will be the first book I have read by Terri Blackstock.