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

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.

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.

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

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!

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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!

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.....

The Gifted - Terri Blackstock

I look forward to reading this book and it will be the first book I have read by Terri Blackstock.

2016 Finishing The Series Reading Challenge

Are you like me and have some series you have started to read but yet to complete the series.  Maybe you and waiting for the next book in the series to be released or you just haven't been able to get back to reading more books in the series.  Finishing the Series is an ideal challenge to sign up and participate in.  This challenge is being hosted at Bea's Book Nook.

The sign up details are as follows....

The details:

• All books that are part of a continuing series qualify (i.e. Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, James Patterson's Alex Cross, etc.)
• It doesn't matter if you have 1 book or 10 books in a series to complete it, it qualifies (i.e. if you only need to read one more Mercy Thompson book to complete the goal, that's fine) The goal is to complete a series from wherever you are up to until the last published book.
• The qualification period is January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Books must be read during this time frame to count. Sign up is now until December 1, 2016.
• Take the button above and post about it on your blog. Use the link below to sign up and make sure you link it directly to your post about this challenge, not to the home page of your blog.
  If you don't have a blog, that's fine. Just leave a comment to sign up and tell us which series you are reading. Or you can join the Goodreads group for this challenge by clicking here.
• Each month there will be a post where you can link up your reviews. Write a review - 2 sentences or an essay, whatever works for you, but there is a minimum of 2 sentences. Not sure what to write? How about something like, "The characters were a delight but the story was slow and confusing. It was disappointing."
• Any format and length of book counts - print, audio, ebook, etc.
• You should choose the series you want to finish before the challenge begins, but it isn't necessary. It's fine to change series during the year - as long as you complete whichever series it is.
• Choose a level below. 

Level 1 (Novice series reader - Complete 1 series

Level 2 (Testing the waters) - Complete 2-4 series

Level 3 (Experienced) - Complete 3-6 series

Level 4 (Expert series reader) - Complete 7 or more series

MY LEVEL - I am going to sign up for Experienced - Complete 3-6 series.

I am one that always likes to read a series in order.  I have a few different series that I would like to get up to date on or I am waiting for the next book in the series to be released.  This will be an ideal challenge to encourage me to complete some of the series I have already started or be able to read the next released book in the series.

2016 I Love Libraries Reading Challenge

2016 I Love Libraries Reading Challenge is being hosted at Bea's Book Nook.  The sign up details are as follows:

It's no secret that I love my library and it's been a tremendous resource for me over the years, and not just for books.  For this challenge, use your library to check out reading material - books, magazines, any sort of reading material that you are allowed to check out, physical or digital.  The challenge runs January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016.

The details: 

1. Put a sign up post on your blog and link it below.
2. If you don't have a blog, make a dedicated goodreads shelf (or LibraryThing), make sure it's public, and link it below. 
3. Any reading material that can be checked out of your library counts - print books, audio books, digital books, magazines, etc. 
4. As part of your sign up post, briefly write why you like using your library - free books, internet access, a quiet place to work, whatever draws you to the library. If you don't have a blog platform, post it in the comments below.
5. Write a review - 2 sentences or an essay, whatever works for you, but there is a minimum of 2 sentences. Not sure what to write? How about something like, "The characters were a delight but the story was slow and confusing. It was disappointing." 
6. There will be a post each month where you can link your reviews. Each linky will run for the calendar year. 
7. Pick a level from the list below. You can move up as needed but you can't move down.
8. Books may overlap with other reading challenges.
9. ETA Dec. 17: There's a goodreads group for anyone interested in discussing libraries or books or for tracking your challenge. The group was an outgrowth of yet another library reading challenge that has since ended but the group is still active. The challenge host, The Geeky Blogger, added me as a mod to the goodreads group, come check us out!

Levels:

• board book - 3
• picture book - 6
• early reader - 9
• chapter book - 12
• middle grades - 18
• Young adult - 24
• adult - 36
• just insert IV - 50

MY LEVEL - I am signing up for just insert IV - 50

The majority of the books that I read are borrowed from my library both in book and ebook format. My library offers a great selection, something to suit everyone.  I like to try and support libraries all I can as I believe that they offer a great service to the public.  We visit our library every week to return books read, talking books listened to, dvds watched and pick up the latest reserves.

#SIXTYBOOKS in 2016

                                                                               

Do you intend reading sixty or more books in 2016?  You might like to sign up and take the pledge to read #SIXTYBOOKS in 2016.

                                                                                         

Imagine a world in which every one of us reads sixty books a year.

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Now, imagine the conversations we would have with one another.

Imagine the topics we might discuss.

Imagine the levels of understanding and empathy we would reach.

This is what #SixtyBooks is all about.

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#SixtyBooks is a reading movement.

It’s a simple pledge that we can all make by stating:

“I will make reading
a regular part of my daily routine.”

Click here to join the #SixtyBooks in 2016 Reading Challenge!

Mr Miracle - Debbie Macomber

Title :  Mr Miracle

Author : Debbie Macomber

Publisher :  Ballatine Books

Genre :  Christmas Romance

ISBN :  978-0-553-39115-2

Format :  Hardback - 272 pages 

Source :  Borrowed from library

BOOK SYNOPSIS :

"NEW YORK TIMES" BESTSELLER Beloved author Debbie Macomber celebrates the most wonderful time of the year in this heartwarming Christmas novel of romance, hope, and the comforts of home

Harry Mills is a guardian angel on a mission: help twenty-four-year-old Addie Folsom get her life back on track--and, if the right moment strikes, help her find love. Posing as a teacher at a local college in Tacoma, Washington, Harry is up to the task, but not even he can predict the surprises that lay in store. 

After trying to make it on her own, Addie has returned home to Tacoma for the holidays, but this time she plans to stay for good, enrolling in the local community college to earn her degree. What she "doesn't" plan to do is run into Erich Simmons. 

Addie and her next-door neighbor, Erich, are like night and day. Growing up, he was popular and outgoing while she was rebellious and headstrong, and he never missed an opportunity to tease her. Now she intends to avoid him entirely, yet when they're suddenly forced to spend Christmas together, Addie braces for trouble. 

Perhaps it's the spirit of the season or the magic of mistletoe, but Addie and Erich soon find they have more in common than they thought--and that two people who seem so wrong for each other may actually be just right. With a little prompting from a certain angelic teacher, the two are in for a holiday miracle they'll never forget.

MY THOUGHTS :

I always enjoy reading Debbie's books that feature angels at work in peoples every day lives when they always seem to need it the most.

This was another feel good read that is especially good to read at Christmas time being that it is Christmas themed.  Harry Miles has his first placement on earth to be a guardian angel to Addie Folsom.  We read about the adjustments that Harry has to make living life as a human and the emotions and everyday happenings that humans encounter.  He also has to work out how he can best set to work making magic happen for Addie to be able to believe in herself and realise her full potential and to also help out the people that surround her.

All in all this was a quick and easy read that you should pick up and enjoy when you in the mood for a feel good story that you know is sure to have a happy ending.

This book has also been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel.

Where to find author and purchase book:

Author Website, Facebook, Pinterest, Where To Purchase 

Challenges : Readers To The Rescue Library Challenge 2015, 2015 Snagged @ The Library Challenge, I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2015

Library Reading Challenges 2015

We are regulars visiting our local libraries each week to pick up reserves and browse the library shelves looking for new and interesting books to read and dvds to watch.  Browsing some book blogs I have come across several library book reading challenges which I have signed up to participate in this year.  Being that we are library lovers and I am always maxing out our library cards I am signing up for the maximum book limit of each challenge.

The library challenges I am signing up for are as follows:

Hosted by:  Sheila at Book Journey

And of course.. there are fun levels of commitment:

 1-5 check outs in 2015 – NOVICE

6-11 check outs in 2015 – ROOKIE

12- 16 check outs in 2015 – INTERMEDIATE

17 – 22 check outs in 2015 – SEASONED 

23 – 27 check outs in 2015 – EXPERIENCED

28 + check outs in 2015 – GOING PRO!

Check outs count for anything bookish – books, audio, even e-reader book check outs (yes, libraries have these now!).  Go… meet your library again and fall in love.  :)

For this challenge I am signing up for the Going Pro! level.

Hosted By : The Book Nympho and The Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Reading Challenge Details:

• Runs January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015. You can join any time.

• The goal is to read at least twelve (12) books from the library. Twelve should be easy, that’s one a month. While twelve is the minimum, there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you.

• Any format will work for this challenge (print, ebook or audio) as long as you checked it out from the library it counts.

• Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.).

• Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, including re-reads. The goal is to support your local library and save money.

• To join this challenge, grab the 2015 Snagged @ The Library Reading Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads (so as long as you have a dedicated shelf and Felicia has created a Goodreads group), Shelfari (I’ve created a Shelfari group. You can join and post your progress within the group), or BookLikes, etc., for the 2015 Snagged @ The Library Reading Challenge. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.

Levels:

1. Dewey Decimal: read 12 books
2. Thrifty Reader: read 24 books
3. Overdrive Junkie: read 36 books
4. Stalking the Bookstacks: read 50+ books

For this challenge I am signing up for level 4 Stalking The Bookstacks:  read 50+ books

Hosted by :  Book Dragon's Lair

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but some of us also need space to keep them. I had so much fun with this challenge last year. Let's do it again!

There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!

 Requirements:

• choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
• read books you checked out of the library
• books may overlap with other challenges
• any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
• reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is. (post with review linky is coming in January) click here
• a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in or link up another way

Levels:

• board book - 3
• picture book - 6
• early reader - 9
• chapter book - 12
• middle grades - 18
• Young adult - 24
• adult - 36
• just insert IV - 50 

For this challenge the level I am signing up for is just insert IV - 50