Amidst Traffic: Warning, this book contains R-rated language

Amidst Traffic

by Michel Sauret

Review by Joleen Hevner

Yes, this is a 5 star book.
But warning, there is R-rated language

There is no specific main character in the book to talk about, as it is a collection of short stories. Some of them are odd, but still interesting. Some of them leave you hanging, but eventually they come together and a more complete picture emerges as the stories blend. It's like a glimpse of what WE see as opposed to what GOD sees... We see happy bits, sad bits, and bits of what doesn't make sense at times, but God sees it all as blending to one creative story He's putting together.

The author mentions, before the book starts, that we may be a bit surprised at the profanity used in some of the stories. Yes, it made me wince a few times, but we've all watched R-rated movies and know this is how the world talks, and the characters he uses in some of the stories just wouldn't get away with saying, "Gosh, could you flippin put that down?" It's just plain realistic. In a possible autobiographical way, one of the characters in some of the stories is also an Army journalist. You get to see him face some tough stuff and work out what he needs to get through it.

Michel Sauret is a creative author, there's no denying it, and this book shows that creativity in abundance. I actually went back and re-read many of the stories to refresh my memory as to why they related to the one I was reading at the time. It was actually just as fun the second time as the first.
Read it. I can't see how you'd be disappointed!

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Todd Johnson: Suspense, Mystery

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson
Review by Nikole Hahn

When Jared Neaton left Missions Falls, he left behind the gossip and a father who spent time in prison for embezzlement. When Erin Larson picks up the pieces of her father’s estate after his death, she finds in her father’s safe deposit box a deposit slip dated 2008 for 10 million dollars.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson is a story of legal intrigue. Suing the bank in Missions Falls proves dangerous. Erin’s first attorney backs down from the bullying tactics of the big law firm. Money is running out. With the bank pumping out a nasty public relations attack on Erin and her lawsuit, the town is divided. Erin must find a new lawyer in one week. Jared’s old mentor hands Jared the case with the promise of a big pay out, but his firm is struggling. The last big case that promised a big pay out became a financial disaster. Jared runs the firm alone with his assistant, Jesse. Jesse came over with him from the corrupt firm they left. Both sacrificed a lot and things haven’t improved. Jared hesitates to take it. Jesse adamantly disapproves of him taking this case. Through legal maneuverings Jared takes the case and finds it to be the most challenging legal case of his career. The law determines a deposit slip isn’t proof of the money. One must prove the bank took the deposit and the money wasn’t spent. The bank has covered up the deposit with the law firm having deep pockets and a certain Federal Reserve man in those pockets. The death threats didn’t just start with Erin when she pursued the deposit. It began with Erin’s father. A few shot out windowpanes sit in the barn on the property.

The Deposit Slip is a great novel of intrigue and the end hinted at other cases involving Jesse and Jared. I gave the novel five stars and look forward to more books in the series.


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Romantic Suspense: Camy Tang

Protection for Hire by Camy Tang
Review by Heather Harden
Heather Harden runs the blog Our Advocate 


I’ve been told by more than one person (Mom and Amber) that I can be obnoxious when I predict the ending of TV crime shows and chick flicks.

Once you know the formula it’s easy to know the ending long before the last commercial break.

I’m a bookworm and to me books are far better than TV. So when I’m reading I crave a book that keeps me eagerly turning (or tapping) the pages until the last sentence. My standards for books are much higher than TV shows.

Camy Tang must have taken a cue from her days in the lab when she came up with the formula for “Protection For Hire.” She took the basic ingredients of romantic suspense and added in a kick of her trademark wasabi to create a five-star recipe that will keep you coming back for more!

Tessa Lancaster is a Japanese American with deep family ties. From the age of sixteen Tessa is known on the streets as a violent and ruthless enforcer for the Japanese Mafia (yakuza) until she sacrificed her freedom to protect the family. Fresh out of prison after serving seven years for a crime she didn’t commit, Tessa is free to return to “the family”-literally-the yakuza run by her Uncle Teruo. While in prison, Tessa is set free spiritually, encountering Christ and becoming a Christian.

Tessa sets out on a straight career path, channeling her skills into serving as a bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But being from the upper crust doesn’t preclude Elizabeth from having problems. The socialite comes with a lot of baggage, including an abusive ex-husband and a missing fortune.

Tessa is grittier than most heroines-she’s trained in martial arts and we get to see her put her skills to the test against a variety of bad guys. She doesn’t doubt her ability to keep her charges safe but she’s going to have a harder time guarding her own heart. The case forces her to work closely with Elizabeth’s lawyer, Charles Britton. Tessa unknowingly lets her guard down to the man who led the charge to lock her up and throw away the key for her supposed crime.

The pair must try to survive assassins, gang rivalries, and exasperating family in their search to give Elizabeth her life back.

It’s not only evil that Tessa is battling. She faces temptation in the form of a disappointed mother, an angry sister and eager uncle who still see Tessa the same as they always have. Tessa must decide whether to handle things herself, the way she did when her life revolved around the yakuza, or fully follow Christ.

I was surprised that one of my favorite characters was Uncle Teruo. Tang does an excellent job of slowly growing his character into a man much deeper than just a caricature of the organized crime boss.

The first few chapters are heavy on description-though it’s integral to the plot and informative about the Asian mob community. The book quickly progresses to a page turning read with strong dialogue, an engrossing plot and characters you’ll care about.

Fans of books by Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon, and fans of female detective including Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series and the Sunny Randall series by Robert B. Parker will enjoy “Protection For Hire.”

Heather Harden is a children’s librarian at a small town library in eastern North Carolina (where the kids make her feel like a super hero--just call her Library Girl.) She always has something in her hand: a book, a pen to write with, a crochet hook, a smartphone, chocolate--and a dust rag and broom when she must. She has worked for her local newspaper and as a freelance journalist. She has a heart for volunteer work in her community. Her favorite organization is Susan's Kids (www.susanskids.com), a Christian charity which provides spiritual and physical support for children in need across the world. For more reviews check her blog at http://ouradvocate.wordpress.com/

BOOKS BY CAMY TANG AT AMAZON

Many people, even Christians, do not believe that hell is real. Kevin Benton gives sound Biblical doctrine about the reality of hell, leading a journey that will expose its horrors. This tour will challenge beliefs about the afterlife and motivate readers to develop a passion about fulfilling the Great Commission. A Field Trip to Hell provides an opportunity to experience hell firsthand and ultimately find true faith. This field trip is sure to be a life-altering experience. "In an age of home made spirituality where even traditional authorities hasten to change the truth of God into a lie, Kevin takes us on a journey to the other side, assaulting our senses and pricking our emotions that we may vicariously experience what really lies, for some, beyond the grave. Against the modern landscape of skepticism and rationalism, he presents a profound and penetrating expose of the dark and inescapable reality of a forever without God. His revelation of the horrors of hell makes the comforting invitation of Christ ever more appealing. A Field Trip to Hell is a call to reconsider what we believe before it is too late." -Ron Bailey Host and Presenter of the Trinity Broadcasting Network Premiere, "The Lazarus Phenomenon" Gettysburg, PA.

 "This book is very, very good and it's actually two books in one with all the testimonies. I could not stop reading it; I could not put it down."
-Michal Curry,
Praise Coordinator for WGTW-TV27 Trinity Broadcasting Network
Folcroft, Pennsylvania

"This is a book that you cannot, key word "CANNOT" put down. Kevin shares his personal life and how he dealt with pressure, ridicule, love, joy, ups, & downs. This book goes beyond the topic of "Hell." Once again I highly recommend this book."
-Derek "Dreamer" Engler
Blog Talk Radio Host
Lansing, Michigan

"Kevin takes readers through a divine illustration of his life which exemplifies persecution and perseverance; love, honor, and integrity. The trip to Hell tugged at my emotions, transcending my knowledge of Hell. It's truly a masterpiece."
-Gerald Jordan MS,
Former Los Angeles Lakers & Harlem Globetrotter
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"A Field Trip to Hell is well worth the literary ride! I enjoyed it mainly because of the personal appeal that seemed to go with it. It was written from the perspective of someone who has done his research on this subject. Kudos to the author for an incredible read."
-Cyrus A. Webb "Conversations Book Club"
Jackson, Mississippi

"After reading the chapter that takes readers on the actual Field Trip to Hell, I must admit that I have never read anything quite like it. This book stretches across Christian and non-Christian audiences. It was one of a kind and I hope it ends up on the best-sellers list."
-Greg D. Foster,
Literary Agent and Consultant
Van Wert, Ohio 


Grab a free sample for your Kindle, at AMAZON

Day Two: Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

Mike Duran: Resurrection


After the resurrection, there are two extreme reactions: misguided belief manifesting itself in iconic worship of Ruby, and even more disturbing, the hard-hearted unbelief of professing Christians, even the Board of Elders of Ruby’s church. They grapple with the best method of “damage-control” so their church doesn’t seem fanatical. These faithless elders control Pastor Clark making him an ineffective puppet.

The same day of the resurrection, Pastor Clark meets with Professor Keen, his mentor at seminary, who has since embraced syncretism and the exploration of pagan religions. Professor Keen actively recruits Ian to join his “secret” group, Orbis of Scientia which is Latin for Circle of Knowledge. Ian is now at a crossroads.

Meanwhile, Ruby’s life has been turned upside down. People are coming to her house in need of a miracle, protesting that she is a devil and even leaving a pagan idol on her front lawn. In a meeting with Pastor Clark, she also sees Mr. Cellophane. Both she and Pastor Clark begin their own research on this strange turn of events and eventually team up to investigate the Stonetree curse and what parts they play in reversing it. The ensuing spiritual battle to seize Stonetree from this evil domination begins!

While I don’t believe in cities being “under a curse,” there do seem to be ones that have spiritual oppression. Stonetree reminds me of a town I lived in that the spiritual oppression felt like a heavy blanket. Many people from outside of our area comment on the spiritual darkness in New England. This is an interesting idea to ponder.

Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy

Day One: Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

For this review I received a copy of Resurrection from the publisher.


Resurrection by Mike Duran

One morning at church, Ruby, a loving mother, wife, and faithful servant of the Lord physically collapses under the weight of a vision. As she regains her composure, she ponders the meaning of this experience as she goes to the funeral of the young son of an acquaintance later that day. As she passes the casket, she lays her hand on the boy and prays for his family. Suddenly, pandemonium breaks out as she realizes that the boy has come back to life.

This is the gripping introduction to this book. As the story unfolds, the extreme reactions of her church and town are representative of the darkness that has enshrouded this community for years. Ruby finds out that this is not the first time a resurrection has taken place in Stonetree. Ninety years early, Aida Elston was revived and still lives in Stonetree. After talking to Aida, Ruby realizes that she is just a tiny part of a much larger story and that her pastor, Ian Clark, is also a major part of this spiritual drama.

Pastor Ian Clark is playing the hypocrite. After attending a liberal seminary, he experienced the devastating loss of his sister. Her death was the catalyst to a slow unraveling of his personal life and faith. His tenure as pastor has been frustrating and futile, and he has been holding on to his resignation letter waiting for the right time to submit it.

A frightening apparition that Pastor Clark calls Mr. Cellophane makes regular appearances in his church office. Not understanding what it wants, he tries to ignore it. When he comes upon the scene of the resurrection and sees this boy alive, he is further shaken.

I love books that immediately draw me in, and that is exactly what this story does. I didn’t have to work at getting into it at all. The characters were believable, and I was especially drawn to Ruby, who is a seemingly very ordinary person, but because of her love for the Lord, she was far from ordinary in God’s eyes.


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy


Visit these sites to hear more about Resurrection by Mike Duran

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Brandon Barr
Red Bissell
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Keanan Brand
Kathy Brasby
Grace Bridges
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Melissa Carswell
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Wanda Costinak
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Janey DeMeo
Cynthia Dyer
Tori Greene
Nikole Hahn
Katie Hart
Joleen Howell
Bruce Hennigan
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emily LaVigne
Shannon McNear
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
John W. Otte
Gavin Patchett
Sarah Sawyer
Andrea Schultz
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Jessica Thomas
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Nicole White
Dave Wilson

Brenda Novak Giveaway

Hi everyone,

2011 is shaping up to be a great year, and we're going to start it off with a bang! Brenda Novak will be with us through the month of February, and at the end of the month, we will hold a drawing for her Heat trilogy-- plus a tote bag! All you need to do to enter, is leave a comment on this article.

We will also be having more book reviews, free book listings on Kindle, and more. Stay tuned.

Grace and Peace

John Hileman

Managing Editor

ChristianFictionBookReviews.com

Randy Alcorn: Speculative Fiction

DEADLINE

by Randy Alcorn

TAGS: Speculative Fiction, Suspense Mystery

A friend recommended this book, and since I have enjoyed Randy Alcorn books in the past, I was eager to read it. It did not disappoint! This book was an edifying, challenging and thought-provoking Christian novel.

The story starts with three 50-ish friends: Jake, Doc and Finney. They have been best friends since childhood and have shared many of life’s defining moments: high school, college, war, marriage, children, etc. As an adult, Finney accepted Christ, and this has, at times, caused friction with Doc-- who seemingly enjoys his immoral lifestyle-- and Jake-- who is an ultra-liberal newspaper columnist.

A tragic car accident takes the life of Doc and Finney, leaving Jake behind in despair. This tragedy augments his loneliness, since his selfish personality has left him estranged from his ex-wife, daughter and mother.

At this point, the author does a terrific job describing Finney’s experience in heaven and continues to intersperse his continued experiences throughout the book. Obviously, some of this is speculative, but this aspect of the book was very thought-provoking and encouraging to me as a Christian. I found myself thinking about, and looking forward to, heaven more.

Shortly after the accident, Jake receives a message on a postcard saying, “It wasn’t an accident.” At that point, Jake begins an investigation of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the car crash. This leads him to people and conversations that force him to reconsider some of his biases and attitudes. The various interactions, debates and confrontations that take place throughout this book are so rousing and challenging, I found myself cheering on those characters who were able to say things I’ve wanted to say so eloquently!

As the story evolves, Jake begins to see his life in a different way and is forced to admit his profound neglect of those he loves most.

This book is not a quick read but, rather, a meaty novel, best digested slowly, with time to consider the viewpoints represented. While the book starts out a tad slow, I encourage you to keep reading…you’ll be so rewarded!


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy


Randy Alcorn books at Amazon

Review: Three by Ted Dekker

THREE

by Ted Dekker

TAGS: Suspense, Psychological Thriller

I read the book and saw the movie. Both moved quickly, and kept me involved from beginning to end. I personally wish Ted had connected with a better production house, but it was his first movie venture, so I have to give him credit for a valiant first attempt. Besides the less than stellar production quality, it was a great movie, and it was enough to get me to read Ted's books-- and am I ever happy for that. Ted Dekker has a straight forward, no frills writing style. If you're reading a word, he meant for you to read it. Each line lays down valuable back story, and character development. And each page leaves you compelled to turn to the next. The novel, Three, blew the movie out of the water. It was the perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and plot twits. Especially the ending. If your looking for a mind bending mystery thriller with an unforgettable ending, this is a must read.

Ted Dekker (born October 24, 1962) is a New York Times best-selling author of more than twenty novels. He is best known for stories which could be broadly described as suspense thrillers with major twists and unforgettable characters, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans.

Check it out on Amazon here: Thr3e