Archive | August 2018

In Bloom by C.J. Skuse

Aug14

Bridget Jones Meets Charles Bronson

In Bloom by C.J.Skuse is a gripping contemporary psychological thriller that draws the reader in from the start. It is a sequel but I had not read the previous book and I followed the action just fine.

The book follows a pregnant vigilante, very reminiscent of the Charles Bronson character in the 1970’s Death Wish films. The action alternates between the very ordinary and the extraordinary psychotic episodes. Written in the first person, the reader enters the killer’s mind. She is very personable and highly amusing. With contemporary cultural references the reader finds the lead character easy to identify with in some ways… but not others. Her lists of who should be on her death wish were rather amusing and could be seen as tongue in cheek for the reader… but not the character! I am not normally a lover of anything gruesome but In Bloom had me glued and entertained throughout.

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Jesus Is Better by Hugh Houston

Aug13

No Longer A Slave To Sin

Jesus Is Better Than Porn by Hugh Houston talks about his thirty year battle with pornography and his battle plan to beat his addiction. The words and advice can apply to any sin in our lives.

This book is full of helpful suggestions to break the cycle of sin, beginning with confession. Once we confess, we can then be held accountable to somebody else who will help us. We need to set boundaries. If we know we have a weakness in one area of our lives, we must avoid that area. Everything Hugh Houston says is backed up with scripture. Sin is not a new problem. It has been around forever.

Each chapter ends with questions designed to help us focus on what we need to do to defeat our sin. Wise words are included from well known Christian writers such as C.S. Lewis, Dallas Willard, Viktor Frankl and more.

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While We’re Apart by Ellie Dean

Aug13

Ordinary Heroes

While We’re Apart by Ellie Dean is a historical offering set in England in 1942 at the height of World War II. The reader is treated to the lives of ordinary heroes – the brave men and women on the homefront. There are partings from loved ones in the forces. There are deaths as destruction rains down from the Luftwaffe.

There is a camaraderie. A pulling together. A sharing of what little they have. Hearts and homes are opened to those in need.

The question of illegitimate children arises. A stigma is attached which horrifies the audience of today. We all want to know our roots but it seems that some roots are best kept hidden.

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Strangers On A Bridge by Louise Mangos

Aug12

At All Costs

Strangers On A Bridge by Louise Mangos is a compelling contemporary psychological thriller that draws the reader into the murky waters of the mind.

The story totally consumes as the reader sees how easy it is to travel the path from truth to lies. One little lie or omission doesn’t really matter… or does it? The foundation for truth and trust has begun to be eroded.

To what lengths would you go to, to protect your family? Family first at all costs seems to be the motto of the tale.

Do the sins of the father visit the son? Would you react differently to the same situation if you could have a do-over?

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