by admin | Sep 24, 2021 | Books, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Blue Man is one of those books that turns out to be more than meets the eye. On the surface it is an exciting story about an old cowboy, who also happens to be able to interpret dreams, is called to Washington D.C. to interpret a dream that has disturbed the President’s sleep for several nights. Once done, he returns home to continue chasing an old rogue cow who seems to avoid every attempt at capture. Of course we all know the story doesn’t end there.
This book is filled with secrets and hidden agendas. It is a story of good intentions gone horribly wrong and people in power who will do anything to achieve their goals. It is also a story of a good, strong man with integrity whose determination to follow the Lord’s leading manages to get him in more trouble than he bargained for.
I did enjoy reading Blue Man although there were a few details that were eerily way too close to what is happening in our world today. Anyone who enjoys a good tale with a supernatural twist and some good old-fashioned spiritual warfare should pick up a copy soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Jones Literary. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“We are moving into dramatic days. The veil between the natural and the supernatural worlds is becoming very thin. You will not have the next Great Awakening or End-Times Revival without supernatural encounters.”
Ezra Riley is a hardened Montana cowboy who prefers the hills, cattle and horses to cities … but a unique gift for dream interpretation has him secretly taken to the hite House, where the president is suffering from recurring nightmares. Riley’s
encounter with the president launches a series of attacks by the man behind the nightmares, William Anderson Hall—an elderly master spy and pioneer in the CIA’s experiments with psychic powers and hallucinogens, who in a remote compound in Virginia, has invested 30 years and untold millions creating the ultimate psychic warrior—Blue Man.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John L. Moore is an award-winning novelist and journalist. He’s published seven novels, several non-fiction books and over 2,000 articles, poems, short stories, columns and reviews. A third-generation Montana rancher best known for his western classic, “The Breaking of Ezra Riley” and a pioneer in the Christian fiction genre, he is the winner of numerous awards, including a 2015 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Fiction for his sixth novel, “Looking for Lynne”. Active in ministry for over a quarter century, Moore has appeared in four documentaries due to his knowledge of the history of horses on the Northern Great Plains. He is a member of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and the
Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
CREDENTIALS:
- 2015 Will Rogers Medallion Award winner for Western Fiction (“Looking for Lynne”)
- Has been published over 2,000 times
- Author of multiple bestselling books
- Lifelong cattle rancher
- Award-winning novelist and journalist
- 25+ years in spirit-led ministry, deliverance, home churches
- 51 years writing professionally
by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Surrounded by Darkness is the riveting conclusion to Rachel Dylan’s Windy Ridge series. The author gives her readers an intimate view of the behind the scenes spiritual battle of which most believers are unaware.
The town of Windy Ridge is the center of an epic battle against the evil forces that desire to take over the entire town. Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter are two of the Christians aware of the potential consequences and bear the brunt of the enemy’s attack along with the pastor of their church. It could be a fight to the very end and at times it is uncertain who the winners will be.
Not since I read This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti many years ago have I encountered another author who manages to convey the existence of spiritual warfare in a way that most readers can understand through the pages of an enjoyable novel. I hope others will read this series and learn from it. The war is real!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
We wrestle not against flesh and blood . . .
When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice.
Grant Baxter is facing legal woes of his own when a former client sues him for malpractice. His faith is shaken as he faces down the possibility that his legal career is over. While Grant struggles to save his once thriving law practice, he wonders if he truly deserves to be Olivia’s partner outside of the courtroom.With evil coming at them from all angles, Olivia and Grant’s relationship is put to the test. The two of them must come together and fight for the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge. Will their faith be strong enough–in God and each other–to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second book in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, “Fatal Accusation” takes up the story shortly after “Trial and Tribulations” ends. Attorneys Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter have barely had time to catch their breath before another attack is launched by the New Age groups. This time the stakes are even higher and the battle is fierce. Many lives are at risk and only prayer and the power of God can prevail.
Once again, I was pulled right into the story as I experienced good against evil and learned more of the enemy’s schemes. As a reader who devoured Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”, I love finding another author who is bold enough to delve into the supernatural realm and spiritual warfare. Rachel Dylan has done an excellent job thus far with this series. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. I love the fact that even though their faith is strong or developing, they still have frequent moments of doubt and questions. Situations are realistic and I like getting glimpses of what is really going on in the spiritual realm.
I highly recommend both books of the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. You could read “Fatal Accusation” alone but would gain so much more insight if you read “Trial and Tribulations” first. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life will get back to normal after a hard fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up their pursuit to win the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge.
An embezzling scandal breaks that rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case that she is called to defend.
The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. She also writes the Danger in the Deep South series and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist. Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
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by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romantic Suspense, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Dylan is a fairly new author to me but I have enjoyed what I have read of her books thus far. “Trial and Tribulations” is the first novel in her latest series and it takes her writing to a new level.
I have realized for some time that there is an unseen realm at work behind the scenes that has a major effect on our lives. Rachel has brought that realm to life in this book and does an excellent job of teaching her readers a few important lessons in spiritual warfare. That she does so within the pages of a gripping and entertaining novel is a testimony to her skill. For those who love legal fiction, “Trial and Tribulations” should satisfy and those who look for a gospel message will find it within this novel.
Characters are well defined and realistic as is the plot. I loved Olivia’s strong faith that grew as she was confronted with the evil around her. It was also gratifying to see the changes in Grant as the story progressed. In my opinion, Rachel’s portrayal of the spiritual realm was right on without being over-the-top or too graphic. I liked the way she kept Olivia’s faith a strong point throughout the story. I was happy with the way this novel ended yet left some things unresolved for the next book. I am looking forward to reading it very soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1
High-powered attorney Olivia Murray faces the biggest test of her career when she is assigned to represent Astral Tech, a New Age tech company, in a lawsuit filed by its biggest competitor. While Olivia is accustomed to hard fights in the courtroom, she arrives in Windy Ridge and discovers there is much more to this case than the legal claims—forces of darkness are at work. Windy Ridge quickly turns from quiet Chicago suburb to spiritual battleground, and Olivia must rely on her faith to defend against legal and spiritual attacks. Although they are enemies in the courtroom, Olivia finds a friend and unlikely ally in opposing counsel, Grant Baxter. Once a skeptic about faith, he ultimately comes to her aid when she needs it most. The battle between evil forces heats up in and out of the courtroom, pushing Olivia to the breaking point. Will she be able to help good triumph over evil, or will the town of Windy Ridge be torn apart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist.
Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
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by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Evil Forebodings” is what I would consider a supernatural/paranormal suspense with a bit of romance. I’ll admit that I had a hard time getting into it at first, probably because there were several different characters which left me feeling somewhat confused. Eventually everything came together and I was able to see a method to the madness. The author just had to lay some foundation so her readers could get to know each character individually before they began to work together. So, if you have the same problem, just be patient. It will soon make sense.
This is a pretty wild and crazy story with even a couple of pets taking on major roles when evil stalks the streets of Newville. Four unlikely people are brought together by the mysterious events in their town – a young woman who can understand animals, a police officer, a reporter, and a diner owner. Each of them plays a major role as they work to bring an end to the malevolent danger. The question is “will their faith be strong enough or will they all die?”
Overall, this story has a good premise and I enjoyed it. I personally would have preferred a stronger example of spiritual warfare but that is just my own preference. “Evil Forebodings” is certainly a novel that will make its readers think and hopefully consider their own faith.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tiffany Rodgers is the kind of danger that she never dreamed could happen to her in the quiet little town of Newville. She is being stalked and having strange visions. The animals even seem different of late, somehow affected by the changes in the air. Officer Allen Lawrence is drawn to Tiffany, but he has reservations. Is she losing her mind, playing games, or are the things that she is seeing more than just evil forebodings?
Purchase your copy of Evil Forebodings here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carol E. Keen currently resides in Alabama with her husband and family. She spends her time writing, reading, working on photography, and working with her much loved critters. She started creating stories to share with others at the age of two years old. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses. She is overjoyed to be publishing her fiction to share with you now. Carol currently has more books in the “works”. Please feel free to follow her for updates.
On a personal note: Carol really enjoys coffee and a good book!
Guest Post from Carol E. Keen:
Well, I know it isn’t lady like or proper to squeak or go “Eeeeeee!” with excitement, but it’s so hard not to do so. I’m past excited to be on this tour with Celebrate Lit! First I have to say, these are wonderful folks who I’m so very blessed to get to work with!
Now, today I’m doing happy dances over your being here for the kick off for my book, Evil Forebodings. It’s my second published book, and my first full-length fiction novel. This book took eight, yes that is 8, long years to complete. What on Earth could take me that long to write one book?
It started with my first event called, NanoWriteMo. In my case, it was NanoWrite-less! Who had the “brilliant” idea to have a huge writing contest smack over Thanksgiving and two major birthdays in our family? It was a disaster. It was as bad as saying a night person like myself has to function at 8:00am and be good at it. I was alone in my endeavor and didn’t get far at all.
A few years later, I went back to working on this book. This time I had a huge emotional backset from an incident that was just traumatic. I was told, in essence, that I wasn’t good enough to write for a career, and that my focus was on all the wrong things in my life. This came from a published author, who really didn’t know me. I was weighed and judged unfairly, and it was devastating. I learned a great deal though, and pretty much gave up on doing things the way I had been.
Forging ahead anyway, my first book, Beauty For Ashes, was published. Then I got to work on Evil Forebodings. This story and its characters have never left me, and I knew I had to finish this book. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, and I hope that you will enjoy it. While I believe all authors put some of themselves into their work, this book had a heavy dose of my heart infused into it in several places.
Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure, and please feel free to ask questions!
Blessings, Carol ?
Blog Stops:
July 26: Daysong Reflections
July 27: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life!
July 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
July 29: inklings and notions
July 30: A Reader’s Brain
July 31: Mary Hake
July 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 1: Through the Open Window
August 1: Cassandra M’s Place
August 2: Bukwurmzzz
August 3: Karen’s Krayons
August 4: Petra’s Hope
August 5: Carpe Diem
August 6: Singing Librarian Books
August 7: For the Love of Books
August 8: Books! Books! Books!
To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away three copies of her new book with a bookmark. Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9f31
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by admin | Jul 8, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Native American, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
I will be honest – I only accepted a copy of “Shaman’s Fire” for review because it seemed to be one that was not being requested very quickly. I can also honestly say I had no idea what I was getting but am so glad that I requested it.
It did not take very long to find myself totally immersed in the Native American culture of southern Oregon. Most of the characters are Christian but a few are strongly pulled toward a dark and dangerous spiritual world that includes powerful spells, hallucinogenic drugs, and shape-shifters.
“Shaman’s Fire” is probably the best novel depicting spiritual warfare that I have read since Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness” although there is very little resemblance between the two novels. The suspenseful plot moves along at a fast clip and is filled with more scripture than is usually contained in most fiction. This book only highlights some of the dark spiritual forces present not only in Native American culture but also around everyone. As Christians we need to be more aware of the spiritual realm and learn to fight for our families and country.
A copy of this book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A singer, a death, a shaman…what has Sayla Whitewater gotten herself into? Shaman’s Fire is a modern-day suspense story of a young Native American woman who struggles to find her identity as she moves between the ancient traditions of her people and the beliefs of the merging white world. She discovers magic in the shaman’s fire but, too late, she discovers such magic demands a price. Is it possible that the God of her grandmother is the same Creator her ancestors worshiped?
Shaman’s Fire is a story of choices and how the known world can change in an instant. It’s a story of injustice…a story of heartbreak…and a story of restoration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandy Cathcart is a freelance writer, photographer and artist, as well as a scribe for Restoring The Heart Ministries (A Native American Online Magazine). She lives in the High Cascades of Southern Oregon with her husband, The Cat Man, where she writes about Creator and everything wild.
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