Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

Dangerous Illusions is a thrilling suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It is a page turner with just the right amount of romance to keep things interesting. It all begins when hardworking and overwhelmed Trish Bailey is suspected of making a tragic mistake that leads to the death of her mother. Things are not always what they seem, however, and a big mystery must be solved. Detective Colin Flynn is the man for the job and could he also be the man for Trish?

Irene Hannon is a skilled author whose writing never disappoints. Her work reads like an exhilarating action movie and transports the reader into another world for approximately 358 pages. In my opinion, certain situations in this book were a bit edgy for Christian fiction and may be disturbing to some. Nevertheless, there is no denying Irene's talent for writing and storytelling. I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Walking on Water by Jennifer A. Miskov, Ph.D.

Remember Peter? He did the impossible and walked on water because he wanted to be close to Jesus. More often than not, it is extremely difficult to step out on faith and trust God to fulfill His plan. In Walking on Water, the author uses scripture and personal life experiences to encourage readers to take that step of faith and be prepared for miracles and extraordinary things to happen.

This book was a challenge to review because I found myself changing my opinion of what I was reading from chapter to chapter. I do not agree with or relate to everything that was in this book. Some of the topics seemed a little extreme for me. I am a Southern Baptist so I'm more on the reserved side. However, I do appreciate this author's viewpoint and I gained a lot of useful information from this book. There were so many passages that I wanted to write down on a sticky note and stick them all over my house. It is rare that I read a book that leaves me with conflicting thoughts, but this one did just that. I am always willing to learn and grow as a Christian and I enjoy reading different varieties of books to get a feel for the different opinions that are out there. I received this book from Chosen in exchange for my review.

The Most Important Women of the Bible by Aaron and Elaina Sharp

This book by Aaron and Elaina Sharp is a quick and informative read that contains 31 chapters about some of the most interesting and influential women of the Bible times. Each chapter includes scripture references, a biography, the featured woman's role in redemption, and interesting facts and questions that really enhance the reading experience. Some of the women that this book focuses on are Mary, Eve, Rahab, Zipporah, and many more. Some may think that a person has to be called by name to be considered an important woman of the Bible, but that is not the case. God can use anyone to help execute his will and he does just that by using a sinner, a prostitute, a poor woman, and a sick women. Some of the most important people in the Bible are barely even mentioned throughout, but they still offer up a lesson to be learned. This book is full of interesting and new information that would be an excellent Bible study for home or church. I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris is the perfect mix of suspense and romance. When young girls start turning up missing, it's up to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI to catch the serial killer that is on the loose. Agents Garrett Addison and Jordan Lambert are reunited on this case and they are both fighting their feelings for one another. Will they be able to solve this mystery and find love in the process?

This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat and will have you turning page after page by lamplight until you reach the end. The book is very well-written and the story flows perfectly. The characters are likable and relatable and the story plays out like a movie on the big screen. I thoroughly enjoyed investigating along with Garrett and Jordan by trying to solve the mystery of the crime on my own. The ending does not disappoint. Most importantly, the lesson of this book is very well received and the author describes why God allows bad things to happen in this world. God gives us free will and we are affected by bad choices. However, God has promised us everlasting life if we just accept his son as our Lord and Savior. We may have heartache in this world, but in heaven, that will not be the case. I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. 

Fiercehearted by Holley Gerth

Each chapter of this book is a gift just waiting to be opened. Holley Gerth has the ability to catch the reader's attention from the first page. Her description of a fiercehearted woman is one that will motivate and inspire women of all ages.

This is a book that you will want to curl up in your favorite comfy spot to read. You will finish it feeling empowered, strong, and fierce. Holley's life stories are ones that we can relate to and learn from. She reminds us that we all have struggles and imperfections, but they do not define us. As the title says, we are fiercehearted. We are God's children. We are enough!

Thank you, Holley, for sharing your life and your talent. I look forward to reading more books by this wonderful author. I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Living the Spirit-Formed Life by Jack Hayford

Living the Spirit-Formed Life was first published in 1994 under the title of The Power and Blessing. It has now been revised and updated and includes a foreword by Robert Morris. The cover is very warm and inviting and sets the tone for the book. This book is very relevant still today and will be for years to come.

In the pages of this classic book, Pastor Jack Hayford reveals ten disciplines of the Spirit which include committing to hear God's voice, baptism, communion, forgiveness, and others. All of these things can help us to grow in our spiritual relationship with the Lord and mold us into a Spirit-Formed disciple.

I really enjoyed this book and will enjoy reading it again and again. This book is very inspirational and informative and is a great study to use alone or with a group. I received this book from Chosen in exchange for my honest review.

Calm, Cool, and Connected by Arlene Pellicane

Calm, Cool, and Connected is a book that is so necessary in today's society. Every single day, we are staring at our phones, televisions, and tablets and losing sight of the more important people and things around us. This book offers practical advice to help us cut down on our screen time and live life the way God intended us to.

The author uses the word HABIT to give the reader an interesting way to remember useful technology tips: H=Hold Down the Off Button, A=Always Put People First, B=Brush Daily: Live With a Clean Conscience, I=I Will Go Online With a Purpose, T=Take a Hike. These easy and simple steps can help us gain back the control over our devices. Arlene Pellicane reminds us that these devices are not going to play themselves or turn themselves on. We have the control and we can limit our screen time if we spend more time with God and people.

One part of the book that really stood out was when the author referred to mobile phones as digital pacifiers. This is such an accurate description. We need to put down our phones and work on forming relationships with others. There are many tips that I will apply to my life after reading this book, because I have a tendency to lose track of time when I am endlessly scrolling on social media. Everyone that is struggling with an unhealthy approach to technology should read this book. It is a quick read that is very beneficial. I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.