Caught in the Middle by Gayle Roper

When Merry Kramer's boyfriend keeps putting off an engagement, she packs up and moves to Amhearst, PA to take a job as a staff reporter for a local paper. In this first book in the Amhearst Mystery Series, Merry finds a dead body in the trunk of her car. Mystery, suspense, danger and romance follow her as she sets out to solve the mystery.

Although the mystery isn't difficult to solve, this is a hilarious and romantic tale with a charming, Christian heroine. I plan to read the rest of the series.

Book Crisis

So, I've been having a book crisis. Of course, it's really all just in my head...

I have been out of books to read! I know - how can that be true when there are so many books in the world? Well, I'm strapped for cash, the library does not have a great selection and I am currently only working with one publisher on getting reviewer copies.

I ordered some books from a book store, but since one was a pre-order for a book not coming out until January, they weren't going to be shipped until February 2. Luckily, that changed when I canceled the pre-ordered book.

I also went to the library today and got some books. Not all books are Christian though...

There are also books available to be reviewed through the Thomas Nelson book review blog program.

I also own a couple of books that I haven't read and several that I haven't reviewed.

So, my book crisis is all in my head. I have plenty of books available (there are even some good free ebooks available online). I just love books and don't want to feel limited. Maybe I'll get some book related Christmas gifts...

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

Jesus Lives is an inspirational devotional that focuses on God's compassionate presence. Written as if Jesus wrote the words and supported by bible verses, each entry dares you to draw closer and closer to the Savior.

The book includes a guide to the various themes of each entry, making the book a great reference tool. Themes include attitude, depending on Him, forgiveness, prayer, thankfulness, trials and many others.

Although some may feel uncomfortable reading words written as if the author is Jesus when it is not the bible, Young addresses this in the book's introduction:

"The Bible is the only infallible Word of God. My writings are based on that unchanging standard, and I try to ensure that they are consistent with biblical truth" (2).

When I received this book from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, I wanted to sit down and read this book in one sitting. However, many of the devotions were so powerful, I was forced to prayerfully open my heart and mind to what God wanted to say to me.

I highly recommend this book - especially as a gift. The beautiful padded hardcover and compact size make it an attractive addition to any nightstand, purse or car - wherever you may need an encouraging reminder of God's love and grace.

I also recommend Sarah Young's other devotional, Jesus Calling.

The Dwelling Place by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House Publishers)

Ellie Bartholomew is the black sheep in her family. The youngest of three girls, Ellie is the waitress with pierced eyebrow and tattoo - and the recovering drug addict. Due to a childhood accident that left her disfigured, Ellie struggles to connect to her mother and refuses to accept God.

Ellie's mother, Mary Swan, plans a mother/daughter trip for the two of them to a site in Scotland known as the Dwelling Place. Having only seen her artist mother's painting of the site, Ellie doesn't understand the significance of the place - and isn't sure she wants to. But when her mother's cancer takes a turn for the worse, Ellie cancels the trip and moves back home to take care of her mother.

What follows is an amazing journey through her mother's and grandmother's paintings, leading toward understanding, forgiveness and healing. Musser's characters are well-developed and quickly sneaked into my heart. This story provides beautiful insight into family dynamics and how secrets can destroy and separate loved ones. It is also a story of the ultimate romance - being courted by the Almighty.

I would absolutely recommend this book - be prepared to journey through life's disappointments and how, with God, we can prevail.

The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)

Because of the circumstances of her birth, Mary-Margaret believes herself to be destined to live as a religious sister. She lives her life based on her plans to marry Jesus - and has no use for any boys. However, while growing up on a small island off Chesapeake Bay, Mary-Margaret forms a friendship with Jude, a boy with demons no one ever imagines.

The two lose touch after Jude disappears into Baltimore's red-light district. Mary-Margaret prays for his soul, but otherwise pursues the life she's always planned on. Until Jude comes home diseased, depressed and in dire need.

Jesus calls Mary-Margaret to fill that need - but it will cost her everything she's ever known or hoped for. Can she trust Jesus' plan for her life?

This is an amazing book of hope, healing, trusting, pursuit and friendship. Filled with metaphors of God's relationship with us, Samson tells a story of love, grace and mercy. Written as if we are reading the diary Mary-Margaret leaves for the Sisters at St. Mary's School, we get to travel through her deepest thoughts and feelings. Samson explores sacrificing for the Lord and how He uses us to accomplish His plans and win souls - and what an honor it is to be included.

Samson knows how to hook readers and keep them. This book had me smiling and in tears and crying out to the Lord. Mary-Margaret had to decide if she believed God's plan for her life would be better than her own - something we all must decide.

I love to read!

My husband often comes home to find me with my head buried in a book. And I tell him, "I love to read."

I think most people who like to read, enjoy it. They find it as a relaxing activity - something to do, a way to escape reality or visit a new place, a way to learn.

I find it to be all that and more. It is a passion of mine. Or an addiction. I crave reading like others crave caffeine. I love immersing myself in another world. In "meeting" new people - people I'll never have awkward silences with or who have the opportunity to judge me. I get to peek into their minds, their world and be a part of it for awhile. Even though they are usually fictional people.

I love when a good book surprises me or makes me laugh. Tears are not uncommon. Life's stresses seem a little easier when I can escape for awhile. And, escape I do. If the book is good and has captured my attention, I cannot put it down until I've finished. I often get disappointed when it's over - like a movie you don't want to end. I don't always realize what's going on around me or how much time has passed.

The act of reading amazes me. God allowed our brains to process symbols and gain meaning from them. He gave us imaginations so we could fill in the blanks or picture the words in our minds. Television fails to stimulate our imaginations the way a book does.

Well, I've gone on long enough for one day. I just thought I'd let you know that I love to read.

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter

In this powerful story of love and redemption, Denise Hunter exemplifies God's unrelenting love for us through Tucker's love for Sabrina.

Sabrina grew up in the shadows of her beautiful cousins and when her fiance leaves her, it strengthens her belief that she's unworthy of love. Tucker meets her at the cafe where she works and seeks her out.

His pursuit mimics the way God seeks out His people. This romantic tale will take you on a journey of sadness, romance, despair, redemption and joy.

Hunter creates characters that come alive and invite you to join them on their journey of God-seeking. I hurt when Sabrina hurt and rejoiced when Tucker finally got to kiss his girl.

This is a must-read for anyone looking for a little romance and a reminder of God's grace.

Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck

In this Christian fiction novel, Elle Garvey thinks she has everything she could ever want - she owns an art gallery, lives near her family in the beautiful city of Beaufort, SC, owns a home; and her boyfriend has just proposed.

But Jeremiah has plans of his own and Elle isn't sure those plans have room for her. Elle forms a new friendship with her new tenant and his young daughter, which complicates the issues of her heart.

God strips her bare and shows her that His plans far outshine our own.

I loved this story of God's provision. Elle's life takes turns that she would never have imagined, but surpasses her dreams.

The characters are so real and I was quickly drawn into their world. These characters have hopes and dreams and flaws and individual personalities that make them easy to relate to. Elle agrees to meet an older woman at church daily to pray. Her relationship with the Lord - and the way she tackles problems - vastly improves. It is so convicting - not only to pray more, but to dedicate time to hearing from the Lord.

If you are looking for a contemporary story that will challenge and delight you, I highly recommend this book.

A Day with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

In this follow up to Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, David Gregory introduces Nick Cominsky's wife, Mattie. In this fictional novel, she meets a stranger on an airplane who reaches out to her. She is able to confide in him over her worries about her husband's new found faith, how it will affect their marriage and a secret she's never shared before. This man understands her like no one ever has and makes her open to believe things she never thought possible.

I found this book to be inspiring and informative. This book is good for new Christians, for those questioning their faith or for those who have ever been questioned.

Leaving Carolina: A Novel by Tamara Leigh

Southern Discomfort Series #1

In Tamara Leigh's Christian chick-lit novel, Leaving Carolina, Piper Wick learns about faith, forgiveness and family. Piper and her mother left her hometown of Pickwick, North Carolina and swore never to return. Twelve years later, Piper does just that. Now a successful public relations consultant and possibly engaged to a Congressman, Piper rushes home when told her Uncle Obadiah is probably dying and will expose her family's humiliating secrets - including her own.

While back in Pickwick, Piper must face her painful past, the relatives that made it so and her uncle's godson, Axel Smith. Axel challenges her to re-evaluate herself, her family and what it means to forgive and make amends.

I enjoyed getting to know the Pickwick family and all their quirks. Piper is a realistic character with flaws and hopes. I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining novel and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Have a Little Faith: A True Story by Mitch Albom

In Mitch Albom's latest nonfiction book, Have a Little Faith, he tells the story of two very different men and their journey to faith. Two very different men - one, a Jewish rabbi and one, a former drug dealer turned evangelical preacher - impact the life of the author, and now, anyone who reads this book.

This book is full of personal anecdotes about the rabbi, the preacher as well as about Mitch. The story is an easy, simple read while giving the reader a lot to think about. I closed the book feeling convicted to stand firm in my faith - you never know who or how someone will be impacted. And the greatest test of faith is when we don't understand God.

Fearless by Max Lucado

I anxiously awaited the release of Max Lucado's new book, Fearless, and was not disappointed. He asks us to explore why we are afraid and if fear has ever actually improved a situation. He writes from the heart and includes personal examples while providing Biblical support for each of his points. Max explores a different scenario in each chapter where fear often reigns and dares us to focus on faith rather than fear.

This book hit close to my heart as I often struggle with worry and fear. I cried through most of the book and closed it feeling convicted and challenged. This book is insightful and should be read by anyone who struggles with fear or knows someone who does - whether on a long term basis or situational.

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. I find his books to be inspirational and convicting, but also easy to read and relate to. He never sounds judgmental or condescending - rather, he comes across as hopeful and prayerful and as though he can relate to our struggles to live in God's grace and peace in a turbulent world.