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.