Review: The Hero by Robyn Carr

The Hero (Thunder Point, Book #3) by Robyn Carr, AF, 2013, 384p, Rating=1
Source: ebook copy provided by publicist through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can't be worse than what they've left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need.

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he's not looking for anything else. Instead, he's thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point's high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he's gentle and kind…just the kind of man who could heal Devon's wounded heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it…and sometimes, you find a hero.

I was excited to read this final installment (I think it's the final?) and had high hopes that it would take me back to the wonderful world of book one (book two, The Newcomer, was not so great).  Oh, I was sorely disappointed.  I can see the attempt to bring out the lesson of trust but it just did not work.  I didn't feel enough substance in Devon and Spencer's relationship to care about the trust issues.  They were poor examples to carry this message.  I could see a better potential for Devon and the doctor (Scott). 

You might ask, "Jinky, how about the lesson of heroism as the book title alludes to?".  Like in book two, this title did not fit.  The hero was inconclusive to me (btw, I was incorrect to assume who the hero would be as I stated in book two's review, here).  Reading between the lines, any of the characters that overcame their personal struggles was a hero because they saved themselves.  That's an awesome sentiment but I was looking for a clear hero.  I'm fickle that way.

What I did like in this book was Rawley.  His page time brought heart to the story and I enjoyed his contribution.  But as great as his role was in this installment, he could not carry the book alone.  Devon and Spencer's characters were too intrusive.  They carried a very heavy dullness that weighed the read.  However, I was pleased to see the main characters I adored from book one.  But unfortunately, they too could not save the book.  Bummer.

Stick to book one, The Wanderer. That was very good.

Review Coming ... The Hero by Robyn Carr

Sad news last week spilling over this week so I'm running a bit late.  So come back later today for my review of the 3rd book in the Thunder Point series, The Hero.  ~Thanks.

Review: Out of the Black by John Rector

Out of the Black by John Rector, AF, 2013, Uncorrected proof ebook, 259p, Rating=3
Source: provided by publicist thru Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

From bestselling, International Thriller Award-nominated author Rector (Already Gone), a thriller about a man driven to darkness in order to save the light of his life.
After Matt Caine loses his wife in a car accident, all he has left is his daughter, Anna. But just as the little girl—who survived the accident—finally starts thriving, Matt’s former in-laws threaten to take her away via a bitter custody battle. Desperate to keep Anna and in debt to some dangerous local thugs, Matt has no good options. But he does have Jay, one very bad friend. Just out of jail and plagued by drug addiction, Jay tempts Matt with a foolproof kidnapping scheme. But what sounds like the perfect solution to all his problems eventually leads Matt through a nightmarish maze of betrayals and reversals, pushing him to his breaking point—and beyond.

It was easy to root for Matt, a single father with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.  An ex-Marine who recently lost his wife had gotten himself into a bind.  With no steady job and bills to pay, he borrowed money from an old friend, Murphy, who happened to be a loan shark.  Murphy was slow to insist on his money back but his associates were not so forgiving so goons were sent to bully it out of Matt.  Another old buddy of Matt's also came into the picture, Jay, a drug addict.  Jay pleaded with Matt to go into this kidnapping scheme that would potentially rake in millions.  A simple, no hassle, a few-hour job.  Matt was quick to say no but Jay convinced him to think about it.  Then came Matt's in-laws who threatened to take away his daughter because they knew about the nightmares (due to post-traumatic stress disorder mixed with grief in losing his wife) and felt he was in no condition to properly take care of Anna.  Wow, Matt just can't get a break!  Oh wait, let's say yes to that kidnapping after all!  So Matt along with Jay and Roach (Jay's girlfriend) proceed with the ransom plan.  Of course it goes without a hitch.  NOT! The old eccentric coot they were trying to dupe wasn't so powerless.  Yikes, they messed with the wrong man!  So comes the fun and twists.  Loved it!  Just thought the whole getting out of the messy situation would have been more kickass from Matt's part so that was a big disappointment.

The premise was great and overall an exciting read.  I just felt Matt needed to be a little more passionate like Liam Neeson in Taken or Denzel Washington in Man on Fire.

Altogether, this wasn't a waste of time. 

Six Word Saturday: No Longer Accepting ...

(Click on image to join the fun!)

"No longer accepting book review requests"

Life throws curve balls and those moments make review commitments difficult to meet.  I've been fortunate so far that the authors have been understanding and allowed me to change review dates when those moments happen around review times. 

I'm tired though.  I'm booked through October with book reviews and I'm afraid I'm spreading myself thin.  Hence, I've decided to cease accepting anymore book review requests.  I'm saddened by this because I like helping indie authors.  I've discovered some awesome books!

In lieu of review, I will offer a spotlight feature I call, "Author-Book Profile". 

Cosmo Red-Hot Goodie Bag WINNER!

Random.org has spoken.  Congratulations Natasha!  You have won the Cosmo Red-Hot bag filled with goodies.  You have 72hrs to reply to the email I sent you.

Thank you to those who entered and for the follows.  I truly appreciate the support. 

Until the next time, take good care!

Review: Face to Face by S. Michael Wilcox

Face to Face: Seeking A Personal Relationship With God by S. Michael Wilcox, NF, LDS -Self help, 154p, Rating=4.5
Source: hardcover copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Is it possible to talk with God as Moses did—face to face? This is not only what we long for, but what God also ardently desires. For Moses that may have meant an actual physical encounter, but for most of us it is an expression that suggests friendship, open communication, honesty, and the conversations of familiarity. But how is that done? And how can we learn how God speaks to us individually? Bestselling author S. Michael Wilcox explores the scriptural expressions and concepts of “pouring out,” “wrestling,” being “filled with desire,” and “knocking” at the door Jesus promised would open to us— particularly in those times when we deeply need heaven to hear us and to confirm to our souls that more than our words are being received.

This book started off strong.  I definitely could perceive the author's then childhood thoughts about prayers bouncing of the ceiling and the wonderment of how it reaches "up" to Heavenly Father given the barricade. Then as an adult discovering Paul's words from Athens, "In him we live, and move, and have our being" (Athens 17:28), leading to believe that God is more "around" or "next" than "up" (pg4).  Like the author, I still think God is situated above but Paul's statement offers the concept that we can speak to God in a matter of familiarity.  A kind of face to face.  So viewing God as being reachable provides confidence that we can have an intimate relationship with Him.  Wilcox goes on to demonstrate the exchange of "pouring out" (us) and "pouring in" (God).  Wow, that struck a chord!  Because just a couple of weeks ago did I find myself in despair and "poured out" my aching soul to Heavenly Father in prayer and once all was unloaded, the "pouring in" from Him was immediate comfort.  Oh, what a confirmation did it give to me that Heavenly Father was at that moment giving me a huge hug.  That was my face to face!  Hence, this "pouring" was one way of reaching God that this book pointed out.  Others that were discussed included reaching through: wrestling, believing, acting, desire, and knocking (my favorite chapter next to pouring out).  Then ending with a solid summary.

A powerful little book that can inbreathe the reader to build a meaningful relationship with God and shows how.  Insightful examples backed by scriptures grants this book good ground to construct that feeling of speaking "face to face" with our Almighty God.  A definite great addition to a collection of inspiring books.

About the Author

S. Michael Wilcox received his PhD from the University of Colorado and taught for many years at the LDS Institute of Religion adjacent to the University of Utah. He has spoken to packed crowds at BYU Education Week and has hosted tours to the Holy Land and to Church history sites. He has served in a variety of callings, including as bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. He has written many articles and books, including House of Glory, Sunset, 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven, and Finding Hope. He and his late wife, Laurie, are the parents of five children.

Review: Such is Life by Jeri Walker-Bickett

Such is Life by Jeri Walker-Bickett, AF, 2013, 75p, Rating=3
Source: ebook copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Adult content: language, drugs, violence, promiscuity

These realistic short stories feature characters down on their luck, yet stubborn enough to move on. A tryst between a carnival worker and a pretty high school student begs the question of who takes advantage of who. A young man’s encounter with a drug addict finds him striking out on his own in hopes of a better life. An English teacher publishes literature deemed inappropriate by a Mormon community. A mother goes on a quest to get rid of the family’s aggressive pet. Finally, New Orleans provides the backdrop for a stroll with a psychotic housewife. Such is life.

I don't know where to begin.  For the most part, I've lead a sheltered life so these characters freaked me out!  They could audition for a spot on The Twilight Zone TV series and get a spot.  "For the Love of Dog" certainly fits the bill for concluding with a macabre.  That story was very sad so it was difficult to read.  The rest would obtain a slot due to shear weirdness.  Yet, get this.  They all might actually not get the part because it's not science fiction enough and good golly, this kind of characters does exists!  Sad and scary.

Walker-Bickett has a way with words in telling the internal considerations that fueled the impulsive decisions these characters made.  I particularly enjoyed "River Walk", a story about a woman suffering mental illness.  The author walked me to a moment of this woman's psyche and provided a vivid look at the way she looked at life.  Fascinating!  Furthermore, "Pretty Girl" and "Leaving Big Sky" left me with unsettling feelings given the crude lifestyles but they too were well depicted.  Lastly, "Not Terribly Important" embarked in the drama of a woman's commentary of a religion's manipulation or infringement to conform a certain way.  It may seem to blend in with the theme of the book but to me it was an autobiographical tactic to push this book as creative writing.  The push worked, but I don't think it was in the same tone as the other stories.  This one was personal and written to have a point while the rest would leave you to wonder.

It was clear that the author wanted to relay that these characters are examples of people accepting "such is life" and therefore move on.  However, I don't see these characters moving on as more adopting the concept of "Que sera, sera".  Which is alright but if you really want to change yourself or something, then act/fight for it.

Not my usual cup of tea, but certainly this was out of the box and unforgettable kind of read.  I recommend this read to mature and liberal readers.