Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God
One of the great hits from The Beach Boys. They had some truly good songs.
(If you continue to listen after this song, one of Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart's greatest songs follows.)
It's true, God. Only you know what's ahead, what's past and present. We're desperate for you whether we know it or not. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Left to Ruin by Blake Pierce is Book 16 in An Adele Sharp Mystery Series.
DGSI/FBI Special Agent Adele Sharp and DGSI Agent John Renee have faced multiple life and death situations in their partnership, and the relationship has grown to the point where John has asked the "American Princess" to move in with him. A typical Type A male, former Spec Ops, the scarred Frenchman is not one to share his emotions and most of the time Adele thinks of him as "dangerous" which is a magnetic part of his appeal.
It becomes clear to them both when called in to investigate a recent brutal fatality that the murderer who attempted to kill Adele (in a previous novel) was going for people who mattered most to John Renee. The latest murder changes their lives in ways they never could've predicted or expected. The mental turmoil that presents itself in the process of figuring out who this person could be and what he's planning next sets them both on edge.
Simultaneously, similar stabbing murders are underway and there are few clues as to who and how these occurrences are different. John is not supposed to be on one of these cases, but Adele can see nothing will keep him from pursuing this wicked killer. Adele is trying to separate the murders in order to prevent more of them, but the clues are haphazard and confusing. Her concern and fear for John overshadow it all.
Adele is forced to examine her real emotional state, her dedication to her job, her devotion to John – everything she's put away in her "feelings" lockbox surfaces in this novel. She questions it all as she wonders about her and "their" immediate future while trying to solve these heinous crimes.
When crisis hits hard, the final decisions she has to make come far more easily than she ever expected they would. And those decisions lead to a wonderfully satisfying ending to this story. Is it the end of the series? I don't know. If it is, it couldn't have ended better.
Father, you've given a vast amount of stories to Blake Pierce. Please continue to bless this prolific storyteller. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
and rob my oppressed people of justice,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.
What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Isaiah 10:1-4 (NIV)
For some veterans it's not a "Happy Veterans Day". For some it's a day of sadness or sorrow, remembering those friends or relatives who are no longer here, having given it all in their time of service. For some it's a time when they're working to get some normalcy back in their lives after what they've seen or experienced in their time of service. Some are trying to recover as best they can with debilitating injuries and painful memories.
All those things remind us why we need to honor those who serve this country. Those who've come away from their time of service deserve a day to be honored for the sacrifices of their time and much more for our great land. They need to know we care that they have done what perhaps most of us could not do. And that's worthy of honoring.
We honor you, Veterans. This is your day. Be proud. You deserve to be thanked, honored, and celebrated. God Bless You and God Bless America.
Father, I pray your hand of blessing on each veteran of every branch of the service in the USA, One Nation under God. Please watch over them and give them what they need as individuals and as a group. Thank you for each one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
How I feel most days lately. Chunky little me with 'tude. Funny how some things never change – the 'tude part.
Father, you've watched over me my entire life, and finally when my heart was right, you saved me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Romeo's Rage by James Scott Bell is Book 7 in A Mike Romeo Thriller Series.
Mike Romeo doesn't go looking for trouble, doesn't want trouble, most of the time will do his best to avoid trouble, but it seems that when trouble needs to find him, it always does. Romeo is not your average "hero". He's probably a genius with his flippant references to everything from Shakespeare to Beethoven and unusual facts most people would never know. His "employer" who is often more of his "handler" and definitely a friend, former Mossad, Ira Rosen can match him intellectually and best him spiritually.
This time Romeo is in it for the long haul when he learns of a 13-year-old girl who is being sex-trafficked. When she is taken from the trade and hidden by a former inmate, the clandestine underground that provides a safe place for these victims is used to make arrangements for her. However, when Romeo finds the circumstances which led to her re-capture, he's determined to get to the top of this horror. One lead after another crumbles, not only increasing his anger but maximizing his danger. He's asked one too many people way too many questions.
I've said it before and will say it again, James Scott Bell is as intelligent, witty, and snarky as any writer of noir thrillers. In Mike Romeo he's created a unique hero with a sorrowful history, a sometimes awkward present, and able to distract people with an information dump in the middle of their questions for him. I know of no other character like him. He's definitely one of my favorites. He's fierce, committed to finding truth and acquiring justice no matter what it costs him – and this time it will almost cost him his life.
This is a great series, so well written by an artist of the noir style, and I would suggest you start at Book 1 (Romeo's Rules) and travel all the way through the journeys of Mike Romeo. You will not be disappointed.
Father, you know Jim's every want and need. Please continue to bless him with your abundance and keep providing those stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
A beautifully veiled song about the redemption of Jesus Christ. God is love (1John 4:16). Jesus is the Light of the world. Beautiful song. Timeless.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for rescuing us and setting us free.
I realize there are anti-heroes in literature. Some are unique and lovable in spite of themselves. Written with creative twists in their character, they're entertaining. However, if you can't give me a character I like even a little bit, I don't want to read your novel. There. I said it.
I recently read a novel where the character began her story as likable, had a softness, a caring, loving personality. However, an event occurred, not the least bit tragic or dangerous, having to do with something she wanted to do. It turned her into someone I couldn't stand. She made me angry and I almost didn't finish the book. Yes, she did a doubletake of herself, but I'd come to dislike her so much, I didn't care that there was a relatively "happy" ending. She wasn't who I thought she was, and it was more than just disappointing because of who she became. I could find no valid excuse for her change.
As an author, you can experiment with characters, but be very careful with your main characters. If you take one too far away from their appeal, make them do a turnaround from who you start them out to be, or create them to be completely unlikable at some point in the story, the risk is your readers might just slam the book closed and give it away after throwing it against the wall. Just sayin'.
Father, thank you for your writers and authors. What a privilege to put words down and hope they will be directed to bless others. Apart from you, I can do nothing. And thank you will never be enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
For you have struck all my enemies on the jaw;
you have broken the teeth of the wicked.
From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Psalm 3:7b-8 (NIV)
Grim Death by Karin Kaufman is Book 12 in The Juniper Grove Mystery Series.
The Juniper Grove Mysteries have become a wonderful haven for Cozy Mystery lovers. A fine community celebrating the joys of neighbors – well, some neighbors – coffee – well, some coffee – tea – well, some tea – and always Holly's Sweets, the absolute best pastries, cream puffs, and cookies for miles and miles.
It doesn't take long for this mystery to take off. As soon as the newlyweds Chief of Police James Gilroy and his bride, mystery writer Rachel Stowe, arrive at the New Year's Day brunch, the hostess (Mary Blackwell) tells Rachel that she's slipped some papers into her coat pocket with instructions to call her back that night.
Told from Rachel's first-person point-of-view, the tension at the table is captured perfectly as barely veiled insults and barbs pass between the sarcastic, condescending artist Dalton Taylor, whose work will be displayed at the new art gallery the host (Clay Blackwell) and another guest (Izak) hope to open soon, the website designer Shasta, the card and website designer Laura, and a few others. A comment incites Laura to abruptly get up from the table and walk into the living room to view again one of Dalton's paintings on display. Her anger is instantly apparent and she leaves in a huff.
From the uncomfortable exit to the eventual departure of all the guests, James and Rachel rethink their intention to socialize more often. However, the fallout from their visit proves to be far more dangerous than just hurt feelings. And so it begins.
With multiple suspicious characters – and some unlikable – the Juniper Grove Mystery Gang (consisting of two of Rachel's neighbors, Julia and Holly, and Julia's "boyfriend" Royce) gathers at Rachel's home while James is at work to sort out the magnitude of information, much of it passed to Rachel by Mary Blackwell. Turns out to be a convoluted mess with more than one suspect of the crime that results from that New Year's Day brunch.
I've read all the books in this series and many of Karin's other novels. She's a fantastic writer, adapting to any venue she chooses. She creates unique mysteries with both quality and vicious characters in her stories, and it truly is a pleasure to read her work. Most of you know I'm not generally a fan of Cozy Mysteries, but there are certain authors who do them so well, I will read their books exclusively. Karin is one of two. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. Start at the first one – you won't be sorry you did.
Father, you know Karin's every need and desire. Only you can fulfill them all. I pray you would watch over Karin and keep her safe from all harm. Give her many more stories that you have just for her to tell. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 