The Realms Thereunder

I just finished reading The Realms Thereunder by Ross Lawhead....it took me much longer to read this book than it normally takes and I was so happy to be done with it! I absolutely could not get in to this book....it had a crazy story-line and just did not make sense to me. The main characters have found themselves in a different dimension and while trying to figure out how to get home they run in to all kinds of strange characters and obstacles. The idea sounds like a good story-line for a book...but I wasn't impressed with the way it was written. There were way too many characters and they basically all did the same thing over and over....there was much too much killing and blood....and the ending left you thinking that there will be another book where the main characters Daniel and Freya will do the same thing for another 300+ pages! I did get a little enjoyment out of the chapter with the gnomes and he did throw a little mystery into the last chapter...but other than that I did not enjoy the book. I'm sure that there are people that would enjoy this book.....but I cannot recommend it.
I was sent a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

When the Hurt Runs Deep

The subtitle for Kay Arthur’s book “When the Hurt Runs Deep” is Healing and Hope for Life’s Desperate Moments! All of us have found ourselves in those desperate moments from time to time…deep hurts that may have been caused by our own actions or the actions of others. Have you ever asked God “why me”? Have you ever wondered if the pain would ever go away? Do you ever find yourself wondering if you have anything left to hope for? This Author understands the questions because she has gone through those moments herself and through her own insight and the Words of the Lord she helps the reader to work through the tough spots and walk towards Hope and Healing. Through key principles she helps us to see that pain doesn’t have to destroy us, but that it can be a path that leads us to greater strength. She gives us 12 amazing “Healing Truths” to remember when your hurt runs deep. One of my favorites is #6.…”Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God’s notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.” If you are hurting and need Hope and Healing I recommend this book!

I was given a copy of “When the Hurt Runs Deep” by Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review.

The Betrayal

New York Times Best Selling Author Jerry B. Jenkins has another hit! The Betrayal is a fast-moving novel that is set in the Chicago PD Precinct 11. Detective Boone Drake has just led a major sting that brought down the top people of the biggest street gangs in Chicago….and also leaders of the old crime syndicate. He has been seriously injured in a shooting while protecting the key witness in the operation. It’s apparent there is a leak within the Chicago PD and Boone tries to put the pieces together. Things point to someone close to Boone and he is wondering who he can trust. Could it be Haeley Lamonica, the new love of his life? Through this action-packed story you will find the answer.
I had not read the previous book in the Precinct 11 series, but I did not feel that it took anything away from my enjoyment of The Betrayal. The only complaint I would have about the book is that there were a few too many characters involved and became a bit confusing at times. Other than that it was a book I enjoyed and would recommend to others.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of The Betrayal by Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.