A Review - Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

This book is another work of legal fiction by this author. Tom Crane is a high flying lawyer who goes to a small town to wind up his recently deceased father’s law practice. He finds various anomalies which lead him to all kinds of intrigue, emotion, action and even to finding God.

I found the story started well, but became pretty slow in the middle. At least there was an unexpected twist at the end which redeemed the plot a little. The characters were good and Robert Whitlow’s descriptions are very good, creating very clear pictures in the mind. It’s just a pity his plot wasn’t of the same calibre as his characters and descriptions.

 I enjoyed the previous books that I read by this author, but I was disappointed with this one. I wondered why I had spent the time reading it. Perhaps if one had nothing to do, it mightn’t be too bad for a relaxed afternoon read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Review. Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

This is the second part of a story about a lawyer Alexia and a client Rena whose husband has been injured falling off a cliff. I had read the previous novel, Life Support, so I had no trouble picking up the story and being familiar with the characters. Without reading Life Support first, it could be very confusing.

The story is never short of surprises, right to the end, and never drags at all. I enjoyed Life Support, and found Life Everlasting even better. It’s a thoroughly good yarn with lots of action, some social comment and a little romance. Robert also manages to weave a spiritual theme through the plot which is a significant part of the story.

Life Everlasting was a book I found hard to put down and I was sorry when it finished. I’m actually hoping there will be a sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Review Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

This book is the story of a four year old boy who apparently went to heaven during an operation. Not only does the book tell of his experience, but also the story of the whole family as they go through the drama of Colson’s illness and the affect of his disclosures about heaven.

I was interested to see if his experience lined up with what I thought heaven would be like and the references in the bible to such a place. I was a little sceptical, but found the book to be plausible and thought provoking. It would be hard to read this book without it having some effect on you, whether you believe in heaven or not. If you do it will be very enlightening and if you don’t, then you might find yourself considering a change of mind. It’s an easy book to read, very touching and informative.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Review. Life Support by Robert Whitlow.

Robert Whitlow has developed some really interesting and plausible characters in this novel. An up and coming young lawyer, a very wealthy young couple, a clergyman who is a musician, a ruthless father in law and a who knows what his motives are brother in law. The wealthy young husband becomes paralysed after a fall and the story covers the interaction between the family members as well as the legal ramifications and shenanigans that can happen in such a situation.

The book really held my attention, leading to a couple of late nights as I just had to find out what would happen. Although most of the characters were outside my personal experience I found them and their reactions fascinating. I am looking forward to reading the sequel Life Everlasting as I really don’t want to finish my association with the characters just yet. The spiritual thread that surfaces as part of the story was also uplifting. Definitely recommended reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber-A Review

A heart warming read.

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a year at Oxford? All the tradition, the old world atmosphere, the academia, the social life, and the plain hard work? Carolyn Weber, a young American woman, tells of her experience when she went to Oxford for a year, and Surprised by Oxford Is an excellent title for her story. The book is full of the expected for Oxford, but also many surprises.

I loved the book, Carolyn is very frank about her expectations, disappointments and joys. It was like sitting on her windowsill, watching her life go by and I was sorry when the book finished. She had become like a good friend. I found myself urging her on, holding her back, laughing, crying and experiencing all that Oxford is as if I were there with her.  

I’m sure almost anyone would enjoy this book whether they had an academic bent or not. Carolyn certainly found more than a doctorate there and one can’t help but be richer from reading about her discoveries.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Review - Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me by Ian Cron

Ian Cron tells his own story about growing up in a family with an alcoholic father, a flamboyant mother, a blind nanny & trying siblings. He documents the ups and downs of his life, struggles and joys, and how he relates to God through it all.

I love to read autobiographies and this one didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. The dialogue is colourful, exciting, heartrending, humorous and full of warmth. I laughed and I cried. Not only does it entertain, but it is challenging and exposes issues that lead to much soul searching. His desire for God and the way God is always part of Ian’s life is fascinating and very encouraging. Such a good example of the “God space” that is in all of us.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone. For some it would just be entertaining, to others an eye opener and to yet others a path to healing of damage from their own experiences. A story not to be missed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A God Moment

Did you know that I looooove black swans? On Tuesday morning we were having breakfast in the family room and two black swans flew along the valley. Without thinking I said “come over here". They immediately veered across towards our house.  I dashed out the back door and they flew past the front of our house and then swung around and flew over me in the back yard. They honked as they flew over me and then headed off in the direction that they were going in the first place.

 Love it when things like that happenJ

 Makes me think that when God made us he planned for us to be linked to his creation. He did after all, get Adam to name the animals and gave mankind dominion over them. Society will never function properly if we assume that we are only animals. If we elevate the status of animals or reduce the status of humans we are headed for all sorts of problems.

 I for one am happy to fit in with the plans of a loving God and enjoy his creation, especially black swans, just as He intended. Thankyou Father.