Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren would not have been my first choice as a book to read – it was actually my only choice (here’s a plug for people to help me get my Klout up).

Firestorm is Book 6 in the Full Circle series. Within the series each book is somewhat tied to the other through the relationships of characters. Firestorm follows Reyne Oldre a few years after her being involved in a tragic accident while fighting a forest fire. No longer on the frontlines of fighting forest fires, Reyne is making a presentation as part of her US Forest Service job for a research project to help save more firefighter lives. Just as she begins to wind up her presentation, she’s interrupted by the obligatory entrance of a loud, brash, handsome (wink,wink) man who steals the attention of the board and the funding for her project.

A week later this same man parachutes in to her home while she has company and tells her that they will be working together on his project. Needless to say, this encounter doesn’t end well.

From there on out, while not being too formulaic the inevitable happens. Arguing, testiness and love. True love. It is refreshing that the characters are Christians and actually pray for guidance and help.

The book is well written and I am sure that the others in the series are as well. I have to be candid in saying that romance novels are not my cup of tea. Same goes with girl movies. I can leave them to the girls. But I will recommend that if you do like romance novels this is a series for you.

As always, Waterbrook/Multnomah provided this book to me in return for an honest, unbiased review.

Quiet - Reviewing the Book

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams.
Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Susan Cain draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts.

Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts--from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions.

This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.

I wasn’t quite sure what caused me to select this book; possibly to be a change from what I usually read. Whatever the cause, I’m glad I did select it. After reading the first few chapters, I remarked to my wife that I thought I might be an introvert. Her exact word in response was, “Duh!”

Ms. Cain has written a book that would be beneficial for nearly everyone to read – well maybe not extrovert types, but certainly parents in regards to their children and even employers to give insight on some of their employees. From the research indicating that high-reactive children are more prone to be introverts to the phenomenon of high-sensitivity to free trait theory, Cain gives us a fairly thorough look at introversion, one that you might be more prone to find in a very thick and very hard to read text.

The book itself is full of little nuggets that that are like matchbox cars finding your feet in the dark of your child’s room – a painful surprise that lends itself to an often pleasant discovery. In Chapter 11, “On Cobblers and Generals,” Ms. Cain touches on bringing out the most of a “quiet” child. We get introduced to Isabel and her mother. A mother worried about her daughter wanting to spend time alone, a daughter who deals with her needs as an introvert. We also meet teacher LouAnne Johnson (played by Michelle Pfeiffer in the movie Dangerous Minds) who is skilled at working with shy children. She gives some advice that many teachers would do well to take to heart when dealing with shy (introverted) children.

·         Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.

·         Balance teaching methods.

·         Many introverts have one or two deep interests – praise them for those interests.

·         Group work is beneficial, but should be done in pairs or groups of three.

·         Teach kids to work independently.

And there are others as well as advice for parents.

Chapter Two (The Myth of Charismatic Leadership) hit home with me in the section of the chapter titled, “Does God Love Introverts? An Evangelical’s Dilemma.”

Cain recounts her meeting with a pastor dealing with being an introvert in a calling that seems to be tailor made for an extrovert. The pastor related that while he felt god about making time for himself, being active in evangelicalism began to make him believe that God disapproved of his choices and of him. His explanation is that the culture of the evangelical church ties faithfulness to extroversion, emphasizing community and participating more and more in programs and events.

Cain meets this pastor at Saddleback Church (he isn’t on staff there), and relates how the service is typical of most evangelical services, focusing on greeting, talking and singing, not so much on quiet or contemplation.

This next paragraph from the book essentially sums up some of my issues, many of which I struggled with while working at a church. Cain writes, “Evangelicalism has taken the Extrovert Ideal to its logical extreme, McHugh is telling us. If you don’t love Jesus out loud, then it must not be real love. It’s not enough to forge your own spiritual connection to the divine, it must be displayed publicly. Is it any wonder that introverts like Pastor McHugh start to question their own hearts?”

My dilemma exactly. I’ve been questioned by my wife about the depth of my walk with Christ because I’m not demonstrative enough. Needless to say, she’s an extrovert.

This book is an excellent look at the subject of introversion and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. I’ve learned a number of things about myself and from reading the book I made myself take a Myers-Briggs personality test and found that I am an INTJ. I was heartened when I saw the list of famous individuals who have the same profile:

Susan B. Anthony
Lance Armstrong
Arthur Ashe, tennis champion
Augustus Caesar (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus)
Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice)
Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers)
William J. Bennett, "drug czar"
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Raymond Burr (Perry Mason, Ironsides)
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor
Emily Bronte, author of Wuthering Heights
Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote)
Charles Everett Koop
C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Edwin Moses, U.S. Olympian (hurdles)
Martina Navratilova
Michelle Obama
General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State
Donald Rumsfeld, former US Secretary of Defense
Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State
U.S. Presidents:

Chester A. Arthur

Calvin Coolidge

Thomas Jefferson

John F. Kennedy

James K. Polk

Woodrow Wilson

I was provided this book by Waterbrook-Multnomah free of charge in return for an unbiased and honest review. I normally donate these books to my church library, but this one is a keeper to read again and find more of those nuggets sticking into my bare feet. 

Eye of the Sword - Review

Where angels walk the ground and the future is told in song, does a man of low rank have a chance at love with a princess?

In Camrithia, a land of shadows and mystical secrets, Trevin lives to serve King Laetham. But his heart belongs to the princess, Melaia. When the King sends Trevin on on a dangerous quest to find the missing comains—captains in the king’s army—he must leave Melaia to the advances of a swaggering Dregmoorian prince.

Challenged to prove his worth, Trevin throws himself into his quest. Striving to prove his love, Trevin undertakes a second mission—find the harps Melaia seeks in order to restore the stairway to heaven. Through fire caves, rogue winds, and murderous threats, Trevin remains steadfastly dedicated to his quest—even when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime. As Trevin’s time runs out, he realizes he must face the shame and horror of his own past and the nightmare that has come to life. Will he have the courage to finish what he has started?

This is the second book in the Angelaeon Circle by Karyn Henley. In this book the focus is on Trevin instead of the princess, Melaia, and his quest for both the harps and his own self worth.

As I mentioned in my review of the previous book, Breath of Angel, that I enjoyed the characters and back story. I enjoyed this book even more. Trevin is much easier to get a feel for and his search, not the one for the harps, but the one for himself and his own worth as a man are very real.

The action is fast-paced and there’s not much time for lagging throughout. The plot is advanced believably, with many questions and plot points left unresolved for future installments in the series.

A good read for the younger crowd, it is also entertaining for those of us in somewhat advanced age.

This one rates a five from me and as usual, I was provided my copy of the book by Waterbrook-Multnomah in return for an honest review.

For a look at Chapter One, click here Show More

Book Review - Breath of Angel

When Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of a stranger in the temple courtyard, age-old legends recited in song suddenly come to life. She discovers wings on the stranger, and the murderer takes the shape of both a hawk and a man.

Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories—until now.

Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of angels attempting to restore the stairway. But the restoration is impossible without settling an ancient debt—the “breath of angel, blood of man,” a payment that involves Melaia’s heart, soul, and destiny.

Karyn Henley has written a real jewel with Breath of Angel. This first book of the Angelaeon Circle has left me eagerly waiting for the next installment. The character depth along with the well thought out back-story and history are the equal to many of secular writings in the same genre.

The growth of our heroine through her trials and revelations of her past are well done and have created a very likable character. She is surrounded by a cast of many that provide complementary views and growth along the way during the story.

A definite must-read for teens and all book-lovers alike.

I was provided this copy of the book by Waterbrook-Multnomah for an unbiased review.  

The Crossing - Serita Jakes

Imprisoned by memories, Claudia Campbell lives each day in the shadow of a ten-year-old murder. Who can set her free?
On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fire on a Texas school bus.  Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.
Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.
As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

Mrs. Jakes has written an excellent book combining first-rate storytelling with a message about an illness that troubles many people, not just our military service members.

The background and depth of each character lends credibility to the story and adds to the mystery which is trying to be resolved by the conclusion of the book. This is a story that could have well been taken from any newspaper across the country.

I enjoyed her use of the viewpoint of the teacher whose murder is the catalyst for the troubled lives of the other characters in the book.

The final realization that it is a relationship with Christ that leads to healing and an ability to cope with each day is something that we each need to remember.

Post-traumatic stress is an issue that needs more discussion and less negligence in our collective minds. While our military service men and women suffer from this malady, it is also prevalent among the civilian population.

This book was provided at no cost to me by Waterbrook-Multnomah is exchange for an unbiased review.

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Synopsis

Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country   outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

From the very beginning of the novel I found myself drawn into the story and didn’t want to stop reading.

The very human characters felt like people you could and would like to know. Strengths and weaknesses of everyone in the book lead you to a genuine caring for the outcome.

The use of passages from Paradise Lost was interesting and added a special touch to the story from the viewpoint of the villain.

Heitzmann has crafted a wonderful story which leads me to want to read some of her earlier works.

Waterbrook-Multnomah provided me with this book free of charge for an honest, un-biased review.