Vendetta: The Nikki Boyd Files by Lisa Harris Book Review

Vendetta is the first novel in The Nikki Boyd Files series. The main character is Nikki Boyd and she is a member of the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force. Nikki joined the missing persons force when her sister, Sarah turned up missing ten years ago. Nikki was supposed to be picking up her sister from school and Nikki was late arriving. Sarah was kidnapped and the Angel Abductor left behind a Polaroid of Sarah. Nikki has intensely studied a number of kidnapping cases in order to try and determine who the Angel Abductor is. She has yet to find any trace of Sarah. While on a rock climbing trip with Tyler honoring his late wife, she received an important call from her boss asking her to investigate a missing girl Bridget near them. Bridget was a very active user on social media. She thought she was talking to a young guy but the guy didn’t really exist. Now they are desperately searching for any signs of Bridget. 

I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading suspenseful novels. I love how this book was very descriptive in describing the different scenes and the author knew how to make readers want to keep reading and turning the pages in order to discover more about the plot. I also like how the novel included some budding romance between Nikki and Tyler. I can’t wait to see where she takes the two main characters in the next book. I love how the book reminded me of the popular TV Show, Criminal Minds. I liked how the author allowed the characters to explore their faith and their lack of faith and questioning why God allows bad things to happen. I could relate to Nikki when she questioned God on why he allowed Sarah to be taken. I also related to the background story between Tyler and his first wife and how he struggled with losing his unborn child in an accident. Throughout the book, we see both Nikki and Tyler having to deal with their guilt before they can move forward and the healing that can be found. If you’re looking for a new mystery series to read and enjoy, then pick up this series! 

I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of “Vendetta” for this review.

If you would like to purchase a copy of “Vendetta”, then check it out on Family Christian:

http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/328721/s/vendetta-nikki-boyd-series-1-softcover//?utm_source=web&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blognetwork

Power Up: Devotional Thoughts for Golfers Links Edition by Dave Branon Book Review

I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of “Power Up” for this review.

Power Up is a brand new devotional written with golfers in mind. Each day includes an approach shot, a scripture verse, a short story relating to golfing, a fast fact, playing through encouragement, and a top 100 golfing courses in the United States. 

I would recommend this devotional book to anyone who enjoys reading about golf and they like to play the sport of golf. This book contained countless information about different professional golfers as well as personal stories. I love how Dave Branon related every story to a lesson from scriptures to inspire believers in their journey thru life. One of my favorite lessons was day 21 entitled, “Plans for Paul”. This one shared the verse Philippians 3:14 and pressing on to the end goal to win the prize called in Christ. This day told the story about Paul Stankowski and how when he was in a very challenging match, he had to press on through the difficult. He was attempting to quality for the PGA Qualifying School and he ended up winning. Paul credited God for his winning and he was determined to serve God where he was. The book also explored how Paul had to press on in order to triumph and win the prize and to forget the past. I loved the encouragement section in playing through because it enclosed questions readers could ask themselves in order to dig deeper in their faith. If you’re seeking a great book for golf lovers, then read this one! 

If you would like to purchase a copy of “Power Up!”, then check it out on Family Christian:

http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/342219/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blognetwork

No Fear: Real Stories of a Courageous New Generation Standing for Truth by Tony Perkins Book Review

I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of “No Fear” for this review.

In No Fear, Tony Perkins explored our deepest hidden fears and how to have courage. Tony Perkins began the book by looking at Moses, Joshua, Mary, Paul, and many more and how God declared to them to not be afraid. Throughout the book, he shared stories to encourage readers to see how others dealt with their fears and made a stand for Christ. At the end of each chapter, he also related a story back to a character in the Bible. 

One of my favorite stories was entitled, “Too Pure for American Idol”. Moriah Peters grew up in a Christian home and received Him as her personal Savior when she was in the sixth grade on a youth group trip. In high school, she started a Bible study group in one of her teacher’s classrooms. This taught her to stand up for what she believes in and to live a life that is pleasing to Christ. She loved to sing in church and her mother and friends encouraged her to audition for the popular TV show, American Idol. She made it round after round in front of many different producers. Eventually, she performed in front of the judges. She chose to sing “Angel” by Jessica Simpson because this was the only song that contained a reference to Heaven. The judges loved her voice and they thought she sounded great. The producers of the show shared interviews of Moriah Peters that the judges saw. During the interviews, she revealed that she had never been kissed and she is saving her first kiss until marriage. Guest judge, Avril Lavinge stated that Moriah Peters was trying to be too perfect. Kara DioGuardi made comments about how she needed to go out and kiss a guy where she can feel sexy. They also told her to go kiss a guy and come back and audition again. She left the audition room and a random man approached her. The man told her that he loved her voice and how she talked about God. The man then introduced her to Wendy Green. Wendy’s husband is the musical director of Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman. Moriah Peters travelled to Nashville, Tennessee and recorded a demo to send to different labels in hopes of getting signed at the age of seventeen. Reunion Records liked what they heard and signed her. Reunion Records is also home to recording artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, and Brandon Heath. She also met her future husband, Joel Smallbone from Kings & Country and he was her first kiss when they married. 

I would recommend this awesome book to anyone who is ready to see how people of this generation is taking a stance for Christ and risking it all. I loved how Tony Perkins shared stories about Lila Rose and how she decided to stand against Plan Parenthood, Roy Costner who was instructed not to say the Lord’s Prayer during his valedictorian speech, Chad Farnan who had a teacher who stated derogatory comments about Christians during his class and how he decided to stand up against him and the school board. The book included many more amazing stories about young people living for Christ. I loved how Tony Perkins related each story back to a Biblical character and he included scripture to encourage readers to have courage in today’s times. I believe this book is very timely considering the fact, our faith is being tested more and more each day and people are trying to censor Christ out of everything. This book is a must have for every middle school, high school, college student, and young adult! This book will inspire you to have courage and to use your voice and actions to make a different even when faced with persecution! 

If you would like to purchase a copy of “No Fear”, then check it out on Family Christian:

http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/334402/