Friday, August 31, 2012

The Search Committee

I just finished reading The Search Committee by Tim Owens. 
A mismatched team of seven hit the road in an Econoline church van on a mission to find a new pastor. They don't agree on much other than the stops at Hardee's for coffee and a biscuit. But they stick to the call, trying to slip undetected into worship services across the Southeast—all in hopes of stealing a preacher for their congregation.

Each member is wrestling to balance their own busy life and personal struggles. And they're trying to keep their issues to themselves. Forced to spend countless hours together, these very different personalities from different generations begin to bond. And their lives are profoundly changed as they love and support each other through the difficulties in each of their lives.

This is a really good book that has me thinking about a lot of things.  I think everyone knows someone like each of the members of the committee and that we're like at least one of them.  I really like the ending and didn't see it coming.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Confessions of a Male Nurse

I received a copy of Confessions of a Male Nurse by Michael Alexander from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From stampeding nudes to inebriated teenagers, young nurse Michael Alexander never really knew what he was getting himself into. But now, sixteen years since he was first launched into his nursing career - as the only man in a gynaecology ward - he's pretty much dealt with everything: Body parts that come off in his hands; Teenagers with phantom pregnancies; Doctors unable to tell the difference between their left and right; Violent drunks; Singing relatives; Sexism; . . . and a whole lot of nudity.
This is a great book.  Michael gets himself into some funny situations.  I know they weren't funny at the time but now he can laugh about them.  He tells it as it is and with a great sense of humor. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tidewater Inn

I received a copy of Tidewater Inn: A Hope Beach Novel by Colleen Coble from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to Hope Beach.
Where the sea breeze is fresh, sun sparkles on sand . . . and trouble appears with the force of a hurricane.
Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.
But Libby soon realizes that only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brothers and sisters are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, Libby’s under suspicion for the crime, and her handsome lieutenant clearly doubts her innocence.
Libby’s dream-come-true is becoming a nightmare. Can she find her friend and establish her innocence? Must she sell Tidewater Inn and lose her family again? Or can she find a home for her heart on the beautiful shores of Hope Island?
This book took me a little bit to get into.  It was very action packed from the first chapter.  There was a difference in the mystery in this book than other books I've read.  Many of the key players were reveled as the story unfolded, but one person who linked them all together was missing.  This is the first book I've read by Collenn Coble and I look forward to reading more.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Beauty to Die For

I received a copy of Beauty to Die for by Kim Alexis and Mindy Starns Clark from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Juliette Taylor walked away from her career as a supermodel twenty-five years ago. Now approaching fifty - an emotionally complex milestone -- she co-owns a beauty supply company that makes skincare products for salons and spas. Her niche is pampering Christian women who usually spend more time caring for others than for themselves under the slogan: Isn't it time someone took care of YOU for a change?When Juliette arrives at the Palm Grotto Spa to host a spiritual retreat, she runs into an old modeling colleague, Raven, who had always been disliked in the industry for many reasons. She isn't there for the retreat; in fact, her presence at the spa is somewhat mysterious.Not long after Raven makes a cryptic threat to Juliette, the unsympathetic back-then beauty is found dead, poisoned by something in the green clay of a chai soy wrap. The following morning, a banner for the retreat has been unceremoniously altered:It's your turn to be nurtured, to be restored . . . to be murdered.Suspicion is directed at Juliette who has history with Raven and certainly knows how to use beauty products. But for murder?! Now she must find the real killer before the police really take care of her.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  It was a great mix of mystery and romance.  There were several twists that I didn't expect or see coming.  I'm looking forward th Kim's next book.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Attracted to Fire

I just finished reading Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills.  Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.
This book was a little hard to get into in the beginning.  Ash's hate of women agents and terrible attitude toward Meghan made it hard for me to get into the story.  I have to admit that it was worth staying with.  The book was very suspensful and hard to guess who the demon was.  I can normally figure out who the bad guy is not far into the story, but this one was so involved that it took me much longer.  It has just the right mix of suspense and romance.