There Will Be Stars by Billy Coffey

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian Fiction

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 3, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0718026829

ISBN-13: 978-0718026820

Synopsis: “In a life full of lies, he settled finally for the truth.”

No one in Mattingly ever believed Bobby Barnes would live to see old age. Drink would either rot Bobby from the inside out or dull his senses just enough to send his truck off the mountain on one of his nightly rides. Although Bobby believes such an end possible—and even likely—it doesn’t stop him from taking his twin sons Matthew and Mark into the mountains one Saturday night. A sharp curve, blinding headlights, metal on metal, his sons’ screams. Bobby’s final thought as he sinks into blackness is a curious one—there will be stars.


Yet it is not death that greets him beyond the veil. Instead, he returns to the day he has just lived and finds he is not alone in this strange new world. Six others are trapped there with him.


Bobby soon discovers that rather than the place of peace he had been led to believe he was in, it’s actually a place of secrets and hidden dangers. Along with three others, he seeks to escape, even as the world around him begins to crumble. The escape will lead some to greater life, others to endless death . . . and Bobby Barnes to understand the deepest nature of love.

Review: This is my second book by this author, and I have enjoyed both of them immensely. This one was a bit "deeper" than the previous one I read, When Mockingbirds Sing. By that, I mean that not everything is exactly what it seems, and you sometimes need to stop and think things through to get their full meaning.

To me, this book seems a parable for the human condition--about what lies in each of our hearts, and how the same situation can be heaven, hell or purgatory for different people. Most of the characters in the story seem to be "outsiders" in Mattingly, the sort of people no one would really notice or really care about all that much. But by the time the story ends, I can practically guarantee you will find yourself caring about each and every one of them. 

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Billy and his wife, Joanne, live with their two children in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. A product of his small-town locale, Billy counts as assets his rural authenticity, unwavering sense of purpose, and insatiable curiosity--all of which tend to make his front porch a comfortably crowded place.

Bathsheba Bathed in Grace: How 8 Scandalous Women Changed the World by Carol Cook

Description: YOU'VE HEARD THEIR STORIES ALL YOUR LIFE BUT DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE BIBLE'S "REBEL" WOMEN?

Adultery, lies, deception, scandal, murder, cover-up, heartache, pain, and loss--stories with these sordid elements are relevant today. And women with shady pasts--labeled, shamed, and linked with tragedies--are part of our heritage. Bathsheba, a victim or temptress, Eve outside of Eden, Tamar posed as a prostitute, Leah stole her sister Rachel's fiance...Sarah gave Hagar to her husband and Rebekah masterminds a grave deception.

Review: Interesting take on several well-known "scandalous" women of the Bible (scandalous being in the eyes of the beholder, in my opinion).  

I was impressed by how deeply the writer threw herself into the lives of each of these women: she researched them thoroughly, dressed as them, and essentially let each of them tell their own story in their own words. She gives us an insight into the culture of the time and beautifully recreates the circumstances of their lives as they took matters into their own hands and then were able to receive God's forgiveness when they realized their mistakes.

I look forward to reading more of her work regarding other women of the Bible.

**I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

The House On Moody Avenue by Cellestine Hannemann

Synopsis: An eclectic assortment of humanity, with all their foibles and failings, lived in the house on Moody Avenue over a period of ninety years. I tell their stories.

Lisette, her unshakable faith sustaining her, is undeterred in the face of adversity; Julia, a social-climbing snob, sees her world crumble when her children marry inappropriately; Clarence, a Casper Milquetoast bank clerk, absconds with a quarter of a million dollars; Frances, a country girl, comes to the big city to marry a rich man; Sammy, a black man, passes for white.

Beatnik squatters, high on LSD, burn down the condemned ninety-year-old house, leaving it naught but a precious memory in the hearts of those who once sought its shelter.

Review: This book is supposed to be about the house and its history. Instead, in my opinion, it is a set of disjointed stories about various residents of the house. The first story, about the original owners, is very well-written. Each story after that, however, seems to get less polished and more difficult to read. 

Some people may find this an interesting read, but it's just not my thing.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Rating: Two stars

All You Want To Know About The Bible In Pop Culture by Kevin Harvey

Synopsis: Somehow, it's hard to picture pop culture and Christianity going hand-in-hand, but maybe we simply aren't looking at things the right way. "All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture" reveals places where readers may be surprised to find redeeming values and gospel messages in today's movies, music, popular TV shows, and much more!

When you look closely, past the outrageous outfits and the antics of teen pop-sensations, it's easy to see that from the big screen to the small screen and right down to the radio waves, God and His stories are still prevalent in pop culture today. There are movies and television shows that speak eternal truth, reality show families who represent believers well, even fictional Christians portrayed in a positive light. And if you listen closely, musicians are still conversing with God as the original songwriters of the Bible did. For the reader searching for meaning in media today, "All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture "is the perfect choice.

Features include:
Fun Bible-based facts and trivia questions

Examples of biblical messages from current TV shows, films, and pop songs

A casual and engaging resource 

Review: I was fascinated by the premise of this book. Finding God in pop culture might make it easier to spread the message to non-believers, after all.  Unfortunately, most of the book was just too far-fetched for me to get behind.  Comparing Superman to Jesus? Give me a break!!!

By the time I finished, I felt as though the author were writing in an attempt to "Christianize" television shows and movies which he enjoys, rather than showing actual ways they relate to the Bible or our faith.

The fact is, we can enjoy some pop culture just for BEING pop culture, without it needing to have religious connotations.

I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Rating: Four stars

When Mockingbirds Sing by Billy Coffey

 

Synopsis: What marks the boundary between a miracle of God and the imagination of a child?
Nine-year-old Leah’s invisible friend seems harmless enough until he aids her in upsetting the tranquility of her new town, a place where her parents desperately hoped she’d finally be able to make friends and fit in. Hidden within a picture she paints for a failed toymaker are numbers that win the toymaker millions. Suddenly, townspeople are divided between those who see Leah as a prophet and those who are afraid of the danger she represents. Caught in the middle is Leah’s agnostic father, who clashes with a powerful town pastor over Leah’s prophecies and what to do about them.
When the imaginary friend’s predictions take an ominous turn and Leah announces that a grave danger looms, doubts arise over the truthfulness of her claims. As a violent storm emerges on the day of the annual carnival, Leah’s family and the town of Mattingly must make a final choice to cling to all they know or embrace the things she believes in that cannot be seen.

Review: I was touched and amazed by this story. It shows how God does, indeed, work in mysterious ways--in ways in which even His people may not understand.

For most of the story, readers are left to wonder whether The Rainbow Man is real or not, whether he is good or evil. In the end, those questions are answered quite resoundingly.

There are true miracles worked in the lives of many of these characters, and there is also pain and suffering. It is very true to life.

I'm keeping this one on my bookshelf to read again and again. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Rating:Five stars

About the author

Billy and his wife, Joanne, live with their two children in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. A product of his small-town locale, Billy counts as assets his rural authenticity, unwavering sense of purpose, and insatiable curiosity--all of which tend to make his front porch a comfortably crowded place.

A Faith Of Her Own by Kathleen Fuller

Synopsis: Can Anna Mae heed God's call on her life, even if it means leaving behind everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves?

Ever since Anna Mae's childhood friend Jeremiah left their Amish community, she's questioned her own place in the Amish world. The Amish life feels as if it's closing in on her, and with her mother trying to set her up with potential suitors, Anna Mae feels trapped in a life she's not sure she wants anymore. But she's never told anyone that she longs for a tiny taste of freedom--freedom that could be very costly.

When Jeremiah suddenly reappears in Middlefield to help his mentor, Yankee veterinarian Dr. Miller, new questions surface for Anna Mae, along with feelings she'd never fully acknowledged before.

As Anna Mae and Jeremiah rekindle their friendship, old feelings take on new meaning. Yet the question still lingers: What is God's plan for her life? Should she stay, keeping loyal to her Amish family, or does God have a bigger plan--one that provides more freedom than she could imagine? The answers do not come easily, and the answer to God's call may lie in different directions . . . for both of them.

Thoughts: A great look at several romantic relationships in various stages. Johnny and Katie are an Amish married couple who have been trying for several years to have a child; Bekah and Caleb have known each other for years, and treat one another as pests in their lives; Anna Mae is still in love with Jeremiah, who left the church and his family to pursue his education and a career as a veterinarian; Judith, a widow, has feelings for David, the father of Jeremiah and of Amos, a special needs young man, but David has an unresolved relationship with his wife, Marie, who deserted the family years ago.

This is the first full-length novel I've read by Fuller, although I have read several things by her in Amish anthologies. I enjoy her writing, and the insight she provides into the Amish culture here in Ohio. 

I was drawn into the story from the first page, and couldn't put it down till I got to the last one. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, which is very unusual for me these days. Looking forward to reading more about Middlefield in the future.

**I received a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Five stars

An Amish Cradle: Four Novellas by Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller and Vanetta Chapman

Synopsis: Tiny fingers,

Tiny toes,

And lives that will never be the same.

Journey with four families as their lives are about to change forever.

"In His Father's Arms" by Beth Wiseman

Ruth Anne has been dreaming about motherhood her entire life. Now she is doubly excited that she and her best friend are due with their children the same week. But when Ruth Anne's baby is born with Down's syndrome, she and her husband struggle to understand God's plan.

"A Son for Always" by Amy Clipston

Carolyn and Joshua are thrilled to be pregnant with their first child together. Carolyn was just a teenager when she had her son, Benjamin, and she still feels solely responsible to secure his future. As Joshua watches Carolyn struggle to accept his support, he knows he has to find some way to convince her that she--and Ben--will always be taken care of.

"A Heart Full of Love" by Kathleen Fuller

Ellie's mother hasn't stopped meddling in her personal life since Ellie lost her sight--and she's taken it up a notch now that Ellie's pregnant. When Ellie gives birth to twins, her mother insists on moving in to care for them. But when her mother's behavior becomes unbearable, Ellie is forced to take a stand . . . and finally find out why "Mamm" can't let go.

"An Unexpected Blessing" by Vannetta Chapman

At 42, Etta thought she was finished having children, but she's pregnant again. After a frightening labor, Etta finally gives birth, but her constant worry over her estranged grown son, David, haunts her still. As a new mother again, Etta must hold tightly to the promise that God will watch over her children--and that one day David will return.

Thoughts: "In His Father's Arms" by Beth Wiseman

Ruth Ann and Levi's newborn son is diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. Ruth Ann, in typical maternal fashion, is ready to deal with whatever comes with her child, but Levi seems to be avoiding both of them. As you read, you feel for both of them and hope they will find their way back to each other, and to be the best of parents for their son.

"A Son For Always" by Amy Clipston
Carolyn gave birth to her son, Ben, before she married Joshua. Even though Joshua adopted Ben and says he thinks of him as his own child, Carolyn worries that feeling will dwindle after the birth of the baby she is carrying. In order to provide for Ben's future., Carolyn works at the local hotel as well as keeping up with all her responsibilities at home. After her daughter is born, will she return to her job, or will she trust Joshua to provide for their entire family?

"A Heart Full Of Love" by Kathleen Fuller
Ellie and Chris are parents of newborn twin girls, and Ellie's mother has decided that she needs to care for them, as Ellie is blind. When the "help" gets too much to bear, how will Chris and Ellie handle it,and what will Ellie learn about her mother--and herself--in the process?

"An Unexpected Blessing" by Vanetta Chapman
Etta and Mose thought their days of having babies were past, as they were both in their 40s, but God had other plans. As she cared for her new child, Etta longed for news from her oldest son, David. When he shows up unexpectedly, is he there to stay, or will Etta face heartbreak yet again? And will the family find a way to make the mortgage payments on the farm, or will they be forced to move away?

These four writers of Amish fiction provided wonderful stories as usual. I would highly recommend it to everyone, particularly if you are a fan of Amish fiction. 

**I received a copy of this book from Booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

My rating: Five stars 

Tale Of The Penitent Thief, by Don Willis

Synopsis: Arguably the most influential figure in human history was Jesus Christ. Wars were fought in his name. In his name many nations rose, and many nations fell. Many prominent leaders gained power from him, and many others were persecuted and killed for their belief in him.

It has been said that over 6 billion Bibles have been printed in almost every language, and countless other millions of stories, books, and films have told the story of his life. Yet, he died with two men by his side, and history knows almost nothing about them.

Until now.
Young Dismas and his brother Jotham are blissfully unaware of the lifelong journey that awaits them soon after their encounter with the young girl, Mary, her husband, Joseph, and their baby, Jesus. Their lives will soon take a very cruel turn that leads through hurt, hardship, betrayal, and murder.

Along the way, they make unlikely alliances with Tiran and Gestas, two known criminals with a penchant for theft and murder. It is a path that will ultimately lead them all to intersect with their brutal destinies.

Throughout their journey, their lives will intersect with some of the most famous figures of the Bible, and they will learn about love, faith, and the most powerful weapon against sin... forgiveness.

Thoughts: After reading the synopsis of this book, I was very excited to read the entire story. However, I wound up being more than just a little disappointed in it.

The author has very little in the way of description when it comes to any of the characters. It would have been nice to read his view on how they looked, to help me picture them as he saw them.

And then there is the story itself, where the author used a little too much "poetic license" for my taste. Yes, it's a work of fiction, but it's based on facts, and a specific time period. Readers should feel as if they are IN that time period, IN that location---and this author just didn't do that for me.

**I was given a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review.**

My rating: Two stars

Murder Tightly Knit (Amish Village Mystery #2), by Vannetta Chapman

Synopsis: When a local Amish man is found dead, the Middlebury Amish Artisan Village comes under suspicion. Two amateur sleuths---one Amish, one English---will have to work quickly to keep fear from dividing their community. As fall blankets the Pumpkinvine Trail with leaves of brown, gold, and orange, a local Amish man is found dead on the path. The only clues to the murderer's identity point in two very different directions---toward the local survivalist group and toward the Amish Village---specifically the village's knitting shop, The Cat's Meow. The police call in a federal investigator, and he quickly puts everyone on the suspect list. Amber Wright and Hannah Troyer know who isn't guilty---they know this community down to the last buggy, but can find the guilty party before someone else is in danger? While Hannah helps Amber solve the mystery, she and Jesse Miller continue courting. But when Jesse's prodigal brother returns to their farm, Jesse becomes distracted by family troubles. He and Hannah will have to overcome the tension in order to keep their relationship alive. And Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Thoughts:  Another great mystery from Vannetta Chapman. The book begins with a murder, described from the point of view of the victim, without revealing the identity of the murderer. Of course, that means Amber and Hannah are back on the case, looking for the answers to their questions.

We get another look into Amish culture and traditions, especially around the viewing and funeral when a death occurs. We are also given a glimpse into the sometimes tense relationship between Amish and Englisch in social situations.

There are many troubled family relationships discussed in the course of the story, and I found myself hoping for positive resolution for all of them.

It was nice to see Amber and Tate as a happily married couple--and by the end of the book, there are TWO more weddings being planned.

Now I can hardly wait for June, so I can read "Murder Freshly Baked."

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

My rating: Four stars

What Would Jesus Post? Seven Principles Christians Should Follow In Social Media by Brian D. Wassom

Synopsis: Social media gives each of us enormous power to influence others for good or ill. But far too many Christians ignore the opportunities and undermine their own reputations through thoughtless words shared online. This book comes directly from the author's experiences as an attorney and a church leader and offers seven simple guidelines for exercising Biblical wisdom in social media.

Thoughts: **I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

While this is obviously a Christian book, it offers a lot of good common sense for dealing with social media. The author provides some great real life examples,as well as quotes and pop culture references. All of those things together make this a quick, easy read.

The seven principles the author chose to focus on in this book are as follows:

Think before you post.
To your own self be true.
Guard your heart.
Don't miss the forest for the trees.
Don't be a stumbling block.
Be a peacemaker.
Build genuine community

If we all tried to follow these principles while on our social media sites, and in our everyday life, the world would be a much better place.

My rating: Four stars

Hit by Lorie Ann Grover

Synopsis: After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah's future is all laid out before her that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket one that will declare her feelings once and for all.

Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah's attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning.

But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.

Thoughts: This is an amazing book. It takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with both of the main characters, as each one struggles to deal with the traumatic event that occurs. The entire story covers just three days, but it feels like so much more, with everything that happens. Once I started reading it, I hated every time I had to put it down, and I could hardly wait to get back to it. The end leaves me wanting more....where do they go from here? For me, that's always a sign of a great story and believable characters.

**I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.**

My rating:  Five stars