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War for the Waking World

By Wayne Thomas Batson

Would you be willing to fight for your dreams?

Fifteen-year-old Archer Keaton has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a Dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the Nightmare Lord who dwells beyond the Slumber Gate. But as Archer’s dreams become more dangerous and threatening, so too does his waking life.

In this fast-paced conclusion to the exciting fantasy trilogy, the dream world and the waking world bleed into each other when a rift is formed between the two. People in the real world suddenly find their waking lives resemble their wildest dreams. Now it’s up to Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders to race to reverse the rift before too much damage is done and to battle Archer’s ex-best friend, Kara, who sits on the throne of the Nightmare Lord. Kara is building an army of her own. Will Archer be strong enough to stand against her?

ISLAND BREEZES

Dreams or nightmares? Sometimes night time dreams can become waking nightmares. It’s becoming a real mess, and the fate of the world hangs on a teenage boy, his friend and his little sister.

It took me a little while to get into this book. That could be because I’m a few decades older than the intended audience. But once this book grabbed me, I didn’t want to put it down. I also had to daydream a little about what it would be like to really have a bit of their magical powers.

This is a good stand alone read, but as with any trilogy, it’s good to read the previous books first to get a better handle on the background.

I do like these young people. I hope Mr Batson will include them in future books.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Wayne Thomas Batson is an American writer. He has been married to his wife, Mary Lu, for seventeen years and has four children. He currently works as a teacher at Folly Quarter Middle School teaching sixth grade English language arts and is the youngest of four children. His most recent series, Dreamtreaders published by Thomas Nelson Inc (2014), is a modern-day paranormal YA adventure dealing with the subject of dreams.

 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of realities not seen. For by it the elders received commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen did not come from anything visible.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Miracle Drug

By Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

Overcoming these odds will take more than a miracle drug—it will take a miracle.

The infection wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn’t. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why—his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.

As if treating the President of the United States isn’t stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation’s eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

ISLAND BREEZES

Boy, do these people ever need a miracle drug! Once they locate the drug, they need another miracle to find more of it.

There’s intrigue and suspense galore. This is one of those books you can neither put down nor turn the pages fast enough.

As always, Dr. Mabry keeps the adrenalin flowing. Being a nurse, I also appreciated seeing proper protrayal of medical ethics, protocol and procedures. Thank you, Dr. Mabry.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. “Miracle Drug” is his ninth published novel. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

For if we keep on sinning willfully after we receive the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

but only a terrifying expectation of judgment and a fury of fire about to devour the enemies of God.

Anyone who rejected the Torah of Moses dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.

How much more severe do you think the punishment will be for one Ben-Elohim underfoot and has regarded as unholy the blood of the covenant by which he was made holy, and has insulted the Ruach* of grace?

For we know the One who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, ” and again, “Adonai will judge His people.”

It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10:26-31

*Spirit

Therefore, since we have a great Kohen Gadol* who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua Ben-Elohim,** let us hold firmly to our confessed allegiance.

For we do not have a kohen gadol who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all the same ways – yet without sin.

Therefore let us draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.

Hebrew 4:14-16

*The high priest who served as head official; the only one to enter the Holy of Holies

**Jesus, Son of God

The Splendor of Ordinary Days

By Jeff High

The pastoral charm of small-town Watervalley, Tennessee, can be deceptive, as young Dr. Luke Bradford discovers when he’s caught in the fallout of a decades-old conflict.

After a rocky start as Watervalley’s only doctor, Luke Bradford has decided to stay in town, honoring the three-year commitment he made to pay off his medical school debts. But even as his friendships with the quirky townsfolk deepen, and he pursues a romance with lovely schoolteacher Christine Chambers, several military veterans’ emotional wounds trigger anger and unrest in Watervalley.

At the center of the clash is the curmudgeonly publisher of the local newspaper, Luther Whitmore. Luther grew up in Watervalley, but he returned from combat in Vietnam a changed man. He fenced in beautiful Moon Lake, posting “Keep Out” notices at the beloved spot, and provokes the townspeople with his incendiary newspaper.

As Luke struggles to understand Luther’s past, and restore harmony in Watervalley, an unforeseen crisis shatters a relationship he values dearly. Suddenly Luke must answer life’s toughest questions about service, courage, love, and sacrifice. Purchase a copy here.

ISLAND BREEZES

This is the first Jeff High book I’ve read. I loved it and am looking forward to reading more about Watervalley and the people who live there.

Watervalley has secrets that are hurting people. Will it hurt them even more when the secrets are out in the open? I must warn you that even though you will laugh while reading this book, you may very well need a box of tissues near the end. I did.

 
You will find a bonus here. But please don’t read this until after you read the part in the book where Connie and Estelle are discussing their family reunion.

 
Thank you so very much, Jeff High.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

After growing up on a farm in rural Tennessee, Jeff High attained degrees in literature and nursing. He is the three-time winner, in fiction and poetry, of an annual writing contest held by Vanderbilt Medical Center. He lived in Nashville for many years, and throughout the country as a travel nurse, before returning to his original hometown, near where he now works as an operating room RN in open-heart surgery. He is the author of the Watervalley novels, including More Things in Heaven and Earth and Each Shining Hour.

A. D. 33

By Ted Dekker

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker delivers the gripping story of Maviah, a slave who becomes a queen in Arabia, A.D. 33.

They call her the Queen of the Outcasts. Maviah, a woman whose fate was sealed on her birth by this world-unwanted, illegitimate, female, a slave-subject to the whims of all. But then she met a man named Yeshua who opened her eyes. She found strength in his words, peace from the brutal word around her. Because of what he taught her, she has gathered her own traveling kingdom of outcasts deep in the desert, wielding an authority few have seen. But when her growing power threatens the rulers around her, they set out to crush all she loves, leaving her reeling as a slave once more. She must find Yeshua to save her people, but when she does, she will be horrified to discover that he faces his own death.

Enter a story full of intrigue, heart-wrenching defeat, uncompromising love and staggering victory-one that re-examines everything you thought you knew about the heart of Jesus’s stunning message and the power that follows for those who follow his easily forgotten way.

ISLAND BREEZES

There’s a lot of royalty in this book. Kings, queens, princes and others in authority. These people carry baggage. It includes intrigue, loyalty, disloyalty, jealousy, hatred and love.

A slave becomes a queen and then is returned to slavery. But Maviah learns that Yeshua is indeed the way to peace and truly living, but like a lot of us loses track of that truth.

This novel is based on Biblical characters and events. As always, this brings Scripture to life and teaches me new things. It is obvious that this author has done much research into this time period. Plus, this book leaves me even more in love with Yeshua.

This is the first book by Mr. Dekker that I have read, but I don’t want it to be the last. Thank you, sir, for such an enjoyable book.

***A special thank you to Sarah Stringer for providing a review copy.***

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels with a total of more than 10 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, training us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live in a manner that is self-controlled and righteous and godly in the present age.

We wait for the blessed hope and appearance of the glory  of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua. He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and so that He might purify for Himself a chosen people, zealous for good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14

Fried Sandwiches

Dip leftover sandwiches in 1 egg slightly beaten with 2 tbsp water or milk and 1/2 tsp salt. Fry in drippings until browned on both sides.

Baked Egg Hash

Grease a deep pie dish and arrange a thick layer of grated or chopped leftover potatoes; sprinkle with salt and pepper, dot with butter or margarine and sprinkle with a little minced parsley, chives or onions. Beat 2-3 eggs until light add 2 tbsp milk for each egg, salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes and bake in moderate oven, 350-375 degrees F for 20-30 minutes.

Changes for Baked Egg Hash

Add stewed tomatoes or tomato juice in place of milk.

Leftover corn or carrots may be added to the potatoes.

Beverages to use in place of coffee

Use 1 tbsp black molasses to 1 cup bran. Rub through the hands until well blended. Pile in large dripping pan and brown well (almost black) in a moderate oven, stirring occasionally to prevent actual burning. When cold pack away in airtight containers and make the same as boiled coffee – 1 tbsp to 1 cup water (you may prefer it weaker), serve hot or iced.

But as for you, speak things that are fitting for sound instruction. Older men are to be clear-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

Likewise, older women are to be sanctified in demeanor – not backbiting or enslaved to much wine. Let them be teachers of what is good, so that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children to be self-controlled, pure, managing their household, kind, submitted to their own husbands, so that God’s word may not be dishonored.

Likewise urge the younger men to be self-controlled, in all things showing yourself to be an example of good deeds –  integrity in instruction, dignity, sound speech beyond criticism – so that an opponent can be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:1-8