Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

My Thoughts:

Nancy Mehl hasn’t penned a novel that I haven’t enjoyed to date.  Cold Pursuit is captivating. The plot, suspense, and the characters are amazing. The story is clean, a tad of romance, and a lot of suspense.

The opening pages are from a past event when River is an FBI profiler and she is in a life-and-death situation at the hands of a cold-blooded killer. The event was so dramatic that she suffers from PTSD and decided to start a new career to be close to her ailing mother. Her former FBI partner Tony St. Clair and she opened a private investigation firm together. Tony has strong faith and his belief has helped him through that horrible event. River doesn’t believe and struggles with the event.

Their first case is a mother looking for answers and closure to the disappearance of her son four years ago. Tony and River know that the chances of finding his body are slim. They feel that this may help the grieving mother with closure and maybe find a body to bury.

Little do they know that this case is more than what they expected. A deranged individual who is trying to live a somewhat normal life is about to become even more unhinged. The story has some slow parts as they are investigating the case. The end took me by complete surprise. The ending also left me not knowing something that will surly be discovered in the next book in the series.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

 

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Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life--and love--requires a fair amount of risk.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the series, “Her Only Wish.” I have always enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray’s books. I have been enjoying the different scenery of Pinecraft, Florida. This is the place where the Amish relax and leave life back in their Amish community.

Betsy Detweiler has been sheltered her whole life. She has created a ‘life list” of things she wants to do. You may remember Betsy from book one. Betsy has always been sheltered due to her asthma. She is determined to find her own way and an adventure. She wants to learn golf, swimming, and so many other things her parents wouldn’t let her do because of her asthma and the fear of losing her.

Betsy has an affectionate personality and a zeal for life. She signs up for golf lessons and her instructor is August Troyer. August grew up with his family as missionaries. Both end up spending more time together.

Betsy ends up having a severe asthma attack and ends up in the hospital. Her parents end up rushing to Pinecraft. August has a complicated relationship with his parents. His father is hurt while in the mission fields, they want him to fly to Africa. They both take risks that they hope will in the end lead to each other.

 I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.

 

The visually engaging NLT Student Life Application Study Bible brings learning to life for those who want to get serious about their study of Scripture. It invites readers into an ever-deeper knowledge of God and his work in the world. It features a beautiful, four-color interior that appeals to younger readers as well as adults of any age. This Bible features the New Living Translation and is equipped with the Filament Bible app. It’s perfect for those looking for an innovative New Living Translation study Bible.

Features of the NLT Student LASB include:

·         27,000+ in-print and in-app study notes;

·         a reading guide that traces the Bible’s big story;

·         81 biographical summaries of the lives of important people in the Bible;

·         137 pictures illustrating objects and places;

·         answers to 59 vital questions about the basics of Christian belief and what it means to live as a Christian;

·         316 maps, charts, and infographics;

·         the Filament Bible app; and

·         the clear and accurate New Living Translation.

·          

Enhance your Bible study with the free Filament Bible app.

The Filament Bible app is a powerful Bible-study tool featuring commentary and thousands of study notes, devotionals, videos, reading plans, and more resources that are curated for each page and are displayed when you scan the page number in your Bible. The content you have available at your fingertips pertains specifically to the passage you are reading.

Features of the Filament Bible app include

·         350+ videos,

·         40+ interactive maps and infographics,

·         400+ profiles and articles, and

·         1,500 devotionals.

·          

About the New Living Translation

The New Living Translation is a clear and accurate English translation of the Bible. It conveys the precise meaning of the original languages in a flowing, effortless writing style that promotes comfortable and meaningful reading of God’s Word.

My Thoughts:

This is the NLT which is the New Living Translation. @TyndaleBibles  @NLTBible

It is available as a softcover, hardcover, and Leatherlike cover. You can get a charcoal gray striped or a teal striped with index tabs or without. I have the teal striped without the index tabs. It’s very appealing in color and size.

Another feature is the Filament Bible app which includes over 350 videos, interactive maps, articles, profiles, and devotionals.  The Bible itself has several notes, reading guides, charts, and other neat features. I love the maps that are included throughout the Bible. Each book has an introduction page that gives you an overview of the book and highlights key events. It also has a timeline of the events in the book of important events. Big Story Notes that ask questions to connect lessons and personality. There are also several illustrations of places, items, and other relevant features of the verses.

Like so many modern Bibles they seem to be doing things differently than what I grew up with. Just like other translations, there are several verses that are completely omitted: Matthew 17:21, Matthew 18:11, Matthew 23:14, Acts 8: 37. Other situations are that sentences or half of the verse is omitted completely or changed: Matthew 19:9, Luke 4:8 – “get thee behind me Satan” is omitted, Matthew 19:9, Mark 6:11, Acts 17: 29 & Romans 1:20 removes in my opinion important words. I have just listed a few things. The Bible still has the word of God throughout it just some featured scriptures are different or just missing. How do you really review the Word of God! 

I’m not a scholar of the Bible but, it doesn’t sit well with me with so many verses being omitted or words being changed from what has been the standard for many years. It also seems to be more gender-neutral than other versions that I have read. This isn’t a Bible that I prefer with the translation. It’s something that I suggest you pray about and research yourself. Don’t just take my word of the NLT Bible.

 

You can purchase your own copy at this link https://bit.ly/NLTStudentLifeFilament or you can enter a giveaway to win one for yourself https://www.blessedfreebies.com/student-life-application-study-bible-giveaway.html

@frontgatem #NLTBible #TyndaleBibles #LifeApplicationStudyBible #BibleForStudents #SeriousStudyComesToLife

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through Front Gate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.

 

A convenient compact edition--with an imitation leather cover, inviting two-color interior design, and ribbon marker

Have you ever closed your Bible and thought, What did I just read?

Whether you're brand-new to the Bible or you grew up in the second pew, reading Scripture can feel confusing or boring at times. Understanding it well seems to require reading it thoroughly (and even repeatedly), but who wants to read something they don't understand?

If you've ever wanted to read through the Bible or even just wanted to want to read it, The Bible Recap is here to help. Following a chronological Bible reading plan, the recaps explain and connect the story of Scripture, section by section. And this personal size edition, which features the same content as the original book, is ideal for reading in any setting.

You don't have to go to seminary. You don't need a special Bible. Just start reading this book alongside your Bible and see what God has to say about Himself in the story He's telling.

My Thoughts:

A 365 Daily Devotion for someone who is wanting to go through the Bible in a year. Everything is laid out in a way that will help you achieve reading the Bible in a year. It has some insights on different aspects on historical events and places.

 

The Day is clearly marked on the top left corner with a two-page devotion. It has the scripture address front and center on the page. You will read the scripture verses. Then it gives an overview/ commentary of the scriptures that are going to be read. Another feature is that the devotion is set up as a chronological plan. It isn’t recommended you go out and buy a chronological Bible either. After, you have read the Bible and your devotional you take notes in a journal. There is a link to look at more resource links.

 

Each devotional ends with “God Shots”, This is meant to convey God’s Character. It has a lot of encouraging words based of the scriptures.

 

A nice book to enhance your daily Bible Studies.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.  

 

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in “A Pearl River” series. I don’t recall ever reading any books from author Patricia Bradley prior to this book. The author had glowing reviews from her previous books so I was looking forward to reading it.

Counter Attack starts out intriguing with a glimpse into the dark web, and a serial killer wanting revenge. The Queen’s Gambit Killer must be stopped before he strikes again. Alex is on the job to figure out what his next play will be in his chess game. The killer leaves a white chess piece in their hand along with a note with the next book on them.

 Alex Stone is an undercover detective that is undercover at a bar where several of the victims have ties to visiting the bar. She knows she has a feeling she is being watched. Nathan Landry, her high school crush happens to be there. When Alex leaves the bar, a man tries to drag her away, both Alex and this man have been shot. They assume that the serial killer is dead now. That relief is short-lived as he starts leaving messages.

Alex teams up with Nathan who knows chess to help decipher the clues.

The characters are well-developed and very likable. The pace of the book is pretty fast-paced throughout the story. There is a faith-spiritual context with the characters. Alex and Nathan make a good team and complement each other. I figured out who the Queen’s Gambit Killer is fairly easy. There is one surprise at the end that I didn’t expect.  

I look forward to the other books in this series.

I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

What if changing how you read the Bible could make it go from 2D to 3D?

Many people want to read and study the Bible but don’t know where to start, or when they do read it they don’t connect how the events, people, and places fit together and quickly lose interest. And some don’t wholeheartedly believe what the Bible says.

Yet International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA Director Susan Michael says the Bible is the most exciting book on the planet—and understanding the story behind the stories changes everything. On these pages, you will:

Take a journey into the world of the Bible

Learn the story that connects the beginning of the Bible to the end

Receive insight and tips on how to read the Bible so it comes alive

Understand how true and accurate the Bible is

And more

Join Susan on a journey that will deepen your faith and walk with the Lord like none other. Encounter the 3D Bible is more than a Bible study; it’s a study about the Bible that will bring a more profound understanding to every sermon you hear and Bible study you participate in.

If you want your Bible to go from 2D to 3D, this book is for you. But be ready—it might just change your life! Foreword by bestselling author and Bible teacher Kay Arthur.

My Thoughts:

I think so many believers miss so much of the Bible. They get stuck in the New Testament and don’t venture into the Old Testament. The whole Bible is alive and we can find the Gospel in every book in the Old Testament. As a Messianic Believer who believes in Yeshua (Jesus) and celebrates the Biblical feast I often see a lot of replacement theology. Many don’t read the Old Testament or have done away with the Jews. If that was true that God could replace the Jews then what hope do we have? You can’t have one without the other. We see the prophecies in the Old Testament and so many other things that would be missed if we didn’t have both.

There are Eight chapters:

Why Study the Bible

How to Read the Bible at a 3D Level

The Story of the Bible

How Should Christians Read the Old Testament

The Land of the Bible

The People of the Bible

The God of the Bible

The Search Begins

Don’t pass up the Acknowledgements, Introductions, and appendix.

I believe that Dr. Michael makes some good points about “studying” God’s word. I think that it can be hard to put pieces together, especially in the Old Testament. She points out that to fully understand we need to understand the land and even the culture. I have been a believer for over 30 years and it took me a long time to learn how to really dig in and study the Bible. I don’t think studying the Bible is taught. I would have loved to have this as a resource as a new believer back then. Going to Israel really changed my life. The reality, is not everyone can go to Israel. Dr. Michael really does make the Bible go from 2D to 3D.

I highly recommend this book. You can purchase your own copy here. You can enter to win a copy here.

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through Front Gate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Timeless series. I haven’t read the first book in the series but felt that it didn’t take away from this story.

I loved the time-shifting in this story. It makes for an intriguing story. It was hard to predict what Maggie would do because each of the three time periods is unique. Maggie has a life in three time periods. One in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each time she is involved in the medical field in some capacity. Maggie will have to choose which one to stay in after her 21^st birthday.

I love books that have good characters that have ones that have depth to them. Every character was intriguing. As far as which era I wanted to see Maggie choose. It is good life in each one. I would have a hard time choosing which one to stay in.

 I loved this book and I am so excited for more books in this series! Now I need to go back and read book one in this series. This is a fascinating read that has wonderful characters, history, and faith, and I highly recommend this one!

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.