BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Service Station Angel
Lisa J Schuster
2014 Silver Medal
242 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
Ernie Price lives in the tiny town of Hubbell, Michigan. He took care of his parents until their death, then he filled his days running the local service station and his evenings volunteering at the church, or working to repair toys so that he can give them to the less fortunate at Christmas. He is always looking for ways to help others, his kindness is truly a testimony of his faith. When crime comes to the tiny town, something happens that allows Ernie to get a glimpse of Heaven, but he is given a choice whether to stay or to return to earth to take care of unfinished business. What will Ernie's decision be?
Service Station Angel by Lisa J. Schuster is a book that grabs the heart and doesn't let go. It's a story that transported me back to simpler time, to a small tight-knit community where everyone sincerely cares about each other. I really felt like I had stepped back in time, becoming a part of the community as I read this story. The people, their emotions, and their faith was so real, I could feel their hurt and heartache, but I could also feel the love and strength in this community. Ms. Schuster truly captures the essence of small town living. Ernie was such a remarkable character. I felt like he truly lived his faith. As the story unfolds, Ernie's life intertwines with the many secondary characters we are introduced to, including the so-called villain of the story. I say so-called, because I really didn't want to like the person who had brought crime to Hubbell, hurting those dear people, but the author allowed me to understand why he did what he did, which enabled me to feel compassion for a hurting soul! An emotionally stirring story that took me on a journey to a simpler time and place. While a work of fiction, there is no way not to be spiritually uplifted by reading Service Station Angel by Lisa J. Schuster.
Ernie Price lives in the tiny town of Hubbell, Michigan. He took care of his parents until their death, then he filled his days running the local service station and his evenings volunteering at the church, or working to repair toys so that he can give them to the less fortunate at Christmas. He is always looking for ways to help others, his kindness is truly a testimony of his faith. When crime comes to the tiny town, something happens that allows Ernie to get a glimpse of Heaven, but he is given a choice whether to stay or to return to earth to take care of unfinished business. What will Ernie's decision be?
Service Station Angel by Lisa J. Schuster is a book that grabs the heart and doesn't let go. It's a story that transported me back to simpler time, to a small tight-knit community where everyone sincerely cares about each other. I really felt like I had stepped back in time, becoming a part of the community as I read this story. The people, their emotions, and their faith was so real, I could feel their hurt and heartache, but I could also feel the love and strength in this community. Ms. Schuster truly captures the essence of small town living. Ernie was such a remarkable character. I felt like he truly lived his faith. As the story unfolds, Ernie's life intertwines with the many secondary characters we are introduced to, including the so-called villain of the story. I say so-called, because I really didn't want to like the person who had brought crime to Hubbell, hurting those dear people, but the author allowed me to understand why he did what he did, which enabled me to feel compassion for a hurting soul! An emotionally stirring story that took me on a journey to a simpler time and place. While a work of fiction, there is no way not to be spiritually uplifted by reading Service Station Angel by Lisa J. Schuster.
Recommend this book:
The Beloved Daughter
Alana Terry
2014 Gold Medal
226 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite
Alana Terry writes a riveting story about the cost of professing Christianity in a society that rejects the existence of God. Brave young Chung-Cha endured the unimaginable trauma that comes from being dragged out of one’s home in the middle of the night and being brutally beaten. She survives the terror of watching her father viciously assaulted before her very eyes, and she persists in spite of the perplexity of her mother’s cold denial. Imprisoned, mentally and physically abused, starved, and forced to live like an animal is enough torture to destroy anyone, and it does. But none of that is the end of this beloved daughter. Chug-Cha even had to watch her mother waste away and die right before her eyes, perhaps consumed by the hopelessness of renouncing her beliefs. Add to that having to allow unscrupulous men to use her body just to get a half-decent meal, and then listening to her friend betray her in order to save her own skin, and your heart breaks at the injustice some have to suffer for the sake of the cross of Christ. Chung-Cha is forced to live in underground detention for years, but her undying hope that persists in spite of confusion finally leads her to the light.
The Beloved Daughter is an inspirational book that gives the reader a clear picture of what really goes on in countries where religious freedom does not exist. The story is balanced, sharing both sides tastefully. But at the same time, it removes the blinkers from the eyes of many believers who honestly think they have been persecuted just because somebody rolled their eyes at them. The Beloved Daughter follows the life of one very brave woman who spent her formative years in a dungeon, yet survived to share her story of hope. Alana Terry’s passion for persecuted Christians can be felt within the story and she expertly awakens all those who may be tempted to turn a blind eye. The Beloved Daughter reminds us that if we aren’t willing to stand up for something, we will easily fall for anything.
Alana Terry writes a riveting story about the cost of professing Christianity in a society that rejects the existence of God. Brave young Chung-Cha endured the unimaginable trauma that comes from being dragged out of one’s home in the middle of the night and being brutally beaten. She survives the terror of watching her father viciously assaulted before her very eyes, and she persists in spite of the perplexity of her mother’s cold denial. Imprisoned, mentally and physically abused, starved, and forced to live like an animal is enough torture to destroy anyone, and it does. But none of that is the end of this beloved daughter. Chug-Cha even had to watch her mother waste away and die right before her eyes, perhaps consumed by the hopelessness of renouncing her beliefs. Add to that having to allow unscrupulous men to use her body just to get a half-decent meal, and then listening to her friend betray her in order to save her own skin, and your heart breaks at the injustice some have to suffer for the sake of the cross of Christ. Chung-Cha is forced to live in underground detention for years, but her undying hope that persists in spite of confusion finally leads her to the light.
The Beloved Daughter is an inspirational book that gives the reader a clear picture of what really goes on in countries where religious freedom does not exist. The story is balanced, sharing both sides tastefully. But at the same time, it removes the blinkers from the eyes of many believers who honestly think they have been persecuted just because somebody rolled their eyes at them. The Beloved Daughter follows the life of one very brave woman who spent her formative years in a dungeon, yet survived to share her story of hope. Alana Terry’s passion for persecuted Christians can be felt within the story and she expertly awakens all those who may be tempted to turn a blind eye. The Beloved Daughter reminds us that if we aren’t willing to stand up for something, we will easily fall for anything.
Recommend this book:
30 Days Hath Revenge
C. Kevin Thompson
2013 Silver Medal
352 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
30 Days Hath Revenge begins with a man’s death in Buna, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Colin Murphy and Ma’mum Khawaji were watching from a distance. They discussed the release of a disease as they watch the man convulse; Murphy was disappointed that the disease did not spread as fast as he’d hoped. At this point author, C. Kevin Thompson moves his tale forward in time four years. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Blake Meyer planned to retire in just a few short months. He looked forward to more time with his family. In Puerde Anapra, Mexico, are two men, coyotes, and gathered families that wanted to cross the border into the US. This was easy: men from the Middle East paid them to bring the families to the border but the coyotes did not have to take the families across the border. Each child was to have a dog collar in their hands. In Romania, Dr. Nicolescu was in his laboratory checking his experiment; he recorded in his notes the “contagion appears to be the most deadly when airborne versus previous testing.” When the CIA caught wind of the terrorist plot, Meyer was called in because of his past experiences and expertise. Would Meyer live long enough to retire? Would Dr. Nicolescu find a way to stop the exploitation of his work? How many would survive the plot to destroy the USA?
C. Kevin Thompson is a master-mind at creating a story that holds readers captive throughout the entire book. I could not go to bed without reading every last word of 30 Days Hath Revenge. This tale is relevant to today’s society; one only has to listen to the news or read a newspaper to know the USA is the preferred target. This book has it all: terrorists, bioterrorism, guns blazing, and explosions. This is one you will not want to miss.
30 Days Hath Revenge begins with a man’s death in Buna, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Colin Murphy and Ma’mum Khawaji were watching from a distance. They discussed the release of a disease as they watch the man convulse; Murphy was disappointed that the disease did not spread as fast as he’d hoped. At this point author, C. Kevin Thompson moves his tale forward in time four years. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Blake Meyer planned to retire in just a few short months. He looked forward to more time with his family. In Puerde Anapra, Mexico, are two men, coyotes, and gathered families that wanted to cross the border into the US. This was easy: men from the Middle East paid them to bring the families to the border but the coyotes did not have to take the families across the border. Each child was to have a dog collar in their hands. In Romania, Dr. Nicolescu was in his laboratory checking his experiment; he recorded in his notes the “contagion appears to be the most deadly when airborne versus previous testing.” When the CIA caught wind of the terrorist plot, Meyer was called in because of his past experiences and expertise. Would Meyer live long enough to retire? Would Dr. Nicolescu find a way to stop the exploitation of his work? How many would survive the plot to destroy the USA?
C. Kevin Thompson is a master-mind at creating a story that holds readers captive throughout the entire book. I could not go to bed without reading every last word of 30 Days Hath Revenge. This tale is relevant to today’s society; one only has to listen to the news or read a newspaper to know the USA is the preferred target. This book has it all: terrorists, bioterrorism, guns blazing, and explosions. This is one you will not want to miss.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/her-final-gift&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pUtFIrWtL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Her Final Gift" is written by Linda Dunlap Hulen. This book was created as a love story for all ages to read and enjoy. It is the story of the author's beloved parents and their true love at first sight relationship. It is adventurous and exciting with twists and turns that will leave you in a complete state of excitement to read more. It will shi...){kind=link}
Her Final Gift
Linda Dunlap Hulen
2013 Finalist
309 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite
"Her Final Gift" is written by Linda Dunlap Hulen. This book was created as a love story for all ages to read and enjoy. It is the story of the author's beloved parents and their true love at first sight relationship. It is adventurous and exciting with twists and turns that will leave you in a complete state of excitement to read more. It will shift the reader's emotions as often as the pages are turned. It is set in a time that was often filled with the hardships and obstacles that would test one's ability to move forward in life and prosper. It is a love story that begins in a triangle right from the start. It tells of two young people trying to overcome all obstacles life throws at them while trying to raise their children and run a family-operated business in a small town. Filled with raw emotion, true love, sorrow, grief, and happiness, the story will make the reader laugh, cry and experience heartache for the characters they read about. Filled with scripture and inspirational words, this book will fill readers with strength and faith in the lord as they read about this young couple.
As I was reading and becoming engulfed in the story I began to feel a sense of true compassion as if I was a character in the book itself. As it is filled with an overwhelming amount of raw emotion, I found myself stopping reading every now and then to regain my own composure. This story truly touched my heart. I am grateful to Linda Dunlap Hulen for sharing this magnificent story.
"Her Final Gift" is written by Linda Dunlap Hulen. This book was created as a love story for all ages to read and enjoy. It is the story of the author's beloved parents and their true love at first sight relationship. It is adventurous and exciting with twists and turns that will leave you in a complete state of excitement to read more. It will shift the reader's emotions as often as the pages are turned. It is set in a time that was often filled with the hardships and obstacles that would test one's ability to move forward in life and prosper. It is a love story that begins in a triangle right from the start. It tells of two young people trying to overcome all obstacles life throws at them while trying to raise their children and run a family-operated business in a small town. Filled with raw emotion, true love, sorrow, grief, and happiness, the story will make the reader laugh, cry and experience heartache for the characters they read about. Filled with scripture and inspirational words, this book will fill readers with strength and faith in the lord as they read about this young couple.
As I was reading and becoming engulfed in the story I began to feel a sense of true compassion as if I was a character in the book itself. As it is filled with an overwhelming amount of raw emotion, I found myself stopping reading every now and then to regain my own composure. This story truly touched my heart. I am grateful to Linda Dunlap Hulen for sharing this magnificent story.
Recommend this book:
Crimson Harvest
Thom Mollohan
2013 Finalist
240 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
When teens Heather and Jillian sneak out to go dancing at a new club which promises them “more fun than they had ever had before,” they open up the door to an evil that neither of them realized existed in Argenteret. Kevin, Heather’s uncle, comes for a visit, because he is struggling with his own problems at home and is suddenly wrapped up in rescuing Heather from a powerful Vampire who has several teens, including Jillian and several police officers, under his command to help cover up murder, kidnapping and drug dealing. Heather discovers that her faith in Jesus Christ is much more powerful than evil and the testimony of her faith draws the attention of her uncle, who has always had nothing but contempt for God. The strong faith of Heather’s parents and the demonstration of love by Heather’s church community and the power of prayer all work together in combating the evil which threatens to take the lives of Heather, Kevin, Jillian and perhaps even Heather’s parents.
This is a very well-written book which does a great job of developing characters and plot into a highly intriguing and suspenseful account of how one family’s faith is able to overcome a very powerful evil. The conflicts that are attacking and testing the faith of Heather and her family, as well as the struggle that Kevin is having with his own disbelief in God, are well-crafted into the overall struggle of the kidnappings, murder and extortion that are taking place in the main plot line. This is a page-turner with a very strong message about the power of the Christian faith in overcoming evil. The reader will feel the pain, the doubt, the strengthening and the transformation of each of the characters as they work their way through this extraordinary nightmare, which the author has made into a very well-crafted and believable story.
When teens Heather and Jillian sneak out to go dancing at a new club which promises them “more fun than they had ever had before,” they open up the door to an evil that neither of them realized existed in Argenteret. Kevin, Heather’s uncle, comes for a visit, because he is struggling with his own problems at home and is suddenly wrapped up in rescuing Heather from a powerful Vampire who has several teens, including Jillian and several police officers, under his command to help cover up murder, kidnapping and drug dealing. Heather discovers that her faith in Jesus Christ is much more powerful than evil and the testimony of her faith draws the attention of her uncle, who has always had nothing but contempt for God. The strong faith of Heather’s parents and the demonstration of love by Heather’s church community and the power of prayer all work together in combating the evil which threatens to take the lives of Heather, Kevin, Jillian and perhaps even Heather’s parents.
This is a very well-written book which does a great job of developing characters and plot into a highly intriguing and suspenseful account of how one family’s faith is able to overcome a very powerful evil. The conflicts that are attacking and testing the faith of Heather and her family, as well as the struggle that Kevin is having with his own disbelief in God, are well-crafted into the overall struggle of the kidnappings, murder and extortion that are taking place in the main plot line. This is a page-turner with a very strong message about the power of the Christian faith in overcoming evil. The reader will feel the pain, the doubt, the strengthening and the transformation of each of the characters as they work their way through this extraordinary nightmare, which the author has made into a very well-crafted and believable story.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/come-to-the-garden&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515wqRMOAvL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s book "Come to the Garden" is a uniquely pleasant story. For many years, Jennifer has experienced visions in her dreams. Some she has understood, some have been prophetic, while others remained somewhat mysterious. One day she meets a spiritual creature who claims she is her guardian angel. God has sent her to enlighten Je...){kind=link}
Come to the Garden
A Novel Inspired by True Events
Jennifer Wilder Morgan
2013 Honorable Mention
224 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s book "Come to the Garden" is a uniquely pleasant story. For many years, Jennifer has experienced visions in her dreams. Some she has understood, some have been prophetic, while others remained somewhat mysterious. One day she meets a spiritual creature who claims she is her guardian angel. God has sent her to enlighten Jennifer on the whole meaning of her dream visions, and to give her complete understanding. Margaret, the angel, meets with Jennifer on a daily basis and during her visitations Jennifer receives guidance as well as enlightenment regarding earthly events. 9/11 artifacts become a feature showing her how God desires all people to respect and love one another. A poignant moment where the Bible fused into a metal beam might cause you to wonder, as I did, why the religious groups of the world are so diverse in their beliefs. In fact, like me, you might shake your head as Jennifer’s one particular dream is shared and then explained by Margaret, her visiting angel. Experiencing these visions has been a blessing to Jennifer, and her faith has benefited greatly by what she has seen, in her dream world as well as prophetically. Sharing Jennifer’s life and how her faith has grown will surely encourage you. The angel is fiction, whereas Jennifer’s visions really do happen to her still.
I liked the book. It is a story with a difference, and that drew me to read it. The conversation between the two ladies is light reading and humorous as well as encouraging. If you are in need of a lift in your spirits, try this book.
Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s book "Come to the Garden" is a uniquely pleasant story. For many years, Jennifer has experienced visions in her dreams. Some she has understood, some have been prophetic, while others remained somewhat mysterious. One day she meets a spiritual creature who claims she is her guardian angel. God has sent her to enlighten Jennifer on the whole meaning of her dream visions, and to give her complete understanding. Margaret, the angel, meets with Jennifer on a daily basis and during her visitations Jennifer receives guidance as well as enlightenment regarding earthly events. 9/11 artifacts become a feature showing her how God desires all people to respect and love one another. A poignant moment where the Bible fused into a metal beam might cause you to wonder, as I did, why the religious groups of the world are so diverse in their beliefs. In fact, like me, you might shake your head as Jennifer’s one particular dream is shared and then explained by Margaret, her visiting angel. Experiencing these visions has been a blessing to Jennifer, and her faith has benefited greatly by what she has seen, in her dream world as well as prophetically. Sharing Jennifer’s life and how her faith has grown will surely encourage you. The angel is fiction, whereas Jennifer’s visions really do happen to her still.
I liked the book. It is a story with a difference, and that drew me to read it. The conversation between the two ladies is light reading and humorous as well as encouraging. If you are in need of a lift in your spirits, try this book.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/a-generation-of-curses&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Z5AA1F5WL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=“I’m not guilty. I did not kill him.” Khadesia feels like a broken record in her plea of innocence. The implication that she was responsible for the shooting death of her one–time boyfriend, the crime she did not commit, falls on deaf ears for a second time years after the event and forces her to fight for her freedom. In "A Generation of C...){kind=link}
A Generation of Curses
Patricia A. Bridewell & Faatima Albasir-Johnson
2013 Gold Medal
288 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
“I’m not guilty. I did not kill him.” Khadesia feels like a broken record in her plea of innocence. The implication that she was responsible for the shooting death of her one–time boyfriend, the crime she did not commit, falls on deaf ears for a second time years after the event and forces her to fight for her freedom. In "A Generation of Curses" Patricia A. Bridewell demonstrates how innocence can be threatened when it is combined with an attempt to make a life change for the better. All Khadesia Hill wants is to be a loving mother, a successful business woman and a respected member of her church and family. When her sordid past comes back to haunt her, the only thing she can rely on is her faith in God and the belief that goodness will shine through.
The obvious belief in God propels the reader through Khadesia’s earnest desire to conquer the evils of gossip and unfounded half-truths. Even with her commitment to the church, the main character is faced with the realities of temptation while her husband must blindly place his trust in a wife he finds he really doesn’t know. In a world so willing to believe only the negatives in life, Bridewell gives an honest look at the struggles even the most loving couple must combat. Khadesia and Malcom Hill face her demons head-on as an inseparable team. "A Generation of Curses" is a totally believable story, but full of twists to keep the reader hoping and cheering for a happy ending.
“I’m not guilty. I did not kill him.” Khadesia feels like a broken record in her plea of innocence. The implication that she was responsible for the shooting death of her one–time boyfriend, the crime she did not commit, falls on deaf ears for a second time years after the event and forces her to fight for her freedom. In "A Generation of Curses" Patricia A. Bridewell demonstrates how innocence can be threatened when it is combined with an attempt to make a life change for the better. All Khadesia Hill wants is to be a loving mother, a successful business woman and a respected member of her church and family. When her sordid past comes back to haunt her, the only thing she can rely on is her faith in God and the belief that goodness will shine through.
The obvious belief in God propels the reader through Khadesia’s earnest desire to conquer the evils of gossip and unfounded half-truths. Even with her commitment to the church, the main character is faced with the realities of temptation while her husband must blindly place his trust in a wife he finds he really doesn’t know. In a world so willing to believe only the negatives in life, Bridewell gives an honest look at the struggles even the most loving couple must combat. Khadesia and Malcom Hill face her demons head-on as an inseparable team. "A Generation of Curses" is a totally believable story, but full of twists to keep the reader hoping and cheering for a happy ending.
Recommend this book:
Victor
The Reloaded Edition
Tony Ross
2013 Silver Medal
270 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Detective David Johansen of the Sunlight City Police was an expert in weird cases. When his boss brought him a surveillance tape from a small diner of a woman escaping from a man with a gun, he knew he had to take the case. Johansen recognized the man with the gun. The gunman went by many names and could be connected to many murders. The assassin had been killed and the body claimed on several occasions. The man looked like Johansen's father who died in Iraq 2003. Mona managed to escape her employer. She knew he would send Victor to murder her. Josef Hirigawa was extremely wealthy but money meant little to him; he craved power; he wanted to be God. Victor was part of a group of Assassins known as the Black Cats. Victor was considered the greatest and known as the Alpha Cat. Sunlight City was on an island where corporates made the rules, offered bribes and sent out assassins. There were few Christians in the city; most of the Reverends had left town quite some time before, leaving only Father Joshua.
"Victor" is an exciting fast-paced thriller. I attempted to be a bit vague in my review of this book for it would be very easy to give away too much information and spoil this great read for others. "Victor" has a strong Christian undertone which does not detract from the plot. There is a controversial topic broached in this tale. The author handled it very well, successfully demonstrating the danger of some scientific advancement. Author Tony Ross’s plot grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. The last few chapters were my favorite part of this book. Ross managed to keep the action going throughout the whole tale. The ending was magnificent. I found the interconnection of Victor, David and Mona to be fascinating. Watching Victor discover his true identity was mesmerizing. Tony Ross is a talented author not afraid to allow his opinions and beliefs to shine through his art. I look forward to more books by this author.
Detective David Johansen of the Sunlight City Police was an expert in weird cases. When his boss brought him a surveillance tape from a small diner of a woman escaping from a man with a gun, he knew he had to take the case. Johansen recognized the man with the gun. The gunman went by many names and could be connected to many murders. The assassin had been killed and the body claimed on several occasions. The man looked like Johansen's father who died in Iraq 2003. Mona managed to escape her employer. She knew he would send Victor to murder her. Josef Hirigawa was extremely wealthy but money meant little to him; he craved power; he wanted to be God. Victor was part of a group of Assassins known as the Black Cats. Victor was considered the greatest and known as the Alpha Cat. Sunlight City was on an island where corporates made the rules, offered bribes and sent out assassins. There were few Christians in the city; most of the Reverends had left town quite some time before, leaving only Father Joshua.
"Victor" is an exciting fast-paced thriller. I attempted to be a bit vague in my review of this book for it would be very easy to give away too much information and spoil this great read for others. "Victor" has a strong Christian undertone which does not detract from the plot. There is a controversial topic broached in this tale. The author handled it very well, successfully demonstrating the danger of some scientific advancement. Author Tony Ross’s plot grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. The last few chapters were my favorite part of this book. Ross managed to keep the action going throughout the whole tale. The ending was magnificent. I found the interconnection of Victor, David and Mona to be fascinating. Watching Victor discover his true identity was mesmerizing. Tony Ross is a talented author not afraid to allow his opinions and beliefs to shine through his art. I look forward to more books by this author.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/lost-at-starvation-lake&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cBDSQyAVL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Lost at Starvation Lake" by Gary P. Hansen is the second book in the 'Starvation Series'. In the first tale, "Survival At Starvation Lake" we met Sally McPhearson, a CEO and very wealthy woman. She was used to the luxuries of life. When the jet crashed it left her at the mercies of the elements, Paul, a man she had never met, and God. I won’t sp...){kind=link}
Lost at Starvation Lake
Gary P. Hansen
2012 Silver Medal
268 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"Lost at Starvation Lake" by Gary P. Hansen is the second book in the 'Starvation Series'. In the first tale, "Survival At Starvation Lake" we met Sally McPhearson, a CEO and very wealthy woman. She was used to the luxuries of life. When the jet crashed it left her at the mercies of the elements, Paul, a man she had never met, and God. I won’t spoil it for readers if they have not read it. In "Lost at Starvation Lake" we once again return to Starvation Lake and once again reconnect with Sally, although she is not the central character this time. Susan was a single mother, waitress, and struggling financially. She and Lily lived in the wilds of Canada. When the closest school closed she was faced with the possibility of losing Lily. Things took a turn when a mysterious stranger left her a note and a large check. Months later the details began to make sense.
"Lost at Starvation Lake" is a fast-paced, action packed, Christian romance thriller full of drama and suspense. I love this series. I was hooked on Gary P. Hansen’s books when I read the first in the series. Hansen’s talent for description transported me to the isolated cabin at the lake. I felt as if I was there when Susan and Lily were stranded. Susan finds herself falling in love with her pilot, Matt, although she resists her feelings. She was determined not to have a relationship with him. He cares deeply for her despite her rejections. Hansen cleverly includes twists and turns throughout the book. He successfully ties it all together in the end. As I stated above, Sally and Paul are not the lead characters in this book, yet they do play a strong part. Sally always surprised Paul as he had no idea just how wealthy she was. Did he expect the other surprises she has in store for him? While this book reads well alone I do suggest the reader read the whole series. This series has a strong Christian message. Kudos Mr. Hansen!
"Lost at Starvation Lake" by Gary P. Hansen is the second book in the 'Starvation Series'. In the first tale, "Survival At Starvation Lake" we met Sally McPhearson, a CEO and very wealthy woman. She was used to the luxuries of life. When the jet crashed it left her at the mercies of the elements, Paul, a man she had never met, and God. I won’t spoil it for readers if they have not read it. In "Lost at Starvation Lake" we once again return to Starvation Lake and once again reconnect with Sally, although she is not the central character this time. Susan was a single mother, waitress, and struggling financially. She and Lily lived in the wilds of Canada. When the closest school closed she was faced with the possibility of losing Lily. Things took a turn when a mysterious stranger left her a note and a large check. Months later the details began to make sense.
"Lost at Starvation Lake" is a fast-paced, action packed, Christian romance thriller full of drama and suspense. I love this series. I was hooked on Gary P. Hansen’s books when I read the first in the series. Hansen’s talent for description transported me to the isolated cabin at the lake. I felt as if I was there when Susan and Lily were stranded. Susan finds herself falling in love with her pilot, Matt, although she resists her feelings. She was determined not to have a relationship with him. He cares deeply for her despite her rejections. Hansen cleverly includes twists and turns throughout the book. He successfully ties it all together in the end. As I stated above, Sally and Paul are not the lead characters in this book, yet they do play a strong part. Sally always surprised Paul as he had no idea just how wealthy she was. Did he expect the other surprises she has in store for him? While this book reads well alone I do suggest the reader read the whole series. This series has a strong Christian message. Kudos Mr. Hansen!
Recommend this book:
Saving Bobby
Crystal Cattabriga
2012 Gold Medal
246 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
What would you do if you were a young boy of thirteen years old and just discovered your mother, you best friend, your life, may be dying of cancer? Give up, act a fool, run away? Since he was a young child, it was always just Bobby and his mother. He had no grandparents, his father left when he was young and all that is left is an uncle who is in the military. His mother has lost so much over the years that she does not deserve to have this illness thrust upon her. Staying with Tony, a family friend, both he and Bobby are tested to see if they would be a match for a kidney. When the results come back negative Bobby is beside himself. Bobby runs away in the hope of finding a way to cure his mother. When Bobby meets up with Annie, another runaway, they embark on a journey that not only cements a lasting friendship but also helps Bobby to realize that there is a God and that He will help if Bobby will just turn his problems over to Him.
This is one of those books that are very hard to put down. It will bring a smile on your face and a tear in your eyes. A Christian based book, it shows how one on one's own spiritual journey can learn to deal with illness, possible death and one's own belief in God. I felt as I read that these two young people were placed together by God to help them both on their journey through life. As Annie teaches Bobby about God and His very existence we are able to view Bobby’s thoughts and ideas and how he battles emotions and his coming faith. It is a very heartwarming book that I would recommend for everyone, especially teenagers who at some point in their life are going to have to deal with what Bobby did.
What would you do if you were a young boy of thirteen years old and just discovered your mother, you best friend, your life, may be dying of cancer? Give up, act a fool, run away? Since he was a young child, it was always just Bobby and his mother. He had no grandparents, his father left when he was young and all that is left is an uncle who is in the military. His mother has lost so much over the years that she does not deserve to have this illness thrust upon her. Staying with Tony, a family friend, both he and Bobby are tested to see if they would be a match for a kidney. When the results come back negative Bobby is beside himself. Bobby runs away in the hope of finding a way to cure his mother. When Bobby meets up with Annie, another runaway, they embark on a journey that not only cements a lasting friendship but also helps Bobby to realize that there is a God and that He will help if Bobby will just turn his problems over to Him.
This is one of those books that are very hard to put down. It will bring a smile on your face and a tear in your eyes. A Christian based book, it shows how one on one's own spiritual journey can learn to deal with illness, possible death and one's own belief in God. I felt as I read that these two young people were placed together by God to help them both on their journey through life. As Annie teaches Bobby about God and His very existence we are able to view Bobby’s thoughts and ideas and how he battles emotions and his coming faith. It is a very heartwarming book that I would recommend for everyone, especially teenagers who at some point in their life are going to have to deal with what Bobby did.
Contact Author -
