The Void~ Mark Mynheir

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Truth Chasers Book Three
Someone’s trying to play God…and he’s turning Palm Bay into hell.Florida Department of Law Enforcement Agent Robbie Sanchez devotes her life to crime prevention, and it shows: She has no personal life and doesn’t know the meaning of a day off. After all, someone has to be around to clean up the mess crime leaves behind.So when Officer Brad Worthington is brutally murdered, Agent Sanchez is called to the scene along with Brad’s best friend, Detective Eric Casey. The two turn to Lifetex, the genetics lab near the scene, hoping their elaborate security system might have captured the crime outside.But what’s going on inside the lab is far worse: a renegade scientist is cloning humans! As Robbie and Eric pursue clues–and a growing attraction–they are caught in a deadly battle as the clones begin to act on their own volition…but this battle threatens to claim more than human life; the clones are vying for human souls.
The Void is nothing short of a page-turner. Mynheir is truly hitting his stride as one of our industry's most notable Christian novelists. This latest book has it all: suspense, humor, intrigue, realistic police action, and one thought-provoking story line.Creston MapesAuthor of Nobody

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Mynheir is a cop writer. He has authored Rolling Thunder (The Truth Chasers Book One) and From the Belly of the Dragon (The Truth Chasers Book Two). During his career as a police officer, Mark has worked as a narcotics agent, a S.W.A.T. team member, and a homicide detective. Mark and his wife, Lori, live with their three children in central Florida.



I am riveted by the book so far the review will be posted shortly :)

UPDATE: Wow. I have read books and seen movies on human cloning, but this was definitely a new take on it. I am going to try not to say too much because I don't want to spoil the story for you, but this was a great read that really makes you think about what the consequences could be if someone tried to "play god" and humans were cloned. The book was action packed with an element of mystery and is something that I think will appeal to all readers, so go out and pick it up you won't be disappointed.

Off the Record~ by Elizabeth White

ABOUT THE BOOK: Ambition is on a collision course with a secret from the past.Judge Laurel Kincade, a rising political star, is announcing her candidacy for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Her aristocratic Old South family, led by her judge grandfather, beams as she takes the podium. Then her eyes light on a reporter in the crowd…and suddenly her past becomes a threat to her future.Journalist Cole McGaughan, religion reporter for the New York Daily Journal, has received an intriguing call from an old friend. Private investigator Matt Hogan has come across a tip…that Laurel's impeccable reputation might be a facade. Matt suggests that Cole dig up the dirt on the lovely judge in order to snag his dream job as one of the Journal's elite political reporters.There's just one problem: Cole's history is entangles with Laurel's and he must decide if the story that could make his career is worth the price he'd have to pay.A sensational scoop becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can Laurel and Cole find forgiveness and turn their hidden past into a hopeful future...while keeping their feelings off the record?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth White is the author of Fireworks and Fair Game, as well as the critically acclaimed Texas Gatekeepers serie from Love Inspired Suspense.In her own words, she appreciate her most valued roles as wife and mom. Beth is also a second-grade Sunday school teacher, church orchestra member (She plays flute), and artist. She loves to read, crochet, sew, go on mission trips and avoid housework.Beth lives in Mobile with her minister husband, and is currently on staff at First Baptist Church of North Mobile (fondly known as NoMo), in Saraland, Alabama.

I am still reading this book. So far it has been an interesting story about a conservative Judge running for the Alabama supreme court when her ex-boyfriend shows up to report on her campaign. Right now I am not sure what went wrong between them other than Cole was evidently not a Christian and kind of a selfish person when they were together. Now Cole is saved and so I guess the question is will they be able to get past what happened between them. Also there is a private investigator who was hired by her opponent to dig up dirt in Laurel's past so I am also waiting to see what will happen with that. I will be sure to give you an update when I finish the book.

UPDATE: I actually finished this book last week, but have been out of town so I am a little delayed with my update. All in all I really enjoyed this book. It made me think about a struggle I think christians have when they are going through trails. I think that we all question "Why me Lord?" and the answer is why not? Jesus said in Mark 13:13 "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. " So in trying to live a life for Christ we will be persecuted, but we can take comfort that in the midst of our trials He will never leave us. I thought the story of Cole and Laurel was very touching and romantic but I think the neatest relationship to follow was the one between Cole and his investigator friend Matt. I won't spoil the story by telling you why so check it out for yourself :)

Return to Me~ Robin Lee Hatcher

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."

~Isaiah 44:22

This scripture was written in the beginning of this book. Not only is it perfect for because it is the title of the book is in it, but it also speaks perfectly of the theme in this book. Return to Me is a modern day telling of one of the most famous stories in the Bible, The Prodigal Son. This tells the story of a woman named Roxy who leaves home for Nashville to become a country music star. Armed with her dream and her Grandmother's inheritance she strikes out on her own severing all ties with her father and older sister. After squandering her inheritance and any opportunities she had to make her dream a reality Roxy returns home out of desperation, her dreams replaced by the haunting memories of all her mistakes and bad choices. Her father who has constantly prayed for her return offers her love and forgiveness that shocks her. Her sister Elena who is now engaged to Wyatt, the boyfriend Roxy left behind, finds herself feeling unsure and resentful at her younger sisters easy acceptance back into the family.

I just started this book yesterday and am already gripped by the story. The story of the prodigal son is a great illustration of God's unconditional love for us, and the grace he offers us if we are willing to accept it. Well, I haven't finished the book, but I will post my thoughts after I finish.

UPDATE: I finished the book a coupled days ago. They story really makes you think. I found that I could relate a little to each of the characters. Roxy was haunted by her mistakes. God says that when we truly repent he forgives us and chooses to remember the sin no more. But as we go through life there are the mistakes we have made playing on repeat in our heads. I once heard a sermon on this the pastor said that satan does this to try and put a wedge between us and God. By reminding us of our repented sins we feel like frauds and hypocrites which causes us to distance ourselves. We need to remember that we are forgiven and strive to have a closer relationship with God. On the other had I related to Elena as well. I think we all at times can feel self-righteous and judgemental and we have no right to. As the bible said all of our good deeds are as filthy rags. We all need to remember that we are saved by grace and extend that same grace to others. Needless to say I enjoyed this book, but what I liked most about it was how it made me think about my relationship with God and the people in my life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin is the author of over fifty novels. including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by Library Journal.

Winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Robin, who is also one of our CFBA members, lives in Boise, Idaho.