Judgement Day by Wanda L. Dyson

I'm not sure why I'm surprised that I enjoyed this book, but I am! And I did! It may be that I was somewhat distracted by the back cover mentioning that the reporter of the TV show Judgement Day, Suzanne, comes home to find the senator she is currently investigating unconscious on her living room floor. Not far into the story, this appears to not be the case. Yes, someone is unconscious on the living room floor, but the senator is too big a character and it's not him. This was somewhat confusing but once I got past that, the story was good and a very quick read. The characters were tempered with a little humor, and sweetened with a tiny dash of romance. There wasn't enough religion in the book to make it obvious and the story just rang true to the times. It could have been taken from the headlines. I found the relationship between the two detectives to be solid although they could have been fleshed out a bit more. The whole story could have been more detailed but still, it works. Would I call this my favorite read this year? No. But if you're looking for something light and entertaining, check this one out.

The Mistress of Abha by William Newton

I was intrigued to read this book because I've always been a fan of Lawrence of Arabia. That being said, I was disappointed in that I would have expected a little more action and adventure. I guess the action and adventure was had by our main character's father however, and some of his story is told within this story. This book is about a son's search for what happened to the man who was his father, but basically was absent from his life for most of his growing up years and consequently was larger than life. On the other side of the coin, however, as I got deeper and deeper into the story, and finally nearing the conclusion, I grew to appreciate the quiet solidity of the story. Maybe there wasn't a better way to tell it. We have a son in search of a father he barely knows but who appears to have disappeared from the face of the earth. We have a setting in a part of the world that is unknown to a number of people, and we have a story set in a time when this part of the world was in a state of change. In the end, when a book or story makes you want to go beyond and investigate some part of it further, then I think that qualifies as a good read. Once I turned the final page, I then turned to the internet to learn more about Abha. I wanted to see pictures of the area the story was set in, and learn more about the peoples that inhabit this desert land. A student of the history of the Arab nations and the Middle East might find this book even more enjoyable than someone who knows very little about this area of the world. Even so, it was still a good novel.

Flourish: Discover the Daily Joy of Abundant, Vibrant Living by Catherine Hart Weber PhD.

I have been slowly working my way through this book and find it an uplifting work. I think it is best suited to a study group, where it will inspire good discussion, or if working through it on your own, taken one chapter at a time, giving oneself time to meditate, reflect and absorb. This is not the type of book one can hurry through. Any ladies group would find definite benefit in adding this book to their studies list.

Magical Memories by Donna Fletcher

Occasionally I'm a sucker for a fluffy romance, and this book was no exception. It provided all the fluff and romance anyone could want and all wrapped up in magic! It was a feel good, love is all you need, love will heal anything type of story. The thing that might have made it an even better book would have been more detail. More historical facts, but then we do have to remember that this book is part of a "Magical Love" series and as such, it did very well. If you're one of those who wishes to believe in Witches and Warlocks, Fairies and Magical Spells, and especially Happy Ever After Endings, then you will find this an enjoyable read.