Dark Pursuit by Brandilynn Collins

When Brandilynn warns you to fasten your seat belt, she is not kidding. I have not picked up one of her books and been able to put it down! This one did not disappoint, it is non-stop action. I received the ARC on Tuesday and finished it Wednesday evening.

Darell Brooke has been a best selling suspense author for over 30 years. It has all come to a screeching halt following an accident two years ago. He is struggling to write his next novel when his estranged granddaughter shows up on his doorstep with the news that a girl has been killed in her apartment and she is sure her boyfriend, a police officer is the killer. Darell recognizes the killer’s MO as straight from his manuscript. How is the killer getting access to his computer files?

As much as he feels violated, he is intrigued. Could this be what he needs to kick start this book to completion? Kaitlan’s grandfather asks her to be part of a dangerous game to help catch a killer and hopefully help his book. Can she do it?

I thought (as I usually do) that I had it all figured out. I was so wrong and completely surprised.

The book will be available November 9th.

This week we continued our chronological reading in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Luke 2:6 – The world had become a dark, dirty place filled with an awful stench and it was right there that the Savior of the world was born.

Luke 2:1-10 – The Magi searched for this King until they found Him. It took almost 2 years, but they kept on.. Do I give up too easily when He seemingly is not found when and where I expect?

Matthew 3:1-3 – Am I aware that by what I do and say I am preparing a way…..is it towards Jesus or away from Him. How does my conduct point the way to Jesus?

Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus knows what it is to be tempted and can relate to us as we face temptations.

John 2:1-22 Mary’s remark to Jesus reminds me to simply tell Him what I lack, where I need help, what breaks my heart and let Him take care of it in His way and not try to help or demand solutions. Help me to be as humble and faithful as Mary.

John 3:16-17 I am so thankful that God sent His son to reconcile us to Himself and not to condemn!

John 4:34-37 – It is a continual process. There is always someone/thing to plant, sow, water or harvest.

Mark 1:35 – May my first thought upon rising be of spending time with my Lord instead of me and what the day will hold. I KNOW that when I spend time with the Lord first thing, the day is that much better.

Mark 2:1-12 – The deep needs of others should not only “move” us emotionally, but move us to help meet the need.

Matthew 12:15-31 – The Pharisees looked into microscopes instead of into mirrors. God is the God of people not rules and regulations.

Matthew 5:3-10 – Am I continually dependent upon Him for my daily needs? Seeking Him regardless of what is going on around me?

It is great to be into the Gospels!!

Share what lingers in the hearts of others as they read through the Bible chronologically as we “meet” together at Cover to Cover. I am so thankful that God is waiting for me and is listening to the cries of my heart.

since I've been tagged for a meme. Deena from A Peek At My Bookshelf (who has a great book giveaway going on) tagged me for this one: Six Random Things -

*I visited Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island last week.

*I love, love history and was in my element when I visited Boston, MA.

*Visiting the USS Constitution was awesome.

*I ate Quahog

*Three of the five planes I was on had mechanical failures

* I was beginning to think it was me.

Let me know if you play along.

This week we continued our chronological reading in Ezra, Psalms, Nehemiah

Psalm 106:44-45 So thankful that your love, mercy and forgiveness is not dependent upon my behavior, even in our worst of pits God hears us and has compassion.

Ezra 9:13 Thank you our God that you have punished us less than our sins have deserved.. Thank you so much for your mercy!

Ezra 10 – Thankful that there is nothing I can do that will exclude me from forgiveness and restoration after repentance. God is able to rebuild my life!

Nehemiah was willing to wait on God’s timing. He prayed and 5 months later he gives his request to the King. I need to spend time with God and quit wanting/expecting immediate results and then getting discouraged because I interpret the wait as a “no” when it may not be that at all. Oswald Chambers said, “Every minute we wait God is working”.

Nehemiah 2 – We have to see and acknowledge the rubble and ask for help to rebuild.

Nehemiah 4:1-5 – Criticism – ouch-it is hard to deal with but we must learn to do so. One of our first impulses is to lash out or defend ourselves. Take it to God and he will help us sift our emotions and give us words if words are needed. He is our refuge and can handle our hurt, anger, etc. Many times it helps to consider the source, and pray for that person. But we also must ask ourselves if the criticism is valid, it may be so. Maybe it is our attitude that needs changing.

Vs:10 Is my focus on the rubble instead of the wall? There will never be too much rubble that can’t be rebuilt with God’s help. Keep my focus on Him in order not to become discouraged by all the rubble. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Nehemiah 6:1-9 Fear and intimidation can wear down a person. Nehemiah did not give in to it, he kept on task and asked God to strengthen him. The enemy succeeds in making us ineffective with fear.

How do we combat fear? by meditating upon His word day and night, Psalm 1:2.

Psalm 119:5 Oh that my actions would consistenly reflect your principles!
Thank you for never giving up on me.

Psalm 119:71 May I look upon my afflictions as an opportunity to get to know more of You.

Psalm 119:105 God is not going to let us see the distant path. I need to quit looking for it. He promises a light unto my feet not a crystal ball into the future.

Share what lingers in the hearts of others as they read through the Bible chronologically as we “meet” together at Bev’s. I am so thankful that God is waiting for me and is listening to the cries of my heart.

Katrina is hosting the third annual Fall Into Reading September 22 - December 20, 2008:

Who: Fall Into Reading 2008 is a fun challenge that is open to anyone and everyone! As long as you can read, you can participate!

What: Fall Into Reading 2008 is a casual, low-pressure challenge that revolves around -- you guessed it -- reading.

As a participant, all you'll have to do is make a list of books you want to read this fall and post that list on your blog. They can be books you intend to read on your own, books you want to read with your kids/family, Bible study books you're working through, or a combination of any of those things.

Bottom line of the challenge: We'll share our goals with each other, and then share our experience and results when the challenge is over.

When: Fall Into Reading 2008 will take place throughout the fall of 2008. Shocking. The official dates are September 22nd through December 20th.

Many of the books on my list are ones to help me finish up my reading challenges for the year.

This picture reflects what I have currently checked out from the Library. If I purchased all the books I read in a year I would.be.broke.

Other books on my TBR list:
8 SANDPIPER WAY, by Debbie Macomber
DEVIL BONES, by Kathy Reichs
Nothing to lose / Lee Child.
Say goodbye / Lisa Gardner.
Tribute / Nora Roberts.
Sail : a novel / James Patterson and Howard Roughan.
Just breathe / Susan Wiggs.
Fearless fourteen / Janet Evanovich.
Death angel / Linda Howard.
Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

GIVEAWAY
This week is my birthday and in celebration I am giving away a signed by the author copy of Deep In The Heart of Trouble. I met Deanne last week. This book is on my favorite/best of 2008 list. If you would like to be entered to win, please tell me a book that will be on your Best of 2008 list.


I will draw the winner Sunday, September 28th. Please be sure I have a way to contact you.

as I was running around town before leaving on vacation tomorrow!! What a treat.
Colleen Coble, Me, Deanne Gist

Of course, I am in my raggedy clothes(best ones are packed), hair pulled back and no make-up. It was worth it. Colleen and Deanne are the nicest ladies you ever did meet. We talked Bible Studies, Books, Blogs and Boston!

Come back next week as I will be giving away one of Deanne's books in celebration of my birthday and the Fall Into Reading kick-off.

This week we continued our chronological reading in Psalms, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah

Psalm 100 – He is the creator, worthy of praise and worship. It is and always has been all about Him! It’s not about me, never has been and never will be.

Ezra 4:24 Has anything that I should be doing for the Lord come to a halt? Why? Fear, laziness, difficulties, opposition?

Haggai 1:4 – What am I putting above my relationship with God? (what is my paneled house?). Vs 6 – Are my actions interrupting God’s blessings? Where do my priorities lie?

Zechariah 2:8 “For whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye” – we are precious to Him

Zechariah 3: 3-5 – My filthiness has been removed by what Christ has done for me and I am clothed with His righteousness.

Zechariah 7:4-5 – Forgive me for the many times that going to church becomes a habit or (because I work there) a job for me to do on Sundays. I want my attitude to be one of awe, respect, anticipation with an eagerness to worship, praise and listen to You.

Psalm 118- His love endures forever! There is none better than the Lord to place my trust in, He hears me when I cry out and sets me free. The Lord is my strength and my song. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!! (As Beth would say, “spin around rejoicing”)

Psalm 148 – I needed to read this early, early this morning when I was practically cursing the cricket who was chirping so loudly that I could not get back to sleep. If I read this last night, my attitude might have been that the cricket was praising the Lord (vs7-10) and I would not have been so annoyed!

Esther 1 – Some of the worst decisions I’ve made were impulsive or when my emotions were “out of control”. May I display the fruit of self control!

Esther 2:10 – We can make it very clear what we are and Who we represent by not saying a word. Sometimes they way we behave and live our lives speaks louder than anything we say.

Esther 3:2 Forgive me for the times when I have “bowed down” to people or things by seeking their approval or wanting something more than I wanted You. Gal. 1:10

Esther 4 – We may never know if the things we are going through were ordained “for such a time as this” and need to continue to look to and trust God for His intervention and resolution.

Esther 6 – Thank you Father for ALWAYS being at work in the lives of those You love, and forgive us for doubting when we can’t see You working.

Esther 7 – Thank you for the story of Haman in which we can see our own awful behaviors: the desire for control or even revenge, wanting recognition, appreciation, or that which is coming to us and be convicted and seek forgiveness.

Share what lingers in the hearts of others as they read through the Bible chronologically as we “meet” together at Bev’s. I am so thankful that God is waiting for me and is listening to the cries of my heart.

Tiger in his old age (14) has become increasingly bold. While I was clearing the plates he jumped up on the table and took a drink of my milk. Rest assured he found himself on the floor right quick (after I grabbed the camera). Just makes me wonder.....nope, best not to go there.

This week we continued our chronological reading in Daniel, Ezra, Psalms, Nehemiah

Daniel 8:25 – Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power – It will be complete and total.

Daniel 9:18..”we don’t make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy! Thank you Lord for your great mercy that You gift us with even though we are so deserving of your wrath.

Daniel 9:22 – Thank you for answered prayer. How wonderful it is! Can you imagine having your prayers answered with a visit by an angel?

Daniel 6 – The power that kept Daniel safe I the lion’s den is available to us today, it has not changed one bit.

Psalm 126 – It has been true of my life that joy has followed grief, sorrow and hard times (it even has been present during those times). He is able to bring good from bad, restoration from complete destruction! God is good.

The reading of Psalms 93, 94, 95 with phrases that are in praise songs or other popular songs gets me to singing and it is amazing how much of the scriptures we know due to songs that we sing.

Share what lingers in the hearts of others as they read through the Bible chronologically as we “meet” together at Bev’s. I am so thankful that God is waiting for me and is listening to the cries of my heart.

Since the weather has been cooler the last couple of weeks, I have been wearing my hair down and I have been receiving comments that make me wonder:

1) are women of my age are not supposed to wear their hair long?
2) if so, who decided that women of a certain age should not have long hair and how come I don't know this?
3) how come they are so cerain I color my hair? It could happen that this color is natural(okay, I give you that one)
4) maybe women of my age shouldn't be blond?
5) are there unwritten rules of hair etiquette for women of a certain age?

Help me out here. What do I not know?

While many of my "online" friends were enjoying meeting each other face to face in San Antonio last weekend, my family was celebrating the marriage of my niece, Aimee. Here are a few pictures:

The bride, Aimee and DD, Court (Court was in her friend's wedding earlier in the day and kept her bridesmaid's dress on)

The girl cousins

Grandma, Grandpa and my boys

This week we continued our chronological reading of Jeremiah, Lamentations and Psalms

Jeremiah 32: 17 “Nothing is too difficult for Thee” What a great truth!

Jeremiah 33:3 – He WILL answer our prayers, all we need do is call upon Him. – He can rebuild that which seems to be totally destroyed.

Psalm 74:8 – This is happening today where groups are trying to totally eradicate God. He cannot be erased from our hearts.

Psalm 102 & 120 – Do I call out immediately to Him when I am in distress? Do I run to Him or to others? We are assured that He hears us when we call out to Him, why would we (I) want to go anywhere else first?

Lamentations 3:22-23 – I am so thankful that His love and mercy is greater than my sin. His mercies are NEW every morning, GREAT is His faithfulness.

Jeremiah 42 - Do I go to God and want Him to approve my plans or do I truly ask Him to guide me in His path and am I obedient to follow that path He has laid out? Am I willing to accept His change of my plans? I know too many times I ask God to bless my plans and not ask if they are His or even ask what His plans might be. Oh, I may ask what His plans are, but am too impatient to wait on His answer and go ahead with my own. Ugh..forgive me.

Psalm 71:14 – May my mouth praise You more and more!

Share what lingers in the hearts of others as they read through the Bible chronologically as we “meet” together at Bev’s. I am so thankful that God is waiting for me and is listening to the cries of my heart.

One of my first blogger friends, Deena, is a wonderful book reviewer. To celebrate getting 30,000 hits in August she is having a huge giveaway. Check out all the details here.