Israel-God's Heart: Landscapes and Legacy of Israel

Ron Gafni works as a professional aerial photographer after spending more than a decade in Israel's High-Tech Industry. He brings his vast experience and personal perspective through the lens of a proud Israeli citizen. His work has been featured in "National Geographic," and his company, Skypics.co.il, provides books from its "Israel From Above" collection to the Israeli government, Army and Air force, as well as to large corporations in Israel. 

Kathleen Barrett, a south Florida resident and former teacher is a student of the Word. She shares her thoughtful point of view in "Israel-God's Heart" from a personal, 40 year walk of Christian faith and study. In 2002, she authored a children's devotional. Before that and since then, she has published numerous articles from mission's outreach to local political events. Her more personal and reflective work has been featured in a number of collections.

Find out more at http://skypics.co.il.

Soar across the skies of beautiful Israel and visit contemporary and historic sites beckoning visitors to stay and explore.

The beauty of Israel from above is captured by top aerial photographer Ron Gafni.  As you sweep over ancient ruins, fly high in hot air balloons, and view vignette's of Israel's modern lifestyles, Holy scripture will also come alive. Author Kathleen Barrett offers reflective narrative with scripture pointing to God's redemption plan for the world.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts:

Israel-God's Heart is a beautiful pictorial guide through The Holy Land.  Woven throughout the book is Scripture tracing God's plan of redemption for His people...His Divine Design as it is referred to in the book.  Included in the book are pictures and explanations of the Marvels of Modern Israel.  Ripe with historical detail, God's Word, and breathtaking pictures of both the old and modern Israel, Israel-God's Heart is a treasure to be appreciated and visited again and again.

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Driver Confessional

David L Winters is an award-winning author, humorist and speaker, originally from Ohio, who lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. His first book, "Sabbatical of the Mind: The Journey from Anxiety to Peace," won several awards including a Silver Illumination Award from the Jenkins Group and two Finalist Medals from the Next Generation Indies Book Awards.

Find out more about David at http://www.sabbaticalofthemind.net.

 

Rideshare driver Antonio cruises the streets of Washington, D.C. looking for his next fare.

He has an unusual gift for relaxing his customers and stimulating their desire to reveal more than they planned. By the completion of their ride, many feel so comfortable that they confess their sins great and small. Antonio's faith guides his discussions and points him in new directions. Suddenly, his peaceful world is turned upside down by a mysterious businesswoman. As she heads to a midnight rendezvous, she confesses more than Antonio can handle. Her story sends him into a world of espionage, international terrorism, and danger.

My Thoughts:

I really wanted to love this book.  The synopsis drew me in and I jumped at the chance to read it.  Plus, I always like being introduced to a new author.  I ended up not really loving the book, unfortunately.  The use of "Bubering" as the rideshare name and the over explanation of the rideshare business began to grate after a while of reading.  I also felt like much of the story was stilted and not fleshed out.

With that said, I really liked the characters, especially Antonio and his family.  Driver Confessional is the first in Winters' Driver series.  The second book, Stock Car Inferno, will be book two.  I look forward to seeing where the characters go next in their journey.  And, I'm thankful to read from a new author.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading,

Jennifer

The Memory of You

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda.  When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for longwalks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids.  She and her husband have two grown children.

Website:  catherinejwest.com
Facebook:  CatherineJWest
Twitter:  @cathwest

Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died.  Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?

When Natalie Michell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she returns to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do.  She's avoided her grandparents' sprawling, home and all its memories since the summer her sister died - the awful summer Natalie's nightmares began.  But the winery is falling, and Natalie's father wants her to shut it down.  As the majority share-holder, she has the power to do so.

And Natalie never says no to her father.

Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family's winery back in business.  When Natalie shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed.  He knows Natalie intends to close the gates, and he's determined to convince her otherwise.  But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he's not so sure he likes the woman she's become.  Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth.  He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too.  And Tanner must do whatever ti takes to resurrect her.

But finding freedom from the past means facing it.  For both of them.

My Thoughts:
Catherine West knows how to write a story that pulls readers in at the beginning and holds them until the end.  With genuine characters, West weaves a deeply moving tale in The Memory of You of family conflict, regrets, loss, and love.  Both Natalie and Tanner have tragic family situations that would be the undoing of anyone.  West shares their journey in a well thought out plot with scenes that invite readers into the story.  There were points in the book that I almost could mentally and emotionally feel what the characters were going through.  Surrounding the main plot, West was adept at offering readers side stories that deepened the reading experience.  I don't plan to miss a book West writes.  You shouldn't either!

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book and all opinions given here are my own.

Happy Reading,
Jennifer