Review: Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle

Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle

Tyndale House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

While former Marine lieutenant Robin Duncan is no stranger to corruption or conspiracy, she has always been able to tell the good guys from the bad, and the Congo jungle at first seems no different. But as her security team tries to track down an insurgent killer, Robin has to face a man who broke her trust years ago, and she discovers the gray areas extend farther in this jungle wilderness than she anticipated.

A ruthless global conspiracy begins to surface, run by powerful men who can't afford to leave any witnesses. Her life at stake, Robin doesn't know who to trust and wonders how she can help protect innocent people. Why is God silent amid all the pain and injustice? And how do these people of faith continue to rejoice in their suffering?

My rating:

My thoughts:

I don't recall ever having read any of Jeanette Windle's books before Congo Dawn, so I didn't have any idea what to expect. This isn't my typical kind of book (I'd label it international suspense), but I did end up liking it.

I have to say, though, it did take me a long time to get into the story (100+ pages) - mainly because of all the details in the beginning - and I seriously considered not finishing because of how bored I got, BUT the next 300+ pages totally made up for it! That's when the main action/suspense began for me and I really enjoyed it from then on.

My favorite character would have to be Dr. Michael Stewart. I just really liked how he acted and he seemed like a great guy. Robin grew on me and I ended up really liking her in the end. I also liked the little bit of romance that was in Congo Dawn. I loved one of the themes in the book - Good vs. Evil; Light in Darkness.

Overall, I liked Congo Dawn and found it informative about different topics (i.e. The Congo, mining, corruption, etc.). I'm glad I took the time to read it and if you generally enjoy these types of novels, then I think you will also like Congo Dawn.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

A Deep Haven Novel, Book Five

Tyndale House / 2012
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage. After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

My rating:

My thoughts:

The Shadow of Your Smile is the second Deep Haven novel I've read (the first being book six, You Don't Know Me). I know, I'm reading them out of order, but it hasn't affected my enjoyment of the stories so far. 

I loved The Shadow of Your Smile! It was different than the majority of books I've read, as the main characters were already married. I seem to love stories where a character loses his/her memory and this one was no different. I found it very interesting to read the Hueston's story as Noelle struggles to regain her memory and reenter her life. I also loved the subplot romance between two of the characters.

I found The Shadow of Your Smile to be very realistic and just a really great read. Even though there was one thing I didn't like, overall it was still too good to give it any less than 5 stars. :) I look forward to reading more Deep Haven novels in the future.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review: Beckon by Tom Pawlik

~Review Copy~

Beckon by Tom Pawlik

Tyndale House Publishing ~ April 2012

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

Some things weren't meant to be discovered. 

Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin's disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle. One by one they discover the town's ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?

My rating:

My thoughts:

From the beginning of Beckon I was drawn into the story and ended up loving the whole book! I've read Tom Pawlik's other two books years ago (Vanish and Valley of the Shadow), and while I did enjoy those two, I loved Beckon! It is definitely my favorite of his books so far!

Beckon is divided up into four parts: part one is about Jack, part two Elina, part three George, and part four... well, I'm not going to say what that one is about, except that it brings the first three together - making for a great ending!

I really liked the characters in Beckon. Especially Ben, Jack, Rudy, Elina, George, Miriam... they were my favorites in this book.

There are a few disturbing things in Beckon; including talk of human sacrifice, a bug getting eaten, a person getting eaten by a giant bug, etc. So if you are someone with a really soft stomach, you might not like some of this book.

Overall, I absolutely loved Beckon and it is now one of my favorite books! I'm hoping there will be a sequel as it seemed to have ended a little too soon (in my opinion). A great novel that I recommend if you enjoy a good suspense with some supernatural/sci-fi elements.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*


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Review, Author Interview, and Book Giveaway: The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer!!

~Review Copy~
The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer
Tyndale House Publishers, March 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4143-3321-2
Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:


Plea bargains may grease the rails of justice, but for Jamie Brock, prosecuting criminals is not about cutting deals. In her three years as assistant DA, she’s never plea-bargained a case and vows she never will. But when a powerful defense attorney is indicted for murder and devises a way to bring the entire justice system to a screeching halt, Jamie finds herself at a crossroads. One by one, prisoners begin rejecting deals. Prosecutors are overwhelmed, and felons start walking free on technicalities. To break the logjam and convict her nemesis, Jamie must violate every principle that has guided her young career. But she has little choice. To convict the devil, sometimes you have to cut a deal with one of his demons.

My rating:

My thoughts:


I haven't read that many books by Randy Singer, but The Last Plea Bargain is definitely my favorite one so far! It caught my attention from the beginning and I loved getting to know Jamie Brock better (a character we first meet in False Witness).

The Last Plea Bargain was very suspenseful and there were so many twists I did not see coming. I kept trying to figure out if so-and-so was guilty of a crime, but in the end there was just so many unexpected surprises (some good, some bad).

I liked a lot of the characters, but my three favorites were Jamie, LA, and Mace. I also really liked Chris (Jamie's brother).

The Last Plea Bargain was a real eye-opener to me about how plea bargains are important to our court system and that without them many felons would walk free.

There are a few words said that some people might not like (including "H*ll and "Cr*p"), but I didn't have a problem with them.

Overall, I loved The Last Plea Bargain and completely recommend it! I think even people who aren't huge fans of legal thrillers will enjoy this book because it is great!

*I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the publishers for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Watch the trailer!




Interview with Randy Singer!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Randy! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I have the privilege of serving in two very different professions. I’m the teaching pastor at Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a new church that started five years ago. I’m also the managing partner of the Singer Legal Group and have been practicing law for 26 years. A reader once emailed me and said that she liked my books but her son doubted that anybody could really be both a pastor and a lawyer. However, in our church we believe in the priesthood of the believer such that every member is a minister and every member is a priest. My law practice is just as much a ministry as my pastorate at the church.

I have a wonderful family with a great wife and two grown kids. My black lab, Lambeau, teaches me the meaning of loyalty and enthusiasm.

What inspired The Last Plea Bargain?

The Last Plea Bargain was inspired by an actual case I handled a few years ago. In 2002, Donna Somerville was indicted for the murder of her husband, Hamilton Somerville, Jr., in Orange County, Virginia. Hamilton was the heir apparent to the DuPont fortune. The prosecution claimed that Donna Somerville poisoned her husband with a lethal cocktail of hospice drugs and the case drew national media attention, including a front page story in Vanity Fair and a Lifetime movie named Widow on the Hill. Donna Somerville was found not guilty in the criminal case in 2004, but I subsequently represented the daughters of Hamilton Somerville in a wrongful death civil case against their stepmother and the daughters won back the family estate. That litigation, and the tension between seeking justice and extending forgiveness, played a huge role in the writing of The Last Plea Bargain. 

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 

I like endurance sports. I used to compete in marathon canoe races that spanned 70 miles. Now that I’m older, I stick to running.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

In 1999, God gave me an idea about a Christian missionary in Saudi Arabia persecuted for starting churches. I thought the story might highlight important issues in the arena of international human rights. I started getting up two hours before work so I could work on the story every day. That story became Directed Verdict, which won the Christy Award for best Christian legal thriller in 2002. Writing that book was actually the first time I ever saw myself as a writer.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I’ve written 15 books. I’m not sure I actually have a favorite, but if people ask for a recommendation about which book to start with I typically say either False Witness or The Last Plea Bargain.

What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

I love the creative parts of being a writer. For me, that’s the development of the original story idea and the plotting that soon follows.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to run, mentor kids and watch college football.

What are three things you wouldn't want to do without (besides the Bible, food, and family)?

 My dog Lambeau. Meaningful work. A good church.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

I would love to visit Rome. I hope to do that within the year.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

Christ is Risen by Matt Maher is my favorite song. In terms of movies, I love both The Prestige and Inception. 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

I actually have several favorites. When I’m a lawyer, I love Amos 5:15: “Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.” As a writer, it’s 1 Corinthians 2:7: “For we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.” As a pastor, it’s all about 1 Corinthians 2:1-2: “When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you tell us about it?

My next book is entitled The Rule of Law. It’s the story of another flawed protagonist. He’s a former college quarterback who got caught up in a point-shaving scandal, served time in prison, and then went to law school and became a lawyer. He finally gets his first job but ends up in a firm where somebody is killing off all of the firms’ lawyers, one by one. It’s a story about loyalty and trust, honor and betrayal.

At the same time, I’m working on a longer-term project (one that’s been on my desk for a long time) which will give readers a front row seat to the two most important trials ever—the trial of Christ and the trial of Paul in front of Nero. It will be the most important book I’ve ever attempted.

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web? 

You can find me on the web at www.randysinger.net. Thanks for giving me the chance to do this interview.

Giveaway!!

The prize is a certificate valid for one copy of The Last Plea Bargain AND a signed book plate from Randy. The certificate can be redeemed at the winner’s local Christian bookstore or through Tyndale (if there is no local store).

This giveaway is only open to the US.


Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter below (here is a tutorial, if you aren't familiar with Rafflecopter). The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post - after you do that, the other entries will become available. :) 
  a Rafflecopter giveaway