Michelle | beauty in between

The Raven – Book Review

September 21, 2016May 3, 2017 Michelle

Back in March, I told you about a book called Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa. At that time, I told you I loved this book, and the author was coming out with a new one called The Raven. I was hoping I would be selected to read and review this book when it came out this month. Fortunately for me, I was!

Mike Nappa nails the faith-based, suspense, edge-of-your-seat, thriller, yet again.

In the beginning, the good guys are indistinguishable from the bad guys. That is what makes the book so captivating. Right about the time you think you have it figured out, Mike drops some plot twist in your lap.

Told in differing points of view, the reader is taken on a journey through political, mob, and blue collar perspectives.

Through the main character, The Raven, we learn of the city councilman’s ‘extra-curricular’ activities. Through Sister/Mama Bliss, we learn of the heartbreak that comes with living in a crime infested area of Atlanta. Through Trudi, we learn of her unwavering dedication to truth and justice.

Why are Mama Bliss and Max secretly meeting?

Who did the gift of an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii for Samuel and Trudi come from?

What is The Raven running from in his past?

How did The Raven come to work for Mama Bliss?

These are some of the many questions that will arise when engaged in reading The Raven.

Once again, Mike Nappa writes a stellar novel that has hairpin twists and turns, some romance, an element of faith and Christianity, and is clean. Clearly, Mike doesn’t need to fill his books with gore or sex to sell them. His writing ability and his intriguing characters sell his books for him.

If you haven’t picked up on it, I would highly recommend this book! Mike Nappa has a fan in this reader.

Kids/Parenting, Link-Ups

Find Awesome Art Supplies on Groupon

September 16, 2016May 3, 2017 Michelle

This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

My daughter is turning eleven in two weeks. Being as how she is in the ‘tween’ age range, buying gifts has become a little challenging. However, she loves art. Art pencils, molding clay, skinny markers, fat markers, water color paints, acrylic paints, oil paints, oil pastels, different paper, pens, whatever it is that is related to art…she wants it. She loves to paint and draw and be creative. She enjoys experimenting with many mediums and artistic styles.

I, on the other hand, don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Which is why I’m thankful for Groupon Goods.

On Groupon Goods, I can find all of the art supplies she needs to stay stocked. Whether it’s the latest pen fad or the big-ticket items like easels, I know that I’ll find a great deal on Groupon Goods.

You can also save on experiences and events in your local area with Groupon. When I think of money saving resources, Groupon always comes to mind. And with the added benefit of not having to pay any membership fees, Groupon is hugely beneficial to my pocketbook.

No matter what you’re looking for, head on over to Groupon to see what you can find.

How do you use Groupon to save?

#groupon #ad

Book Reviews, His Word, Link-Ups

Book Review – Disillusioned

August 17, 2016May 3, 2017 Michelle

Ok folks…summer took a serious toll on this gal. Kids…everywhere. Productivity…nowhere!

I have so many books that I was given copies of, in return for an honest review here in my space on the interwebs…and I’m sooooo far behind!

But, I have to tell you, the most recent book I read, Disillusioned by Christy Barritt was seriously amazing! I haven’t had the opportunity to read such an engaging thriller in a long time.

The brief summary is that the main character, Nikki, has a brother that escaped from a detainment camp in Columbia. Since he escaped, he hasn’t been the same. What’s more is that it appears that he is being framed for acts of terrorism.

From the moment I turned the first page, Christy had me hooked. This was the first book of her’s that I read. Needless to say, I’ll be finding more.

The author’s writing style is easy to follow and with the way she ends chapters, you can’t help but start a new one immediately. Bookmarks? Those are for quitters.

Through every twist and plot turn, you find yourself rooting for Nikki, her brother Bobby, and their friend, Kade, who is helping them uncover the layers of deceit.

This book also has an underlying element of faith. When the story begins, we find Nikki disillusioned with her faith and religion overall. As the story unfolds, we gain a better understanding of why Nikki questions and second-guesses her belief in God and His overall goodness.

If you enjoy reading a good, clean suspense thriller, with a faith factor added in, then this book is definitely for you!

Book Reviews, His Word, Link-Ups

Book Review – More Than Rivals

July 2, 2016May 3, 2017 Michelle

Hi Friends!

Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve had the opportunity to read and review several books. The books are always given to me, and in return, I provide an honest review here.

This time, I have the honor and privilege to write my husband’s words here for the review of the book More Than Rivals: A Championship Game and a Friendship That Moved a Town Beyond Black and White by Ken Abraham.

I requested this book from the publisher with the intent to write my own review. I thought it sounded like an inspiring and hope-filled message. I didn’t even have the chance to grab the book before my husband did…and he was off and running. I think he enjoyed the book, considering I didn’t really ‘talk’ to him during the 3-4 days it took him to read it.

Here’s what he has to say…

This book is a story of two boys, one Caucasian,Bill Legion, and one African American, Eddie Sherwin. The setting is Galleatin, Tennessee in the 1960’s. In this time and place, race was still a dividing issue in all arenas — church, school, stores.

These two boys are blinded to race by their love of a sport…basketball. To them, skin color is far less important than their passion for playing on the court.

As quickly as their friendship begins as young boys, it is uprooted when Eddie’s family moves to the other side of Gallatin. Eddie then attends Union school.

The two boys grow into young men who both excel in academics as well as athletics. Although they no longer have the opportunity to see each other other on a regular basis, the local newspaper coverage allows them both to continue to follow one another and their success on the basketball court.

As the 60’s come to an end, the city of Gallatin is faced with the dilemma of consolidating two schools into one. Both Gallatin and Union basketball teams are undefeated and it seems that for the first time ever, the boys’ paths are about to cross for the district championship. It is around this time, the town is on edge with trying to figure out how both sides will coexist. Eddie and Bill however, remain focused on the game they both love so much.

In what truly must have been a game of the ages, neither team backed down and fought like they never had. Their respective communities filled the stands and the atmosphere had everyone on edge. Local KKK groups were in attendance and did not make it any easier.

Sadly, we live in a world where race is still an issue. These boys remind us what it is to be followers of God. God doesn’t discriminate, so why should we? This book will move you to re-evaluate how you are living life and what areas still need improvement. I wish I could be more like Eddie and Bill.

Special thanks to my husband for his review of this book. I’m adding it to my ever-growing ‘To Be Read’ pile.

His Word, Kids/Parenting, Link-Ups

Messengers

June 27, 2016May 3, 2017 Michelle

A messenger can be found in many places, in many spaces. Just yesterday, I had two very special messengers.

The first messenger came to me when I was feeling discouraged about where I am in my bible reading plan, because I’m behind. Not to mention the fact that I was not feeling an overwhelming connection to the text.

And then, out of the blue, one of my favorite people sent me a message with these words:

“1 Kings 18:30b, ‘And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.’

Rightly dividing the Word of truth faithfully is like Elijah’s careful and meticulous preparations on the altar. Obedience and faith came before the fire.”

WOW! Talk about right. on. time. I needed this message from this messenger. I needed to hear that the important thing is not the timing of my bible reading, but the fact that I am faithfully in His Word. That I am reading and dissecting and trying to grasp the truth of His word. That I’m trying to not be just a hearer, but also a do-er of His Word.

This, yes this obedience of being in His Word daily. The faith that His Word does not return void. Yes, these come before the fire. These come before the miracles.

The second messenger was found in a song on the radio and the scripture on my wall. I was enjoying the company of a special guest in my home last night.

While we were sitting there, Jeremy Camp came on the radio. He was singing about walking by faith. At that point, I turned to my wall where the words of 2 Corinthians 5:7 are emblazoned. These words that were placed with careful consideration before I even had the hopes of owning my home…my little slice of heaven here on earth. These words that remind me that this home is my blessing. It has MY name on it. And if it’s my blessing, no one can take it from me.

At that moment, I had to smile. I had to smile knowing that God, in His infinite wisdom, gives us just what we need when we need it. The good and the bad. And I knew, while enjoying my guest’s company, that one day, God will give me what I need, right when I’m ready for it and not a moment too soon. I need only to walk by faith. And keep rightly dividing His Word of truth. Faithfully.