About the book (provided by Litfuse)...Plunge into forensic artist Gwen Marcey's world, full of cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects. Add Carrie Stuart Parks' new Gwen Marcey novel, When Death Draws Near, to the top of your must-read list. Gwen accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before she can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself? 

And I thought . . . When I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book  I was excited.   I am a fan of thrilling suspenseful and a little romantic books.   I  opened it and began reading the day I received it.  I got to the end of chapter two and put it down.  It didn't 'click'.

A few weeks later I picked it up again.  I got a little farther along but I just couldn't get into this book. 

This weekend because this review is due I picked up with the intention of reading it all the way through. 

And honestly it finally began to become interesting to me.  But as I finished the last page I was back to my first impression.  I didn't like this book. 

The story was good.  The story was filled with bumps and twists and turns.  The reader is caught of guard at the end wondering just who is behind all the violence.  

But I didn't connect and frankly I really didn't like the main character.  I got annoyed with her constant turning everything that happened around her or circumstances to her own past misfortunes and failures.  The past was always on her mind and seemed to be always brought into the present through her references.  

When she receives a phone call from her ex-husband informing her he was sending their teenage daughter to her my thought was ridiculous!  Who in their right mind sends their daughter to their ex 

(who they already have issues concerning parenting with)who is on assignment out of town knowing that these assignments tend to lead to danger.  

And Gwen the main character just says o.k and goes and picks her up at the airport!  This is after she has already had two attempts made on her life for investigating the towns recent murders and rape cases.  

The craziness continues after the daughters arrival and until the end.  Which btw turns out o.k. for all. 

Personally I could have left all that drama out of the story and I think it would have been much better.  

Admittedly I have not read the 1st two installments in this series.  And maybe if I had I would have liked the story and the main character better.  Maybe I would have understood the reasoning.  

For more information about the authors other works and other books in this series visit her website

Litfuse is offering a giveaway . . . 

Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set. 

One grand prize winner will receive: 

• A copy of When Death Draws Near
• A $30 Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card (winner's choice)
• Colored pencils
• A sharpener
• A pencil case
• An eraser
• A coloring prayer book
• A coloring notecard set
• A lap desk

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog. 

I received a complimentary copy of When Death Draws Near from Litfuse in exchange for my honest 

receive. 

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBC. 

This review is posted on Good Reads and My Journey Back.

Brad Stine Comic-DVD Review

                                                       

About the DVD (provided by FishFlix)
Join Christian comedian or “God’s Comic” Brad Stine for 70 minutes of laughs as he studies the world and brings his own unique comedic insights straight to you. Stine has a unique blend of stand-up comedy with just a tinge of preaching and lecturing that will have you laughing out loud but also contemplating your own actions and life. Dedicated to more than just making you laugh, Brad Stine gets serious in moments to challenge you in your faith and your own personal beliefs. He is a man sold out to God and has chosen to use a unique platform to communicate his message: comedy!

Filmed before a small, intimate audience, Brad runs through his routine, showcasing some of his most hilarious routines to date including “Small Town”, “G-O-D”, “O Is for Our Fault”, “Texting and Cell Phones” and “Holiday of Extortion”. Similar in style to other Christian comedians like Tim Hawkins and Mark Gungor, Brad Stine is a hilarious comedian well-versed in the art of making your sides split. In a culture that generally downplays faith and God, Brad Stine helps to bring to light some of the undeniable truths of our Lord and Savior while also making you laugh at some of the oddities of our modern culture.

For more about Brad Stine visit FishFlix here

And what I thought . . . 

I'm a little undecided about how I felt about the DVD.  To me it was a little long.  But there is good in bad in that.  You can actually turn it off if you want and do something else so that is good.  

It is good clean family fun.  Small children will be lost but high schoolers would enjoy.  In fact there is a 16 year old in the audience that is actually part of the entire show. 

This is the part that I'm uncertain about.  I guess it really wasn't what I expected having seen other comics in large venues.  

I kind of had the feeling of a comedy club.  Very small intimate group.   

Again that is neither good or bad.  Just a thought.  

Overall I'd recommend this video.  It would make a great family Christmas present.  I'll probably purchase for my son and his family. 

I wish I could say it was great.  I have to say it was good.  And worthy of a watch. 

I received a complimentary copy from FishFlix in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This DVD is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and 

CBC .  This review is posted at all the above retailers.