REVIEW: Mosquito by Roma Tearne

Mosquito by Roma Tearne

After writer Theo Samarajeeva loses his wife, he moves from England back to his home in Sri Lanka.

Just as his grief threatens to undo Theo, Nulani Mendis - a young artist - arrives on his veranda, and begins to draw him. After a time, Nulani's presence starts to heal Theo, and their friendship blossoms into something more.

But the civil war in Sri Lanka steps in and interferes. And, the reader is drawn further into the story, wondering how Nulani and Theo's newfound relationship could possibly survive.

I am absolutely amazed that this is the author's first book! It is beautifully written with flowing prose and vivid description. From the first pages, I was drawn into the story, feeling the humidity, hearing the buzz of the mosquitos and the lap of the waves on the seashore, and seeing the jungle foliage. Ms. Tearne has made Sri Lanka and its people come to life on the pages.

I found it incredibly hard to put this book down, so immersed was I in the story. I will most likely reread it in the future, as its depth is sure to have kept certain things hidden until a later time.

I look forward to reading more by this author!

Rated: B+

REVIEW: THE HEIR

THE HEIR by Paul Robertson

When billionaire Melvin Boyer dies in a car crash, his son Jason inherits his fortune. Jason is now the not-so-proud owner of "half the state" and his father's wealth. His wife is thrilled, but all Jason can think is "I don't want this".

As Jason struggles to decide what to do, more people connected with the Boyer family are dying -- are the deaths really just "accidents", or is someone sending Jason a message?

This book was an excellent, quick-paced read. The only qualms I had with it were that the characters' dialogue seemed a bit curt / choppy, and the ending seemed to be tied up a little too neatly. Otherwise, though, it was a great mystery... I had an idea of who-dunnit, but I couldn't figure it out! :o)

This is Robertson's first novel, and I'd say he did a pretty good job. I'd be willing to try more by him.

Rated: B

REVIEW: GET OUT OF THAT PIT!

Get Out of That Pit!: Straight Talk about God's Deliverance by Beth Moore

Once again, Beth Moore has written a totally God-soaked book of wisdom. Her passion for God just lights up the pages, and I found myself longing to read without stopping.

I loved that Beth's writing made it seem as if she were right in the room with me, having a girl-to-girl chat. But, she didn't mince words, either. She told it just like it is, without pussy-footing around issues.

As a result, I feel that I can see "light at the end of the tunnel" (or, should I say, at the top of my pit?!) I am closer to deliverance, praise God!

Throughout the book, Beth stresses that, it doesn't matter whether you were thrown in the pit, slipped into it, or just plain jumped in ... you can be delivered! God wants us all to be free ... "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free!" (John 8:32)


Visit Beth's blog: Living Proof Ministries blog

Rated: A

REVIEW: SCANDALOUS GRACE

Scandalous Grace: Celebrate the Liberating & Tantalizing Realities of Divine Grace! by Julie Ann Barnhill

This was my first book by this author, but you can be guaranteed that I'll be reading more! I laughed, and I cried, and I did "the hanky wave"!

Ms. Barnhill's humor is comparable to that of Christian comedian Chonda Pierce -- at times just side-splitting funny! But, her life-stories and insights make you nod your head in agreement, or sigh with longing.

I especially liked --and could relate to-- the chapter called "Stomach Girl". Her "horror stories" of visits to the "crypt" will make you cringe in rememberance. ;o)

Amidst all of her humorous tales, Ms. Barnhill makes it abundantly clear that God loves us JUST AS WE ARE, and desires for us to accept His lavish grace. All we have to do is "let go".

I highly recommend this book!

Rated: B+