robertcollins

Another winner by David Baldacci! "True Blue" is a great read that takes the reader on a wild ride as a disgraced former cop tries to clear her name and get re-instated to the job that is her life. In the process she finds herself in the middle of a sinister plot that results in several murders and could potentially be a risk to National Security. Baldacci once again proves why he is one of the best suspense/thriller writers of this generation.

I finally got around to reading "The Shack" after it sat in my "To Be Read" pile for quite some time. I was almost a little apprehensive about reading it because of the vast differences in opinions that I had heard regarding it. Many of my friends absolutely LOVED it, but many didn't care for it. Add to that the controversy surrounding it in some religious outlets, and I just wasn't sure if I even wanted to read it. However, when something causes controversy, the best thing to do is make an educated decision about it for yourself. So, I finally made myself sit down and read it. I'm glad I did, but I don't think it had the same effect on me as it did on a lot of people. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the premise. I enjoyed the ending. However, through most of the book, I was not impressed with the execution of the story. I realize that the book is supposed to be deep and is supposed to make you think, but I think it actually makes you think a little too much. The middle of the book (the part that actually took place at the shack) is actually a beautiful story. But honestly, I think the author just made it way too complicated. I found myself reading and re-reading passages because I wanted to make sure that I completely understood the point he was trying to make and there wasn't something I was missing. I understood what he was trying to say, but I think he could have said it in much simpler terms. After all, I believe that's what a relationship with God is supposed to be.....simple to understand, so simple a child could understand it. As far as the critics who have gone so far as to say that it is sacreligious or against theology, bear in mind that this is a work of fiction, not theology. I did enjoy the story. Unfortunately I got so mired down in the complexity of the bulk of the book, that it was almost a chore to get through it. I've read books twice the size of "The Shack" in less than half the time. Despite all of that, I would recommed this book because I think it is a beautiful story that applies to each of us on some level. Just be aware that there is a lot of thinking involved, this is definitely not a book to read just for entertainment.

What an AWESOME book! The fourth in the "Camel Club" series, "Divine Justice" is without doubt one of Baldacci's best works. Once again, Oliver Stone and friends find themselves fighting for their lives in a story filled with action, suspense, and more twists and turns than the mountainous back roads in the small Virginia town where most of this book takes place. After being disappointed with a lot of what happened in the third book, "Stone Cold", I had high hopes that this book would return to the level of the second book, "The Collectors". It certainly delivered! It's amazing how invested in and connected to these characters you become after reading the four books in this series. I read all four books in just over two weeks.

The third book in the "Camel Club" series, "Stone Cold" is a good read. It is, however, my least favorite of the first three "Camel Club" books. I was a little disappointed because the second book, "The Collectors" was SO good and "Stone Cold" picks up where it left off. I'm not saying it wasn't good, but "Stone Cold" just wasn't on the same level. There were a few plot devices that were just a little too convenient and one major surprise that actually upset me quite a bit. Despite all of this, I would still recommend "Stone Cold", but with the disclaimer that it isn't quite on par with "The Collectors".

The second book in the "Camel Club" series is yet another page-turning winner from the wonderful David Baldacci. "The Collectors" shows how talented Baldacci is by taking two seemingly completely unrelated plots and merging them together in a fast-paced thrill ride of a story. I enjoyed the first in the series, "The Camel Club", but this one was much better in my opinion. Plus, this one ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger that left me with no other option than to start reading the third book in the series, "Stone Cold" that night!

Another winner from Max Lucado! Using the analogy of dropping unnecessary baggage, Max dissects one of the most famous scripture passages, Psalm 23. He does so with masterful flair and his usual inspiring and encouraging way with words. One of his best! (And they're ALL good!)

As a huge fan of David Baldacci, one of the top political-suspense thriller authors, I was a little intrigued when I first saw "One Summer" sitting on a shelf at my local bookstore. It seemed quite a departure from the usual Baldacci fare, so I picked it up out of curiosity. I must admit, I didn't really know what to expect. While it starts off in a very tragic way, the book became a favorite of mine! Baldacci spins a wonderful story of family love and redemption in his usual masterful way. A quick read and a beautiful story! Great summer reading!

An absolutely amazing book! I came across this book at a discount book store and something about the cover intrigued me. I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but letting a cover entice you to open the book and read the description on the inside cover isn't a bad thing......in fact, I think that's the point. From the description alone, I was intrigued even further. The premise, "Jude Allman has died three times", was enough to hook me. From the first word on the first page to the last word on the last page I remained hooked. After dying three times, can Jude finally learn how to live and save the lives of others in the process? From what I understand, this was a debut novel.....I assure you that you would never know it! T.L. Hines does an incredible job of developing these characters and telling their story. He writes with the imagery and flow of a seasoned author you would swear has been cranking out wonderful novels for years. "Waking Lazarus" is a masterful work that gives you characters to root for, enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and a story that will stick with you for a long time. Bravo to Mr. Hines for this amazing achievement. If the rest of his works are half as good as "Waking Lazarus", he has definitely found a new fan!

An absolutely wonderful debut novel by the enchanted fountain pen, Solomon J. Inkwell (along with his human, James Grea)! "Vickie Van Helsing" is a fantastic mix of suspense, comedy, action, and yes, even romance, that tells the story of a quiet, unassuming high school-aged girl named Vickie, who finds out she is a direct descendent of Abraham Van Helsing. Yes, THAT Abraham Van Helsing! Now it's up to her to stop the newly-resurrected Dracula before he unleashes his reign of terror on the quiet town of Rutgers. "Vickie Van Helsing" has all of the elements that make for a great story and Solomon tells his story with the ease and mastery of a seasoned novelist. One would never guess that this is a debut novel. And while this may be the first novel by Solomon J. Inkwell, it will hopefully be the first of MANY! Amazing debut, Mr. Inkwell! Can't wait for more!