The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen

The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen is a compilation of thoughts and experiences to encourage and lead others to a “sweeter journey on the rocky road of life.” As indicated by the title, chocolate is a main them throughout the book. Each chapter includes interesting and unique recipes to quench your chocolate cravings. Most of the chapters are even titles with chocolate references as seen in chapter one’s title “Nobody Knows the Truffles I’ve Seen.” Each chapter also includes a section called “Sweet Secrets” where selected individuals share their “secret to a sweeter journey” in just a few sentences. Also, the book includes a “Food for Thought” section which helps you reevaluate each chapter.

If you are looking for a very light-hearted read which includes somewhat encouraging messages without much Christian depth, this is your book. I was disappointed that the Bible was not referenced more. Prayer is included but definitely not emphasized as being the most important ingredient in a rocky journey. Sharing laughter and personal experiences does give momentary relief and encouragement but Jesus Christ is the only one who can give lasting peace. I wished the book had pointed more to Him. On a lighter note, since I am from Kentucky I was deeply impressed that the author’s Aunt Cora was the one who gave Harland Sanders his famous fried chicken recipe.

I received this book free from the publisher through Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Water's Edge by Robert Whitlow

Water’s Edge by Robert Whitlow is Christian fiction at its best--a good story with plenty of life lessons. Tom, an up and coming attorney, has everything--great job, great girlfriend, and living in the perfect city to get even more; however, all this turns around quickly. His great job in an elite law firm where he thought to become one of the partners is gone. And in the same day he loses his girl, too. Wow, his perfect world disappears. With no job, he heads back to his small hometown to close his dad’s law practice since his dad had recently died from a boating accident. What he thought would be an easy and quick task, turns into a major investigation that becomes important for him to find the truth. While going through his dad’s papers, he discovers two million dollars in a secret bank account. Plus, his father’s accident may not have been an “accident.” Even worse, his father may have played a role in an international fraud operation. Tom begins to dig for the truth and along the way meets a beautiful, beguiling lady who is as interested and involved in the case as he is.

Robert Whitlow is a great Christian fiction writer. I have read several of his books and have loved them all. He tells a great story while interweaving many valuable lessons. His writing is like John Grisham without the language. Whitlow seems to understand what separates Christian fiction from regular fiction is not just the absence of the rough language and vulgar love scenes but it is the inclusion of God throughout the story! Many of our Christian fiction writers are basically fiction writers with no language, but this book emphasizes what is important while telling you a good story. That is Christian fiction! Don’t just entertain me but show me that God is important! Teach me a lesson to live by.

I received this book free from the publisher through Booksneeze Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.