Conspiracy in Kiev

Conspiracy in Kiev, marks Noel Hynd venture into Christian fiction. This fast-paced international espionage thriller will keep you guessing. Full of twists and turns, any Ludlum and Clancy fans will enjoy this first book of a Russian Trilogy. You can tell the author is knowledgeable of the ins and outs of Washington agencies and the book is well researched. In fact, some of the practices revealed will certainly make readers wary, especially in light of the recent headlines about Russian espionage in this country. From double-crosses to unexpected help from the enemy, this book won’t disappoint you.

There is a lot of violence in this action-packed story and a number of people die. However, the events aren’t that much different than newspaper headlines today. This only serves to make the book more realistic.

Although categorized as inspirational fiction, faith is very subtlety woven through the pages making it entertaining for all crowds. In fact, it could just as easily be categorized as just mystery fiction. The female lead character, Alex DaLuca, does grow stronger in her faith but it is not a main focus point. Occasionally, the story gets bogged down when the author goes into a lot of historical background to explain situations. However, it doesn’t occur often enough to warrant putting the book down.

A tight storyline with thrilling action sequences makes this a good read.

Kathy Stutzman
Public Relations Manager

The Devil's Rooming House

   Ok, first of all, I guess I read some rather morbid books at times! This book, authored by M. Williams Phelps, is a non-fiction book about Amy Archer-Gilligan, America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer.
   In running one of the U.S.'s first nursing homes from her own home, Amy was accused of murdering over 40 patients with arsenic. Between 1908 and 1916, sixty-six "inmates" as they were called, died in her care. She was only convicted of a few, including her second husband, within months of their marriage. The movie: Arsenic and Old Lace was written based on this period in history.
   Although the book was interesting, I still found myself just skimming pages instead of intently reading them. At times the book tended to drag with too much back story of other participants. But overall, if you are interested in this type of reading, it really was a fascinating story.

As Young as We Feel

As Young As We Feel by Melody Carlson

This is the first book of a new series: The Four Lindas. It is a compelling journey of four friends in their fifties brought back together at a 35 year class reunion during a crossroads in their lives. Coming from four very different lifestyles and facing different crises, they find they have something in common, a desire to reinvent their lives…together.

It’s easy to relate to the story line of friends losing touch with each other and reconnecting later. Many of us have gone through the same situation. It’s also a written reminder that we all need friends in our lives.

Although, it starts out a little slow, it does pick up speed with characters so realistic that the reader begins to identify with one or more of the Lindas. With the unique life challenges of the Boomer generation: marriages in trouble, widowhood, depression, relationships with estranged children, and taking care of parents with long-term care needs, there is something for any woman of Boomer age to identify with. At the same time, those of other ages will enjoy this book also as it explores reevaluating one’s life, of taking chances, and possibly choosing a new path.

As one reviewer wrote, “This is a book for and about women -- about their trials, their strengths and their friendships. It's a book you won't want to miss, especially if you're a Boomer woman.”

Kathy Stutzman
Public Relations Manager