Nick Of Time

Nick Polchak is the Bug Man, at least that is what his friends call him. He is a forensic entomologist and a professor at a local college. He studies maggots and blowflies and decomposing bodies. So if you have a problem with bugs, this is not the book for you. If you are interested in bugs, dead bodies and how the those two together can tell a story of a life (and death) of a person, start reading. That seems to be where reality ends in this book. (Yes, I know it is a work of fiction.) The story takes a few twists and turns along the way, but nothing compared to the major twist at the end.

The author does a great job of leading you on a path of solving a cold case and making you think that Nick's life is on the line. He also brings in Nick's fiancee to add to the twists and turns. The idea of making you think you are heading one direction and actually fool you in the end is a great new twist to the regular crime novels I read. However, the final act is a little far fetched to really believe. I just cannot believe that a sniper would shoot at anyone, let alone a friend just to make him think someone wants him dead. Also, the fact that they led the fiancee into the whole thing and nearly get her killed is ridiculous. The fact that she blows up at Nick's "friends" is what I wanted to do to the author at the end of the book. To fake the death of a friend and then to let Nick go to the expense of chasing these clues for three days, four days before his wedding is crazy. I cannot believe there is anyone in the world that would do what the author tries to make you believe. If I could give a bit of advice to Tim, please continue to do the twists and turns, just try to make them more believable.

Other than the outrageous ending, it was a very interesting and informative read and entertaining. I would recommend reading the other novels by Tim Downs that involve Nick Polchak before reading this one so you know the back story of the characters.

*I was sent a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing to give a honest review on. All thoughts are my own.

A Place Called Blessing

"Josh lost his parents in a drunk-driving accident and lost track of his two brothers after a tragic fire.  By age eighteen, he is an angry young man who only wants a job, an apartment, and to be left alone.  Instead, he meets Mike and Anna, an unusual son-and-mother team who draw him into their lives.  For the first time, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of "the blessing."  But tragedy strikes again, and a shocking secret is revealed.  Can Josh hang on to what he's learned about blessings, curses, and family?"

Wow, what an amazing book!  When I requested this book online, I didn't really understand what I was getting into.  I had read the back of the book online, and it sounded like a good "story" to me.  But when I received it in the mail, I re-read the back of the actual book and saw the "Focus on the Family" stamp on it, and then noticed who the author was, John Trent, PhD.

In The Blessing, John Trent discusses specific ways to move toward others and bless others using these 5 essential elements...
~ a meaningful touch
~ a spoken message
~ attaching high value
~ picturing a special future
~ an active commitment

What an amazing read!  I read through this book in one day, in 2 different sittings.  I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say, make sure you have a box of tissues close by!  From beginning to end I was fully enveloped in the story, feeling as if I was there with Josh throughout his life.  From the disappointments he faced to the achievements he accomplished, I was there cheering him on.

I give this book 5 Stars and highly recommend it!  Every parent should be required to read this book and learn of the "Place Called Blessing"!

 

*This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing for a honest review.