Unlocking the Last Days: A Guide to the Book of Revelation and the End Times

 

 

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If you want to buy the paperback version of this book it can also be purchased from your local Christian Bookshop

 

 

 

Many books have been published which talk about the End Times and whether we are at that period in history where we could be entering the End Times. I would like to start this blog by saying that my view on this is that only God knows the time and the day and I am sure we will know when this happens. Saying that, I am interested in the book of Revelation and this book by Jeff Lassiegne looked like it would provide a clear overview.

 

I have previously read some books on this subject and one thing they have in common is that they are often confusing. Lasseigne has managed to avoid this and his book is very clearly written. He goes through each chapter and gives a sound well reasoned argument for what they mean. He uses Biblical references from both the Book of Revelation and many other books of the Bible.

 

I am sure you are aware that there are three interpretations of the End Times - Pre Millenial, Millenial, and Post Millenial. Lasseigne takes the Pre-Millenial postion and sets out a very clear argument for why this stance is the most likely. He very briefly covers the other two positions as part of his argument.

 

Some books which look at Revelation and the End Times can also be quite dry. This book certainly manages to avoid that failing. Each chapter starts with a joke. These are both relevant and really funny. They also serve to set the chapter into context and to give Lasseigne a springboard on which to launch his discussion. However, don't be fooled into thinking this is a light book which doesn't address the real issues. Far from being that, it is an in depth overview into which the author has poured a great deal of research and study.

 

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in this topic. It is not one which you will read quickly but you will certainly learn a lot in the process.

 

Tune in next week to see what the next book in my very eclectic book reviews will be. Until then keep reading.



The Last Camel Died at Noon - Historical Murder Mystery

 

 

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I am still devouring murder mysteries like they are going to be removed any minute, but had to take time out blog about this one. Elizabeth Peters writing style is superb and the Amelia Peabody books always make me want to reach for my passport and head for more exotic climes. This one is no exception.

I love this book and would buy it for the title alone. It mmediatley conjures up images of The Middle East and recalcitrant camels. There are many recalcitrant camels in this book and having ridden one I can assure you that Elizabeth Peters is spot on with her descriptions.

In this jolly good story Emerson and Amelia are excavating archeological sites in the Sudan and before you know it up to their necks in trouble. Dead bodies abound and the murder mystery aspect is excellent.

However, this is so much more than a mere murder mystery. Elizabeth Peters has an evocative writing style which means you can picture the exotic scenes perfectly. The characters are described vividly and I could almost picture myself talking to them. The sites and sounds of the Egypt and the Sudan are described perfectly. Their son Ramses is now 10 and up to his usual mischief. As well as being a murder mystery this book is also laugh out loud funny. It is set in Victorian times and gives you a glimpse of life in the British Upper Classes.

I also liked the Archeological spect of these books which are extremely well researched. You learn a lot whilst reading a very entertaining novel.

Although the books can be read as a stand alone it would be better to read the first book of the series, Crocodile in the Sandbank, before moving on to the others. This will give you the story of how Amelia and Emerson met and sets the tone for the remainder of the books.

If you like historical murder mysteries you will love this series. I would highly recommend this book and any others by Elizabeth Peters who is an excellent Writer

The Lily Bard Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

    

                     Amazon UK                               Amazon UK                             

Amazon US                               Amazon US     



Amazon UK
Amazon US
                   



   

 

                                          Amazon UK                                Amazon UK

                                          Amazon US                                 Amazon US

 

My blogs seem to be like the number 17 bus - none for ages and then they all come at once. This is because I am pretty much finished writing my first book and am cogitating on the story for the next in the series. Therefore I am taking time to relax and enjoy reading other people's books.

 

I don't often write about entire series but I enjoyed the five books in this one so much I just had to tell everyone about them. I have put the covers and the links in order to help you if you are interested in reading them. For all my readers in Dundee, Scotland you can also get them from the public library as I did. Oh, just in case you think I am favouring Dundee, I'm sure other public libraries stock them as well.

 

These books are set in the picturesque town of Shakespeare, Arkansas, USA. Lily Bard, a professional cleaner, and martial arts expert has settled in the town, having flown from the demons of her past. You learn about these and what drives her in the first book. As the books progress more of Lily's personality and past life are unfurled.

 

However, these are excellent mysteries and each one can be read as a stand alone. The cover and the names led me to believe these were cosy mysteries, but do not be fooled. These books have enough murders and dead bodies to satisfy the most hardened of officianados. Of course Lily, despite being a cleaner, soon finds herself knee deep in investigating the mysteries. This is where the martial arts training comes in useful. There is also some romance in there but it blends in well and does not detract form the mystery aspect. It helps to make Lily seem more real.

 

I loved these books and found myself reading them one after the other. In fact I read two today. I would like to assure you that they are full length books. I am just an extraordinarly fast reader.

 

If you like murder mysteries then I would highly enjoy these. Look out for the next blog which will be coming soon as I am on to my next book already. Until then, keep reading.



 

 

 



Touch and Go: Top Notch Thriller

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Having actually done a lot of work on my own book I have been taking a break and doing some reading and relaxing. Much as I love writing it has been great to pick up and read some books by other writers. This weeks offering is an excellent Thriller by Lisa Gardner. 

I love all of Lisa Gardner's books and this latest offering did not let me down. A family is kidnapped and you get to see the story from the viewpoint of the Kidnappers, The family and the Investigators. Tessa Leoni, a Private Detective from previous Gardner books, is also investigating the case. This book is gripping and held my attention throughout. As a writer Gardner has the ability to draw you in and place you right at the centre of the story and the characters lives. The writing is clever, creating just the right amount of tension. In fact the tension keeps you wanting to read more. This is the sign of a good thriller. 

Nothing in this book is as it seems and there are a fair few surprises throughout. The characters are well drawn and believable and I found myself loving and hating them in turns. I did not expect the ending at all and was taken completely by surprise. I loved this book and would highly recommend it. If you have read Lisa Gardner books previously you will not be disappointed with this one. If you haven't you could start with this one and you will definitely want to read others. She is a highly skilled writer and this is evident in the pages of this book.

This was the perfect book for a break from my own writing. However, I am now on to the next one. What is it you may ask? Well all will be revealed in my next blog which I promise will be coming soon. Until then, pick up a good book, immerse yourself in its pages, and escape to another world. Whatever book or genre it may be. Enjoy. 

Solutions for Writers by Sol Stein

 

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Regular readers of this blog will be aware that I am currently in the process of writing my first novel. I wrote the first draft during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writers Month) and I have been rewriting and revising since. Having, in my career, grown used to a very academic style of writing I was aware that I needed to develop a different style for fiction. I therefore decided to read some books on writing and the book I am reviewing was one of three recommended to me.

 

In Solutions for Writers Sol Stein has given us a book which should be read by aspiring writers and writers alike.  Each short chapter is packed full of advice and tips which should help anyone revolutionise their writing. Throughout its pages I could see ways in which I could develop my writing style and make my novel a much more enjoybale experience for the reader. He uses examples of ways in which writers make mistakes and then provides examples of how these could be improved. He does this in an interesting way which meant I wanted to keep reading. This in itself is a testimony to his skill as a writer. I felt that I could tap into this skill and move from being a writer to a good writer. It has given me the feeling and the confidence that I can write books which people will want to buy and read.

 

This is not a book which I will read once and forget. It will be at my side as I rewrite and edit my novel. It will be highlighted and used again and again as I rewrite and edit my novel. It will become a treasured possesion.

 

Now if you will excuse me I have a novel to write and I need to hone my craft. Move over Agatha Christie, Wendy H. Jones is on her way.



 

Chick Lit at its Best



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Those of you who know me or read my blog regularly will realise that I am a fairly eclectic reader but that my tastes veer towards Murder Mystery and thrillers. However I have just finished reading this book and was so impressed I had to share.

This book draws you in a and pulls you along for the ride right from the first page. It arrived yesterday morning from Amazon and I finished it last night having spent all day reading it. I truly could not put it down. It is the story of Gina after her husband Rex goes missing. It is also the story of all the other people who support Gina and who are  affected by Rex's disappearance. Polly Williams is a gifted writer and has got characterisation spot on. I could picture every character quite clearly and loved them all. I can't say too much about the story without giving away the plot but suffice to say there are several plot twists which are excellent and which keep you wanting to read. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who likes a good  chick lit book and wants to be highly entertained.

I think however this book is so much more than mere chick lit. It really shows you how the characters think and feel and how they act the way they do. You malso get to see the character of Rex from several of the others characters points of view. So although  this book is easily read it is also  very complex with a lot of hidden undetaones.

Who knows what I will be reviewing next week. Tune in to find out. All of life is an adventure

Are We Influential?

Return on Influence by Mark W. Schaefer

 

 

 

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Humans are essentially social beings and have probably been so since the days cavemen gathered round the campfire. Throughout history people have developed ways of networking and sharing information. The advent of technical equipment such as the telephone and the telegram took this further, and we are now living in a digital age where information can spread quickly and widely. When we use Social Networking sites we are sharing information not only about ourselves but also about our interests and the products we sell or like.

 

This means that our influence stretches much further and wider then the days when we gathered round the tea trolley or watercooler. The words we write can have an influence far greater than we can ever imagine. Companies are paying attention to what we are saying about them and their products. Conversely we are learning so much more about products and what our friends or others think of them.

 

I am an author, in effect a businesswoman, so I am extremely interested in networking and my reach and influence within this world. This book has made me think about this much more carefully about what I am doing in the digital world and my potential influence within this world.

 

Social Influence sites such as Klout provide a mechanism for measuring this influence, and the book outlines how this might happen. Schaefer uses Case Studies to good effect to demonstrate how this might happen. There are contributions from key influencers in Social Media talking about how they developed thier influence.

 

Anyone who wants to generate influence in their chosen field and use it to good effect to drive marketing strategies should read this book. It is excellent, well written and will help you develop the ways in which you may influence those around you. It is honest in its approach and looks at sites such as Klout from all angles. It does not shy away from topics such as how these sites can be manipulated, but gives a very convincing argument for why we should be using them.

 

I myself am a Klout user and I thought my Klout score of 58 was OK. I was astonished to find that with this type of score I am considered quite highly influential.

 

Whether we love or hate social media I think we ignore it at our peril. There are some very large players taking note out there and I as an author need to be aware of this.

 

As we are talking about social networking it would seem appropriate to provide my links on these sites

 

Twitter  https://twitter.com/WendyHJones

 

Google+ https://plus.google.com/#117983228392904140480/posts

 

Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=56381937&trk=hb_tab_pro_top

 

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/wjones64/

 

Feel free to connect with me in any of these ways. It would be great to share views and expertise

 

I was given a free copy of this book as a gift from the Author and was not expected to provide any review in return for this. The review is fair and objective and one which I felt I had to write given my enjoyment of the book.