Pipeline (Book) - 1/13/2020 12:06:44 PM
Having no preconceived ideas about a pipeline and its impact on the people and community they are placed, I was surprised at my reaction to this book. While reading this book, this reader found a better understanding of the upheaval a pipeline, highway, bridge, building, etc. can inflict on a person's psyche and lifestyle. This book demonstrates the consequences many people live with and how they deal with it when progress interrupts their quiet lives.
A story whose characters express many emotions such as: community, love, endurance, hope, and so many more. Readers will be taken on a journey that will have them invested in the outcome of each of the characters the author has so eloquently written.
This book involves an important environmental issue and how its progress affects people. Using the backdrop of this contentious issue--the author shows readers how one community grows through the many events that transpire in their lives.
This story also highlights the thought, 'you don't really know any one'. While living in what appears to be a loving and supportive community there is still the unknown in their midst. How the community bands together to forgive and bring peace to each other is quite a story in and of itself.
The difficulty the new person had adapting and fitting into this tight-knit community reflects many small towns across the country shows the author's knowledge of the true and accurate response persons in small towns have when an 'outsider' tries to break into their established town.
A book well worth the read but be prepared to read in one sitting.
Secrets at Lighthouse Point, Book 3, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed (Book) - 10/20/2019 3:37:49 PM
Secrets at Lighthouse Point is third book in the Dinkel Island Series and can be read as a stand alone book. I have read the first two books, Forgiven and Return of Bliss, and I can recommend reading both of them as well. In Secrets at Lighthouse Point readers meet a large cast of well developed characters living in a small community. When a historic piece of real estate went up for sale, Fanny Grayson bought it. She asked her husband's son Marty and his wife Gracie to turn the lighthouse on the property into spiritual retreat center. What followed was a complete surprise. The village became embroiled in rumor and malicious gossip. Then a tragedy occurred which created even more chaos. It became evident there was something sinister going on at Lighthouse Point and answers were needed.
There is a great deal that happens in this well crafted novel. The characters draw upon their faith to cope with their personal struggles as well as those of their community members. The author has skillfully created a community of caring and welcoming people who are not afraid to help and support each other. From the back cover of the book this is stated "Secrets at Lighthouse Point is a story of crime, intrigue, challenges and the ultimate triumph of faith." I agree. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Secrets at Lighthouse Point, Book 3, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed (Book) - 10/13/2019 6:41:52 PM
I couldn't wait to start this book because I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn't disappointed. 'Secrets at Lighthouse Point' is another wonderful "Christian mystery" in the Dinkel Island series. This one involves the landmark lighthouse of Dinkel Island that has many unknown secrets and mysteries attached to it. The seller is having "seller's remorse" and wants to back out, but the Lord has other plans. The potential buyer has big plans for the lighthouse and can't wait to get started. There were outside influences also trying to thwart the sale behind the scenes. Catastrophe after catastrophe happens to and around the lighthouse, but in the end God, like a lighthouse, shines through!
This novel has wonderful characters and many side plots and storylines feeding off the main theme that the author nicely ties altogether in the end. This book is a quick, easy read that truly is a page-turner. 'Secrets at Lighthouse Point is a love story, drama, and mystery all wrapped up in one. If you are looking for a nice, warmhearted story to read in a day, this is your book. I loved the book and I love the writing style of Hugh Harris. Definite thumbs up...a big 10 out of 10!
Return of Bliss, Bk 2, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed (Book) - 2/12/2019 12:42:20 PM
Another easy read by Hugh Harris! 'Return of Bliss BK2 Dinkel Island Series' is several stories all rolled into one with each having many twists and turns. 'Return of Bliss' offers theft, kidnapping and murder into an action-filled crime drama, however, it is also a romantic love story that sweetly follows two couples and how their relationships grow and develop. The back-drop is a church in Dinkel Island and a decades old case with clues that touches the pastor, Kate Sheppard and a gospel singer that comes to town.
I love the easy-flowing writing style of Hugh Harris and this is just another wonderfully written book by him. Definitely a thumbs-up!
I would be remiss if I did not mention the strong religious story line that is refreshingly woven throughout the novel. In fact, 'Return of Bliss' could easily be considered a wonderful "reference" book on Christian values, attitudes and way of life.
I suggest reading the series in order, however, 'Return of Bliss BK2' is a great stand alone. I high recommend you check this one out!
Return of Bliss, Bk 2, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed (Book) - 2/8/2019 6:05:21 PM
Return of Bliss takes place on Dinkel Island. Even though there have been changes over the years, it has remained a quiet and usually safe place to live. When two widowers discover a backpack containing a large sum of money it causes all sorts of chatter, brings crime to the community and a cold case resurfaces. In addition, there is romance brewing.
The author does a beautiful job of bringing the multiple story lines together. The well developed characters are interesting and easy to relate to. As the story is skillfully presented, it is easy for readers to become immersed in their lives as they deal with second chances, redemption and faith. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Pipeline (Book) - 12/17/2018 11:37:12 AM
I have to say I was not sure how I would like Pipeline. With the current political environment, I was afraid what kind of stance the novel would have. I was pleasantly surprised how well written it portrays how the locals on all sides view the pipeline coming through the area.
I believe all readers would enjoy Pipeline, no matter what their beliefs are. I gives a great glimpse into them all. I am giving it five stars.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Pipeline (Book) - 12/15/2018 9:06:35 AM
Pastor Billy Upshur was assigned to serve two rural churches in Virginia, one in Strong's Creek and the other in the remote mountain community of Frog Hollow. The population of Frog Hollow was facing unwanted disruption of their lives due to the construction of a pipe line. As Billy sought strength and guidance to help his parishioners, the community was struck with a different kind of a disaster. Could Billy find a way to help?
The author does an excellent job of portraying the interesting and diverse group of characters. They are a plain spoken group with a wealth of knowledge in their words. Interwoven into the narrative are themes of faith, community and family. Readers are given a window into a small community's way of life that is well worth saving. Billy Upshur deals with a great deal during his time in the mountain communities, including the discovery of an unexpected love. I found this book inspiring and heart warming. It is a story of true resilience, hope and forgiveness. Well worth reading! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Pipeline (Book) - 10/16/2018 11:15:41 AM
This is another great book by Hugh Harris. It is a dramatic story that takes a good, hard look at the church and what it expects and the pastor and what they expect. This church, as with most, has a handful of members that pull together and make things happen.
'Pipeline' also shows the two sides, corporate and personal, from the disruption of lives and homes to begin drilling and laying a pipeline. 'Pipeline' shows the devastation of private lives and how they can be destroyed. The story line certainly provides "food for thought" from weighing both sides of the issue.
Behind it all, 'Pipeline' is a love story. The author quickly brings someone to cross paths with Billy, causing a "love at first sight" relationship. I'm not going to mention the name because I want you to read the book. Everyone in the church are supportive of the two of them.
This book has and/or reflects a strong Christian point of view which is refreshing. Many prayers are dispersed throughout the book adding a sincere religious undertone that only adds to the story line.
Hugh Harris has a wonderful writing style that I completely enjoy! Although 'Pipeline' has plenty of drama and heartbreak, all in all, it is a fun read. There is ample joy, love and romance making the book an easy read. I highly recommend that you check out 'Pipeline.' I finished it very quickly as it is a "hard book to put down."
Check it out, you won't be disappointed!
Return of Bliss, Bk 2, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed (Book) - 9/25/2018 5:51:24 PM
This is an excellent book. It caught my attention from the very first page. I loved all if the characters and it keep me on my feet. The plot of this book is amazing. I will recomend this to all of my friends and famuly. This is an amazing author.
