The English Masterpiece, book #5

 

Just finished this book, the second in the Christian FIction Reading Challenge.  I didn't much care for this one as much until the last 20% when things start hopping.  There was not as much mention of God and Jesus in this, and I understand why some Christian authors choose to write that way.  In fact, ones that I could almost try and sneak in as options for my FHS Book Club.  But we have overloaded on mysteries this year there so I'll not be suggesting this one :)

I'm honestly getting all mixed up in my reading right now and it's driving me crazy!  There are a variety of reasons for that, but mainly it has to do with this Reading Challenge.  I do enjoy it, don't get me wrong!  But for the Challenge, we read a book, then do the Zoom with the Author the end of the month.  But with my Book Club, we are a month behind.  So the book we read for Book Club was one I finished last month and watched the Zoom, but then we were going to talk about it this month.  So now, I have finished this book, and the Zoom is this coming week, but we are just now reading it in Book Club.  I am trying not to say too much about how I really felt about it so I don't mar their opinions of it before they read it.  ;)

As the recently promoted assistant to the Tate's Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden, Lily helps plan a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the passing of the great artist--and she's waited her whole life for this moment. The opening is beyond anyone's expectations--the lighting, the champagne, the glittering crowd, and the international acclaim--until Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, "It's a forgery." The gallery falls silent.  Lily's boss, Diana, is polished perfection, schooled in art, and descends from European high society. She's worked hard to become the trusted voice in London's modern art scene and respected across the Continent. The Tate's Picasso Commemorative is to be her crowning achievement, featuring not only the artist's most iconic and intimate works, but a newly discovered painting--one she advised an investor to purchase. But when Lily makes her outrageous declaration, suspicion and scandal threaten everything Diana has achieved, as museums and collectors across Europe, already doubting most post-war acquisitions, fall into chaos and rumors of a world-wide forgery run wild.  All Lily has ever wanted is to follow in Diana's footsteps and take the art world by storm in her own right. Yet one comment puts not only her own career at risk but also her mentor's. Unless . . . Was she right? With the clock ticking and the clues starting to pile up against her, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she's always wanted, but her freedom.  (Picture and description at Amazon)

Now I am on to the audio book of Matthew Perry's last book for FHS Book Club, then back to the Reading Challenge, which is yet another one of my favorite authors: Colleen Coble!  (However, this is book 3 in the series and I believe there is chatter on the FB page that you need to read the other two books first!) 

Keep Reading!

Melissa

Transformed by the Messiah, book #4

 

Wow but wow!  This book took me a while to get through, even at only 223 pages, but each page was filled with amazing new revelations and things you probably didn't realize!  I can't even begin to describe it, but suffice it to say, I practically highlighted the entire book!

I first heard about this book listening to my good buddy Lisa Harper's podcast here and here when she had Rabbi Jason on her show.  Now, for a good little Southern Baptist girl, listening to a Jewish Rabbi made me a bit leary.  But I completely trust my buddy Lisa and figure she wouldn't have someone on her show that was not 100% real and in tune with Jesus.  I highly recommend listening to those podcasts!

Discover the Jesus who has been pursuing you since before time! Join an unforgettable journey through the birth, ministry, and death of the Messiah as found in the Old and New Testaments, and have your own life transforming experience.

When reading the Bible we often miss essential details that add richness and significance, and therefore don't grasp the bigger picture. New York Times bestselling author Rabbi Jason Sobel, in his unique and engaging way, helps readers see God's story in high definition, enabling them to better understand the cultural and historical background of Scripture, God's intention for every detail, and how it applies to our lives.

Revealing hidden gems of prophecy and promises, Transformed by the Messiah helps answer questions such as:

Is there any significance to the fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem?

How does the Messiah's baptism set an example for us to emulate and what did it undo?

Did the Messiah have to die on a cross and why did he not rise until the third day?

Who are the shepherds and why was it important that the baby be found wrapped in swaddling cloth and laid in a manger?

How can we embrace a supernatural perspective—living with a sense of possibility--and not be limited by a strictly natural perspective?

Why does Genesis 3 talk about the "seed of a woman?"

Why were the disciples so willing to immediately drop their nets, leave their families, and follow Jesus?

You'll also learn how to respond with faith, not fear; trust God's plan, purpose, and provision; and move forward in the power of the Spirit.

If you need hope, or simply a better understanding of God's plan of redemption for all mankind and your part in it, Transformed by the Messiah will open your heart and mind to be able to live in the supernatural power of God's Spirit as you follow Jesus and His command to make disciples. And whether you are Jewish or not, to help you read and study in a way that connects His story in the Old and New Testaments. (picture and description at Amazon)

Now back to our latest book in the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge!

Keep reading!

O:)

Melissa