Friday, April 29, 2016

The Inheritance by Michael Phillips – Gifted Storyteller

It’s been many years since I’ve read a book by Michael Phillips but the storyline of his newest book, The Inheritance, drew me in.  I’m so glad for this opportunity to reconnect with this author for he is a gifted storyteller.

The Inheritance tells the story of the Tulloch family through the generations who have lived on the fictional island of Whales Reef which is part of the Shetland Islands of Scotland.  Following the unexpected death of laird Macgregor Tulloch the fate of the Tulloch legacy and fortune hangs in the balance while the courts determine who the rightful heir is.  The community of Whales Reef is impacted as well as everyone awaits the news of who will be their new laird.  How will their village be affected?  Will their way of life continue on and be protected or are changes coming their way?  How does a young woman over 3,400 miles away in Washington DC factor into the equation?  To find out, you are going to want to read The Inheritance.

Author Michael Phillips knows how to weave a good story.  He starts by unveiling the storyline and weaves in a cast of characters that seem to come alive.  After reading this story I feel like I could take the ferryboat from Lerwick and step on to the island of Whales Reef and walk down the street and see the people I’ve been reading about.  The author takes the time to develop the characters.  He really captures the unique way of life on the Shetland Islands and the accent was captured when the characters spoke. 

I liked the character David Tulloch and thought his character was well developed.  David’s interaction with people seemed to reflect a genuine Christian faith, but he didn’t speak about it, pray, read the Bible or go to church.  I would like to have better understood the character of Loni.  The reader learns about how she was raised, but faith doesn’t seem to be evident in her current life.  Towards the end of the story she expresses an interest in the Christian faith and shows appreciation her family heritage.  The other character I would have liked to have seen better developed is Hardy who seemed rather one dimensional.  One character who did openly share his faith was Sandy Innes as he prayed and interacted with Loni.  I loved this character. 

A Christian author is in a unique position and has a huge opportunity to share the soul saving message of the Gospel.  I wish that had been done in this book.  I struggled somewhat because the Christian faith and church were distorted in the beginning of this book because of false teachers that were part of the story.  The characters just seemed to stop going to church altogether.  Another concern I have is that some of the thoughts and feelings expressed don’t line up with Biblical theology.  An example is when David was recalling an incident from his youth (page 251), “His quest for the great Fatherhood of the universe had begun.” 

I recommend The Inheritance by Michael Phillips for its rich storyline and interesting characters; not sound Biblical theology.  The story starts out a little slow, but it’s worth pressing through.  I look forward to reading additional books in this series.  Michael is very adept at writing historical fiction and draws the reader in. 

I would like to thank Litfuse and Bethany House for the opportunity to read The Inheritance in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 



If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Inheritance by Michael Phillips please click on the link below:


https://promosimple.com/ps/9735 

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Target Is Missing the Mark


Target
An ironic name for a store
That is missing the mark

In a world gone mad
Run by feelings
Thought and reason are irrelevant

Right and wrong no longer matter
Truth has been abandoned
In favor of what feels good

Beware when the left redefines words
The word sex has been jettisoned
Gender is now in

Male, female
Why thinkest thou so narrow
Your “gender” is now what you feel

Chromosomes…who needs them
Who cares what body parts you have
Choose the bathroom that feels right to you

Who cares if a woman wants privacy
So what if a mother is concerned about their child
Safety and privacy now trumped by feelings

Caution my friend, the door has been opened wide
Quietly in will slip the sexual predator
The child molester looking for their target

Transgender…unsure about just who they are
Deserving of compassion
For they too are created in God’s image

But is an open bathroom
The way to go
No one was denied their rights to use the restroom

Not that it will make a huge difference
But my business and money
Will be spent elsewhere

At retailers that respect all customers
Companies which put safety and privacy first
No more shopping at Target…it just doesn’t feel right


By Susan Wachtel
April 26, 2016


Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley – Interesting Plot, But the Story Got Bogged Down

  I enjoy suspense and mystery novels and was excited to read Patricia Bradley’s newest book Fatal Witness , the second book in the Pearl R...