Blood Sins - Kay Hooper

Title: Blood Sins
Author: Kay Hooper
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: 3/5
# pages: 296
Date read: May, 2009

Young, vulnerable, attractive, Tessa Gray made the perfect victim. Which was why Noah Bishop of the FBI's Special Crimes Unit recruited her to play the role of grieving widow. As the supposed new owner of property coveted by the Church of the Everlasting Sin, she'd be irresistible bait for the reclusive and charismatic Reverend Samuel. His fortified compound in the mountains near Grace, North Carolina, had been the last known residence of two women murdered in ways that defied scientific explanation.

Blood Sins is the 11th book about Bishop's Special Crimes Unit and the second book in the Blood-trilogy. I haven't read ANY of Kay Hooper's earlier books, so was somewhat anxious to see how utterly lost I would be, by jumping straight into the middle of the action, so to speak.

Fortunately, not much. Granted, there were naturally references I didn't get and background stories I had to guess at, but mostly the important elements were well described, and I had no problems following the plot of this book by itself, even if I did find some of the characters quite two-dimensional because of the lack of time spent on their characterisations - probably assumed well-known territory.

I rather enjoyed the book regardless though. It was interesting and the plot engaging. It did seem like Kay Hooper couldn't quite decide on her genre though. It seemed to be marketed as a horror novel, but I was left remarkably unspooked by it... (but whether that's just because I've been conditioned by Stephen King's novels, I couldn't say ;) ). The main characters never seemed in any real danger, and thus I was left firmly planted in the middle of my seat the entire time. I think that, more than anything else, is the reason for my average rating. I did appreciate that this for once seemed to be a paranormal novel NOT aimed at a YA audience though.

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The Coffee Mom's Devotional - Celeste Palermo

Title: The Coffee Mom's Devotional: A Rich Blend of 30 Brief and Inspiring Devotions
Author: Celeste Palermo
Genre: Christian non-fiction
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 202
Date read: May, 2009

Celeste Palermo loves her coffee. Some might even say she's addicted to it. It definitely helps her get started in the morning, and gives her the 'kick' she needs to get on with her day. But coffee alone won't give Celeste the surplus she needs. She has to look elsewhere for that - not just to something else, but to someone else - the only One who's able to ensure that her cup runs over - and not just with caffeinated goodness either.

Fortunately Celeste knows exactly who to turn to for that, and through these 30 devotionals she encourages other busy moms do the same. Drawing on personal experiences from her career, her church life, and most importantly, her role as a wife and a mother, she shows that she's "been there, done that" and knows exactly just how difficult it can be for a busy mother to find the time to calm down and focus on God each day.

Because of this, Celeste Palermo timed the devotionals to last a cup of coffee. The coffee-break is already incorporated in many mothers' morning routine, and this book to allow the reader to have a spiritual and physical "pick me up" at the same time. It works too - each devotional took about 5-10 minutes to read, not counting the time spent in contemplation over the "Questions to STIR" and "Soul Sip Solutions" that conclude each coffee break.

I found The Coffee Mom's Devotional a refreshing change from many other devotionals I've been reading lately. It doesn't preach at the reader, but makes you feel like you've sat down to have a chat with a good friend. I found peace and comfort in the pages, and grew to care for both Celeste and her family, as I could recognize much of myself and personal life in their experiences.

There's no exegesis involved in the devotionals - instead they help you focus on God's blessings, and offer suggestions on how to continue spending your coffee break with God - even after the last page has been turned.

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