Audible Book Review: The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn

Wow - This is more striking than even I expected!
All of us in the Ladies Book Club were rather stunned by this book.

The Paradigm
The Ancient Blueprint That Holds the Mystery of Our Times
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-06-17
Language: English
Publisher: christianaudio.com
Genre: Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
This may be the most explosive and amazing thing you've ever read
Is it possible that an ancient blueprint holds the secret behind the events of our times?
Could this blueprint lie behind the rise and fall of leaders and governments?
Could events that took place nearly 3,000 years ago now be determining the course of our world and with it the course of our lives?
Could ancient figures from the Middle East hold the key to the leaders of our own day, what they do, when they rise, and when they fall?
Is it possible that this ancient paradigm has determined not only the events of modern times but also their timing - even down to the exact days and dates?
Could a mystery from the ancient Middle East have foretold the outcomes of current events more accurately than any poll or expert - even the outcomes of presidential elections?
Has this mystery even touched the events of your life?
Does the paradigm reveal what will take place in the future?
And does it contain a warning critical for every person in this generation?
Prepare to be stunned, shocked, illuminated, and amazed. The Paradigm will reveal secrets and mysteries taking place all around you and show you what you never could have imagined. Jonathan Cahn, who caused an international stir with his New York Times best-selling book The Harbinger, will take you from the ancient Middle East to the news of the modern world on a journey you will never forget. As you open up The Paradigm, his most explosive book yet, you may never see your world the same way again.
©2017 eChristian (P)

Review:
Paradigm means: “a typical example or pattern of something; a model.” Jonathan Cahn starts with a Biblical Old Testament time (1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 10) when Israel was slipping into decadence, turning its back on Godly principles. The king of Israel at the time, Ahab, was raised knowing God but he married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who was raised in a culture worshipping Goddesses and Baal. She was a strong influence bringing the religion of Baal, including child sacrifice, to Israel. Queen Jezebel is seen to epitomize an evil, wicked queen. Even after Ahab was killed, Jezebel continued in the palace, first during the short reign of Ahaziah and then with “the heir”, Joram. Joram continued the slide of the nation away from God. Joram's reign would have brought God’s judgment to the nation sooner but for a “warrior”, Jeru. Jeru was not necessarily a Godly man, and was sometimes viewed as ‘crazy’, but God used him to exterminate the house of Ahab for the sins they brought to the nation. This brought a reprieve to Israel although ultimately the nation refused to return to God and punishment eventually came when the people were taken into captivity.

Cahn presents a parallel that aligns the events of Ahab, Jezebel, Joram and Jeru with certain modern-day political leaders (a 'king', a 'queen', an heir and a warrior) in America. It is remarkable in matching the number of years, similar events and personal characteristics, even like-meaning names. Since the 1960s, our country, like Israel at the time of Ahab, has been turning away and removing God from our personal and national lives. Sexual wantonness, sacrificing of children (taking of innocent lives), and challenging of Biblical morals was increasing in our country, even to the point of declaring fundamental Christians to be terrorists.

I think some people would refuse to read this if they knew the characters involved but that is very sad. The bottom line, last chapters of the book, contains a warning to the nation, but more importantly a warning to each individual. If God is real (and it is hard to deny when you see all the God-incidences -not coincidences- revealed by this and other works by Cahn) then we need to be about upholding God’s righteousness and sharing His message.

Before listening to this book, I had heard a little about it from some friends at church but I had no idea of the extent of the parallels until listening for myself. I have found all five books by Cahn to be remarkable and wonderful reading. This is the third of the books shared with Ladies Book Club. Although I am sure Cahn is a skilled scholar, my friends in Ladies Book Club and I believe that Cahn has received Godly inspiration for his books. One friend noted that Cahn is an Elijah today. I highly recommend this book and all of Cahn’s books to Christ-followers and I wish all people would read them.

Audio Notes: For the most part Paul Michael does a good job with the narration. He did mispronounce several of the Jewish/Hebrew terms and names which was a little distracting. Beyond those errors, I liked the awe and excitement that comes through Michael’s narrating. I enjoyed the audio version but want to get a print copy for future reference.

2/1/2020 Audible Credit Purchased for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis by Jeff Kinley

I really liked the information shared in this.
The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)

Audio CD
Publisher: christianaudio; Unabridged edition (August 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683667913
Genre: Christian Prophecies, Inspirational, NonFiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Will God’s Wrath Fall on America?
What happens when a country glories in its immorality, turning away from faith in God and obedience to Him?
Jeff Kinley, author of As It Was in the Days of Noah, explores historical and biblical precedents for the demise of a nation and addresses pressing questions such as…
How did we get to this point?
Is America in Bible prophecy?
Will Christians face widespread persecution here?
What effect will the rapture have on America?
How should I respond to the moral decline?
This forthright survey of current events and trends offers valuable perspective on the future of America—along with powerful motivation to embrace the only source of lasting hope.

Review:
Often we wonder how, and if, America fits in End Times. To answer the question Mr. Kinley begins with history. He establishes the importance of prophecy in the Bible. Much of the prophecy has already come true, supporting the reliability of the source. But there is more to come.

The author explores the current state of America by sharing historical detail of Christian roots in its founding. Mr. Kinley then addresses America’s long-time relationship with Israel by discussing the Biblical principle of blessings falling on those who support God’s chosen people, Israel.

There is more historical detail showing the progressive moral decline in especially since God was removed from schools in 1962. Step by step our society has moved away from revering God, to a point of ignoring Him and more recently outright rebellion and rejection of His laws. Soon we can expect to see increased persecution against Christians.

The author spent a long chapter discussing the horrible impact of abortion. The Bible supports the position that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 44:24, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15 and more). So does science. God punished His most beloved chosen people, Israel, for worshipping idols and killing children. Do we really think He will let any other nation get away without punishment for the same sins?

The next question is how close to the end are we? Many people speculate and some (always falsely) set dates. There are some clear signs and seasons, but no one knows the date. This is more reason to be ready and to feel the compulsion to share the gospel with others. The final message is that it doesn’t really matter what role America plays in the end times. What matters is if we are ready and if we are sharing the message of salvation with others.

At times the book seemed to go on and on with a couple of the points. Still, I was impressed by the thoroughness of the arguments and information shared. I highly recommend this to readers who are interested in Biblical prophecy, not just America’s place.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Tom Parks. I appreciated that his presentation of the facts and arguments is made with directness and genuine feeling. I am glad that I listened but I ended up buying an extra copy of the book for myself.

Interestingly, my first review draft was 718 words; the second was still 576. It took four drafts to get it under 400.
Source: Print books at discount for book club and I picked up the Audio CD. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection

One of these was slow but they were all nice, easy listening.

Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection
Author Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason
Narrator Various Narrators

Runtime 10.17 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher Recorded Books
Downloads ZIP M4B MP3
Release Date June 24, 2016
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Description
In this collection of gripping novellas from the top authors of Christian romantic suspense, sins of the past lead to danger in the present. In Dee Henderson's "Missing," a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother gus missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins. Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with "Shadowed," introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector. Lynette Eason's "Blackout" delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

Review:
"Missing" by Dee Henderson: John, a Wyoming sheriff, is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her elder home complex. He is met by Sharon Noble, a savvy Chicago Lieutenant who is already organizing the search. John has a past with criminals as a former Chicago cop and there are several avenues to look at for suspects.

I liked the premise of this plot, the two characters and the clear friendship that grows as they work together. There are good clues in the short story that might let a keen reader figure out the twist. The drawback on this was the very slow beginning. I listened to the first hour and a half during a drive with others and none of us were particularly engaged at that point. Fortunately, I pushed through to listen to the rest as I did enjoy the final package. My rating: 3.75.

“Shadowed” by Dani Pettrey: Competitive swimmer, Libby, is in Alaska and plans to enjoy some tourism. She is the only one to show up early on a rainy morning for a whale watching tour. Ben the tour guide (and more) is impressed by Libby’s spunk and determination. He agrees to take her out. In addition to seeing whales they discover something else in the water. When they pull the body on board, Libby is shocked to recognize her number one competitor, a Russian swimmer.

Libby’s competitive schedule hasn’t allowed her to develop relationships and she wasn’t looking for one this trip. But Ben’s competence and gently protective tendencies draw her in. Ben knew at some point he might decide to settle down, but he had never met the right woman until now. The relationship builds between them even as they are dodging a killer as they try to unravel the truth about spies and counterspies.

This story was engaging and an easy listen as it raced quickly through discovery, danger and deception. My rating: 4.25.

“Blackout” by Lynette Eason: Macey has had blackouts for the past six years since she survived a robbery where she was in the wrong place at the wrong time and she was almost killed. She hides her past because the connections don’t look good. Now, as someone is stalking and frightening her, more memories are returning.

Macey’s neighbor Chad is a police detective. He knows that Macey has kept him at arm’s length, but he rushes in when he hears her scream. She isn’t imagining things. Macey’s high school crush, who was involved in the robbery, has returned and it appears he is pressuring her to remember. But someone else doesn’t want her to remember what happened that night, and is prepared to kill Macey to stop her. Macey begins to open up and rely more on Chad as the threat escalates.

This story presents tension from the beginning. I wasn’t overly impressed with Macey as a character, but Chad is a strong, attractive hero. The story moves along well although it seems a little rushed. 4.0.

The collection provides three easy, satisfactory listens. The faith of characters is shared without being preachy or overbearing. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean romantic suspense. 4.0.

Audio Notes: The narrators were Graham Winton, Christina Moore, and Therese Plummer in that order. All three did a good job with the narration. Winton is the only new narrator to me as I have enjoyed audios narrated by Moore and Plummer before. The narration made this an easier ’read’ for me.

Source: July 2017 Christianaudio Sale. This qualifies for my 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren

I found this Wonderful!

Liturgy of the Ordinary
Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
Author Tish Harrison Warren
Narrator Sarah Zimmerman

Runtime 4.63 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio
Downloads ZIP M4B MP3
Release Date December 4, 2016
Genre: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God's presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each chapter looks at something―making the bed, brushing her teeth, losing her keys―that the author does every day. Drawing from the diversity of her life as a campus minister, Anglican priest, friend, wife, and mother, Tish Harrison Warren opens up a practical theology of the everyday. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship. Come and discover the holiness of your every day.

Review:
This is a wonderful work that makes a connection between the Sunday liturgy rituals and an ordinary day of life (daily living). Ms. Warren relates the liturgy of the Sunday service to every part of our ordinary ‘getting thru the day’ lives encouraging us to remember God's gifts and presence throughout the day.

I took notes as I listened which gave me a one line summary of each chapter:
     Waking – Baptism and Learning to Be Beloved. The day starts with a reminder that at baptism we are marked as God’s children, we come under his covering and are able to see ourselves as God’s Beloved.
     Making the Bed – Liturgy, Ritual, and What Forms a Life. The simple task of making the bed reminds us that life is filled with repeating mundane routine tasks but we can take time during those rote actions to think upon God and about how He spends each day overseeing our daily lives.

The pattern continues following the chapter headings which can be found at the “look inside” feature at Amazon. I would share my summaries, but I would rather encourage everyone to read or listen to the book.

I realize that many have never experienced a liturgical service and do not know what “liturgy” means. A definition (found online) of liturgy is “the ritual or script for various forms of public worship in churches.” Examples of liturgy rituals include: baptism, sharing communion, readings of the Bible during service, sharing responsive readings, confession, passing the peace (shaking hands with others during church service), the blessing of the people by the priest (or pastor), bowing for prayer. I was raised in the Episcopal church so I grew up with the liturgy of the church. I now worship in a Pentecostal church and I love the freedom of worship (raising hands, praying for one another, speaking in tongues, believing and praying for healing). But I miss the special acts of liturgy such as saying the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles' Creed and the general confession.

Having the childhood background of liturgy is part of the reason that I was delighted by this book. However, I do believe that the inspiring wisdom conveyed, the intent of bringing to mind God’s presence in every part of our daily lives, is worthwhile for everyone regardless of the church you attend (or don't).

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a lovely job with the narration. Her reading blends into the work providing appropriate reverence and inspiration. I enjoyed the audio version.

Source: 6/3/19 Christianaudio.com June free download. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: Still Life by Dani Pettrey

This is a strong, engaging Christian romantic suspense..

Still Life
by Dani Pettrey
Narrated by Therese Plummer

Runtime 8.75 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio
Gerne: Christian, Religious Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Continues to Win Fans
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Review:
Avery was blacklisted from her former photography business which had her accepting work as a crime scene photographer. She found she had a good working relationship with crime scene analyst, Parker Mitchell. But she stepped away when she realized that she was losing her heart and he was still tied up with his deceased wife.

Six months later Avery is returning to the art world to attend a gallery to support a childhood friend, Skylar, who modeled for the show. Instead of finding Skylar she finds a chilling image which has been substituted into the show to the great anger of the featured photographer. Avery goes to her old neighborhood to locate Skylar but finds her missing and is bowled over by someone racing out of Skylar’s trailer. Avery quickly seeks the help of the best crime analyst she knows, Parker.

Parker is thrilled to be working with Avery again even though he continues to struggle with his feelings that his interest in Avery betrays his first wife. But Parker is ready to help and is glad to find that his law enforcement friends are present to help investigate the sabotaged art show and the missing friend. They also get caught up in investigating death of crew on a ship that apparently smuggled in illegal immigrants.

The return to her home community is difficult since Avery had a rough time growing up with situations she has kept secret from those around her. It is good to watch how Avery and Parker work through their feelings even as they race to locate Skylar. Parker provides forensic clues and Avery provides informed photography expertise that is effective helping in both cases.

I was pulled right into this when I started listening. I really enjoyed the characters with their strong faith foundations. They are not perfect and in fact have to work through very normal emotions of doubt and self-recrimination. The emotional conflict did seem to be drawn out just a little bit more than necessary.

The plot involves two good mysteries that kept my interest especially with forensic details. There are mentions of characters who were lost or missing from the first book, but I was able to read this book fine as a standalone. I would be interested in picking up the other books in the series and by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Christian based romantic suspense.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer is an excellent narrator. She provides good voices for each of the characters and I will admit that Parker’s Irish accent is rather yummy. The pacing and presentation through audio enhanced my enjoyment of this book.

Source: ChristianAudio Sale July 2017. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: If I Run by Terri Blackstock

This is an engaging suspense; strong beginning to the series.
If I Run
by Terri Blackstock
Narrator: Nan Gurley

Series If I Run Series
Runtime: 6.7 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Casey knows the truth.
But it won’t set her free.
Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they have failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up. Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Review:
Casey Cox found her officer father dead when she was 12 years old. The police ruled it a suicide, but Casey knew the evidence supported murder. Someone was covering up the facts.

Thirteen years later Casey’s good friend, Brent, a journalist, was digging into her father’s death. He called her to say he had news, When Casey arrives at his apartment she walks in to find his bloody body. Casey stumbles in the blood and leaves her footprints and handprints at the scene. She knows she will be the number one suspect, so she goes on the run.

Dylan Roberts, Brent’s childhood friend, is a stressed veteran suffering from PTSD. He was an investigator in the service and is hired by Brent’s parents to hunt down the murderer and bring her back. As Dylan views the crime scene he quickly sees evidence that indicates that Casey may not be the murderer. He heads out to follow the clues of Casey’s flight run.

Casey is good at disguising herself and staying off the grid. Still she leaves a few clues. Casey has a caring heart and can’t stop herself from becoming involved in the sorrows of others. She chooses to investigate the kidnapping of a missing teen even though it puts her undercover situation at risk.

I enjoyed the suspense and Casey’s cleverness in staying hidden. Both Casey and Dylan are flawed and well-developed characters. The story has steady pacing with strong details and interesting plot lines. I liked how the chapters cover different events alternating between Casey and Dylan. Although there is no real romance in this first book, you can see the anticipated direction. This is a series and the reader should expect to get books two and three.

I have read Ms. Blackstock before and appreciate her writing style. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean suspense. Even my husband, who is not much of a book reader enjoyed the story though and was ready for book two as we finished book one.

Audio Notes: The narration by Nan Gurley is disappointing. There is no effort to distinguish the female and male voices which sometimes caused confusion, especially for my husband who doesn’t have the same practice at following along as I do. The narration did help me share this with my husband as we listened together. Listen to the sample to decide if you want to listen or read this one.

Source: ChristianAudio Sale 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Take Control TBR and Audio and Alphabet Challenges.