#5: Grave Shadows
by
Adriana SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline...
#6: Phantom Writer
by
Adriana SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline...
Something To Say
by
Matthew Best known for his smash hit singles "Only Grace", "More", and "Next Thing You Know", Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Matthew West returns to the music scene again with more to say than ever before....
#6: Phantom Writer | Posted October-03-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
Just when things seem to be slowing down for the Timberline duo, their mother receives a phone call from the famous horror writer Jake Konig, asking her if she would help him finish his newest book. Bryce, a huge fan of Konig and his work, is naturally ecstatic when plans are arranged for the horror writer to make a trip to the Timberline house. However, before Bryce even has time to blink, a word comes in from Konig's wife that her husband has vanished! The twins, determined to find out more, convince their mother to accept an offer to travel to Konig's estate to finish Jake's book themselves. Once there, things are even more mysterious than before. The spooky writing house computer displays hair-raising messages that keep the Timberlines on their toes and make Bryce and Ashley wonder if the messages are linked to Jake's disappearance. Suspects seem to be running all over town, from a pesky local church member to even the Konig family, while an overnight visit to an apparent haunted lodge creates an adrenaline-rushing night of terror for the family, from distant cries from the air vent to red eyes in the window. Will the Timberline twins overcome their toughest challenge yet and rescue Jake Konig? Dripping with tension and filled with dead ends and heart-pumping action, Phantom Writer is easily the most thrilling, adventurous, and chilling Red Rock installment yet.
#5: Grave Shadows | Posted October-03-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
The summer for the Timberline twins is starting off with a bang. Bryce gears up for a 200-mile bike ride for cancer reasearch with his good friend and aforementioned disease-plagued victim Jeff Alexander, while Ashley looks to exciting sleepovers with friends and long days of visiting with alpacas on a nearby farm. But that's only the beginning! Bryce is troubled when he learns that some of the memoribilia that belongs to his bike partner Jeff Alexander has been stolen. So when Ashley finds out that her close friend Hayley has an uncle who has disappeared and his car is found at the bottom of a lake, the Timberline girl finds herself on the trail of two cases at once! Will she be able to track down Jeff's priceless items before he finds out, while Bryce stalls for her during the marathon, at the same time looking for clues on the missing man's whereabouts? It's two heart-pumping adventures in one jam-packed edition of the Red Rock Mysteries Series, sure to keep readers on edge.
Something To Say | Posted August-23-2008
Best known for his smash hit singles "Only Grace", "More", and "Next Thing You Know", Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Matthew West returns to the music scene again with more to say than ever before. After having discovered a vascular polyp and hemorrhaged blood vessels on his vocal chords that sidelined him from even speaking at all, West is back with a passion and confidence displayed through his music on his 2008 project, Something To Say.
Songs that deal with real-life issues such as early pregnancies, death, and loneliness are present, but much-needed encouragement can also be found in the lullaby "Safe And Sound" as well as the upbeat title track. "The Center" expresses the longing Christians have to stay grounded in their faith, with Matthew's trademark voice and irresistible melody line shooting it to a must-listen highlight. Background vocals from Dove Award-winning superartist TobyMac plus a catchy chorus are the driving forces behind the uplifting "Friend In The World", sure to be an instant favorite with its eletric guitar-heavy melody. "The Motions" is a huge 5-star standout and will definitely beg to be repeated, due to its unique musical sound as well as its challenge to Christians to live with passion and purpose. Lead-off single "You Are Everything" only makes the album more attractive, sung with an undeniable force that is certain to rub off onto the listener.
All in all, Something To Say could very well be looked upon as one of the top albums of 2008, with a strong tracklisting and a nice balance of upbeat numbers and ballads throughout. Perfect for fans of Mark Schultz or Brandon Heath, this Matthew West masterpiece Something To Say is definitely one to talk about. A gem that should not be overlooked, it's obvious that Matthew West has fully recovered and has said what he wanted to say with no problem at all.
#4: Wild Rescue | Posted August-21-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
When Bryce and Ashley are offered to watch a family's herd of grazing alpacas on a farm, it's something too good to pass up. But before they venture out to the farm, their elderly neighbor Mrs. Watson discovers that her expensive jewelry is missing. In the midst of their investigation, Ashley's best friend Hayley reports that some of her family's stuff is gone as well. The search for the thief is on. Baffled with the fact that none of the town's thefts show signs of forced entry, the Timberline duo find themselves on their most puzzling and intriguing puzzle yet. Meanwhile, with the conclusion of the school year quickly approaching, Bryce and Ashley gear up for a band trip to a local amusement park, a sure bet to be a thrilling experience. But the two girls that Ashley moved ahead of in band aren't planning on letting their fellow flute player off the hook. The two warn the Timberlines that "bad things can happen at amusement parks". Will they ruin the day at Happy Canyons for Bryce and Ashley? Will the twins figure out who is robbing homes in the town of Red Rock? When the two become aware that someone is watching them during their overnight stay at the alpaca farm, something supposed to be exciting suddenly becomes a dangerous attempt to escape. Will Bryce and Ashley get out unharmed? Find out these questions and more in the most hair-raising and jam-packed Red Rock Mystery yet. With a storyline so addictive, Wild Rescue will keep readers engaged in this heart-pumping addition to the series.
#3: Missing Pieces | Posted August-17-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
The Timberline twins' town of Red Rock has become the main target for a string a mailbox bashing, and Bryce and Ashley are determined to find out who's behind it. All of the clues point to their stepsister's boyfriend Randy... but could he really be the one? Meanwhile, Ashley worries over a critical doctor visit concerning her seizure disorder that could decide her future. Has Ashley's disorder worsened? Will the twins find out who is ruining the town's mailboxes before they get away? Readers will find themselves enchanted with Missing Pieces, another heart-racing installment to Jerry Jenkins' and Chris Fabry's Red Rock Mysteries Series.
#2: Stolen Secrets | Posted August-16-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
After discovering more of their stepfather's past, Bryce and Ashley are determined to find out what's truth and what's not. During their heated pursuit, two Red Rock Middle School girls are abducted taking away the the Timberlines' ATV-riding privileges. When it seems it couldn't get worse, it becomes apparent that food is disappearing from the family's outside barn. A run-in with a hungry cougar, an apparent thief and madman on the loose and family secrets to uncover are only a part of what make up Bryce and Ashley's most challenging adventure yet. Easy to read and dripping with tension, Stolen Secrets will only make readers crave for more from the seemingly unstoppable Timberline duo.
#1: Haunted Waters | Posted August-16-2008 SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline that kids will crave. Seemingly smart 13-year-old twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline are constantly stumbling into thrilling mysteries from their hometown of Red Rock, Colorado, that are packed with excitement and real-life situations... but that's not the whole story. While the series is obviously primarily focused on mysteries that the twins solve together, each installment has its own unique problem or situation for each of the two. Also, each Red Rock book is constantly flipping to Bryce's and Ashley's own perspective, so readers, depending on their gender, can relate to either Bryce or Ashley throughout the entire story. Biblical and family values are presented as an important priority from each twin, but a balance between faith and action is wonderfully evident.
IN THIS RED ROCK MYSTERIES BOOK...
In this first book of the Red Rock Mysteries, Haunted Waters, the twins take a trip with their little brother and stepfather to a famous gold mine. Things are going great... that is, until a gold nugget is stolen from the deserted mine and Bryce, Ashley, and their family become suspects caught in the middle of a sticky situation! A hair-raising chase by car in the middle of the night and clues that someone is watching them in their cabin keep these twins on their toes from start to finish. An eye-opening introduction to the Red Rock Mysteries Series, Haunted Waters will keep readers guessing, craving for more unstoppable action from Bryce and Ashley Timberline in the Red Rock Mysteries Series.
Boyhood And Beyond | Posted August-12-2008
Boys will learn how to become men in this easy-to-understand release from author Bob Schultz. With morals and lessons ranging from topics such as temptation, kindness, humility, and the importance of diving into God's Word daily, Boyhood And Beyond is just what the sub-title claims--practical wisdom for becoming a man. Brief but meaningful chapters will keep the reader's attention while still managing to enforce Biblical values essential to any boy yearning to become the person God wants him to be. Thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter session and Scripture verses sprinkled throughout the book make group or father-to-son reading effortless and interactive, but are also ideal for reading alone. Perfect as a gift geared for that special young man aged 10-18, Boyhood And Beyond will equip and train him to be the man the Lord desires.
Testify To Love LIVE | Posted July-09-2008
After their out-of-the-box best-seller greatest hits album in 2003, Avalon had pretty much covered it all--four studio recordings (two of which were RIAA-certified Gold), a CBA top-selling Christmas project, a successful remix album, millions of CDs sold, 20 #1 hits, and a handful of awards and nominations. One thing they hadn't accomplished then was the filming of a live DVD, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee in the summer of 2003 and was appropriately titled, Testify To Love: LIVE In Concert.
Several of the group's hits are all found here, from Oxygen's opening heart-pumper "Wonder Why" to Christian music's groundbreaking smash "Testify To Love". A stirring rendition of the power ballad "Adonai" as well as Janna Long's signature hit "Can't Live A Day" are included, as is the irresistible encouraging pop tune "New Day", sure to get you clapping and singing along in no time. Take a trip back to 1996 (Avalon's debut year) for the upbeat "Give It Up", a challenge to give everything up for the Lord. Group members Jody McBrayer and Janna Long preview their solo albums with McBrayer's spine-tingling "To Ever Live Without Me" and Long's ballad "More".
However, even though this a good showcase of Avalon's best material, where are the other fan favorites? The AC gem "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" is left off, as well as "Undeniably You", "In Not Of", "Make It Last Forever", and also three hits from the quartet's self-titled debut.
Avalon's vocals are as close to the recording as possible, with tight harmonies throughout the performance.
All in all, Testify To Love LIVE is a nice preview of what Avalon has to offer, and is definitely worth buying to enjoy a live performance from Avalon in your own home. The only thing missing? A longer setlist!
The Sweet Life | Posted July-02-2008
Recognized as a soprano that helped score Avalon a handful of awards and nominations as well as ten #1 hits in her four year span with the group, Cherie Adams decided to fly solo and now offers her long-awaited debut, The Sweet Life.
Her signature vocals are imprinted all over the material, with stunning performances throughout the entire album including the beautifully-done "Powerless", a touching ballad. Lyrically, it's a highlight with a message that reminds us that the Lord is strongest when we're powerless. "Water" is a fun opening tune, with a nice jumpy, pop sound that talks about Jesus' miracle of walking on the water. Cherie's personal testimony in song on the passionate title track is refreshing, thanking the Lord for the sweet life that he gives, another fantastic cut.
The slow-songs seem to dominate the album, however, as the aforementioned "Water", the mid-tempo "Something About The Rain", and the must-listen "The Other Woman" are the only tracks on the album that could be considered non-ballad material. With that in mind, Cherie's style goes back to her Italian roots, so if you're expecting an album that stick's close to Avalon's style of programmed effects, you'll most-likely be disappointed, but this is still something worth looking into. With beautiful instrumentation, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking messages, this is a nice debut from a powerhouse vocalist that will touch your soul with each new listen.
bjburly's Music and Book Reviews 
