Friday, January 31, 2014

Lost and Found by Bill Harley and Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Hardcover: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-628-4
About the book:  A little courage yields unexpected surprises when Justin visits the dreaded lost and found.

When Justin loses the special hat his grandmother made for him, he looks everywhere he can think of to find it. Everywhere, that is, except the lost and found. Mr. Rumkowsky, the old school custodian, is the keeper of all the lost and found items, and everyone is afraid of him, including Justin.

With his grandmother coming to visit soon, his mom upset, and the hat nowhere in sight, Justin finally musters the courage to enter Mr. Rumkowsky's domain. There he discovers a whole world of treasures—lost items Justin's friends (and generations of children before them) have been too afraid to claim. Things keep getting weirder and weirder, until way down at the bottom of Rumkowsky's giant box Justin unearths something completely unexpected…

Reviewed by Madi, 5th grade student: 

I read the book     "Lost and Found" and I really enjoyed it. You can follow Justin on his adventure through the lost and found box to find his favorite hat.  The big question is, "Will he find it in time?"
Note by ACS Blogger: The illustrations by Adam Gustavson again are very appropriate and appealing. Gustavson's creative art is from the perspective of a child's eye view and his two-page spreads are a delight. He really captures to essence of Justin's emotions and flow of the story.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Lost and Found was provided by the publisher, Peachtree, in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely our own. No compensation was received for this review.

Dolled Up to Die By: Lorena Mccourtney

Review:  Cate Kincaid wants to become a private investigator like her Uncle. One day she receives a phone call from a very frantic women about a triple homicide. Cate decides to go the victims house against her better judgment. She knows that her boyfriend and uncle will not be happy with her decision. When she gets to the lady's house she is met by a donkey braying which makes her more jumpy and alarmed. Once she meets the lady named JoJo, she walks to the room where the murders took place. She is shocked by the scene, three dolls were shot. These were the victims that were murdered.

Cate isn't sure what to think of JoJo. She finds out by questioning JoJo that she has an ex-husband who didn't like her dolls and JoJo assumes he shot them. Cate decides to walk through the house with JoJo and check things out. When they enter the bedroom they find JoJo's ex-husband dead.

Cate decides that this should be handled by the police and hands it over to them. JoJo calls Cate a few days later and wants to hire her to investigate her ex-husbands murder. Cate learns that JoJo's ex has a new young wife and bossy mother in law. Cate becomes a witness to the mother in laws murder, too. She thinks she has every thing figured out and knows who killed the victims but she is wrong. One night she is confronted by the actual murderer who tries to kill her. Thankfully, her boyfriend and friends are near by and help catch the murderer.

If you enjoy mysteries this book will keep you guessing. I think both adults and teens would enjoy. (rev. S.Wall)
.... fast paced, filled with tension and humor make this a fun read. (ACS blogger)

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher, Revell a division of Baker House Publishing, in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

"Finding Moosewood, Finding God" by Jack Perkins

About the book:   For twenty-five years, millions of Americans watched Jack Perkins on NBC News as a correspondent, commentator, and anchorman. People were familiar with his face, his bearing, and his rich, reassuring bass. Yet at the age of fifty-two and at the height of his career, Jack Perkins disappeared from the public eye and moved with his wife, Mary Jo, to a bare-necessities cabin on an uninhabited island off the coast ofMaine. This isolated home they came to call Moosewood was the setting for Jack and Mary Jo's spiritual awakening. In the busy years of Jack's career inLos Angeleshe hadn't felt the need for God. In their new, quiet, and difficult life, though, he began to rethink everything he thought he knew. For thirteen years they endured (and learned to enjoy) snowbound winters, shuttling supplies from the mainland, testing themselves and their marriage, and discovering the rewards of a close-to-nature life, acknowledging that the hand guiding their blessed new lives was the hand of a gracious God who knew them long before they acknowledged him.
Review:  Finding Moosewood, Finding God was a delightful and interesting autobiography written by Jack Perkins, a former NBC News correspondent, commentator, and anchorman.  The book weaves together Jack’s personal story and details from various interviews and experiences that Jack encountered during his news career.  At the age of 52, when Jack’s career was at its peak, he and his wife Mary Jo chose to leave their former life of prominence for a remote cabin on an island off the shore of Bar Harbor, Maine which could only be reached during low tide.  The isolated home, which they named “Moosewood” after the trees of the same name that populated the island, became the setting for Jack and Mary Jo to “be still and know that I am God.”

    During Jack’s busy years of his career among the rich and famous, he never felt the need for God; but, in this new and quiet, isolated life, Jack began to rethink all he knew.  For the 13 years while at Moosewood, Jack and his wife discovered that all through their lives there was the unseen Hand of God guiding their very steps and paths.

I would highly recommend this book to any teen or adult reader.  Jack Perkins is a “word-smith” who weaves an almost poetic literary style with vocabulary that is not only delightful, but stretches the reader to discover new words and their meanings. It is also a wonderful reminder that those whom the Lord is seeking, He always finds.  Read and enjoy Finding Moosewood, Finding God. (rev. J.LaTour)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was given to the school for its library.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

One Glorious Ambition: TheCompassionate Crusade of Dorothea Dix by Jane Kirkpatrick

About the book: Born to an unavailable mother and an abusive father, Dorothea Dix longs simply to protect and care for her younger brothers, Charles and Joseph. But at just fourteen, she is separated from them and sent to live with relatives to be raised properly. Lonely and uncertain, Dorothea discovers that she does not possess the ability to accept the social expectations imposed on her gender and she desires to accomplish something more than finding a suitable mate.

Yearning to fulfill her God-given purpose, Dorothea finds she has a gift for teaching and writing. Her pupils become a kind of family, hearts to nurture, but long bouts of illness end her teaching and Dorothea is adrift again. It’s an unexpected visit to a prison housing the mentally ill that ignites an unending fire in Dorothea’s heart—and sets her on a journey that will take her across the nation, into the halls of the Capitol, befriending presidents and lawmakers, always fighting to relieve the suffering of what Scripture deems, the least of these.

In bringing nineteenth-century, historical reformer Dorothea Dix to life, author Jane Kirkpatrick combines historical accuracy with the gripping narrative of a woman who recognized suffering when others turned away, and the call she heeded to change the world.

Review:  This is a excellent book and I enjoyed it very much.  Dorothea Dix was a woman full of compassion and saw it as her God-given mission to help those struggling with mental illness.  If you are from North Carolina, you might think this book is specifically about the birth of Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh.  It is not.  It tells of Dorothea’s steadfast drive and passion to help as many as possible dealing with mental health illness across the country in the late mid to late 1800’s – a time certainly when  most were just called lunatics.  She was instrumental in legislation and construction of facilities to house the mentally ill.  Dorothea Dix was a crusader in this area of health care.

This is the first book that I’ve read written by Jane Kirkpatrick.  Mrs. Kirkpatrick is also a former mental health counselor and administrator for those struggling with mental health illness.  I believe this is also why the book was so good because she is writing about something that she has exposure to and is compassionate about herself.  A good write and a very good read and I found myself “googling” Dorothea Dix and reading more about her – a wonderful Christian woman and a great advocate for those struggling with mental illness! (rev. P.Howard)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Beneath the Dover Sky – The Danforths of Lancashire: by Murray Pura

About the book: The year is 1924 and things are definitely looking up for the Danforths.  The family patriarch, William Danforth, has been grated the title Marquess of Preston.  Britain is at peace and all is well at both Ashton Park and Dover Sky, the family’s summer estate.  But as the uncertainties of life unfurl, questions await answers…especially for the seven Danforth sons and daughters.
  • Can the widowed Catherine find love when sought after by two suitors?
  • How can Kipp manage his love for two women?
  • Will Libby and Michael’s unlikely solution to their inability to have children be a blessing…or a source of trouble?
  • Can Victoria and Ben accept what could be the end of Ben’s flying career?
  • With Robbie stationed with the British Army in Jerusalem, can he and his young family be safe amidst the riots?  Will peace ever come to the Holy Land?
  • Will Edward’s move into the political arena bring success…or failture?
  • Is Emma destined to become the wife of a bishop as Jeremy advances in the Anglican church?
Review: “Beneath the Dover Sky” is the second book in a series called The Danforths of Lancashire and the first book I have read by author Murray Pura.  I struggled to get through this book.  It’s not a bad book, but for me I had difficulty keeping the many characters separate.  Perhaps if I had read the first in this family saga, it would have been more enjoyable.  (rev. P.Howard)


DISCLOSURE: A copy was won in a Goodreads.com contest.

Frame 232 (Jason Hammond Series): by Wil Mara

About the book: The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all. And the first step, she knew—against every instinct and desire—was to watch that film.

During the reading of her mother’s will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets. A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history’s greatest conspiracies: Who killed John F. Kennedy? Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous babushka lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help. Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past. With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation—or will he and Sheila become its final victims?
 

Review: A well-written book and a very good read.  This is the first book I have read by author Wil Mara.  It was exciting and intriguing.  The characters were very real and relatable.  Even though I don’t necessarily believe there was a great conspiracy surrounding the assassination of John F Kennedy, I found the plot of this book interesting.  It held my attention and I finished it in just a couple of days.  It is full of mystery and action and highly enjoyable.  A highly recommended read! (rev. P.Howard)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Frame 232 was provided by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of the author and publisher in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

"A Surprise for Lily: The Adventures of Lily Lapp Book Four" by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the book:  Change is brewing for Lily Lapp. Her favorite cousin, Hannah, moves away and Harvey Hershberger, a boy with a talent for trouble, moves right in. Harvey's antics stir up the entire schoolhouse, and his fondness for Lily gets under Aaron Yoder's skin. Add in a mischievous dog rescued by Lily's brother, an old Shawnee Indian and a mother bear, and a secret Lily's mother is keeping, and you've got a recipe for laughter, love, and big surprises.

Girls ages 8 to 12 will love navigating the changes in Lily's world with her in this final book in the sweetly simple Adventures of Lily Lapp series.

Review: Co-authors Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher bring to conclusion the series of four books in the life of young Lily. Lily is Amish and a precocious little girl whose antics get her in trouble as she grows and learns and who faces life circumstances akin to all young girls. 

Book four, A Surprise for Lily, has Lily’s beloved cousin, Hannah, moving. Lily is 11 years old now and facing more responsibilities and changes. As in the other three books in the series, the Amish life experience pictures a simple life-style with the absence of many conveniences and comforts the rest of the world knows. But they are for the most part a happy, content group of people. Folks whose religious beliefs are the guiding force in all they do.

They are a group of people who come together as a community and help one another through various experiences and sadness.

Lily experiences a classmate, Effie, that is still up to mean tricks and who makes life in the classroom and community hard for Lily. And then, too, the boy in the classroom, Aaron, continues to trouble her. But change has to come.


Young girls will enjoy this entire series.


DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher, Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for our honest review.

Friday, January 17, 2014

(Review & Giveaway) "The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story about the Six Simple Machines" by Lois Spangler & illustrated by Christina Wald

Paperback  $9.95
ISBN: 9781607186328
About the book: When a young child decides to build a fort in the backyard, Grandpa comes forward to help. But they can’t do it alone—they get help from the six simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, and wedge. Told in cumulative rhyme, similar to The House That Jack Built, this story follows grandfather and grandchild as they build a fort together from start to finish.

Review: Who better to give a review of a children's book than the little ones themselves? Well, our librarian read the book to several class groups and here is what they are saying....
  • "I like the book and the dog." Zoe...K4
  • "I liked the  book. My favorite part was when he built the fort." Qunicy...K4
  • "I liked it! I've always wanted to build a fort that wouldn't fall over or I can fit in." Preston.... 2nd
  • "I like it! I like the room that had science stuff in it because I like science." Konnor 1st
  • "The book was great! I really liked the science stuff and the pulley." Chandler.... 1st 
  • "It was awesome! I like that they built a fort. I've always wanted to build one." Zack... 4th
Now from a "grown-up" perspective, The illustrations are very well done showing grand dad and the kids building a fort and the pets are romping on the pages. But the really engaging part is that it is a story in rhyme with a story within the story. As the main story of building a fort using six simple machines progresses, the right hand page recounts the story line (sort of akin to "this is the house that Jack built"). Gramps has a design (just like a real builder would have) and with his measuring instruments and six simple machines he builds the fort. 
Near the end the rhyme concludes...
At last, I look around and what do I see?
Six simple machines used to build a fort for me!
We used wheels and axles, a wedge, some screws, 
a pulley, a lever, and an inclined plane, too!!
The back of the book has several pages for creative minds to explore simple machines, tools, and hands on information. A great opportunity to use a fun book to teach, and teach, and teach some more.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win one copy of The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story about the Six Simple Machines provided by SylvanDell Publishing for one of our readers. Begins January 17 & ENDS February 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
 
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DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story about the Six Simple Machines was provided by SylvanDell Publishing in exchange for this honest review. Opinions expressed are solely ours. The winner’s complimentary copy is also provided directly to them by Sylvan Dell.

The Real Win By Colt McCoy and Matt Carter


About the book: Prepare for a paradigm-shifting view of biblical manhood.

Every man wants to succeed. But for so many, life seems to get in the way. We all have friends—good men, followers of Christ even—who start out well but before long, they’re failing at relationships, bending ethical standards, or driving themselves so hard at work they’re losing the hearts of their wife and kids.

In The Real Win, Colt McCoy and Matt Carter wrestle deeply and personally with this challenge, then deliver down-to-earth, biblical answers.

Review: The Real Win by Colt McCoy and Matt Carter is an excellent book for men of all walks of life. Young men could read this book to help them prepare for life. Adult men can find advice and help for every area and stage of their lives. The book covers topics that have to do with the home, the workplace, personal character, and leaving a worthy legacy behind. Any man seeking to better himself will find guidance through this book.

The beginning of the book introduces these two authors to us. Colt McCoy is currently the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Matt Carter is the pastor of Austin Stone Community Church. Both of these men offer wide perspectives from their very different lives. The premise of this book has to do with the fact that often we see men who are successful according to the world’s standards, but then fail in areas of life that we all consider to be valuable: marriage, family, integrity, etc. The main source for these problems is one of idolatry.

The next section of the book deals with the home. The authors give eight sin traps that men are prone to fall into and how to avoid them. They proceed to show how the husband/wife relationship is second in importance to our relationships with our wives. Men must understand how to love their wives. Finally, the authors explain the father’s role as spiritual leader within the home. The man must make sure his relationship with God is right, then lead his wife in her relationship to God, and finally see that his children have a right relationship to God.

The next section of the book explains the man’s role in the workplace. The authors present several idols that many men place before God in their desire to be successful at work. They encourage men to follow the principles of God’s Word in conducting business. This attitude starts when we realize that God has sovereignty placed us in our work, so He is our true “boss.’ We should work in an excellent way so as to please Him in all we do. This will also dictate our relationships with co-workers of the opposite sex.

The final section of the book centers on personal character. The authors explain why we face trials and what our attitude and outlook should be as we go through trials. They also demonstrate what it means to leave a legacy of whole-hearted service to the Lord. We can do this as we live a life that obviously shows what God is doing in our hearts, remaining faithful to our wives and families, and by being courageous to fulfill the calling that God has placed on each of our lives.

This book was wonderful and easy to read. The end of the book also includes a study guide that goes along with each chapter of the book. So, this book would be great for a person to read alone, or for a group of men to study and encourage each other together. (Critique by Bobby Lyles)

Read an Excerpt
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of The Real Win was provided by the book review program of Multnomah in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

(Review & Giveaway) Animal Helpers: Zoos by Jennifer Keats Curtis


Paperback $9.95
ISBN: 9781607188506 
About the book:   Zoos are amazing places to see and learn about the many native and exotic of animals that inhabit this world. Some animals are plentiful while others are threatened or in danger of extinction. Zookeepers not only feed and care for these animals, they may also be helping to conserve and protect whole species through breeding and “head start” programs. Follow the extraordinary duties of these unusual animal helpers in this behind-the-scenes photographic journal.

My thoughts: Award-winning nature author Jennifer Keats Curtis has created another in her series of “Animal Helpers” - Zoos -  that is spot-on with its text, illustrations, and educational pages at the back of the book.

Animal Helpers: Zoos inquires of the reader whether they could do certain things for the animals in the zoos.  It asks the reader could you do….. while picturing a zoo worker scrubbing a rhino’s foot or giving a baby moose a bottle – all daily incidentals that occupy a zoo worker.

The book presents facts in a subtle way – “Zoos are safe, permanent homes for native and exotic animals.” – letting the child understand that there are many types of animals housed in the zoo.

The interest level of this book can span preschool through middle elementary grades.  For the older child, the “For Creative Minds” section at the end of the book can present ideas and facts that will engage him. This is a book that examines the zoo employee’s work and also gives information that will intrigue and inform on different levels. Example: Occupations of Zookeepers, Zoologists and Veterinarian are described with enough detail that a child can comprehend that there are differences while they all deal with the care and/or understanding of animals.
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win one copy of Animal Helpers Zoos provided by SylvanDell Publishing for that special child in your life. Begins January 14 & ENDS February 4 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to contiguous USA.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Comments from the young students at Alamance Christian School:  
  • I liked it because it's cute.
  • I liked the baby alligator.
  • I liked all the baby animals. I really liked the 'gater.
  • I liked the monkeys.
  • I liked the baby polar bear.
  • I liked all the cool animals in the book.
  • I loved it! The pictures are so cute. 
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Animal Helpers Zoos was provided by Sylvan Dell Publishers in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. The winner’s complimentary copy is also provided directly to them by Sylvan Dell.

Friday, January 10, 2014

My Princess Devotions – Preschool Edition by Karen Whiting

ISBN: 978-1-4143-6905-1
Hardcover: $14.99

From the Back Cover:  Little girls love to pretend they are princesses. Now they don’t have to pretend any longer.  The One Year My Princess Devotions: Preschool Edition will teach girls that they are truly daughters of the almighty King. They will also learn how much God loves them and what God expects from his children.

Each devotion includes a short scripture (Royal Words), a special message (Royal Thoughts), a prayer for the King, and an activity related to the devotion’s theme (Princess in Action).

Your little princess will want to read about her King each day and learn how to live like royalty throughout her life.

Review:  This daily devotional book is a great way to introduce and teach young girls how important it is to read God’s word each day.  Although the title targets “preschool,” I believe you can easily share this with 1st and 2nd graders; especially because each devotion is short and early elementary would probably enjoy “reading” along with you.  The cover of the book is really quite pretty and will be very attractive to young girls because it shows two little princesses.  The inside pages are just as pretty.  They are different shades of pink with stars, flowers, and hearts on the pages.  The graphic design of the book is well done and very pretty.

Though the cover is well designed, I found that the content was just as enjoyable.  As the back cover stated, each daily devotion is divided into four sections:  “Royal Words” – scripture; “Princess Thoughts” – a short message directed at your own little princess; “A Prayer for the King” – training the little ones to talk with God; and “Princess in Action: - teaching how we can put feet to our prayers.  I really liked this division because it would allow you to just touch one item on the page if you little one is restless or just wants to flip pages. 

Another reason I enjoyed this devotional book is that it helps us adults begin to teach our young girls their value in the Lord and how God sees them as His little princesses.  In a world that is constantly showing our young girls/teenagers/adult women that they are not good enough unless they “look a certain way,” we need to grab onto God’s ideal of a princess instead of the world’s. 

The only drawback I could see for some people is that author has chosen to use different translations for the scripture references.  For me, this was absolutely not a problem because it can provide an opportunity for you to look it up in your Bible and read along with the book.  Children need simplicity and I did not find any scripture reference that was “twisted.”  It is our responsibility to introduce our children to the Word of God and this one-year devotional can aid you in doing this.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book for any family.  It is a beautifully illustrated book with sweet devotions targeted for our girls! (rev. P.Howard)

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

In The Secret Service - The True Story of the Man Who Saved President Reagan's Life by Carolyn Parr and Jerry Parr



Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN13: 9781414378718
About the book:  Meet Jerry Parr. In 1981, he was the agent standing next to Ronald Reagan when John Hinckley, Jr., stepped out of the crowd, intent on killing the president. "In the Secret Service" is an adrenaline-filled ride through the life of the agent who saved Ronald Reagan's life. Jerry spent much of his life as a silent eyewitness to history, with a gun at his fingertips. What motivates a man who is ready at a moment's notice to step into the path of a bullet? In "In the Secret Service, " you'll also follow Jerry's inner journey. That journey led him from the halls of the powerful to the streets of the poor in Washington, D.C., to the mountain passes of war-torn El Salvador to help orphans.You won't want to miss this insider's perspective on the Secret Service and a look into the heart of a man who was--and is--ready to sacrifice himself for another. At times heart-pounding, at times heartrending, this richly textured memoir of a Secret Service Agent will first move you to the edge of your seat, then to the depths of your soul.

Review:  One of Jerry Parr's favorite things to do was go to the Tower Theater with his dad. One night they went to see a movie about the Secret Service starring Ronald Reagan. Jerry decided at that moment he would love to be in the secret service.

In 1962 Jerry was about to graduate college with a BA in English and a minor in Philosophy. He was also about to have a child with his wife Carolyn. He was looking for interviews and saw under the corporations "Central Intelligence Agency" and "Secret Service." During his interview he learned that new agents didn't get in the white house to protect the president. They had to work their way up. Jerry was offered a job with the CIA as an industrial analyst and the Secret Service wanted him as a special agent.

The first president that Jerry protected was Jack Kennedy. Jerry was not on duty to protect President Kennedy when he was shot, but he remembers hearing it for the first time while watching television with his wife. He was called to help investigate the case of the shooter. His work on the case helped him move up and earn trust in the agency. He was now protecting President Johnson. Jerry became consumed with keeping the President safe. He was not going to let a President get shot on his watch. 

Jerry became one of the best agents and would find himself forming a relationship with each president and their family. By the time he was protecting Reagan, everything was instinct. He was looking at everything and every person as a possible threat. The day that president Raegan was shot was very personal. Jerry and his men had made sure every thing was done in order. Jerry was so focused on his surroundings that he was able to react quickly when he heard the first shots. He forced himself onto President Reagan and pushed him into the car. Jerry was relieved when he checked the president and saw no signs of a bullet wound. Jerry let the others know that the President was okay and that they all should head to the White House. Not long after making the call Jerry noticed that the presidents color was bad. He then made the decision to radio in that they would head to the hospital. He got the president to the hospital just in time. The surgeons found a slit that was from a bullet that was flattened like a dime. Thankfully they were able to get the bullet out. While Reagan was in the hospital he was known as a wonderful patient and the staff hated to see him go.

At age 56 Jerry graduated with a degree in Pastoral Counseling. He and his wife Carolyn decided that they would spend their time helping those in need. They loved pouring their time and heart out to people in shelters. After being in the agency protecting the presidents,, Jerry wanted to spend the rest of his life leading and helping others find protection in God. (reviewed by S.Wall)

Jerry & Carolyn Parr
About the authors:  Jerry Parr served as a Special Agent in the United States Secret Service from 1962-1985. During his tenure he protected four Vice Presidents and was Special Agent in Charge (Head of White House Detail) for Presidents Carter and Reagan. After retiring from the Secret Service, Mr. Parr earned a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University. He was ordained as a minister by the Church of the Saviour in Washington, DC in 1989. Mr. Parr remains involved in a number of professional organizations and community service activities including the Association of Former Agents of the U.S. Secret Service (Past President) and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Mr. Parr is a former co-pastor and current Retreat Leader and Spiritual Director for Festival Church in Washington, DC.
 
DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary an Advanced Reader Copy of In the Secret Service was given by Tyndale Blog Network  in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.