Beyond Justice, by Cara Putman

Hayden McCarthy is a no-holds-barred attorney who lives for her work. When she is given a wrongful death case against the government, she knows that it is going to be a career-making case.  She is determined to follow through and win at all costs, despite blatant signs that someone or someones will go to great lengths to get her to drop the case, as well as romantic distractions in the form of her roommate's handsome and charming cousin, Andrew Wesley. 

This was a good and suspenseful book, and a relatively quick read.  Ms Putnam weaves together several tough elements and issues such as immigration, corruption, romance, and faith.  The characters were well-developed and likable, including the secondary players.  Hayden's roommate Emilie was a hoot, and I would love to see more of her in future books.  The pacing was excellent, and kept me turning right until the unexpected end.

This was the first book I've read by this author, but I would love to read more.  Great book for a fun and suspenseful summer read.



*I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

Mistfit Faith, by Jason J. Stellman

Misfit Faith, by Jason J Stellman, is the refreshingly honest, raw, and thought-provoking journey of a man who became disillusioned with the church, and what it actually means to follow Christ.  Frustrated by rules, dogma, and hypocrisy, Stellman seeks to find his own faith, his own way, despite feeling like a spiritual misfit.

As someone who has definitely lived a great deal of my life in frustration with organized Christianity, and ultimately found my faith outside of the church, I was really looking forward to reading this book.  It did not disappoint.  It made me want to have a beer with the author to discuss it further... and I don't even drink beer.

Stellman is an excellent and engaging writer.  He combines personal stories, biblical insights, and humor with great skill.  He's also well-versed in pop culture (one of my favorite things) and doesn't take himself too seriously.  He doesn't shy away from tackling big issues like heaven, whether God is angry or loving, the significance of the trinity, and how we should be approaching "earthly" things.  His writing style is casual and conversational, and I couldn't put the book down once I'd started. 

I'd recommend this book to anyone who doesn't fit into a two-dimensional Christian box, who's ever questioned their faith, who doesn't want to be spoon-fed, and who wants to dig deep and really discover a God who is patient and loving and maybe not quite the jerk that Sunday school made him out to be.

If you're super sensitive about your faith, or offended easily (he uses fun, in-your-face chapter headings like, "Embracing Our Inner Dickhead"), maybe tread with a little caution.  But if you're willing to let go a little bit, especially if you've ever wondered where you, and God, fit in in this whole kaleidoscope of Christianity.... grab your favorite adult beverage and start reading.

Two enthusiastic thumbs up. 



I received this book from Blogging for Books for my review. All opinions are my own.