BOOK REVIEW: CORPORATE WORSHIP BY MATT MERKER

 

This is the third of the 9Marks books I've read, and thus far it's my favorite. Matt Merker does an excellent job of pointing out why Christians should gather. (The Greek word translated "church" is εκκλησία (ekklesia), which means "an assembly.") He then points out how the church worship service is not just a show but where we can encourage each other.

One thing I like about this book is the author is aware his readers may disagree about other issues, and in his notes tries to present opposing views, keeping his focus on encouraging corporate worship.

Too often, in Christian circles "worship" is synonymous with "music." Merker (who is a musician/songwriter) does deal with the singing in the service, but he views the whole service to be worship and singing is just one form of worship during the service.

Allow me to add one area where I disagree with what he says, though I agree with why he says it, and he may agree with my ideas on the subject, which deals with Special Music. In fact, starting next Sunday (October 3, 2021), I'll be doing a four part series on church music.

I highly recommend this book for all Christians, and especially for pastors/elders and music leaders, not just to read themselves but have discussion groups with the congregation about this book.

What ways can you think of to develop Christian community, especially during the Sunday morning worship service?

INTERVIEW WITH YA FANTASY AUTHORS JACKIE CASTLE AND J. M. HACKMAN

"Lawful Authority" by Meghan Williams, Dyed4YouArt

 

I'm doing a first: I'm interviewing not one but two authors this time around. Jackie Castle and J. M. Hackman have written two of my favorite fantasy series: respectively The White Road Tales (6 novels plus some novellas) and the Firebrand Chronicles (3 novels). I thought it would be fun to interview both authors together and compare some of their thoughts.

One quick comment: the picture above is courtesy of Meghan Williams.  It has nothing to do with either of the fantasy series, but I thought it fit discussing that genre.

To make this easier to keep track of who's who, my print is in black, Jackie Castle's is in red, and J. M. Hackman's in blue.

JR: Let me start with the most important question first. If I need a combination companion, counselor, and chauffeur, which is the better option? A griffin like Arvandus or a centaur such as Lotari?

JC: Well, Lotari is not only a loyal companion and advisor, but he’s also a brave protector, as well. As far as the chauffeur, never ask a centaur for a ride: they get insulted when humans treat them like pack animals. However, because four legs are always faster than two, when they need to get somewhere, centaurs can be quite generous about offering a ride. Patience isn’t always a virtue with these creatures.

JH: Unlike a centaur, you can ride a griffin…if you’re bonded to each other.
Otherwise, you’re on your own. If you are bonded, though, you get all the benefits—wise, a little snark (a must when dealing with headstrong teens), and a fearsome protector. He’ll always have your back.

JR: Firebrands and Illuminates sound similar to each other. What are they? How are they alike and unlike?

J. M. Hackman (photo on left): In the Jasper Territory (a continent in the alternate world of Eventyr), everyone receives a gifting (or a talent) as they grow through puberty. Firebrands learn to create and manipulate fire with their bare hands, as well as heal using the warmth they create. It’s up to the user to decide how the talent will be used—for good or ill.

JC: In The White Road Chronicles, Illuminates are those gifted with the ability to glow. Their light can sometimes bring healing, or help a White Tree to flourish and produce fruit. Other Illuminates, called Empowered, can send power into their weapons or shoot bolts of light against the enemy.

JR: What was the inspiration of the White Road Tales and the Firebrand Chronicles?

Jackie Castle (photo on right): Wow, it’s been so long since I began the White Road journey. I remember having a dream about this girl that was trying to find her way home. She could glow and it was believed that she was a healer of the land. True story. I woke up and began wondering who that girl was and eventually, Alyra introduced herself. The White Road Chronicles is an allegory, in a way, of the Christian walk. We are given a path to follow, talents to see us through the challenges that arise during our journey, and if we’ll stay on our path, we will find safety and purpose. But how many of us truly stay on that narrow road all the time? It’s not as easy as it seems.

JH: I’ll be honest, Harry Potter inspired the Firebrand Chronicles. After finishing the Harry Potter series, I kept wondering three things: 

1) I believe God gives each person gifts, talents they’re to use for a specific purpose. What would it look like if an individual’s gift manifested itself in a more visible way, like being able to create fire?  

2) Where were the girls? Action-adventure tales gave us Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the entire motley crew who ran off to Mordor, but where were the females who did heroic, amazing feats? And lastly  

3) How would a neurodiverse character change the world? Because there are very few example of neurodiversity in fantasy, I wanted to give readers an inside view of ADHD. The more representation there is, the more people understand.  

JR: What talents do the people in your fantasy realms have? How can they be identified?

JH: There are literally too many to name (just like here on Earth), but there are twelve more common talents: Firebrand, Waterbrand, Illusionbrand, Weatherbrand, Builderbrand, Metalbrand, Sensitive, Time Reeler, Warrior, Finder, Wisdom Trainer, and Visionary. (Phew!) Sometimes, it’s impossible to identify someone’s talent; other times, like with a Weatherbrand, it’s obvious.

JC: Some people are illuminates, healers, guides, leaders, builders, warriors, ect. The talents in my series are more organic, though some are more powerful than others. I’ve jotted down a few talents, but I learn of more as I go along with each new story.

JR: Could you tell me about your villains Darnell and Rune? What techniques do they have to try to overthrow the true ruler of the realm? Are there any similarities how these scoundrels are fought with the Spiritual warfare we Christians face?

JC: Darnel’s rise to power is being told in the Chronicles of Alburnium series I’m currently writing. In the White Road Chronicles, he has already risen to power. I can’t really give away how he is overthrown, but I will say that the best way to overthrow our enemies is to get over our fear of them.

JH: Rune’s been amassing followers as he plans to fulfill his father’s desire for a One World Territory. But to do so he needs more power to overthrow the true ruler, Emperor Rexson. So he’s also on a quest to own the three most powerful artifacts of the Jasper Territory—the Sacred Veil, the Stones of the Spring, and the Caelestis Staff. My main characters fight Rune by using their God-given talents. Aside from prayer, this is the best way we can fight evil.

JR: Thank you both for your time. Would you like to let us know what your current/future projects are and let us know how we can keep up to date with you?

JH: These were fun questions! Currently, I’m revising a futuristic Snow White retelling. Think Snow White meets Star Wars in the vein of the Lunar Chronicles. I’ve plotted three of the four additional books in that series, all retellings. I’ll be looking for an agent for this project soon. I just wish I could write faster! J

To keep up to date with me, sign up for my newsletter at www.jmhackman.com. I release a newsletter every month (usually ;-) ). I talk about books I’ve read, share my current projects, and have occasional giveaways!

JC: I am currently writing finishing the second trilogy in the Chronicles of Alburnium. This series still takes place in Alburnium, but at an earlier time in history when the land was divided into Provinces which were ruled by Regents. This series chronicles Darnel’s rise to power. There are a few familiar faces as the books progress, but the stories involve all original characters and situations. You can keep up with me and my writing at www.jackiecastle.com.

WHICH NOVELISTS HAVE I READ THE MOST NOVELS BY? AND IS THAT LIST CHANGING?

Courtesy of ereaderlove.com via Sharon Kirk Clifton

I have been comparing how my list of authors I've read the most have changed over the years. 

NOTE - I did not say my favorite authors. I may have read more novels by an author I really like than one I absolutely love, for various reasons - primarily, because the one I like has written more novels than the one I love.

Let me start with 1978, when I left Cottonwood and started Bible College. At that point, the novelists I read the most looked like this:

1. James Blish - 11 books. 
2. Ian Fleming - 10.
3. Agatha Christie - 5.
4. Ellery Queen - 5.
5. John R. Cooper - 4. 

What did that list tell about me? Well, for one, I got in binges. My interest in Baseball got me hooked on John R. Cooper's Mel Martin YA series. After seeing James Bond movies, I read Ian Fleming. Following the '74 version of "Murder On The Orient Express," I started reading Agatha Christie (and Ellery Queen benefitted from that interest in mysteries). Most of the books I've read by Blish were his novelizations of the episodes of Star Trek The Original Series; the only Blish novel I read was titled "Spock Must Die" (the first ST novel).

Now, let me fast forward twenty plus years to '00. This period of time had two phases - a lot of novels read between '81 and '86, and not much reading done afterwards. Here's what my list looked like at that point:

1. James Blish - 13.
   
2. Agatha Christie - 12
3. Ian Fleming - 10
4. Stephen King - 8
5. Allistair MacLean - 7

I debated on leaving it with the top 5, or including those who I've read more than five novels by, and I decided at this phase to do the former. I did read a 6th Ellery Queen novel, which left him in 6th place.  You'll notice Agatha Christie jumped up on the list, as well as the entrance of Stephen King and Allistair MacLean. 

I previously mentioned comparing the lists of '86 and '00 (which is the one I'm using). There are only two differences. First, in '86 MacLean would have been tied for fifth with Queen at six novels apiece. A co-worker brought in an audio version of a MacLean novel, and I'm counting that on my list. The other was that in '00, my two favorite authors would be MacLean and Frank Peretti, who was lower on the list because I didn't read as many of his novels.

Three items of note took place by '10: I started reading more books (fiction and non-fiction), I started writing my novel, and I discovered Amazon and learned of new authors that way. As a result, here's how the list changed:

1. James Blish -13
2. Agatha Christie - 12
3. Allistair MacLean - 11
4. Ian Fleming - 10
5. Stephen King - 8
6. Randy Singer - 8

You may notice that the top five names were the same, with MacLean jumping up two spots from 5th to 3rd. Likewise, you'll see that MacLean was the only one of the five to increase, giving you a hint that some writers I used to read a lot of I wasn't reading as much. (One of them would have a resurgance - you can guess which one if you wish.)

But then in sixth place (technically, tied for fifth) is a new name. Randy Singer took over Peretti's place as my favorite author (MacLean remained in second). I also started reading more books by women. Amy Wallace had a trilogy I absolutely loved.

I mentioned I had wrote my novel. You may know that I attempted to self-publish and the company went belly-up in spectacular fashion (it's collapse was on the front page of the Indianapolis Star and reported on the TV broadcasts). This led me to get involved with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), which not only helped in my writing but also got me hooked on more authors. 

In 2013, I took part of a challenge from author Janalyn Voigt, set a goal to read 20 books (both fiction and non-fiction) and succeeded. The next year, I went on a rampage and read 29 novels (not counting non-fiction books). I haven't matched that since, though I do read about 25 novels a year. 

Previously, I've done looks at every ten years - this time, I'll only move ahead five years to 2015. And presto:

1. Agatha Christie 17
2. James Blish 13
3. Allistair MacLean 13
4. Randy Singer 13
5. Ian Fleming 10

Not very over-whelming, is it? True, Agatha Christie and Randy Singer added five books each to their total. 

However, I've been adding other authors to the list. At that time, I considered five novels to be the Hall of Fame pre-requisite. At 2015, besides Stephen King and Ellery Queen were Frank Peretti and Amy Wallace. But other authors were knocking at the door, with Donna Fletcher Crow, Julianna Deering (aka DeAnna Dodson), and Nancy Mehl joining in the list. 

So let me expand past the top five on the list at this moment in 2021:

1. Agatha Christie - 23
2. Donna Fletcher Crow - 15
3. Allistair MacLean - 15
4. Nancy Mehl - 15
5. Randy Singer - 14
6. James Blish - 13
7. Ian Fleming - 10
8. Kerry Nietz - 9
9. Stephen King - 8
10. Jill Williamson - 7

Tied for 11th place at 6 each: Jackie Castle, Julianna Deering, Sandra Orchard, John Otte, and Ellery Queen.

Tied for 16th place at 5 each: Jodie Bailey, Frank Peretti, and Amy Wallace.  

Again, does this mean that Agatha Christie is my favorite author? No. I could pick on several authors on this list (and some not on the list, such as J.P. Leck), but I'll choose John Otte. I like John Otte better than Agatha Christie. But John Otte's bibliography is half of the Miss Marple series, which is a third of the Hercule Poirot collection. (And yes, Christie has a lot of stories that are neither Marple or Poirot.) Otte needs to go on a tear for me to read as many of his books to catch up with Dame Agatha.

Which authors have you read the most by? Are the authors you read the most by the same as your favorite authors?

INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN DAN SCHAFER

 

When I worked at Opryland, I originally looked forward to going to the cafeteria in hopes of mingling with others. After several lunches spent with me, myself, and I, I started bringing my Bible and using that time to read. 

One lunch, someone asked me about what I was reading. It was Dan Schafer, who was part of the Country and Bluegrass show at the time. Since then we've become good friends, and I thought it would be fun to interview him. So, without further ado...

JR: A double whammy question to start: How did you come to Christ, and how did you get into music?

DS: I was raised Roman Catholic, many years in Catholic school, catechism, etc., so I knew about Jesus and the Bible, but I didn’t read it and was indifferent about the whole religion thing. I believed in God and really thought I had a relationship with him till later in my teen years. Because I was in the arts, I got seduced into the New Age, Eastern thing. Really searched for truth many years. I came to Christ in 1985 after experiencing a bad car accident & having many Christians witness to me & steer me to the Bible. The fulfilled Old Testament  prophecies of Jesus astonished me, and I was surprised at the evidence of 6 day creation which I had been taught was just poetic language. I chose the literal interpretation from the facts I had discovered. Years later I became enthralled by denominational differences, the Doctrines of Grace and the exposing of false doctrine, still present in the world and the apostate church.

I was raised by 2 musicians. My father was a full time musician/DJ who was extremely passionate about music..especially country. He had a great voice and very proficient on guitar & mandolin. My mom played bass & had a terrific harmony ear. I started playing around 10 years old. Once I graduated from high school, I never worked a job outside music.

JR: Howard Hendricks said every man needs a Paul (a mentor), a Barnabas (a friend to encourage), and a Timothy (someone to keep the 2 Timothy 2:2 chain going). Who have filled these roles either in the faith or in music (or both)?

DS: John MacArthur has had the deepest impact on my focus on the Bible. His teaching and commentaries have aided in my sanctification process. I learned a lot from Dave Hunt & Hal Lindsey and R.C. Sproul. I currently follow Todd Friel, as well. I enjoy his humor and candidness.

Musically, it would have to be my Dad and various people and teachers I worked with or encountered. I am very influenced by the Byrds, Beatles, Kinks, Carpenters, David Foster, George Benson, Steve Howe (Yes).

JR: I believe God places every believer where they are for a purpose. How have you seen God working with where he has placed you?

DS: I’m just amazed at where He puts me and love to watch him work in front of me whether it be pleasant or to temper me. His Providence is wonderful!

JR: Sometimes Country artists are sterotyped as closing a set about drinking and cheating with a Gospel song. I'm sure you are probably aware of Spiritual warfare around you. What are some of the greatest tests, and how has God strengthened and encouraged you as you are serving in the mission field (and yes, I believe Bible Belt Buckle Nashville Tennessee is a very difficult mission field.

DS: I have not encountered too much difficulty. Most of my best opportunities have been because I am a Christian. I’m a firm believer in Christian liberty and have no problems singing a heartbreak-drinking song and a hymn in the same set. I will back off a song that has some seriously bad subject matter, but God can work how He wants to when He wants to. That’s His Providence.

JR: Thank you for your time, Dan. What are you doing musically? Do you have any projects or concerts you want to promote, or any books to recommend?

DS: I’m semi-retired now, enjoying time with wife and grandkids. (2 boys) I still play live sometimes 5 days/nights a week. No recording projects. Just amazed at God’s mercy to allow my to work in a music world controlled by 30 year olds.

Book recommendations would be anything by John MacArthur (my favorites are The Gospel According to Jesus and Strange Fire) or R. C. Sproul.

Thank you for considering me for this. Here are my websites:

• www.DanSchafer.com 
• www.DanSchaferMusic.com 
• www.facebook.com/danschafermusic

BOOK REVIEW: CONFRONTING INJUUSTICE WITHOUT COMPROMISING TRUTH BY THADDEUS J. WILLIAMS

If you're pro-injustice, please raise your hands. Hmmm... I don't see any hands up. Maybe we all want justice, but disagree how to implement it.

Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus J. Williams takes a look at the Social Justice issue. He breaks down the issue into four categories, with three questions on each.

In the introduction, Williams mentions the Newman effect. My first thought was of the grinning Mad Magazine character Alfred E. Neuman. No, this refers to English journalist Cathy Elizabeth Newman, presenter of Channel 4 News. Williams mentions a viral interview she had in 2018 with Canadian psychology professor Jordan Peterson about gender inequality. Newman repeatedly used the phrase "So you're saying..." to interpret Peterson's statements in a negative and unflattering light. At the end of each of the four parts, he returns to "The Newman Effect" by giving five statements that he definitely wasn't saying. 

Each of the twelve chapters feature an essay by different people about how they've overcome prejudice.

I read the handful of 1 star reviews on Amazon, most of which say that he spends his time on one side without giving a fair view on the other side. Reading the book, I question if they did, because Williams is quick to repeatedly point out that there is injustice in the world and that an ineffective form of Social Justice (he terms it as Social Justice B) does have reasons for coming into existence.

I highly recommend this book.

LABOR DAY - MAYBE THE MOST NEGLECTED HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR?

Herdsmen with Cows by Aelbert Cuyp

Let me start by sharing one story that always made my skin to boil. A stewardess in first class was asking a couple if they needed anything. The lady didn't respond. The stewardess asked again. The man turned to her and informed the stewardess, "She doesn't talk to the hired help."

It's obvious when you read through Scripture that God cares about the "hired help." You may remember my blog dealing with the Sabbath. When God gave the fourth commandment, He made it clear it applied to the male and female slaves (and the animals as well) as those who were "free." 

This surprisingly (or not) leads me to Labor Day. How many of you know the history of this day? I do... because I looked it up on-line two days ago. It became a federal holiday on the first Monday of September when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law June 28, 1894. At that time 30 of the 44 states already were celebrating it, starting with Oregon in 1887. Technically, the law was for federal workers - there were strikes in the 1930's for other laborers to enjoy the day off.

Many holidays have often lost their true meaning. Many Christians mourn the commercialism of Christmas. For most people Memorial Day and Independence Day are a day off. Even Thanksgiving has become "Turkey Day" and includes warm-ups for the true holiday of the weekend, Black Friday. My hunch - Labor Day has lost its meaning more than any of the others I've mentioned.

Politically/Historically the Democrats have been the champions of Labor. I'm guessing most of my blog readers know enough history to remember Cleveland was a Democrat (I'm not sure how many of our population know who the 22nd/24th President was, and if so, they only know that he was the only one to serve non-consecutive terms). So was Congress when the holiday was introduced in Congress and signed into law. However, my guess is the ignorance of this holiday is held by both parties.

There are holidays that Christians debate whether they should be celebrated in church, including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day, and even Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter (and other church calendar holidays). Labor Day belongs on that list. I have never heard Labor Day mentioned in a church service.

But, in the scope of eternity, where does celebration of Labor Day rate? Not very high. However, how we treat workers - either those who we personally employ or those we benfit - IS important to God.

Today, my wife and I went to a zoo. No, the zoo workers didn't get a day off. But there were two that were raking a couple of pens, and I spoke to both of them and asked how they were doing. One appreciated it, the other seemed surprised I'd ask. To me, that's showing honor to others.

I started with a non-fiction story that angered me; let me close with a fiction story that inspired me. I won't mention the name so as not to spoil, but I saw an adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot stories. In it, a pair of murders took place at a nightclub. Both times, one member of the party encouraged the band to start playing. The people at the table were focusing on the music, not on the murderer who filled their glasses like a good waiter, added something to one person's glass, and sticking an incriminating bottle into another's pocket. 

Well, actually, I skipped something. Poirot joined in the table at the second occurrence. After one person was carried out, he talked to the other guests (the same people were at both murders), he revealed that nobody noticed the killer behind, and stated that worked because people don't pay attention to the waiters, and then asked the killer if he noticed the person who just refilled his coffee. The killer turned and saw the person he thought he just poisoned. 

Ever since, when somebody refills my coffee or iced tea (they rarely refill my Jamocha shakes), I make it a point to thank them. Not primarily to make sure they don't add anything to my beverage, but because they deserve me to thank them.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TERRI REED

 

JR: As a writer, do you tend to be more of a plotter, or more of a blank pager? Additionally, as a regular contributor to Love Inspired Suspense's K-9 series, how does this impact your normal approach?

TR: I’m definitely a plotter, but I allow for some leeway as I’m writing. My characters will sometime surprise me by doing, saying or feeling something that I hadn’t planned on and I’ve learned those are some of the best moments to allow the story to go where it needs to go. As for the K-9 series, each author is given a synopsis to loosely follow when writing but we are given permission to tweak the story to make it our own.

JR: Your most recent release, I believe, is Alaskan Rescue, the first in the Alaska K-9 Unit series. Which is more fun? Starting the story as in this case? Winding it up? Or writing something in the middle, as Seeking The Truth (True Blue K-9 Unit, part 5) or Explosive Situation (True Blue K-9 Unit Brooklyn, part 4)?

TR: Ohh, good question. Each position in the series has its perks and downside. There’s a lot of pressure being the first book. The author starting off the series has to set up the world of the series, lay out the overarching threads that will run through all the books while at the same time having its own story arc. Being the author who wraps up the series also has the job of making sure all the threads are tied up in nice little bows, that all the characters from the series are mentioned with their happily ever after endings and, also, having their own story arc to give the reader a satisfying ending. The middle books need to make sure they are pulling the threads through from the previous books and, also, setting up clues and such for the next books, all while having their own story arc. Continuities are challenging in a good way and I really enjoy writing them. 

JR: By the way, I absolutely loved Seeking The Truth and Explosive Situation. Would you like to tell us about them and what inspired those stories? And especially, one of my favorite supporting cast members: Kitty?

TR: LOL, Kitty was special!

In Explosive Situation, Olivia Vance is out to prove herself as an internal affairs officer by investigating the accusations leveled against K-9 detective Henry Roarke, but it soon becomes clear Henry and his K-9 partner, Cody, a bomb sniffing beagle, are being targeted by a bomber with a grudge and she’s in the crosshairs. Henry may not like having Olivia digging into his life, but he’s sworn to protect the innocent from harm, including the internal affairs officer and her hairless cat, Kitty. Working together, Olivia and Henry race to stop the bomber before they all lose their lives. 

In Seeking the Truth, Rachelle Clark, the heroine is an ambitious reporter who sets out to interview a K-9 officer, Carter Jameson, about his job and the upcoming K-9 Trials, but she secretly is investigating the murder of his brother and unknowingly puts a target on her back. Carter wants nothing to do with reporters who have made his family’s lives miserable chasing after the story of his brother’s death. His K-9 partner, Frosty, a white German shepherd, on the other hand takes an immediate shine to the pretty lady. When Carter’s tasked with protecting Rachelle, he’s resentful but slowly her southern charm breaks through the defenses of this NYC cop, but can he save her before it’s too late?

JR: As a regular K-9 writer, you don't like dogs, do you? Do you have any dogs? And do they inspire your stories? (I'll admit - I would be surprised if a K-9 story includes my favorite breeds - Keeshonds and Miniature Pinscers.)

TR: I love dogs! I do have a beautiful five-year-old Australian shepherd. We do agility together which has been such a fun activity for us both. I’ve used some of the training I’ve learned with my dog in my stories to bring some realism to the dogs and the handlers. I haven’t written a story yet with either of the two breeds you mention. Hmmm. I will have to suggest them to my edtior.

JR: I see you're working on a story that lacks a dog on the cover. Could you tell us about Dangerous Pursuits and Protecting The Heiress?

TR: Yes, not all of my stories contain dogs. I have a series set in Colorado that features horses, though I did sneak in a dog in one of the books. Though there is no dog in the novella, Protecting the Heiress, the story is a fast-paced tale about a reluctant heiress who needs the protection of the intelligence officer who broke her heart if she is to make it to the reading of her father’s will alive. Here’s the blurb:

 

Time is running out...

On a damp Seattle night, Cecily Fairhaven is rescued from a mugger by the man who broke her heart, Malcolm Cruz. When she learns it’s not a coincidence that Malcolm has shown up out of the blue and that her life is in danger, she must set aside her hurt and anger to trust the man she once loved. But is she really safe? Or will she suffer another broken heart when he leaves?

US Air Force Operations of Special Investigations Agent Malcolm Cruz received a cryptic message begging him to protect Cecily. To honor the man who’d been instrumental in his career, Malcolm wasted no time traveling across the world to safeguard the only woman he’s ever loved and to ensure she makes its home to deal with her father’s estate. But as the threats against her escalate and his feelings for her resurface, he begins to wonder if either of them will come out of this unscathed.

JR: Thank you for your time. Are there any other projects you want to mention? How can we keep up with what you're up to?

TR: Thank you for having me! My upcoming book, Secret Sabotage - book four in my Bristle Township series, releases this coming February 2022. 

The crash was intentional…But he can’t remember why.

With no memory of the crash that landed him in a hospital, Ian Delaney is determined to uncover who sabotaged his helicopter—without the protection of his family-appointed bodyguard. But Simone Walker’s used to stubborn clients and won’t let Ian leave her sight. To catch an unknown traitor, they must rely on each other…or the next attack could prove lethal. From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Readers can find me: 

• https://www.amazon.com/Terri-Reed/e/B001H9VYCQ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share 
• http://www.terrireed.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/terrireedauthorpage/
• https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/178940.Terri_Reed
• https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri-reed
• https://www.instagram.com/terrireedauthor/

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Pair of questions for my readers.

1. I doubt I'm spoiling anything to mention the plot of Explosive Situations is about a police officer falling in love with the Internal Affairs lady who's investigating him on excessive force accusations. Can you think of a combination of hero and heroine that would be just as fascinating?
2. I mentioned my favorite dog breeds. Yes, I find it hard to envision a Min-Pin (or any other toy breed) serving as a K-9. But I find it easy to envision one of these little yappers thinking they can handle the job as well as the big boys, and maybe trying to convince the K-9 who the real alpha is. Can you think of an amusing side story like that?
   

REVIEW OF BRUCKNER: MASSES #2 & 3, TE DEUM, 5 MOTETS

No, I'm not Roman Catholic. No, I don't attend Mass. Yes, I absolutely love listening to Classical Masses. No, I don't understand Latin. But I love the reverence in the music.

For those who are unfamiliar with a Classical Mass, they typically have six movements (named after the first word of the movement): Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei. On albums, it's not unusual for the Gloria and Credo to be divided into different segments, sometimes upping the number of tracks on the vinyl to eleven.

The album I'm reviewing contains two of Anton Bruckner's three masses, as well as other choral compositions. Unlike me, Bruckner (September 4, 1824-October 11, 1896) was Roman Catholic. His music is compared with Gustav Mahler, but one major distinction between the two was Bruckner's faith.

One person describing Bruckner says most of his music, either choral or his instrumental, are strongly flavored with his Catholicism, listing his fourth symphony (aka the Romantic Symphony) as being more secular. That makes me smile, because 1) I am not astute enough to detect the Catholicism in his symphonies, and 2) I can sense the power of God very clearly in the first movement of that symphony.

Bruckner is known for his large, dramatic symphonies. Yet, unlike other musical radicals, Bruckner had humility concerning his compositions. For example, he composed four versions of the Romantic Symphony. One of my favorite compositions period is the third movement of the later versions of that symphony; that hunting horn scherzo was not in the first version. The finale was finalized (sorry, I couldn't resist) in the third version, and the fourth added piccolos and cymbals.

His three masses written in the 1860's were respectively in the keys of D minor, E minor, and F minor (most masses were written in major keys, though probably the best known Mass was Johann Sebastian Bach's in B minor). Wikipedia mentions he wrote four other masses previously.

The first CD of this set starts with the E minor Mass (#2), which was composed for mixed choir and a small group of wind instruments. Some say it was to appease a conservative group known as the Cecilians, who preferred aca pella church music. 

Following the mass is Bruckner's Te Deum. Like the D minor and F minor masses, this was written for performance and composed for mixed choir, soloists, orchestra, and organ.
There are a few compositions that blew me away on first listen, and the Te Deum is an example. It starts with an energetic opening of strings and organ.

The second disc starts with the F minor Mass (#3). This mass is unique among Bruckner's masses is that the first lines of the Gloria and Credo were orchestrated for music; in the previous masses, those segments began with a tenor solo intoning those lines as a priest would. 

Like most masses, the Kyrie is solemn and the Gloria is joyful, but the same excitement shows up in the Credo. I love that the section dealing with the creed - that is, the belief system - is sung with such exuberance. Are we that excited about theology and the truth of God's Word? (Okay, I'll stop preaching and return to reviewing.)

This project concludes with five motets, which were composed for soloists and organ. 

Have you ever listened to a Classical Mass?