The Tenant by Charles G West book review

The Tenant
By: Charles G West

The Tenant by Charles G West is a great medical science fiction thriller. When I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is believable. Have you ever wondered if a brain transplant could be accomplished—and if so—what the consequences would be? This book is full of suspense, a switch on mistaken identity, and a pursuit for the truth.

Dr Christopher Warren and Dr John Sumner have successfully transplanted brains from one primate to another. William James is wanted for attacking a woman. The cops go after him; he hits one with a shovel, and the other cop shoots him— but doesn’t kill him. Dr Warren is passing by and goes over to help. He takes James to the hospital and James drives a screwdriver into his chest. Dr Sumner can’t save Dr Warren, but he can save James; therefore, he puts Dr Warren’s brain into James’ body. Once this procedure is considered a success, you won’t believe what happens. The only people to know what has happened are a nurse who decides to leave because she can’t handle this and Dr Sumner—who gets killed. West’s story is about Dr Warren’s plight to prove his innocence in the accused body (who he finds out is really Jesse Campbell), his quest to reunite with his wife, and his acceptance with a body that is not his own.

Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. This is a very believable story about a brain transplant, and a guy in somebody else’s body accused of a crime. How does he go about proving his innocence? How does he get someone to believe him? Does he get reunited with his wife in this other person’s body? You will have to read this book to experience what happens. You’ll be glad you did. Even after finishing the book, you’ll have to go back to reread parts. It’s that good!

Backyard Horses by Dandi Daley Mackall book review

I received this book, Backyard Horses by Dandi Daley Mackall, free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review. I loved this book!! If you have ever prayed for something to happen, this is the book for you. Mackall does a great job showing the power of prayer, trusting, and believing in God for miracles in the life of almost-10 year old Ellie.

All Ellie wants is a beautiful stallion to ride in the Hamilton Royal Horse Show. She daydreams about this horse. She has prayed for years for God to send her a horse. She is doing a science project on how to get a horse. Begging and crying have already been tried and failed—all that is left is praying. Then, one day she is daydreaming out the window, and there is a pinto horse running around lost; but nobody believes she saw a horse. Ellie thinks, “It’s a horrible feeling when the only one who believes you is you.”

But God has control of this situation. Ellie is dreaming of a champion stallion; God shows her a pinto. Ellie’s brother, Ethan, is deaf. Ellie’s mother and father, and her friends help round out the story. The characters are very believable. Ethan signs to Ellie that there’s no such thing as a coincidence—only God things—which are events only God could bring together. Ellie finally realizes what she has been wanting is right in front of her. Will she realize it in time? Will she get to keep “her” horse? Ellie tells us that she guesses a lot of her prayers are selfish. But she doesn’t think God gets mad for it. She can see Jesus smiling at her when she prays. He’s just glad she can be hones with Him. That is how we need to be. Tell God what you want; the answer may still be no, but at least you’re being honest.

This story is an honest look at a 10 year old’s view of wanting something. It will touch your heart, make you laugh, make you cry—but leave you with a very good feeling at the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by Dandi Daley Mackall. Thank you for an amazing book!

Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh is a must read. This is a story about a Jewish boy whose father dies, then he is kidnapped by the Cossacks, and subsequently drafted into the Russian Army. You get drawn into the story from the start.

Do you regret not knowing an ancestor who is gone now, and there is no one left to answer questions? Do you wish you knew their story? This is a historical fictional account of what might have happened to Blubaugh’s grandfather. He knew his grandfather had been a Russian Cossack soldier and had immigrated to America in 1910. Blubaugh puts those pieces together—with the historical facts of the Cossacks—and weaves a believable fictional account of his grandfather’s life.

Night of the Cossack starts with Nathan waking up to the Cossacks attacking his village. He is kidnapped by Nikolai, a Cossack soldier. He takes him in as his son and teaches him the way of the Cossack. I enjoyed learning about the Cossack way of life. The story follows the adventures, betrayals, and challenges of Nathan and how he adapts to his surroundings to survive and make it to America. You will be amazed at Nathan’s story—from changing his name a few times to escape capture to traveling the secret route set up to convey Jews to Bucharest. Nathan eventually gets a job on a ship and sails for America.

If you love adventure, historical fiction, and suspense, I highly recommend this book, Night of the Cossack.