What Lies Within
By Karen Ball
Published by Multnomah
ISBN 978-1-59052-415-2
Back Cover :
By Karen Ball
Published by Multnomah
ISBN 978-1-59052-415-2
Back Cover :
Kyla Justice owns one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful construction companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. When she’s asked to build a center for inner-city kids, she finally realizes what’s lacking; purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not supply problems, gang opposition, or her boyfriend’s request to sell her business and marry him. And most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.
Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars – and the nightmares – to prove it. No longer able to fight overseas, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting God to reveal why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.
Together, Kyla and Rafe discover their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other – and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything….
Review :
Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars – and the nightmares – to prove it. No longer able to fight overseas, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting God to reveal why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.
Together, Kyla and Rafe discover their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other – and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything….
Review :
What Lies Within is the third book in the Family Honor Series. Karen Ball has saved the best for last.
Karen richly develops each character and I connected with them right away. Chapter after chapter the plot thickens; and my heart raced. There are many twists and surprises revealed as the hearts of the characters Rafe, Kyla, Fredrick and gang leader King K are exposed.
The story caused me to wonder what lies deep within my own heart. As I read the struggle of Rafe Murphy – x-marine, trying to make sense of his new life; Kyla – a strong women; CEO of her successful construction company as she does her job in a male dominated field. She’s as tough as they come – she has to be. The author is gut honest as Rafe and Kyla share what is in their hearts and on their minds
In the author notes Karen Ball says that this book was an answer to prayer. As I read this intricate story I could see God’s message emerging from the beginning of this tale to the end. It’s powerful; and enlightening in many ways.
The story starts off with a bang as Rafe Murphy (leader of Force Recon Marine Squade) is in the middle of trying to save his men from impending death as the enemy is ready to pounce on them.
When he comes home he gets involved in a war that is much more personal; something he never expected to be involved with – fighting a gang in his very own neighborhood. Rafe comes to grips with the fact that those involved in combating gangs – and those resisting them – need prayer 24/7. This is a new type of combat for him. The world of gangs is a dark, pervasive place, where humanity gives way to violence and mercy to degradation. Once in a gang the only way out is death. There is only one source of light in such darkness and that is Jesus Christ. Rafe and Kyla learn that there is nothing good that lives in their hearts – but Jesus.
At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from someone famous and a scripture. Some of these quotes and scripture pierced my heart before the chapter did. A few of the many quotes that the Holy Spirit used to get my attention are “We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday & fear of tomorrow.” Fulton Oursler
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do…Explore. Dream. Discover” Mark Twain.
“God knows all hearts and He sees you. He keeps watch over your soul” Proverbs 24:12
The impact of this book is deep. It continues to work on my heart and my mind as the Lord keeps replaying segments of this book in my mind; through my day. It makes me realize yet again that God knows what is in the depths of my soul and still loves me. He will use me if I’m willing to be willing to let Him do the impossible deep inside my heart, mind and soul. This book is a keeper. You’ll want to re-read this story and discover treasure you might have missed the first time.
Nora St.Laurent
Life Way Book Club Servant Leader
Karen richly develops each character and I connected with them right away. Chapter after chapter the plot thickens; and my heart raced. There are many twists and surprises revealed as the hearts of the characters Rafe, Kyla, Fredrick and gang leader King K are exposed.
The story caused me to wonder what lies deep within my own heart. As I read the struggle of Rafe Murphy – x-marine, trying to make sense of his new life; Kyla – a strong women; CEO of her successful construction company as she does her job in a male dominated field. She’s as tough as they come – she has to be. The author is gut honest as Rafe and Kyla share what is in their hearts and on their minds
In the author notes Karen Ball says that this book was an answer to prayer. As I read this intricate story I could see God’s message emerging from the beginning of this tale to the end. It’s powerful; and enlightening in many ways.
The story starts off with a bang as Rafe Murphy (leader of Force Recon Marine Squade) is in the middle of trying to save his men from impending death as the enemy is ready to pounce on them.
When he comes home he gets involved in a war that is much more personal; something he never expected to be involved with – fighting a gang in his very own neighborhood. Rafe comes to grips with the fact that those involved in combating gangs – and those resisting them – need prayer 24/7. This is a new type of combat for him. The world of gangs is a dark, pervasive place, where humanity gives way to violence and mercy to degradation. Once in a gang the only way out is death. There is only one source of light in such darkness and that is Jesus Christ. Rafe and Kyla learn that there is nothing good that lives in their hearts – but Jesus.
At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from someone famous and a scripture. Some of these quotes and scripture pierced my heart before the chapter did. A few of the many quotes that the Holy Spirit used to get my attention are “We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday & fear of tomorrow.” Fulton Oursler
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do…Explore. Dream. Discover” Mark Twain.
“God knows all hearts and He sees you. He keeps watch over your soul” Proverbs 24:12
The impact of this book is deep. It continues to work on my heart and my mind as the Lord keeps replaying segments of this book in my mind; through my day. It makes me realize yet again that God knows what is in the depths of my soul and still loves me. He will use me if I’m willing to be willing to let Him do the impossible deep inside my heart, mind and soul. This book is a keeper. You’ll want to re-read this story and discover treasure you might have missed the first time.
Nora St.Laurent
Life Way Book Club Servant Leader
1 comment:
Nora, what can I say but...
Wow.
Thanks so much for your kind words about WHAT LIES WITHIN. You've blessed this writer's heart--and then some! To know the story came across as it did, to see that a reader loves these characters as much as I do...well, what writer could ask for more.
May the One who calls us all to the task of sharing His love bless you in abundance.
Karen Ball
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