L.G. Nixon

The Ghost Writer is a fun book for teen and young adult readers. Although, being an 'old' adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is the second book in The Issachar Gatekeeper series written by L.G. Dixon, but I found it easily read as a stand-alone story.
Teenage friends, Lucy and Schuyler, have been chosen by Iam to fight battles against ordinarily unseen evil spirits and find themselves in some very edge-of-the-seat situations. As they wield their weapons against the annoying and destructive ghosts, Lucy also has numerous issues to deal with in the physical realm. They are realistic issues that will resonate with readers--the death of a pet, parents losing a job, destructive fire, and nasty teachers to boot.
The characters are likable and relatable. The author portrays Lucy as a compassionate daughter, a courageous warrior, and a caring, sometimes crazy friend. I especially liked Lucy's neighbors, Bill and Vivian, and how they looked after Lucy and her family during their struggles and when things went haywire at the school.
The author expertly threads spiritual values throughout, giving readers a good balance with fantasy and mystery. At the end of the book, the author has a word of encouragement and a list of things for readers to think about. There are also several helpful short indexes of scripture references used in the story, a glossary, and a cast of characters.
As noted before, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of this series. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through CelebrateLit and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.… (mehr)

The Issachar Gatekeeper is the second novel in this series. The first novel is titled The Ghost of Darwin Steward. The target audience for this series is middle and high school students.

Ghost hunters, Lucy Hornberger and Schuyler Williams are on a mission to put an end to the hauntings and break a curse. The author sheds light into how a person can be highly influenced by demons and the effectiveness of telling those demons about the High King's truths. The author helps readers understand the reality and nature of angels and God. Included in the back of the book is a list of Scripture references used for this purpose and a Sneak Peek into book three The Ghost You Don’t See.

This novel is intriguing, entertaining and has a touch of suspense. This is for people who enjoy fantasy, paranormal, and mysteries.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/… (mehr)

What a fun adventure the author has written for young adults that will give them a look at ghost hunting. Lucy and Schuyler have their hands full at school as a teenage ghost is causing havoc. What does this ghost want? I liked the reference to the armor of God as Lucy prepares to get rid of the pesky ghosts floating around in the school. They have a sarcastic attitude and enjoy when Lucy gets blamed for the destruction at the school.

I loved the relationship Lucy has with her mom. She knows her mom is having a hard time and wants to help. What a great example Lucy is to her friends by showing them that families stick together and help each other out. I know that act of compassion warms her mother’s heart knowing she has kids that support her.

The story continues from the first book with Lucy and her friend Schuyler facing dark spirits that try to distract them from the truth. I loved the way the author weaves faith throughout the story to what the Bible says about darkness and how it tries to distract you. Fear is not allowed in this story as the two girls go up against evil. Are they ready for the battle against good vs evil? Lucy is warned that “the dark forces are always scheming and plotting ways to attack the kingdom and our followers.”

Lucy needs to be aware of her surroundings at all times and keep vigilant over her area. It reminds me how the enemy looks for a subtle way into our lives to attack our minds. Now is the time to stand firm and not allow anything to keep your eyes from the One. Lucy must remember that whatever choices she makes it can change her destiny.

Within the story you will find valuable lessons we can all learn from. Being anxious and worry is from the enemy. We need to follow Jesus and know that “he has plans to prosper us, not to hurt us.” Isn’t it nice to know that we are loved unconditionally. We must look past our circumstances and see that there is hope.

There are quite a few surprises in the story and Lucy has a lot to overcome. Our lives find us dealing with obstacles that take us away from where we are suppose to be. In the trials we go thru we can see that it can be used for good. Each time I go thru a battle, I learn more about how God is growing me and strengthening my faith.

The author has created a story where ghosts abound and mysterious things happen. Just like the last book I didn’t care for all the ghosts and magic being used. It may be something that the younger kids will enjoy and find within the pages a direction that points them to God. Overall a good story that some can interpret to leading us from darkness into the light. Be sure and pay attention to when Lucy is able to help someone who has been grieving for awhile. All along Lucy thought this person did not like her. It is a breakthrough that leads to healing from the thoughts that caused bitterness and despair.

“Only the truth can protect you and guide you.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mehr)

This book has a feel of Nancy Drew with a twist on spiritual warfare. It is a different kind of story that not everyone will like. I think it would be suited best for young adult to adults. I love the mystery in the story and how the author is able to combine ghosts, strange creatures and secrets to give readers plenty of action and a look at how evil can slip in and trick people.

“When a person allows strong feelings to rob them of joy and happiness , their spirit slowly withers away.” This is something Lucy and her friend will find important to remember. Lucy is strong and seems to be able to grasp what she is learning to keep her grounded. But she must always be on guard, because darkness is always close by.

After Lucy finds interesting items at a flea market such as a bracelet and something called a Spectrescope, strange things start happening. Why does someone want the Spectroscope and what value does it have? With her friend Schuyler, the adventure begins with strange spirits that could be dangerous. I was very intrigued by Iam who is there to give Lucy advice and keep her eyes focused on good and not evil.

The story did creep me out at times because I don’t like ghosts at all. The author however doesn’t go into much detail of what they look like so that helps somewhat. I did feel like I was part of the story as Lucy and Schuyler investigate what is after them. Does the house Lucy lives in have secrets? We will soon see what Lucy will face as evil is closing in.

The story is very much an illustration of spiritual warfare and putting on the armor of God. Iam reminds Lucy to trust and when she does she see that the enemy flees. We have free will and need to choose wisely. The enemy is always out there waiting for a way to slip into your thoughts. I look forward to the next book n this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mehr)