I had a lot of time to read on a recent vacation.  Here is what I thought of some of the books that I took with me on the road. 

Clear Blue Sky by F.P. Lione

The struggles of a New York Cop create a fascinating story that deals with far more than crime and the rigors of a stressful job. Tony Calvucci (yes, he's Italian) also has an extremely dysfunctional family and a new fiance that he wants to keep happy. Unfortunately the family and the fiance don't get along, Tony's new faith also has his family at odds with him, and hey aren't always supportive of his efforts to clean up his life. Fortunately Tony has a good friend on the force to help him through all this--and he's gonna need it because this book begins just before September 11, 2001.
This book's realistic feel of not only the day to day life of a policeman but of Tony's family problems impressed me. It offered me a view of a different life, but through the eyes of a character I could relate too. And that just makes it all the more poignant when the September 11th scenes happen. The only drawback is it seemed to end abruptly with many plot threads left hanging--but I am sure more books about Tony will be forthcoming from the authors--at least I hope so!


The Oath by Frank Peretti

This creepy thriller requires the reader to accept the premise, that the realm of the spiritual has spilled over to the realm of the physical. A strange attack and death of a man camping in the woods brings his brother and others to a secluded town to investigate. At first they think it is a bear attack, but strange rumors and odd behavior of the local residents keeps the brother puzzled enough to keep investigating. What he discovers is an evil entity that has a devastating power over anyone who succombs to it's temptations.
I found this an easier read that Peretti's classic, This Present Darkness, which seemed to get bogged down in details. The story flowed well in this one, and while a lot of it was highly unbelievable it was an compelling yarn. If you like creepy stories, especially those with a spiritual underpinning, than this will be just your cup of tea.

Providence by Chris Coppernoll

This haunting story of a man who must deal with his past moves slowly but packs a powerful punch. Jack has become famous for the book he wrote about his ministry--but the demands of his publisher for him to write another book have him less than thrilled. This is because the new book has him looking at a subject he has avoided for many years--the painful events of his past and his part in pushing away those that loved him. Despite Jack's efforts to stop it, it seems God wants him to deal with his past, so he is soon contacting old friends and writing about events that are painful to him. Along the way he learnes some very powerful lessons about God's providence.
This introspective novel was memorable for the inner struggles of the main character and the unresolved romantic relationship that the reader hopes ends happily. it's a great read for a time when you want to savor a story.