Off the Bookshelf

Saving Grace by Annie Jones

2012-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

Book Description:

Every year on the night of New Bethany's annual Splendor Belle Gala, reclusive Sera Grayson appears on the porch of her aging antebellum home dressed in a tattered ball gown. Legend holds she is reliving the greatest disappointment of her life: waiting endlessly for the man who stood her up more than fifty years ago. Rosemary, Naomi, Gayle, and Lucy, first introduced in Jones's Prayer Tree, together decide to help out the eccentric old woman-partly to strengthen their own special bond, threatened by time and the demands of everyday life. Will their joint project instead tear them apart forever?
*Description Source

My Review:
I found this book to be rather slow reading. The plot moves along at a snails pace, and I really had trouble connecting with the characters. I was about half way through the book before I felt like I knew who each character was and what their background was.
I was also disappointed in that the book really had little to do with helping the older lady. I felt that the book description given by the publisher did not really convey what the book was about.
Perhaps those who have already read "The Prayer Tree" will enjoy the continuing story of these ladies more than I did.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this ebook from Waterbrook Multnomah. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

An Amish Wedding

2011-12-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Three Amish women yearn for the perfect wedding.

"A Perfect Plan" by Beth Wiseman

Priscilla King has been planning to marry Chester Lapp since she was sixteen years old, and when Chester proposes on Priscilla’s nineteenth birthday, wedding plans begin immediately. What wasn't planned was all the problems the couple encounters as their big day approaches. A house disaster, a ruined wedding dress, and a sick attendant all make the couple wonder if God's sending them signs to call things off.

"The Perfect Match" by Kathleen Fuller

Naomi Fisher has had great success at matchmaking her family members and friends. Now with her sister’s wedding right around the corner, Naomi wonders why she’s able to find husbands for her friends and family, but not one for herself.

"The Perfect Secret" by Kelly Long

Rose Bender has recently become engaged to handsome but somber Luke Raber. She agrees out of a sense of duty and a willingness to settle for solid friendship as a basis for the engagement. But as she watches her friend's excitement over her soon-to-be wedding, Rose wonders if there shouldn’t be more to her relationship with Luke. She begins to examine Luke and his life more closely and is amazed when she stumbles upon an exciting, secret side of him that engages her mind and heart.

My Review:

These three novellas fit together almost seamlessly. The three authors did a great job of making three individual stories flow together and compliment each other. The characters each cross into the next story, and yet there really aren't even subtle differences in them, as sometimes happens in a group writing project.

Each one of the stories had an interesting storyline with enough twists in the plot to keep them interesting, though "The Perfect Secret" was my favorite. I do hope there is a sequel to this one!

"The Perfect Plan" was a little bit predictable since some of the story was already alluded to in the previous stories, but it was still interesting. ***Note: the description of above is from the publisher and is how it appears on the back of the book. However, the stories are actually in the reverse order in the book, making "The Perfect Plan" last.

Overall, I think Amish fiction lovers will enjoy this book.

I must mention that a received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through their Book Sneeze program.

The Christmas Singing

2011-11-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Series: Ada's House Series | Publication Date: October 4, 2011

After Gideon coldly broke her heart, can the warmth of the season revive Mattie’s hopes?

Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve.

Three years later, will learning the truth behind his rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

Spend Christmas with the Amish in this story of love, romance, heartache, and restoration.

*Source

My Review:

This short, easy to read story is ok, but not something I would highly recommend.

Though Mattie is funny, quirky, and a bit scatterbrained, the rest of the characters are quite dull and lack depth.

The storyline is very predictable – you basically know what is going to happen right at the beginning of the book.

I was also disappointed that there really wasn’t much of a Christmas theme to the story at all.

Overall, it’s a quick and easy short novella with a bit of romance and humor, but I was not at all impressed with it.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Press through their Blogging for Books program. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Valley of Dreams

2011-11-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Series: Wild West Wind | Publication Date: November 1, 2011

Addy Lockwood's mother died when she was little, so Addy traveled with her father's Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.

Now Addy has discovered that "Uncle" Jason, the show's manager, has driven the show into debt, and he's absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Addy decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who's been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.

*Source

My Review:

In this new series debut, Lauraine Snelling has done her usual stellar job of putting the reader right back into the early 1900’s. The details of life during that time are amazing and a joy to read about. The plot moves along quickly and draws the reader in. The characters are lively and unique with just enough mystery to keep you wondering about them.

I love Cassie – her strength of character and unshakable determination after the betrayal of someone she trusted as family make her one remarkable young lady.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released – this book leaves you longing to know more.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.

House of Secrets

2011-11-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011

When her father orchestrates a surprise trip to the summer house of her childhood, Bailee Cooper is unprepared for what follows. What is intended to be a happy reunion for Bailee and her sisters, Geena and Piper, quickly becomes shrouded by memories from the past.

Together again, the three sisters sift through their recollections of fifteen years ago...of an ill mother, and of their father making a desperate choice. They vowed, as children, to be silent--but one sister believes the truth must now be revealed. Yet can they trust their memories?

Mark Delahunt arrives in the wake of this emotional turmoil. Determined to win Bailee's affection, Mark becomes the strong fortress for her in this time of confusion, and what was once a tentative promise begins to take root and grow. Caught between the past and an uncertain future, can Bailee let God guide her to heal the past and ultimately to embrace love?

*Source

My Review:

This book deals with some very difficult issues. The overall feel of the book is very dark and a bit depressing, yet I just couldn’t put it down. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story and making you feel what the characters are feeling. I also thought the author did a good job of portraying true Christian love and friendship in Mark’s character.

The book appears to be very well researched and the author seems to have a very good understanding of mental health issues and the impact they have on the families.

Though the Gospel presentation is a little weak (us “accepting God” rather than repentance) it is there and the issue of our sin, the necessity of repentance, and our need for a sinless Savior are mentioned.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of the book from Bethany house publishers.

40 Ways to Get Closer to God

2011-11-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2011

Sometimes faith demands action. This practical book gives Christians ideas for how to adjust their hearts to get closer to God.

Each chapter contains a unique challenge and a brief explanation that puts the challenge in context. Exercises include acts of service to others, extended prayer, Scripture memory, fasting, a day of gratitude, media fasting (no TV or Internet), evangelism, and much more. The challenges are broad in scope, allowing people with varying personality types and learning styles to benefit from them.

*Source

My Review:

Overall, I found this book to be lacking in several areas. My biggest concern, however, is having a book about getting closer to God that doesn’t present the Gospel first. We all know that there are tares amongst the wheat, and we cannot assume that everyone who picks up a Christian book is already a Christian. And an unbeliever cannot get close to God without first repenting and believing the Gospel.

Some of the steps are biblical but are so basic that true Christians should not need to read a book to do these things. Perhaps it’s just a sad reflection of the church today that Christians need to be told to pray and study their Bibles.

Some of the steps go beyond what God has said. God hasn't promised to sanctify us if we abstain from watching TV, and we need to be very careful to make promises that God hasn't made. While some of these things may be a good idea, and may even be beneficial, to claim that they will truly draw us closer to God if God Himself has not said so is a very dangerous thing. If we "fast" from TV and replace it with prayer and Bible study, we will grow - but its not the TV fast that caused the growth, but the prayer and Bible study, which are means that God has ordained for our sanctification.

My other concern with this book is that it is full of aestheticism and quotes from known mystics/contemplatives. A brief flip through the book makes it abundantly clear that the author has embraced the mysticism that is growing so prevalent in the Evangelical church today. God has given us the true means of grace revealed in the Scriptures, and we don’t need man made practices or practices borrowed from Eastern mysticism to grow close God.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.

A Christmas Journey Home: Miracle in the Manger

2011-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Image Source

Book Description Publication Date: October 5, 2011

During Isabella Alcantara’s seventh month of pregnancy, her parents and siblings are murdered in gang- and drug-related violence, simply because their home was targeted by mistake. Isabella knows she was spared only because she now lives in a different location, but she knows too that the same thing could easily happen to her and her husband, Francisco. When her grandfather offers to hire a “coyote” to bring them across the border to America, she agrees. But Francisco and Isabella are abandoned by the coyote and left to die. Francisco then valiantly sacrifices himself to get Isabella to safety. Homeless, nearly penniless, pregnant, and alone, Isabella determines to find a way to honor her promise to her beloved husband.

Living on one of the smaller spreads along the Arizona border, Miriam Nelson becomes furious with God and turns from her faith when her border patrol agent husband, David, is killed in a skirmish with drug smugglers. Though her mother and young son do their best to woo her back from the anger and bitterness that have overtaken her, they make little headway.
Two widows—one driven by fear and a promise, the other by bitterness and revenge—must make their journeys along different pathways, but with the same destination: a barn full of animals that stands waiting for them on Christmas Eve. Forced to face their personal demons, Isabella and Miriam soon discover a common yearning that will bind them together in a most miraculous way.

*Description Source

*****

This was the best Christmas story I think I have ever read. It is not a warm fuzzy gooey book but it is a very powerful story with a clear Christian message.
I found this book to be riveting - I read it in less than 24 hours. I found that I genuinely cared what happened to the characters, and found myself engrossed with the story.
At first I was a little unsure about a Christmas story dealing with such a hot political issue, but I found that it really helped me see all sides of the issue with much better understanding. The book is not for or against illegal immigration - there is no "winning side" - but it does bring to light, in a very powerful way, many of the issues on both sides.

I would highly recommend this book!

The Christmas Note

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Image Source

Book Description:Publication Date: October 25, 2011

From author of The Christmas Hope series, which has enthralled millions of readers, comes a new inspirational novel about an unlikely friendship between two women, but one that will change each of their lives forever.

Gretchen Daniels has recently moved into an apartment with her two children to be closer to her mother, Miriam. She and her children are building a life together in a new community when a mysterious young woman, Melissa McCreary, moves into the apartment next to them. She has few possessions, little personality, and keeps to herself. One day, a local landlord who is looking for Melissa knocks on Gretchen’s door for assistance. Melissa’s mother has died and in the coming weeks the landlord needs Melissa to empty her mother’s apartment. Gretchen reaches out and offers to help, but the apartment is a gut wrenching shamble of a home. There is little worth saving except for a few photos and a note that is discovered on the crate beside the bed. It is unfinished but in the two scribbled lines, Melissa discovers she has a brother and a sister that she never knew about. Even more shocking, she begins to uncover family secrets that show her who she really is. Can two very different women embark on a journey that explores a long-buried need for forgiveness, hope, and redemption?

*Source

*****

My Review:

This is a powerful Christmas story that I would recommend.

The two neighbors seem like unlikely friends, yet as the story unfolds it is refreshing to see how God brought them together during a holiday season that could otherwise have been very difficult for both of them, and changes each of these ladies through the events in the book.

The characters are very real a relatable. The author did a wonderful job making their feelings and emotions real to the reader.

The plot has a few unexpected twists that really keep the book moving and keep the reader guessing.

The only thing that I thought was missing was a real Gospel message. A true Christmas story should include the true significance of the season.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book through the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

Dug Down Deep

2011-11-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Source

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2011

What are you going to build your life on?
Dug Down Deep is systematic theology like you’ve never seen it before. Readable. Relevant. Powerful. As best-selling author Joshua Harris shares his own journey from apathetic church-kid to student with a burning passion to truly know God, you’ll be challenged to dig deep into the truths of God’s word.

With humor, conviction and compelling insight Dug Down Deep covers the basics of faith—God, scripture, Jesus, the cross, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit and the church. Don’t settle for superficial faith, dig deep.
*Source

My Review:

In this book Joshua Harris has done an excellent job making systematic theology understandable and clearly communicating why it is important.
At first I didn't like the casual style of the book. I'm used to reading more scholarly books and I was afraid this would be too dumbed down and important theological concepts would be missed, but that didn't end up being the case. It is written more as a journal; as his story of how he came to understand these important biblical truths, than as a scholarly systematic theology. I found that stories he told really made the concepts he was trying to convey become very clear.
If you are looking to grow in the faith and to make sure that your faith is built on a firm foundation, this book is a good start.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

2011-10-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

Rose Kauffman pines for prodigal Nick Franco, the Bishop's foster son who left the Amish under a cloud of suspicion after his foster brother's death. His rebellion led to the "silencing" of their beloved Bishop. But is Nick really the rebel he appears to be? Rose's lingering feelings for her wayward friend refuse to fade, but she is frustrated that Nick won't return and make things right with the People. Nick avowed his love for Rose--but will he ever be willing to sacrifice modern life for her?

Meanwhile, Rose's older sister, Hen, is living in her parents' Dawdi Haus. Her estranged "English" husband, injured and helpless after a car accident, has reluctantly come to live with her and their young daughter during his recovery. Can their marriage recover, as well? Is there any possible middle ground between a woman reclaiming her old-fashioned Amish lifestyle and thoroughly modern man?

About the Author:

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher and accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of more than eighty books for adults and children, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and the New York Times. Six of her blockbuster novels have received the Gold Book Award for sales over 500,000, and The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian Fiction. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and making music, and spending time with their three grandchildren.

*Source

My Review:

I loved this book! Its no secret around here that I love Amish fiction - but to me Beverly Lewis sets the standard by which all other Amish fiction is judged. That being said, this is my favorite Beverly Lewis book to date.

I was so captivated by Rose, that I could almost feel what she was feeling. The setting and details were described so well, I almost felt that I was there in Lancaster.

The story was believable, endearing, and kept my interest to the very end.

One thing I liked most was how clearly God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness came through in this story.

I will also note here that though this is the third book in the series, I was able to follow it just fine without having read the first two. There is a prologue that fills you in on what has happened in previous books.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.

Lion of Babylon

2011-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Product Description:

Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

*Source

My Review:

This fast-paced novel is full of suspense from the very beginning. It moves along quickly with an intensity that draws the reader along without being overwhelming.

The main character, Mark Royce, is believable and likable.

What really makes this book, though, is the authors deep understanding of the complexities of life in the Middle East, and in particular, Iraq. He gives the reader a much better understanding of what day-to-day life is really like there, and why they believe the way they do.

The only thing I didn't like was the very ecumenical representation of Christianity.

Overall, it was a very good book.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.

Harvest of Grace

2011-09-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.amazon.com/

Product Description:

Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever?

Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.

After months in rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.

Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.

My Review:

I found this book to be very aptly titled. God's grace in forgiveness and restoring relationships is modeled all throughout this book. I found it to be very refreshing and encouraging to read.

I just adored some of the characters and could really relate to their struggles. The characters were deep and rich, and it was evident that they were growing in grace and faith.

Also, I really appreciate that before the story begins the reader is given a brief overview of what happened in the previous Ada's House novels and there is a list of main characters and important details about them. This makes it much easier for readers who have not read the previous books to keep track of who is who and whats already happened.

Overall, this was a great book book for any Amish fiction lover.

*I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah.

2011-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

About the Book:

Sometimes small towns hold the biggest secrets.

Ambitious young attorney Tom Crane is about to become a partner in a high-profile Atlanta law firm. But first he must clear one final matter from his docket-the closing of his deceased father's law practice in his hometown of Bethel, Georgia. Killed in a mysterious boating accident, John Crane didn't appear to leave his son anything except the hassle of wrapping up loose ends.

But instead of celebrating his promotion, Tom finds himself packing up his office, having suddenly been "consolidated." To add insult to injury, that same night his girlfriend breaks up with him . . . by letter.

Returning to Bethel with no sense of his future and no faith to fall back on, Tom just wants to settle his father's final affairs and get back to Atlanta. But then he runs into an unexpected roadblock-two million dollars of unclaimed money stashed in a secret bank account. And evidence that his father's death may not have been accidental. Worse still, a trail of data suggests his father played a role in an international fraud operation.

Tom follows the money into a tangled web of lies, theft, and betrayal. Along the way, he meets a woman who is as beguiling as she is beautiful. And her interest in the outcome of the case is just as high as his. She challenges Tom's assumptions . . . and his faith. Now he has to decide who he can trust-and how far a father's love can reach.
*source: www.amazon.com

My Review:

This intense, fast-paced page turner is a piece of fiction reminiscent of John Grisham. It is full of suspense from the very beginning, and every time you think you have it figured out, a new mystery unfolds. The characters are endearing and the storyline complex. What I most appreciate about this book, however, is that it truly is Christian fiction. Its not just an occasional mention of God, or a Scripture verse here or there, but the story includes Tom Crane’s conversion, repentance, and growth detailed thoroughly throughout.

I strongly recommend this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers through their Book Sneeze program. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Never the Bride

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

About the book:

Eleven Bridesmaid Dresses Don’t Lie

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?

My Review:

The character of Jessie Stone is unique, complex, and fun in a very “OCD” way. This makes for a fun and interesting “romantic comedy” type novel. I appreciated the light-hearted manner in which her part of the story was told.

However, the other characters were rather dull and under-developed. There is little detail given to any of them, and I really didn’t find myself able to connect with them.

My biggest problem with the book, however, was the casual manner in which God was portrayed. Rather the being portrayed as the Author and Creator of the Universe, the perfectly just Judge, and the One Who is sovereign over all, He is portrayed as some sort of cosmic cupid who exists merely for the purpose of writing our love stories. There was a kind of gospel presentation towards the end, but with no mention of sin, judgment, or repentance. For that reason, I cannot recommend this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

You can read the first chapter here.

Treasuring Emma by Kathleen Fuller

2011-07-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Book Description

Emma has put everyone else first in her life. Now at nearly 25, has she missed her chance at marriage?

Emma was Adam's first love but circumstances made them both choose different paths in life. Emma's heart breaks all over again when Adam returns to the Amish community of Middlefield, Ohio, years later.

For the past ten years, Emma has been a care-giver. First for her mother who unsuccessfully battled breast cancer, and now for her grandmother who gets more frail with each passing year. Emma has always put the needs of others above her own. With more time on her hands, she determines to focus on herself and her dream of opening a rescue shelter for stray animals in the community.

With Adam's return come feelings Emma's long buried. They're older and life hasn't turned out the way they thought it would. Adam's feelings for Emma are stronger than ever, but will he be able to convince her to put the past aside and give their love a chance?

******

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author has a talent for making you feel what the characters feel and drawing the reader into the story. Emma was so real to me; there were times when I could have cried with her. I could also relate to the worries of her sister, and her tendency to try to fix things first and go to God later.

The story moves along quickly, with the elements of suspense, subtle romance, and growing faith carefully woven throughout.

The setting really seemed “authentic Amish” – from the descriptions of their farms to their day-to-day life, it seemed very much in keeping with what I know of Amish life

What really made this book though, were the characters. A long-lost love, a wise grandmother, a somewhat overbearing sister, and the mysterious cousin from out of town – all very well developed and intriguing. These characters seemed so real. They had to wrestle with issues of faith, family conflict, and grief just like the rest of us. The issues dealt with in this book are ones that most of us face at one time in our lives, not just the Amish.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone was loves Amish fiction.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of this, in ebook format, for review purposes. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

She Makes it Looke Easy by Marybeth Whalen

2011-07-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ariel Baxter has finally moved to the neighborhood of her dreams – Essex Falls. A mother of three boys and an excellent photographer, she is busy but never feels like she has it all together. Her tendency to be disorganized and forgetful has her feeling that she is just not good enough, even in her new home.

Her new neighbor, Justine, seems to have everything that she doesn’t – a clean and organized house, well behaved girls, perfect recipes, a great singing voice, popularity in the neighborhood – in short, she appears to be perfect. Ariel hopes that her friendship with Justine will bring some of these things into her life, all the while ignoring the signs that something might not be quite right.

I really enjoyed this book. Parts of it were truly laugh-out-loud funny and yet it dealt with some serious issues too. I love the detail that the author put into the setting, making it easy to picture and feel like you were there. What I most appreciate about this book, though, is that it’s so real. I could so easily relate to the characters because they seemed so true to life, and the situations that arose and temptations that they faced are ones that most of us deal with at some point in our lives. Which one of us hasn’t looked at the “perfect mom” across the street and wished we could be like her?

There are also valuable lessons to be reminded of woven throughout the book, like the importance of putting God first in all things, and what a true friend really is.

This is an excellent book that I would recommend for all Christian women.

*Disclosure: I received a Advance Reading Copy of this book through the Amazon Vine reviewers program.

No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe

2011-06-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

The new resident in 221A Baker Street is about to give Sherlock Holmes a run for his magnifying glass!

When Griffin is sent to stay with his detective uncle at 221A Baker Street for the summer, he is certain that his uncle must be the great Sherlock Holmes! But Griffin is disappointed to discover that Holmes lives at 221B Baker Street and his uncle lives unit 221A. His uncle is a detective, just not a very good one. But when Griffin meets a woman with a case that Holmes has turned away for being too ridiculous, he and his uncle team up to help her. Along the way, Griffin shows his uncle just what it means to have true faith in God, even when the case challenges that. The woman claims that her husband was eaten by the Loch Ness Monster, but monsters aren’t real-or are they?

*Source: Amazon.com

This a great mystery novel for young Christian readers, though I enjoyed it as an adult too.

Griffin Sharpe is an incredibly observant, intelligent, and intuitive boy. He notices everything. His uncle is a crabby yet eccentric detective/inventor who wants nothing to do with a boy - yet Griffins gentle nature, faith, and compassionate heart quickly win him over. They end up making a great detective team.

The characters in this book are all very unique and interesting - quirky even. The plot moves along quickly and has a lot of detail, yet should still be very easy for younger readers to follow. By younger readers, I would say 8-13 years old or so.

What I most appreciated about this book as a piece of junior literature was the Christian character qualities that come through in Griffin Sharpe. Griffins father had been a minister and Griffin hope to lead his Uncle to the Lord. Though there wasn't as much about faith as I had expected, I still would recommend it. It was so refreshing to read a junior mystery with Christian character qualities reflected so often in the main character.

One other interesting fact is that it is based on the true story of Griffin Sharpe.

Young can visit the authors blog for more information on the real Griffin Sharpe.

Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

2011-06-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Annabelle Tyler is a sweet and beautiful woman of faith. When her husband takes off with her inheritance and then divorces her, she leaves for Philadelphia, hoping to find a job at a candy shop. As a divorced woman in the 1830’s, she had few options. Yet on her way to Philadelphia the stage was robbed, and she ends up being forced to marry Harrison Graymoor, and elusive and affluent bachelor.

In an effort to keep their marriage a secret until they could obtain an annulment or divorce, he sends her to his country estate where we meet a lovely and unique cast of characters. Both continue to keep their secrets while trying not to fall in love.

I really enjoyed this story. I appreciated how clearly the author demonstrated her understanding of how difficult life was for a divorced woman in that day. The characters were unique and interested, and the story moved along at a nice pace, and some surprising twists in the plot keep things interesting.

Though at first I was a little unsure of another Delia Parr book about an undesired marriage, I assure you that the storyline is quite different, and this one was my favorite of the Parr books that I have read.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of the book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

2011-06-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sent away by her father after her reputation comes into question, Maria Aubrey is living in an abandoned gatehouse on her aunt’s estate. With little means to support herself, she begins writing novels – in secret. Accompanied by one loyal servant, she seeks to start her new life with the few people she can trust.

Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate hoping to win back a lost love, yet he is intrigued by the girl in the gatehouse. Haunted by his own past, he also seeks to start a new life at Windrush Court.

This engaging story, set in 1813 -1814, is full of mystery and romance, forgiveness and redemption. But what most impressed me with this book were the characters. These very dynamic characters were so full of surprises that every time I thought I had one figured out, a new mystery appeared. From the eccentric and witty aunt, to the scoundrel cousin, to the strange man on the poorhouse roof, each of the characters was very deep and rich. Some you will love, others you will hate, but all of them make this a great book.

The story is very well paced; with little bits of enticing pieces of the mysterious pasts of even the secondary characters drawing the reader along, always guessing what might be next.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany house publishers. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Heaven Revealed Review and Giveaway

2011-06-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

In this book Bible teacher Paul Enns explores the questions that people frequently ask regarding heaven and the eternal states. Having recently lost his beloved wife, these questions are very dear to him, and he asnswers questions in great detail, offering a glimpse into what is yet to come.

When I was first offered this book to review, I almost turned it down. So often books about heaven end up being highly speculative and unbiblical. Coming from a publisher that usually offers very solid books, I thought this one might be different.

In many ways, it wasn't. Enns frequently cites the existing books about heaven, most often "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn - a book which was not very grounded in Scripture. Though Enns uses a lot of Scripture, he doesn't often directly quote it, leaving the reader to have to check his Scripture references on their own. When checking a few of them, I found that when viewed in context they were not about heaven or the eternal states, which leads me to question his handling of Scripture.
My other concern with the book is that Enns seems to ignore passages that are clearly in opposition to what he claims. Let me give you an example.
In Mark 12 the Sadducees approached Jesus and asked about marriage after the resurrection:

"Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER.

20"There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children.

21"The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise;

22and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also.

23"In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her."

24Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?
25"For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

Yet Enns continuously indicates that our relationship with our spouses will continue, without offering any explanation of this apparent contradiction.

While it was entertaining to imagine what might be, overall I felt that the author did not do an adequate job of exegeting Scripture to defend his claims.

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The giveaway will close on June 19 at 7PM.

Here Burns My Candle Review

2011-05-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth Kerr enjoys a privileged life while carefully guarding secrets of her past. Having grown up as a Highlander she must hide her Jacobite pride and pagan moon worship from her Lowland husband and mother-in-law. Her husband, Lord Donald Kerr, has secrets of his own. When bonny Prince Charlie rides into Edinburgh during the 1745 Jacobite Rising, these secrets come to light and lives are transformed as the family discovers what is truly important.

This book was clearly very thoroughly researched. The details are very historically accurate, and there are even appearances from true historic figures in the story. I love the author’s careful attention to detail in the customs of both the Highlanders and the upper class Lowland society. The characters are vibrant and engaging, and the story moves along quickly.

This story has all the making of a great book – love, betrayal, war, unexpected loyalty, and a growing faith in the one true Lord. Its also based on the beginning of the Biblical account of Naomi and Ruth, with the story finishing in the sequel, Mine is the Night.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy from Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposes.

Amish Prayers

2011-05-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

When the opportunity to review this book came up, I almost turned it down. I’m not a fan prayer books – canned prayers as I usually call them – but I was intrigued by the idea of Amish prayers.

I wasn’t disappointed. The prayers are beautiful and reverent, and glorifying to God. There is a real sense of the awe we should have when coming into the presence of the Lord in prayer. They are so full of doctrine that though they are short, I’ve found myself reading one and pondering it for the rest of the day. They are grouped together by type of prayer and each one has a Scripture to accompany it.

A true Amish prayer book translated into English from the original German, this prayer book has become a treasured addition to my library.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for review purposes.

Review: Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

2011-04-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Andrea Henderson is a recently divorced mother of a struggling fourteen year old son who has moved into her parent’s lake home to start a new life with a new job. Mart McClendon is a game warden who has returned to Moses Lake to try to forget a tragedy that he feels responsible for. These two are brought together when a mysterious young girl is seen a reclusive man who lives in the woods.

Moses Lake is quiet and charming town with small town characters that are easy to relate to. It’s the type of community where everyone knows everyone, and everyone pitches in to help when someone is in need. Wingate describes the community in detail. It’s a beautiful setting for this story of healing old wounds and renewed faith. The characters are well developed and compelling.

With a hint a romance, a surly teen, a mystery, and a café where all of this is gossiped about the story moves along at a nice pace and keeps the reader interested. I was a little disappointed that faith was such a minor part of the story. There was a bit of a casual approach to God as well (like calling Him the big man upstairs). Overall, this is a decent book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for review purposes.

An Anchor for the Soul

2011-04-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

This short book by Ray Pritchard is an excellent evangelistic tool. It is a short book that covers the key elements of the Christian faith that is doctrinally sound, yet easy to read. The author does a great job of presenting the material without using Christian terms that might not be familiar to those who didn’t grow up in church. He clearly explains who Jesus is, what He did, and why we need Him. It’s page after page of the Gospel, which is so refreshing. I’m glad to say that Pritchard also understands that the good news in only good in light of the bad news. He uses the Law to show the reader their sinfulness before presenting the Gospel of Grace. His gospel presentation is powerful and thorough, yet easily understandable. It’s not the watered-down, seeker-sensitive, come to Jesus for a better life message that so many preach today – it is the true Biblical gospel.

The book is very compelling and easy to read. Each chapter ends with a truth to remember and a section for going deeper.

If you have a friend or loved one who it seems that God is drawing to Himself, I would highly recommend giving them a copy of this book.

A complimentary review copy of this book, along with a copy to give away, was provided to me by C. Grant & Company on behalf of Moody publishing for review purposes, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

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You can enter the giveaway for this book here.
Giveaway closes 4/17/11 at 8PM.

Review: If God Why Evil by Norman Geisler

2011-04-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for this book. Though I haven’t read any of his more recent works, I have long respected Geisler as a very solid apologetics teacher. In this one, however, he let me down.

First, I just didn’t like the way it was written. It is page after page of logical syllogisms which just don’t make for interesting reading and might not make that much sense to a reader who hasn’t studied logic.

Second, he seems to be answering questions posed by atheists thirty years ago, rather than dealing with the New Age spirituality (think Emergent panentheists) of today. It really didn’t seem relevant to the issues that face the church today.

Third, his main premise is based on the assumption that we have free will. Reformed readers will likely find this really frustrating to read. Geisler ignores the passages of Scripture in which God answered questions posed to Him about the existence of evil and suffering (Job 40-42, and John 9:2-3 to name a few). While Geisler blames evil on free will, we see in Job that Satan needed God's permission and God gave it (Job chapter 2). All that befell Job was not because of Satans free will, but because God allowed it.

On a more positive note, the last to chapters were devoted to hell and answering the question “What about those who have never hear?” I found those two chapters to be a refreshing improvement over the rest of the book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Seek Me with all your Heart

2011-03-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Beth Wiseman

For Emily Detweiler, a move to Colorado represents a new life away from the painful memories of a tragedy that deeply affected her life and her faith. While settling into a new Amish community she meets David Stolzfus, a kind but mysteriously aloof young man with secrets of his own. A growing friendship with a crabby old widow brings these two together, but both fear what will happen if their secrets are revealed.

This is a story of redemption and restoration. The author deals with some very difficult issues in this book, and handles them well. The characters are endearing and well-developed.

While overall I enjoyed the book, it wasn’t without some disappointments. Though it is Amish fiction, there was very little detail about their Amish heritage. It really almost didn't seem Amish at all. And, as is the case with most Christian fiction today, it is full of personal messages from God – outside of Scripture.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through their BookSneeze program, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Mine is the Night

2011-03-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

By Liz Curtis Higgins

Set in Selkirk, Scotland in 1746, this is the story of newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law, Marjory. After losing their husbands in the Jacobite rebellion the once-prosperous ladies are forced to return to Marjory’s homeland with little to their name. Depending heavily on a cousin with little to share, Elizabeth’s abilities as a seamstress, and the grace of God these two women begin their lives again. While they heal from the past they begin to find hope for their future. When an Admiral in the Kings Navy moves to the area they fear that their Jacobite ties may find them facing charges of treason.

I found this book to be easy to read and enjoyable. The characters are easy to relate to and exhibit exemplary faith. The historical details appear to be very accurate. I would have liked to have had a little more detail in the description of Selkirk, but that didn’t detract from the overall appeal of the book. This book is the last in a series, but I read it alone without much difficulty.

I found the story to be very reminiscent of the book of Ruth and the elements of faith to be glorifying to God and refreshing. At time when so much Christian fiction is watered-down and full of misapplied Scripture and personal messages from God, this book stands out as an example of how Christian fiction should be.

You can read the first chapter here.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Waterbrook Multnomah. I did not receive any other compensation and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

2011-02-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

Subtitle: Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering

In this book best-selling author Randy Alcorn takes a close look at suffering and evil in light of God’s Word. Pain and suffering will strike us all, and the issues are complex, but by examining the nature of God and His Word we can prepare ourselves to face these difficulties knowing that God is in control and His purposes our higher than ours.

I found this book to be incredibly comforting to read. This is not a book filled with trite sayings and feel-good sentiments, but rather is filled with biblical truths the reader can use to prepare himself for tribulation. There are many powerful stories of how God has used difficult circumstances for good, and how those who lived through them grew in grace and their knowledge of God. These stories are real, and they don’t all have what this world would call a happy ending – and I like that. Real life is hard, and this book is a valuable resource for understanding suffering. I also appreciate that it is full of Scripture to encourage and exhort the reader.

This is a book I will keep in my library. I’m sure there will be dark days in my life when I will need to cling to the truths presented in it.

You can read the first chapter HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free 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.”

Pujols: More than the Game Book Review

2011-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

By Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

“At the end of the day as long as I glorify Him and those 45,000 people know who I represent out there every time I step out on the field, that’s what it’s about. It’s about representing God.” –Albert Pujols (p. II)

I think this quote very adequately describes both Albert Pujols and this book. It’s about glorifying God. From humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to his meteoric rise to fame in the US, outstanding athletic ability, strong work ethic, and faith God make him one of the most easily likable celebrities of our day. This book covers it all.

I really love a biography that doesn’t just outline a person’s accomplishments but really digs deeper, revealing the person behind the image. This book delivers. Pujols is more than just an outstanding ball player – he is a man of integrity. While the authors cover the details of his rise to fame in baseball, they also cover his conversion, his devotion to his wife and kids, and what drives him most – his faith.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but particularly to people with teenage boys. I think this is the type of book that may help young adults see how to be a man of integrity in whatever they do, and that serving the Lord is the most important aspect of their life.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program. That in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Always True by James MacDonald

2011-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Subtitle: God's 5 promises when life is hard.

Enter to win a copy of this book HERE. Giveaway ends 2/17/11 at 10PM.

In this encouraging book, Pastor James MacDonald opens the Bible and explores five of the great promises God has made to His people. These are promises that are true in every generation, and God is by nature a promise-keeper.

This book was written following some of the darkest times of the author’s life. This is not a preachy “here’s how you should feel” type book. This is an honest, heartfelt look at the hope that God has given us and the promises that He has made to help carry us through the trials of life.

This book is laid out in such a way that it is very easy to study and apply these promises to your life. Each promise is preceded by a section called “The Theology of a Promise,” where Pastor James opens God’s Word to help us better understand God and His nature. He then explores a promise of God. The promise chapters each end with a section called “Take to Heart” which summarizes the definition of the promise and offers practical ways to apply it in our life. There is also a memory verse to go along with each promise, allowing the reader to hide God’s Word in their heart and be able to bring it to mind when troubles come. This layout makes it an outstanding resource for preparing believers to face difficulties.

I was very moved by this book. I’ve been going through a very difficult time in my life, and this book was exactly what I needed to read. This book was written after Pastor James went through the darkest period of his life, and his personal perspective makes it very relatable and comforting to read.

These promises are real. It is so humbling and awe-inspiring to contemplate these promises. God, the Author and Creator of the universe, has made promises to us and we can know that He will always keep them.

A complimentary review copy of this book was provided to me by C. Grant & Company, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

2011-02-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

In this powerfully written book, Lysa Terkeurst takes a close look at the ways that Satan tries to pull us away from God – the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life. For many women, food has become a way of filling ourselves, our desires, without God. Food has become a way of coping with stress rather than turning to God. Anything that we put in place of God is sinful, including food.

This is not another diet plan, rather it encourages us to take a look at our eating habits in light of God’s Word. Are you willing to be obedient to God even when it comes to double-fudge brownies?

To those who know me, it may seem strange that I would have been interested in this book. I’ll be honest, I’m one of those women who have been blessed with a great metabolism. I have never struggled with my weight. I can stay a size 4 with almost no effort. But that doesn’t mean that I have healthy eating habits. I was very convicted by this book. Though it’s not outwardly evident, I find comfort in food. Too many times I turn to junk food when I should turn to God. This book has encouraged me to take a closer look at what I eat and, more importantly, why.

Even if you aren’t someone who turns to food for comfort, I think you would find this book helpful. You could substitute anything for “food” in this book and the principles would still apply. What to you fill yourself with? Shopping? New clothes? Attention? Alcohol? Anything that you turn to when wanting to feel better instead of God is something that is pulling you away from God. Once you recognize this as lies of the devil, you have the opportunity to gain victory over it, one day at a time.

The only thing I didn't like was the references to hearing from God outside of Scripture.

I would highly recommend this book to any woman.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan for review purposes.

You can read a sample chapter HERE

The Sacred Meal

2011-01-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

I found this book to be very disturbing. Author Nora Gallagher had been asked to write a book about communion – the sacred meal- as a part of Thomas Nelson’s Ancient Practices Series. I was eager to read this book as Communion is such an important part of our life as believers, and it’s so easy to fall into the routine of taking communion, while neglecting to reflect on the significance of it.

I expected this book to look to the Scriptures to see what God has said about the practice that He ordained. Sadly, this book is page after page of the author’s thoughts and feelings, both about communion and a myriad of unrelated things that really have no bearing on communion whatsoever. There is very little Scripture used, and when it is its misapplied or misrepresented.

Here is one example is found on pages 23-24. Gallagher is discussing the last supper and Christ’s words to the disciples, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

She says,

“Instead, I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he wanted them to do could not be done alone. How the things he did could not have been done without them.”(page 24 - emphasis hers)

Clearly, there are many things wrong with just this one paragraph. For one, there is NOTHING that He could not have done without them. He was God incarnate. They were lowly men. But my point in using this paragraph as an example is to show how the author completely ignores what Scripture says about Communion. The Scriptures tell us what we are to be remembering, His death until He comes (1Cor 11:23-26). Not what they did together.

It really doesn’t matter what we think or how we feel about communion; all that really matters is what God has said about it in His Word.

I received a complimentary review copy of the book from Thomas Nelson, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Radical by David Platt

2011-01-14T12:41:00.001-08:00

Subtitle: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

In “Radical” best-selling author/pastor David Platt calls American Christians to evaluate their lives and their finances in light of the teachings of Christ.

I must admit I expected this book to be the social gospel for the Twenty-First century.

I was wrong. This is not doing good works to earn salvation, but rather doing them because of our salvation.

The true gospel is clearly preached throughout this book – he is spot on in that regard. This isn’t about the social gospel, but rather examining where our treasure is. It’s a call to Christians to carefully consider what a need is and what is a luxury. How much more could we give if we cut out the extras? How big of a house do we need? How about our churches – do we need huge buildings with comfy seats while our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world suffer?

The author admits there are far more questions than answers. I appreciate that this was not written in a legalistic manner, and it doesn’t condemn. He is just asking valid questions; questions that we must all answer for ourselves.

My one big concern with this book is that it seems to almost bring good works up to gospel level; as if they are a second part of the gospel, rather than an evidence of our faith. Please notice I said almost. He does not claim this, but I fear that it could easily be interpreted that way and turned into legalism and/or the social gospel.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

You can read the first chapter HERE.

Amy Inspired

2011-01-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

Amy Gallagher is a twenty-nine year old aspiring writer and teacher. Rejection letters are piling up while her roommate gets published. Her brother is marrying while she is still alone – and she begins to really examine herself and her past. At the same time, her roommate invites a very interesting but unavailable man to stay with them while he makes changes in his life.

This is an interesting book. I’m not quite sure how to describe it. It’s deep, somewhat melancholy, introspective, poetic, artistic, slightly romantic, reflective, sobering yet hopeful. The book deals with some very difficult issues – divorce, cancer, death, and substance abuse – but the author very carefully handles these issues from a biblical perspective and shows how these circumstances have affected the faith of the people involves.

Pair it with a comfy blanket and warm cup of tea and you have a perfect rainy day read.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Highland Blessings

2011-01-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer Hudson Taylor

-Scotland, 1473

The MacKenzie and MacPhearson clans have been warring for many years. Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie, the clan leader’s daughter, on her wedding day to keep a promise to his dying father.

Ten years earlier his father, the MacPhearson clan leader, had signed an agreement with Akira’s father to attempt to end the hostilities between the clans by arranging for Akira, then just a child, to marry his son. However, he was killed on his way back to MacPhearson castle, and only his sons know of the arrangement.

After Akira is forced to marry Bryce she chooses to act in accordance with 1 Peter 3:1,2 (Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives) and models exemplary faith and unites with her husband in an effort to end the bloodshed. However, someone appears to be trying to thwart their efforts, and they will stop at nothing, including murder.

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The author has clearly spent many hours researching the era and the traditions of that time. The Scottish Highlands really come to life with her vivid descriptions. From looming castles to sword fights, family crests, and clan plaids every detail is brilliant. The author also accurately describes the problems that arose because Bible were scarce and the few that existed were in Latin.

It has both action and romance, but what I most appreciated about the book was how strongly Akira’s faith came through. It seems that so often Christian fiction are just books that mention God, but this truly is a God-honoring book that is full of faith and will encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

You can download the first chapter HERE.

Also, visit Jennifer Hudson Taylor's blog: http://www.authorjenniferhudsontaylor.com/

What Your Son Isn't Telling You

2011-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

This book is a look inside the mind of a typical Christian teenage boy. The authors cover all of the teenage issues and offer sound, biblical advice on how to guide your teenage son through the difficult years of adolescence. The book includes many true stories and questions/comments that teenage boys have sent them.

If you have a son entering the teenage years this is a book I would recommend. However, if you have read other books on this topic, you may not find anything new here.

I have a teenage son who is really struggling and I was hoping to find help here. While there is some valuable advice here, most of it seems to be geared towards boys who have true saving faith. Just being raised in a Christian home does not mean that our sons have been converted and by the time they are teens they may have completely rejected our faith. If that is the case for your son, as it is with mine, there really isn’t much help to be found in this book. Having read several other similar books, I didn’t really find anything new in this one.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

Beguiled

2011-01-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

Mystery, suspense, romance, intrigue, and double-crossing make this a read-in-one-sitting thriller.

Rylee Monroe is a dog walker in a wealthy Charleston neighborhood. She loves her job and her clients trust her. However a string of burglaries begin to plague the neighborhood and Riley seems to always be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reporter Logan Woods is investigating the story and is intrigued but suspicious of Rylee. Though she claims to be innocent, she sure looks guilty.

This book is beautifully written. The neighborhood and the characters are described in rich detail. It is fast-paced and keeps you hanging on until the very end.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Hatteras Girl

2011-01-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

By Alice Wisler

This is the story of Jackie Donovan a young woman living in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are two things she most wants in life – to own a bed and breakfast, more specifically the Bailey House, and to marry a wonderful man.

But for now, she is a writer at the Lighthouse views while she lives with her recently widowed childhood friend and helps to raise her son.

While working on a story she meets Davis Erickson, a man who seems to hold the keys to both of her dreams, but all is not as it would seem.

Overall, I liked this book. It is written in the first person, which I found to be very frustrating for the first few chapters. After about five chapters it stopped bothering me, but at first it was very annoying. It is a bit slow moving, but that allows the reader to really get comfortable with the characters and ends up being part of the appeal of the book. The characters are very real and relatable. By the end I found myself hoping for a sequel.

There is one very unique feature in this book that I absolutely love - there are recipes in the back of the book for the different foods mentioned throughout. I love trying new recipes and I am so glad they were included.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Masquerade

2011-01-04T10:46:00.001-08:00

By Nancy Moser

Masquerade is the beautiful story of young Charlotte Gleason, a very spoiled rich girl who has led a very privileged and sheltered life, and Dora Connors, her ladies maid.

Set in the Gilded Age, Lottie is being sent by her parents to marry a wealthy American heir to a department store fortune – one whom she has never met. On the voyage over, she hatches a plan to switch lives with Dora. She teaches Dora all the ins-and-outs of high society while she prepares herself to live a normal life in America, and marry for love.

A few twists of fate, and she ends up living in tenement housing in New York in extreme poverty, while Dora lives a life of opulence.

I loved this book! Both girls find themselves in many sticky situations while trying to maintain their life of deceit. Dora uses her wit brilliantly to cover for her many social blunders, while Lottie sees the harsh reality of how the other half lived.

The book was very clearly thoroughly researched. Those who are familiar with the Gilded Age will recognize some of the real life characters included in the story line. From the clothing to the social etiquette and roles and expectations of the servants everything is very historically accurate.

I would strongly recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of the book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

christmas

2010-12-11T12:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Snowflakes Christmas

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View the entire collection of cards.

Isaac Newton by Mitch Stokes

2010-12-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

This book is part of Thomas Nelson's Christian Encounters series, a group of biographies designed to bring to light the Christian faith of historical figures.

I normally love biographies and have really appreciated the Christian Encounters series. I love getting new insight into the lives of famous people, particularly their faith. However, I was very disappointed in this one. While I would normally read a book like this in a day or two, this one took me months. It is very dry and slow going.

There is very little new insight into the life of Isaac Newton. It is predominantly about his scientific and mathematical discoveries that we all learned in high school. Only a very small portion of the book covers his personal life and there is even less about his faith. The author brings up the topic of Newton's anti-trinitarian views, but does not give it any thorough analysis. It seems like much of the book is just rehashing his correspondence with the Royal Society and other scientists of his day.

Overall, this book was disappointing, though it might be valuable for homeschool purposes.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

The Vigilante's Bride

2010-12-10T13:29:00.001-08:00

Sent to marry a man she does not know by the leadership of Aldersgate Home for Girls, young Emily McCarthy sets out on the stage coach for Montana.

Vigilante Luke Sullivan robs that very stage coach to reclaim the money stolen from his Pa, only to find that Emily is about to marry his archenemy, an evil man named Bart Axel. He opts to kidnap her rather than send her off to be married to Axel. Taking her to the orphanage that grew up in, Emily and Luke both start new lives in Montana. Her help proves to invaluable at the orphanage as a teacher and Luke set out to find what happened to so much of the herd that seems to have disappeared.

This fast paced story is a thrilling tale of vigilantes, cowboys, Indians, land disputes, cattle rustling, and all that made the Wild West wild. It is a page-turner that keeps you hanging onto every word until the very end.

While I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

In Every Heartbeat

2010-12-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

By Kim Vogel Sawyer

Libby, Bennett, and Pete all grew up in the same orphanage. Now heading off to college, life is taking them in new but different directions. Faced with the challenges that all young college students face, a rift begins to form in their relationships. When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete’s family, their relationships are really put to the test.

When I first began reading this book it felt more like junior fiction to me. I also found myself annoyed with Libby and her feminist attitude. That being said, in the end I loved the book. It’s a very good picture of the struggles we all have as young adults, and God’s grace comes shining through in Libby’s life in an amazing way.

This is a beautiful story of friendships, love, forgiveness and redemption. I would recommend for both teen and adults.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Love's First Bloom

2010-12-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

By Delia Parr

In this beautiful piece of historical fiction young Ruth Livingstone's life is dramatically changed when her father, a minister to fallen women, is charged with murder. Though a woman of faith, her father uses the network he has in place for rescuing women leaving a life of prostitution to send his daughter away with a small child.

Ruth humbly assumes the role of the Widow Malloy, staying in the home of one of the couples who helps rescue these women, with a rambunctious two year old to care for while waiting for her father to be acquitted.

No one knows her true identity, but a few newspaper men are determined to find her, including a man known to her as Jake Spencer.

This book is a beautiful story of a daughter's love for her father, of forgiveness, and of true faith that is evidenced in good works.

Unlocked

2010-12-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Unlocked is the beautiful story of Holden Harris, a teenage boy locked in the prison of autism and Ella Reynolds teenage drama star and daughter of a major league baseball player.

Ella and Holden had been friends as small children, before Holden began to slip away into his silent world at the age of three. As their parents’ friendship fades under the stress of Holden’s strangeness, Ella and Holden lose contact.

At the beginning of her senior year, Ella witnesses her boyfriend bullying a one of the special needs kids – one whose quirkiness frightens most. Later that same student stops outside her drama class, mesmerized by the music. As their friendship unfolds, God’s mighty power is made known in miraculous ways.

In this book, Kingsbury addresses some very tough teen issues, as well as things many adult women struggle with. From autism to bullying and suicide, these issues are dealt with thoroughly and biblically.

This book offers a rare glimpse into the world of autism. Kingsbury offer a look inside the mind of an autistic teen with what it just might be like to be trapped inside your own mind. Though we really don’t know what it is like to be autistic, or what causes the strange behavior, reading this book will give you a much deeper understanding of people with autism.

This book is very powerfully written and I highly recommend it.

I must mention that a complimentary review copy was provided to me by Zondervan, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

You can read a sample here.

Within My Heart

2010-11-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

By Tamera Alexander

This is the story of Rachel Boyd and Dr Rand Brookston. Rachel is a young widow who is struggling to keep her promise to her late husband and keep their ranch afloat while raising two small boys, one of whom has been causing much mischief. Though getting by with the help of this small community, Rachel is still hanging onto deep-rooted fears.

Rand Brookston is a doctor who has come west to set up a medical clinic in this small town, while hiding from his own fears.

Brought together by a medical emergency, these two must begin to learn to trust one another.

Set in post-civil war Colorado, this is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. The characters are well developed and believable. The storyline draws you in and holds you until the end. The book was clearly very well researched and the struggles of the pioneers are brought to life.

I would have liked to have seen more Christian faith come through in this book, but overall it was a great story.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Take Three

2010-11-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Take Three is the third book in the Above the Line series. This is the continuing story of Christian filmmakers Keith Ellison and Chase Ryan. While their first film was a success, family problems and budget issues threaten the project.

This is a brilliantly written story that tugs at your heartstrings. The characters draw you into their lives and come alive to you. The issues they handle are issues that face many Christians and Kingsbury handles them in a biblical way that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord. The strong thread of faith weaves through the story just as Kingsbury readers have come to expect.

For long time Kingsbury readers appearances from the Flannigans and the Baxters give you a glimpse into their continuing stories. However, if you have not read Karen Kingsbury previously, keeping track of all of the characters might prove to be difficult.

Overall, this was another homerun by Karen Kingsbury.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

Has Christianity Failed You?

2010-08-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

By Ravi Zacharias

This book is written for those struggling with questions of faith and those who have left the church.

Throughout the book the author attempts to answer questions such as “Who is Jesus?”, “What Does it Mean to be a Christian,” and “Does Prayer make a difference?”

I say “attempts” because most often his answers are vague and the chapters ramble on with endless illustrations and anecdotes. I found that the excessive use of illustrations actually detracted from the book and often muddied the waters rather than clarifying the point he was trying to make. He says on several occasions that he doesn’t want to use theological terms, yet often theological terms are what best describe theological ideas. To refuse to use them assumes that the reader is either ignorant or unable to learn “big words.”

I did find the last two chapters to be quite worth reading and deserving of a resounding “Amen” in that he finally gets to the root of the issue – churches who have compromised the gospel and have made promises that God never made, leading people to feel that they have been let down, when the truth is that they had the wrong expectation of Christianity in the first place.

Overall, it was a bit of a tedious book to read and I was left feeling that he didn’t thoroughly answer the question that he posed in the book.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of the book from Zondervan, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Love is a Flame

2010-07-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying what this book is not. This is not just another self-help book. This is not Christian happy talk about how great your Christian marriage should be. This is not psychology.

This is reality. These are true stories written by the people who lived them. Some of these couples have survived difficult things like adultery, pornography, and separations. Others are lighter stories of things we all do – unrealistic expectations we bring into marriage, misplaced priorities, and falling into the “busyness” of life. Some will make you laugh, others may bring tears, but all of them will show you how others have kept the flame alive.

If found this book to be thought-provoking and encouraging. The format makes it very easy to read and enjoyable. Each of the stories is short, three to four pages, and ends with reflections by James Bell. I started out intending to read a couple of stories per day but I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one afternoon.

This book is great for anyone – newly engaged couples to those who have been married for years. There are valuable lessons contained in these true stories that we all can learn from.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House publishers, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Sixteen Brides

2010-06-29T13:57:00.001-07:00

By Stephanie Whitson

This is a story of Civil War widows who set out with the dream of claiming land in Nebraska through the Homestead Act, only to discover they had been tricked by the land agent who had actually promised them as brides to the men in Cayote, Nebraska.

Several of these courageous women stay behind in the up-and-coming town Plum Grove to follow the dream of owning land, a daring prospect for women on their own.

At first it was difficult to keep track of so many primary characters, but as the story unfolds it gets easier. The characters are all very distinct and well-developed. Each comes from a very different background, yet together they make a great team and lifelong friends.

A thread of romance runs through the novel as these ladies begin to move past there lost husbands and begin to notice the local men who have helped them out.

Christian faith and values also come through very strongly in this story.

Life on the Nebraska plains comes alive as the author gives a great peak into the lives of those on the Plains after the Civil War. From raging prairie fires to quilting bees and house-raisings this is historical fiction at its finest.

I will be looking forward to more novels by Stephanie Whitson.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Hearts Awakening - by Delia Parr

2010-06-17T12:44:00.001-07:00

Set in the 1840’s on Dillon Island, a privately owned island and home to an apple orchard on the Susquehanna River, this is a story of a plain spinster (Elvira Kilmer) and a young widower named Jackson Smith. Both are hiding from their past.

Smith hires Kilmer as a housekeeper so he is free to work his apple orchard while she tends to the house and two small boys. Smith quickly sees her as an answer to his problems, yet what he proposes is quite unconventional.

The story is rich in detail, emotion, and faith. The characters are endearing and vibrant. The plot is rich and fairly fast moving. The details of island life during that time come alive in this book.

Unlike much of the Christian fiction of today, this book really is Christian. Faith, forgiveness, and redemption are strong themes throughout.

I would strongly recommend this book to all Christian historical fiction lovers.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Somewhere to Belong - by Judith Miller

2010-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Set in the 1870’s in the Christian cooperative community of Main Amana, Iowa this is the story of two young women, Johanna Ilg and Berta Schumacher.

Johanna is a kind, compassionate, and respectful young woman who has grown up in Main Amana. Though she longs to see the outside world she knows her home is Main Amana. She is given the task of training Berta Schumacher in the ways of life in the Amana Community.

Berta is a spoiled and rebellious daughter of a physician who is forced to move to Main Amana when her parents decide a simpler life would be best for all of them.
Berta antics were good for few laughs, but nevertheless the plot was fairly predictable - with one exception near the end.

The characters were rather flat and I really had a hard time connecting with either one of them.

It is clear that the author put a considerable amount of research into this book. There is great detail in the political structure of the colonies. She clearly understood what the gender roles were and how they all worked together as a community. However, there was very little detail in regards to the theology of the people, which would seem to be more important in a Christian Community.

Overall, it was a decent book, but not great.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

She Walks in Beauty

2010-06-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

The opulence of the Gilded Era. Splendor, beauty, and extravagance. Elaborate dinners, majestic balls, and fancy gowns.

These are the things that are commonplace in Miss Clara Carter’s life. Clara is a young debutante striving to learn the rules of social engagement in a time when appearance was everything. Tasked by her overbearing Aunt and father with catching the eye of the seasons most eligible heir, Clara finds herself trying to maintain her own identity in a world that defined the worth of a woman by her waist size and her ability to entertain. Her every move ends up in the social columns of New York’s best newspapers. However Clara is an intelligent young woman who would much prefer to continue her education and look to find true love. As young girl her mother had sung “Just as I am” to her many times. Is it possible that God could love her just as she is?

This book has all the makings of a great novel. Well-developed characters that are rich and deep. Just enough mystery to keep you wondering. Friendships that are strained by the pressures of high society. Family secrets, trickery and deceit.

This is the first book I have read by Siri Mitchell, but it won’t be the last.

I must mentioned that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book, however that did not in anyway influence my opinion of it.

Hunter's Moon

2010-04-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

The book begins with CJ Baxter, a novelist, returning today Adelia as his grandfather is dying. His life is in shambles; he is getting divorced, has a lawsuit pending, his wife has frozen his assets and there is a warrant for his arrest. His family has long been the family with power and influence in Adelia and with that came dark family secrets. With his brother now running for senate, CJ becomes a liability as he digs into his families past.

The book begins very slowly, but as it unfolds it proves to be a very interesting and suspenseful story. A great amount of detail is put into developing the characters and the small town of Adelia comes alive to the reader.

While I overall enjoyed the book, I do have a few complaints. While it is meant to be a Christian book, there is very little content that deals with faith. There is a reference to CJ’s recent conversion, yet we aren’t told anything about it. It seems that the author wants the reader to see CJ growing in faith, yet there is little Scripture or prayer involved. There are many difficult issues brought up; adultery, domestic violence, and bitterness to name a few. Most of these issues are left unresolved and there is little about forgiveness or repentance. It seems that there could have been many opportunities to share the gospel of grace with these situations, but it never happens.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Never Say Never

2010-03-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is the first book I have read by Lisa Wingate, but it certainly won’t be the last. This book was very entertaining with characters that are deep, well-developed, inspiring and funny.

The story is told by two different individuals; two women generations apart tossed together by a hurricane. While it took a few chapters to get used to switching between to two ladies, I found that reading the story from two perspectives interesting and refreshing.

Donetta Bradford is an older married woman who has lived a quiet life in the town of Daily, Texas. She sets out to go on a cruise with two of her friends, leaving behind a husband who she is convinced doesn’t love her anymore.

Kai Miller is a young single woman who comes from a broken home lives a rather rootless existence as a cruise ship employee. She prefers to be aloof and is quite content to be alone. The two characters meet while trying to escape a hurricane and Kai ends up in Daily with Donetta.

This story has it all – a hurricane, a rescue, romance between Kai and Donetta’s nephew, humorous encounters with the people of Daily, and inspiring stories of survival and faith.

I will definitely be reading more from Lisa Wingate.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Not a Sparrow Falls

2010-03-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

By Linda Nichols

This is a story of God’s love, of Providence, redemption, forgiveness, and God’s preserving power.

The first eleven chapters move very slowly. They mostly contain background details and I found it very hard to connect with the characters during this time. I had nearly given up on the book when things really turned around. Chapter twelve begins a most wonderful story that will touch your heart. The characters that seem so dry at the beginning come alive later and draw you in. It ends up being a very richly written book.

The book focuses on two people hiding from their past - Alasdair, a Presbyterian minister and prominent radio pastor who was recently widowed and left with three children, and Bridie – a fugitive from both the law and her past. A chance encounter with Alasdair’s teenage daughter leads Bridie to accept a position as nanny in Alasdair’s house.

This haunting story stayed with me several days after I read it.

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us

2010-03-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Are you considering homeschooling but don't feel like you have the perfect homeschool family? Not sure if it will work for your family? Then this book is for you.

This is not a book of how to's, Sonya Haskins does not present the "right" or "wrong" way to homesschool your children but rather dispells the many myths of homeschooling and gives great advice on how to homeschool in a number of different manners and how to make it work for your family.

Haskins clearly understands that not each child is alike and not each family can homeschool in the same way. Being a blended family with only one child, I found this to be very refreshing. So many homeschool books assume that mom is a stay-at-home mom and that there are several children being homeschooled.

The author also clearly demonstrates how real life is homeschooling and how character development is one of the most important aspects of training our children.

Haskins also deals with issues surrounding budget problems, handling friends and relatives who don't understand homeschooling, dealing with special needs children, and socialization.

This is great book for anyone considering homeschooling or who feels that they just don't fit the homeschool stereotype.

The Hidden Flame

2010-02-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn

This brilliantly written book puts you on the streets of first century Jerusalem, giving you a front row seat for many of the events recorded in the book of Acts. From the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira to the stoning of Stephen the reader witnesses first-hand moments that shaped the early church through the eyes of Abigail; a young believer and the focus of this story.

It is the second book in the Acts of Faith series, however the authors have done a great job of filling in the necessary background information to make this book easily readable on its own. I have not read the first book, but had no trouble picking up the story line.

Caught between the Jewish leadership and the Roman rulers, the early church is fighting for their survival – even as their numbers grow daily.

Many of the characters are actual historical characters- the apostles, Martha, Rabbi Gamaliel (the Apostle Paul’s teacher – still known as Saul in this book). All of the characters are rich and deep; you will laugh with them, cry with them, and pray with them.

I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God

2010-02-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

By Charles F Stanley

I have really struggled writing this review. I admit I have very mixed feeling on this book. At first, I really did not like it. It took me a long time to read the book, not because it was difficult to read but because it just didn’t grab me. I really didn’t find myself interested in it at all. I found his writing style to be very basic, almost like it was intended for a junior high Sunday School class. He seems to avoid theological terms at all cost and often over-illustrates his point. One illustration is helpful, more than that is simply annoying.

However, once I finished the book I found it kept coming back to me. I have really been looking at the daily events in my life and thinking “What would God have me do here? How can I use this to glorify God? Am I reaching my full potential in this area of my life?”

After much thought and prayer I’ve realized that if you like self help/motivational books you will probably love this one. I’m someone who prefers to approach these things through biblical exegesis and the teaching of sound doctrine, so to me this book read like a 1980’s self-help book. However, there is value in that.

Bottom line: if you like self help, you will love this book. If you are looking for something deeper, you might find it hard to read, but there is a valuable message for all Christians in this book.

I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book, however that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Sense and Sensibility (Insight Edition)

2010-02-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

If you love Jane Austen, you will love this edition of Sense and Sensibility.

I admit I was at first a little skeptical of reading an “insight edition” as often I have found, in the past, insights to be annoying and often detract from the story. That is not the case in this edition of Sense and Sensibility. I found most of the insights to be very helpful and often amusing.

This timeless classic is brought to life in even greater detail through the insights included in this version. It includes many fascinating details from Jane Austen’s own life which help explain her perspective on many different situations. Many of the insights have to do with bringing the rich cultural details out to a generation who may not immediately relate to life and places in the early 1800’s.

For those who have loved (or even hated) the many movies and mini-series’ based on this book, you will find frequent comparisons, applause, and criticisms of the film versions.

The faith that is evident, though not always clearly, is brought out and given Scriptures references for throughout the book. I found these very interesting as I had never thought of Sense and Sensibility as a Christian book before.

This is definitely a book all Jane Austen aficionados will love. If you've never read Jane Austen, I strongly recommend you make this the first one you read.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book, however that in no way influenced my opinion.

The Silent Governess

2010-02-06T14:18:00.001-08:00

An absolute masterpiece of historical fiction!

The Silent Governess is a beautifully written tale of mystery, romance, family secrets, friendship and faith set in a nineteenth century manor house.

By chance circumstance Olivia Keene overhears a secret of Lord Bradley. Compelled to take a post in his home, while she hides a secret of her own, she is quickly accepted by the other servants as well as the children.

The characters are deep, rich, and intriguing. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Set in a time where women were ladies, men were gentlemen, and propriety was held in high regard Julie Klassen does a fabulous job of clearly describing the inner working of an English manor house. The intricacies of the relationships between the servant, the governess, and the lords and ladies are brought to light in great detail. Quotes at the beginning of each chapter from writings of the time provide background for each chapter and shed light on what the roles of each character would have been.

If you love historical fiction set in the Regency era, you will love this book.

While I did receive a complimentary review copy of this book, it in no way influenced my opinion of it.

The Reckoning

2009-12-22T14:41:00.000-08:00

By Beverly Lewis

Another beautifully written book by Beverly Lewis!

"The Reckoning" is the third and final book in the Heritage of Lancaster County. Following the story of Katherine Mayfield (Katie Lapp) the story resumes with Katherine assuming her position as Mistress of Mayfield Manor. This is a considerable lifestyle change for a young woman who was raisede Amish by her adoptive parents.

Still struggling with her shunning by the Amish people, she devises a way for her maid to write her best friend in Hickory Hollow.

To further complicate things, her first love who she believes to be dead appears at her door one day.

Faced with many difficult decisions, she agrees to attend church with her maid and butler, and hears of the true gospel and God's love for her. The seess of the Gospel are sown, and Katherine must examine herself, her past, and future.

This is a tremendous story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption.

The White Horse King

2009-12-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

The White Horse King is a brilliantly written biography of King Alfred. It is clear this book was thoroughly researched as Benjamin Merkle has brought the events to life in rich detail.

It written in such a way that it can be used for scholarly purposes yet is fairly easy to read. I don't generally read biographies, but this one seemed interesting. I was not disappointed; I could hardly put it down.

Prior to reading this biography I knew little of Alfred the Great, and I believe that is the case for many people. However, much can be learned about Western Civilization and the importance of having a Biblical worldview through studying his life.

As the fifth in line to throne, it would have seemed unlikely that Alfred would ever be king. As a small child his father sent him to Rome, and that proved to be a defining time in Alfred's life.

This was a period of time when the Viking raiders were pillaging most the English coastlands and taking over villages. Farms, churches, and monasteries were being burned and destroyed and many were slaughtered at the hands of the Vikings.

As Alfred ascended to the throne he faced the Viking aggressions with a poorly trained volunteer military. He had already lost much of his family to the Vikings, including his brother who had been sacrificed to the Viking gods.

Merkle has done a fabulous job of describing the tactics of both the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons in great detail. Much time is spent describing how Alfred was eventually able to establish a few periods of peace.

After pushing back the Vikings and taking captive one of there kings - to whom he showed incredible mercy, Alfred turned his attentions to building a better military and fortifying the towns.

This was at time when many years had passed since the Romans had left, and illiteracy was rampant and the people were falling into paganism. King Alfred realized that his people were being crippled by a lack of knowledge of God.

All of the Christian works of the day were in Latin, and few people outside of church scholars and monks could read it. In addition, most of the Anglo-Saxon people could not read or write their own language. Alfred set up public school system to teach the peasant children to read, and required all of the noblemen to learn to read. He hired monks and other scholars to translate parts of the Bible to the Anglo-Saxon language, knowing that his people needed the word of God in their own language - this was almost 700 years BEFORE the Reformation.

Seeing as America is falling into paganism now, not from illiteracy but from Biblical illiteracy I found it very refreshing to hear that so many years ago one very wise king saw the same problem. People need to know the Bible to avoid paganism, yet so many churches today have abandoned Bible teaching and replaced it with self-help or the social gospel.

I would highly recommend this book for home school classes or for anyone who wanting to understand the importance of having a Biblical worldview.

While I did receive a courtesy review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers, that in no way influenced my review.

Though Waters Roar

2009-11-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

By Lynn Austin

Though this delightful tale begins with Harriet Sherwood sitting in jail wondering how she became a criminal, it is really the story of the women who came before her.

While being a slightly slow read, it is worth every minute of it.

Set primarily in the mid to late 1800's and early 1900's this book puts you at a station on the Underground Railroad, on a Civil War battlefield, on the sidewalk in front of a saloon just before Prohibition, and in the Women's Suffrage march on Washington DC. Full of accurate historical detail you see these events as an eye witness.

The issues of women in this time period are clearly brought to light in the lives of Harriet's grandmother and mother. Harriet's grandmother was a farm girl when she met Horatio Garner, a wealthy son of a tannery owner. Through the grandmother's life you see true living faith in action as she faces trials in her marriage and with her in laws, tragedy, and triumph. She grows from being a young farm girl into a powerful woman of faith who cares for the poor and fights for just causes.

As Harriet reflects on the life of her grandmother and mother she sees how their lives have influenced her in many ways.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

The Silent Gift

2009-11-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

By Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley

This is, quite simply, a MUST READ.

Set in the 1930's this book tells the story of a young woman struggling to care for her disabled son after escaping from her abusive husband. It's a story of true motherly love, compassion, sacrifice, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption. The best and worst of humankind are brought to life through the events in the story of this very special boy and his unique gift.

I'm not sure I have words to adequately describe how profoundly I was moved by this book. I read it in one afternoon and evening. From the first page I could not put it down. The dark-haired boy on the cover captured my heart from the start.

Landon/Kelley have done an outstanding job of bringing these characters to life. This book touched my heart in a way few books ever have. The sacrifices that Mary (the mother) makes to care for her son show to all what motherhood truly is. The strength that she has is in the worst of circumstances is something we all can learn from.

This is a book that I would recommend everyone read. There will be many copies under our Christmas tree this year - I believe it will make a great gift to those who love to read.

*** I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for review purposes.

A Measure of Mercy

2009-11-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

By Lauraine Snelling

A Measure of Mercy is the first in the Home to Blessing series. The story of the Bjorklund family, who first settled the town now called Blessing, North Dakota, continues with the youngest daughter of Ingeborg and and Haakan. Astrid Bjorklund has been training with her sister-in-law Dr Elizabeth Bjorklund and is now ready for surgical training in Chicago. Astrid dreams of continuing her practice with Dr Elizabeth in the hospital they hope to build in Blessing.

Just before she departs for Chicago a missionary visits the church and tell of the need for medical missionaries in Africa. At the same time Joshua Landsverk returns to Blessing seeking to court Astrid.

Astrid leaves for Chicago with both Africa and Joshua on her mind. Is God calling to be a missionary? Will she return to Blessing and Joshua?

This inspiring story lives up to the reputation of all the other Bjorklund books. Ingeborg is busy as always serving the community and teaching her family, and us the readers, to love, serve, and follow God.

As always the Blessing women are an inspiration in how they work together to support one another and help the nearby Indian reservation.

Those who have followed the Bjorklund family through the other series will not be disappointed in this book. It is as well written and researched as the rest.

First time readers will also love this boo. As always, Lauraine Snelling does a fabulous job of making this book enjoyable even for those who haven't read the previous books.

I laughed, I cried, I loved it.

*** I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House for review purposes.

The Karma of Jesus: Do We Really Reap What We Sow

2009-11-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

By Mark Herringshaw

The Karma of Jesus begins with Pastor Mark Herringshaw recounting a conversation he had with a young postmodern who had attended one of his talks at the behest of his mother. The young man had recently been in rehab, where he discovered Eastern religion and became a believer in Karma.

The young man asks him the question "Why did Jesus die?" and that was the beginning of the journey that would become this book.

It was also the beginning of my disappointments in this book.

The format of the book makes it both tedious and frustrating to read. It is normal in a nonfiction book for the author to begin with propositional statements (truth claims) and then give evidence to back up their claims. However, Herringshaw does not do this. As he puts it, "it's a conversation" (p 183). Chapter after chapter rambles on with tidbits of his conversation mixed with his own thoughts and stories. By chapter five I was ready to throw the book. Five chapters of conversation sprinkled with illustrations that don't often seem to "illustrate" anything. Were I not committed to writing a review of the book, I would have given up and gone on to something better.

The lack of footnotes /end notes is also frustrating. It appears at first that Herringshaw has completely neglected to cite his sources, but if you do manage to finish the book you will find a "notes" section with page numbers at the end. There are no super-scripted numbers indicating in the text that there are notes to be found.

I was also deeply troubled by theological problems in the book.

By looking at the title "The Karma of Jesus: Do We Really Reap What We Sow" one might expect Herringshaw to open the Bible and prove that the Eastern idea of Karma (which seems entirely contrary to sound Christian doctrine) can be found in Scripture. Or perhaps he might use the idea of karma to illustrate how our faith should be evident in our lives by the good works we do.

He does neither. Instead he engages in a conversation with the young man that left me feeling that it was Herringshaw who ended up being "converted."

There is very little Scripture used, and what he does quote is taken from the New Living Translation - a paraphrase - not a literal translation of the Bible. I was left completely unconvinced that there is any Biblical evidence for Karma.

He also does very little to prove that there is any reason for Christians (or anyone else) to believe in karma. His teaching on karma is brief, and when compared to what true Buddhists and Hindus believe it really isn't their true doctrine of karma at all.

If you can make it to chapter six, you will be rewarded as he begins to bring Christ into the "conversation." Chapter seven begins with the comment by Andrew, "You're making karma out to be what you usually call sin." and with that I breathed sigh of relief - sort of. While the verbal slight-of-hand involved in switching "sin" to "bad karma" is disturbing, it does lead to a discussion of the atonement. I would have loved his treatment of the blood atonement if he talked about SIN, not karma. He covers the three major views of the atonement in detail and even perfectly describes our need for atonement. However, it is our sin that was atoned for, not bad karma. And to say Christ had "good karma" is also in error. He was perfectly righteous, holy, and sinless. That is not good karma, it is deity. He did not obtain deity through good karma, as the Buddhists might teach, but always was God. Karma is an impersonal force. It does not love you. Jesus died for your sins that you may obtain His perfect righteousness through His shed blood when you repent and trust in only Him for your salvation.

Please, Pastor Herringshaw, you are a pastor at a prominent Lutheran church. I beg you, return to the Reformation doctrine of Scripture Alone. All that we need to know about God is contained in His holy Word. We do not need to borrow terms or doctrines from other religions. Preach the gospel as it is in God's Word and people will be converted and will receive the atonement they need.

- I must note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for review purposes.

The Preachers Daughter

2009-11-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

By Beverly Lewis

The Preachers Daughter is a charming story of a young Amish woman, Annie Zook, and her long time pen pal, Louisa.

Annie is the daughter of an old order Amish preacher whose heart yearns to be an artist, which is forbidden in their church district. She has kept her art a secret from everyone but her cousin and her English Pen Pal Louisa. But now the time has come for her to join the church and she must choose...her art or the church and the people she loves.

Meanwhile, Louisa is needing a break from the frenzied life of Denver Society. What better time to visit her Plain friend in Paradise, Pennsylvania.

It is evident that many hours of careful research went into this book. Readers gain a deep understanding of the Amish people and their beliefs. The strong emphasis on family and relationships is refreshing.

In this book Beverly Lewis shows, once again, her amazing talent in crafting beautiful words that tell an engaging story of love, mystery, and heartbreak.

Lewis has an amazing ability to help her readers connect with the characters. Her ability to describe a scene in vibrant detail leave you feeling as though you witnessed it yourself.

I strongly recommend this book to all fiction lovers.

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl

2009-11-05T18:41:00.000-08:00

Are you at a point in your Christian life where going to church, doing a Bible study, prayer, and "being good" just seem like things on a to-do list? Author Lysa TerKeurst understands.

In her book "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl" she gives readers a glimpse into her life as she shares her own struggles as a woman, a mother, a wife and a ministry leader.

All areas of our Christian life are covered: our hearts, our walk with God, our relationships, our struggles, our thoughts, and our calling. Lysa offers sound biblical advice on how we can grow in each of these areas to become women who honor and obey the Lord and reflect His love to those around us.

She is very open about her own shortcomings, many of which seem to be true of most women today.

The book is written in a very down-to-earth and easy to read style that makes it seem more like having a cup of coffee with an old friend than a study on spiritual growth.

You can purchase this book from Proverbs 31 Ministries or Amazon.com.