Review: The Messenger

Book DescriptionPublication Date: March 1, 2012

A Riveting Tale of Faith and Romance by an Acclaimed Novelist

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith
...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?
Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.
With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

My Review:
This book is rich in historical detail of Revolutionary War era Philadelphia and also in detail of the Quaker faith. Clearly much research was done in regard to both.
The characters are intriguing and the setting is described in great detail.
The story moves a bit slowly, but its still overall a good piece of historical fiction.

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

Read an excerpt here:
The Messenger I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House.

Review: Finding Our Way Home

Book Description:

When the road home becomes daunting—sometimes a very capable girl on a bicycle can help find the way.

When principal ballerina Sasha Davis suffers a career-ending injury at age thirty-eight, she leaves her Boston-based dance company and retreats to the home of her youth in Minnesota. But Sasha’s injuries limit her as much as her mother’s recent death haunts her. Concluding she can’t recover alone, Sasha reluctantly hires a temporary live-in aide.

Enter the übercapable Evelyn Burt. As large-boned as Sasha is delicate, Evelyn is her employer’s opposite in every way. Small town to Sasha’s urban chic, outgoing to Sasha’s iciness, and undaunted where Sasha is hopeless, nineteen-year-old Evelyn is newly engaged and sees the world as one big, shiny opportunity.

Evelyn soon discovers Sasha needs to heal more than bones. Slowly, as the wounds begin to mend and the tables tilt, the two women form an unlikely alliance and discover the astounding power of even the smallest act done in the name of love. Finding Our Way Home is a story of second chances and lavish grace.

My Review:

This book was charming, delightful, and overall fun to read. The characters are endearing and unique. The story moves along at just the right pace. Little pieces of the mystery revealed throughout the story make for just enough suspense.

The is the first book by Baumbich that I have ever read, but I will be looking for more.
I must mention that I received a complimentary review copy from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Resources:

Author's Web Site
More Info
Read Chapter One

Author Bio

Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Review: The Truth About Grace

 

Book Description

“Is the experience of God’s grace in your life a thrilling thing? Just thinking about the fact that God, by His own sovereign plan, decided to be gracious to me is overwhelming. There is nothing greater than receiving grace upon grace.” —John MacArthur

Simple definitions can make grace feel like an obvious―even mundane―concept. Nothing could be further from the truth. Grace is the defining feature of the Christian faith. Once we understand how undeserving we are and how much favor we’ve been given, grace becomes shocking, thrilling, inspiring, and contagious.

Best-selling author and pastor John MacArthur illuminates this profound concept with verse upon verse of Scripture. He also shows that misunderstandings about grace have led to some of the church’s greatest problems, perhaps because grace is her most precious gift.

For decades, MacArthur has encouraged countless Christians to develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and a greater respect for God’s truth. In The Truth About series, he now gathers his landmark teachings about core aspects of the Christian faith in one place. These powerful books are designed to give readers a focused experience that centers on God’s character and how it applies to their daily walk of faith.

My Review:

Grace is a word we, as Christians, use a lot. But sometimes it seems we don't stop to consider what it really means. This book is an excellent resource for learning what grace truly is and for fully understanding this powerful truth. Packed with Scripture quotations, I was encouraged, uplifted, and edified reading this book.
It is short and very easy to read. Theological terms are defined, making it understanding even for new believers who may not know the "Christianeese."
I loved this book and it is one that I'm sure I will read again.
I did receive a complimentary review copy of the book from Book Sneeze.