SUMMIT BOOK REVIEWS

A CALL TO MERCY - MOTHER TERESA

2017-04-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

As one of the most widely recognized personages of our times and acknowledged to be a saint even while still alive, Mother Teresa became the personification of virtue and mercy. A Call to Mercy is a compilation of her notes and writings, guidance she offered to the nuns, speeches and interviews edited by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk,the postulator in the cause of her canonization.

I found the format of the book particularly appealing. Each one of its fourteen chapters is devoted to one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy or one of the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. The straight-forward wisdom of Mother Teresa’s words reach deep into your soul. A focused reading of this book provides the reader with all the benefits of a spiritual retreat without ever having to leave their home. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

THE BIBLE STORIES - A Set of Four Exceptional Movies: Abraham, Moses, Jacob and Joseph

2016-08-21T15:44:00.002-07:00

We'd seen one of these movies in the past and hoped the others were as good. I feel obligated to emphasize that these are not some "backyard production." The cast includes such recognizable names as Ben Kingsley, Richard Harris, Barbara Hershey, Sean Bean, Lesley Ann Warren and Christopher Lee. The costumes are accurate; the sets breath-taking and expansive. Each movie follows the Biblical narrative. Watching the entire set was something we looked forward to. The Emmy-winning Miniseries, Joseph, one we’d not been privileged to see before, was particularly good.

My husband and I enjoyed popping some corn and sitting down to watch them one night after another. Now we anticipate seeing them again and sharing them with youngsters who visit. What an exciting way to introduce (or re-introduce) these Bible stories in an entertaining and enlightening way.

We highly recommend this 4-Movie Collection. The set is available here: https://www.fishflix.com/christian-movies-the-bible-stories-in-the-beginning-4-dvd-collection.html

Right now they are offering a $5 coupon to FishFlix.com if you join their email list. You can do so at www.fishflix.com/5gift or by texting 5-GIFT to 44222.

We were fortunate to receive this 4-Movie Collection in exchange for an honest review.

CITY of SAINTS, A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Krakow by GEORGE WEIGEL

2016-08-09T16:12:00.002-07:00

City of Saints provides an intimate and insightful portrait of the ancient city that formed one of the giants of our era.

I had the good fortune to encounter George Weigel’s book, City of Saints, at the same time as I was reading a biography of Karol Wojtyla, known to us as Pope St. John Paul II. Being able to switch back and forth between the two volumes greatly enhanced my reading experience. Having this picture-packed reference on the table beside me allowed me to experience Krakow, Poland in ways I never could have otherwise done.

- E. G. Lewis

For more information about City of Saints, click here.

GOODREADS Drawing for CAST ME NOT AWAY. Enter to Win One of Ten Free Signed Copies!

2016-07-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

Goodreads will pick winners at random on August 8, 2016 and

Ten copies of CAST ME NOT AWAY will be mailed to ten lucky winners.

Suspense and Loss with a touch of Romance...

all within this prophetic prolife novel.

Best of Luck!

Click "Enter Giveaway" Below.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cast Me Not Away - The Saga of a Child's Survival

by Zara Heritage

Giveaway ends August 08, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

RETURN TO PARADISE by Tim Speer

2016-04-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely novel. If a book doesn’t engage me, I may not finish it. I read Return to Paradise from beginning to end, enjoying every page. Yes, there’s more telling than showing, but the grammar and punctuation are perfect. Written in a style more popular in a bygone era, take off your editor’s hat, as I did, and simply enjoy the story.

If you’re Catholic, you’ll appreciate the author’s sprinkling of familiar things throughout the book. If you’re not a Catholic, sit back and let yourself become more familiar with the Catholic faith as sporadically presented here. It isn’t preachy, but factual and fits the story.

This is the stirring tale of a man of faith defeating evil by standing up against it, even though it inconveniences his life and puts him at risk. David meets Sarah through an unlikely sequence of events that cause their lives to intersect, with the promise of a happy future together.

This is a novel that should make you smile.

- Zara Heritage

THE GOSPEL OF HAPPINESS by Christopher Kaczor

2016-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

I’ll admit I approached The Gospel of Happiness with some trepidation. One of the subsets of current Christian preaching is the so-called “Prosperity Gospel.” You’ll find it popping up in the local bookstore, as well as on the radio and TV. However, I’m happy to report that this book has nothing whatsoever to do with the comical idea that God is always lurking in the background eagerly awaiting an opportunity to shower his followers with riches.

Instead, author Christopher Kaczor focuses on the built-in wisdom of Christian theology and the ways in which authentic Christian practices bring about true and lasting satisfaction. In other words, true Happiness. This timely book reminds us that happiness is found, not in getting or grasping, but in giving of one’s self.

I shared several relevant passages from The Gospel of Happiness with my wife. They impressed her enough that she recommended it as a selection for the Parish’s reading club…a most appropriate use for this fine book.

Highly recommended!

CAST ME NOT AWAY by Zara Heritage -- Suspense that is not to be missed.

2016-03-14T16:38:00.001-07:00

Reviewers say: “The best dystopian novel I’ve ever read.” … “So real, it’s frightening.”… “Strong characters, both good and evil.” … “Stayed up all night reading--grateful for how it ended.”

Aktion T4, a largely secret program approved by the Nazis in 1939, was designed to rid the nation of young children deemed unworthy of life. It eventually took the lives of over 200,000 children and laid groundwork for the destruction of millions of Jews and other enemies of the state.

Today the world struggles with concepts like quality of life, restricting family size, meaningful medical benefit, and rationing care for the sick and elderly. Where will it end? Fast forward to a time and place where the future meets the past and the abortion & euthanasia movement reaches its inevitable conclusion.

In this time of societal darkness, Mira Hastings and Grayson Stevens join a cadre of brave souls standing against a juggernaut of evil by putting their lives on the line to rescue ill-fated youngsters from certain death. In a bold attempt to bring down the beast, they publicly expose the greed and corruption that drives the system. Declared enemies of the state, Mira and Gray are forced underground as they flee the wrath of a vengeful government. While on the run they encounter unknown dangers. But, with the aid of a network of supporters, some providing high-tech assistance, they encounter hope, joy ... and eventually love.

Note that there are deaths, and one that is very tear wrenching, but brave little Robbie and Emma will survive.

Click Link below for Amazon.com where you can get this novel in digital or print. Also, free to Kindle Unlimited or Prime members. This novel is being recorded for Audible and should be available soon.

CAST ME NOT AWAY by Zara Heritage is a Suspenseful, Prophetic, Prolife Dystopian Novel

Peace and Blessings to All!

SEVEN REVOLUTIONS by Mike Aquilina & James L. Papandrea

2015-10-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Seven Revolutions – How Christianity Changed the World and Can Change It Again, reminds us of an uncomfortable truth. Believer and unbeliever alike, we have all benefited from the Christianization of our world.

Science tells us that the physical world tends to disorder…chaos, if you will. It is easy to forget that the way in which we live and things we have come to accept as the natural order of society are not in any way natural. And it is only now, when we begin to look around and see it crumbling before our very eyes that we ask, “Why?”

The Church and its principles revolutionized the world 2,000 years ago, and this book makes a strong case for the urgent need to re-Christianize our world.

After establishing its thesis of the changing power of Christianity on society, the book lays out the task which we, as people living in a post-Christian world, now face as we set about reclaiming the world around us.

Seven Revolutions is both insightful and articulate. I highly recommend it.

E. G Lewis

MOTHER TERESA -- COME BE MY LIGHT

2015-02-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Meditate on the Life of a Greta Saint

We all have our favorite saint, but no matter how much we read and study they exist mostly in our imagination. Mother Teresa is different; she’s a contemporary. I never met her, of course, but still feel as though I know her. And through the wonderful book, Mother Teresa – Come be My Light, I’ve come to know her in ways I never imagined. I marveled at the depth of her humility and holiness as I read her personal correspondence with her confessor and her Bishop. The insights one gains are life changing.

Pope Benedict once said, “Even in the most difficult times, the Lord does not cease to bless his People, bringing forth Saints who give a jolt to minds and hearts…” Mother Teresa was surely once such person given to us as a role model.

This is a must read book…Don’t miss it!

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review.

A TRAVEL GUIDE TO HEAVEN by ANTHONY DeSTEFANO

2014-10-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

There’s that old tongue-in-cheek saying: “Everyone wants to go to Heave, but nobody’s dying to get there.” Is it because most of us don’t really have a good idea what’s waiting for us?

Anthony DeStefano’s book, A Travel Guide to Heaven, changes all that. Relying on scripture, the author uses logic and imagination to paint a description of Heaven that will delight Christians as well as non-Christians.

DeStafno’s writing style is clear and uncomplicated, making the book an easy read with enjoyable surprises sprinkled in. And the best of all, you needn’t fret over Visas, Taxes, Gratuities, or Surcharges. The copy I read was the 10^th Anniversary Edition. Don’t make the wait ten years to read it like I did.

E. G. Lewis

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

SACRED FIRE by RONALD ROLHEISER

2014-08-07T15:05:00.001-07:00

Sacred Fire is a book designed to be read in and unhurried manner. I often found myself pausing to revisit a page or two and then meditate upon the message contained within them.

Fr. Rolheiser begins by outlining the classic structure of Christian life. Having covered the fundamentals, he the builds on this sturdy foundation encouraging the reader to go further, dig deeper into themselves and God. He takes the reader through a spiritual life-cycle, if you will, tracing the ebb and flow of a typical life from young adulthood to parent to middle age.

I found the final section, the one that deals with total giving of yourself even unto death, to be the most interesting part of the book. Fr. Rolheiser articulates an ideal and process of what might be called the Good Death in ways I’ve never encountered before.

This is definitely a book to be read over and over again, gleaning all the wisdom within its pages.

Disclaimer: Images Books provided a copy of Sacred Fire in exchange for an honest review.

ST. PETER'S BONES by THOMAS J. CRAUGHWELL

2014-03-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

A 2,000-Year-Old Mystery Solved.

Many of the churches in and around Rome have long standing traditions regarding the relics of their patrons. None is more well-known than the belief…legend…myth(?) that St. Peter himself was buried beneath the main altar of St Peter’s Basilica. But is such a claim possible, or even plausible? The current structure is not the original. The St Peter’s we known today was built in the 15^th Century to replace one constructed 1,100 years earlier by the Emperor Constantine.

Thomas Craughwell traces the history of St. Peter’s from its original construction until 1939 when Pope Pius XII authorized a secret excavation into the depths below the altar during some reconstruction work. The reputation of a lot of people, some living, but many dead, hung in the balance as the Vatican’s team began their descent into the past. After interminable false starts, blind leads and frenzied piques of professional bickering, it’s comforting to know they finally found St. Peter right where everyone always said he was…directly beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
A very enjoyable read.

E. G. Lewis

To purchase St Peter’s Bones at Amazon, click HERE.

Product Details

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Image (January 14, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0307985095

Disclaimer: The publisher provided us with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

THE A - Z of C.S. LEWIS by COLIN DURIEZ

2014-02-20T10:08:00.001-08:00

To say that The A-Z of C.S. Lewis is a treasure trove of information is an understatement.

Through extensive research, Colin Duriez has compiled an encyclopedia of C.S. Lewis’ life, thought and writing. The author includes arcane bits of biographical information, details of Lewis’ friendships and associations, his fiction as well as non-fiction and academic works. This compendium of facts is arranged in alphabetic format, allowing the Lewis aficionado can burrow deep to find new and fascinating insights into the mind and works of one of the giants of 20^th Century Christianity.

Whether you’re a fan of the Narnia Series, Screwtape, or his many apologetic works, The A-Z of C.S. Lewis is the book for you. Five Stars — highly recommended.

Disclaimer: The publisher supplied a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

-E.G. Lewis

Click HERE to go to The A-Z of C.S. Lewis on Amazon.

Be sure to visit the Blog Tour page at Litfuse Publicity

Product Details

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Lion Hudson (November 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0745955865

THE GLOBAL WAR on CHRISTIANS by John L. Allen Jr.

2014-02-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

The Global War on Christians is a book that will convince even the doubters and deniers that the Church is under attack. While those of us in the United States dither about restrictions on Christmas displays and the secular bias of the media, in other parts of the world our Christian brothers and sisters are dying for their faith each and every day.

In this carefully documented narrative, John Allen builds his case brick by brick as he summarizes the current situation in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. He cites statistics and actual events as proof. The book is best summed up by a single sentence towards the end: “Average believers in the West may not yet have heard the stories of these new martyrs, but once they do, it’s hard not to be stirred."

Product Details

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Image (October 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0770437350

Click HERE for Amazon.com

We received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

PARTLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED WORRIES by Kathy Collard Miller

2013-12-26T15:13:00.001-08:00

This book was written by someone who grew up in my home town. How could I avoid getting a copy? I hadn’t read the summaries or reviews before sending for it and expected a novel. Instead I was delighted with a women’s Christian non-fiction book that is sprinkled through with wit and wisdom.

All of us worry periodically, some more than others. Ms. Miller gives positive methods to overcome our destructive worries through faith. Worry, after all, is a pointless emotion that resolves nothing and can cause physical and mental harm. She carefully explains that’s not God’s plan for us. She quotes many authorities, including those in the Bible.

Through the retelling of stories told to her, as well as her own, she conveys successful ways to overcome our anxieties. We can never be completely free of worry, but we can channel our thoughts and actions in positive directions. By reminding ourselves to trust and have faith in God, our Father, we can live better, happier, more productive lives by allowing worry to fall off our backs like so many raindrops.

I took a while to finish this book because I slowly read each page, attempting to garner all its wisdom. I highly recommend it. — Gail Lewis

Product Details

Print Length: 193 pages
ISBN: 193849976X
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (November 4, 2013)
Language: English

THE LAST SECRET OF FATIMA By Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone

2013-12-19T19:41:00.001-08:00

Everyone loves a secret and none have fascinated the world more than the three secrets of Fatima given to Sister Lucia in 1917. In The Last Secret of Fatima the curtain is pulled back and all becomes clear.

Written in Q & A fashion, the book’s content is derived from a series of interviews Giuseppe DeCarli conducted with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. The interviews were free-wheeling and expansive in nature. Each of the three secrets, or messages, Mary gave to Lucia to hold for the Pope are revealed in their entirety. Along with them, we gain insights into the apparitions themselves when Cardinal Bertone details his meetings with Sister Lucia. The book also discusses the way in which Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — later Pope Benedict XVI — viewed the messages.

For me, some of the most interesting portions revolved around the attempt on John Paul II’s life and his subsequent Entrustment of Russia and the World to Mary’s protection. A man with strong Marian beliefs, JP II became known as “The Fatima Pope.” I feel I’ve come to understand him and his Papacy in ways I never did before. The Last Secret of Fatima is definitely recommended reading.

E G Lewis

Product Details:

Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Image; Reprint edition (August 6, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0385525831

BETHLEHEM'S BABY by Sheila Deeth

2013-12-09T09:21:00.002-08:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Sheila Deeth

and the book:

Bethlehem's Baby
Book Six of the Five-Minute Bible Story Series

Cape Arago Press (September 2, 2013)

***Special thanks to Edward Lewis for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sheila Deeth is a prolific writer whose works span multiple genres. Besides the popular Five-Minute Bible Story™ Series, she is also the author of the What Ifs…Inspired by Faith and Science books, as well as several children’s Bible Picture books. A life-long Christian, she has spent many years as a Christian Educator and Sunday School Teacher. Sheila’s writing reflects her familiarity with a wide spectrum of Christian beliefs.

Ms. Deeth was born in England and earned a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University. She now lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest where she enjoys reading, writing, and running the Coffee Break Bible Studies and the Writers’ Mill writing group when not meeting her neighbors’ dogs on the green.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

With the introduction of Bethlehem's Baby, Biblical author, Sheila Deeth, turns her prodigious writing talents to familiar tales from the New Testament. This Sixth Volume in the ever-popular Five Minute Bible Story Series looks at the characters and events leading up to and immediately following the birth of the Christ Child...from Caesar Augustus and Herod to John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and many more.

This series of 40 linked short stories is aimed at the Middle Grade Reader. Each one is chock full of insights, information, and her trademarked quirky humor, making them a joy for youngsters to read or hear. Each story contain Biblical references and ends with a prayer, making them work equally well for reading to younger children, or grandchildren, at bedtime or naptime. Like all books in the Five-Minute Bible Stories Series they'll have your children begging for “just one more.” Fully Illustrated and Contain Author’s Notes.

Product Details:
List Price: $3.99
File Size: 725 KB
Print Length: 123 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Cape Arago Press (September 2, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00EY172MA

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

IN THE BEGINNING

~ 1 ~

GOD

(The Old Testament)

In the beginning, God created the universe. He made stars and planets. He made the sun, moon and earth. He made mountains and seas, flowers and trees, birds and bees, and animals and people. And everything was good.

God made the world like a painter creating a beautiful picture. He mixed its colors together, designed its patterns, and added light and dark in all the right places. When God finished painting, the earth was good enough to hang on the wall of heaven.

God made the world like an author writing a book. He worked out the details, solved all the mysteries, and linked all the pieces together. When God finished writing, he gave us his words in the Bible so we could read them. Meanwhile angels rejoiced to know what he’d done.

God made the world like a programmer designing a computer game. He set up all the scenes, made voices for the characters, and planned how all the rules would make everything work. But computer games often have bugs in them. Our world was so good when God finished making it, there wasn’t a single mistake in it anywhere.

But God didn’t hang the world on a wall when he’d finished. He didn’t leave the Bible on a bookshelf to look nice. And he didn’t sell his program to people who wanted to play humans on their computer. Instead, God made the world like a gardener who works in a park. When he’d finished planning and planting everything, God stepped right into the park to help the people look after it. God’s park was a beautiful place called the Garden of Eden.

God worked in his Garden of Eden every day, feeding animals, helping bees, watering flowers, cleaning the rivers, and pouring sweetness into beautiful berries hanging from the trees. God walked and talked with the people in Eden, loving them like a father loves his children. He taught them to play and he kept them perfectly safe. No one was ever hungry in the Garden of Eden. No one was tired or sick. Nobody ever had to work too much and no one was ever bored. Even plants and animals were perfectly safe in Eden, everything beautifully in balance, living and dying in due season with no sickness, no loneliness, no sorrow and no pain.

But then the people in God’s garden, the people God had chosen to be his very own children, broke God’s rules. They didn’t care that the rules were there to keep them safe, or else they didn’t remember. They just wanted to do as they pleased and have fun and pretend they were in charge. So they ate the fruit of a special tree that wasn’t theirs to eat.

Now God’s Garden of Eden began to change. With people making their own rules nothing ever worked like it should. Seeds weren’t planted at the right time, and crops were harvested too soon. Farmers didn’t store enough food. They didn’t take proper care of the animals. They didn’t move when the weather changed, and they built their houses in foolish places then complained when their buildings burned down. What a mess! But God was still watching and helping his people. He hadn’t finished with them then, and he hasn’t finished with us yet.

God sent his people out of the broken garden, out into the world where we have to work for a living, and fight for freedom, and struggle for safety and space. God still protects us of course, but he can’t keep us completely safe because then he’d have to make us always do exactly as we’re told, and most of us aren’t very good at that.

Still, one day, when the time was perfectly, wonderfully right, when everything was just as ready as it could ever be, when everyone was in the perfect place at the perfect time, God came into his world as a baby boy called Jesus. Like a painter stepping into his picture, or an author talking to his characters, or a computer programmer trapping himself inside the world of his game, God became Jesus and lived as a human child, just like you and me.

Because of Jesus, the world really is going to be perfect one day. No one will be hungry. No one will be sad. No one will get sick or scared. There’ll be just enough food and drink for all the people and animals, just enough rain and sun, just enough laughter and fun, just enough of everything good, and nothing of everything bad, all because God became man and saved us all.

Thank you God for our beautiful universe and the lovely planet we live on.

Thank you for caring so much for your creation and for caring so much for us.

Thank you for sending Jesus to live among us and save us.

And thank you for your Spirit who helps us live how you want us to.

Bethlehem's Baby is truly a joy to read to your children and/or grandchildren. They will love it! It is available as an eBook. The Kindle version can be purchased at Amazon by Clicking Here

A FOREST OF DOORS by L. A. Muse

2013-11-29T16:02:00.001-08:00

L. A. Muse packs a powerful memoir between the covers of this smallish book. Fate placed her into perhaps the most dysfunctional family imaginable where she suffered abuse at the hands of two alcoholic parents as well as others. She describes life as a seven-year-old trying to care for her four younger siblings while her mother goes bar-hopping, the continuous parade of “Uncles” her mother brought home, her abandonment in the County Orphan Home, and her eventual placement as a foster child with an emotionally distant family.

Despite these grim circumstances, A Forest of Doors remains a saga of hope and endurance. Burdened with the remnants of a horrific childhood and a somewhat shaky start at life on her own, L. A. Muse overcomes multiple obstacles. Following the invisible hands that guide her, she ultimately finds a path that leads her through the dark forest and into a sunny meadow.

It’s been said there are no coincidences in life. If you didn’t believe it when you started reading, you will by the time you finish. - E.G. Lewis

Product Details

Paperback: 98 pages
Publisher: Innovo Publishing LLC
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1613141670

WALKING WITH MARY by Edward Sri

2013-11-14T14:50:00.003-08:00

For Catholics, Mary of Nazareth is known by many names. She’s most commonly referred to as the Blessed Virgin or the Holy Mother, but she’s earned myriad other titles based on her frequent apparitions — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, etc.

Despite this apparent familiarity with Mary, she remains a bit of an enigma for many people. On the Protestant side of the aisle she’s accepted as a necessary component of God becoming man and then pretty much forgotten. Meanwhile many Catholics hold her in high esteem and often pray for her intercession. Yet neither side gives a lot of thought to Mary’s own personal faith walk.

Edward Sri’s delightful book, Walking With Mary, A Biblical Journey from Nazareth to the Cross, solves this problem. Most of us know and relate to the Mary at Bethlehem or Golgotha, yet overlook the young woman who swept floors, cooked meals and carried water.

Sri examines Mary’s life and shows the way her faith was tested. He chronicles the many times life required her to step out in faith...and what a scary process it probably was. What emerges is a portrait of a very human person rather than the iconic figure many of us carry around in our heads. A human person we can understand more fully and in ways we never did before.

I highly recommend you embark this journey with Edward Sri as you guide. You won’t regret it.

Product Details

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Image (September 10, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0385348034

TALE OF THE PENITENT THIEF by Don Willis

2013-10-21T12:01:00.003-07:00

Tale of the Penitent Thief is a compelling concept. However, the book itself proved a disappointment.

Writing historic fiction gives an author liberty to fill in gaps in the historic record, not the license to rewrite known facts. I was led to conclude that either the author is unfamiliar with Biblical history or deliberately chose to ignore it. For example, he has Joseph and Mary escaping to Nazareth with their newborn, Jesus. Doesn’t everyone know they escaped to Egypt?

In this book the Magi warn Joseph to flee rather than an angel as the Bible says…and they leave the same night Jesus is born! According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn, in obedience to the Law of Moses.

He later names Herod Archelaus as the father of his full brother, Herod Antipas. Are we to assume Archelaus slept with his own mother? The historical inaccuracies continue right up to the crucifixion. Death by crucifixion occurs by suffocation. A crucified individual does not have sufficient breath for the long, extended dialog the author places in their mouths.

In reality, Jesus also died before either thief, but not in this book. Recall they broke their legs to hasten death, but not the legs of Jesus? This verified scripture that “none of his bones were broken.” In this novel, Jesus receives the sword wound and continues talking. He was actually pierced after his death to verify he was dead.

As for the character twist at the end, it came as a surprise, but I found it too fantastic to be believable.

From an authorial standpoint Mr. Willis violates the prime directive of writing — Show, don’t Tell. The book is nearly all telling. The author has an active imagination and perhaps needs to study fiction writing and then find a genre without the constraints of Historical Fiction. I wish him well, but cannot recommend this novel. —Gail Lewis

I received a free Kindle copy for review from BookSneeze.

Product Details:
Source ISBN: 1449791956
Publisher: WestBowPress (April 29, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

BETHLEHEM'S BABY by SHEILA DEETH

2013-09-26T11:07:00.002-07:00

If you've read any of Sheila Deeth's Five-Minute Bible Stories, you know how enchanting and enjoyable they can be. Up to now she's concentrated on the Old Testament. Her Genesis People, Exodus Tales, Joshua's Journeys, and two volumes of Psalm Stories established her credentials as a story teller par excellence.

With the introduction of Bethlehem's Baby, Biblical author, Sheila Deeth, turns her prodigious writing talents to familiar tales from the New Testament. This Sixth Volume in the ever-popular Five Minute Bible Story Series looks at the characters and events leading up to and immediately following the birth of the Christ Child...from Caesar Augustus and Herod to John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and many more.

This series of 40 linked short stories is aimed at the Middle Grade Reader. This eBook is fully illustrated and chocked full of insights, information, and her trademarked quirky humor, which makes them a joy for youngsters. Each story also begins with a Biblical references and ends with a prayer. They work equally well for reading to younger children at bedtime or naptime. Like all books in the Five-Minute Bible Stories Series they'll leave your children, or grandchildren, begging for “just one more.” Also contain Author’s Notes.

We encourage you to get Bethlehem's Baby today. Also be sure to watch for the coming release of its companion volumes Nazareth Neighbors, Galilee's Gift and Jerusalem Journey over the next months. They're a great way to acquaint your children with the people and stories of the Bible.

You'll find the Kindle version of Bethlehem's Baby HERE.

ON HEAVEN and EARTH by Jorges Mario Bergoglio & Abraham Skora

2013-09-10T14:56:00.001-07:00

Pope Frances, it seems, is like none before him and both the print and broadcast media appear captivated by his unique and highly personal approach to problem solving. But so much of the media’s coverage tends to consist of pithy sound bites, leaving us with the feeling that we really don’t know the man behind the image.

Enter On Heaven and Earth. This books details a long-running and free-wheeling discussion on between Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope Frances, and Rabbi Abraham Skorka. Through 29 chapters these two religious leaders off their views and insights on a variety of topics ranging from God, the Devil, and Religion to widely debated issues such as Abortion, Euthanasia, and Same-Sex Marriage.

It’s tantalizing to imagine participating in such an frank and probing discussion with the Pope. Unfortunately, that is impossible. Through Heaven and Earth we get the next best thing. Be the proverbial fly on the wall and listen-in as the current Pope opens his mind and heart on multiple issues.

Highly recommended!

For Additional Information go HERE

To read the First Chapter go HERE

For Jorge Bergoglio's Biography go HERE

Note: Summit Book Reviews received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Product Details:

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Image (April 19, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0770435068

ISBN-13: 978-0770435066

DEATH BE NOT PROUD, The Secret of the Journal, Book 2, by C.F. Dunn

2013-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

I read Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn and enjoyed it except for the cliffhanger ending. I like novels that conclude with all questions answered, tidied up, and that leave me satisfied. This book isn’t exactly like that.

When offered an opportunity by Kregel Publications to receive a complimentary copy of Death Be Not Proud by C.F. Dunn in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. I expected to find answers to the questions left unsettled in Mortal Fire.

In Death Be Not Proud, historical researcher Emma D’Eresby is recovering in England from the almost fatal attack she experienced in Mortal Fire. She’s still in love with Dr. Matthew Lynes, who frightened her away with questions like: Why is he super strong? Why do his wounds heal so quickly, and just how old is he? She begins to search out information about him by investigating his ancestors, and Emma isn’t prepared for what she finds.

Again, C.F. Dunn’s writing brings you right into the story and captures your imagination. I enjoyed every page…right up to another abrupt ending. Matthew and Emma are reunited, sort of, but their future is left uncertain.

I suppose Ms. Dunn intends to write a third novel and allow Emma to possibly integrate into Dr. Lynes’s family. Some of the mysteries surrounding him are yet to be revealed, and at the very end Emma witnesses something odd as she’s about to enter Matthew’s home. One more cliffhanger.

If you don’t mind leaving a book with more questions than it answers, then you will enjoy this one. I suppose I’ll gravitate to her third novel in the hope that all will eventually be revealed. — Gail Lewis

Product Details
Series: The Secret of the Journal (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Lion Fiction (July 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1782640347

ISBN-13: 978-1782640349

OLD BEFORE MY TIME WITH PROGERIA, by Hayley and Kerry Okines with Alison Stokes

2013-07-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

I forget where I saw this book advertised, but bought it for my Kindle. I’m glad I did. It is one of those books that keeps you engrossed.

Old Before My Time is a fascinating account of this family’s challenges and joys. Alternating chapters are from the perspective of Hayley Okines’ mother and then from Hayley’s point of view. It is very well done.

As a writer myself, I want to send out kudos to Alison Stokes for assembling their story in an entertaining and enlightening way. The events are the Okines’, but the skilled writing of Ms. Stokes makes the book definitely readable.

I highly recommend this tale of a little girl’s journey through a devastating illness by putting a positive spin on it. Currently 13 years of age, she lost her best friend when Hayley was only 8 and her friend only 11. As devastating as aging eight times faster than normal is, Progeria has opened doors for Hayley and her family that are shut for most of us. Follow her fascinating trips to meet famous people and the overwhelming medical procedures she endures to find a cure for this painful illness.

An annual event for Progeria children and their families provides them all with encouragement and helps promote research for a cure. May it advance quickly. — Gail Lewis

Here are links to Hayley Okines’ pages:

Hayley Okines Website

To Buy From Amazon.com

Product Details

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1908192550
ISBN-13: 978-1908192554

THE BARE NAKED TRUTH by Bekah Hamrick Martin

2013-06-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Enter Today - 6/1 - 6/20!

SUMMIT BOOK REVIEW: The Bare Naked Truth is about sex, but not what the title might evoke. Written primarily for teen girls, this non-fiction book is filled with first person stories, humorous quizzes and questions with blank lines that invite the reader to pen personal insights. It assumes most young women who read it are already Christian and promotes abstinence in factual, thought provoking ways.

As a grandmother with five granddaughters, the oldest 15, I was intrigued to learn what approach this author would employ.

She uses numerous first person stories that are sometimes humorous, and often touching.

Here is possibly my favorite quote from the book, from a chapter that spotlights Allison. "I wish I had waited. I thought it would be cool to lose my virginity because everyone around me had. Now I realize the girls who are holding on are not prudes or weird, but are special and strong. It takes courage and guts to save yourself--and guys admire that about a girl."

Teens who do not attend a church and don't think about Christian values may be turned off by this openly Christian book. However, if they read it with an open mind, they'll learn and can benefit greatly from it. I recommend it and am grateful to Zonderman and LitFuse for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. -- Gail Lewis

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Zondervan (May 7, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310734029

ISBN-13: 978-0310734024