Tennessee Christian Reader

A Cowboy at Heart by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:02:00 +0000

A Cowboy at Heart is the third in the Amish of Apple Grove series, also known as Amish-meets-Wild West adventures. The first book, The Heart's Frontier, is about how a group of cowboys meet the Switzer family (Amish). One of the Switzer girls marries a cowboy. In the second installment, A Plain and Simple Heart, another Switzer daughter seeks out a cowboy she had a crush on as a girl. A trip to jail and other humorous happenings land her in love with the sheriff.

From the back cover: 1886—Jesse Montgomery is beginning to feel restless. Though he’s grateful to his friends Colin and Emma for helping him get on his feet again after a few bad choices and some hard living, surely the Lord doesn’t want him to stay in Apple Grove forever. Doesn’t the Almighty have plans for this reformed rowdy cowboy to build a life of his own?

When an unscrupulous cattle baron tries to steal Amish land, Jesse intervenes and is wounded. Lovely Katie Miller, the young healer in the district, attends to him while trying to guard her heart. This sweet Amish widow cannot risk falling in love with an Englisch cowboy, charming though he may be. And yet—she believes God has a life for her too that is more than what she can presently see. Could there be a future with Jesse only He could bring about?

My review: This third installment is the best, I think. Without giving away the story, I will just say that none of the Amish characters chooses to leave the sect. In most Amish fiction, at least one of the characters doubts his or her faith, and often they ultimately leave the Amish life. This story is as much about the cowboy's search for faith as it is about the Amish. There's drama, humor, and danger---all the elements of an entertaining story. In addition, you get an education about Amish attitudes about achieving peace without violence.

I highly recommend A Cowboy at Heart. You can start with this story and work backwards to the others without losing any of the value of the story. Summaries for all three books in this series are on Virginia Smith's site here. I reviewed A Plain and Simple Heart here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House with the expectation that I write a review. 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.”

Songbird under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:12:00 +0000

Image Source: http://www.triciagoyer.com/historical-fiction/

Tricia Goyer has written a number of excellent historical fiction books based on the WWII era. This one is set in post-WWII Germany. Betty Lake is a USO singer who's come to sing for the soldiers who are taking part in the post-war occupation.

The USO uses the very opera house in which the great Wagner's operas were performed. Hitler was very enamored of Wagner's work, and he often attended performances. And, here's where the mystery comes in. There's a "phantom of the opera" who has devious designs on the Americans who have defiled Wagner's fine opera house. Someone has sent warnings to the Americans that there is danger.

Betty meets Frank, a supposed photographer, who is also a CIA (or whatever they called it then) agent. He's out to discover what the danger is. Kat, another singer who performs in the USO show, is Betty's roommate, but one night, she disappears. It turns out Betty has been murdered. And the suspense builds from there.

Other reviewers complain that this is a work of Christian fiction and that the book is not "marked as such." I did not find the references to faith at all distracting. Anyone who is familiar with Tricia Goyer's work should know that she writes for the Christian market.

I bought this book at a used book store simply because Goyer was the author. In my opinion, it's not as good as the novels she's written about events that occurred during the the war. Still, its a good read. I give it three out of five stars.

Disclaimer: I have no connection with Tricia Goyer or her publisher.

The Covenant by Beverly Lewis

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:47:00 +0000

Beverly Lewis is a prolific author of inspirational fiction. The first in a series called Abram's Daughters, The Covenant won the ECPA Gold Book Award for 2006.

I don't know what possessed me to choose an Amish inspirational novel---perhaps because it was free on Kindle. Also, I knew that Beverly Lewis was a popular author. Set in Lancaster County, PA, the story is well-written. It is mainly about the adventures of Sadie Ebersol, the oldest daughter of Abram Ebersol, who sneaks around with an Englischer boyfriend. Leah, the next oldest daughter, helps her father with the farm work because there are no sons. She, too, has a love interest, but not the person her father would choose for her.

Like some other reviewers, I had trouble keeping up with the sheer number of characters. Since this book is the first in a series, I'm sure the author felt she had to introduce them all, whether she had time to cover them well or not. Two other sisters are twins, Hannah and Mary. And, there's a new baby sister born to the Ebersols in this first volume, setting the series up for total of five books. I was disappointed that the story ended so abruptly. No "closure" at all. So far, I have not been tempted to read the other books in the series. If it's still free on Kindle, you might enjoy it, so I won't discourage you.

Do take some time to check out all the awards Lewis has won on her website here.

Image source, Baker Publishing Group: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-covenant/247036
Disclosure of Material Connection: This book was (and probably still is) free on Kindle at Amazon.com. I was not required to write a review.

The Tehran Initiative by Joel C. Rosenberg

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:25:00 +0000

Picking up where The Twelfth Imam left off, The Tehran Initiative is a political thriller about what could happen if Iran gets nuclear weapons. At this point in the story, an Iranian strike seems imminent. They have the nuclear bombs, it's just a question of when they will use them.

David Shirazi, CIA operative, is in a quandry. He's managed to go into Iran undercover and gain the trust of some of the major players in the government. But, he's come back to the US to be with his dying mother. His parents were born in Iran and escaped when the Shah was deposed in 1979. David speaks the language and is now perfectly positioned to locate the Iranians' nukes. He finally tells his father why he has to leave. To his surprise, his father gives his blessing.

So it's back to Iran for David (undercover name Reza Tabrizi) to try to get the location of the nukes so that they can be neutralized. The Iranians believe the time is right to destroy Israel and America because their messiah figure, The Twelfth Imam, has appeared and plans to establish the longed-for Caliphate. But, Jesus is active in the story, too. Iranians who are secret Christians work to give information to the Americans.

It's definitely a thriller, and I recommend it, not because I am a thriller fan. I hope many people will read it because it provides a what if scenario for the Middle East political situation. I probably would never have read this book if I hadn't "bought" The Twelfth Imam free for Kindle. Little did I know that it was the first of a trilogy. David makes progress in The Tehran Initiative, but the reader is left hanging yet again. Fortunately, the third book in the trilogy has recently been released. Check out Damascus Countdown on the author's website.

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my public library.

Persecuted, the Global Assault on Christians

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Did you know that, every day, somewhere in the world, Christians are shunned, tortured, and killed just for being Christian? It's true. But, why don't we hear about it on the evening news or in our newspapers?

Persecuted is a joint effort by three authors. Paul Marshall of the Hudson Institute is an expert on religious freedom, international relations, and radical Islam. Lela Gilbert contributes to several news publications and is an adjunct fellow at Hudson Institute. Nina Shea, a senior fellow for the Hudson Institute, is an international human rights lawyer.

The authors describe incident after incident where people are abused, ostracized, or killed for their Christian faith. And, they have done their homework, having documented their claims with 62 pages of references and an extensive index. They offer three reasons Christians are persecuted. First, in Communist countries, Christianity is a threat to government control. These governments are called totalitarian because they want total control over the population. Second, in countries where Hinduism or Buddhism are prevalent, Christians are pariahs because they threaten the established social order. And, finally, where Islam flourishes, the Muslims what total dominance.

It's hard for Americans to identify with people who face danger for their faith. For now, at least, we can practice our faith freely. This is a hard book to read. It's full of examples of unspeakable horrors visited on people just for professing Christianity. And, we never see news reports or read articles in the mainstream media about these horrors. And, that is why everyone should read this book. We need to know about it before we can become outraged. And, we usually don't take action until our outrage moves us to action.

Check with your public library. Buy or borrow this book. Help raise awareness about this wherever you can. See the book summary on Thomas Nelson site.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

The Twelfth Imam by Joel C. Rosenberg

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 00:44:00 +0000

Someone posted on Facebook a few days ago, "The Twelfth Imam is free on Kindle today." So, I clicked over, took a look, and "bought it." I had no idea what I was getting into. As it turns out, this book is the first installment in a trilogy of political thrillers about Iran's race for nuclear weapons and how that dovetails with end-times prophecy. Once I started reading, I was hooked.

David Shirazi is a CIA agent posing as a telecommunications expert selling the services of a German company to the government of Iran. He speaks Farsi because his parents are Persians who escaped Iran during 1979 American embassy hostage crisis. They raised their three children in the U. S. and kept in contact with the couple who helped them get out of Iran. David is enamored of their daughter, but they live too far apart to make a go of it.

Now, David is embroiled in the race to stop Iran from getting nukes. At the same time, the long-awaited "messiah" of the Muslim faith, the twelfth imam, appears to have finally come. The imam encourages the destruction of Israel and the USA to celebrate his arrival. Meanwhile, David earns the trust of the powers that be in Iran and helps to bug their communications. The story ends rather abruptly, probably to pique your interest about what happens in the next book.

Author Rosenberg weaves a compelling tale, including a turning point in the story centering around 9/11. David and his love interest seem to have hopes for a reunion, but he's entangled in his mission. The book ends with Iran setting off an underground nuclear test, which is first mistaken for an earthquake. What will happen to David, his love life, his compatriots in the CIA, Israel, the world?

I think Amazon's marketing strategy for the trilogy worked on me. The theory is, once you read the first one for free, you'll break down and buy the others. I'm waiting to see if I can get the second one, The Tehran Initiative, at my public library. The third, Damascus Countdown, releases March 5, 2013. Learn more about the author on his website.

Note: If you click on the graphic of the book cover, you'll link to Amazon.com where the book is no longer free. If you link from this blog and purchase the book, I will get a small commission. This in no way affects my opinion of the book.

A Higher Call by Adam Makos

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:13:00 +0000

Image Source: PenguinGroup.com

Full title is A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos with Larry Alexander, Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin.

This is the story Franz Stigler, a German ace fighter pilot, who, in the skies over Europe on December 20, 1943, chose NOT to shoot down yet another B-17 bomber. He not only spared the bomber, but he also escorted it past the German flak line on the coast. In making that choice, Stigler saved 9 American lives, but he put his own life in danger. If anyone in the German military had seen him do that, he would have been shot, no questions asked.

The damaged bomber barely made it back to England, and all the crew survived except for the tail gunner, who was already dead when they had their encounter with Stigler. American Charles Brown, the bomber pilot, always wondered why Stigler did not take them out.

Stigler didn't know why himself. He said, at first he didn't know what came over him. Later, he'd say it was his sense of honor, chivalry, if you will. The courageous bomber crew was still flying despite incredible damage to the plane, and they had no way to defend themselves. Years later, in the 1990s, Stigler and Brown met in person. They became friends, and Brown made it possible for Stigler to meet the other crew members whose lives he'd saved.

The book may include more detail than you want to know about the early lives of Stigler and Brown. But, looking at the WWII story from the German's point of view helps the reader understand how an honorable person (not a member of the Nazi party) could get caught working for the evil regime that had taken over his country.

It's a great read for aviation and WWII buffs, but I think anyone wanting to know more about the WWII era would enjoy it, too.

Take a look at this video about on YouTube: http://youtu.be/RkVc5o1UXAA.

Image source: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/CoverImagePopup/0,,9780425252864,00.html

Note: This book was not provided to me by the authors or the publishers

Remembering You by Tricia Goyer

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:43:00 +0000

Ava Ellington is a TV news reporter who accompanies her grandfather on nostalgic trip to Europe. It's not a laid-back vacation. It's a tour of WWII battle sites, beginning in France and ending in Austria at a concentration camp that was liberated by Grandpa Jack's unit. He is a WWII vet who saw action in some of the bloodiest battles and difficult conditions of the war.

Accompanying Ava and Grandpa Jack is his army buddy, Paul, and Paul's grandson, Dennis, Ava's first (and lost) love. Ava films daily stories about the places they visit and the reactions of the veterans. The other travelers don't have much patience with Ava's work, but they gradually come around.

Tricia Goyer has written or co-written nine books of historical fiction set in the WWII era. This one draws on research for her earlier novels based on the experiences of the 3rd Army's 11th Armored Division. WWII buffs will appreciate her attention to detail. For example, a church in the town of Bastogne chimes the first six notes of The Star Spangled Banner to honor the American solders who liberated the city in 1944.

I've enjoyed every WWII novel that Goyer has published. All of them have some romance thrown in, and this one is no exception. While the grandfathers wrestle with demons from their war-time past, their grandchildren are conflicted about their feelings for one another. I think Goyer strikes a good balance between the romance and the reminisces of the old men. And, there are surprises along the way. I recommend it highly.

Note: This book was not provided to me by the author or the publisher.

The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 13:57:00 +0000

Image source: TheHarbingerBook.com

Subtitle is The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret of America's Future.

Finally, I got around to reading this book. I've also procrastinated in posting a review of it. That's mainly because I don't know what to think of it. The title was a negative for me because I thought it sounded like another Mayan-type prophecy that would be more hype than substance. But, since everybody was talking about it, I decided to read it.

The ideas presented in the book are thought-provoking if nothing else. The author is a Messianic Jew and leader of a worship center in New Jersey. See more about him here. He is recognized as an authority on Jewish scripture. However, many question that his idea that America and Israel are similar in that they both have a covenant with God. According to Cahn, because of this special relationship, America is subject to the same warning-punishment-forgiveness process that is described in the Old Testament. If you do not agree with this theory, the whole thing collapses.

His key scripture is the prophecy in Isaiah 9:10. Israel has been apostate and has been warned. However, Israel is still arrogantly rejecting God. Cahn suggests that America is in the same situation. The September 11 attacks were a warning. The 2008 market crash and a number of other current events are presented as similar warnings. He finds parallels to the scripture in objects and events surrounding 9/11. He calls for repentance to avoid future disasters.

Since I'm not a Bible expert, I hesitate to criticize someone who is. However, there are a number of Bible scholars who disagree with Cahn. To say that the book is controversial is definitely an understatement. I found it difficult to read because it is written in story form. There is entirely too much dialogue between the three main characters and not enough action. It's presented as fiction but, as they say in the book, it could also be true. I think Cahn would have been better off presenting it as nonfiction. However, it's possible that more people have read it because it is fiction.

Read more about The Harbinger at this link. Also, perhaps we should all read The Harbinger: Fact or Fiction?

Note: This book was not provided to me by the publisher.

Everything by Mary DeMuth

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:16:00 +0000

Subtitle: What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The title says it all. Everything---that's what you need to turn over to Jesus. Author Mary DeMuth says we should give all our troubles, our gifts, our joys and sorrows. But it's not a one-way street. As we give, find that what we get in return is far more valuable than anything we gave up. We become like Jesus.

The book is divided into three main sections:

Head - What We Think
Heart - Who We Are
Hands - How We Live

In each section, Mary shares her struggles and triumphs. It reminded me of the saying, WWJD, "What would Jesus do?" In every situation, if we ask ourselves how Jesus would handle it, we learn to give up control. De Muth points out that, when the desire to control dies, you have "planted the seeds" of becoming like Jesus. Growth comes from the hard times, not from the easy ones.

I had heard of Mary DeMuth. I had even followed her on Twitter, but I had never read any of her work until now. She has an interesting history, having been abused and neglected as a child. She and her husband have served as missionaries overseas, though they now live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Mary's writing is straight-forward and well-organized. However, I had trouble reading more than a few pages at one sitting. Maybe it's because the material was so deeply personal. Or perhaps it was because it was not intended as a quick read. There are questions for reflection at the end of each chapter that help you apply the content in your own life. I give it four stars out of five.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

All Things New by Lynn Austin

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:11:00 +0000

The American Civil War has recently ended, and the South is in a shambles. Soldiers have returned home injured both physically and emotionally. Freed slaves have no place to go, unsure of what to do with their new-found freedom. Landowners have lost all their resources for running their farms. The former enemy is now trying to help people rebuild and work together.

In Virginia, Josephine Weatherly, her mother (Eugenia), and their former slave, Lizzie, all struggle to define their futures. Josephine, raised as a Southern lady, realizes that she cannot live the life that was planned for her. Although it bothers her mother, she embraces the prospect of doing her own work and teaching former slave children to read. Eugenia is in denial. She tries to keep up appearances thinking that she can put her life back together and rebuild her plantation, White Oak, to its former glory. Lizzie wants to stay at White Oak and work for the family. She doesn't really trust her the white people in her life, but she feels she has no choice for the time being. Josephine and Lizzie have one thing in common. They both are having a crisis of faith. They are both influenced by the men in their lives whose faith has not been shaken by the turbulent times.

Lynn Austin does a masterful job of weaving the three women's stories together. There's plenty of conflict, and a surprise or two at the end. As with all her historical fiction, she provides details that help you feel that you are living the story along with the characters. Josephine, the rebel, becomes interested in a Yankee, of all things. Lizzie has a secret that comes out at the end. And, Eugenia finally accepts that her new life must be different from the old. The male characters provide interesting insights into the social problems of the time, but this is a story of the women.

The title is based on Revelation 21:5 where Jesus says, "I will make all things new." Read the book and see how this happens! This would be a great Christmas gift for historical fiction lovers.

See details on the Baker Publishing Group site.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Heaven Changes Everything by Todd & Sonja Burpo

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 02:27:00 +0000

Subtitle: Living Every Day with Eternity in Mind, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Have you read Heaven Is for Real? If not, you may be the only person who hasn't. It was released in 2010, has been on the best-seller list for weeks and weeks. And---it is still the #61 best-selling book on Amazon as of October 28, 2012. Heaven Changes Everything is a sequel of sorts in a daily reading format. The first book was written by Todd Burpo with ghost-writer, Lynn Vincent. This one is co-written by Todd and his wife, Sonja.

Each of the 42 chapters begins with a quote from Heaven Is for Real, followed by a one- or two-page essay by Todd or Sonja or both. Every reading ends with a life application question and a Bible verse. The Burpos explore how Colton's experience in heaven has altered the way they live their lives. They want this book to encourage those who are unsure about heaven, those who have lost children to miscarriage, or those who grieve for lost loved ones. And, they want people to know that Jesus loves the children and the people who work with them.

I think this book serves a very good purpose, but maybe it's not for everyone. I did not become so engrossed in the story that I could not put the book down as was the case with Heaven Is for Real. Perhaps it's not fair to compare the two books because the first book tells they story while this one expands on the original. If you fall into one of the target groups mentioned above, you will definitely benefit from reading it. It would also be a good gift for someone in one of those groups.

Browse the contents on Amazon here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Designed for Devotion by Dianne Neal Matthews

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:14:00 +0000

Subtitle: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation. Baker Books.

Reading through the Bible in one year means a lot of time and effort, right? And you have put on your hip boots to wade through Numbers and Deuteronomy, don't you? Not if you use Designed for Devotion as your guide.

Author Dianne Neal Matthews, a Bible teacher and freelance writer, highlights important events, people, and spiritual insights without overwhelming you. She says we are designed to worship, and God has designed the Bible to be our user's manual for life. She designed her devotions to help you know God and his Book. A day's reading might include a couple of chapters or just a few verses along with a devotional/commentary and a verse for the day.

Most read-the-Bible-in-a-year plans involve reading every word. The overview approach in Designed for Devotions keeps your study from becoming too predictable or boring. Yet, you still learn the main characters, the background, and the "grand sweep" of the Bible story. Designed for Devotion would be a good resource for someone who has never really studied the Bible or who wants to read it through for the first time. It would make a good gift for teens, college students, or anyone who thinks he or she doesn't have time to read the Bible through in a year. I'll be giving it as a Christmas gift this year myself.

Amazon listing for paperback version is here. Kindle version here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinion expressed in this post is 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.”

Globequake by Wallace Henley

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Subtitle: Living in the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

It's about change. It's happening faster than ever before. Something big is coming. The question is, "What?" We're going somewhere in a hurry, but do we really know where? Are we like a swarm of lemmings heading over a cliff? Are we nearing the end of the world?

Author Wallace Henley asks similar questions in this biblically-based guide to surviving a "globequake." This is not an alarmist screed about approaching catastrophe. It is a reasoned guide to surviving whatever comes. Originally a journalist, Henley is a pastor who also has worked in government. The breadth of his experience gives him a unique view of how the world works and how Christians can rely on their faith to get them through.

Henley says there are things we can do to stabilize our world. He describes six spheres of influence where we can rely on God's truth to help us be grounded during any turmoil: Person, Church, Family, Education, Government, and Business-Marketplace. His main point is that we will never live in a perfect world. There is no Utopia. However, the solid foundation of faith will hold in confusion or calamity.

The book is well-written and logically organized. I read slowly because I found myself wanting to absorb each point before I went on. It's a book to study, not just to read through. Globequake is timely as people grow more and more disturbed about current events. I recommend it both for individual reading or for group study.

Amazon listing: Globequake: Living in the Unshakeable Kingdom While the World Falls Apart

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

A Big Life by Peter Hone

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Subtitle: Ordinary People Led by an Extraordinary God, Tate Publishing.

A Big Life is a history of Big Life Ministries, a non-denominational missions group that plants churches around the world, mainly in India. Beginning with founder, John Heerema and his wife, Kathy, the author gives their life story, how they came to Christ, and how they gave up everything to found Big Life Ministries with the help of Christian friends in the U. S. and around the world.

But the story is not about the the founders. It's about Big Life itself. There are chapters detailing the history of the key people who helped the Heeremas build Big Life---people like Benjamin, the Indian preacher who joined the effort early. Mission work in India is complicated by the presence of several different religions (Buddhism, Hindu, Muslim) which makes it necessary for them to have multiple approaches and local assistance. The missionaries bring people to Christ and teach them how to witness to others and manage their own churches. They don't stay and run things themselves, but Big Life missionaries remain available if needed. Their method reminds me of the "each one teach one" strategy used by some literacy programs.

As mentioned by others who praise the book, the Big Life people are doing what the Apostle Paul did in the book of Acts. The late Chuck Colson wrote the foreword, and Mike Huckabee authored the afterword. Both men offer high praise for Big Life.

I enjoyed reading the book, but I felt that there was entirely too much detail in the history of the various people involved in developing Big Life. The author states in his acknowledgments that the story is not meant to glorify the people but to tell the story. The exciting thing about Big Life is the people that are being reached for Christ in India and Nepal. I think telling those stories alone would make a wonderful book.

Read the book. Maybe it will inspire you to lead a big life, too. You can get a copy with a $20 donation to Big Life. Click here to go directly to the donations page. The e-book is available at Tate Publishing's website here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a request from A. Larry Ross Communications to review this book within six weeks of receiving the review copy. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I paid for this 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.”

REAL: Owning Your Christian Faith by Daniel Darling

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Did you grow up in a Christian home? Or are you a first-generation Christian? Either way, you may struggle with the specter of sin and a longing to feel closer to God. REAL can help you with that. Once a person becomes a Christian, many people think their troubles are over, but that's rarely the case.

Author Daniel Darling is a second-generation Christian, raised in the church and working most of his adult life on staff at church where he grew up. Today, though, he is pastor at Gages Lake Bible Church in the Chicago area. He, like most modern church leaders, is concerned about the number of young people leaving the church once they're grown and on their own.

In REAL, Darling challenges those who grew up in the church to "step off the cliff" and claim the Christian faith for themselves. Know what you believe, why you believe it, and show what you believe by helping others and telling them about Jesus. But, don't think you're better than a brand-new Christian just because you've been around longer. In the twelve chapters, he addresses reasons Christians might leave the faith or have problems sticking with it. He offers solutions, but he does not preach. He interweaves his points with personal stories, Bible examples, and a gentle teaching style that makes you want to keep reading. Each chapter ends with an interview with a well-known Christian like Max Lucado's daughter.

In the introduction, Darling says the purpose of the book is to "awaken second-generation believers to a fresh intimacy with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ." I think he will accomplish his purpose. Read it, share it with friends, and/or use it as a group-study book. Discussion questions are available on New Hope Publishing's website.

Subscribe to Daniel's blog on any page of his website. See also video interview on his site here.

Softcover edition is on Amazon here. Kindle version is here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book free from the author. 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.”

A Plain & Simple Heart by Lori Copeland & Virginia Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Summary from back cover: 1884--Several years earlier, young Rebecca Switzer lost her heart to Jesse Montgomery, a rugged but dissolute cowboy on a dusty cattle trail near the Amish settlement of Apple Grove. Now she is grown up, and when she hears one day that he has been spotted nearby, her desire is plain and simple: She must see him.

Sheriff Colin Maddox is counting the days until he can leave law enforcement and follow his dream of starting a church. When a lovely woman, new to town and looking travel weary and a bit lost, gets caught up in the middle of a temperance riot, she is arrested along with the leaders. He can hardly believe she is what she claims--a Plain and simple woman. Nor can he believe how quickly he loses his heart to her. Can Colin convince her to forget Jesse and give him a chance?

Review: This is the second book in the Amish of Apple Grove series. I have not read the first, but I found this one delightful. Who would have thought that the Western-Amish combination would work at all? I guess that's the genius of the two authors, both of whom have numerous books published.

It's a romance, but it is seasoned with just the right amount of humor. I didn't feel that the authors were making fun of the Amish, although some of the situations they found themselves in were downright hilarious. Rebecca Switzer just can't seem to stay out of trouble, although she's remorseful that she has embarrassed her Amish father and grandmother. It's clear she just cannot help herself. The sheriff has his hands full as he counts the days until his replacement arrives. And, the town just will not be quiet and peaceful until that day comes---especially with Rebecca in town. The characters are many and well-developed, as is the story. Just when you think you know what will happen next, the story takes an unexpected turn.

Both of the Apple Grove books offer several discussion questions at the end, ideal for use with a review club or study group. See the books on Virginia Smith's site here. You can link to your favorite online bookstore from there. Lori Copeland's site is here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House with the expectation that I write a review. 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.”

Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry R. Morgan

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:26:00 +0000

Do you know what Muslims believe? Mormons? Hindus? Does it matter? Yes, I think it does. For people like me who grew up in the USA, the Christian worldview dominated our home, school, and public environment. Not so any more.

I've tried to educate myself about Islam and Mormonism in particular because these two religions are in the news almost every day. However, I had no interest in scholarly tomes that would drag me through every detail of theology and doctrine.

This book is perfect for the person who wants to know just the basics. The author starts by discussing why we should know about other religions. He says religion is a "cultural universal, because it is found in all human societies" p. 17. It affects how members interact with each other and with adherents of other religions. Morgan spends a little time on Christianity, pointing out differences among the various branches. But, he spends most of his time on the numerous other world religions and their variants. He does not include a bibilography or list any sources. He is a professor of Intercultural Studies and a former intercultural minister, so he speaks from first-hand experience in many cases. He covers everything from Animism to Islam to Scientology to New Age in the 40 short chapters.

Thank you, Professor Morgan and Bethany House. You have filled a great need. People who want to know the basics of other religions can get a quick overview either by reading through the book in one sitting or by doing it one day at a time as the title suggests. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I feel that I better understand why and how the religion factor causes many cultural conflicts in our world.

It's available in paperback on Amazon here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book free from Bethany House. 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.”

The Mormonizing of America by Stephen Mansfield

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Is America being Mormonized? What does than mean anyway? Is Mormonism a cult? Author Stephen Mansfield attempts to answer these and other questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons.

The subtitle of the book (How the Mormon Religion Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture) made me do a double-take. It had not occurred to me that Mormonism wielded such influence. But, when he started naming names, I realized he was right--Marriott, Orrin Hatch, Jon Huntsman, Harry Reid, Glenn Beck, The Osmonds, not to mention Mitt Romney.

Mansfield does a good job of reviewing the history of Mormonism. Joseph Smith is recognized as the founder who, in the 1830s, led a group of farmers in New York to found a new religion based on the idea that all of Christianity was corrupted. From New York, the moved west to Illinois, Missouri, and finally Utah.

Mansfield mixes stories of modern-day Mormons and their interactions with non-Mormons while he educates the reader about what Mormons believe. One thing that struck me is that there is no final revelation for Mormons. Joseph Smith had revelations, but contemporary Mormons might receive revelations, too. That means their beliefs can change depending on these revelations. Church, family, success---all of these things are important to Mormons. And that's what makes their religion attractive to others.

Since we have a Mormon running for the highest office in the land, this is a good time for Americans to learn about the religion. Mansfield does not try to influence your opinion. He just gives you the information and lets you draw your own conclusions. I give it five stars.

The hardcover edition is on Amazon here. Kindle edition here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing with the request that I write a review. 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.”

Grieving God's Way by Margaret Brownley

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Subtitle: The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing. Thomas Nelson Publishers. I chose this book because I have experienced the loss of three loved ones in the past couple of years. I felt that, if the author could impress me, then she will have really accomplished something.

The promotional material for the book suggests that grief is not something you "get over." It's something you work through. God's way is to realize that grief is necessary, that it takes time, and that God is with you through it all. The most important point for me is that "getting over it" takes a long time. You might think you are fine, but something will remind you of your loved one, and you'll find yourself fighting despair all over again. The author says this is normal. That's why we need to work with our grief to truly heal. We can't just tamp it down and expect it not to come back.

Organized as a 90-day devotional or study, the book is divided into four sections:

Healing the Grieving Body
Healing the Grieving Soul
Healing the Grieving Heart
Healing the Grieving Spirit

Each day's reading features a scripture, a short discussion of the day's topic, a haiku by co-author Diana Ain, and a sidebar dealing with solutions. Another reviewer pointed out that the brevity of each day's reading is good because people who are grieving often have trouble concentrating. I agree with that assessment.

As began my read-through, I was skeptical. However, I am now persuaded to endorse the book and to go back and read it one day at a time. This would be a great gift book for friends who are grieving.

Check it out on Amazon.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Night Song by Tricia Goyer

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Night Song: A Story of Sacrifice is the full title of this, the second of four books in Tricia Goyer's World War II Liberator series. All are fiction, but they are based on trues stories and interviews with WWII veterans, civilians, and historians.

Jakub is a young Austrian Jew whose father was an violin maker. He and his brother both were accomplished violinists. When the Germans took over the country, they rounded up the Jews and sent them to camps to work or be exterminated, depending on their usefulness to the Reich. Jakub eventually finds himself playing the violin in the orchestra in a concentration camp. The orchestra director becomes his mentor, sacrificing his own well-being to see that Jakub survives.

Other characters are Nick Fletcher, an American medical student who becomes an Army medic. His love interest is Edie Krieg, daughter of an Austrian diplomat living in the U. S. She is forced to go back to Austria with her family when Austria becomes part of Germany. Then there's Otto, the German officer who believes all the propaganda about the thousand-year Reich and the Aryan race being superior to all others.

As with Goyer's other Liberator novels, you learn of the difficult conditions war generates. You suffer with the characters who experience physical pain or emotional turmoil of not knowing what's happening with loved ones. Jakub suffers most as a prisoner. Nick deals first-hand with the horror of battle. Evie works with the resistance. And Otto educates us about what motivated the German soldiers. Each character makes a sacrifice in the battle between good and evil.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the four books in this series. The stories are riveting, and the historical information is accurate. The best recommendation for me was the statements made by the veterans who provided Goyer with the stories. They felt that she had accurately portrayed the events and conditions they experienced. It is not necessary to read the books in order, as the characters are different for each book. Reading this series is a good way to learn about WWII without slogging through history books!

In 2005, Night Song won ACFW’s Carol Award for Long Historical Romance. In 2006, Dawn of a Thousand Nights, another of the Liberator series, won Book of the Year for Long Historical.

The print version is on Amazon here. Or, see the Kindle version here.

Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Do you believe in angels? Whether your answer is "yes" or "no", you'll find compelling evidence for their existence in this book.

Heavenly Company contains 46 short stories of personal encounters with angels. A man in white visited Cecil Murphey's sickbed and healed his pain and disease. He appeared out of nowhere, unseen by others, and never appeared to Murphey again. Some story-tellers were stranded in bad weather. Some were in hospitals or experiencing health crises. Others were saved from probably-fatal accidents. Often, but not always, the person in trouble had just whispered a prayer for help.

Compilers of this Guideposts book are Cecil Murphey, author of over 100 books and co-writer for 90 Minutes in Heaven, and Twila Belk, the Gotta Tell Somebody Gal. Foreword is by Don Piper, also of 90 Minutes fame. Short bios of the other writers are included near the end of the book.

The short, often powerful, stories are easy to read either in series or as daily readings. I recommend it for personal reading or gift-giving. If you do believe in angels, you'll enjoy the book. If you don't, you may be convinced.

Find it on Amazon here.

Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk with no obligation to review the book at all. The opinion expressed is my own.

From Dust and Ashes by Tricia Goyer

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Another in the WWII Liberators series, From Dust and Ashes, is a powerful story set at the end of the war in the eastern part of Germany. The story revolves around the liberation of the Matthausen concentration camp. According to the veterans Goyer interviewed in her research, she accurately portrayed the events and the emotions of those who were there. The back cover text describes it well: "Nazis flee under cover of darkness as American troops near the town of St. Georgen. A terrible surprise awaits the unsuspecting GIs. And three people—the wife of an SS guard, an American soldier, and a concentration camp survivor—will never be the same."

As I read, I remembered the films I've seen of the concentration camp survivors. The Americans were not equipped to help the people. Some of the Germans wanted to help, while others had to be forced. What a monumental task it was for the Allied forces to deal with this situation in addition to taking prisoners and securing the country. I felt like I was there struggling to understand along with the characters.As with most war stories, romance enters the picture. There's conflict between the two main female characters who are interested in the same GI.

I highly recommend all the Liberator Series books I've reviewed so far. See my reviews of two other books in this series, and a third WWII-era book by Goyer. See them all at this link.

Amazon link:From Dust and Ashes: A Story of Liberation (The Liberator Series, Book 4).

Bullseye by Virginia Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:12:00 +0000

This is the second book in the Falsely Accused series by ace suspense writer Virginia Smith. I reviewed the first book, Dangerous Impostor here.

Karina's teenage brother is accused of murdering his best friend. Since Karina is his guardian, she feels she must find a way to prove his innocence. She has no one to turn to---except her ex-boyfriend, Mason Sinclair. The only trouble is Karina lives in Albuquerque while Mason now lives in Atlanta. But, she calls him anyway, asking him to come help rescue her brother.

Mason has his reasons for not wanting to help, but he hops a flight to New Mexico nonetheless. There's tension between Mason and Karina because of their past romance and breakup. And there's the matter of Mason's wife being murdered when he was on the police force in Albuquerque. Because he was initially accused of killing his wife, Mason has very few friends on the local police force. And, his spiritual life has been lacking since his wife's death. He helps Karina, but she's able to help him find his way back to faith. Making matters more complicated, it appears that, by helping Karina, he has put her in the same danger his wife was in.

A murder mystery, romantic tension, a teen who's gotten himself in over his head, and crooked cops are enough to keep you interested. Add the illegal arms trade to the mix, and you've got a page-turner that will hook you right away. I am totally hooked on Virginia Smith's writing. I try to read every book that comes out.

Buy the hard copy on Amazon here. The Kindle version is here.

Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander by Paul Vickery

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Akin) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 21:48:00 +0000

This book is one of The Generals series published by Thomas Nelson. Others in the series include Washington, Grant, Lee, Sherman, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. Author Paul Vickery is on the history faculty at Oral Roberts University, and he also serves as a pastor.

I was interested in this book because I grew up in Tennessee not far from the city of Jackson, which was named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. "Old Hickory" was his nickname given to him by the men he commanded. Hickory wood is the hardest wood in North America. Jackson was a tough commander, driving himself as hard as he drove his men. But, they loved him for it and served him well.

Jackson was the first president to come from the heartland. He was not a member of the landed gentry or the elite of the northeastern states. He was orphaned young and joined the military as a teenager. He became a lawyer and a judge, but it appears his true calling was military leadership. His gift for making the right decisions propelled him from an unknown militia leader to the hero general who saved New Orleans in the War of 1812.

Famous for his hot temper and his many duels, Jackson became involved in politics as a result of his reputation as a military man. He was responsible in part for the founding of the Democratic party, although the original and the current versions bear little resemblance to each other.

The book is an easy read. You get the information without the scholarly language that you find in some historical books. Most of the content deals with his military exploits which are the basis for his fame. The author gives a good account of his dealings with Native Americans and the reasons for the decisions he made concerning them. The author brought out several instances where the slow speed of communications in those days complicated matters far more than we realize.

I recommend it for the simple fact that all Americans need to know more about Jackson and his iron will. Think of all the places in the US that are named for him: Jacksonville, FL; Jackson, MS; Jackson, GA; Jackson, TN. He was a truly great leader, and we need people like him these days, hard as hickory and consistent in sticking to principles.

The hard copy is on Amazon here. Kindle edition is found here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”