A Family Guide to the Bible by Christin Ditchfield

A Family Guide to the Bible by Cristin Ditchfield is a wonderful way for Christian parents to gain a better understanding of the 66 books of the Bible in order to better learn more about God's Word and be equipped to teach their children Biblical truths. Cristin Ditchfield is a popular conference speaker and has authored more than fifty books including three others in the Family Guide series.

From Crossway's site: "A Family Guide to the Bible takes readers on a fun and exciting tour through all sixty-six books of the Bible and offers parents, grandparents, and teachers a better understanding of the Scriptures so they can help the children in their lives know what is in the Bible, where to find it, and how it all fits together. As Christians become more familiar with God’s Word, they will gain greater confidence as they share what they believe with their family and friends, help answer questions concerning the Bible, and encourage others to grow deeper in their walks of faith."

I will begin by saying this is a wonderful addition to any family or churches library to access information on the Bible in a way that is easy to read and understand. We start by receiving a short history lesson on where the Bible comes from and then Cristin Ditchfield answers the question, can we trust the Bible? Then we delve into the message of the Bible, what is it all about? These first chapters give great background information about the Bible in simple enough terms for a child to understand but complex enough that it isn't going to bore adults - this is a hard line to tow and one that Cristin Ditchfield has accomplished.

All books are included, Genesis through Revelation, and the chapters that talk about each book are divided into Old Testament and New Testament. These do not contain the Catholic books, but much information can still be gleaned from those who are Catholic. The books are in order as they appear in the Bible, making them easy to find in short order. In each book's chapter we are given the name of the book, the author, who the author was writing to or the audience, the setting, the story, the message, words to know, did you know?, think about it, making the connection and more on this story in the Bible.

Did you know is a section that gives a little more information about what's contained in each book, an interesting tidbit that makes learning about that book a little more fun. Think about it, gives the reader something to think about as they read and delve deeper into the message of the Biblical truths. Making the connection ties everything together from the time the message was written to our lives now. The author backs everything up using Scripture and gives the reference, this book can be used with any version of the Bible that is preferred by the reader, another reason this is easy to use.

Also included in this book are ways to study the Bible, such as choosing a translation, using a concordance, Bible dictionary and encyclopedia. Study tips for personal Bible study, family devotions and Bible reading plans are also included. She also has a section that tell what stories from each Old and New Testaments should be known by everyone, along with Bible heroes (men, women, children and teens), the Miracles and Teachings of Jesus, what the Bible teaches us about Heaven and various Scripture to help celebrate holidays, sharing the faith, guard your heart and face your fears. Maps of Bible lands are also in the back of the book along with one showing what the lands look like now.

Again this is a wonderful resource to have on hand for planning devotions, personal study or even planning a Sunday school lesson. This book can truly be used by any Christian that wants to learn more and teach the children in their life more Biblical truths and not just stories that don't relate to their lives. At a time when there are many children and young people leaving the church this book can help guide parents in actually teaching pertinent information and keep their children from leaving their faith.

How Do I Love Thee by Nancy Moser

I was given the chance to read How Do I Love Thee? by Nancy Moser though Bethany House's blogger review program. When I requested this book I had no idea what kind of life Elizabeth Barrett lived nor have I ever read her poems or any of Robert Browning's. This book is fiction but does pull actual events from Elizabeth's life as she lives all but a recluse.

The summary of the book from Bethany House: "Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet--and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives... "I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?"

Having never read Nancy Moser's writing before I will say I was satisfied. Her writing in this book seems very deep and she captures the language of the period, which is very flowery with a depth to it that to some will have to be deciphered. This is not a book to read late at night when your eyes are drooping because of the language of the letters exchanged it can become confusing and you'll wonder what happened the next day. However, if you're a history buff and you like a lot of heavy more than fluff this book is right up your alley.

I liked the way Nancy Moser weaves history into the fiction, it makes it feel as if you are reading a non-fiction book even though you are not. She did include the historical facts surrounding Elizabeth Barrett's life and her 'illness' as well as her life after meeting Robert Browning. Also included is "Sonnets from the Portuguese", many of Elizabeth's sonnets were written for her eyes only but have been published.

So if you're a poem fan, fan of Elizabeth Barrett, or a fan of history then this book is a must read. Like above I would suggest you be fully awake while reading because the heavy letters of Barrett and Browning could have you dozing off instead of enraptured by the story. This is not your usual romance - no racy scenes are described, or at least not what I read, so even a young, unmarried woman can read this book without fear of where her mind will wander. If you have never read Nancy Moser's books before I suggest you begin with this one.

Abide with Me by John H. Parker and Paul Seawright

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:

John H. Parker

AND

Paul Seawright

and the book:

Abide With Me (Includes a CD of 20 wonderful, favorite British hymns.)

New Leaf Publishing Group/New Leaf Press; Har/Com edition (May 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

John Parker, Professor of English at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, has taught Shakespeare and other literary classes there for twenty-eight years. He holds the M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Tennessee, and also the Master of Arts in Religion from Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis. At Lipscomb and previously at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, he has also taught classes in the Bible.

Paul Seawright is currently Chair of Photography at the University of Ulster. Previously he was Dean of Art Media and Design at the University of Wales, Newport, and the Director of the Centre for Photographic Research. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and are held in many museum collections including The Tate London, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, International Centre of Photography New York, Portland Art Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Paul has a Ph.D. in Photography from the University of Wales and was awarded a personal chair in 2002. He is an honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, currently chairing their Fellowship panel. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. He has published six books.


Visit the authors' website.

Product Details:

List Price: $19.99
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group/New Leaf Press; Har/Com edition (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0892216905
ISBN-13: 978-0892216901

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Abide With Me
A Photographic Journey Through Great British Hymns


Text by John H. Parker

Photography by Paul Seawright

Prologue


The focus of Abide with Me is place—the places in England and Wales where the great Britishhymns were written and where the stories of the men and women who wrote them unfolded: Olney (“Amazing Grace”), Brighton (“Just As I Am”), Stoke Newington (“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”), Broadhembury (“Rock of Ages”), and many others. This book shows and tells about those places and what you would see if you visited them.


On the north coast of England, silhouetted against the gray sky and the dark sea, stand the ruins of Whitby Abbey. There in the sixth century a common sheep herder named Caedmon wrote the earliest surviving hymn written in English. In the centuries following—Middle Ages, Renaissance, Eighteenth Century, Nineteenth Century—men

and women devoted to Christ and blessed with the gift of poetry composed the words of the English hymns sung in Britain, in America, and across the globe, generation after generation—sung in times of happiness, grief, joy, fear, and wonder. Here are the places those writers lived and their life stories.


Join us now for a stroll through the quaint Cotswolds, the beautiful Lake District, bustling

London, and the glorious poppy-bedecked English countryside as you meet the great minds whose works have inspired, uplifted, and carried us through the tragedies and triumphs of our lives. It’s a journey of the heart and soul—a meandering through your own spirituality.


Speaking to one another in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs.

Ephesians 5:19

Lost & Found


Olney, on the Ouse River in Northampton, England, not far from Cambridge, was a small farming and crafts village in the late eighteenth century. As we drive into the market square this Sunday afternoon, we find a bustling and cheerful town with two popular claims. One is the annual pancake race on Shrove Tuesday when housewives run 415 yards from the marketplace to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, each carrying a pan holding a pancake, which she flips on crossing the finish line. The other is the curate and preacher for that church from 1764–1780, John Newton (1725–1807), and the vicarage, where he wrote perhaps the most popular hymn of all time, “Amazing Grace.”


The church was expanded during those years to accommodate the crowds who came to hear John, and its square tower still rises over the Ouse River. The sanctuary is large and impressive, and a stained-glass window commemorates the preacher and his hymn. Still, time has encroached a bit. His pulpit is now somewhat pushed back into a corner, though John Newton’s Pulpit is proudly displayed along one edge. John’s rather smallish portrait hangs on the stone buttress of one wall, sharing space between a fire extinguisher and a bulletin board where his name promotes a ministry in Sierra Leone. But after 230 years, it’s still John Newton whose story and hymn live on here.


John was born to a master mariner, who was often away at sea, and a mother who taught him Bible lessons and the hymns of Isaac Watts (see pages 38-41). But she died

when he was only six years old. At age eleven, after a few years of living with relatives or attending boarding school, he began sailing with his father.


In time John fell in love with Mary Catlett, daughter of friends of his mother, but in 1744 he was forced to serve on a naval ship. He records that while watching England’s coast fade as the ship sailed away, he would have killed either himself or the captain except for his love of Mary.


Later John managed to join the crew of a slave trade ship, the brutal traffic he so much regretted in later years. This life blotted out his early religious training and led him into bad behavior. Finally, though, when a fierce March storm one night in 1748 threatened to sink his ship, he prayed for the first time in years. And for the rest of his life he regarded every March 21 as the anniversary of his conversion. Relapses occurred, but after a serious illness he committed himself to God, returned to England, and married

Mary in 1750.


John worked for a while in civil service in the region of Yorkshire. But soon he became popular as a lay preacher, developing friendships with George Whitefield and John

Wesley, and began to consider the ministry. Although he studied biblical languages and theology privately, he received ordination in the Church of England only after completing

his autobiography, Authentic Narrative, in 1764, an account that caused influential religious leaders to recognize his spiritual commitment. The book was soon translated into several languages.


John’s principal sponsor for priesthood, Lord William Dartmouth, helped arrange the station for John in Olney, and for the next sixteen years he lived in the vicarage and

preached at St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s and in surrounding parishes. His religious devotion, remarkable personal history, and natural poetic skills gave John the gifts and preparation for writing hymns—especially one great hymn—but he needed a circumstance to prompt him. That came in 1767 when William Cowper moved to Olney.


William was one of England’s fine eighteenth-century poets, producing The Task (1784) and translations of Homer. He received an excellent literary education at Westminster

School in London and, at his father’s wish, studied for the bar. But he lived an often-miserable life. Depression, his distaste for the law, poverty, and an ill-fated romance with his cousin Theadora Cowper ruined any chances of happiness. More than once he attempted suicide.


During this trauma William found relief in the home of friends first made in Huntingdon—Morley and Mary Unwin, a religious and wealthy couple. When Morley died from a fall from his horse in April of 1767, Mary moved to Olney with her daughter Susanna to be near the renowned preacher John Newton. In fact, only an orchard stood between the rear yard of their house, Orchard Side, and John’s vicarage. Soon, William also came to Olney and moved in with them. The two poets became close friends, and by 1771 they were collaborating on what became one of England’s most successful hymnals, The Olney Hymns.


On a bright June afternoon we stroll with Elizabeth Knight in the garden of Orchard Side, now the Cowper & Newton museum, where she has been curator for more than thirty years. Nestled in the rows of flowers is an odd little summerhouse in which William gazed through its side and rear windows. Here he wrote most of the hymns in his part of the collection. After another lapse into depression, he wrote few others, but by that time he had composed his great hymns, “There is a Fountain” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.”


Leaving the Orchard Side garden, we walk through the site of the original orchard, to the back of the two-story brick vicarage, and look up to the last dormer window on the top right. Here, in this room, during the last two weeks of December 1772, John Newton wrote “Amazing Grace.”


In his book Amazing Grace: The Story of America’s Most Beloved Hymn (Harper Collins, 2002), music historian Steve Turner records that John routinely wrote hymns to accompany his sermons and composed “Amazing Grace” in preparation for a New Year’s Day sermon on January 1, 1773. He also observes that the words of the hymn evidently paraphrase entries from John’s notebook. For example, the entry “Millions of unseen dangers” is rendered “through many dangers, toils, and snares” in the song. Turner gives these illustrations of Newton’s use of the Scriptures in the hymn:


Newton embroidered biblical phrases

and allusions into all his writing.


The image of being lost and found alludes to the parable

of the prodigal son, where the father

is quoted as saying in Luke 15:24,


“For this my son was dead, and is alive again;

he was lost, and is found.”


His confession of wretchedness may have been drawn

from Paul’s exclamation in Rom. 7:24,

“O wretched man that I am!

Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”


The contrast of blindness and sight refers directly

to John 9:25, when a man healed by Jesus says,

“One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind,

now I see.”


Newton had used this phrase in his diary

during his seafaring days when he wrote on

August 9, 1752,


“The reason [for God’s mercy] is unknown to

me, but one thing I know, that whereas

I was blind, now I see.”


Turner observes that this day of the introduction of “Amazing Grace,” in Lord Dartmouth’s Great House in Olney, was also the last that the despondent William Cowper came to church.


John and William published The Olney Hymns in 1779. The following year, 1880, William Cowper died, and John accepted a pulpit position at St. Mary Woolnoth Church in London. Audiences continued large here as well. Visitors today can pass through a wrought-iron gate and coffee shop at the entrance, walk through the church doors into the sanctuary, and view the ornate pulpit where the slave-trader turned preacher delivered sermons for the next twenty-seven years, becoming a major figure in the

evangelical portion of the Anglican Church. He died on December 21, 1807, and was buried with Mary at St. Mary Woolchurch in London. They were re-interred at the Church

of St. Peter and St. Paul in Olney in 1893. And he is primarily remembered for these touching words:


Amazing Grace (1772)

Ephesians 2:8-9


Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.


’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!


The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.


The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

My Opinion:

Abide with Me is a wonderful addition to any Christian's, regardless of denomination, library especially if you like hymns. To me, hymns are more than just old, out dated songs, but are a written of history of the church's love for Christ and the desire to worship Him as well as showing the history in the time they were written. Amazing Grace is my all time favorite hymn, it just shows how wonderful it is to be washed in Jesus' blood and be forgiven. Abide with Me will take you on a journey on the how and why a hymn was written as well as some background information on the one who penned the hymn.

The pictures in this beautiful hard bound book make it feel as if you are actually traversing the English countrysides where these hymns were written. There are pictures of the inside of the writer's homes, church and other places showing where the writer lived. Some of the composers that you visit in this book are John Newton, Henry Lyte and Sarah Flower Adams. Some of the hymns are Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, among other beautiful, timeless hymns.

The book comes with a free 24 track CD of the hymns being performed by Ray Walker of the Jordanaires and other artists. The hymns are sung in rich tone and are beautifully done - so much so it may just turn someone who doesn't like hymns into a person who enjoys them. When I listened to the CD I could feel myself sitting in huge, cavernous cathedral listening to these songs at the time they were penned - it provided an extra sensory experience to go along with an already wonderful book.

If you want to know the story behind some of the greatest hymns written, I suggest you add this book to your library. If you don't know which was written for a sister's wedding in 30 minutes or which poet and hymnist would die ministering in India (amid other fascinating facts of these men and women of God) then I suggest this book to you from publishers, New Leaf Publishing.

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

I had the chance to read Max Lucado's newest release, Fearless , and I must say I am impressed. I've never actually read a Max Lucado book for adults but my children enjoy his Hermie series so I wanted to give it a chance and am glad that I did. I received the book through Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger Program.

As humans, we can usually let fear get the best of us, even Christians can let fear overwhelm them and Max wants people to know that we don't have to let fear control us. He covers a lot of ground in the things that can bring fear on our hearts and minds, and a lot really hit home. Some of the topics he covers are fear of not mattering, fear of disappointing God, fear of not protecting my kids, fear of violence, fear of what's next and several other areas. In each area Max Lucado uses Scripture references relating our fear to something that happened to Jesus, the disciples or some other pivotal person from the Bible. I liked how he showed me how even the greatest men of God had fears and related that back to my life!

I will say that Mr. Lucado does use multiple Bible translations and/or paraphrases such as the Message, Amplified Bible, Contemporary English Version, New American Standard Bible and several others. He does not use any KJV or NKJV in this book, so if that is an issue then I wanted to let you know up front. Even though I am not partial to these translations/paraphrases I still gained a lot in reading this book and would not let myself be put off by the choice of Bible version. If I had let that bother me then I wouldn't have garnished what I did from Fearless. You can use your own Bible in whatever version you prefer to look up the Scripture and just skip the version's he has used.

At the end of the book are discussion questions that can be used either in a group or individual setting to gain deeper insight. The questions will make you delve into your fear issues and you may find yourself letting go of that fear - which can be scary in itself. In a way fear can protect us, keeping us from going down that dark alley alone or making sure our children don't go out of our site in our neighborhoods, but fear can also cause you to not live life to it's fullest. God doesn't want us consumed by fear and that is the point that Max Lucado is trying to make in his newest release, Fearless.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

Here is yet another author I hadn't heard of before reviewing this book for Bethany House blogger book reviews. I am sorry I haven't heard or read Dianne Gist before, the historical aspects she includes in her novels makes it seem so real.

Summary:

"In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife's untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he'll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook. Anna Ivey's journey west with Asa Mercer's girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She's not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she's handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he's about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking--but beguiling--easterner to be his bride?"

I got very involved in this book very quickly, I think it was the historical basis surrounding the story, given that a lot of the facts given were actual true events made it very interesting. While I did enjoy this book and Deeanne's writing style - I didn't like the descriptions of how the male and female main characters would look at each other, to be honest it was lust. What would one expect though with two unmarried persons living under the same roof who were both lonely - this is why God doesn't allow for living together before marriage. Although the characters didn't actually live together - he slept in the barn and she slept in the house - they would occasionally see each other in various states of undress while bathing.

Like I said this was a quick read and very enjoyable but it's not a book that I would allow a young unmarried woman to read this. A married woman needs to be careful in reading this book to not stir up certain feelings or emotions that would undermine her marriage relationship. As in all books Christians need to guard their hearts and minds, if you're reading it for the purely historical aspects you'll be fine. Again it's a good read! It is available through Bethany House Publisher's website.

The Transformation Study Bible NLT

I'm always excited to look at a new Bible and see if it can stand up against my tried and true King James Version. I'll admit it I'm a sucker for the thees, thous and the depths of the KJV so when I had the chance to receive The Transformation Study Bible NLT I jumped at the offer. This Bible is beautifully bound in hardcover with matching dust jacket, should you choose to remove the dust jacket the same picture matches the cover.

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is the General Editor for this version of the Bible and he is an acclaimed Pastor (although I will admit to never having heard of him). He is the former Pastor of The Moody Bible Church in Chicago, internationally known Bible teacher and has given his life to deeper examination of God's Word. He has a commentary series called "BE" which is what the commentary in this Bible is based upon.

There is an introduction to the New Living Translation of the Bible which talks about such items of interest as translation philosophy and methodology, translation process and team, text behind the NLT, translation issues (changing male oriented terms), footnotes, spelling of proper names and other items. Next up is the Translation Team given by the book of the Bible and who translated that particular book. We're then given an over view of what each book contains like the introduction, outlines, overviews, catalyst notes (Dr. Wiersbe's observations regarding Scripture), be transformed (in the introduction goes over life changing aspects of that book), cross references, full color maps, dictionary-concordance and study notes. All make for a very nice study Bible and there is much included for better understanding of Biblical text - but I would do so cautiously.

Keeping in mind that I did not and could not read this Bible version in it's entirety before completing this review, I will go over two of my major concerns. I am in no way doubting Dr. Wiersbe's insight into the Bible but during some of my reading of the "Catalyst" I was concerned especially when it came to the one regarding 2 Timothy 3:16-17 in which it's said "....Whatever the Bible says about itself, mankind, God, life, death, history, science, and every other subject is true. This does not mean that every statement in the Bible is true, because the Bible records the lies of men and of Satan. But the record is true." To me this is contradictory in nature as well as seeming to call into question the infallible nature that I believe the Bible to be.

Another issue that I had with this version of the Bible is the changing of male oriented terms. One example of this is: Genesis 1:27.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them; male and female created him thee." (KJV)

"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (NLT)

I am not sure I understand the need to change gender terms, maybe it's our culture that wants Christianity their way or maybe because feminism has become so deeply ingrained into our churches that we need to appease ourselves. I know God loves men and women equally and He includes them both in His Word so to have to change the gender terms seem to take away from God's Word, which is forbidden in Scripture. In the Scripture above even the KJV already translates that women are included if not in the first part, in the second. Other changes are brothers to brothers and sisters, there are other changes but I won't list them all here. Again I am not a Bible translator but I don't think one has to be in order to realize that God includes men and women in His Word even if it's not specifically stated.

Overall, this Bible can be a wonderful resource to delve deeper into Biblical understanding alongside an older translation of the Bible (KJV or NKJV, etc). Weigh what you read against much prayer, reading, discussion and more prayer. If you'd like a companion study Bible then this would be useful, especially since it does contain cross references (I like to have these available without having to pull a huge concordance out when studying) to the Scripture being studied. The Transformation Study Bible is available from David C. Cook.

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

I recieved A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller through the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program and am so happy that I requested this book. Kathleen Fuller has written many books but this was the first time I had heard of her - suprising since I enjoy Amish fiction and enjoy their way of life.

About the book (taken from Thomas Nelson Publishing website): "Moriah's heart will only be safe with a man of his word.In just a few short months, Moriah Miller's perfect life unravels. Newly wed and newly pregnant, Moriah is abandoned by her husband, Levi. He's left her, his family, and their faith without a backward glance. The community, stunned, rushes to the young woman's aid.But there is someone who feels more than just sympathy for Moriah. Gabriel Miller--Levi's twin--longs for an intimate commitment that might someday bind them to one another. Convinced of the impossibility of his dream, Gabriel settles for a mere friendship with the woman he loves.Moriah bravely goes on with her life, adjusting to her new role in their tight knit Amish community and preparing for the birth of her child. She is unaware that her brief marriage--once idealized as the happiest time in her life--may have been merely a shadow of the kind of love God has created her for. A love that can mend the soul, renew her heart, and give her a future filled with hope...if only she'll let it."


I really enjoyed this book. I liked the fact that the author really did a great job in truthfully representing the Amish community in Ohio. If you ever have a chance to visit Middlefield, Ohio or Holmes County in general and see the Amish in the area in action, you will understand why I say that about Kathleen Fuller. While the Amish are humans and capable of human emotions - as Kathleen Fuller fully discloses, she also shows the reader of how much the Amish care for everyone - Amish or not. There is heartbreak in this book, one that could be felt through the characters while reading of their lives.

The romance in this book isn't anything untoward and would be able to be read by young, unmarried women. There are feelings that are brought up between Moriah and Gabriel but are dealt with utilizing much prayer and also seperation. Eventually though God does work in His way to bring the two together so that His work can be seen. Love of God, love of family and love of community comes through loud and clear in this book which really sums up what the Amish are all about, loving God. This book was a fast, wonderful read and I would recommend it to those who are looking for anything from a light read to Amish inspirational fiction.

Jesus: Why the World is Still Fascinated by Him by Tim LaHaye

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:

Tim LaHaye

and the book:

Jesus: Why the World is Still Fascinated by Him

David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2009)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author, minister, educator, Dr. Tim LaHaye has written or coauthored more than fifty books, not including the New York Times bestselling Left Behind series. A pastor for thirty-seven years, there’s nothing Dr. LaHaye likes to talk more about than the Lord Jesus. Dr. LaHaye and his wife, Beverly, reside in Southern California.

Visit the author's website.






Product Details:

List Price: $22.99
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143476625X
ISBN-13: 978-1434766250

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

WHY JESUS?

To invoke a well worn cliché, truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Never in a million years would a novelist or playwright attempt to create such a story … a story of a young carpenter from an obscure village who would go on to become the most influential person in all of history … a story of a man who would continue to impact the world two thousand years after his execution … a story of a man who could miraculously heal the sick, predict the future, and even rise from the dead! No one would ever believe such a story … right?


Well …


It has been estimated that there are currently between seventy and one hundred million people in America alone who do indeed believe such a story, and as many as two billion more worldwide. Not only are most of these people convinced the story is true, they have gone so far as to stake

their eternal destiny upon it.


During a break from our TV interview on Larry King Live in March of 2006, Larry surprised Jerry Jenkins and me with this statement: “I am not a believer, but I have the utmost respect for Jesus Christ. I believe he was the most influential person who ever lived.”


Why would Larry King make such a statement?


Because it’s true.


Of the more than thirteen billion people who have lived on the earth since the dawn of recorded history, why does the one named Jesus Christ draw so much attention—more attention without question than any other person? The world has always been, is now, and will forever be

fascinated by Jesus. But why? Before we attempt to answer that question, let’s consider the facts:

He has served as the inspiration for more literature, more music, and more works of art than any other person in history. Millions of churches throughout the world have been built in His honor. Our calendar has been set according to His birth. The two biggest holidays celebrated worldwide each year, Christmas and Easter, commemorate His birth and His resurrection. Nearly everyone who has lived on this planet during the last two millennia has heard of Him. Is there any other person who comes to mind for which the same can be said? Amazingly, His influence in the world has not diminished over the course of the succeeding centuries. Despite ever-evolving cultural changes and notwithstanding media reports to the contrary, Jesus is just as relevant to this generation as He was when He walked the shores of Galilee. Throughout the ages, people inspired by His teachings have taken the initiative to build the majority of the world’s hospitals,

instigate the formation of most of our colleges and universities, and launch countless humanitarian programs in nearly every part of the globe.


Even those who discount the miraculous side of Jesus’ persona nevertheless find His teachings to be astute and infused with wisdom. Secularists and followers of other religions alike seem compelled, at the very least, to esteem Him as a great teacher or wise sage. However, simply having an abundant level of intellectual insight doesn’t really begin to account for the amount of adoration Jesus has received during the past two thousand years. Have there been other great thinkers and philosophers down through the ages who are equally as worthy? Confucius, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, Rousseau, Russell, and Sartre are names

familiar to those who have studied the subject of philosophy. Has the level of devotion to any of these men risen to even a fraction of that which has been afforded Jesus? Then there are the “big three” of the ancient Greek philosophers— Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—who together are said to have formed the philosophical foundation of Western culture. And yet, despite being in the public eye for only three and a half years, Jesus and His teachings have arguably impacted the world far more than the collective erudition of these three great philosophers whose combined careers totaled more than 150 years.


Still, there are others who deem the attributes of Jesus to extend far beyond that of mere wisdom. Many believe Jesus to be a prophet, a Messiah, even God in human form. And it is these claims that have motivated some to go to great lengths to try and curtail His influence in the world. Down through the centuries untold millions of Christian martyrs have been subjected to horribly agonizing deaths on account of their allegiance to Jesus, beginning with the stoning of the apostle Stephen shortly after the crucifixion of Christ3 and continuing ever since. By the middle ages, the

various types of torture and killing devices used on Christians had become so grisly as to almost defy description. It seems there was no shortage of creative ways in which martyrs could be stretched, burned, flayed, sawed, pierced, hung, boiled, or drowned.


Throughout history countless writers have felt compelled to publish their personal perspectives on the historical facts surrounding Jesus and His teachings. The works of second-century writers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, for example, support those of the New Testament writers Matthew Mark, Luke, and John. Other apologists (defenders of the faith) from Augustine to Francis Schaeffer followed in succeeding centuries. Of course, there have been numerous detractors as well throughout the last two millennia. One such author was Englishman H. G. Wells. Although overshadowed by his famous science fiction works that included The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man, Wells was also a prolific writer of nonfiction. One of his efforts, titled The Outline of History, was a twelve-hundred-page volume that traced the history of our planet from its supposed primordial origins up through World War I. Wells was an outspoken socialist and ardent promoter of Darwin’s theory of evolution. And he was certainly no fan of Jesus of Nazareth. It therefore must have come as a bit of a shock to discover that upon the completion of his manuscript, Wells had devoted a staggering forty-one pages to Jesus Christ, which turned out to be a far larger amount than he had bestowed on any other historical person mentioned in the work, including his personal hero Plato, who only received a mere two-page

mention from the writer. Likewise, the secular Encyclopedia Britannica in a recent edition saw fit

to dedicate more than 21,000 words to Jesus Christ, which turned out to be the largest of any of its biographical entries, surpassing that of former President Bill Clinton who collected only 2511 words. A more compassionate oeuvre of Jesus can be found written by the celebrated nineteenth-century American author Mark Twain. In his 1869 publication, The Innocents Abroad, Twain recounts his travels through the Holy Land, and in particular the city where Jesus spent His youth:


In the starlight, Galilee has no boundaries but the broad compass of the heavens, and is a theater for great events; for the birth of a religion able to save the world; and for the stately Figure appointed to stand upon its stage and proclaim its high decrees.


Although not as well known as some of his other works such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Innocents Abroad became Twain’s biggest selling book during his lifetime. In more recent times there has been the unprecedented (and unexpected) success of the Left Behind series of novels written by myself and my cowriter Jerry Jenkins. This fictionalized account of the last days scenario as presented in the book of Revelation has struck a chord with readers who have been looking forward with anticipation to the promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ. With sixteen books in the series and more than seventy million copies sold, it has become the biggest-selling adult fiction series of all time, no doubt due to our readers’ fascination with Jesus and the

subject of biblical prophecy.


If you were to look closely at America’s three leading news magazines— Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report—you might notice a rather odd recurring phenomenon. These magazines are dedicated to covering the top political, economic, scientific, and entertainment news from around the world each week. And although they occasionally touch on religious issues, these would certainly not be classified as religious publications. And yet, they have placed Jesus Christ on their covers more than two dozen times in the last decade! In fact, Jesus has appeared on more covers of Time than any other person who has ever lived, with the exception of the last few U.S. presidents. It begs the question as to why these news organizations who deal primarily with current events would find the details surrounding a Jewish carpenter from an insignificant Middle Eastern village who lived and died two thousand years ago so compelling

as to feature cover stories about Him again and again. What’s going on? Time magazine itself has featured Jesus on its cover an astonishing twenty-one times during the last seven decades—and that’s in addition to another sixty-five cover stories dealing with the subject of Christianity during this same period. To put this in perspective, examine the following list, which chronicles the number of times each of these other famous individuals (excluding recent U.S. presidents) have appeared on the cover of Time since the beginning of World War II:


Jesus Christ—21

Mikhail Gorbachev—14

Saddam Hussein—14

Henry Kissinger—11

Nelson Rockefeller—11

Al Gore—10

Fidel Castro—8

Princess Diana—8

Bill Gates—8

Joseph Stalin—8

Spiro Agnew—7

Yasser Arafat—7

Douglas MacArthur—6

O. J. Simpson—6

Mao Tse-tung—6

Winston Churchill—5

Thomas Dewey—5

Newt Gingrich—5

John Kerry—5

Martin Luther King—5

Osama bin Laden—5

Yitzhak Rabin—5

The Beatles—4

Dick Cheney—4

Albert Einstein—4

John Glenn—4

Billy Graham—4

Adolph Hitler—4

Howard Hughes—4

Monika Lewinsky—4

Nelson Mandela—4

Colin Powell—4

Darth Vader—4

George Washington—4

Woody Allen—3

Tom Cruise—3

Walt Disney—3

Jesse Jackson—3

Shirley MacLaine—3

Oliver North—3

George Patton—3

Dan Rather—3

Steven Spielberg—3

Marlon Brando—2

Bill Cosby—2

Sigmund Freud—2

Alan Greenspan—2

J. Edgar Hoover—2

Thomas Jefferson—2

Stephen King—2

Rush Limbaugh—2

Marilyn Monroe—2

Ross Perot—2

Harry Potter—2

Frank Sinatra—2

Bruce Springsteen—2

John Travolta—2

Ted Turner—2

John Wayne—2

Benjamin Franklin—1

Abraham Lincoln—1

Mother Teresa—1


The news magazines of today that feature a portrait of Jesus on their covers are most often accompanied by stories which give credibility to ancient Gnostic ideas while simultaneously undercutting proven historical biblical data. Taken from the Greek word meaning knowledge, Gnosticism primarily teaches that the human soul is divine and is trapped in a material world created by an imperfect god. In order to escape this inferior world, one must obtain esoteric spiritual knowledge reserved only for an elite few. Frequently, these magazine articles claim to clear up some ancient mystery, reveal some hidden secret, or offer some new insights. In nearly

every case the reader is asked to jettison their traditional beliefs about Christianity or encouraged to merge their “outdated” views of Christ with more “intellectually sound” Gnostic concepts. Often these new discoveries and new appraisals are nothing more than variations of old Gnostic ideas, which are based on second- or third-century documents of dubious origins that have been repackaged to appeal to a postmodern culture. Similarly, there has been a resurgence of these identical Gnostic ideas in a number of recent high-profile books whose primary objective, it appears, is to undermine the historical facts surrounding the life of Jesus. Chief among such modern day pro-Gnostic tomes is The Da Vinci Code by author Dan Brown, which spent more than two years on the New York Times best seller list. Its revisionist claims include the assertions that Jesus was married and that His divinity was a concept invented by the Emperor Constantine

in 325 AD. When confronted with proof of the innumerable historical errors contained in the book, Brown defenders simply sidestep the issue by stating that The Da Vinci Code is supposed to be a work of fiction. A plethora of other like-minded books are on the market, such as The

Jesus Papers by mysticism expert Michael Baigent; The Jesus Dynasty by religious studies professor James Tabor; Beyond Belief by Gnostic specialist Elaine Pagels; and Misquoting Jesus by lapsed evangelical Bart Ehrman, all of which, unlike The Da Vinci Code, make no claim of being fictional. These books elaborate on many of Gnosticism’s theories including the idea

that Jesus didn’t actually die as a result of the crucifixion, that the resurrection was fraudulently staged, and that the Bible is so filled with textural errors as to be completely worthless. Traditional Christians would claim that today’s revival and promotion of Gnosticism amounts to nothing more than a full frontal attack on the basic doctrines of Christianity. Gnostic promoters on the other hand would say that biblical doctrines were corrupted from the start and that only now is the full truth being revealed. So who is to be believed?


Not surprisingly, the success of the book The Da Vinci Code caught the eye of Hollywood producers shortly after it made its way to the top of the best sellers list. Noted actor Tom Hanks teamed up with film director Ron Howard to bring Brown’s thriller to the big screen in 2006. The film ended up grossing more than $200 million domestically and was heralded as a bona fide success by the media.11 Many of the same anti-Christian themes that had permeated the book made it onto the screen. Two years earlier, another Jesus-themed motion picture, Mel Gibson’s

The Passion of the Christ, had taken Hollywood by surprise. Gibson’s film did better than The Da Vinci Code at the domestic box office bringing in more than $370 million.12 However, both films would ultimately succeed beyond anyone’s expectations by generating in excess of $1 billion dollars each once the foreign box office receipts and DVD sales had been counted.


Theologically speaking, the two films could not have been further apart. For many, The Passion, despite its reliance on some nonbiblical texts, was seen as an attempt to make a film that was somewhat faithful to the Scriptures upon which it was based. This was, to say the least, astonishing for a film produced and directed by a major Hollywood insider. The Da Vinci Code, on the other hand, was more typical of Hollywood and was seen as a blatant attack against various biblical precepts that millions hold dear. Media watchers were painfully aware of the double standard that had been employed by the studios regarding the production and distribution

of these two films. As expected, The Da Vinci Code was enthusiastically embraced and promoted through the Hollywood system while The Passion was thwarted at every stage of its production and distribution. Only through Mel Gibson’s tenacity and resourcefulness (financial and otherwise) was The Passion able to eventually see the light of day. However, what is truly amazing in all this is that here were two major modern-day Hollywood films whose storylines, despite the polarity of their theology, revolved around a Jewish carpenter who hailed from an

insignificant little town twenty centuries ago. And yet these films were still culturally relevant, controversial, and able to generate billions of dollars—two thousand years after the fact!


The Bible records an important exchange that took place between Jesus and His disciples while they were visiting various towns in the region of Caesarea Philippi. Jesus had been praying alone when He was suddenly approached by His disciples. As they began to walk together along the

road, Jesus turned and asked two crucial questions. So significant was this discussion, that it was recorded in the first three books of the New Testament (referred to as the synoptic gospels)—in Matthew 16, Mark 8, and Luke 9:


When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered

and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:13–17)


Peter, who was known for his impetuousness when it came to speaking out, may not have fully understood the implication of what he was saying at this point in time. Not only was Peter affirming that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the literal fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, but that He was also deity—God in human flesh.


Today, these remain the two most important questions anyone can ask … “Who do men say that I (Jesus) am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” Your answers to these questions will determine the course of your life along with your eternal destiny. Whenever I have been interviewed by various television and radio talk show hosts such as Larry King, Bill O’Reilly, Morley Safer, Glenn Beck, or others, the question invariably comes up: “Why do you say believing in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven?” The answer is found in who He is. If He was truly ‘the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin’ as the Bible presents Him, then He qualifies as the only way to salvation since He said of Himself:


“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)


But if this thirty-three-year-old Galilean carpenter was just another of the thirteen billion people who have lived on the earth, then the devotion of those who esteem (or hate) Him is surely misguided. In any event, wemust answer a critical question … Why after two thousand years is the worldstill fascinated with Jesus?

the Creation story for children by Helen and David Haidle

There is a book written for children by Helen and David Haidle called the Creation story for children. This is a wonderful hardcover book that tells the story of Creation using Scripture from the King James Bible. The Scripture used comes from Genesis 1-2 and Psalms 139, focusing on God's creation.

On each page there is a Scripture given including reference verse along with writing that relates the Scripture back to the child's life in connection with the Creation story. This is a engaging way to really immerse a child in the true history of how the world was created, by our God. Mixed in with the story are questions that the child can be encouraged to answer so that it leads to better understanding of Scripture and what occurs in our lives. Children need more ideas to grab onto to retain new information and this book really offers a helping hand in the educational arena.

Beautifully illustrated, each page has it's own related picture that goes along with the Scripture and story told. This book does show Adam and Eve in the Garden alongside dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, and if you believe in the literal 6 day Creation this isn't a problem. My children enjoy learning that Adam and Eve walked among the dinosaurs as stated in Scripture. At the end of the book there is a section on God's "amazing creatures" like octopus, hummingbird, hedgehogs, velociraptors among others with information on the animals from a non-evolution viewpoint.

The very end of the book concludes with Psalm 139 telling children how they are made in a child friendly way and again beautifully illustrated. There are beautiful pictures of children enjoying life and some are shown in nature enjoying God's Creation. The most beautiful picture though is that of the baby in it's mother's womb for Psalm 139:13,15 - there is something that words cannot describe seeing an in utero baby - but it is done in a way a child will enjoy (no shock value, in other words).

With child friendly and engaging illustrations this will be a wonderful addition to any families personal library, it would also be a welcome addition to a church or school's library. This book would make a wonderful baby shower or new baby gift or even just for use in an educational way for schools, home school, or Sunday schools. This book will be treasured and enjoyed for many years to come. The Creation story for children is published by Master Books a division of New Leaf Publishing.

D is For Dinosaur: A Rhyme Book and More by Ken and Mally Ham

Are you looking for something to teach your children about Creation and Dinosaur but coming up short handed with all the evolution based 'stuff' out in the market today? In today's evolutionary and humanistic society our children are bombarded by non Biblical world views. I have a wonderful resource for parents and others who want to deliver Biblical truths about Creation and dinosaurs.

Master Books a division of New Leaf Publishing has published a wonderful resource written by Ken and Mally Ham titled D is For Dinosaur. The book is a three one resource for teaching young children (although my 7 year old also enjoyed it) more about Creation from a Biblical Creationist standpoint. The book is a three in one book that includes a wonderfully written ABC rhyme book, a coloring book, and a devotional/teaching book that can be used by Sunday Schools, Home School, Christian School or just by a parent who wants to add to their at home teaching after school hours.

The book measures 11 X 8 1/2 inches and is hard covered with 124 pages and there are beautifully illustrated pictures. The pictures are drawn with keeping the children's interest in mind while they listen to the story and learn the alphabet and Creation story as the story is read. Full of educational value this book will be treasured for years to come and even be passed down through the generations, creating a godly generation. The second part of the book is the coloring book which has images from the story that the children can color themselves. The story is retold along side the coloring pages. The third section, included beside the coloring pages (devotional/teaching guide) has notes to the parents or teachers (or in my case both) which gives ideas for deepening the educational use of the book. Student exercises are also included that can provide additional hands-on learning for the entire family. I think any Christian family regardless of denomination could use this book, especially those who believe in the young earth and Biblical Creation.

Religions of the Stars by Richard Abanes

I am usually not one to read stuff about celebrities but since Religions of the Stars by Richard Abanes had information about the different religions that are gaining a foot in Hollywood and movies today, I wanted to give it a chance. I received this book through the blogger review program through Bethany House Publishing. This book was a very informative and fast read, which I was happy with, educational and fast - what more could a busy mom want when reading a book?


From the Bethany House website: "You've probably heard that Tom Cruise is a Scientologist and Madonna follows the teachings of the Kabbalah. And you know that Oprah Winfrey is very spiritual. But what does it all mean? And more important, how does it affect you?

• Why is Scientology such a controversial religion?
  
• What does the Kabbalah teach?
  
• Which faiths are embraced by Richard Gere, Marie Osmond, Ashton Kutcher, and many other celebrities?
  
• How does Christianity line up with the popular religions of Hollywood?

Inside this book you'll find the answers to these questions and more. You'll also discover how today's Hollywood spirituality affects the movies and television programs you see, as well as how your children might be influenced by the way these religions are portrayed in the media. Richard Abanes--former Broadway performer and television/film actor--blends his knowledge of the entertainment industry and his expertise in the area of world religions and pop culture in this intriguing examination of the religious beliefs embraced by various Hollywood stars."

The glossy cover sort of makes the reader feel as if they have stepped into the glitz that is considered Hollywood and Richard Abanes being a former actor knows all about that. Mr. Abanes really did some great researching in writing this book. The information is well documented but yet put forth in a Christian way, in a way that lets you know the information is true and opens the reader to the Truth. Richard Abanes discusses Oprah's New Age religion, Scientology, Buddhism, Kabbalah and several others, pointing out what they believe and weighing it against God's True Word.

Presented in an easy, conversational manner makes this book enjoyable to read without burdening the reader with too much unnecessary information. Many Scriptures are given so that the reader can look up the verses on their own and make their own decisions about what Mr. Abanes writes about the religions discussed. Again, he does not judge or condemn any actors or actresses for their beliefs, he simply wants them and his readers to be educated about what those working in the entertainment business believes. He wants Christians to read this book and reach out to those in love and Truth and do what we've been commanded to do - reach the world with the Gospel of Christ.

Finding an Unseen God by Alicia Britt Chole

Finding an Unseen God by Alicia Britt Chole has a subtitle of Reflections of a Former Atheist so it might actually turn off a Christian from reading it but don't let the subtitle dissuade you - this book has something to offer even the most mature Christian. From Bethany House Publishing site:
" "I sincerely believed that there was no God," she says. "As a young Atheist, I simply considered myself a realist who preferred unanswered questions over fairy tales."

Then one day, without warning, Alicia's Atheistic worldview was shattered.

Creatively written, Finding an Unseen God opens a window into Alicia's surprising spiritual journey. With warmth, intellect, and compassion, Alicia invites us to carefully consider what we believe and do not believe, while she paints a vivid portrait of a God who relentlessly pursues even those who deny him."

The cover is actually what grabbed my attention at first and drew me to actually read the book. The fact that it's an unusual cover, made to look like a word search puzzle, intrigued me. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and saw an actual word search puzzle that the reader can complete, with answers at the back of the book. The chapters are numbered in an interesting way as well, sort of like a cross word puzzle. This book is also a quick read, a bonus for me, I read it completely in one day. The book comes in at 176 pages and that includes the appendix and notes.

I enjoyed this book, the fact that the author admits to being an Atheist and then giving her life to Christ is a wonderful testimony to God's pursuing even the most resistant person. Alicia also gives ways to lovingly respond to an Atheist when discussing our beliefs with theirs, yes, she points Atheist's do have a belief system. Finding really helped me to understand an Atheist's frame of mind in why they deny an existence of God, also she made it clear that a Pagan is not the same thing as an Atheist. I recommend this for any Christian who enjoys reading awesome testimonies of the Lord's work or wants to know about how to respond to Atheists in a Christian manner.

The Knight by Steven James

The Knight is the third in the Patrick Bowers Thriller series written by Steven James and published by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group. I hadn't heard of Steven James before and must say it's disappointing that I haven't had the pleasure of reading his books before.

The Knight is a thriller and one that will keep you up at night, reading. If you like thrillers without all the cussing and lewd actions of the characters this is the book for you. There are detailed descriptions of the crime scenes that FBI agent Patrick Bowers investigates. As the criminal is tracked the reader can feel the thrill of the chase and the climaxing of the story.

We are drawn into Patrick's life as he struggles with raising his stepdaughter, Tess as well as having a dangerous career and having to protect her. I could feel his struggle as he tried to decided whether to continue with his job or staying home with Tess as she finds something out that makes her reevaluate everything she thought she knew to be true. The reader feels the anguish that Tess goes through and I got the feeling of wanting to reach through the book to comfort this girl.

It's been awhile since I have read this type of book in the thriller genre, but I am glad that I took advantage of participating in this tour because this book was well written with well developed characters. I even felt as if I knew the criminals in this book - but beware of the surprising and twisting end - and could somehow figure out how they 'ticked'. If you like thriller's and are looking for a Christian alternative to the usual cursing and lewd filled secular thriller's this will definitely fit the bill!

Available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Secret Keeper:The Delicate Power of Modesty by Dannah Gresh

I have been curious about Secret Keeper Girl since hearing about the group on the radio and I was given a copy of Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty by Dannah Gresh who also started the above, Secret Keeper Girl group. It's all about teaching girls, starting at age 8, about Godly modesty and purity in an age appropriate manner.

The book is published by Moody Publishers and here is what I found at their website about this book. "With Victoria's Secret now targeting 18-24 year-olds with the PINK line, and Abercrombie & Fitch successfully selling clothing through a catalog available only to those 18 and over, the need for a clear voice on modesty has never been greater.
In this reformatted edition of Dannah Gresh's bestselling book on modesty, teen and twenty-something young women are given actual pictures and examples of modern clothing-a modesty fashion show, of sorts. Dannah's approach to explaining the critical nature of modesty is both cool and relevant. The photos will also show the girls how to take the "Truth or Bare Fashion Tests." In essence, this will provide concrete, "how-to" modest dressing skills. "

I liked the tiny size of the book, it's about the size of a slightly over sized greeting card and the fact that there are only 96 pages makes it a quick and engaging read. This book is not one for the 8 year old group and I probably wouldn't let my daughter read it when she's 12 either, it is geared for the older teen girls. My overall impression of the book was it was well written and well done. It is not from a dresses-only point of view, which is okay and even the "Truth or Bare Test" is good for families that allow pants or are dresses only.

I will issue a word of caution this book did contain images of a naked statue titled The Greek Slave by Hiram Powers and you can see a breast. According to Dannah Gresh the statue is modest even in her nakedness, because she tries to cover her most private parts and her downward gaze. While I don't see eye to eye on everything with the author, it's a good book that has a lot that girls can learn from today - especially in the times that we live in where girls are supposed to be wearing writing across their bottoms, skin tight shirts and exposing undergarments. The test has some great ideas for making sure your clothing would be acceptable to God. These are tests that even I do with my own and my children's clothing before I read this book. One test is raising your arms to make sure that your belly isn't exposed, bending over to make sure your underwear are covered, how to tell if your shirt is too low among others.

Overall, this book is one that more girls need to read before going to school or church, being modestly dressed - Dannah Gresh though makes sure also to emphasize that being modest isn't only about clothing, it's also an attitude. This would be something good for a teen group at a church to have on hand or even do a study on it, or just for a mom and daughter to do together.

Who Made the World? by Kathleen Long Bostrom

I received Who Made the World by Kathleen Long Bostrom through Tyndale's Blog Network and am very glad to have had the opportunity to review another book in the Little Blessings series. The books are illustrated by Elena Kucharik and published by Tyndale House.


These small, 5 3/4 X 7 1/4, hardcover books are a great addition to any Christian's home. Helping little ones ages 3 to 6 get answers that sometimes even adults have trouble answering, whether the trouble is that we don't actually know the answer or we're unsure as to how we need to word it for a child, this book helps. At 80 pages it's a quick read or it can be made into a mini Bible study using the Bible references at the back of the book and going, as age allows, into more depth about what the book teaches.


The illustrations and wonderfully done and engaging to children of any age. My children were constantly pointing out something new about a picture that I had missed. The illustrations shows children being active in the world around them and enjoying God's creations of animals, space and plants. The children are happy in the books and I noticed when reading this to a grumpy or tired child their disposition changed for the better - a more Godly attitude.


I do recommend this book for any family that wants to keep instilling Biblical truths in their children, as we are told to do through out the entire day. These books would be ideal for any Christian, regardless of denomination, just to simply answer children's questions. Church libraries, private school libraries would even benefit from these books, they would also make a wonderful Christmas, Easter, birthday or baby dedication gift as there is a illustrated "presented to" area in the front of the book.

Please visit Tyndale House Publishing for more information about purchasing this cute little book for a child in your life.

Sometimes A Light Surprises by Jamie Langston Turner

Sometimes a Light Surprises by Jamie Langston Turner and published by Bethany House Publishers was another first me in regards to authors. I was very glad that I had the chance to review this book through Bethany House because it gave me a lot to think about and also clearly had God trying to shine through all the characters at some point.

The following is taken from the Bethany House Publishers website: "Ben Buckley has never gotten over the loss of his wife. More bewildering than the mystery surrounding her death is the radical change that occurred in her shortly beforehand--a "conversion," she had called it. Baffled, angry, and still feeling guilty for the way he'd withdrawn from her during those final weeks, Ben now lives behind the protective walls of severed relationships and rigid routines.
An unlikely young woman knocks on the door of his narrow world. Her simple honesty and childlike faith are incomprehensible to him, but in spite of his misgivings Ben finds himself on a journey he never would have begun on his own."

The one female lead character, we find out was home schooled - which for me, instantly made the book more in touch with my life. I could easily relate to the characters because they were well established and not some flat, one dimensional character. All the characters were well developed which lent even more credibility to the book and the author's work. When reading a book I like to 'know' the characters, even if I don't always agree with them. Ben Buckley's character, while the other characters were sometimes annoyed at his useless information, I liked it as I am also one who likes to gather what some consider 'useless' information. I felt pulled into the character's lives, such as one of Ben's daughters and wanting to yell at her to forgive her father, wanting to tell another one to give up her amateur crime detective work, and cheering on the young home school graduate.

When I first started reading the book it was a little hard to get into because the story takes awhile to pick up but I am glad that I stayed with it because the rest of the book well made up for the slow start. I enjoyed how the author weaved in people of God at just the right time as well as seeing some of the characters hearts soften - even if they don't yet recognize it's God working in them. It was a great way to incorporate a great book and then a reader can see and recognize how God is present in their lives right now - it could be something as small as providing a nice park ranger and tire guy when you have a flat with three of your children with you - but He is there with you and is always working some of His great Works. Regardless of the circumstances though, good or bad, this book definitely makes me want to keep my eyes open for even more of Him and praise Him for it when I recognize it. So grab this book and get reading, I can almost guarantee you'll like it.

What Is the Bible? by Kathleen Long Bostrom

What Is the Bible? by Kathleen Long Bostrom is a series in the Little Blessings
line of books published by Tyndale House Publishers. The book is illustrated by Elena Kucharik, who is known for her artistry work of the Care Bears.

Here is what the Tyndale House Publishers site says about the book: "Little Blessings question books help young children understand basic truths about the Christian life. Perfect for ages 3-6, What Is the Bible asks and answers questions about the Bible, such as: Who wrote the Bible, who is the Bible about, how do you read the Bible? Parents can use this book as a fun tool to answer questions their little ones may have about God’s Word."

This is a beautiful, hardcover book that any child would love to be read from. There is a very cute presented to page to begin the book, perfect for a baby dedication, new baby, baby shower, or any number of events in a young child's life. The illustrations appear to be water colored and get and keep a child's attention. With young children and animals as the focus of the illustrations it makes it more applicable to a child's life as they can see other children, like them, enjoying learning about the Bible.

At the end of the story the Scripture references are given for each answer given in the book. I could not see anything unBiblical or Scriptural about the book and all three of my children enjoyed the book and the colorful illustrations. What Is the Bible? is a great way to answer children's questions in a way that children will understand and relate too. I would recommend this book to any parent who wants to help their child learn more about the Bible on their level.

King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James R. White

The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations? by James R. White goes into detail about the different translations of the Bible and the historical facts behind the King James Only and the modern translations such as NASB, NIV and ESV. This book is answering those who believe that using the KJV is the only Bible to use and any other person who uses another translation is heretical.

James R. White is the author of several other books including The God Who Justifies and The Forgotten Trinity. He is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization, he is an accomplished debater and elder of the Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church.

As a person who enjoys her KJV Bible, I know that my way isn't the only way - Christ is, so that is why I choose to receive this book from Bethany House Publishers through their blogger review program. This was a very heavy read, one that took some time to digest as one reads it's pages. Full of historical documents and history of the Bible from the beginning of it's being found one must read through the book keeping in mind the different texts that eventually made up the Bible that we know today, whether it's the NIV, KJV or any other translation. It was hard for me to keep track of which texts were which as I continued to read, which slowed my reading down considerably.

I thought this book has a lot of merit though and the reader can tell hours of research went into writing this book, which adds credibility to the work. Mr. White goes through a lot of trouble to explain how the different translations were written along with the history behind each. He also gives side by side examples of the Scripture of both the KJV and another version. That made it easy to see what the differences were that Mr. White was explaining in each chapter. I do recommend this book for those who are KJV only proponents, pastors of churches or just the regular lay person who wants to know more about the historical and Scriptural background of our Holy Bible.

Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser

Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser didn't appear to be much of a book when I first started it but I was pleasantly surprised. Bethany House has again published another great book by another accomplished author. Having never read Mrs. Musser's books before I know I will be returning for more of her books when I get a chance.

We begin being introduced to Lissa Randall who has had a lot of tragedy in her life, while she excelled in academics a tragic accident that took her mother's life sets her back. She needs to drive again but even after eighteen months she finds she can't do it until she gets referred to Ev Mcallister's driving school. The story is set in Tennessee amongst Lookout Mountain with a full cast of characters.

At first the full range of characters scared me, I am not one who likes a lot of characters in the books I read. So I was worried I would forget who was who when I really got involved in the story and have to begin flipping back and forth to remember who they were. Fortunately, Elizabeth Musser made it easy to remember what each character's role was in the book - no forgetting or flipping back and forth. All the characters well well rounded and well developed, something I appreciate, I don't care for flat, undeveloped characters. Mrs. Musser did a wonderful job in really making the characters have life and making the reader feel like they know them.

The book moves well and there are a few surprises along the way, which are weaved into the story at appropriate times. A story of forgiveness and love even while the character may not feel loved or forgiven. There is talk of suicide so if that is a sensitive subject for a reader I would want to warn you about that, but even if it is a subject that is near to your heart (I know it is too mine) it is a wonderful book. It almost felt as if Elizabeth Musser knows me, knows my heart, especially towards the end of the book. This is simply a great book with a lot of potential and I recommend you curl up with it and savor it until the end.