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By Melanie Dobson |
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Award-winning author Melanie Dobson's latest book, Where the Trail Ends, set in the mid 1800s, tells of the adventurous--but extremely dangerous--months-long wagon train journey along the Oregon Trail, heading from Ohio to that far western state. The focus of the story is on the Waldron family, especially on the daughter, Samantha, 18, traveling with her father and her seven-year-old brother. They still are mourning the loss of her mother who had died shortly before they set off on the trip. Midway along the way Samantha's father is attacked by a vicious bear, leaving him critically wounded and the family stranded. Their trust in the Lord and some surprising help enable them to complete the journey. It's a gripping story based on historic records of what actually took place during that period.- earl weirich |
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By David Jeremiah |
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What the Bible Says About Love, Sex and Marriage by David Jeremiah combines a natural (or literal) interpretation of the Song of Solomon combined with practical and insightful tips for married couples. This is not a deep textual study for those looking to unpack the Jewish history or various interpretations of the Song. Jeremiah plainly and unapologetically presents the Song as the story of Solomon and the Shulamite woman that progresses from courtship to wedding to honeymoon and on into married life. While certain verses in the text get glanced over, Jeremiah does an outstanding job of providing solid and useful principles for married (and dating) couples. Even if one has a good handle on his own interpretation of the Song – or perhaps doesn't even believe the Song should be read from a natural perspective, the teaching provided by Jeremiah is in itself worth the read. This paperback would make a good addition to any couple's library. - jonathan santiago |
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By Mark Driscoll |
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Author Mark Driscoll’s new book, Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together, is incredibly practical and useful. In typical Driscoll style, everything is "fluff-free" and to the point. Known for their years of popular teaching on sex and marriage, Mark and wife Grace come with their “A” game and give us the best of the best. Along with solid biblical teaching, they also share a personal journey of spiritual, emotional and sexual struggle as a young couple building one of the largest churches in world. Real Marriage fittingly explores the often-overlooked topic of friendship. Sex is covered comprehensively in a way that highlights the importance of honest and open intimacy in a godly marriage. “Can we do _____?” is covered from just about every angle – and in detail! Real Marriage is not the end-all book on marriage (no one book is really), but any couple (or soon-to-be couple) serious about having a healthy marriage should add it to their reading list. - jonathan santiago |
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By Melanie Dobson |
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Award-winning Christian fiction writer Melanie Dobson's latest book, set back in the mid 1700s, is the story of a small group of Moravian Christians from Germany who move to America with a heartfelt desire to share the Gospel with the Indian population. The community settles in Nazareth, northeastern Pennsylvania, for a short time to recover from the tiring ocean voyage. Before heading off in search of Indian tribes, the group fulfills an unusual custom--marrying couples paired by drawing lots. Among the new couples are Christian and Susanna Boehler, who venture together into unknown territory to minister the Gospel. All of their adventures, good and bad, bring the Boehlers into a closer relationship with one another and make them even more dedicated to spreading the Good News. Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania tells a fascinating story, one that makes it difficult to put down the book once it has started. - earl weirich |
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By John Bevere |
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Established, bestselling Christian author John Bevere brings a fresh perspective on the topic of grace in his new book, Relentless. Bevere bases a good amount of his book on the assumption that 98 percent of Christian Americans are unaware they can access the power of God in their lives. This conclusion is based off a somewhat misleading survey and makes portions of the book less credible. Nevertheless, Bevere (eventually) does a great job of establishing how we can and should access more of God's power to be rulers in this life by the grace of God through Christ. However, the author sometimes needlessly stretches scripture points to make certain conclusions work. Despite this, Relentless will win the reader over due to its unrelenting amount of motivating stories and eye-opening scripture points regarding how to “finish well” the race that is set before us. You’ll have the urge to leap out of your seat and roundhouse-kick Satan in the face upon completion. - jonathan santiago |
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By Melanie Dobson |
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Award-winning author Melanie Dobson's latest Christian novel, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, is a captivating story, set in the Civil War era, of a young couple intent on marriage but separated by many miles. Amalie Wiese was on a long wagon train ride from New York, along with families who also were seeking to become part of the small cluster of secluded and deeply religious people in Amana. Adding to her anxiety was the fact that her future husband already had moved there. It was a hazardous trip, but after weeks of travel they finally arrived--only to learn that Friedrich had recently joined the Union Army to fight against slavery. Crushed by the news, she did her best to fit into the community, and was assigned a position as cook, a position she was hoping to be given, for this closely knit cluster of people who prayed together, worshipped together and ate their meals together. The book has a surprise ending that brings a comforting closure to the story. - earl weirich |
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By John MacArthur |
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| The beginning of wisdom, a Chinese proverb states, is to begin calling things by their correct name. In Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ, author John MacArthur explores the Greek term “doulos” and its mistranslation in many contemporary bible translations, which has led to a skewed perspective of the Christians relationship to God. To say that John MacArthur is a powerhouse of a scholar would be an understatement. MacArthur’s’ thorough examination of the terms ‘slave‘ and ‘master‘ provided a clear history of these words revealing the vast difference in definitions from the early Church time frame until now. His points are well referenced and footnoted throughout the book. It is a short read (only 240 pages) and the focus is heralding the correct view of a Christian’s relationship with Christ. - keiki hendrix |
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Written by Mary Helene Jackson, Art by Leo Winstead |
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| Every Christmas hymn has a story behind it. Perhaps one of the most inspirational is that of the true origins of the holiday favorite, "Silent Night". Weaver of Song tells composer Franz Gruber's story in a way that adds great meaning to this century's old carol. This children's book is beautifully illustrated by artist Leo Winstead and written by Mary Helene Jackson. Weaver of Song's great artwork alone makes it a worthy book to add to your childrens' storytime. - hannah goodwyn |
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By Melanie Dobson |
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| Award-wining author Melanie Dobson's latest Christian novel, The Silent Order, is an intriguing story of the invasion into a small, austere Amish communinity by members of the mafia in their search for a detective who has been assigned to bring them under arrest. The detective has taken refuge in one of the Amish homes after learning that the notorious criminals are attempting to kill him. While there he becomes attracted to a beautiful young Amish woman, and also learns something that had escaped him until now, the value of Christian faith. It's an exciting story, and very colorfully written. - earl weirich |
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By Mary Beth Chapman |
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| Tragedy. It is no respecter of money, social status, or previous trials. In our logical minds, we want to find a meaning, to question why. Such is the journey of Mary Beth Chapman, wife of award-winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, in her new book Choosing to SEE. Mary Beth shares her heart about her personal journey after the tragic death of their five-year old Maria, but it’s more than that. Through laughter and tears, Mary Beth shares about her struggles with clinical depression, the challenges of married life, and her questions about God’s plan. Readers will definitely find hope in the pages of this book. Just like Mary Beth, you too can learn to “choose to see” God’s plan for your life. - lisa webber |
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By Tom Davis |
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| Human trafficking is a despicable industry under all circumstances, but most especially for the 8.4 million children who are its weakest victims. In Priceless, author Tom Davis tells the story of photojournalist Stuart Daniels, and his journey towards saving countless girls who have been sold into sex slavery, deep in the heart of Russia. While his style is not particularly eloquent, it is gritty and raw, and gives a realistic perspective on just how prevalent this injustice is in the world today. You will not put this book down unmoved. - rebekah wilson |
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By Eric Metaxas |
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| Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy reads like a page-turning novel, and inspires like a great ancient devotional. I couldn’t put it down. It is the finest book I have read in 10 years. As biographies go, author Eric Metaxas has researched and written on par with David McCullough's fabulous work, John Adams. This book is a must read, and it will create a thirst for Bonhoeffer’s original writings. - cheryl wilcox |
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By Lisa Harper |
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| Popular Bible teacher Lisa Harper wants you to know that the Jesus she knows as Savior... is pretty wild. Lisa’s journey through the pain of being molested left her needing a hero, a God who could heal her, one outside of her religious box. In Untamed, she explores the different ways that God demonstrates His wild side to us through personal examples and biblical truths. The book opens by describing the unlikely women that make up Jesus’ lineage and closes by showing how redemptive this "wild" Savior is to those He has created. You will be encouraged as you read how Jesus really is “wild enough to set you free”. - mary ruth goochee |
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By Pete Wilson |
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| Without pat answers, pastor Pete Wilson takes on the pink elephant in every Christian’s life: why do things fall apart and why does God let it happen? Having suffered through his own trials, Wilson is honest in his approach to such complex problems. He uses Biblical examples as well as modern day ordinary people who wrestled with unanswered prayers. In an easy-going, coffee-chat conversational tone, Wilson offers sympathy and sound spiritual advice with a touch of humor and tough love. By the end, this simple Nashville author will have readers believing in a God who is trustworthy beyond any circumstance and that Plan B might actually be the better plan. - jennifer e. jones |
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By Melanie Dobson |
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| Melanie Dobson's latest Christian fiction book, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, is a captivating story of a widowed father who, while broke, homeless, and desperately seeking a job in order to provide for his six-year-old daughter, winds up in a cluster of seven quaint villages in Iowa by the name of Amana Colonies. The story is set in the mid-1890s, a depressed period when life was difficult. Yet, he finds upon his arrival in one of the colonies that its small population of humble, caring people welcomes him and his daughter and reaches out warmly to them. When the father develops a deep interest in the young woman who has voluntarily taken care of his daughter while he begins the job provided him in Homestead, he faces a critical decision: Should he remain there in this caring atmosphere such as he has never known before or should he move on to a large city where he would seek a job in banking, which was his business background? The story is very colorfully written, and will certainly hold a reader's attention from beginning to end.. - earl weirich |
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By Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliott |
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| Endorsed by The National Day of Prayer, This Little Prayer of Mine is a book that parents will be happy to read to their kids. What better way to teach the next generation about the importance and simplicity of praying to God than through a well-crafted, beautifully illustrated children's book. Author Anthony DeStefano and illustrator Mark Elliott's creation will not only entertain kids, but will encourage them in their walk with God as well. - hannah goodwyn |
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By Kathi Lipp |
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| The Marriage Project is a practical guide to help husbands and wives infuse more love and laughter into their relationship. Written in a unique, humorous, and quirky style that is Kathi Lipp's alone (she is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!), I found this book to be a wellspring of interesting ideas and gentle motivation to help me keep my marriage a top priority. Reading (and then doing) The Marriage Project would be a great way for any of us married folks to intentionally bless and nurture our marriages. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey |
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| Grab hot tea and a blanket, because once you open this book, you aren't going anywhere for a while! The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey will keep you on the edge of your seat as you travel back in time and through one of the bloodiest and most dangerous eras of our time. You'll get a taste of adventure, suspense, thrill, and even romance in this treasure. Boyer and Yorkey prove to be a powerful combination; they've delivered a book complete with all of the elements of a good suspense! - monique derr |
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By Janet Maccaro, Ph.D., CNC |
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| In 100 Answers to 100 Questions About How to Live Longer, Dr. Janet Maccaro reveals the simple things you can do to extend and improve your life without drugs and medications. The format is easy to read, with each question and answer taking up only about a page and a half. Dr. Maccaro covers a wide variety of subjects, and avoids “doctor speak” for the most part. Although I planned to take my time reading through 100 Answers to 100 Questions About How to Live Longer, reading just one Q & A each day, I couldn’t stop myself from racing through this book in less than a week. It really is very interesting, and a book which I found extremely motivating when it came to being more proactive in my efforts to live a healthier life. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Matthew Hagee |
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| Shaken Not Shattered is a book that seeks to help you become the person God made you to be. Hagee points out that as bad as the world is today it is nothing new to God. Even if you have not gone through the present trials that now face the world, all of it has happened before at some point. Shaken Not Shattered shows its readers that even through financial hardships, political instability, and constant change that God can help you to persevere, reconnect to your original design, and live a life of joy rather than fear. This book carries a very timely message that many need to hear. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, then this book is for you. - jayce o'neal |
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By Linda Newton |
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| Better Than Jewels is an absolute treasure of a book! It's broken down into 31 one to two page vignettes, stories taken directly from Linda Newton's life. Each and every one is engrossing and well written — and the lessons Linda teaches at the conclusion are, as the title indicates, "better than jewels." I was deeply touched by Linda's transparency and biblical insight, as well as, the wise counsel that she imparts in each lesson. This book would make a lovely and meaningful Christmas present for the women in your life and it's reasonably priced too. I highly recommend it! - paula friedrichsen |
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By Rodney Stark |
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| God’s Battalions: The Case for the Crusades elicits an immediate and visible emotional response from any red-blooded Christian or Muslim who thinks they’re halfway familiar with their religion’s heritage, and that’s just the title. Award-winning author and sociologist Rodney Stark humbly goes to war against the many politically correct myths surrounding the history of the Crusades in this well-researched and easy-to-read academic masterpiece. His blunt and unapologetic “it is what it is” style strips Muslim culture of any noble romanticism and traces its conquering and oppressive roots back to Muhammad. Stark proves himself once again as a historical myth-buster. - rob vischer |
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By Laura Frantz |
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| In this epic novel, readers enter the world of Lael Click, the somewhat eccentric daughter of a rugged frontiersman in the territory of Kentucky. Author Laura Frantz takes her audience back to a time of struggle between white settlers and the Shawnee, between rugged frontiersmen and polished Europeans. Frantz's artful turns of phrase will delight avid readers as the audience is brought along the meandering trail of a young girl's growth from adolescence to adulthood. Though lacking significant spiritual depth and a singular plot line, Frantz still spins a solid tale that will entertain and gratify lovers of historical fiction. - holly drake |
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By Melanie Dobson |
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Melanie Dobson's latest book, Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana, is a captivating novel about a young woman and her father who are deeply committed to helping escaping slaves en route to freedom in Canada, despite the danger facing them as they provide one of the "stations" along the Underground Railroad. Anna Brent and her father hide the runaway slaves in their home, and then transport them by horse and wagon at night and covered over by blankets to the next stop along the path to freedom. There is some romance after Anna discovers that the young man who is editor of the Liberty newspaper also is a Christian and a staunch supporter of the escape movement. The storyline is intriguing and readers might find it difficult to put down the book once they begin reading it. - earl weirich |
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By Tim Farrington |
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| A Hell of Mercy: A Meditation on Depression and the Dark Night of the Soul may not sound like a page-turner, but Tim Farrington’s heartbreakingly honest meditations melt the weight of the subject matter with unexpectedly frequent doses of smirk-out-loud humor. Raking up piles of sometimes-morbid wisdom from the well-read Farrington never approaches chore-status. His brevity and clarity lend to the book’s crisp and understated charm. A Hell of Mercy is a heck of a read, but only for mature audiences. The irreverent descriptions hold nothing back including the occasional four-letter word. Two four-letter words summarize this book: Must read. - rob vischer |
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Rebecca St. James, editor |
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Award-winning singer Rebecca St. James has spent many years making a stand for purity. Now broadening her approach, St. James reaches out to modern-day prodigal daughters. Loved is a collection of true stories of prodigals who have run from God, but all of whom are eventually caught back up in the arms of the Father. The book is encouraging to any who have been the prodigal, and it is a source of hope for those who know and love prodigals today. Although Loved tells amazing tales of life outside of the Father's will, the stories lack a deeper look at each woman's difficult journey of transformation in Christ. - holly drake |
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By Alicia Britt Chole |
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| Alicia Britt Chole's Intimate Conversations is an inspirational and rewarding guide to day to day intimacy with God. This clever hands-on approach gives readers steps and tools that enable them to walk side by side with God in their daily lives. Through relatable experiences, scriptures, thought-provoking questions, and stirring points, Chole welcomes her audience to the joy of finding Christ in everything and brings awareness to the simple ways we can continually keep this joy. It is refreshing and reassuring to know that we can still have a life complete with fulfillment and intimacy with our maker, regardless of life’s interruptions. - monique derr |
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By Phil Boatwright |
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In an attempt to analyze -- not criticize, Phil Boatwright (The Movie Reporter) breaks down the Hollywood film industry in his new book, Movies: The Good, the Bad and the Really, Really Bad. Boatwright educates moviegoers on a number of topics, from the history of how films are rated to the "acceptable" content in movies today. Complete with a list of family-friendly movies from every era, this book also offers Christians a chance to dig deeper into the modern storytelling machine that uses God's name in vain more than as an act of reverence. The book shows its weakness in how Boatwright's thoughts are organized. However, his insightful writing makes it a worthwhile read for Christians who want to know more about Hollywood, and how we should respond to the films it produces. - hannah goodwyn |
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By Joyce Meyer & Deborah Bedford |
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| Any Minute is a new take on a near-death story. The main character, Sarah Harper, is on her way toward a complete family meltdown because of her obsession with her career. Just when you think the pace of her life can’t get any more frantic, she accidentally drives her car off a bridge as she speeds toward an “urgent” business meeting. I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that she comes away from that experience with a fresh perspective. I appreciated the fact that the changes in Sarah’s life didn’t materialize immediately following her accident—but transpire slowly, as the Lord begins to deal with her heart. Although Any Minute is a novel, it contains a powerful message, and I highly recommend it. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Kathy Howard |
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Before His Throne was a pivotal book in my life. This Bible study came to my attention at just the right time (don’t you love when God does that?), and I will always cherish the summer of 2009 when I worked my way through the book of Malachi with Kathy Howard. Kathy wasn’t sitting outside on my patio with me drinking coffee each morning, but for all the warmth and wisdom I found in her Bible study, she could have been. This lady knows how to dig deep into the Word of God while using her own self effacing humor and personal stories to add practical application to her points. By the time I completed all eight weeks, I found my walk with God greatly strengthened and my knowledge of His holiness lovingly deepened. Before His Throne would be a great Bible study to do alone or with a group. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Lisa Tawn Bergren |
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In Lisa Tawn Bergren's new book, God Gave Us Love, Grampa Bear and Little Cub's fishing trip is cut short by mischievous otters. Upset, Little Cub must learn to love those who seem unloveable. This is an enchanting children’s book with a meaningful message about truly loving others. It would make a perfect Birthday or Christmas gift for the precious child or grandchild in your life. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Ken Cooper |
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| Held Hostage is one of the best books I've ever read! It's riveting, hopeful, and shocking all at the same time. Ken Cooper begins his book smack in the middle of a bank robbery--and from there the excitement only builds. But this book is so much more than an exciting story. The themes of redemption, forgiveness, and salvation are so beautifully depicted throughout, this book is sure to be a favorite of many. I will say that because of Cooper's honest portrayal of prison life, and the mature content of Held Hostage, it should be considered appropriate for adults only. - paula friedrichsen |
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By Ann H. Gabhart |
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| Living near a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, author Ann Gabhart was inspired to dig deeper into their history and share what she found with her readers. Like the Amish, Shakers are known for minimalism, and devotion to prayer and worship. Uniquely, they practiced strict celibacy, broke all "worldly" family ties, and got their name from actual shaking and dancing that occurred in worship services. In this setting, The Believer poses the question: “What happens when a Shaker falls in love?” In the book, Elizabeth Duncan meets a young Believer named Ethan, and both of their lives are truly shaken when they must choose what to do with their feelings of attraction, sinful to devout Shakers. This is a quick read, with fascinating history from a sect that has almost completely vanished. - rebekah wilson |
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By Robin Parrish |
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| Author Robin Parrish has captured, in writing, a common fear of humanity: being alone. As four astronauts return from a Mars mission, they find that everyone has disappeared. Expecting to be welcomed home with parades they are only met with silence. Along the way to finding out the cause of this catastrophic event, they meet strong opposition and mindboggling mysteries. Although there are violent moments, the author does not use inappropriate language and goreish description. The spiritual aspect of the astronaut’s experience could have been deeper than “maybe we’re not alone” and the ending was a bit cliché, but overall it's a good book. - john woodcock |
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