Christian Fiction Blog Tour

I received two books from this Christian Fiction Blog Tour, Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn and Yesterday's Promise by Linda Lee Chaikin.

WaterBrookMutlnomah link for Secrets

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn is the first book of eight in The Glenbrooke Series .

Turning her back on her past, Jessica Morgan created a new identity and a new life. She settled in the small town of Glenbrook, Oregon where an old friend helped her get a teaching position. A car accident almost destroyed her dream, but with the kindness of strangers and a handsome paramedic with secrets of his own, Jessica struggled to make a new life for herself.

Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn is a young adult love story in an ideal small-town setting. As Jessica and Kyle work through the pain and past that haunts them, they find that the truth, no matter how painful, can work for good. This is Christian romance at its best. The book has good role models, but not perfect people and provides adventure, mystery and struggles.

I would recommend this for both adult and teen readers.

About the Author
Robin Jones Gunn is the much-loved award-winning author of the Glenbrooke, Sisterchicks(R), Christy Miller, and Sierra Jensen series, with more than three million books sold worldwide. Robin lives with her family near Portland, Oregon. Her website is here:  Robin Gunn

WaterBrook Mutlnomah link for Yesterday's Promise

From the back of the book:
He fought to seek his fortune. Would he lose a greater treasure: the love he left behind?

As the son of the squire of Grimston Way, aristocrat Rogan Chantry has fought hard to win his independence from Sir Julien Bley and the British South Africa Company. Now, his pursuit of a mysterious deposit of gold, marked on a map willed to him by his murdered uncle, Henry Chantry, is challenged by a new complication: the impending British colonization of South Africa. Can Sir Rogan find the gold in the midst of escalating tensions among the native tribesmen, the missionaries sent to win them, and the new colonists?

Meanwhile, Evy Varley, the woman Rogan loves back in England, is headed for a brave yet dangerous confrontation with Henry’s killer–but at what price? With so much against Rogan and Evy, a reunion seems improbable, if not impossible. Can yesterday’s promise hold them faithful to the hope of future freedom and a victorious love?
 
My Review:
Yesterday's Promise is the second of three East of the Sun series.  It is an involved story with mystery, adventure and romance. I would recommend reading the first, Tomorrow's Treasure first.  I think it would give a better grasp of the people and situations involved in the story.  There are interesting situations and places with valuable treasure, tribal difficulties, and power struggles.  I appreciated the author's historical information and a list of historical dates following the story. The writing is a little too flowery for me and there were too many characters without development, possibly because the characters were in the previous book.  


Both books were provided to me for review purposes.

Treasured by Leigh McLeroy

Link to purchase Treasured

Book Description:  In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides readers in discovering evidence in their own lives of his attentive love. “The idea for the book came from a cigar box filled with odds and ends of my grandfather’s life that arrived a few months after his death. Sifting through the objects in the box, I experienced him in a fresh new way. This made me wonder what treasures might be tucked away in Scripture that could frame God for me in an equally intimate, tangible way. This process also helped me uncover my own “treasures” of my walk with the Lord: objects that remind me of my history with him and his faithfulness to me,” says McLeroy.

Drawn from the pages of Scripture, the author considers twelve such treasures and personalizes their meaning for readers, such as a green olive branch that offers proof of God’s “new every morning” mercy and a scarlet cord that demonstrates his willingness to adopt “strays” of every sort. Weaving these treasures together with scenes from her personal history, Leigh McLeroy invites readers to discover God’s heart for them and embrace their unique role in his redemptive story. Treasured offers readers a guided experience of God’s love and character and invites them to consider their own treasures that point to their part in God’s ongoing story.

My Review: 
In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy begins this devotional style book with a story of receiving a box of keepsakes that belonged to her grandfather. As she looked at the Bible, she began to see a spiritual aspect and considered the small things, or God’s keepsakes, that would demonstrate His heart and love for us. The author has a unique insight as she compares her life and circumstances with those individuals whose stories are told in the Bible. How often do we read the Word of God without seeing the small hints of wisdom placed there just for us? The story that the author tells is deeply personal look at God’s provisions for her needs and desires. She also tells of those deep and sometimes painful desires that have not yet been fulfilled. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and an explanation or application.

Just an example of the chapters:
A Fig Leaf: The God Who Covers Me
Abraham’s Knife: The God Who Provides
A bloodstained Piece of Wood: The God Who Defeats Death


 I especially enjoyed her account of a gathering she attended. It was a meeting of Christian Retailers with publishers, writers, agents, etc. in attendance. The author gave some interesting contrasts between individuals while watching authors interact with the public at a book signing and another incident in the lobby of the hotel.


Treasured can be read in one sitting, or as a devotional style book. There is also a “Personal Reflection and Group Discussion Guide” at the end of the book, which is an important self-examination of our own hearts and desires. What do you collect and why?

About the Author: 
Leigh McLeroy is the author of The Beautiful Ache and The Sacred Ordinary. An avid collector and recorder of everyday moments, words, and wonders, Leigh’s keen eye for God’s presence in ordinary life infuses her writing and living with a deep, insistent joy. A frequent conference and event speaker, the author makes her home in Houston, Texas, and posts often on http://www.leighmcleroy.com/
 and http://www.wednesdaywords.com/.




This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root Jr

Amazon Link for Distant Thunder

Book Description:

The prophet Ezekiel was never taken seriously when he predicted the destruction of Israel s enemies; unfortunately for them, he was right. The truth of Ezekiel s words will be felt by the entire modern-day world, and it seems chaos will reign supreme. In the midst of the ensuing mayhem, Pastor Ty Dempsey arises as the man who is able to connect modern-day occurrences to the teaching of old. Meanwhile, Israeli pilot Moshe Eldan starts to see the truth of the prophecies in his daily dealing with terrorists. Dempsey and Eldan soon realize that they are part of a bigger plan; however, they are not alone. This thriller provides an answer to an age-old question: What would happen if the entire world turned on Israel? This thriller provides the answer in a fast-paced read, filled with all the action and adventure that usually accompanies the end of the world.

My Review:
It is always interesting to read books that compare prophecy of the Bible with current events. I liked the layout of the book with the change of locations, and I especially like the characters of Moshe and Tasha. I would have had liked more development of the complex conversion from Judaism to Christianity by these characters. The relationship between the husband and wife was touching.

Unfortunately, there were several things that were distracting to me. I knew right away that the book was written by a pastor because of the storyline of the challenging church member and the poor attacked pastor who can do no wrong. It is one that shows up in many fiction books written by pastors. Also distracting are a few scenes of emotionalism that are exhibited in the Charismatic movement.

Aside from these things, Distant Thunder is still well-written story and a good start to a series of prophecy thrillers. With the changes in our world today and the constant threat of terrorism, we can not ignore the comparisons.

Dreamer by Philip L. Davidson

Amazon link for Dreamer

Book Description:
As war between Britain and Argentina looms over the barren Falkland Islands, a group of men, former Green Berets who left the service in disgrace and now live their lives in the 'darkness', are brought together by God to save one of his servants who is being held hostage in a prison at the end of the earth. For one man in the group, the mission is personal, for it is David's wife, Sunny, who is the hostage they are trying to save. Taking the form of one of their dead comrades, God gives them the chance to stand in the light of men once more. But their path is compromised by God's loyal servant, Satan, who places death and betrayal before them. Dreamer takes place in Washington, D.C., Georgia, Mexico, Central America and Argentina. As they fight their way to Los Estados prison, the men encounter the CIA, Contras, the Narco-Terrorists M-19, and Captain Alvarez, who is the head of the Argentine Secret Police. Dreamer is a tale of redemption, love, courage, belief in God and betrayal!

My Review:

Dreamer is the story of good and evil, heaven and hell, God and Satan, all wrapped up in a military adventure/thriller. Haunted by their past, a group of former Green Berets are gathered together for reasons they do not understand. Troubled by their stint in Vietnam, the group rallies to fulfill an oath they took to a now dead member.

Dreamer is an outstanding story that completely held my interest throughout. The story line was action-packed and suspenseful with many unexpected twists. I was impressed with the individual development of all of the characters. Often with a large number of people to keep track of I get a little lost, but with Dreamer every character was unmistakable. Waiting to find out if redemption would come about and determining who specifically Keaton was kept me enthralled.


Listed as religious fiction, this is certainly not your ordinary religious book. Containing some rough language and harsh situations gives Dreamer that gritty realistic essence. I enjoyed the book very much and think that would create much discussion in both religious (not just Christian) and secular book clubs.

This one earns my Fave award :

Breaking Barriers by Jason Frenn

Amazon Link for Breaking Barriers

Book Description:
In a world filled with dysfunction, futility, and confusion, people are looking for meaning and significance. They want to break through the barriers holding them back.
BREAKING THE BARRIERS offers three foundational pillars to equip readers for overcoming the most difficult obstacles in their lives. These three pillars teach readers how to:-Take on the character of God the Father-Take on the wisdom of the Son-Take on the discipline of the Spirit.
Through dynamic stories of people who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, and the powerful example of the author who has overcome great adversity in his own life, this book shows readers that God is on their side and desires for them to fulfill the dreams and purposes he has placed in their hearts.

My Review:
In three sections on “The Heart of the Father, The Wisdom of the Son, and The Discipline of the Spirit, the author explains how you can be the type of person God expects you to be. In story-telling style, the author describes Godly character and how to develop it in the reader’s life. I especially enjoyed the chapter on True Wisdom and how important it is for us to learn Godly wisdom.

There are several things that I think set this book apart from others. The author did not come from a perfect family, so he has experiences that can be helpful for others, especially young people. It is written in a comfortable, relaxed style. The author opens up and shares stories of his life, decisions he had to make, and situations that required wisdom in behavior. Imagine being approached by a rough looking character in the middle of the night asking for money and a ride. Then think about helping him and learning an important spiritual lesson from the stranger. Another story of unattended baggage at the airport demonstrates behavior choices.

Although anyone can learn from this book, I would highy recommend it for teens and young adults.

The Bride Backfire by Kelly Eileen Hake

Amazon.com link for The Bride Backfire

Book Description:
Two feuding families, the Specks and the Grogans, have been maintaining a tenuous peace in the Nebraskan Territory of 1857. So when Adam Grogan gets caught trespassing on their land, he knows the murderous Speck men won't listen to reason and let him walk away. Adam's prepared to meet his maker, but things take a turn when Opal Speck declares he's the father of her unborn child. Will Adam accept the slur to his name and marry the girl in order to save his life? Or will Opal's desperate lie ignite the flames of hatred to an all-out war?

My Review:
Kelly Eileen Hake has written a beautiful historical romance in The Bride Backfire. The feuding families bring a unique twist to this romantic relationship. The characters of Opal and Adam, both wanting peace, are caught in the middle of the violent hatred between their families. The tension builds to an explosive level when Opal steps in to save Adam’s life, but the lies she tells have consequences, and in the process she loses Adam’s trust and respect. Opal not only has to overcome the challenges of her relationship with Adam, but also living with a family that hates her simply because she is from the wrong family.
I enjoyed this very well-written story. The characters of the two families and Opal’s friends are diverse in personality and moral fiber. The book clearly demonstrates Biblical consequences of hate, lies, and jealousy, but also what is possible with love and forgiveness. The Bride Backfire is a lovely, romantic tale, and I hope the characters of Opal and Adam are included in another book in the future

When the Church Was a Family by Joseph H Hellerman

Amazon Link for When the Church Was a Family

When the Church Was a Family
Recapturing Jesus’ Vision for Authentic Christian CommunityBy Joseph H Hellerman

Product Description
Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. But as the modern cultural norm of what social scientists call “radical American individualism” extends itself, many Christians grow lax in their relational accountability to the church. Faith threatens to become an “I” not “us,” a “my God” not “our God” concern.

When the Church Was a Family calls believers back to the wisdom of the first century, examining the early Christian church from a sociohistorical perspective and applying the findings to the evangelical church in America today. With confidence, author Joseph Hellerman writes intentionally to traditional church leaders and emerging church visionaries alike, believing what is detailed here about Jesus’ original vision for authentic Christian community will deeply satisfy the relational longings of both audiences.

My Review
When the Church Was a Family depicts the author’s vision of what a church family should be based on life in the first century church. The author documents through Bible stories and scripture verses the hierarchy of family relationships and loyalty. Through this family relationship, the church family is adopted in.

The book is interesting, thoughtful, and well written. The author believes that the Bible shows that Christians should be accountable to the church family not only for his/her behavior, but also for vocation, spouse, and residence. The author believes that a Christian’s loyalty is to the church family over the spouse and children, based on the blood-based orientation to kinship. This Mediterranean-style family would require the male to be loyal to his brothers over his spouse and children (the church family being the adopted brothers and sisters).

Pastors, church leaders, and those wanting to learn more about the first-century church will enjoy this book.

My opinion is that this system in today’s society would be fraught with abuse and people who crave control. Jim Jones and David Koresh had congregations based on this system.

What’s Right With the Church by Elmer L. Towns

Amazon Link for What's Right With the Church




Personal thoughts: It is easy to find things that are wrong with the local church. A former pastor removed because he was embezzling money for gambling. A pastor rewrote a 40 year old church constitution and added cult-like rules. If you did not agree and were honest, you were no longer a member. I have seen what is wrong with the church. But in spite of imperfect people, I have also seen what is right with the church.

The author of What‘s Right With the Church brings into focus those doctrines that are essential for the local church to get right. The author uses Biblical standards as he discusses Jesus, the Bible, Conversion, Sin, Worship, and other necessary principles. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Worship where the different types of worship were illustrated. He explained why diversity in worship styles is good and should be embraced. I also found his information about the “invitation” following the sermon very enlightening. The author’s message is that if the church can get it right on these subjects, they will make such a tremendous difference that the public will see and desire what Jesus and the local church has to offer.

What’s Right With the Church is a wonderful, thoughtful, and Biblically sound book. It is perfect for the church library, church leaders, and Christians in general. It is also a good book for those who want information on what to look for when seeking a church home.

Faces in the Fire by T.L. Hines *****

Amazon Link for Faces in the Fire

Yesterday, when I was only on page 68, I used Faces in the Fire by T.L. Hines as one of my Show Me 5 Saturday books. After I posted the “5”, I was so captivated that I sat down and read through the rest of the book. I don’t get so consumed by a book very often.

Here is the book description, followed by my review:

Book Description
Four lost souls on a collision course with either disaster or redemption.
A random community of Faces in the Fire.

Meet Kurt, a truck-driver-turned-sculptor with no memory of his past. Corinne, an e-mail spammer whose lymphoma isn't responding to treatment. Grace, a tattoo artist with an invented existence and a taste for heroin. And Stan, a reluctant hit man haunted by his terrifying gift for killing.

They don't know each other, at least not yet. But something--or someone--is at work in the fabric of their lives, weaving them all together. A catfish, a series of numbers scribbled on a napkin, a devastating fire, and something mysterious. Something that could send them hurtling down the highway to disaster--or down the road to redemption. But they won't know which is which until they've managed to say yes to the whispers in their souls.

My Review:
When I first started the book, I thought it was just a story about a quirky character who heard voices of the dead. I didn’t expect the eloquent weaving of stories that would eventually reach a surprising and dramatic end.

The characters are richly and thoroughly developed. The chapters are oddly numbered out of order and starting with chapter 34. As the story unfolds and the other characters take a turn at telling their stories, it all makes perfect sense. If I had I read about each of them in another book, I may have had little sympathy for any of them, but the way the author brings together their lives and their desire for redemption made me see something special in them.

The book is listed as Fiction/Christian/Suspense. If you are expecting a Christian book that clearly spells out a salvation message, you will be disappointed, but if you want a richly written character driven novel with the subtle message of redemption, you will enjoy this interesting and remarkable book. If you are the type of person that avoids Christian lit, I think you will be very surprised by this one. I highly recommend Faces in the Fire.

Rick & Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage by Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey *****

Amazon.com Link Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage


Can comedy and sound advice be found in the same book, and can that advice come from two “good-ole-boys?” Yep, Rick and Bubba make it work. If you have never heard of Rick and Bubba, you may want to stop by http://www.rickandbubba.com/ to check out the website for their morning radio show. Rick and Bubba, both of strong Christian faith, believe in the institution of marriage and through humor divulge some marital wisdom.

Some of the topics touched on are money, annoying habits, looks, helpmates, blame, children, illnesses, and respect. While the book is discussed in a light-hearted manner, there is also good insight into relationship problems that can arise. For me, the best subject was “Forsaking All Others” which was both funny and very serious.

Not everything in the book is light hearted. There is a touching chapter on Rick and Sherri’s marriage and recovery following the loss of a child.

The book is easy to read and is filled with special text boxes that will make at least you smile, if not laugh out loud. My top favorites were: The Top Ten Worst Ways to Say I’m Sorry and Rick and Bubba’s Anniversary Gift Chart. This book is funny, fresh, faithful, and full of great marriage tips. There is an audio CD that comes with the book that has excerpts the book from their radio shows.

Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions by James Beverly *****

Purchase here:Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World

Book Description:
A comprehensive introduction to the religions of the world analyzed from a Christian perspective. Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions covers more than 200 religions, sects, and cults, most of them ones the reader might encounter on any given day.
My Review:
At 850 pages, reading Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions cover to cover can initially seem overwhelming, but because of the layout and divisions in the book, it is quite easy to read. It is an excellent resource for information, doctrine, and historical facts. The breakdown of the chapters includes windowed information boxes with timelines of major events. Many contain an apologist statement, questions and answers, doctrines, and how and when the division or sect started. Websites references are listed for both support and criticism.

The book has sturdy pages and easy to read print. Mr. Beverley approaches each religion with fairness and objectivity. He clearly states the Christians objection to some of the religious doctrines; he also defends against unfair judgments by Christians.

I have picked up other books about world religions, but this is the first one that I found interesting enough to read through its entirety.

Disappointment With God By Phillip Yance *

Disappointment With God by Phillip Yancy

Yancy begins his book with examples of circumstances from several Christians who have suffered greatly and feel disappointed with or abandoned by God. The author chooses the situation of Richard, the person suffering the least of the examples (but a fellow author), to follow throughout the book.

Using OT scriptures, Mr. Yancy tries to explain the mind of God. His attempt actually turns eerie (downright creepy) when Yancy imagines himself as God questioning in his mind whether or not man would obey when created.

It is my opinion that Mr. Yancy conveys the message that those who are disappointed in God are pretenders. They are people who never had “real” faith so they never were true believers. Instead of helping a friend out of a spiritual depression, Mr. Yancy slapped him down and decided he just did not have enough faith.

There was no compassion in the book for the suffering Christian. Mr. Yancy has his own experience being a pretender as he explains in the book that he deliberately pretended to be a Christian in college until one day he began praying out loud and “had a vision of Jesus”. It is also my opinion that Mr. Yancy’s answers in this book are no better than the callous conversations the friends of Job had for his sufferings.

Mr. Yancy’s questions in the book were:
1. Is God unfair?
2. Is God silent?
3. Is God hidden?

My questions for Mr. Yancy are:
1. Are you trying to prove the old adage “Christians shoot their wounded”?
2. Do you have no compassion for a suffering Christian?
3. Did a tree have to die for this book?

I would never recommend this book to a Christian who is going through trials.

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl *****

Book Description
Fox News legal correspondent and former Federal Prosecutor Lis Wiehl has created a suspense novel that's as timely as tomorrow's headlines.
While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat--a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.
Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator.
As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they must find one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims.
In Face of Betrayal, Lis Wiehl's expertise in law, politics, and criminal investigation merges with April Henry's narrative genius to create a gripping mystery filled with rich characters, real danger, and a shocking yet satisfying final twist.

My Review:

Allison the prosecutor, Cassidy the reporter, and Nic the FBI agent are three long-time acquaintances who become friends only after they find out they have one thing in common – crime. I enjoyed the way the author is developing these characters a little at a time with small insights into their background, but also mysteries yet to be learned. Because this is the first of three books, I am eager to learn more about each of them in the future books. Also, what a joy it is to read about a woman of faith who is not portrayed as fanatic or strange, but just someone who struggles with everyday problems in her faith.

There were interesting insights slipped in by the author about the behind the scenes of TV news and legal issues. True to life, the story line could be on the front page of the newspaper with characters that could live next door, appear on my local TV, or attend my church. The story follows a missing teen and the search for answers to her disappearance. It also follows the main characters and how their friendship thrives even when their professional lives clash. This is a very good book that I would recommend highly.