90 Minutes in Heaven - The Movie

Here is the link for the movie trailer:

http://youtu.be/XOko8hlVAlM

On September 15, I had the opportunity to go and see the movie 90 Minutes in Heaven, based on the book by Don Piper.  It stars Hayden Christensen and Kate Bosworth as a Christian husband and wife.  He’s a pastor, firm in his faith and looking to plant a new church.  On his way home from a conference, his car is hit by a truck, and he is killed.  In the chaos of sorting out the accident on the road, another pastor comes along and asks to pray for the man in the car, Don Piper, who emergency workers have already said is dead.  They are only awaiting the coroner to make the pronouncement official.  Pastor Piper was left as dead for about 90 minutes, but comes alive when prayed for.

The bulk of the film is about the struggle that the couple goes through during his recovery.  He is severely broken.  The conflict comes in a few places: Pastor Piper in his pain and agony, versus his desire to let himself die and go back to heave… his home, and how does a pastors’ wife and teacher manage her husband’s recovery, and kids and support structure and bills and his desire to just die?

In general, I thought this story was good.  It’s almost too hard to watch because of such turmoil that the couple is able to overcome.  But they did overcome.  I think at points the film was a little too slow.  It could have been about 20 minutes shorter.  There was a technical flaw in one scene that was distracting.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this film, but I thought there would be more about heaven.  I go back and forth with this.  I thought there should be more about heaven, but at the same time I’m always leery of putting heaven on screen because I don’t think our imagination can do it justice from a film perspective.

As a Christian, I hope many others will see this film about perseverance in time of struggle, and how the faith of others can bring us through the toughest of times.  Seeing Pastor Piper at the end of the film in excellent health and preaching was very encouraging.

Thanks to Graff Martin for the passes to get to see the film.  This has been my honest review.  

Burning Questions: Exploring Where the Evidence Leads

“Burning Questions: Exploring Where the Evidence Leads”, is a DVD series put out by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM).  This is a course in apologetics and it has six episodes that are about a hour each: 

• Episode one: Is there a God?

• Episode two: God and science, 

• Episode three: The problem of evil, 

• Episode four: Which religion is true?

• Episode five: Can we trust the Bible?

• Episode six: Who was Jesus?

Dr. Andy Bannister hosts each episode and he speaks to representatives of major faith communities including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, atheists and others.  He purposely and thoughtfully asks their opinions regarding each of these issues.  I’ve seen many of these courses of study over the years, and these apologetics DVDs have one thing that stood out to me and that is that there was no mockery and that all questions are asked in a way that is respectful and people are genuinely interested in what the other perspective is.  I think that helps forward dialogue and understanding of both sides. Now people may not agree and that’s obvious because an atheist cannot agree with the Christian with respect to the existence of God but the perspectives are at least examined and looked at. 

Episode one is about the issue of whether there is a God.  The interviewer speaks with people from several perspectives, but obviously in the format of hour-long DVD, you can never get into the depths of the reasoning that goes along with each perspective. It is very interesting to scratch the surface.

Episode two talks about the idea of God and science and about how for far too long the idea of God and science have been promoted as in opposition to each other where in reality science in many cases started out from people that were followers of God and exploring his universe.  God and science are very compatible. It is philosophy and worldview that are really the difference.

Episode three talks about the problem of evil.  This is something that from an apologetics perspective, the issue must be really defined. What is evil? How do we know something is evil? What sources do we use to measure evil against? How do other faiths weigh in on this issue? 

Episode four addresses one of the more sensitive issues of which religion is true. Not all things can be true when it comes to faith.  

Episode five speaks to the reliability of the bible. If people actually looked at the bible objectively they would see a book that is very reliable especially when weighed against the other ancient documents. It is not the bible itself that people object to but the moral claims of scripture when applied to their life. 

And Episode six speaks to who Jesus is in history and in scripture. The Christian faith weighs heavily on this.

Any course like this could only start (or continue) study of these weighty topics, but the way it is structured leads the student from the broad topic of God leading them a step at a time into the person of Christ as the evidence suggests, and then leading them to a relationship with Him.

This is a great resource for opening discussion and assisting in addressing the objections of the skeptic. Check out http://burningquestions.ca for more details.

Heaven Is for Real – The Movie

I was given the opportunity to screen this movie in advance of release a few weeks ago, and I am grateful.  I didn’t really know what to expect, and to be honest, I really get skeptical with stories like this.  I’ve heard a bunch of these experiential “Heaven” stories over the years growing up in the church.  So the key, I think, is that you have to come at them from a biblical perspective.  What does the Bible say about heaven, and how does it say you get there?  (Of course, there are any number of other stories of people that died and claimed to have gone to hell and then were brought back to life.)  When you use the Bible as the standard for the measure of Heaven, and look at how it says to get there, and then you look at the stories of people that are telling their story of what they saw on the operating table or during whatever experience.  I’ve read a few wild stories and when they contradict (usually) claims of Jesus, I just disregard the story--just fiction.

In this story, a minister’s family struggles financially in a small church.  Pastor Todd Burpo does odd fix-it jobs to supplement his income.  He is an active community leader, a fire fighter, and loves softball, like any red-blooded American.  Life and struggles and sports injuries happen and through it, the family remains strong.  Their four year old boy (Colton) falls ill with a high fever, and acute appendicitis.  He is rushed to the hospital.  Sonja, the pastor’s wife, calls all the people she knows to ask them to pray for her son.  Todd goes to the chapel at the hospital and has a pretty honest time with God.  He has endured the financial hardships, the injury suffered on the ball diamond, and now he is angry at God, thinking God would take his son from him.

On the operating table, Colton has a vision (The film is clear that he never died on the table, it is a vision) of going to heaven, of seeing angels, of sitting on Jesus’ lap and talking to him.  As the story unfolds, Colton describes things that he could not have seen.  He was on the operating table.  Of course, Todd takes some of this as wild imagination of a child.  Pastor Burpo chooses to be skeptical, and he goes to see a psychologist to ask questions of her.  He wants to find some way to explain away all of his son’s experiences with reason and logic.  He disregards the possibility that his son did have a vision, or that heaven could be real… as he would preach every Sunday.  But how could his son describe his mother crying on the phone as she called people to pray?  I suppose it’s not too far-fetched for a child that has been to hospitals with his dad, to imagine his mother asking people to pray for him as he is sick.  How could he know about his father yelling at God though?

Colton describes other things to his family as well.  He meets people in heaven, and is able to confirm details that others wouldn’t know, and at the very least they are things that Colton didn’t know.  
As Todd comes to grips with the possibility of his son having a vision of heaven, he begins to share the ideas in church, and rather than embrace the hope of heaven that Christians should, there is more opposition from them to the point of wanting to have him removed as their pastor.  Opposition comes from the community in the form of ridicule, and even from Todd’s wife in the form of her needing him to worry about life here, on earth, in the now.

As I watched, I thought “Nothing makes someone question what they really believe like actually coming face to face with it”, and I think that is what this film is about at its base.  It’s encouragement to the Christian.  It is evidence to the skeptic.  It is a feel-good movie of comfort to all that have lost someone.  

This is the weak point that I found for the film.  There is no clear message of how someone can get to heaven.  We are in the lives of a Christian family, but not once do we find out how someone can get to heaven in the film.  I imagine that is to reach a wider audience for the film.

It is a great story, and it does make me want to dig deeper into what happened.  For the purposes of this blog post, I have not consulted many other sources for perspective, just what I saw in the film, and how that sat with me.  I intend to read the book, and look into some of the other perspectives in more detail.  I have seen, as usually goes on in the Church, that there is a lot of back and forth arguing over the validity of this film’s story.  In the end of it all, the film brings people to the point of discussion about what they believe in the afterlife.  Christians especially should come to a bit of comfort resting in their faith of being face to face with their saviour.  

What do you think?

Movie Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/heavenisforreal/

Book Site: http://heavenisforreal.net/

Love Comes Calling - Siri Mitchell

"A girl with the best of intentions. A heart set on Hollywood. An empty pocketbook.  That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.  With an endearing heroine as her lead, Siri Mitchell takes readers on a madcap tale of love and discovering one's true desires!" (Publisher's Description)

I really enjoyed this book.  Ellis is a girl who tries so hard to do the best she can and live up to the expectations put on her by her family, but struggles woth being scatter-brained.  I found the idea of how someone with ADHD would have been viewed in the 20s very intriguing.  I enjoiyed how the book was written through Ellis' eyes, so we can see how she tries so hard to do what's expected of her but to no fault of her own she can't.  I loved learning more about the prohibition and the hello girls.  Another wonderful book by Siri Mitchell!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group"

In The Shadow Of Jezebel - Mesu Andrews

"In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love. Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments. Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?  With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love." (Publisher's Description)
Another wonderfully woven biblical tale written by Ms. Andrews.  The heroine, Jehosheba is due to become the next high priestess of Baal until a plan concocted by her mother and her grandmother Jezebel sees her married to the High Priest of the Jewish Temple.  Having been used all her life by an unloving mother and a demanding false god, she struggles to believe in the loving Yahweh and her new husband Jehoiada.  At 432 pages, this book is full of rich biblically history.  I highly recommend this book to people who like biblical fiction. It is well researched and full of wonderful tidbits and pictures.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.   Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Shadows Of The Past - Patricia Bradley

"While she's stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her. Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it. Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.  Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present--and moving into a future they never imagined." (Publisher's Description)

I am always excited to try a new author and Ms. Bradley did not disappoint.  Shadows of the Past is the first book in her Logan Point series.  Taylor and Nick both carry a lot of family baggage in their lives.  Taylor's father disappeared and Nick is still dealing with the death of his wife and the strained relationship with his brother.  When their paths cross, both are very guarded and suspicious of the others motives but must learn to work together to figure solve who is stalking Taylor. This book is filled with twists and turns and totally surprised me with the answers to the disappearance of Taylor's dad.  I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series!!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

No One To Trust - Lynette Eason

"She doesn't know who she's running from--and the man she loves may be someone else entirely.  Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?  The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe. " (Publisher's Description)

Yet another wonderful, suspenseful read by Ms. Eason!  This book was really hard to put down. One more page turned into one more chapter, then one more chapter.  The roller-coaster that Summer is put in is fraught with danger and intrigue.   Not knowing who to trust, Summer has to put her trust in God and learn to forgive the man who she thought she married in order to survive. This is book one in the Hidden Identities series and I cannot wait for the second. 

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.

All Things Hidden - Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

"Gwyn Hillerman loves being a nurse at her father's clinic on the beautiful Alaskan frontier. But family life has been rough ever since her mother left them, disdaining the uncivilized country and taking Gwyn's younger sister with her.  In Chicago, Dr. Jeremiah Vaughan finds his life suddenly turned upside down when his medical license is stripped away after an affluent patient dies. In a snowball effect, his fiance breaks their engagement. In an attempt to bury the past, Jeremiah accepts Dr. Hillerman's invitation to join his growing practice in the isolated Alaska Territory.  Gwyn and Jeremiah soon recognize a growing attraction to each other. But when rumors of Jeremiah's past begin to surface, they'll need more than love to face the threat of an uncertain future." (Publisher's description)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from it's opening words right to the end.  It had many twists and turns that I didn't even expect.  I loved reading about the colonization of Alaska.  The beautiful scenery was so well written that I could picture it all in my head.  Gywn is such a strong young woman ahead of her time.  Her love for Alaska and it's people and her dedication to nursing flow out from the pages.  Jeremiah's struggles with being abandoned and hiding a secret that threatens his the very thing he loves, practicing medicine.  There were points in the book that I was greatly surprised by, and moments where I needed my box of Kleenex! I cannot wait to see what these two great authors have for us next!!!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Becoming Myself - Stasi Eldredge

"Becoming Myself is for anyone who wonders if her life will ever change -- if she will ever change. Eldredge teaches readers that God wants them to participate in their transformation as he completes His good work in them. She invites women to look at their pasts, struggles, and wounds with honesty and mercy and to look toward their future with hope. An exploration of a women's true self, Becoming Myself will help women understand their identity and learn more about the God who beckons them to come closer." (Publisher's Description)

I have read books by Stasi Eldredge before and enjoyed them so when this book came up as a special book review offer I opted in.  Little did I know what I was getting myself into.  She is very open about the struggles in her life (weight loss, childhood issues) and how to use these to embrace all that God has for us.  I have and still struggle with many issues and found myself needing Kleenex and having to put the book down quiet often.  I am still working through the book, but I love this quote "Though our past has shaped us, we are not our past. Though our failures and sin have had an effect on who we are, we are not defined by our failures or sin."

"Book has been provided courtesy of David C. Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller.” 


Check out the book trailer below!

Parenting Your Powerful Child - Dr. Kevin Leman

" Don't let those cherublike faces fool you. Your smart kids have an agenda--and they're workin' ya.  Powerful kids don't just happen. They're created, and their power comes in different packages. Whether loud and temperamental, quiet and sensitive, or stubborn and manipulative, powerful children can make living with them a challenge. But it doesn't have to be that way.  In Parenting Your Powerful Child, New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers a practical action plan to redirect your child's power surges into positive traits that will prepare your child for a successful, happy, and productive adult life. With these simple but effective techniques, you can transform your home from a daily battle zone to a safe and peaceful place. All it takes is a little determination--and some small changes on your part--to make a huge difference in your family life.  Ready for the power struggle to end?" (Publisher's Description)

Being a stay at home mom of three beautiful kids (two boys 8 & 6, and a girl 3) I definitely have some power struggles. I enjoy Dr. Leman and his use of real life stories.  It helps to remind you that you are not a freak and alone.  He provides great tips and never comes across as condescending.  I am still working through this book as I found that there is so much good stuff to take in that I don't want to miss anything.  I recommend this book to any parent whether there are issues or not. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

 

Trapped - Irene Hannon

"A runaway teen, a desperate sister, and an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth.
When Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help. Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways--just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.  But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . . "

I was so excited to see the second book in Irene Hannon's Private Justice series come up for review.  I loved the first book Vanished and couldn't wait to read more about the detectives at the Phoenix Agency.   Dev is intrigued by Laura when she walks into the agency.  She is unlike any of the typical girls he dates but being a client he tires to keep his heart untangled which proves to be rather difficult.  Laura is desperate to find her sister and that desperation causes her to make a dangerous choice.  Can Dev and his team solve the case in time to save them both?  I could hardly put this book down and my laundry room showed for it!  Another great read by Irene Hannon and I cannot wait to read the next one!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

 

 

Dangerous Passage - Lisa Harris

"She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world? When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts." (Publisher's description)

From the opening chapter, this book had me hooked.  With many twists and turns, this book kept me up late at night reading just one more chapter, again and again.  I thoroughly enjoyed Avery North and the tenacity she has for the case.  She pours her all into the Magnolia case and it comes with dangerous consequences.  Her budding relationship with Jackson is just what she needs but with the baggage she carries, she's unsure of whether to continue it or not.  I highly recommend this book for those who love procedural crime dramas.  I look forward to her next book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 

That Certain Summer - Irene Hannon

"Two very different sisters . . . an unexpected homecoming . . . one unforgettable summer Karen and Val are family--yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away--as well as a secret to keep--and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.  Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?"
I am a big fan of Irene Hannon's procedural/suspense novels and was intrigued when I heard that she was going to be writing one that was not like her previous novels.  Any reservations I may have had were completely gone halfway into the first chapter.  I absolutely loved this book.  The pairings of Val/David and Karen/Scott was so incredibly interesting.   They pulled the best and worst out of each other.  They each had their own issues, but were stretched by their interactions with the others.  I loved seeing Val and Karen's relationship as sisters grow from so antagonistic, to close and being there for each other.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer read!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Stealing The Preacher - Karen Witemeyer

"A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind. On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request. For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?"

I had picked up the first book, Short Straw Bride, on a whim and absolutely loved it; so when I saw that there was another book about the Archer brothers I jumped at the opportunity to review it!  I love the character of Joanna.  She's so full of spunk but yet also so desirous of God's will.  It made her the perfect match for Crockett Archer!  I also enjoyed the discussions about faith and God between Crockett (the preacher) and Silas (Joanna's unbelieving father).  I hope that Ms. Witemeyer writes another Archer book soon!!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

The Quarryman's Daughter - Tracie Peterson

"Emmalyne Knox has always loved Tavin MacLachlan. But when tragedy strikes her family, Emmalyne's father declares she can no longer marry. Despite Tavin's pleas to defy the decision, Emmalyne refuses. In her act of obedience, she gives up the future she'd always dreamed of.  When Emmalyne's father returns to the quarry business years later, Tavin and Emmalyne meet again. And though circumstances have changed in both of their lives, they cannot deny the feelings that still exist. Can Emmalyne find a way to heal the decade-long wound that has fractured the two families...and change the hearts of those who stand in the way of true love?"

This is the second book in the Land of the Shining Waters series by Tracie Peterson and as usual it just keeps getting better!  From the opening chapter my heart was totally tied up in Emmalyne's lot in life.  Her devotion to honoring her parents even in the face of having to give up her own dreams and desires broke my heart.  When she moves with her family back to the town she left, she finds her heart still belongs to Tavin.  This book was hard to put down.  I always enjoy reading Ms. Peterson's books.  Her vivid descriptions and characterizations are wonderful as usual.  This book can be read as a stand alone; but I highly recommend picking up the first book.  I cannot wait until the next book comes out!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Deadly Devotion - Port Astor Secrets #1 - Sandra Orchard

"Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.
Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life. Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide. As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?"

I really enjoyed reading this book.  There were quite a few twists and turns throughout that kept the reader guessing.  I loved the character of Kate Adams.  She is so full of spunk and tenacity.  She's the only one in town who believes that her friend did not die by suicide and does her best to try to convince the police.  Ms. Orchard did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing as to who did it.  The ending left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Revealing Jesus - Darlene Zschech

"Powerful Encounters With the Heart of Our Savior For Every Day.  Do you long for more of God's presence? Do you ache to see Him at work in your life? Do you desire His peace and rest? Renowned worship leader Darlene Zschech invites you to gather with her around the Word of God. Born out of her own yearnings that she poured onto the pages of journals, these meditations and Scriptures reveal Jesus and speak of His finished work--how He tenderly cares for you and wants you to know Him.  Honest, raw, and beautifully written, these devotions will inspire your journey and encourage you in every season. Come, sit at the feet of our Lord, be strengthened in your weakness, embrace His love for you, and breathe in His peace."

I have been looking for a good devotional for some time, so I jumped at the chance to review this book.  I must say, it is a wonderful devotional which arrived at a perfect time!  It is laid out over 365 days, so I started reading from the day I got it.  Each devotion is only one page, which is perfect for a quick morning read before I have to get my three young kids ready for the day.  Don't let the length fool you though.  Each page is full of depth that leaves you with a lot to think on; but also has wonderful encouragements and biblical truths that will uplift you as well.  Darlene is very open and honest in her reflections and let me say they are challenging and encouraging.  I am so happy that I chose to review this book and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a short, but powerful and impacting devotional.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Guardian - Beverly Lewis

"Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.  When Jodi Winfield comes to Lancaster to house-sit, the last thing she expects to find is a disheveled little girl alone on the side of the road. The young teacher is mystified when she learns there have been no reports of a missing child, and the girl herself is no help, since she can't speak English. It's as if the child appeared out of nowhere.  Then Jodi turns her attention to Hickory Hollow--and the cloistered world of the Old Order Amish--in search of answers."

This is the third book in Beverly Lewis' Home to Hickory Hollow series.  I always enjoy reading Mrs. Lewis' books.  Her vivid descriptions and characters make the words on the page just come alive.  I can just picture the little Amish houses and would love to sit and have tea with the wise woman!  I loved how the characters of Jodi (an English woman) and Maryanna (an Amish woman) although lead drastically different lives, each are used by God to help the other grow and flourish for Him.  I just saw that there will be a fourth book in the series, The Secret Keeper, coming out in September and I cannot wait!!  This is an excellent book to add to a summer reading list!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story - Dee Henderson

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley.  The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas, and meeting and falling in love with surgeon Tom Peterson is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce Tom to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.  She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested, and in a way she didn't expect. The results will soon transform her entire family." 

I was beyond thrilled to see this book in the list of books to review for the month of May.  Dee Henderson was the very first Christian author that I was exposed to.  I love her O'Malley series and have long hoped to see Jennifer's story be written.  Although short in length, Jennifer's story is a great read, a bittersweet romance.  Jennifer is a successful pediatrician who loves what she does; but struggles with the idea of God because of the sickness she sees.  A chance meeting with Tom starts her on a path of self examination and opening herself up to the idea of God.  Just when everything is going well, she is dealt a shocking blow that will put her new found faith to the test.  You don't have to have read the rest of the O'Malley series to understand all that is going on; but it was really nice to see the drop in the pond that starts the ripples that make up the rest of the series.  I highly recommend this book but also suggest that you pick up the other five books to watch Jennifer's story continue to unfold. 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

The Fantasy Fallacy by Shannon Ethridge

Now here is a book that is not afraid to go where angels fear to tread.  Over the years I have read many Christian books on the topic of sex.  This one intrigued me because it is set up as a response to the 50 Shades of Grey novels.  I kept hearing about these books, and wondered if it was something that I could read.   I have always tried to be an intellectually responsible person, and thought that if I was going to read the rebuttal, that I would have to read the novels to ensure that Ms. Ethridge had read them herself.  I was pleased when she wrote about reading the novels, and then she described some of her reactions in the initial part of the book.

But this book is SO MUCH MORE than just a rebuttal to the 50 Shades novels.  Ethridge digs deep into the healthy and unhealthy appetites of people.  She draws on her years of experience as a speaker, counsellor, and author to speak to some really dark issues of sexuality.  This book may not be for everyone.  It challenged my comfort zone, and I have been exposed to a lot over the years.  Some of my exposure has been due to bad choices, and some just because of the way our culture is… overly sexually charged and even moving sex into the ultimate experience… even making sex a god on its own.

She uses practical cases from her practice, and from her own life to illustrate not just God’s standards for sexuality, but to show why those guidelines are in place.  I can see many examples of where “just a little thing” leads to something over the long term.

Pick up this book if you are a Christian dabbling in the 50 Shades novels, or if you have some things that have hidden in your heart.  This book can help you find some wisdom in how to proceed, bring you face to face with God’s healing, and help point you in the direction of getting the help you need.

This book was provided to me for my unbiased review by Booksneeze.

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