The Watered Garden Letters

BookReview| Max Lucado- God’s Story, Your Story

2012-03-15T01:00:00.000-05:00

Title| God’s Story, Your Story: When His Becomes Yours

Number of Pages| 200 Pages

Published| September 2011

From the synopsis: Car pools and carcrashes, job changes and joint custody, moves and motionless. Is there acohesive story line to the chaos, confusion, and clutter of your daily life?
With his unequalled warmth and honesty,Lucado plumbs the depths of your story line and comes up smiling.
“Your storyindwells God’s,” writes Lucado. “This is the great promise of the Bible andhope of this book... Above and around us God directs a grander saga, written byHis hand, orchestrated by His will, unveiled according to His calendar. And youare part of it...”
Join Max for anunforgettable journey woven with New Testament stories and contemporaryexamples of God’s beautiful story making skills. The beginning of the narrativeis legendary; the middle unfolds with surprises still in store; and the endingof your final earthly chapter ushers in a reunion that almost defiesdescription.

Dear Reader,

Is it possible tochoose to read a book because the author is a long-enjoyed one, even though thebook itself is part of something that you don’t care much for?

I reviewed The Heart of The Story, which like God’sStory, Your Story is also inspired by The Story, and long story short: it wasn't impressive. When it clicked what the little inscription, “inspired by The Story” on theback cover of this book meant, all eagerness to read the book fled, and was replaced by amixture of dread and disappointment. However, it was Max Lucado; wouldn’t that make a difference?

Can I possibly describe the relief when Istarted reading and realized what a typical Lucado gem this book is? It trulyis a good read, nothing too heavy and requiring huge amounts of commitment, butenough can be gleaned from it to make it worth your while.

The way eachchapter is written (which from my experience of Lucado books, is the methodthat he has long ago adopted and stuck to) in the format of being individualmessages makes it easy to approach it as a devotional or in achapter-before-going-to-sleep kind of way.

Most of God’sStory, Your Story is absorb-able without causing any kind of huge wave,but I admit, I was blown away by some of the simple truths expounded on.

“We know Satanwill attack weak spots first. Forty days of fasting left Jesus famished, soSatan began with the topic of bread. Jesus’ stomach was empty, so to thestomach Satan turned.
Where are youempty? Are you hungry for attention, craving success, longing for intimacy? Beaware of your weaknesses. Bring them to god before Satan brings them to you.Satan will tell you to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3). In other words,meet your own needs, take matters into your own hands, leave God out of thepicture.” (God’s Story, Your Story, Page 48)

There was the one partin Chapter 4 (You Hear A Voice You CanTrust), however, that stands out in a negative way.

“Does a decentfellow say things like this? No, but a demented fool does. Maybe Jesus wasmegalomaniac on par with Alexander the great or Adolf Hitler. But honestly,could a madman do what Jesus did? (God’s Story, Your Story, Page 73)

“What if Peter wascorrect? “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29). (God’s Story, Your Story, Page 77)

What if it weretrue; what if, what if? The questions aren’t relevant and have the potential ofbeing dangerous to a person’s spiritual condition. I’ve never gotten the pointof this kind of questioning. Is it meant to challenge believers? To lead nonbelieversto seek answers and thus possibly find Jesus? Perhaps. My reaction to it? Itoffends me. And, if you'd really consider it, only leads to distract nonbelievers from gettingto the core of what’s truly important.There is absolutely nothing faith-affirming, or whatever it’ssupposed to be, about it.

God’s Story,Your Story covers many different topics,including the way God often uses the ordinary, the strategies of Satan and howto fight back, not focusing on finding joy in the journey, but in following thelonging God has placed in our hearts for our eternal home, as well as others.It was difficult to figure out how all this tied into a central theme inkeeping with the title and synopsis, as sometimes it seemed like it didn’tquite want to hold true to what the message was supposed to be. How does God’s story become ours? Throughthis: when we seek to know God, and His ways, and live in His will for ourlives. Everything talked about points back to this.

There’s astudy/action guide for those of you who’d wish to further explore the topicstouched on God’s Story, Your Story consisting of discussion questions, aswell as Ideas for Action featuring ways that things learned can be applied toone’s life and put to action.

God’s Story,Your Story isn’t the most theologicallychallenging book (in fact sometimes it’s anything but, such as on page 51 whereHebrews 4:15-16 is interpreted in almost the exact opposite of what the passageis actually saying; it’s...uh...kind of silly.)

If you’re looking for a fairly good read wheredistractions might be rife and you don’t want anything that would call for hugecommitments of attention and heart, meet your match in this book. Be inspired, but in keeping with the example given the paragraph above take care to not take everything at face value.

As ever, -Eva

------------------------

Source:Zondervan sent a complimentary copy of God’s Story, Your Story in exchange for an honestreview. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

BookReview| Mark Schultz- Letters from War

2012-03-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

Title| Letters from War

Author| Mark Schultz, with Travis Thrasher

Number of Pages| 288 Pages

Publisher| Howard Books

Published| September 2011

Rating| 3

Fromthe Synopsis:
When BethThompson’s only son, James, goes missing in action in Afghanistan, she is leftwith prayers, hopes, fears...and letters.
Mother and sonhave been writing since boot camp. James writes of his struggle to become aconfident soldier and of his concern for his young wife and her unborn child.Beth, like any mom, praises her son’s courage even as she frets for his safety.
Even after Jamesdisappears, Beth is comforted by a daily ritual of writing him about herfeelings, faith, and attempts to maintain a normal life when nothing is reallynormal but the waiting.
Based on platinum-sellingsinger Mark Schultz’s hit song “Letters from War”, this powerfully emotionaland timely story reveals how faith sustains in even the darkest situations.

Dear Reader,

Mark Schultz, withsongs like “He’s My Son” and others, have been part of my playlists, and theplaylists of those around me, since my childhood. The intrigue around this bookcomes from four things:

1) A book by Mark Schultz? Cool.

2) A book centered on an exchangeof letters? My kind of thing.

3) A book featuring the life of asoldier, both from the perspective of the soldier himself, and that of thefamily at home? Sounds fascinating.

4) A book based on a hit song? A hit song? How much can you write froma hit song?

To answer thatlast question, apparently an entire book. And one that turned out not bad, notbad at all.

Letters from War starts out slow, kind of like that pot of soup on the oven-top youreally want to start boiling, but the more you watch it, the longer it takes.When you’re reading this book, and you’re starting to get impatient with howslowly things are speeding up in the beginning, don’t give up on it: it does get better. It doesn’t speed up inaction, no, but it gets better as the story progresses and deepens.

Sometimes thewriting is just plain sappy and bogged down by cliché (I’d love to give anexample or two, but I wouldn’t know what to choose: the entire book is chuckedfull, shaken down, and spilling over with them; this is ultimately the reason for the 3-rating). However, more than not, it’sreally sweet and descriptions shone, rendering a certain scene perfect. All in all,it made me realize that clever wordplays are not always needed to conveymessages: sometimes simple, to-the-point phrases are perfect.

(There is oneother book that was like that: Courageous by Randy Alcorn. (Click on the linkto refresh your memory of why a novel doesn’t always need to have to beadrenaline-rush exciting for it to be valuable.)

Quite frankly, theauthors handled writing in present-tense really well. That’s right:present-tense. I’ve read, or rather tried to read, books that made a completemess of this, but it suits Letters from War .

If I were to godeep enough, however, I’d also have to admit that the characters weren’tdeveloped enough; their personalities, speech, and actions simply aren’t allthat memorable. Honestly, Britt, James’ wife, had already been introduced andwhen she entered the scene a chapter or two later, I had a hard timeremembering who Britt was. But of course, that could just be me.

However,sometimes it’s the message that’s important: and this one does maintain abeautiful one of faith in a waiting time, of the difference between hope andletting go and how it’s okay to the latter, while

holding on the former. (And I had the perfectquote from the book to illustrate this, but I forgot to write down the page number,and thus can’t find it in order to share it with you.)

If you’re having ahard time deciding whether or not go for Letters from War, I’ll tell you thismuch: it’s ideal for a long winter evening or a lazy summer afternoon on theporch swing; a long bus/car ride, or a flight across the continent; in thedoctor’s office waiting to be called or... yes, readable pretty much anywhere.

Note how the review does not contain spoilers pertaining to the tear-jerking, nay, sob-inducing ending? Don't watch the official music video of the song Letters From War all the way through if you're okay with this and don't like spoilers.

Until the next book, as ever, -Eva

---------------
Source: Howard Books sent a complimentary copy of Letters From War in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

BookReview| Gene Krcelic- Loves Like A Hurricane

2012-03-11T01:10:00.000-06:00

Title| Loves Like A Hurricane: When God Whispers In The Dark

Author| Gene Krcelic

Number of Pages| 282 Pages

Published| June 2011

Publisher| Ambassador International
Rating| 4

From the synopsis: Loves Like A Hurricane isthe true story of a Catholic turned agnostic turned Christian through a wildweb of odd encounters while running from a hurricane-like God. The journeycarries you down many paths while God whispers and shapes a young heart untilHe kicks the door wide open with a disaster of biblical proportion, changingeverything. Loves Like A Hurricane is a hard hitting, feet to the firetapestry that will make you laugh, cry and force you to think about you willrespond when God whispers your name. It reveals how God’s loving grace turnsapathy into compassion into action.

Dear Reader,

People have different ways of recordingtheir faith journey, if they do it all. Some through private journals, otherswith stories passed to future generations. Some, for those that teach,especially on a public stage with a mass following, have it laid out for theworld to follow.

And thenthere are those brave souls who get it all out in a book, and get that bookpublished for the world to read. Ultimately they’re not just doing it to pass somethingtangible down to their children (the author’s purpose for penning this memoir),they are sharing it with the world. Andit’s going to last much longer than any video or sound clip on the internetever will.

The way Loves Like A Hurricane writtenis interesting. Usually with books like this one, the format “this is where Iwas, and this is what happened to get me where I am now” is used over thecourse of the entire book. For this book, however, every individual chapter introduceda certain struggle, even “good” decisions he had to make, and how God taughthim and helped him overcome. Three quarters through the book I found myselfthinking, “hey, I thought he already went through this time of his life backthen” but the author was just referring back to something that he hadexperienced as a new Christian. Outside of sometimes being a tad confusing, itdefinitely gives a new spin to the old.

Loves Like A Hurricanehas ALL the grit and glory of a personal story. Accounts that made me cringe,and parts that were just so good. Itwas painful to read of the intense up-down-up-down searching this man had to gothrough in order to find his footing. It’s summed up in the epilogue (which isbeautiful and fitting and alone makes the entire book worth the read-through): “The battle for my soul raged for 42 yearsand 18 days; a lifetime of spiritual questioning, degrading labels, battle ofgood versus evil, and a searching heart circled by my swirling soul like adestructive force of nature.” (Loves Like A Hurricane, page 271) However, that is what makes it so real.

His experiences range from volunteering tohelp amend the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to getting Chasen into theChristian music scene; it’s remarkable how God allowed different events andpeople to slowly chisel away at Gene and shape his faith until he came to theplace where “in the storm, I had foundthe Truth I was so looking for so desperately. In the storm, I was healed.”(Loves Like A Hurricane, page 274). It made me consider the discipline oflearning to be more aware of these things as we go through life: surely wewould look at situations differently if we kept in mind that this is in God’splan in watering our spiritual growth i grow fruits of righteousness?

An outstanding part of the entire book,holding true to the challenge of “Yes, big deal, you’re a Christian, now dosomething about it!” was the many examples of love for fellow man throughpractical service, even if it meant causing controversy within his church. Agood summary:

“Itis only with an intentional heart and willing mind that we can effect changefor the good of those less fortunate. Change for the better won’t happen byitself like a self-correcting Microsoft spell check. It’s more like the oldSmith Corona typewriters that required one cartridge ribbon and inserting a newcorrecting cartridge ribbon to fix the error. It required intentional effort tocorrect what was wrong. Fixing the world is no different. It will takeintentional effort that will lead us to the land of many tears...” (Loves Like A Hurricane, Page 250).

The bottom line is that I foundit to be good, satisfying read. The kind that I get lost in and forget abouttime, and that’s something I can’t even say for some fiction novels.

Until the next book, -Eva.

------------------------------

Source: Ambassador International provided a complimentary copy of Loves Like A Hurricane in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

BookReview| Ecclesia Bible Society- the voice [New Testament]

2012-02-16T21:52:00.000-06:00

“StepInto the Story of Scripture”

-------------------------------------------------------

Title|the voice: Step Into the Story of Scripture [New Testement]

Author(s)|Ecclesia Bible Society

Numberof Pages| 413 Pages

Publisher|Thomas Nelson

Published| November 2011

-------------------------------------------------------

From the synopsis: the voice invites ageneration of story-lovers to step into the story like no other Bible andrecaptures the passion, grit, humour, and beauty that is often lost in thetranslation process. You will discover that you can actually hear God’s voicespeaking into your life today.

Dear Reader,

Hm. That last sentence of the synopsis didinitially make me raise my eyebrows. God speaks to His people as He has alwaysdone: when they seek Him through, and in, true worship. However, taking intoconsideration that it perhaps could’ve meant that reading a differenttranslation does bring to life what we have gotten used to. I don’t care a whitfor most of what Rick Warren teaches, but in The Purpose Driven Life he did say this about reading/usingdifferent Bible translations: “...the fact that we often miss the full impactof familiar Bible verses, not because of poor translating, but simply becausethey have become so familiar!”

Adisclaimer of a sort: the following comments are not the result of exhaustiveresearching, comparison to other translations, and digging into the text. Timeprevented that, as much as I would like to have done so. Viewpoints shared aremerely from what I’ve experienced of the voice thus far, and I’m sure,barely scratch the surface. It's also because of this that I can hardly comment on inconsistencies and distortions that almost always come with yet another "re-telling" of Scripture.

the voice is unique inits own right, and definitely holds true to what is said about it being like noother Bible. How is that? The format in which it is presented is the mostobvious; that is to say, in the form of a screenplay, in which the person whosespeaking name is a different color from the rest of the text. Such as:

Leper: If You want to, Youcan make me clean.

Jesus was powerfully moved. He reached outand actually touched the leper.

Jesus: I do want to. Be clean.

This makes it most clear as to who exactlyis speaking at any given time. With the help of short paragraphs of commentary[also in a different color] the proper context, tone, and a bit of backgroundinformation is brought to light. I like that this isn’t done in overwhelmingabundance, but rather only when absolutely needed. We are after all meant toseek for ourselves and not have every single truth handed to us.

The introduction said:

“Finally, although the The Voice Biblerepresents a new approach to Bible translation, we have intentionally avoidedthe tendency to use trendy language. Our goal was to capture the beauty andbrutal honesty of the Scriptures in language that is timeless and enduring.”

This pinpointed exactly what it was that Ilove about the language of the voice . It was straight-forwardand didn’t reach to fancy terminology and wordage, and still maintained acertain poignant grace that is fitting. The phrase “trendy language” brings tomind the likes of The Message; wellloved, this translation seems to be (even I have found myself reaching fromtime to time). However, sometimes it’s too cool, too stylish, too modern, toomuch paraphrasing and I have to cringe, as it just seems wrong. The Bible is not forprivate interpretation (this is also goes for certain aspects of the voice as well.)

Two things, though, about thevoice: italicized expansions,so to speak, are inserted throughout the text because of “these words bring outthe nuance of the original [language], assist in completing ideas, and oftenprovide readers with information that would’ve been obvious to the originalaudience. These additions are meant to help the modern reader better understandthe text without having to stop and read footnotes or a study guide”(Introduction, page xii). Often they’re helpful, however I did come upon acouple (so far) that are clearly outof context. Just something to watch out for.

Also the fact the “Christ”, as well asother common terms, have been replaced by words more aligned with the originaltexts, the former being replaced with The Anointed, or The Anointed One. It’shard getting used to this, but they did give a practical and acceptable reasonfor having done this in the Introduction, saying basically that theystrategically decided to translate Christos(the title “Christ”) and not simply transliterate it.

In closing, I often wonder also, if it’sworth quibbling about which translation is the best. Maybe in this face-pacedday and age of texting, 140-character tweets, rushing and packed schedules it’snot the question of what translation we choose to read, but whether or not weconsistently take the time to read the Bible at all.

What do youthink?

As ever, Eva.

-------------------------------------------------------
Source: The Voice New Testament has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

I Unfollowed You All. Here's Why:

2012-01-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

Hello Dear Readers,

It's lovely Sunday afternoon, albeit rather gray and chilly out there. Like so:

It's been a while since I've posted anything and it's nagging at me, honest; today, I'm hoping will be the day to get at least one review written and, Lord willing, maybe posted.

But, for now, back to the "task" (a.k.a. reason for current post) at hand.

Long story made a bit shorter, some very generous and gracious people recently gifted me with this lovely:

On which I installed an app which enables me to read all the blogs who's rss feeds I've subscribed to via Google Reader. Oh, joy!

When I first did this, a tiny problem popped up. When we follow a blog we also automatically subscribe to their feed, and because I had never actually used Google Reader (instead used my blog dashboard) to read posts, when I started using this app a gazillion unread posts popped up. And horrors, they were all in one place. As opposed to all blogs having their separate feed with their respective blog title. Not good. At all.

So. The only way this was straightened out was when I went ahead and unfollowed all my favorite blogs and unsubscribed to their feeds and then subscribed again through the actual blog. Voila. Everything's in perfect order. Very excited about being able to read my favorite blogs anywhere now! And in a perfectly organized manner, too, thank you very much. [sniff]

Another reason, though a smaller one, is this thing concerning Google Friend Connect no longer being available for non-blogspot blogs come February, to which I confess profound ignorance. Of course this is a blogspot blog, so from what I understand this isn't going effect The Watered Garden Letters all that much. However, I still want to be able to follow my favorite non-blogger blogs in a consistent, orderly manner. (I'm sure you've gotten by now, I'm a stickler for this.)

While we're at this, I do want bring to your attention (in case you didn't notice those huge buttons on the left there if you've visited my blog) that you can connect with The Watered Garden Letters in other ways. Such as:

Goodreads, where you can send me a friend request or follow the reviews I post. All the reviews I post on The Watered Garden Letters are also posted here.

Twitter, where I tweet about books, and life in general. I've found it's the best way to stay in touch with the rest of the blogging/book world.

Facebook, where you "like" the The Watered Garden Letter page and have updates of new book reviews pop up on your Facebook wall (or timeline).

Also you can subscribe to posts from The Watered Garden Letters through the rss feed, or subscribe to have new content delivered straight to your inbox. No fuss.

K, let's wrap this up and get on with it, shall we? Thanks for sticking with me so long. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you dearly. Truly, truly, I do.

Till next time,
as ever,
-Eva.

BookReview| Live Abundantly and Live Reflectively Bible Studies

2012-01-14T15:25:00.000-06:00

Title| Live Abundantly: A Study in the Bookof Ephesians; Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses

Author(s)|Lenya Heitzig & Penny Rose; Lenya Heitzig

Number of Pages| 304 Pages; 288 Pages

Publisher| David C Cook

Published| November 2011

Dear Reader,

The Fresh Life Series consists of 7 [so far] different Bible studies; the two in the spotlight now are Live Abundantly, which focuses on the book of Ephesians, and Live Reflectively, on the book of Exodus.

Admittedly, when these books came I wasn’t expecting all that much. Perhaps this came from no prior experience of focused Bible studies. The fun, bright cover design, I think, also contributed to the fact that it would be...fun, light.

And just 20 minutes a day?? How can one get do an in-depth study of a section of Scriptures in just 20 minutes a day? I didn’t like the thought of Bible studies that might encourage rushing through this precious time of day, but I was nonetheless curious.

Truth is, you can’t get through each lesson in just 20 minutes. I’m almost half-way through Live Abundantly and it completely confuses me as to how anyone can. I’m a journalin’ person, yes, but still. I imagine not much gets stuck and planted if they can.

The first lesson had me hooked, for lack of a better way to put it. And then the next one, and the next one... had me completely thrilled.

Each day’s lesson is structured in five parts:

Lift up (prayer)

Look at (God’s Word)

Learn about (new insights)

Live out (application)

Listen to (quotes from other believers)

It digs deep and not by unusual, innovative methods, either, but simply through a balanced combination of 4 common, but nonetheless very important, Bible study disciplines.

1) Taking apart the passage; teaching/enabling us to focus. This has taught me to notice the little, but relevant, details in verses that we often miss when...just reading.

2) Looking up and studying cross reference verses. One can learn SO much about a particular verse or passage simply by looking up verses that correspond with them.

3) Journaling the prayers, discoveries and things learned in your faithwalk resulting from these studies. This is perhaps the hardest part: learning to be open and honest in a way that will actually be helpful, and many of the questions demand just that.

And number 4, starting every lesson with a short, but significant prayer.

One thing I did notice (and this is entirely a personal observation) is this: I could never depend on these Bible studies as the only part of my devotions. Here’s why: the journaling focuses –and understandably so- on my prayers, challenges me to search my heart to deep depths. And that’s good, essential even to growing spiritually, but it gets overwhelming, all this me-stuff. Sometimes, after a couple of days of doing the studies, it felt like too much had been pulled from me. Bottom line, I love doing the lessons, but I definitely balance them with devotion time with just God and me and my Bible.

Outside of all that, the inspiring/challenging, and interesting, quotations and anecdotes and stories shared after each lesson are most enjoyable.

They’re just something beautiful to linger over and savour, a definite asset to one’s devotional time. I don’t know what the other books in the series consist of, but I’m certain they also meet up to the standard these have set.

Till next time...

-Eva.

BookReview| Michael Catt- Courageous Living

2012-01-07T17:32:00.000-06:00

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in your Lord. –Psalm 31:24 (HCSB)

Title| Courageous Living: Dare To Take A Stand

Author| Michael Catt

Number of Pages| 176 Pages

Publisher| B&H Publishing Group

Published| September 2011

Synopsis: Catch a fresh wind of bravery through the bold biblical accounts of Abraham, Joshua, Ruth, and many others in Courageous Living by Michael Catt, pastor and executive producer of the unforgettable film COURAGEOUS.

Because we are called to take a faithful, fearless stand in all that matters, Catt sheds new light on the stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe. They challenge and inspire us now to keep moving forward, to examine our priorities, and to deal with anything that brings fear to our heart.

Dear Reader,

And Courageous Living does exactly that. It’s an interesting, greatly inspiring, and enlightening mixture of focusing on the different people in the Bible, as well as people in history and more present ones who also took a stand that went against the grain. Intelligent quotes from people like John Mason, Billy Graham, D.L. Moody and others are also used towards its ultimate goal of challenging and encouraging.

It’s written in short, staccato sentences (not necessarily bad; it just takes getting used to) which, on the plus side, are very easy to read, and fully grasp.

Courageous Living is a great accompaniment to the book, and movie, Courageous (as it’s repeatedly referred to, and quotes are shared at the beginning of each chapter) and that’s how I would suggest approaching it. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t recommend this book to be read by its lonesome, but it is better if you’ve experienced the movie and excels even more if you’ve read the book Courageous.

And most importantly, as with Courageous, The Resolution for Women, and TheResolution for Men, its foundation is built on the solid rock of God’s Word. Not just a verse at the beginning of each chapter (though that, too), but biblical references are given throughout.

This “set” of books and movie definitely something good. Something very, very good indeed.

Till next time, -Eva

--------------------

Source: Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from B&H Publishing

BookReview| The Resolution Books (For Women & For Men)

2012-01-06T18:27:00.001-06:00

Title| The Resolution For Women; The Resolution for Men

Author(s)| Priscilla Shirer; Stephen and Alex Kendrick, with Randy Alcorn

Number of Pages| 288 Pages; 257 Pages

Publisher| B&H Publishing Group

Published| September 2011

Dear Reader,

It’s hard, seriously so, to find words adequate enough to write about books like these, books that cover such a wide scope of issues and topics with such depth and clarity.

There are certain aspects of both books that are the same:

- They are founded strictly and without question on principles found in the Bible. This is their foundation, and the lessons and messages found within are ALL based on teachings from the Bible.

- They are very thorough, leaving very little uncovered and untouched. They dig to the deepest depths of biblical truth and the depths of human nature, and challenge!

- They are very well written, easy to understand, leaving no doubt to what’s being said.

The Resolution for Women is separated into three parts:

This is who I am, covers the areas of being surprisingly satisfied (a resolution be content), purposefully feminine (a resolution to champion biblical femininity), authentically me (a resolution to value myself and celebrate others) and faithfully His (a resolution to be devoted to Christ and defined by His Word).

This is what I have includes such things, which ironically focuses on giving to those around us, such as My Best (a resolution to devote myself completely to God’s priorities), My Blessing (a resolution to esteem others with my time, concern and full attention), and My Forgiveness (a resolution to release others from the prison of my hurt and anger), as well as others.

This is what matters to me handles Fulfilling My Husband (a resolution to be the kind of woman who blesses her man), Loving My Children (a resolution to train my kids in righteousness), and well as Living With Grace, and Leaving a Godly Legacy.

Obviously, some of the content isn’t applicable for single women, but we are still urged to keep our eyes and minds open, and to possibly find godly older women to mentor us, because it doesn’t do anyone good to seek these things when the water is flowing into one’s mouth, so to speak. And the possibility that a woman were to stay single is also included, and the part that she can play.

I also like that the author acknowledges that this book does not contain all the answers and only serves as a starting point for making some relevant changes. In addition, that every step and resolution to be signed and made is to be made with much reflection and prayer.

One thing, though: when you come to the section on being Purposefully Feminine don’t be confused by this part on page 44-45 “A woman’s strength –the true strength of any person, for that matter- is best seen not in the authority of God-Given leadership.” I read and reread this sentence, utterly confused because it said the exact opposite of what that chapter has been teaching! However, the smoke cleared when it was restated in the resolution-signing section like so “A woman’s strength is best seen not in the demonstration of her power but in her ability to harness it under the authority of God-given leadership.” A truly challenging thought indeed!

The Resolution for Men differs from the former book in its own unique ways. Written for, and by men, it has a different voice and approach.

It includes only two parts and an appendix. The first part serves as a kind of introduction to the resolution itself, why the resolution is needed, how it can be done successfully, and the inevitable effect that it has on a man and those surrounding him. Again, a lot is targeted at fathers, but that’s doesn’t mean that single men can’t also find valuable take-aways. In fact, I guarantee that they will.

The second part focuses on the different aspects of the resolution itself including resolving to be a man of responsibility, to lead and bless your family and love your wife, to live with honour, to fight for justice, to demonstrate love, among others.

It is a tough, demanding, challenging read. I grow tired of using that word, but there really is no other way to describe it. It’s bold, and leaves nothing, nothing unsaid.

The appendix includes helpful information on how to pray for your wife and family (with biblical references), scriptures to memorize with your children, certain influences that you can guard your children from, avoiding pornography (this is also touched in-depth in other parts of the book), as well as other things relevant to a married man living a godly life.

Every chapter included a scripture to memorize that was relevant to that particular chapter, as well as a courageous challenge that are really get-off-your couch-and-get-moving!! challenging.

This review is perhaps too long and drawn-out but, it doesn’t even make a tiny scratch in the surface of what these books contain: so much relevant information. Please read the one appropriate for you and share it with anyone you can.

Best, -Eva.

-------------
Source: Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookseller from B&H Publishing

Collective Good Reads of 2011

2011-12-29T22:21:00.002-06:00

Dear Reader,

It’s been a very good year, on my part, for the exploration of literature. My reading choices have changed so much from last year and even from the beginning of the year. They’ve become much more selective, as standards have risen. All of books in this list have challenged, inspired, and convicted me for one reason or another. Whether it’s concerning my walk with Jesus or taught me to be a better writer, I’m a better person for having read them.

According to Goodreads, the books that I have recorded as being read in 2011 reach the count of 62-ish. I figured it would be an easy task compiling this list, as several books immediately popped into my head that I knew would make such a list. However, when it came to actually putting it together, the books started vying for attention and pushing each other around.

“Ooh, this one was good!”

“But, no, that one was better...”

“Bother. I have to remove this one because I need to make room for that one.”

10 Best Books Read in 2011 (in no particular order)

The Girl of the Limberlost by GeneStratton-Porter The sweetest book of the greatest collection of happy, but realistic, outcomes you’ll ever read, it has everything: humour, drama, a lil’ bit o’ romance, and the most beautiful celebration of nature you’ll ever come upon in a fictional novel. Look for a review in 2012 once I get around to rereading my prized 1909 copy.

The Soldier’s Cross by Abigail J. Hartman This title and the next one in the list, and their authors, are my favourite discoveries of 2011 and I am utterly delighted to have unearthed them from the droves of the mundane and treasures they are. Both sisters, their writing styles are distinct and inspiring, their imaginations and way with words unlike some authors with years of experience. Read my review here.

The Shadow Things by Jennifer Freitag. Read my review here.

Courageous by Randy Alcorn The perfect example of a book (the only example actually, as far as I can tell) with a predictable plot, and predictable characters, and rather mediocre writing, but the most relevant message for our time that you’ll find. “Stand up, oh men of God! Do what you were called to do!” Read my review here.

Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman In an onslaught of cliché women’s issues books, this one was a cool, fragrant breeze in the hot of summer, a trickle of crystal clear water in the middle of the desert. And the precise and biblically-grounded theology blew me away and will make it a classic for generations to come. Read my review here.

Sinner by Ted Dekker It tells of a world that will soon be upon us: where we’ll not be able to speak freely of our religion, all in the name of tolerance. As Christians our adversaries will be great, but will we, will you and I, be one of the 3000, or 300 (or 30) who stand in the gap and fight for what’s right? I’ve never considered myself worthy to write a review that will do this book justice. Maybe in the coming year though.

The Well by Mark Hall This one stands out simply because Mark Hall knows how to coolify strong, biblical messages without becoming blasphemous, as other leaders have done in their books as of late. This book is practical enough to appeal to older generations, but its attraction also encompasses younger ones, like me. Universal, yes? Its message is new and fresh, and the lessons I learned have stuck by faithfully. Read myreview here.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis A love affair with the books of C.S. Lewis began with this masterpiece. It’s cunning, sharp and will astound you with its keen study of even the slightest of human failures. Beware, though, you may not wish to know what it reveals of the ways and means of demons. I recommend that you do- you’ll be so much more wiser. No review because I’ve just listened to it on an audiobook [but hope to obtain a hard copy soon], and I don’t write extensive reviews on books that I’ve listened to. I also had the utmost pleasure of listening to the Focus on theFamily Radio Theatre performance of this book. If you can get it, it’s worth every minute of your time.

Safely Home by Randy Alcorn Of all the books in this list, this one caused the strongest attack of emotions. I cried so hard, it answered so many questions, convicted me of the too comfortable life I live, and brought so much joy with its outcome. Read my review here.

My life and Lesser Catastrophes byChristina Schofield Very real and very honest, Christina Schofield, with her lovely writing and good humour becomes your best friend. It’s a big plus that though she writes of a very personal, difficult experience, she doesn’t come across like a self-centered whiner, or even worse, holier-than-thou. Read myreview here.

Five Honourable Mentions:

If this list consisted of 13 books, these would be in it. They’re excellent books, and I love them, but others were better.

Stepping Heavenward by Elisabeth E.Prentiss Spanning the years between 16 years of age and late motherhood, this book is written in the authentic style of the journal of the main character. I was advised that I most likely would not want to read this book in one sitting, but once it was started it wouldn’t let me go. It was so genuine, many of the entries could be my own! Review coming in 2012.

Immanuel’s Veins by Ted Dekker Despite the controversy that this book has caused (sparked by ignorance: no matter how some of the characters were portrayed they were Nephilim [Genesis 6] and not vampires) it’s a favourite not only because of the master storyweaving and almost unmatched writing, but because of this quote: Surely this is why the Christ had bled out on that cross of torture. Not for religion, Christianity or orthodoxy, but for the heart of man.

Review might be coming in 2012.

Paula the Waldensian by Eva Lacomte A charming, classic story of how a young girl, whose faith in Jesus is strong and unmoving, changes the lives of the non-believer family she comes to live with, even when met with much opposition. Read my review here.

[The only reason the next two haven’t made the top 10 list is because I haven’t finished reading them. If I should make a list like this next year, they’ll be sure to be on it.]

Ben-hur by Lew Wallace

The Resolution For Women by Priscilla Shirer.

Well, this is rather long-ish post/list but, as per usual, it feels like I’ve forgotten something.

What would you add to this list? What does your top ten list consist of, if you’ve compiled one at all?

All the best, God's best, to you in the coming year,

-Eva.

BookReview| Elizabeth M. Bonker, Virginia G. Breen- I Am In Here

2011-12-27T13:00:00.013-06:00

Title| I Am In Here: The Journey of a Child With Autism Who Cannot Speak but Finds Her Voice

Author| Elizabeth M. Bonker, Virginia G. Breen

Number of Pages| 208 Pages

Publisher| Revell, a division of Baker publishing Group

Published| November 2011

Synopsis: Though she cannot speak, Elizabeth Bonker writes poetry that shines a light on the hidden inner world of autism and the world around us. I Am In Here is the spiritual journey of a mother and daughter who refuse to give up, who celebrate their victories and who keep moving forward despite the obstacles. Elizabeth’s poetry and her mother’s stirring storytelling combine in the inspirational book to proclaim that there is always a reason to the next step- with hope.

Dear Reader,

            I started reading this book and was instantly captivated, reading it in snatches, but with time running away on me as I read deeper and deeper into Elizabeth's story.

            There’s no possible way that anyone can read this book and not be profoundly affected by its contents. The ignorance concerning autism that I’ve lived with all this time was rudely picked up the ears and given a good, healthy shake, and I know it will do the same for many people. It’s uncomfortable, but timely and much needed. I Am In Here challenges, in every sense of the word, accepted worldviews and gets us out of our comfort zone and into the grittier aspects of life.

It inspires, also, the reader to be driven, to reach out and, a personal favourite: be relentless in pursuing what’s important to us. If Elizabeth can find her voice, in such a beautiful and precise way, why are we still sitting around with the freedom and God-given abilities to do so??

A pattern emerges after a while, though: Virginia comparing various things to what it’s like to being an autism mom [after all that’s what 95% of what I Am In Here is about.]

The title and synopsis are definitely misleading. Simply put, it’s not about Elizabeth, but more about various “how people”, and past events, who/which influenced Virginia over the years and sadly, somewhere after the middle of the book it starts coming across as terribly self-centered, dull and very repetitive. The result is that it leaves several holes in general. For example, certainly Ray, or Gale, plays a much greater role in it all than the short-ish blurb they got. I kept wondering and wondering about the rest of the family, until, lo and behold, they popped up in Chapter 11 and then only vaguely.

The Christian aspect of the book also had me puzzled. The book is published by a respected Christian publishing group, and it was described as “spiritual journey” after all. The poems Elizabeth has written clearly show a rather mature view of God and faith in Him.Such as this one:

God Loves Us All
It does not matter who you are
It does not matter if you stray far
God is always there for you
In spite of what you may do
His love is stronger
Than anyone can know
You just have to go
To God
(age 9)

And they get better and better as she gets older.

There was something about her mom’s religious worldviews [‘faith’ doesn’t fit here] that I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but everything clicked into place when the chapter, ‘Suffering’, came up and with it, this part:

“One of the most important times of my life was a year on a fellowship studying Eastern philosophies in Southeast Asia after college. As a result, you could say that my spiritual life, while Christian, is a bit on the mystic side.”

After that chapter, “spirituality” came up quite often, but it was clear by the excerpts from books and movies shared that Virginia doesn’t have a strong foundation on God and biblical principles, as one might think, but is rather grasping at straws to find peace and strength wherever she possibly can. Indeed, when God is mentioned, it’s often in ‘why’ questions that are elementary.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not criticizing Virginia as a parent. Indeed, from what I’ve read, or have been able to read between the lines, she is an amazing “autism mom”, very capable and, as she often bought up, relentless in the way she needs to be for Elizabeth and Charlie. Very clearly, in this way, the mother God has meant for her autistic children to have.

However, perhaps when writing a book on what should be about her daughter, and bringing inspiration, through her daughter’s poetry, to the world of autism and the world in general, then that should, for the most part, be focused on. Otherwise this book could be titled I Know She’s In There: The Journey of a Mom with an Autistic Child who Cannot Speak but Found Her Voice. Or something to that effect.

It’s a good read, it truly is, and I urge it being read simply because of how it enlightens the reader on many aspects of autism from a first-hand experience. The world needs to know more about these things.

Just don’t expect from it what’s promised. And ignore the mini-lessons on Tibetan Buddhism.

Here's a feature on Elizabeth aired on PBS, as mentioned in the book. A must-watch:

Till next time, -Eva.

--------------------------------
Source: 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.

BookReview| Rondi DeBoer, Christine Tangvald- My Favorite Bible

2011-12-26T13:08:00.002-06:00

Bring the Bible alive! Start your little ones on a lifelong love of God's Word!

Title| My FavoriteBible: The Best Loved Stories of the Bible

Author| Rondi DeBoer, Christine Tangvald

Illustrator| Ariel Pang

Number of Pages| 384 Pages

Publisher| Revell,division of Baker Publishing Group

Published| August 2011

Synopsis: The colorful and dynamic gospel-centered Bible storybook guides children through the foundational truths of Scripture. each story is fully and vividly illustrated and includes a simple narrative with things children ages 4-8 love: repetition, rhythm, and energy, along with a key biblical theme, a key Bible verse, an activity page, and discussion questions.

Adults and children will cherish time together as they grow closer to God.

Dear Reader,

It’s been a while since I’ve been so unabashedly delighted by a book, I'm at a loss as to where to start to tell you about it!

The writing perhaps?

The Family Talk and Family Fun sections?

The illustrations?

The writing, the translation used, is so appealing to younger children. It’s captivating, told with great love and a sense that one has all the time in the world to share these wonderful truths. However, it’s not just the actual reverence and careful consideration with which the Bible stories are told. It’s the font size change and the waves in the text. It adds a strong, dynamic emphasis on particularly important details in that specific story, so that the young reader will pick it up immediately. Also, when you, as an adult, are perhaps reading aloud to child(ren), it’s easier to put interest and excitement into something that reads “...and their children were all so very hungry! as opposed to: “...and their children were all so very hungry.

I’m not embarrassed to admit that I was completely riveted and would wholly recommend a read-through of this book to any adult as well. When was the last time you considered this:

“God says wisdom is worth more than silver of gold.

Worth more than all the treasures of the world.

Wow!”

The ‘wow’ there, it’s the ‘wow’. This book completely captures a childlike wonder; it’s no wonder Jesus urges us to be like little children: to have such a simple faith, that believes completely with such abandon.

The Family Talk sections add much value, and are filled with, first, a short, one-sentence “Faith Foundation” quote that summarizes the Bible story just told. This is followed by a short paragraph that provides additional explanation, and in-depth discussion questions easily understood by children.

The Family Fun sections include both easier activities, and more extensive ones, requiring more effort, but all educating and character building, Some encourage working in a group, others alone; every section includes good opportunities for expression via art.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable; they’re beautifully done, colorful, warm~ and are perfect for the young eyes that will view them.{Click on the illustrator's name in the book information listed at the beginning of the blog post and it will take you to her website; once there go to 'illustrations'. Her very distinct style is worth checking out beyond this book.}

And it’s all wrapped up with a most appropriate finale:

“And so, my friend,
this is not the end.
This is only the beginning of
Your life of faith in Jesus...
the Promised One!

Amen.

I highly recommend this children’s Bible; giving it as a gift to your child, or niece, or nephew or any child in your life, you’ll not only be giving a gift to them specifically, but to both of you as it will build the foundation of a beautiful relationship between you and them and, most importantly, God.

As ever, -Eva.

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

Jane Austen- Pride and Prejudice

2011-12-22T01:18:00.003-06:00

Dear Reader,
The famous, or infamous [depending on many things], opening sentence “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” and the fact that it is called Austen’s best-loved romance presses on the seeking reader as not being the heaviest option for constructive reading.

I’ve always thought that books like Pride and Prejudice are called classics for a reason, that there was an explanation as to why they’ve stuck around this long. [And it has nothing to do with not being copyrighted, making them freely available to the public, as some have had the audacity to suggest.]

It has to do with the fact that they hold true to that particular era in which they were written; giving the reader a glimpse that is authentic in a way that no imagination of any present-day author could pen.

Pride and Prejudice is a personal favourite, of all Jane Austen’s works.

In Pride and Prejudice we find a first-hand account of the lives of families in the upper middle class of the early 1800’s. The story has been considered trivial because of its wealthy, mostly superficial characters, and rigid, well-mannered events, but a person might tend to think that these opinions are simply borrowed and slightly out of touch with the reality of the literature in question. This is the time in which Jane Austen grew up, and what might we expect a lady from her class to write about, outside of what she knows and can possibly imagine? What but the quaint, entertaining portrayal of balls, proper 'connexions', letter-writing, suitable marriages, and obtaining wealth, among other aspects?

Heavy reading Pride and Prejudice is not, but full of other good little treasures it is, if one has a half a mind to look for them.

Such as, the language used. The wit. The subtle weaving of dry humor that is not uncommon of books like Pride and Prejudice, but still refreshing, nonetheless. As a good friend once stated, “It’s all a bit of fluff, but I read and reread them simply because of the words.” It’s book of dialogue, yes, often long passages of it and the characters’ personalities and what they have to teach us is emphasized by their conversations with each other, often revealing surprising wisdom in sharp studies of character, as well as a hilarious parade of the silliest people you ever did see. Valuable reading, I would say, for the budding author who hasn't quite grasped the skill of giving each character a distinctive voice without using 'Jill said', or 'Jack said.'

The ‘romance’ is something to be appreciated; proper, and courtly, not given to superfluous events,even in flightiest of relationships. [Wickham did marry Lydia, after all.] Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s conversations, for example, serious and otherwise, aren’t empty flirtations as would be found in many modern romance novels, but rather a steady show of progression in their understanding/misunderstanding of each others character. Not a single detail wasted, all moving along a precisely, tightly planned plot.

However, outside of all this, the greatest value does lie in the character of Miss Elisabeth Bennett, the proud, intelligent protagonist who readers, for centuries, have either strongly disliked or felt a high kinship to. In her, we can find a most common human flaw, something any of us can relate to and find a lesson in its failing.
She tells it most eloquently here:

"She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. –Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think, without feeling that she been blind, partial, prejudiced, absurd.
‘How despicably have I acted!’ she cried. – ‘I, who have prided myself on my discernment! – I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity, in useless or blameable distrust. –Yet, how just a humiliation! –Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly. –Pleased with the beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either were concerned. Till this moment, I never knew myself."

Ah yes, the inevitable prejudice brought about by pride.

Pride and Prejudice is more than 'just a romance'; instead it's an artful weaving of wit, drama, and an almost uncannily accurate portraiture of human nature.

As ever, -Eva

BookReview| Randy Frazee- The Heart of the Story

2011-12-21T08:44:00.002-06:00

"Discover Your Story within the Grand Epic of God's One Story."

Title| The Heart of the Story: God’s Masterful Design to Restore His People

Author| Randy Frazee

Number of Pages| 256 Pages

Publisher| Zondervan

Published| August 2011

Synopsis: The Heart of the Story will help you see God’s Word in a new and inspiring light. In the Bible’s seemingly unconnected stories you’ll discover on grand, unfolding epic- God’s story from Genesis onward, and your own story contained within it.
To understand the Bible, says author Randy Frazee, you need bifocal lenses, because two perspectives are involved. The Lower Story, our story, is actually many stories of men and women interacting with God in the daily course of life. The Upper Story, the tale of his great, overarching purpose that fits all the individual stories together like panels in one unified mural.

Dear Reader,

Getting to ‘the heart of the story’ simply means a quick telling of all the main points of the main bible stories and how we can find examples and lessons to apply to today’s lives.

It’s very interesting, the present-day ‘Lower Story’ parts; they’re filled with touching, inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes of different people and their circumstances, as well facts and figures from the world round, and both past and present, used to illustrated this point or another.

That said, this book must be targeted at newborn Christians because its foundation is completely elementary. Amazing that an entire campaign of books, videos, music, and other material had to be launched in order to hit home the messages of Proverbs 3:5 and Isaiah 55:8, among many others.

This is the basic groundwork of Christian faith and to think that’s brought across as something astonishingly new and ground-breaking! This is why they say the Christian church is weakening: because the congregations are being coddled and spoon-fed, instead of challenged! Where’s the depth and spiritual authority?

The real problem doesn’t lie therein, however. It’s the theology that was a tad faulty that doesn’t sit well with me, and shouldn’t with any reader. Entire congregations, study groups, and youth groups are being taught this? Are being taught that:

“When we look at the Upper Story of God –his magnificent mural- we discover where we fit in, because this story was created to deliver one singular message: “If you want to live life to the fullest and enjoy it forever, then become part of my masterpiece.”

“The story of the Bible opens with a big bang, but this big bang is not an accident. God is behind or, better, above it all. The Godhead- Father, Son, and Holy Ghost- challenged each to the mother of all science fair projects. Creation in the result.”

God wants to be with us. The God of the universe has created a place to come down and be with a community of people. He no longer wanted only to enjoy the perfect community he had as the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). He wanted to share it with us. The Ultimate Author of this grand story was not content to be all by himself anymore.”

And if I had read ONE MORE TIME about God wanting to DO LIFE with us, I was sure I was going to scream! God made us the promise –and fulfilled it- to send a loving Saviour, Jesus, so that we may live with God forever <that way, not the other way around. God isn’t obliged to “do life” with us, but He did give us the opportunity to accept Jesus as our Saviour and thus open the Way into perfect fellowship with Him because He IS a merciful, loving God who deserves all honour, glory, and power.

And God “adjusted his plan” after the Fall? A omnificent, omnipotent, omnipresence God, the Alpha and Omega, adjusted His plan when Adam and Eve chose wrongly and brought sin into the world?? No. God forbid that this little part of 'the story' should sink into anyone's heart and be believed.

And that’s just from the introduction and first chapter!

What good, then, is skilful writing?

The fact is this:

At the end of the day, the world doesn’t need another translation of the Bible, and a new, hip retelling of the Bible stories; they need Jesus and they need the pure, unadulterated message of the Gospel.

I did pick up this book with a great hope for it, I honestly did. That proved to be rather unfounded, though.

Am I wrong? Have I been all too close-minded? If you have read the book, and have formed your own opinions, share them!

Look forward to hearing your thoughts,

Till next time, -Eva.

BookReview| Sally Lloyd-Jones- Song of the Stars

2011-12-18T15:54:00.005-06:00

"Suddenly angels lit up the whole sky and a great choir sang it out loud... "It's time! It's time! At last! He's Here!"

Title| Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

Author| Sally Lloyd-Jones

Paintings| Alison Jay

Number of Pages| 32 Pages

Publisher| Zonderkidz [Zondervan]

Published| September 2011

Synopsis: The entire universe is breathless with anticipation... The joyous news spreads out across fields, deserts, oceans- from stars, to trees, to robins, to flowers. Sheep tell their young. Angels sing to the shepherds. And together they all join in nature’s great chorus of praise to the newborn King. The long-awaited child has come!

Dear Reader,

Here is an engaging children’s story, giving a different, thrilling perspective of the birth of the child and King worthy of the celebration during the season now upon us, and all glory, honour, and power.

It begins “The world was about to change forever. And it almost went about unchanged... But the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumour.” Such is the well-chosen play of words. It starts out quietly, in anticipation, slowly building in excitement, making it perfect for many an enthralling storytime.

“The skies shouted it to the seas that thundered it to the waves that roared it to the great white whales that sang it to the starfish in the deep.”

It’s a beautiful study of nature and animals and how the entire world felt the coming of the Rescuer, “the One who made us.”

Also the story doesn’t fail to tell why this little baby came, and why the animals would be so excited, why the angels sang, making it a fitting complementing story for answering the questions of young, inquisitive minds.

“A Light to light up the whole world!”

“And the gazed in wonder at God’s great gift. Lying in a bed of straw wrapped in rags- a tiny little baby."

The paintings are whimsical, lively, and colourful. As well as filled to the brim with many different of God’s creations: each two-page spread features a different part of the world, such as the ocean, the desert, woodlands, or the Savannah and will provide much delight for any young booklover.

Till next time, -Eva.

--------------

Source: Zonderkidz sent a copy of the Song of the Stars, for the sole purpose of reviewing. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

BookReview| Lynn Austin- Wonderland Creek

2011-12-01T21:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Reader,

What true blood, certified bookworm doesn’t want to read a story that features a heroine who harbors the same love of books? There was that that first drew me to Wonderland Creek and... it just seemed like it would be an absolutely gorgeous telling of adventure. Oh, but it turned out to be that and so much more.

Excerpt from the synopsis: Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream a world, her nose stuck in a book. But the happily-ever-after life she’d planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real one. To top it off, Alice loses her beloved library job because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.
Longing to run from small-town gossip, Alice flees to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the tiny coal-mining town of Acorn, a place with no running water, no electricity, and where the librarians ride ornery horses up steep mountain passes to deliver books. When Alice is forced to stay in Alcorn far longer than she planned, she discovers that real-life adventure, mystery... may be far better that her humble dreams could have imagined.

Wonderland Creek is rich, and completely delicious in both the writing -including descriptions, characters, and settings- and the wise, and clear life-messages threaded throughout.

Truly this may be of surprise, but it is books like these that help to have me realize what it is that I love about historical fiction. Details are not out of place, and, for the most part, it’s as if it was written from first-hand experience. It was just simply fascinating to read in such exquisite detail of the how the characters were affected by the Great Depression, both people in the city and the poorer folks living in small, coal-mining mountain towns.

Actually, if truth be told, Wonderland Creek reminded me a LOT of Christy by Catherine Marshall. So much that, despite of the blonde, curly-haired woman on the cover, a dark-haired Christy was how I pictured Alice to be.

The cast of characters is a colorful, crazy patchwork quilt. There’s the comfortable predictability of the family and friends at home. However, it’s the people of Acorn that give gives the story its music, such as the “exhilarating, foot-taping” fiddle music that Ike Arnett played. Meet June Anne, with a small colicky baby, a husband out looking for a job, and no help from family because of a generations-old feud. Meet Mack, Acorn librarian and collage-educated, out to do good for the people Acorn, but is met with much resistance. And then there’s my personal favorite: Miss Lillie, a former slave, with wisdom enough to be equaled to a hundred people, and a faith unshakable. She’s the one passionate about Jesus and doing God’s will and the one who challenged and exposed Alice’s little Sunday school faith for what it was.

Through going to Acorn the protagonist’s world was shaken up and turned upside down, but for the good. There were some important lessons that Alice had to learn that required her to step out of her self-centered, imaginary world, and into reality.

It’s filled with happy endings, some not quite realistic [not wanting to include spoilers here, but I definitely think some things should’ve happened differently in order to expound on a more powerful message that was started based on Matthew 6:21], but at the end of the day, Wonderland Creek is a wonderful tale of God working in the lives of the ordinary in not so ordinary ways. Sometimes we need to woken up, and pushed out of the rut that we’ve worked ourselves into and it’s through that that this story is most likely the story of, and for, many.

Till next time, -Eva.

------------------------------------

Title| Wonderland Creek

Author| Lynn Austin

Number of Pages| 400 Pages

Publisher| Bethany House, division of Baker Publishing Group

Published| October 2011

------------------------------------

Source: 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

BookReview| Elisabeth Gifford- The House of Hope

2011-11-26T01:58:00.009-06:00

Dear Reader,

First of all, please note that 100% of the proceeds of this book go toward funding the work at Hope Foster Home, of who's work this book is about.

It’s an essential part of the Christian walk to interest ourselves in staying informed in what’s happening in the lives of those Christian soldiers making drastic differences for the good around the world. This is why The House of Hope initially intrigued me as it did: who wouldn’t want to read of “God’s love for the abandoned orphans in China” and the remarkable people who were God’s instruments of a practical, serving love towards these children?

The synopsis: In 1998 Robin and Joyce Hill gave their wealthy expatriate life in China to take sick and abandoned orphans into their home. With their two youngest children the couple moved into a small apartment miles outside Beijing, setting up the first cot in their dining room.
In October 2000 Hope Foster Home received its first tiny children. All had been abandoned and many needed urgent surgical assistance. As news spread, so help arrived, along with more orphans. Before long directors of Child Welfare Institutes across China were asking Joyce and Robin to step in.
To date Robin and Joyce and their dedicated team have rescued over 1000 children.

In short, The House of Hope surprised me. I looked forward to reading this account. That’s what I thought it would be: an account, a report. One that was interesting certainly, but at its best, simply dry. Isn’t this customary with non-fiction books like The House of Hope?

To much delight, the blessed reader with this book in hand will find out that this is not the case.

It’s the opposite of dry. It’s not flat, detached, or impersonal. Better words to describe might be: Warm. Inviting. Rife with character. It doesn’t read like the usual non-fiction book.

You’re invited into the world and lives of these servants of God and the lives they touch of both the children and people around the world who also give/provide in one way or another. I believe a book like this would be hard to write, as it chronicles a journey of a complicated kind over a long-ish period of time, but Elisabeth Gifford handles it with a beautiful poise and skill. The realistic dialogue and artfully penned descriptions throughout bring about a narrative that worms itself into your heart and nestles there, stubbornly refusing to budge.

The personality of each child mentioned is captured. I felt like I knew these children myself and had held them and when some died, I cried, and when others went on the live with their ‘forever family’, it was a personal triumph. It’s beyond what words can describe what it means to read of the “least of these” and “the weakest of the weak”, as the children are often called, being loved unconditionally and cared for like one’s own. It makes for some serious soul-searching.

The following excerpt is one my favourite parts of the book, and I think it perfectly captures what it means to tell others of a loving, living God with our life, through practical, diligent service:

“When Yaya made yet another mess, Xiao Jun stood there and thought, “It is not my job to clean up the children.” But then Robin came in, saw to the mess, and swabbed down the floor.
Years later, when Xiao Jun was working at New Hope as staff manager, she told Joyce: “All the while I stood and watched in silence, and wondered why this foreign man, who gave up a well-paid job, would sacrifice so much for an “ugly” Chinese orphan. He could have ordered me to clean it up, but he did not. What was it in this man’s life that he saw these as so deserving of so much love? At that point I understood the love of Yesu for these children, not through words, but through a simple, humble act.

One of the greatest messages of the book is this: despite Robin’s and Joyce’s imperfect starts [both being divorced from their first spouses], when God called, they answered with ‘yes’. And the journey that followed is an example of faith and trust in God even when plans were absurd and seemed impossible and needs enormous.

As the very last paragraph says:

“They are also adamant that the invitation to jump in that river, and see where it takes you, is open to every ordinary person, and that if you choose to make that leap, it maybe a shock to the system, but God can be trusted to do what He wants to do. Rob says, “It is possible to spend your whole life focusing on your own comfort and safety, or you can accept God’s invitation to come into that rive of His amazing love.”

Amen to that.

As ever, -Eva

Please check out other blog reviews of this remarkable book. You can find a complete list of blogs here.

----------------------------

Title| The House Of Hope: God's love for the abandoned orphans in China

Author| Elisabeth Gifford

Number of Pages| 224 Pages

Publisher| Kregel Books

Published| October, 2011
Buy It| Amazon
----------------------------

Source: LitFuse Publicity Group sent a free copy of The House of Hope in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| Dan Walsh- Remembering Christmas

2011-11-25T02:00:00.004-06:00

Dear Reader,

The cover of this book definitely does the story that it encases justice. Or is it better to say that the story does the cover justice? Whatever the case, the cover’s gorgeous, infused with all the contentment and warmth that the Christmas [I know] brings. The story? Well, the story is absolutely lovely.

The synopsis: Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to know one. So when his mother calls begging him to come home after his stepfather has an aneurysm, Rick is more than a little reluctant. What was supposed to be just a couple of days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and dealing with the homeless guy who keeps hanging around the store. The one bright spot is the lovely and intriguing young woman who works at his side each day.
As Christmas nears, Rick’s old life beckons, the hurts from his past loom large, and the decisions he makes will determine more than just where he spends Christmas.

Once in awhile there does come a book into my hands, that once it’s started, it’s difficult for me to put it down because it’s so compelling that the midnight oil burns bright. Remembering Christmas is such a book. It’s by no means a heavy, complicated read, but it’s still quite satisfying.

“Can one Christmas change life forever?” the back cover asks the reader. That and what the reader already knows of Rick Denton rather does render the story predictable. Anyway, one would think so. However, it is only to a certain extent. What unfolds is a sweet, nostalgic, tear-inducing drama that flows smoothly across the pages. You, dear Reader, are in for some pretty rich surprises, so brace yourself when you start this story.

Even the minor characters have their personalities figured out. That’s one of Remembering Christmas’s crowning aspects [well, aside from the fact that a book store plays a big part]: these are real people living amidst the words of the story, even though they are figments of the author’s imagination. Each one is distinct and beautiful in the part they play.

The happily-ever-after ending that focused mostly on material wealth and being successful was a bit disappointing, though. If this was truly to be about ‘remembering Christmas’, then it sure doesn’t mention EVERY “good and perfect gift of Christmas”, as the short blurb on the back cover puts it.

Despite of that, though, it’s still a worthwhile read.

Are you in the mood for some good Christmas literature? You just read about a great choice.

Till next time, -Eva

-----------------------------------

Title| Remembering Christmas

Author| Dan Walsh

Number of Pages| 272 Pages

Publisher| Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Published| September, 2011

-----------------------------------

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

BookReview| John Eldredge- Beautiful Outlaw

2011-11-24T09:37:00.001-06:00

Dear Reader,

When I first came upon this book titled Beautiful Outlaw, the song ‘Beautiful Scandalous Night’ by The Robbie Seay Band came to mind. Namely, something that incorporated an odd combination of words, which in reality rather put it in a way that nothing else could.

Beautiful Scandalous Night speaks of the salvation we find at Calvary and tells of the “wonderful, tragic” event, as it was when Jesus died to pay the ransom for many.

A beautiful scandalous night? A beautiful outlaw? What?? When one thinks about it, those words ARE the perfect way to describe it.

If you do not know the power of his indwelling life in you, shaping your personality, healing your brokenness, enabling you to live as he did- you have been plundered.

Beautiful Outlaw is just what the world needs on a lot of levels. As an excerpt from the synopsis says:

Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The result is a dry, two-dimensional person doing strange, undecipherable things.
In Beautiful Outlaw, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. He was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, drinking heavily. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passionately. He had a sense of humour. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He’d say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not Jesus of the stained glass windows.

For the most part, it does reveal an incredible grasp of the power of words and a deep understanding of religious surroundings, really. I imagine that if John Eldredge and C.S. Lewis ever had a chance to exchange letters, it would’ve made for some peppery reading.
The author is nothing but cunning in the book. As soon as something is said that’s sure to raise the hackles of the reader, he jumps in with, ‘ah! I know what you’re thinking. Don’t let that take over: that’s the religious fog.’

The religious fog. The one of the most outstanding trends of the book. The author seeks to challenge our views and relationship with Jesus to become something deeper, and in doing so, also speaks out strongly against the one thing that stands in the way of this. He’s bold and outspoken.

You must understand an important distinction - there is Christianity, and then there is church culture. They are not the same. Often they are far from the same. The personality conveyed through much of Christian culture is not the personality of Jesus but of the people in charge of that particular franchise. Tragically, the world looks funny hats or big hair, gold thrones and purple curtains, stained glass or for machines and assumes this is what Jesus must be like.

The spirit of our day is soft acceptance of everything – except deep conviction in anything.

If I carried anything away from the book, it’s wanting to, and practicing to, look at nature and experience nature more richly, more appreciatively and with a more grateful heart.

A favorite excerpt:

Now, if you have any belief in the sovereignty of God, you discover that these moments are orchestrated... Haven’t you seen something in nature that made you laugh? Perhaps you did not make the connection- that you were meant to laugh.

As to learning about Jesus’ personality, I don’t think that I took away anything new and mind-blowing: I’ve been reading Max Lucado for years, and some of the things brought up in Beautiful Outlaw were talked about in Just Like Jesus, for example. Still though, this could be a vastly different experience for another person. I can absolutely imagine another reader being absolutely floored [or blown away, whichever] by many of the things this book teaches.

However, some other aspects I noticed:

In an effort to bring across his points, especially in the first chapter titled ‘The Playfulness of God and the Poison of Religion’, the author in his writing sometimes comes across as flippant with a careless attitude. That is something that certainly isn’t healthy to cultivate in our relationship with Jesus.

Some Bible verses used were interpreted in ways different than what I’m used to or what I have been taught. In fact, different from what I know them to mean. It seems that maybe the interpretation was made what it was simply to enhance the author’s personal opinions and teachings. It’s definitely something to look out for.

Call me old-fashioned, but I didn’t like the use of darn and various other like words sprinkled throughout the book.

After a bit, I grew to dislike the phrase ‘experience Jesus’ that’s used throughout because I believe with it, the author did the opposite of what he sought to do with the book. To ‘experience’ detaches. If we’re meant to have an intimate friendship/relationship with Jesus then we’re not meant ‘experience’ Him. We sure don’t ever ‘experience’ the people around us: we love them, interact with them, talk, laugh, and cry with them, etc. etc.

Outside of that, it was still quite the read.

Friends, this is not simply a nicer view of Jesus. This is not merely a more winsome Christ or a smattering of fresh insights. This is not confetti- lovely while it falls, soon to be swept away.
Jesus is our life.

Till next time, -Eva.

--------------------------------------------

Title| Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravangant Personality of Jesus

Author| John Eldredge

Number of Pages| 240 Pages

Publisher| FaithWords

Publication| October 12, 2011

--------------------------------------------

Source: A free copy of Beautiful Outlaw was sent to me byFaithWords (thank you, Sarah!) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| Melody Carlson- The Christmas Shoppe

2011-11-19T01:00:00.005-06:00

Dear Reader,

Traces of this glorious time almost upon us are popping up all across the blogosphere and It IS time for reviews of Christmas tales to be popping up here on The Watered Garden Letters as well. The Christmas Shoppe is truly a good a place to start as any because what a sweet little ditty of a book this one turned out to be!

The synopsis: In this charming story full of sweet surprises, find out what happens when curiosity gets the best of people and they enter the Christmas Shoppe.

The beginning of it can be likened unto a... couple spoonfuls of whipped cream: it sure satisfies the cravings of that sweet tooth, but fluffy it is, and nutritious it’s not. It was hard for me to ‘get into it’ because of this; I kept wondering when the substance would come in. However, I stuck it out because I knew it was coming and couldn’t wait to find out how it would unfold.

Guess what I get tell you, dear Reader? It doesn’t disappoint. There’s such a lovely mixture of real, quirky characters and happy endings with pasts resolved that just thinking back on it conjures up those warm, fuzzy, contented feelings that we’re so often afflicted with during this time.

You know, some might call the idea of the Christmas Shoppe and the part it plays in the characters’ lives far-fetched to the point of fantasy. However, it came across as quite fitting because that’s what God does in our lives: there comes a time when we’ve carried around burdens long enough and since we’re not doing anything but running, the Lord has us meet them in stark clarity, and with His help resolve them. And the means by which He works are sometimes nothing but strange to our limited perspective.

That’s what makes The Christmas Shoppe a winner: the cast of characters was less than perfect, but when it became quite clear that their lives were rather messed up, they knew who to where to go some ultimate fixing up. --> A clear, inspiring message, yes?

A lovely tale this one turned out to be: don’t hesitate to pick it up when you’re looking for quick, but worthy Christmas read.

As ever, -Eva

-----------------------------------

Title| The Christmas Shoppe

Author| Melody Carlson

Number of Pages| 168 Pages

Publisher| Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Published| September 2011

-----------------------------------

Source: Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favorite bookstore from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group!

BookReview| Mark Hall- The Well

2011-11-17T12:00:00.002-06:00

Dear Reader,

Here was a book which would give me the chance to see if the depth and beauty of the Casting Crowns songs were actually something that also carried over into the artists’ lives. In other words, does Mark Hall’s music ministry extend beyond songs on a CD with a relevance and understanding? It does. Very much so.

This is something that always makes me wonder and interests me. Some artists have some really nice songs, but when it comes to actually livin’ out the lyrics and carryin’ the message further, things fall flat in this way or that.

I’m not judging one man or group by one book, I’m just saying that after reading The Well, my respect for Mark Hall and Casting Crowns has grown because I know that every time I listen to a song by them it’s built on something solid.

Excerpt from the synopsis: “Why are so many so close to the Well and still so thirsty? Mark Hall takes the powerful story of the Woman at the Well and her encounter with Jesus to help readers understand the “wells” we go to for like and sustenance, the “wells” of success, talent, control, favour, religion, etc., are keeping us from replying on Jesus and his abundant life, and we will never be truly satisfied until we realize that and go to him for our needs.”

There’s the light-hearted humour sprinkled throughout and then there’s the authority and a deep knowledge which makes up the backbone. The Well is a compelling concoction of real-life stories, practical illustrations and biblical applications. It goes right to the heart of the matter, leaving nothing unsaid in the meantime.

“Pray. Pour out your heart. Be as loud and as bone honest as you need to be. God can handle it. Then leave it be. And trust the Lord. Continue to serve and honour him with your life, and leave the results to him.”

“We long for Jesus because he has placed that longing in us, and we see what he does in other people’s lives. But our human nature makes us see him as useful to us instead of Lord over us. We see him as the fixer and the sprinkler of blessings. We him to come join us and bless what we’re doing when what he longs to do is transform our hearts and minds.”

Ouch, that. That’s a typical hit-the-nail-on-the-head passage from The Well. The book is filled with many, sometimes an entire chapter, such as chapter 10, titled ‘Living Like You Just Woke Up’.

It’s one thing that Mark Hall wrote this book, but it’s another that he was able to do it well, with a voice that will appeal both to the older, and to even more to youth. I once listened to a message by the author after a friend recommended it saying that Mark Hall really knew how to talk to young people [he is a youth minister, after all] and I was amazed by how that didn’t change in this book. I greatly appreciated the fact Mark does a spectacular job of maintaining a hip, cool tone, without watering down the message, and I think all readers will. I have read too many books lately where Christian leaders, with maybe trying reach a more widespread audience, have said [to be frank] the stupidest things in their books in an effort to make the message cool, or fun, or whatever.

It’s also valuable in the way that it also offers wise, biblically-founded advice how as to how to return to The Well and the Living Water He has to offer us. At the very end of the book there is a Practical Application section consisting of 5 points, “five summary points of encouragement”, with Bible verse references, which is one of my favourite parts of the book. That and the extensive study guide should provides some awesome discussion with friends and family.

The empty holes that we go to [the hole of approval, of religion, of resourcefulness, of talent, etc.] talked about in the book are so common, so obvious and yet it was like I was reading something brilliant and new. Simply because these are the things that are dead to us. We’re oblivious that this is the road we are traveling. And the world needs to hear about it! That’s why I thank Jesus that Mark Hall was able to write this book, and that I, and so many others, have the blessed opportunity to read it.

Till next time, -Eva.

----------------------------------------

Title| The Well: Why Are Many Still So Thirsty?

Author| Mark Hall, with Tim Luke

Number of Pages| 208 Pages

Publisher| Zondervan

Publication| August 2011

----------------------------------------

Source: Zondervan, through Media Collective [thank you, Courtney!] was generous enough to send a free ARC of The Well in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

An extra: Check out Casting Crowns’ new CD titled ‘Come To The Well’ which is the perfect accompaniment to The Well. Songs of special note: Courageous, City On A Hill, The Well, Jesus Friend of Sinners and Spirit Wind.

BookReview| Carlos Parra Diaz- Hope Underground

2011-11-16T15:13:00.001-06:00

Dear Reader,

Maybe you followed the news reports of this real-drama last year? Really, this isn’t an event to be forgotten. That’s why books like Hope Underground are so important. Years from now, people will still be able to read this story of faith and miracles concerning the 34 Chilean miners.

Excerpt from synopsis: It was the longest underground entrapment in history. For ten weeks the faith and endurance of a group of Chilean miners, their families and rescue workers were severely tested as the miners remained trapped 700 meters below the Atamaca Desert. Many feared the rescue effort would be merely a body-recovery process.
Yet instead of abandoning hope, the miner’s families chose to place themselves at the mercy of the elements and camp around the mine- in what later became known as Camp Hope- uniting in their prayers for a miracle.

Having, after quickly scanning the entire synopsis, failed to actually grasp what it said, I didn’t pick up the fact that wasn’t just a general overview account of what happened during the entire incident, but a personal telling of the author’s experience.

I was then rather surprised when I began reading and it turned out to be about the part that the author played in everything [though, don’t misunderstand me, it wasn’t solely about this]. It wasn’t disappointing at all, because I found as I read more and more that the result of this was that it wasn’t distant, but rather very rich, personal and... real. It’s detailed and informative from the first page when the reader is captured by a fascinating introduction to the setting of this unique story, namely the Atacama Desert.

Background information is given, not only as to why and how Pastor Parra came to be chaplain of Camp Hope, but also the history of the San Jose Mine and the parts various other people played throughout the time the of the rescue. The photos shared in the middle of the book definitely add perfect visuals as the reader can put faces to the names of key people.

I think these aspects are bonuses, though, because even without them it wouldn’t have dimmed the most important part of this all, as it’s summed up in the past paragraph from the last pages of the book:

So why did God permit this to happen?
To get our attention. To call humanity back to Himself. Through the miracle of San Jose Mine, witnessed by more people than any other news story in history, God issued a call to Hiscreation, every human being, to make a decision while there is still time to do so. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, laid down His life on the cross as a substitute for sinful humanity, as a guarantee of salvation and eternal life, free of charge, to anyone who will receive this precious gift. By reminding the world of His reality and His love, even in the dark depths of San Jose Mine, God is offering very human being once again the opportunity to make a very simple decision: Will you follow God, or will you reject Him?

The synopsis says that Hope Underground is a must-read for anyone who seeks a deeper spiritual insight into this thrilling and unique real-life drama. I heartily agree with exactly that.

Till next time, -Eva

------------------------------------

Title| Hope Underground: The 34 Chilean Miners, A Story of Faith and Miracles

Author| Carlos Parra Diaz (As told to Mario Veloso and Jeanette Windle)

Number of Pages| 191

Publisher| Imago Dei Books

Published| October 2011

------------------------------------

Source: The B&B Media Group [thank you, Audra!] sent a free copy of Hope Underground in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| Jennifer Freitag- The Shadow Things

2011-11-12T16:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Reader,

Perhaps you’ll agree with me when I say one of the most delightful experiences is coming across a relatively unknown author, and finding a work so eloquently and breath-takingly written that you wonder at the fact that not more people are raving about it.

The synopsis: The legions have left the province of Britain and the Western Roman Empire has dissolved into chaos. With the world plunged into darkness, paganism and superstitions are as rampant as ever. In the Down country of southern Britain, young Indi has grown up knowing nothing more than his gods of horses and thunder; so when a man from across the sea comes preaching a single God slain on a cross, Indi much choose between his gods or the one God – and face the consequences of his decision.

For such a thin volume [a mere 192 pages], The Shadow Things sure packs a lot of weight. Here is drama at its finest. Drama at its most intense, seductive [not in the literal sense of the word!] finest. I’d be sitting in a room flooded with sunlight, reading, completely pulled into the story, when after a bit I would resurface and the world which I had just left would still be darkening the edges of my being. The writing is of a quality that is equalled or surpassed by only a few books of the several hundred that I’ve read in my lifetime. Every single scene was penned with the utmost care, words chosen and placed just so. Either the author has been gifted with the skill of words equal to that of five authors or she tried and tried again until she got it just right. I imagine she must’ve taken great pleasure in bringing the characters and their world to life.

However, it’s not really this that gives The Shadow Things its value.

What a powerful picture it paints of, on the one hand, the persecution the people of a pagan group might go through should they leave their gods behind and follow the one true God. On the other hand, there’s also the perspective of the fearless missionary who comes bearing the Gospel and the unimaginable struggles that he has.

Also, you, dear Reader, will be floored [or blown away, whichever you prefer] when you come to realize why the book was given title, The Shadow Things. In order to not include spoilers here, I’ll just say that we need to contemplate the message of the shadow things much more than we do and start viewing this life from an eternal perspective.

This book was given a 4 out of 5 stars and here’s why: I don’t know much about this time period, but still, historical fiction should be written with a knowledge and clarity in such a way that this makes no difference to the reader; a fine balance of deciding what facts are essential to the story and what will simply confuse the reader. [Yes? No? Speak out if you think otherwise.] So, it sometimes came across as a muddy slough of gods and goddesses and lands and customs; like it was a puzzle put together with mismatched pieces forced into place.

Some content cautions: it’s not a book that I would hesitate to place in the school library, but it would be reserved for older bookworms. There’s violence, some quite heart-wrenchingly gruesome.

And then there’s the romance. Indi and his woman, for example, are married after all, but good grief! There was no overt sexual content, no, but just enough hinting. What is the author’s target audience? Despite of what it might be, some of the things brought up could’ve done well to be excluded.

Some of the spiritual conversations bring about questionable points, but this, I think, is realistic to newly converted, former pagan unbelievers, trying to make sense of this brave, new, hopeful message. Just keep this mind when you come upon at least two conversations [especially the one on page 71] that will cause you to raise your eyebrows.

The Shadow Things actually took me quite awhile to read, because there was just so much to take in and it’s not a book you’ll want to rush through. In fact, I think you’ll find it quite impossible to do so.Savor it, yes?

“Surely there's something that brings the rain and the dry,” he said to a little ant toiling by his foot. "Look, even you find food to eat. Who watches over you? Surely not the gods. They are almost too busy and unfeeling to care for us. And when they touch us it is to kill us." Indi looked to the field again, his throat constricting when he saw how very brown and hopeless it was. He whispered to to the ant, whispered so the gods would not hear. "What if the Brown Voice speaks rightly? What if there is only one supreme God, and all the rest are evil fakes?" (The Shadow Things, Page 65)

Till next time, -Eva.

------------------------------------------

Title| The Shadow Things

Author| Jennifer Freitag

Number of Pages| 192 Pages

Publisher| Ambassador International

Published| October, 2010

------------------------------------------

Source: An autographed [thanks so much, Jennifer!] copy of the book came to me from the author. The honest opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| Rebecca St. James- What Is He Thinking??

2011-11-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Reader,

Rebecca St. James has been in my music library for years, and I knew that she had had books published in the past, but I’ve never had the chance to read them, so when given the opportunity to see what What Is He Thinking?? was all about, I jumped on it. Of course, the subject tackled also sounded positively intriguing: what girl doesn’t want to know he’s thinking?? It’s not my life-mission to figure this out, no, but the book did contain some good, sometimes surprising, insight.

Excerpt from the synopsis:
In What Is He Thinking??, Rebecca St. James interviews a range of men, from high-profile types to the guy next door, men that every woman can relate to… The men share their thoughts on topics like how women can respect themselves and the men in their lives, modesty, purity, taking it slow, friendship, letting guys lead, and more.

There are a couple of things that I liked about it.

It has an easy-to-follow format and a comfortable, conversational writing style sure to appeal to girls of any age. The end of each chapter included a section titles ‘A Few Takeaways For You and Me’ that included easy-to-remember, and grasp, summarized pointers from that chapter.

All in all, the guys had some pretty great things to say, such as I would think would benefit many girls to hear/read.

“Nathan explained, “It is so important that women know that we are on a spiritual journey, and we need for them to encourage us in that however they can, simply helping us pursue our relationship with God, not necessarily so that they can benefit from it.”

Justin challenges, “…God is eternal and faithful and will never let you down, but guys will. Put your trust in God not in the guy you’re dating. If your value is in only the guy, you are setting yourself up to be crushed.”
Nick answered, “…Respect yourself to the point that you don’t need to change one thing. You are not your own, you belong to God.”

“I think that’s why divorce rates are so high- too many people built their dating relationships on the physical, then had nothing deeper to fall back on when the other person became boring.”

“You should only date someone you would consider marrying. Courtship is the only thing that makes sense. I call it “dating with a purpose.” [More of THAT should’ve been focused on in the book!]

Pages could probably be filled with excerpts like the above. These are what make What Is He Thinking?? a worthwhile read, are what is what gives beef to the book.

It does cover a diverse range of questions, and the Christian men interviewed, in general, give open, honest, well-worded responses. [A ‘disclaimer’ also: it’s a good thing to keep in mind while the tips and guidelines are, for the most part, accurate, in the end, many of them are personal opinion and won’t apply to everyone’s personal situations]

What I didn’t like:

Most importantly, for the most part, it has no biblical foundation. The bible verses at the beginning of each chapter really don’t cut it. The guys had most of their opinions and wisdom based on God and the Bible and I’m very thankful for that, yes; and while I realize that the concept of the book (the interview style) makes this an iffy situation, I believe that had the paragraphs that Rebecca inserted throughout to bridge subject changes been biblically-based, it would’ve come out as a lot more helpful and relevant. Sometimes it was just lame, such as:

“I totally agree. So how can we build some of God’s mysterious nature into our personalities? A good place to start would be by checking out all the names He’s known by in Scripture. Grab a Bible concordance or type “names for God” in a search engine on the Internet. Happy discovery! Just as we are intrigued by the many facets of God, we should create some sense of intrigue for guys in dating relationships”

It often came across like Dating 101 course, especially the first chapter. It’s titled [and should be all about] first impressions in dating relationships, but really it was just the guys, and Rebecca, sharing what would be an ideal first date, and what the guys liked in their ideal girl. It would’ve been great had more focus been put on ‘love’ and ‘marriage’ than had been.

And I still don’t understand why there had to be a small boxed-off section listing reasons why the author has broken up with guys in the past. Even though the synopsis did say that these things would be included, I fail to see their relevance to the general topic of the book. In fact, it rather takes away from the power this book could have.

An overall impression is given that it’s okay for girls to jump from guy to guy in dating relationships and that’s just wrong. I’d hate for that idea to get implanted in young, impressionable girls minds. Others things that were said that would definitely have the same effect:

“To find the right person, we may need to be the right person”.

[I’m sure I don’t have to explain the danger of that.]

“DO: Try to make a guy laugh on the first date…”

[Girls, if you’re the serious kind, don’t go for this and end up making a fool of yourself by trying too hard. Just be yourself and if it doesn’t work out, move on.]

At the end of the day, I love that Rebecca St. James took the initiative to put this book together and it has a lot of great content, but quite frankly, a lot of the things that she herself contributed are either lame, or not relevant and, like was said before, that rather takes away from the overall effect of the book. What Is He Thinking?? would’ve bloomed under more capable hands, despite of the list of credentials the author has to her name.

By all means, try it. I’m sure that you’ll also find some great insight and ‘takeaway points’ like I did. If you’ve read it, or are planning on reading it, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts- I’d love to hear from you!

As ever, -Eva.

---------------------------------------------------------

Title| What Is He Thinking?? What Guys Want Us To Know About Dating, Love, And Marriage

Author| Rebecca St. James

Number of Pages| 176 Pages

Publisher| FaithWords

Publishing Date| September 26, 2011

---------------------------------------------------------

Source: FaithWords was generous enough to send a review copy of What Is He Thinking?? in exchange of an honest review. [Thank you, Sarah!] The opinions shared above are my own.

BookReview| Randy Alcorn- Courageous

2011-11-08T10:42:00.001-06:00

Dear Reader,

So. After lending Courageous out to at least three friends, and having it returned each time with high opinions, I finally got the chance to see what it was all about for myself.

Jumping on this overflowing, but very worthy, bandwagon, I gotta say, I adored it! It was amazing! Like, wow! What a book!

Or something to that effect.

Excerpt from the synopsis: As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

This book is so relevant in today’s society. It’s a message we desperately need. How often do we hear a strong, bold one telling us to take responsibility and a courageous stand, starting at home? I know Courageous is focused on men, fathers especially, but I believe it is also very much applicable to anyone.

It consists of a lot of biblical beef, as characters started stepping up to the plate and sharing their faith with their non-believer comrades. One of my favorite dialogue passages:

“That’s one way to look at it.”
Yeah, it is. How do you see it?”
“I haven’t given it much thought.”
“It’s worth thinking about. It’s the most important question in the world.”
“What is?”
“The question of who He is. If you get it right about Jesus, you can afford to get some things wrong. But if you get it wrong about Jesus, in the end it won’t matter what else you go right.”

The writing is in typical Randy Alcorn fashion: straightforward, with just the right amount of descriptions and realistic dialogue.

It was a bit hard to keep all the characters straight, who was who and what they looked like. Descriptions were provided, but I suppose perhaps some weren’t memorable enough to stick in the reader’s mind. The photos of scenes from the movie in the middle of the book really helped with visuals and also provided glimpses of behind-the-scenes. So, that’s a bonus.

It’s rather predictable, as well. Of course, a few major events happen and you don’t see them coming but the purpose of them and the outcome is predictable. That’s not a bad thing, no, because sometimes it’s a just a mighty fine thing to sit down and read a good book that leans on the message it holds and not solely on providing breath-taking twists and turns.

Outside of that, Courageous consists of a perfect mixture of nail-biting police drama, humor, tear-inducing events and a well-rounded heartiness not unlike to the filling home-cooked meals often mentioned in the book. It covers a wide variety of topics including abortion, drugs, etc. Taking stand for what is right and a stand against what isn’t.

I’d recommend this book to anyone. In fact, now that I’ve read it myself and written this review, it’s going to continue being lent out to friends. Three are currently waiting and I know they’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

As ever, -Eva

An extra: a music video of the song Courageous from the Christian band, Casting Crowns featuring scenes from the movie Courageous.

----------------------------------------------------

Title| Courageous

Author| Randy Alcorn

Number of Pages| 362 Pages

Publisher| Tyndale

Publication| July 2011

To learn more about Courageous, the movie, visit CourageoustheMovie.com.

----------------------------------------------------

Source: A free copy of Courageous was sent to me by the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| Max Lucado- No Wonder They Called Him the Saviour

2011-11-07T13:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Reader,

Max Lucado is a long-time favourite author of mine. He’s one of the first non-fiction Christian authors that I started reading, and has consistently remained enjoyed, and trusted. [So, keep a lookout- he’s sure to show up from time to time here on The Watered Garden Letters].

Excerpt from the synopsis: For more than a gold-plated symbol of religious belief, the cross is the centerpiece of the Christian faith- the meeting place of time and eternity, where God and man encounter each other.
Max Lucado leads you through the drama of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ... bringing to life Peter’s denial, Pilate’s hesitancy, and John’s loyalty. Relive the events leading up to Jesus crucifixion, from the foggy garden of Gethsemane to the incandescent room of resurrection.

That’s one thing that Max Lucado does: brings certain parts of the Bible, whatever he’s tackling for that particular book, to life. Details are zoomed in on and we’re, maybe for the first time, invited to let our imaginations run wild and envision surroundings, and run possible conversations through our mind. I think we’re all guilty of often skim-reading during our devotions, perhaps because certain parts and stories are so familiar, so it’s refreshing to read the likes of Max Lucado.

None of his books are all that heavy. To borrow a term from one of my favourite reviewers, Max Lucado can be described as 'theology light'. He certainly is no Oswald Chambers! But that’s okay. It’s a pleasant experience, to dive into the satisfyingly intelligent use of words and all-round inspiring and heartening reading. Quick and uplifting, that's what it is.

No Wonder They Call Him the Saviour is no different. It’s actually one Max Lucado’s earliest works, republished this year by Thomas Nelson, and having also read his more recent works, I’d only say that the years for certain have fine-tuned his writing. Still, it makes for a worthwhile read, perfect for a lazy, non-committal Sunday afternoon, chuck full of great analogies and much-needed reminders.

You can’t go to the cross with just your head and not your heart. It doesn’t work that way. Calvary is not a mental trip. It’s not an intellectual exercise. It’s not a divine calculation or a cold theological principle.
It’s a heart-splitting hour of emotion.

Ironic as it may appear, one of the hardest things to do is to be saved by grace. There’s something in us that reacts to God’s free gift. We have some weird compulsion to create laws, systems, and regulations that will make us “worthy” our gift.
Why do we do that? The only reason I can figure is pride. To accept grace means to accept its necessity, and most folks don’t like to do that. To accept grace also means that one realizes his despair, and most people aren’t too keen on doing that either.

Also, when you do get the chance to read No Wonder They Call Him the Saviour, you’re in for quite the experience when you get to reading chapter 21. I’m not going to say anything here, instead leave the discovering up to you. It’s something you’ll want to savor anyway. Wink, wink. :)

There’s an extensive, well-thought-out study guide at the back of the book, consisting of short excerpts from the book followed by dig-deep questions and reflections, as well as an invitation to look up and study relevant Bible verses. Any small group will find it valuable and for sure any individual as well.

As ever, -Eva.

---------------------------------

Title| No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Discover Hope in the Unlikeliest Place

Author| Max Lucado

Number of Pages| 224 Pages

Publisher| Thomas Nelson

Publication| August 30th 2011

---------------------------------

Source: Thomas Nelson, through Book Sneeze, sent a free copy of No Wonder They Call Him the Savior, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own.

BookReview| C. Hope Flinchbaugh- Daughter of China

2011-10-13T09:24:00.001-05:00

Dear Reader,

Daughter of China, and its sequel, Across the China Sky, came to me highly recommended. With the tag 'life-changing' tied to it. Those are some high expectations for a book set right there and while I generally hesitate to hand out ‘life-changing’ to books liberally, Daughter of China is indeed a powerful novel.

I’ve read quite a few of books as of late centered around the [persecuted] Christian church of China (a few notables being The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun and Randy Alcorn’s Safely Home. Jesus Freaks from dc Talk and The Voice of The Martyrs is a good one which shares stories of that persecution of Christians, and martyrs actually, worldwide.) and how God moves in such powerful ways in the lives of these people who know intimately what it means to give up their lives for their Savior and experience the fellowship of the suffering of Jesus.

Unlike these other books, what’s unique about Daughter of China, and this is something that I appreciated on a personal level, is that the main character is a teenager. She’s got her whole life ahead of her, plans for university, good offers for marriage, but what happens when she can only keep all this if she denies Christ? As an excerpt from the synopsis says:

Like young women everywhere, Mei Lin longs for an education, a career- even love. But the system she lives in doesn’t tolerate religious belief, and Mei Lin’s faith is as profound as it is simple. Must she abandon her beliefs to have the life she’s dreamed of?

Daughter of China was very well written: engaging, challenging and inspiring; descriptions beautifully and eloquently penned and characters three-dimensional and believable. The fact that the book covers a fairly wide range of topics also makes it a winner.

The second book, Across the China Sky, isn't the gem that Daughter of China is, though. Granted it provides a heartbreaking and eye-opening perspective of the situation of orphans in China, and the issues that the house churches of China have had (and are still having) with infiltrating 'false prophets' and cults, but outside of that, it doesn't have much going for itself.

It definitely had its shining moments, but I felt that, most of the time, it just simply didn't paint a realistic picture at all.

Somewhere along the way, character became flat and conversations are unnaturally stilted and most of the time sugary {'Oh!' is used entirely too often to sound normal). Details simply weren't planned out and there were so many holes in the story. A good example of the latter is when a whole group of church leaders -I'm talking about thirty here- got caught in a sticky situation and yet all the focus remains on 5 of the main characters to the point where the reader just keeps wondering and asking themselves what on earth happened to the rest??

The first book is a must-read. The second, though, I'd suggest reading it only if you want to know what happens next and for the sake the entire series.

Till next time, happy reading! -Eva

------------------------------------------

Title: Daughter of China, Across the China Sky

Author| C. Hope Flinchbaugh

Number of Pages| 288 pages, 352 pages

Publisher| Bethany House

Publishing Date| September 2001, 2006

------------------------------------------

Source: A friend lent these books to me. Buy them at your favorite bookstore!

BookReview| Emily P. Freeman- Grace for the Good Girl

2011-09-30T22:35:00.002-05:00

Dear Reader,

Being given the opportunity to read Grace for the Good Girl pretty much made my day at the time. There were so many good things being said about on the web, and besides, the cover was of the prettiest I had seen in a long while.

By chance alone, quite a few faithbooks for women, covering all kinds of topics and themes, have come into my hands the past year; one or two were right-out stale, most have been good and a few near-favorites and I figured this book would fit into one of these categories. At the back of my mind I may have been asking ‘what more can be said?’; because of so many women getting out there with their story and their message, quite frankly it’s a bit hard to expect something new and refreshing.

Can you predict where I’m going with this review?

Excerpt from the synopsis: You’re strong. You’re responsible. You’re good. But… as day fades to dusk, you begin to feel the familiar fog of anxiety, the weight and pressure of holding it together and of longing left unmet. Good girls sometimes feel that the Christian life means doing hard work with a sweet disposition. But what would happen if we let grace our out boundless acceptance into our worn-out hearts and undo us? If we dared to talk about the ways we hide, our longing to be known, and the fear in the knowing …In Grace For The Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites you to release you tight hold on that familiar, try-hard life and lean your heavy weight into the love of Jesus.

Grace for the Good Girl turns out to be one of those books that gives you so much more then you initially bargained for; one of those books that, for me personally, has become a favorite and that I can see myself rereading and referring back to time and again.

As good girls, we subconsciously label ourselves as the strong ones, the responsible ones, the sweet ones, or the right ones. We try to stand tall and capable as the good Christian, the good wife, the good mom, and the good one. But Jesus is calling us to deeper, truer, freer identity. All he wants is simply you- minus your good works, minus your perfect attendance, minus your politeness. When you really believe that, you may discover that all you want is Jesus, simply Jesus. Not just to get to heaven or to help you be a good person or do the right thing, but to simply love and be loved by him.

That's an excerpt from early on in the book and you as read more, it dives deeper and deeper and gets more specific.

The writing is clear, to-the-point, and delivered with grace and healthy dose of style. Emily knew exactly what she wanted to say, which points were to be made and how to get to that place with language that would connect with every good girl’s heart.

Hands down, I say it’s going to be one of those timeless classics that women of all ages will still be going to years from now; as it’s profoundly affecting women even now.

Much like Elizabeth Elliott’s books.

Yes, Elizabeth Elliott.

One of the most outstanding aspects of this book, and the one that makes it soar high up above most other books of its specific genre, is the way that it’s so intensely biblically grounded. Grace for the Good Girl deeply touches on biblical teachings that I’ve come upon in the likes of Christian classics like Watchman Nee’s , Oswald Chambers’ or Peter Reidmann’s, but hardly anywhere else. Emily Freeman not only shares what’s happening behind the scenes in every good girl’s heart, she also points out where and why the Bible says these things are wrong. And then directs us across the bridge to the place of the recovering good girl, with lessons whose foundations are not founded on ideas or good intentions, but God’s Word.

A cool part of the book is also the [small group]study at the back of the book, consisting discussion questions, journaling prompts, scriptural highlights, as well as certain fitting visuals like video clips as well as relevant songs. [Note: getting the songs mentioned together in one place makes for an awesome, uplifting playlist.]

Anyway, perhaps I had better leave it at that and pray that, if you’re a fellow woman, and maybe a good girl as well, then I pray that this book makes it into your hands.

Till next time, -Eva.

------------------------------------------

Title: Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

Author| Emily P. Freeman

Number of Pages| 272 pages

Publisher| Revell

Publishing Date| September 2011
Price| $13.99

------------------------------------------

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

BookReview| Patsy Clairmont- Stained Glass Hearts

2011-09-22T21:25:00.001-05:00

Dear Reader,

Reading Stained Glass Hearts proved to be a pleasant experience. I was initially drawn, with curiosity, as to how she would incorporate the recommendations of music, poetry, art, etc into the theme of book, as those are all things that I love. But mostly I was wondering ‘how does one see from a broken perspective?’ What kind of perspective will Stained Glass Hearts give me that will give me the chance to see my potential for color, sparkle, and great purpose through the grace of God, as it’s described on the back cover?

Excerpt from synopsis: Comparing people to stained glass windows, Patsy Clairmont explains the power of God to restore and redeem that which seems devastated beyond repair, and she does so with quick wit and deep insight of someone who has been there. And back. Themes of art and creativity are woven together with stories from Patsy’s own life.

The descriptions the author infused into the chapters surprised me, as I didn’t expect such imagery to be found in a book like Stained Glass Hearts. Definitely one of my favorite aspects of the book. Many times I found myself rereading a paragraph because I wanted to fully capture in my mind the scene that was penned on paper.

Patsy Clairmont writes with a style that’s comfortable and familiar. She starts out the book sharing observances from her perch on a rocking chair on a cabin porch. And the feeling captured then is something that stays with the reader through out the book. You get the sense that you’re sitting with her, rocking away as well and she’s sharing, kindly and generously, the wisdom that she’s accumulated all of her years (and there are miles of the precious stuff in Stained Glass Hearts!).

The more we choose to stray, the more we tend to fray.

It’s often very personal and sometimes right out heart-breaking, all shared with simplicity and a gentle grace. Very real. Very inspiring.

Having said all that, I found the synopsis and subtitle to be quite misleading. Here and there, what’s being said rings true to ‘seeing life from a broken perspective’, but mostly I saw the book as wanting to infuse in the reader an appreciation for art, poetry, music, and realizing how God means to bless us through the finer things in this life. That’s what the hugest chunk of the book was about, anyway. One person who read the book said that it went all over the place, and it’s something I noticed as well, but guess what? It works. Every single chapter, every life lesson shared is a different colored shard of glass and the end result is actually something quite beautiful.

Some of my favorite passages include:

Focus is a diminishing attribute in our electric world of fast-flickering games and abbreviated text. It’s hard to read a book or have a lingering conversation while we thumb-scroll through texts, blow up pigs (a game), and scan rooms for new faces to tweet about.

Give me an insight inscribed on a butterfly’s breath, a thought spun in gossamer across a window pane, a witty saying in script on the underbelly of a ladybug. Ugly is smeared enough windows; I want a view of cumulus eruptions, luminous spires, and firefly extravaganzas.

Likewise we have to guard smudging our grace extended to us with our retaliatory tendencies. Getting even in never even; it’s an unending teeter-totter ride because while one person is temporarily elevated by sarcasm, the other is jolted and down for the count.

Read it, when you get a chance. It’s good.

Till next time, -Eva.

------------------------------------------

Title: Stained Glass Hearts| Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective

Author| Patsy Clairmont

Number of Pages| 190 pages

Publisher| Thomas Nelson

Publishing Date| August 2011

------------------------------------------

Source: Book Sneeze sent a free copy of Stained Glass Hearts for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions expressed here are my own.

BookReview| Abigail J. Hartman- The Soldier's Cross

2011-09-14T02:00:00.003-05:00

Dear Reader,

It’s with great pleasure that I tell you about this delightful piece of literature. Shall I mention before anything else that the author, Abigail J. Hartman, is quite young? In actuality, she was a mere fourteen years old when The Soldier’s Cross was completed. This fact definitely contributed to the eagerness with which I looked forward to reading it. Every time I held the hefty weight of the book in my hands, I tried to imagine the words that this young authoress had used to craft the tale that sounded so intriguing.

Excerpt from the synopsis: Robbed of the one dearest to her and alone in the world, Fiona turns to her brother’s silver cross in search of the peace he said it would bring. But when she finds it missing she swears she will have it and sets out on a journey across the Channel and war-ravaged France to regain it and find the peace it carries.

I found the story to be well-balanced; all the different components of characters, setting, and plot worked in harmony with each other. Nothing was forced and quite frankly, I still stand amazed by how real and authentic the language used was. I can honestly say that it’s been years since I’ve enjoyed historical fiction as much as I did this book; it’s superior to most of what’s flooding the markets as of late.

The descriptions, -the prose- they were brilliant: not only do they pull the reader right in, but they capture the heart of each scene with such perfection that there’s no doubt of which place you were in. It was exquisite, truly, and I applaud the author for her deftness with words and her obvious grasp of the power of language.

Many people will be able to relate to Fiona’s journey; not so much her physical one, but more her spiritual. “God has arranged strange ways for some of us to find Him.” There’s a good one-sentence summary for the book. This is definitely the most outstanding part of The Soldier’s Cross. It doesn’t delve deeply into this until the last parts of the book when Fiona finally meets with her God. One of my favorite parts of the book goes as follows:

"Giovanni.... She rolled over with a sigh and looked at the figure in her hands. She did not miss him as savagely as she once had, knowing that had he not fallen, she would as yet be lost in her soul-"

Right here, lies the depth because Fiona realizes that, even though she has lost her brother, she’s gained Jesus, and her heart lies with the latter.

I have to be honest about one thing: the characters are Catholic, and while this is probably very realistic for Medieval France, I still found it a tiny bit disconcerting to read of the one mention of ‘the refining fires of Purgatory’ and of characters praying to the Virgin Mary for strength. That’s the lone aspect that I didn’t like about the book.

Utterly charming. Two words I would use to describe the book. And it comes highly recommended from this [somewhat] jaded reader. Really, it has to still be around a hundred years from now so that readers can place it as a prized possession on their bookshelves, much like mine holds Stepping Heavenward, A Girl of the Limberlost, etc. and now The Soldier’s Cross.

As ever, -Eva

------------------------------------------------------

Title| The Soldier’s Cross

Author| Abigail J. Hartman

Number of Pages| 293 pages

Publisher| Ambassador International

Published| October 2010

------------------------------------------------------

Source: A copy of The Soldier’s Cross was sent to me by Ambassador International for the sole purpose of reviewing it. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Buy it: Amazon

BookReview| Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee- Forbidden (The Books Of Mortals #1)

2011-09-13T01:00:00.005-05:00

Dear Reader,

So. Yet another book springs forth from the master-mind of Ted Dekker, this time with added skills of Tosca Lee. Will this book meet up to the hype of the on-going The Books of Mortals publicity/promotion campaign? That was one of my main questions when picking up Forbidden. I have read and loved many of Ted Dekker's books (though not yet any of Tosca Lee's) in the past. The excitement of this supposedly yet-unmatched new series is undeniably contagious. But when it comes to down the grit of it all, will it meet up to the high expectations?

Excerpt from the synopsis: Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into the possession of a vial of blood and a cryptic vellum. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life, revive his emotions; when decoded, the message will lead him o a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love. But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed at terrible risk.

Ingenious? Yes.

Epic? I suppose we'll see when the entire story unfolds.

This book is typical Dekker, but there is more to the writing, some unexplainable and indescribable touch that has to be Tosca's doing. The fast-paced harshness of the usual Dekker work with an underlying eloquence and (near) delicacy. It's quite an appealing combination and leaves nothing wanting for us readers who appreciate books that deliver challenging stories written flawlessly.

[Rom, enthralled by the sight of a candle after being ‘brought to life’ by the blood] “He blinked, and the finger of flame crooked and beckoned. …He lowered his arms and breather more easily, captivated by the sight. Had he ever seen such a wondrous thing? How did that effusive glow work? How could something so small and so devoid of substance banish all that was evil [the darkness]?

As with the case of most of Dekker’s novels, it caused me to think outside the box on things I had never considered before: The rich layers of meaning that have to be peeled away from a core that is of explosive proportions. The exploration of being devoid of emotion and what it is to experience joy, love and the likes of envy, rage, etc/ How we live with our emotions and the consequences of having them and yet not wanting to be without them because with the pain, also comes beauty. In other words, what it means to be human and how our emotions shape the essence of who we are.

Some of the ideas explored in Forbidden remind me of 1984 by George Orwell, and Lois Lowry’s The Giver. So I believe a future painted bleak by dictatorship controlled by fear and mutant humanity in not a new concept. However it’s never been portrayed with the burst of kaleidoscopic color as in this novel.

The characters themselves are works of art. They're all unique individuals, literally, and their personalities, their essence bled on the page in a way that was rich and unmistakable. Be warned: they stay with and won't leave you alone, which for some them is a good thing; for others not so much. I'm sure you'll be able to judge for yourself when you pick up and read Forbidden personally.

A few dislikes: The violence~ the extreme, morbid violence! I’ve never known Dekker to mince words and it’s something that I’ve long appreciated about his works, but even this surprised me. The repeated subtle sexual references as well: is this their portrayal of ‘love’? Yikes.
So, to answer the question in the second paragraph: does Forbidden meet up to those high expectations? No, it doesn't. Not really. In short, it rather disappointed me. It often fell flat. Situations dragged out and I often found myself placing the book aside and not being eager to get at reading it again. It's too like Immanuel's Veins in some respects.

At the end of the day, though, I'm torn, because I want to believe that the book is all that is said it is here; I'm in love with that message, truly, with the subtle theology that it [might] hold. I just don't think the book itself measures up to that. I guess that maybe I'll have to continue on for a bit longer being dead. *insert quirky smile.

Despite of that, though, it’s a pretty heady read and a fantastic adrenaline rush for the imagination. I'm the Dekker fan that I ever was (and with Tosca having been bought to my attention, I can’t wait to read her books as well) and I look forward to what's going to transpire in the rest of the series. My curiosity has been piqued, very much so, I can’t wait to read how it will all be concluded.

Till next time, -Eva.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Title| Forbidden (The Books of Mortals #1)

Author(s)| Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee

Number of Pages| 384 Pages

Publication Date| September 13, 2011

Published By| Centerstreet

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Centerstreet provided a free copy of Forbidden for the reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Buy it:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christianbook

Or from your favorite bookstore!

BookReview| James L. Rubart- The Chair

2011-09-08T01:00:00.031-05:00

“If someone give you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?”

Admittedly, I was initially skeptical about this book; the main storyline, for one, just seemed entirely far-fetched (I admit!). It wasn’t classified fantasy or speculative fiction: how on earth could this work? So, yes, curiosity and intrigue reigned.

Excerpt from the synopsis: When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe’s antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering... could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?

Any reader, I think, will be surprised, and delighted, by the simple, yet profound, way this story unfolds.

The Chair consists of a very readable writing style that, I must say, would very much appeal to a male audience. It’s simply the result of seeing The Chair’s world through the eyes of Corbin Roscoe. The author captured the essence of the protagonist quite successfully.

While The Chair isn’t exactly the headiest concoction of cliff-hangers and roll-coaster rides, it clips along nicely. The novel being the suspense genre, it did have its share of twists and turns, but the outcome of most, including the major ones, I was able to guess long before it actually happened.That might be a downside for readers who like their suspense books a bit more...suspense-filled.

The characters are in general well-crafted and believable, with their struggles and triumphs being real and very easy to relate to. It’s been a while since a book moved me to tears but I found myself blinking them away towards the end of the novel.I love that there's a wide variety of personalities and life-walks: the eccentric mentor, a hypocritical, but struggling, mega church minister (found this character to be especially interesting), thugs, even the minor character were rich in personality.

What makes this book a winner, though, of the central themes of restoration, of God’s intervention that sometimes consist of the strangest things.

“Healing is healing. Western culture makes the distinction, but God does not. What good is an arm or leg that is healed when the mind is still broken?”

When God’s calling your name, calling you to be His child, it really is no use running: once God begins working on your heart, He’s quite relentless.

A favorite quote:

“Yet there was a type of hope he’d never known filling his mind- filling his heart. And a peace that didn’t make sense, and made all the sense in the universe.
He knew where it came from.
Not from a chair.
Not from a religion.
Not from a set of rules.
But from a Person who loved him with a passion so vast the whole world couldn’t contain it.”

James L. Rubart had the novel well-figured out and the end result is something that challenges the reader with the previously mentioned themes: what do we consider important in our lives? Are we willing to fight for those things? And most importantly, do we trust God with the details? Very much a recommended read!

------------------------------------------------------

Title| The Chair

Author| James L. Rubart

Number of Pages| 400 Pages

Publishing Date| September 1, 2011

Published By| B&H Fiction
------------------------------------------------------

Source: A copy of The Chair was a gift from a good friend. Thank you, Lisa!

Buy it: Amazon| Christianbook| Barnes & Noble| Or at your favorite Christian book store!

Visit the author's fascinating website!

BookReview: Suzanne Woods Fisher- Amish Values for Your Family

2011-08-31T09:05:00.000-05:00

“How do [the Amish] establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions?”

Amish Values for our Family answers that question and shares insights that will answer many more.

Hello dear Reader,

Having enjoyed Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Amish Peace in the past, I was certain that Amish Values for Your Family would hold much of the warm practicality of the former. The author writes with a calm and thoughtful authority that speaks of careful consideration of detail, facts, and a deep respect of the people of which she writes. The book wasn’t hastily slapped together and the end result is a wholesome, charming piece of literature.

Excerpt from the synopsis: When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. ...Through their stories you'll discover how to:
-Slow down
   -Safeguard family time
   -Raise children who stand strong in their faith
   -Prioritize what`s truly important
Amish values like community, forgiveness, simply living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy- without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.

The anecdotes shared throughout the novel are heart-warming and plaintively honest, and there`s a fine balance of the serious, the amusing and always there`s something to be learned. I love how, at the end of each chapter, there`s a short write-up titled "Road Map: Getting From Here To There" in which Suzanne summarizes the chapter and then asks relevant, challenging questions through which the reader can possibly apply the lessons to their own life, kind of a bridge over the gap. After that there's the 'In Their Own Words...' section in which Amish 'scribes' share utterly charming, inspiring, and sometimes outright hilarious, snippets of daily life.

One of the main reasons I enjoy Suzanne Woods Fisher's non-fiction novels so much is the fact that I believe they remain true to the lifestyle of the people of which they are about. The more recent onslaught of 'Amish romances' don't. In fact, most in mine experience are right-out ridiculous. Having said that, in light of the author's non-fiction books, I'm sure I wouldn't shy away from trying her fiction ones as well.

Because of having friends amongst the Amish for several years, and even more so because I come from a group of people with same roots as the Amish, I love reading Amish literature and learning more about this wonderful group of people. I am gratified that the author has taken the task of putting together such beautiful books.

The values shared in Amish Values for Your Family are invaluable to today's families and, I believe, very much attainable. Perhaps not all, and maybe not for every family. But certainly there are going to be many cases found in the book in which the reader can thank the Lord that a certain value has already been infused in their family for many years and also find inspiration where improvement is to be had.

Happy reading! Have a most blessed day, -Eva.

---------------------------

Source: 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

Visit the author's website for interactions, contests, and just more Amish inspiration!