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January 2010

2010-01-29T18:39:00.003-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of January.

Faithful Fiction
SAVING CICADAS by Nicole Seitz (Fiction)
When single mother Priscilla Lynn Macy learns she's having another child unexpectedly, she packs the family into the car to escape. Eight-year-old Janie and Rainey Dae, her 17-year-old sister with special needs, embark on the last family vacation they'll ever take with Poppy and Grandma Mona in the back seat. The trip seems aimless until Janie realizes they are searching for the father who left them years ago. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

WHITE PICKET FENCES by Susan Meissner (Fiction)
The disappearance of Bart Bachmann necessitates the placement of his daughter, Tally, into the home of her aunt and uncle. Though he loves her, his own life is a kind of fleeting and shallow existence, and the Janviers represent the exact opposite of everything that is Tally’s father. They seem to live life under the mottos of responsibility, constancy and, above all, a focus on family. But Tally soon discovers that appearances can be deceiving when their secrets threaten to destroy everything that really matters to them. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE SILENT GIFT by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelly (Historical Fiction)
The decade of the ’30s was a time of enormous uncertainty…for the world, for America and in particular for one lonely, struggling mother and her disabled son. Their story is one of unyielding love and incredible sacrifices in the face of circumstances beyond belief.Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE COUNTRY HOUSE COURTSHIP: A Regency Inspirational Romance, by Linore Rose Burkard (Historical Romance)
Seventeen-year-old Beatrice Forsythe knows exactly what she wants and just how to get it. In the early 1800s, marrying a man of high society is a surefire way for a young woman to have a large house, servants, fancy dresses and fine food. Her sister Ariana did it, so there is no reason Beatrice can’t have it all too. True, Ariana and the Paragon, Mr. Mornay, married for love, but Beatrice is not convinced that element is necessary if the rest of the package is in place. Until a certain clergyman enters the picture. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
PRIMAL: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, by Mark Batterson (Christian Living)
What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the simplest, rawest, purest faith possible? You would have more, not less. You would have the beginning of a new reformation --- in your generation, your church, your own soul. You would have primal Christianity. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

WHEN YOU NEED A MIRACLE: Stories to Give You Faith and Bring You Hope, by Ann Spangler (Devotional)
When life is challenging, each of you can benefit from a daily dose of hope and faith. That’s what this devotional will bring you --- stories of miracles and angels drawn directly from Scripture and from the lives of ordinary people today. Story after story will help you to remember that God is in control and that He still loves you. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

A YEAR WITH GOD: Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines, edited by Richard J. Foster and Julia L. Roller (Devotional)
Many people are longing to find the footprint of God in their daily lives. This beautiful daily companion is comprised of 365 selections of scripture, commentary, meditations and daily exercises to help readers see how they can bring their entire life into a life with Immanuel --- a God who is with His people. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE REASON FOR GOD: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, by Timothy Keller (Christian Living)
Drawing insights from literature, philosophy and pop culture, say nothing of theology, Timothy Keller undergirds his persuasive, intellectually-based reasons for a belief in God, even as he draws upon his many valuable conversations with doubters he has encountered as a pastor in Manhattan. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
BECOMING YOUR SPOUSE’S BETTER HALF: Why Differences Make a Marriage Great, by Rick Johnson (Love & Marriage)
Having a successful marriage is not about finding the perfect person. It's not even about always getting along. It's about loving the imperfect person you married in an unselfish manner. In this witty and insightful book, Rick Johnson shows you how to go beyond merely tolerating your spouse's differences to using them to add spice and passion to your relationship. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Author Talk
Julie Klassen
Julie Klassen is the award-winning author LADY OF MILKWEED MANOR, THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER and the newly released THE SILENT GOVERNESS. In this interview, Klassen traces her love of British literature --- as well as her fascination with English governesses --- all the way back to a sixth-grade reading of JANE EYRE and explains how she found the perfect setting for her latest book in the countryside. She also compares and contrasts the heroines of her three novels and pinpoints what she hopes readers will take away from her work.

Special Contest and Feature
THE COURTEOUS CAD Contest
We are celebrating the release of THE COURTEOUS CAD --- a story of love and class in feudal England --- with a special contest. Ten readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which is the third installment in Catherine Palmer’s Miss Pickworth series.

THE COURTEOUS CAD: Miss Pickworth, Book 3 by Catherine Palmer (Historical Romance)
On her tour of the English countryside, a chance encounter in the streets alerts Miss Prudence Watson to the inhumane working conditions at the worsted mill. She learns that the owner is William Sherbourne, a Royal Naval officer just returned from sea. Following in his wake is his reputation as a cad and a secret so ghastly he’ll do anything to protect it. Even worse, he’s handsome and charming and not at all the villain Prudence expected him to be.
- Click here to see the study guide for THE COURTEOUS CAD.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE COURTEOUS CAD.
- Click here to read Catherine Palmer’s bio.

THICKER THAN BLOOD Contest
We are celebrating the release of THICKER THAN BLOOD --- a mystery in which an antiquarian book buyer is forced to confront her past --- with a special contest. Ten readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which is C.J. Darlington’s debut novel.

THICKER THAN BLOOD by C.J. Darlington (Fiction)
Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?
- Click here to see the study guide for THICKER THAN BLOOD.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THICKER THAN BLOOD.
- Click here to read C.J. Darlington’s bio.
- Visit C.J. Darlington’s official website, www.CJDarlington.com.

Study Guides
THE CHOICE: Lancaster County Secrets, Book 1 by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Romance)
One moment Carrie Weaver was happily looking forward to running away with Lancaster Barnstormers pitcher Solomon Riehl --- plans that included leaving the Amish community where they grew up. The next, she was staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now, Carrie is faced with a choice. But will this opportunity be all she hoped? Or will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?
- Click here to read more about THE CHOICE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE CHOICE.
- Click here to read Suzanne Woods Fisher’s bio.

THE SILENT GOVERNESS by Julie Klassen (Historical Romance)
Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his. But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything --- his reputation, his inheritance, his very home. He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.
- Click here to read more about THE SILENT GOVERNESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SILENT GOVERNESS.
- Click here to read an interview with Julie Klassen.
- Click here to read Julie Klassen’s bio.

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM: Sister-to-Sister Series, Book 3 by Virginia Smith (Romance)
Tori Sanderson has the professional opportunity of a lifetime. If she can prove she’s executive material, she’s in line for a big promotion. But there’s only room for one new account executive, and her co-worker has his eye on the job…and on Tori. How can she consider romance when she couldn’t hold on to the one man who was supposed to love her forever --- her own father? The time has come for answers, and Tori decides to search for the father who deserted her 12 years ago. Will she find the answers she craves? And will she ever be able to love again?
- Click here to read more about THIRD TIME’S A CHARM.
- Click here to read Virginia Smith’s bio.

SWINGING ON A STAR: Weddings by Bella, Book Two by Janice Thompson (Romance)
Bella Rossi’s life is nearing perfection. Not only does she have the perfect guy, but she’s also running a successful wedding-planning business and is about to plan its most ambitious wedding yet --- a Renaissance-themed fairy tale come true, complete with period costumes and foods, horse-drawn carriages, and even a castle. There’s only one hitch. The best man just happens to be Hollywood’s hottest and most eligible bachelor, and he’s showing an interest in Bella. Oh, and did we mention he’s staying at her house to avoid the paparazzi?
- Click here to read more about SWINGING ON A STAR.
- Click here to read Janice Thompson’s bio.

JENNA’S COWBOY: The Callahans of Texas, Book 1 by Sharon Gillenwater (Romance)
Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father’s successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town --- the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago. And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.
- Click here to read more about JENNA’S COWBOY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from JENNA’S COWBOY.
- Click here to read Sharon Gillenwater’s bio.

Don’t Miss
THE BOOK OF GENESIS ILLUSTRATED written and illustrated by R. Crumb (Graphic Novel)
Envisioning the first book of the Bible like no one before him, R. Crumb, the legendary illustrator, reveals the story of Genesis in a profoundly honest and deeply moving way. Originally thinking he would do a takeoff of Adam and Eve, Crumb became so fascinated by the Bible’s language that he decided instead to do a literal interpretation using the text word for word in a version primarily assembled from the translations of Robert Alter and the King James Bible. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

November / December 2009

2009-12-29T10:50:00.003-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the months of November and December.

Faithful Fiction
THE CHRISTMAS SECRET by Donna VanLiere (Fiction)
When Christine Eisley saves the life of a woman who works in Wilson’s department store, the owner of Wilson’s wants to find her and thank her, but Christine has disappeared. He sets his grandson, Jason, to the task of finding the mysterious “Christy.” Jason, an accountant by trade who has lost his job to downsizing, thinks he is “above” working at Wilson’s. Soon, he discovers that this new task gives him more than he bargains for.

THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS by Cindy Woodsmall (Fiction)
Remorse and loneliness echo inside Beth Hertzler from the life she once had. Children’s whispers and laughter call to her from a life she only dreams of. A gifted carver holds the answer to both within his hands --- but can Beth step beyond yesterday and into the joy of Christmas? Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE CHRISTMAS DOG by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. Maybe it's because her husband is gone. Maybe it's because she's missing her children. Or maybe it has something to do with her obnoxious new neighbor. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn what Christmas is really all about. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL by Susan May Warren (Fiction)
Marianne Wallace loves the holidays. But when her children begin to leave home --- and their traditions --- behind, she has one last chance to create a holiday they’ll never forget. Heartwarming and hilarious, THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL is a story about family, traditions and rediscovering the real magic of Christmas. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

FINDING CHRISTMAS: Stories of Startling Joy and Perfect Peace, by James Calvin Schaap (Fiction/Short Stories)
Join award-winning author and storyteller James Calvin Schaap as he uncovers the grace, joy and love of the season through seven heartwarming tales of miracle moments in a messy world. This beautiful and inspiring collection of contemporary Christmas stories will remind you what grace looks like --- and where to find it. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

SEASIDE LETTERS: A Nantucket Love Story, by Denise Hunter (Romance)
Sabrina Kincaid detachedly serves Tucker McCabe breakfast daily at the Cobblestone Café in Nantucket, but the two spend evenings at a local online venue, connecting through aliases of “Sweetpea” and “Harbormaster.” Whereas real-life interactions have been cold and impersonal, communicating anonymously has allowed the two to become close. But neither has revealed who they really are, so once Tucker tries to find the person behind Sweetpea, their relationships --- both online and face-to-face --- take one wicked turn after another. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

Christian Living
GRACE NOTES: Daily Readings with a Fellow Pilgrim,by Philip Yancey (Devotional)
Philip Yancey has accomplished what many writers plan to do “some day.” He has compiled a magnitude of thought-provoking ideas and served them up in 366 easily digestible portions. Whether you have read all of Yancey’s award-winning books or are discovering him for the first time, GRACE NOTES will touch your mind, your heart and your spirit on many levels. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

SOUVENIRS OF SOLITUDE: Finding Rest in Abba's Embrace, by Brennan Manning (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
The most reliable guides of spiritual formation pinpoint solitude and silence as central to the spiritual life. Now Brennan Manning --- in his honest, original and winning way --- shares from his own experiences to prompt you into the riches of spending time alone with God at rest in His presence. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

PURE PLEASURE: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad About Feeling Good? by Gary L. Thomas (Christian Living)
Popular spiritual author Gary Thomas invites you to shake off the shackles of misunderstanding about sin and experience the liberating power of living a life of holy pleasure ––– a life that feeds your relationships, protects your spiritual integrity, and energizes your worship and service. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

HOLY GROUND: Walking With Jesus as a Former Catholic, by Chris Castaldo (Christian Life)
Chris Castaldo takes readers on a fascinating and practical exploration of the challenges and opportunities encountered by Catholics who become Evangelicals. More than just theological insight and historical background, HOLY GROUND shows you how to emulate the grace and truth of Jesus as you relate to your own Catholic past and the Catholic faith of those you love. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Marriage and Family Life
THE SMART STEPMOM: Practical Steps to Help You Thrive!, by Ron L. Deal and Laura Petherbridge (Parenting)
In today's complicated stepfamily, the stepmom often doesn't know where to turn for help. Stepfamily expert Ron Deal and experienced stepmom Laura Petherbridge shows you how to survive and thrive as a stepmom. Here is the hope, encouragement and practical information to assure you that you are not alone in the stepmom journey. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Books into Movies
The Christmas Hope, based on THE CHRISTMAS HOPE by Donna VanLiere
Airs December 13th at 8 PM ET on Lifetime Movie Network

When lives intertwine during Christmas, hope is the one unifying gift. After suffering a personal tragedy, Patty Addison, a social worker, throws herself into finding homes for children in need. With her marriage to Mark, an airline pilot, on the rocks, Patty feels it’s the wrong time to temporarily take in nine-year-old Emily, who has just lost her single mother in a terrible car accident. However, sweet Emily quickly wins over Patty and Mark. As the Addisons start to reconnect with each other, it’s revealed that their teenage son, Sean, had perished in a car accident as well, two years earlier.

Features
The Interviews of 2009
As 2009 comes to a close, we invite you to take a look at the author interviews that were featured throughout the year on FaithfulReader.com. This is a great way to catch up on the discussions you may have missed --- and to re-read what some of your favorite authors had to say about their books.

About the Books
HER MOTHER’S HOPE: Marta’s Legacy, Book 1 by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
On Sale March 16, 2010
The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.

Study Guides
A VOICE IN THE WIND: Mark of the Lion, Book 1 by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
This first book in the classic bestselling Mark of the Lion series brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget --- Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, a young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.
- Click here to read more about A VOICE IN THE WIND.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A VOICE IN THE WIND.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.

AN ECHO IN THE DARKNESS: Mark of the Lion, Book 2 by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul.
- Click here to read more about AN ECHO IN THE DARKNESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AN ECHO IN THE DARKNESS.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.

AS SURE AS THE DAWN: Mark of the Lion, Book 3 by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness, but his life is about to change forever.
- Click here to read more about AS SURE AS THE DAWN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AS SURE AS THE DAWN.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.

HERO’S TRIBUTE by Graham Garrison (Fiction)
What makes a man a legend --- trophies, medals, or character? Michael Gavin is a hero for all these reasons and more. But he also has a past he’s not proud of --- one he’s kept hidden from his family, his friends and his community. Now his secrets are about to be made public. Like it or not. And they may change the lives of everyone in the small town of Talking Creek.
- Click here to read more about HERO’S TRIBUTE.
- Click here to read a review of HERO’S TRIBUTE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HERO’S TRIBUTE.
- Click here to read Graham Garrison’s bio.

DESERT FIRE by Shannon Van Roekel (Fiction)
Julie Keegan is a journalist in Darfur troubled by her own personal turmoil. Joel Maartens is a lawyer whose client asked him to travel to a war-torn African desert to deliver a letter. Though they are on two very different paths, their lives are providentially brought together to fight the injustice and violence around them --- and heal their own past hurts.
- Click here to read more about DESERT FIRE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from DESERT FIRE.
- Click here to read Shannon Van Roekel’s bio.

Features
THE BRIDE BLUNDER: Prairie Promises, Book 3 by Kelly Eileen Hake (Historical Romance)
Come visit Buttonwood for a marriage mistake like no other in the third novel of Kelly Eileen Hake’s Prairie Promises series. In the Nebraskan Territory of 1859, Gavin Miller writes home to request the hand of Miss Marguerite Chandler. They say that the devil is in the details, and Gavin forgot an important one --- Marguerite’s cousin shares the same name! When his surprise bride arrives, will Gavin swallow his pride and admit to his blunder?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BRIDE BLUNDER.
- Click here to read Kelly Eileen Hake’s bio.

THE SHERIFF’S SURRENDER: Ladies’ Shooting Club, Book 1by Susan Page Davis (Historical Romance)
Join the sassy ladies of Fergus, Idaho, as they protect their town in this quirky historical romance. A crime spree has divided the men in town, so Gert Dooley forms the Ladies’ Shooting Club to protect their homes and businesses. But when one of their members is murdered, will these feisty gals have what it takes to find the killer? Will the new sheriff put the club out of work, or will he surrender his heart?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SHERIFF’S SURRENDER.
- Click here to read Susan Page Davis’s bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 2009

2009-10-30T16:17:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of October.

Faithful Fiction
LIMELIGHT by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone. Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THIRSTY by Tracey Bateman (Suspense)
Struggling to recover from alcoholism, Nina Parker is forced to return to Abbey Hills, Missouri, the hometown she abruptly abandoned nearly two decades earlier. Her unexpected arrival in the sleepy Ozark town catches the attention of someone --- or something --- igniting a 250-year-old desire that rages like wildfire. Unaware of the darkness stalking her, Nina is confronted with a series of events that threaten to unhinge her sobriety. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

FACES IN THE FIRE by T. L. Hines (Supernatural Thriller/Mystery)
Somewhere underneath the lives of the ordinary are the “bottom feeders,” those who blend in with everyone else but have something to hide or to run from. FACES IN THE FIRE enters the realm of the noir, telling a story of lost souls who have become trapped by their choices and whose experiences seem to be linked by one bizarre number. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME: A Novel of Losing Fear and Finding God, by Jenny B. Jones (Fiction)
Maggie Montgomery lives a life of adventure. Her job as a cinematographer takes her from one exotic locale to the next. When Maggie is not working, she loves to rappel off cliffs or go skydiving. Nothing frightens her. Nothing, that is, except Ivy, Texas, where a family emergency pulls her back home to a town full of bad memories, painful secrets, and people Maggie left far behind…for a reason. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
IF GOD IS GOOD: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil, by Randy Alcorn (Christian Living)
Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? How can there be a God if suffering and evil exist? Atheists and former believers answer the questions simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God. In this captivating new book, Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS: What I Learned While Editing My Life, by Donald Miller (Christian Living)
Two movie producers approach Donald Miller about making a movie based on his memoir. When they start fictionalizing Don's life for film --- changing a meandering memoir into a structured narrative --- the real-life Don starts a journey to edit his actual life into a better story. A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS details that journey and challenges readers to reconsider what they strive for in life. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

TREASURED: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps, by Leigh McLeroy (Christian Living/Inspirational)
Cigar boxes. Refrigerator doors. Scrapbooks. Sock drawers. Top shelves. These are the places we store our keepsakes. God is a collector, too, whose treasures are tucked into the pages of the Bible: a golden bell here, an olive leaf there, a scarlet thread, a blood-stained cloth, a few grains of barley. Each of these saved artifacts reveals a facet of God’s heart and reveals His love. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

OUT OF MY BONE: The Letters of Joy Davidman, edited by Don W. King (Christian Living)
Best known as the wife of C. S. Lewis, Joy Davidman was an accomplished writer in her own right. OUT OF MY BONE tells Davidman’s life story in her own words through her numerous letters --- most never published before --- that reveal the personality and perseverance of a spirited and spiritual woman. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE & RESPECT: Cracking the Communication Code with Your Mate, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (Love and Marriage)
Finally we have an answer for the number one problem in marriages --- communication! This analysis of the vital principles of cross-gender communication helps couples recognize they speak two different languages. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs's bestselling book, LOVE & RESPECT, launched a revolution in how couples relate to each other. In THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE & RESPECT, he shares how that message can be applied. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Faithful Fifteen
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the author of five works of Christian fiction and nonfiction, including COPPER STAR, GRIT FOR THE OYSTER and FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS. In this Faithful Fifteen interview, Fisher discusses her latest book, AMISH PEACE, and shares a bit of her family's history that initially sparked her interest in Amish and Anabaptist culture. She also explains the role her calling as a writer plays in her faith and describes her community involvement, which includes once leading a Bible Study Fellowship and training guide dogs for the blind.

Special Contest and Feature
THE CHRISTMAS LAMP Giveaway
We are celebrating the release of THE CHRISTMAS LAMP by Lori Copeland --- a beautiful novella that sheds light on the real origins of Christmas spirit --- with a special contest. In a wicker gift basket, three Grand Prize winners will receive a signed copy of THE CHRISTMAS LAMP, as well as a large Christmas Eve-scented candle by Yankee Candle Company, two balsam- and cedar-scented Yankee car fresheners, a lamp ornament from Bronners and a container of Godiva Hot Cocoa. Fifteen runners-up will receive a signed copy of THE CHRISTMAS LAMP. Readers who answer the question correctly by reading an excerpt from THE CHRISTMAS LAMP will be automatically entered to win.

THE CHRISTMAS LAMP by Lori Copeland (Fiction)
When the small town of Nativity, Missouri, loses its much-needed seasonal business, more than the economy suffers. Lifelong resident Roni Elliot clashes with the new outside consultant Jake Brisco, whose drastic budget-slashing threatens the traditions and spirit of Nativity. However, as forgotten joys rekindle and new traditions emerge, Christmas once again becomes a season of hope.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE CHRISTMAS LAMP.
- Click here to read an interview with Lori Copeland.
- Click here to read Lori Copeland's bio.

Study Guides
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH: A True Story, by Mitch Albom (Spirituality)
Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds --- two men, two faiths, two communities --- that will inspire readers everywhere.

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HAVE A LITTLE FAITH.
- Click here to read Mitch Albom’s bio.

THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART: The Heart of the West Series, Book 2 by Maggie Brendan (Historical Romance)
Juliana Brady is alone in an 1890s Montana mining town, with few prospects for making a living. But she is determined not to be dependent on the charity of others.

Josh McBride is trying to scrape up a living from his sheep herd while he builds his ranch. But when he discovers some rare stones on his property, he’s tempted by the prospect of fast money.

When their paths cross, Juliana and Josh must make a choice --- the world’s riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.
- Click here to read more about THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE JEWEL OF HIS HEART.
- Click here to read Maggie Brendan’s bio.

THE SWISS COURIER by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey (Historical Fiction)
It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich after an attempt on Hitler’s life. Gabi Mueller is a young woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) in Switzerland. When she is asked to put herself in harm’s way to safely “courier” a German scientist who is working on the atomic bomb out of enemy territory, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
- Click here to read more about THE SWISS COURIER.

Features
A LINEAGE OF GRACE by Francine Rivers (Historical Fiction)
In this compilation of the five books in the bestselling Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers, we meet the five women whom God chose --- Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Each was faced with extraordinary --- even scandalous --- challenges. Each took great personal risk to fulfill her calling. Each was destined to play a key role in the lineage of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A LINEAGE OF GRACE.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’s bio.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL by Susan May Warren (Fiction)
Marianne Wallace loves the holidays. But when her children begin to leave home --- and their traditions --- behind, she has one last chance to create a holiday they’ll never forget.

Heartwarming and hilarious, THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL is a story about family, traditions and rediscovering the real magic of Christmas.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL.
- Click here to read Susan May Warren’s bio.

EMMY’S EQUAL: Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 3 by Marcia Gruver (Historical Romance)
Strong-willed Emmy Dane didn’t want to journey to South Texas, and she vows to hate every minute of it. But when Emmy insists on going with ranch foreman Diego Marcelo to search for her missing family, she will find she’s met her match in the stubborn vaquero. Faced with a stampede and a wildfire, will Emmy and Diego be able to surrender their wills and recognize true love before it’s too late?
- Click here to read an excerpt from EMMY’S EQUAL.
- Click here to read Marcia Gruver’s bio.

LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD: A Walk in the Park, Book 1 by Annalisa Daughety (Romance)
Take a walk in Shiloh National Military Park in this fun, fast-paced romance by Annalisa Daughety, a new voice in women’s contemporary fiction. Recent history has taught Kristy O’Neal not to believe in love or risk her heart. Ace Kennedy came to Shiloh to research his family history --- but it’s Park Ranger Kristy he’s studying. Using his own ancestors as an example, can he prove that true love really does exist before Kristy walks away forever?
- Click here to read an excerpt from LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD.
- Click here to read Annalisa Daughety’s bio.

About the Books
DOUBLE CROSS by James David Jordan (Thriller)
DOUBLE CROSS follows the exploits of Taylor Pasbury, a young ex-Secret Service agent with a checkered past and a penchant for finding trouble. Even as a high school kid, Taylor knew she was not like most other girls. Raised by her father, a retired Special Forces officer, she learned to camp, shoot, and most of all, take care of herself. Now a young adult, Pasbury opens her own security agency and finds herself in the middle of a mysterious case full of danger and intrigue.
- Click here to read James David Jordan’s bio.

THE REST OF HEALTH: Learn the 7 Vital Strategies to Optimize your Well-being, by David and Sonya Cameron (Health)
In a new work of creative nonfiction, authors David and Sonya Cameron bring readers along as "Mike" confronts both the areas of conflict and the neglected facets of his life. THE REST OF HEALTH features a collection of helpful resources including worksheets and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making it an ideal vehicle for church small groups, recovery groups or support groups.
- Click here to read David and Sonya Cameron’s bios.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

September 2009

2009-09-30T13:02:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of September.

Faithful Fiction
GREEN: The Circle, Book Zero: The Beginning and the End, by Ted Dekker (Fantasy/Suspense)
The story of how Thomas Hunter first entered the Black Forest and forever changed our history began at a time when armies were gathered for a final battle in the valley of Migdon. GREEN is a story of love, betrayal and sweeping reversals set within the apocalypse. It is the beginning: the truth behind a saga that has captured the imagination of more than a million readers with the Books of History Chronicles. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

STRAY AFFECTIONS by Charlene Ann Baumbich (Fiction)
The last thing Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some mommy time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. It sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

OFFWORLD by Robin Parrish (Science Fiction/Thriller)
The return of NASA's first manned mission to Mars was supposed to be a momentous day. But when the crew loses touch with ground control before entry, things look bleak. Safe after a treacherous landing, the crew emerges to discover the unthinkable --- every man, woman, child and animal has vanished without a trace. Alone now on their home planet, the crew sets out to discover where everyone has gone. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

THE BELIEVER by Ann H. Gabhart (Historical Romance)
Elizabeth Duncan has nowhere to turn. In charge of her younger brother and sister after their parents die, her options are limited. When Elizabeth hears that the Shaker community in the next county takes in orphans, she presents herself and her siblings at Harmony Hill. Despite the hard work and strange new beliefs around her, Elizabeth is relieved to have a roof over her head and food to eat. But life gets complicated when she finds herself attracted to a handsome young Believer named Ethan. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

BO’S CAFE by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol and John Lynch (Fiction)
High-powered executive Steven Kerner is living the dream in southern California. But when his bottled pain ignites in anger one night, his wife kicks him out. Then an eccentric mystery man named Andy Monroe befriends Steven and begins unravelling his tightly wound world. Andy leads Steven through a series of frustrating and revealing encounters to repair his life through genuine friendship and the grace and love of a God who has been waiting for him to accept it. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Christian Living
FEARLESS: Imagine Your Life Without Fear, by Max Lucado (Christian Life)
Fear is sly. It has a way of sneaking into your neighborhood, your home and your life. Once it takes up residence, it doesn’t want to leave. But Max Lucado wants to let us know that fear doesn’t have to make us change who we are. In his latest book, FEARLESS, Lucado encourages people to say goodbye to fear. In 15 carefully crafted chapters, he explores the source of our fears and the secret to being more courageous in our everyday lives. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

THE LOVE REVOLUTION by Joyce Meyer (Christian Living)
What does it mean to start a revolution? Is it possible to create change in people’s lives at home and around the world? Your initial response may be “Not in a million years,” but according to bestselling author Joyce Meyer, a revolution is at hand and it will transform everything in its wake. THE LOVE REVOLUTION is a powerful call for every man, woman and child to live out their faith through love. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION: Embracing the God-Filled Life, by Anne Graham Lotz (Christian Living)
What is your passion? What ignites the glimmer in your eye? What compels you to climb out of bed every morning? In other words, what is your magnificent obsession? For bestselling author and Bible teacher Anne Graham Lotz, she knows only one magnificent obsession: God. In her latest book, Lotz details the story of Abraham to illustrate a life wholly devoted to God. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

SCOUTING THE DIVINE: My Search for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey, by Margaret Feinberg (Christian Living/Spirituality)
A Bible full of ancient, agrarian truths. A woman living a modern life. To discover deeper meanings of God’s message, popular author and speaker Margaret Feinberg spends time with an Oregon shepherdess, a Nebraska farmer, a California vintner and a veteran beekeeper. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
I DON’T WANT A DIVORCE: A 90 Day Guide to Saving Your Marriage, by Dr. David Clarke with William Clarke (Love and Marriage)
Dr. David Clarke uses his 20 years of counseling experience to provide couples with a proven way to save their marriages. Using Scripture, anecdotes and humor, I DON’T WANT A DIVORCE promises to help husbands and wives not only save their marriages, but completely change their relationships. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

Faithful Fifteen
Melody Carlson
In this Faithful Fifteen interview, Melody Carlson --- author of over 200 novels for women, children and young adults --- discusses what inspired her latest book, THE CHRISTMAS DOG, and explains how her personal beliefs color her writing. She also recalls how she found her faith despite growing up in a non-religious household, details her organic approach to praying, and shares a touching story about meeting a fan.

Special Contest and Feature
Redemption Series Giveaway
Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley’s acclaimed Redemption series is being re-released, and we here at FaithfulReader.com are celebrating with a special contest. Three readers will have the opportunity to win a finished copy of each title in the series, including REDEMPTION, REMEMBER, RETURN, REJOICE and REUNION.

REDEMPTION: Baxter Family Drama - Redemption Series, Book 1 by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley (Fiction)
REDEMPTION is the first book in the five-book Redemption series that Gary and Karen will write about the Baxter family --- their fears and desires, their strengths and weaknesses, their losses and victories. Each book explores key relationship themes as well as the larger theme of redemption, both in characters’ spiritual lives and in their relationships.
- Click here to read an excerpt from REDEMPTION.
- Click here to read Karen Kingsbury's bio.
- Learn more about the Redemption series here.

A SLOW BURN Giveaway
We are celebrating the release of A SLOW BURN --- the second title in Mary E. DeMuth’s suspenseful Texas Defiance Trilogy --- with a special contest. In December, three Grand Prize winners will receive a fresh, seasonal bouquet of flowers from the "Flower of the Month Club" as well as a finished copy of the first two books in the Defiance Texas Trilogy, DAISY CHAIN and A SLOW BURN. The winners will also receive a new bouquet in January and February. In addition, 15 runners-up will receive a finished copy of DAISY CHAIN and A SLOW BURN.

A SLOW BURN: Defiance Texas Trilogy, Book 2 by Mary E. DeMuth (Mystery)
Emory Chance needs to find who killed her daughter Daisy and unravel the mystery behind a sickening premonition --- a man with a snake tattoo. The second book in the Defiance Texas Trilogy, A SLOW BURN, is a suspenseful story about courageous love, the power of forgiveness and the bonds that never break.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A SLOW BURN.
- Click here to read Mary E. DeMuth’s bio.
- Click here to read an interview with Mary E. DeMuth.
- Click here to read more about A DAISY CHAIN.

Study Guides
WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY: Must-Have Accessories for God’s Perfect Peace, by Rhonda Rhea (Christian Living)
A beautiful bracelet, stylish new scarf, or pair of sleek sunglasses --- there's always room in a girl's wardrobe for the perfect fashion accessory. But what about spiritual accessories? Pure things, holy things... lovely things. These are the life “accessories” that are must-haves, says Rhonda Rhea. And using Philippians 4:8-9 as a springboard, she takes you on a fun adventure infused with practical spiritual truth about how focusing on those things can lead to a more fruitful, more blessed and more peace-filled life.
- Click here to read more about WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY.
- Click here to read Rhonda Rhea’s bio.

AN EYE FOR AN EYE: Heroes of Quantico Series, Book 2 by Irene Hannon (Romantic Suspense)
After an accidental shooting during a tense standoff, FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Mark Sanders is sent to St. Louis to work as a field agent and get his bearings while the bad press settles. Just weeks away from returning to Quantico, Mark has a chance encounter with his first love, Emily Lawson. But their reunion is cut short by a sniper. Now Mark must find the shooter before he strikes again.
- Click here to read more about AN EYE FOR AN EYE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AN EYE FOR AN EYE.
- Click here to read Irene Hannon’s bio.

FOOLS RUSH IN: Weddings by Bella, Book 1 by Janice Thompson (Romance)
Bella Rossi’s life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella quickly books a Boot-Scootin’ wedding that would make any Texan proud. There’s only one catch --- she doesn’t know a thing about country music. Where will she find a deejay on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his George Strait? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?
- Click here to read more about FOOLS RUSH IN.
- Click here to read Janice Thompson’s bio.

Features
A HEART EXPOSED: Talking to God with Nothing to Hide, by Steven James (Devotional)
In A HEART EXPOSED, Steven James presents an original collection of image-rich prayers that reflect a heart laid bare before God and invites you to speak to God with nothing to hide.

If you want to be completely real with God, these prayers will pave the way for a life of honest, soulful communication with the God who is always waiting, always available, always listening.
- Click here to read daily devotions from A HEART EXPOSED.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A HEART EXPOSED.
- Click here to read Steven James’s bio.

FINDING CHRISTMAS: Stories of Startling Joy and Perfect Peace, by James Calvin Schaap (Short Stories)
Join award-winning author and storyteller James Calvin Schaap as he uncovers the grace, joy and love of the season through seven heartwarming tales of miracle moments in a messy world. This beautiful and inspiring collection of contemporary Christmas stories will remind you what grace looks like --- and where to find it.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FINDING CHRISTMAS.
- Click here to read James Calvin Schaap’s bio.

THE UNFINISHED GIFT by Dan Walsh (Fiction)
Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather’s house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather’s attic --- the one he is forbidden to touch.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE UNFINISHED GIFT.
- Click here to read Dan Walsh’s bio.

A COUSIN’S PRAYER: Indiana Cousins, Book 2 by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Romance)
After her boyfriend is killed in a van in which she was also a passenger, Katie Miller finds herself suffering from depression and anxiety attacks. What --- or who --- will deliver Katie from the bondage of her fears? Freeman Bontrager has been attracted to Katie for years. Now that she’s home, can he break through her emotional scars long enough to reach her heart? When a mysterious package brings Katie out of her despair, hope looms, until the “gift” must be returned to its rightful owners. Will Katie find the courage to really live --- and love --- again?
- Click here to read an excerpt from A COUSIN’S PRAYER.
- Click here to read Wanda E. Brunstetter’s bio.

About the Books
THE LAST WORD: Sophie Trace Trilogy, Book 2 by Kathy Herman (Suspense)
Heart-pounding suspense meets heart-challenging truth as bestselling author Kathy Herman returns to Sophie Trace in her new page-turner, THE LAST WORD. Based on Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the gentile,” Herman’s second installment in the Sophie Trace series triumphantly demonstrates God’s miraculous ability to heal the broken.

THE BLUE UMBRELLA by Mike Mason (Fantasy)
What would happen if all the world’s weather was controlled by one man with a blue umbrella? If your mother had been killed by lightning, would you trust this man? This is the decision facing 10-year-old Zac Sparks in Mike Mason’s new page-turning fantasy novel, THE BLUE UMBRELLA. Probing the depths of good and evil, the first in Mason’s series for nine to 12 year olds is a superbly written children’s story with deep spiritual resonance.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 2009

2009-08-31T18:56:00.005-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of August.

Faithful Fiction
THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN by Eva Marie Everson (Fiction)
The funeral of her Great Uncle Jim in Cottonwood, Georgia, becomes the setting for Jo-Lynn Hunter's midlife crisis. Uncle Jim and Aunt Stella are like grandparents, their home a safe haven. Now in her late 40s and mourning a failing marriage, Jo-Lynn chooses to extend her stay in Cottonwood to renovate their historic home into a museum. This is a story of secrets, family, and the restoration of a house and a life. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN by Deeanne Gist (Historical Romance)
Set in the timberlands north of Seattle, this latest book by Deanne Gist tells the story of a young woman who becomes A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN. When she signed a contract to work as a cook, Anna Ivey did not know that the logger who signed the other part of the contract was expecting a bride. How this all resolves makes for a delightful and thought-provoking read. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE END IS NOW by Rob Stennett (Fiction)
One week from tomorrow, at precisely 6:11 in the morning, the rapture or apocalypse or Armageddon or whatever else it is you’d prefer to call it, is going to occur. But only in Goodland, Kansas. The Hendersons are caught in the middle as the town --- and the family --- divides between belief and unbelief in this satirical and illuminating apocalyptic novel. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
HEARING JESUS SPEAK INTO YOUR SORROW by Nancy Guthrie (Christian Living/Spiritual Life)
In this paradigm-shifting book, Nancy Guthrie gently invites readers to lean in along with her to hear Jesus speak understanding and insight into the lingering questions we all have about the hurts of life: What was God’s involvement in this, and why did he let it happen? Why hasn’t God answered my prayers for a miracle? Can I expect God to protect me? Does God even care? Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD: Falling in Love With the God Jesus Knows, by James Bryan Smith (Spirituality)
We all have ideas that we tell ourselves about God and how He works in our lives. Some are true --- but many are false. James Bryan Smith believes those thoughts determine not only who we are, but how we live. In fact, Smith declares, the most important thing about a person is what they think about God. The path to spiritual transformation begins here. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

I TOLD ME SO: Self-Deception and the Christian Life, by Gregg A. Ten Elshof (Christian Living)
Think you’ve ever deceived yourself? Then this book is for you. Think you've never deceived yourself? Then this book is really for you. Honest and incisive, consistently wise and frequently funny, I TOLD ME SO offers fresh insights on how we deceive ourselves and smart strategies to combat the deceiver in all of us. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
WHEN YOUR CHILD IS HURTING: Helping Your Kids Survive the Ups and Downs of Life, by Glynnis Whitwer (Parenting)
Author, editor and speaker Glynnis Whitwer identifies many of the inevitable hurts children experience --- harsh reprimands from coaches or teachers, uncaring remarks from family members or friends, troubling misunderstandings between siblings --- and gives parents practical, effective advice to handle these painful situations. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Study Guides
THE HOPE OF REFUGE: An Ada’s House Novel, by Cindy Woodsmall (Fiction)
New Yorker Cara Moore has nothing and is on the run. Young Amish woman Deborah Mast has everything and is on her way to the wedding altar. When their lives collide, neither one will be the same. Can the humility and faith of Ada save either of them?
- Click here to read more about THE HOPE OF REFUGE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE HOPE OF REFUGE.
- Click here to read Cindy Woodsmall’s bio.

JUNE BUG by Chris Fabry (Fiction)
“I believed everything my daddy told me until I walked into Wal-Mart and saw my picture on a missing child poster…” The discovery begins a quest for the truth about her father, the mother he rarely speaks of, and ultimately herself. Forces draw them back to Dogwood, West Virginia, down a winding path that will change their lives forever. Publishers Weekly calls JUNE BUG “a lovely, moving, present-day account of sacrifice.”
- Click here to read Chris Fabry’s bio.

THE BELIEVER by Ann H. Gabhart (Historical Romance)
Elizabeth Duncan has nowhere to turn. In charge of her younger brother and sister after their parents die, her options are limited. When Elizabeth hears that the Shaker community in the next county takes in orphans, she presents herself and her siblings at Harmony Hill. Despite the hard work and strange new beliefs around her, Elizabeth is relieved to have a roof overhead and food to eat. But life gets complicated when she finds herself attracted to a handsome young Believer named Ethan.
- Click here to read Ann H. Gabhart’s bio.

SWEETWATER RUN by Jan Watson (Historical Romance)
“A Mule ain’t worth going to jail over,” Cara Whitt would have cried out if a woman’s words counted in a yard full of men. Dimmert didn’t have much in the way of worldly possessions, but he had his pride. She knew better than to mess with that. Award-winning author Jan Watson delivers a new historical fiction series filled with characters who are enjoyable, endearing and timeless.
- Click here to read more about SWEETWATER RUN.
- Click here to read Jan Watson’s bio.

SWEET WATERS: An Otter Bay Novel, by Julie Carobini (Romance)
There’s nothing left for Tara Sweet in landlocked Dexton, Missouri. Tara believes a move back to her childhood home of Otter Bay, California, will help restore the fun and fearlessness she’s already missing in her 20s. Playing back memories of idyllic times spent there with her father along the majestic coast, a fairytale seems just around the corner. But she soon begins to uncover shocking secrets about why her family left this heaven on earth all those years ago.

Features
THE BLUE ENCHANTRESS: Charles Towne Belles, Book 2 by M. L. Tyndall (Historical Romance)
Trying to forget about a painful past, Hope Westcott plunges into Charles Towne society trying to find love and acceptance. Captain Nathaniel Mason is determined to build his shipping business and doesn’t need a romantic entanglement --- especially with a woman like Hope. When Hope’s adventure-seeking puts her freedom --- and her life --- in jeopardy, will Nathaniel turn his back or follow God’s voice and sacrifice everything to save her?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BLUE ENCHANTRESS.
- Click here to read M. L. Tyndall’s bio.

MONTANA ROSE: Montana Marriages Series, Book 1 by Mary Connealy (Historical Romance)
When Cassie’s husband dies, leaving her and her unborn child alone, she finds herself fair game for every ill-bred, foul-mouthed suitor in town. That is, until Red Dawson steps in to make an offer. Will this “china doll” be safe in the hands of a rough-and-ruddy rancher? Although attracted to Cassie from the start, Red is reluctant to wed a nonbeliever. But it seems he has no choice. Will Red eventually win over this doll --- heart and soul?
- Click here to read an excerpt from MONTANA ROSE.
- Click here to read Mary Connealy’s bio.

THE BRIDE BACKFIRE: Prairie Promises Series, Book 2 by Kelly Eileen Hake (Historical Romance)
Come on down for a real family feud in this witty romance, the second novel in Kelly Eileen Hake's Prairie Promises series. In the Nebraskan Territory of 1857, the longstanding feud between their two families makes Opal Speck desperate to save the life of the Grogan who once pulled her from a burning building. Will her big white lie --- that Adam is the father of her unborn child --- land in enemy territory for the rest of her life? Find out how Adam and Opal deal with the repercussions of their shotgun wedding in THE BRIDE BACKFIRE!
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BRIDE BACKFIRE.
- Click here to read Kelly Eileen Hake’s bio.

MENU FOR ROMANCE: Brides of Bonneterre, Book 2 by Kaye Dacus (Romance)
After eight years of unrequited love, Meredith makes a resolution to find someone new and end her single status before the year is over. And when she meets a handsome contractor, it seems like her prayers have been answered. Executive Chef Major O'Hara has sworn off relationships, knowing he cannot find love with a family situation like his. But when it seems he's about to lose Meredith to another, he realizes he must concoct a menu for romance to win her back.
- Click here to read an excerpt from MENU FOR ROMANCE.
- Click here to read Kaye Dacus’s bio.

About the Books
THREE WEDDINGS AND A BAR MITZVAH: 86 Bloomberg Place, Book 4 by Melody Carlson (Fiction)
In a wild combination of “Desperate Housewives,” “Sex and the City” and “Gilmore Girls” --- with all of the drama but none of the taboo --- beloved author Melody Carlson offers readers her final installment in the 86 Bloomberg Place series. Written in her well-known conversational, colloquial style, Carlson’s latest novel continues to follow four diverse young women, with varying levels of faith, differing interests and unique personal issues, through the high dramas of their romantic lives.
- Click here to read Melody Carlson’s bio.

JESUS: Why the World Is Still Fascinated by Him, by Tim LaHaye (Spirituality)
Jesus Christ has served as the inspiration for more literature, more music, and more works of art than any other person in history. What is it about this former carpenter from an obscure village that many find so compelling? In his new book, JESUS: Why the World Is Still Fascinated by Him, bestselling author Tim LaHaye examines that question, incorporating the responses of both those who willingly risk ridicule and even death to shout His praises and those who are obsessed with trying to undermine the historical basis of His story.
- Click here to read Tim LaHaye’s bio.

IN THE ARMS OF IMMORTALS: A Novel of Darkness and Light - Chronicles of the Scribe, Book 2 by Ginger Garrett (Historical Thriller)
In another heart-stopping historical fiction thriller from the author of IN THE SHADOW OF THE LIONS, critically acclaimed author Ginger Garrett paints a captivating portrait of a time when terror ruled and faith was hard to come by. IN THE ARMS OF IMMORTALS travels a richly imagined journey into a key moment of history: the arrival of the Black Death in Europe.
- Click here to read more about Ginger Garrett.

THE TRANSFORMATION: A Project Restoration Novel, by Terri Kraus (Romance)
What happens when the normal Christian life you expected doesn’t turn out exactly that way? Can a good, hard-working Christian man disregard his cultural and religious admonitions --- as well as his mother’s plans for his life --- for the love of a woman and a historic church building? For anyone who has ever faced a dilemma of the heart --- or for the avid HGTV watcher --- author Terri Kraus tackles these questions with THE TRANSFORMATION, the latest installment in her Project Restoration series dedicated to remodelers, rehabbers and DIYers.

STRETCH MARKS by Kimberly Stuart (Fiction)
With her trademark irreverent humor and a surprising and satisfying take on romance, popular author Kimberly Stuart beckons readers to a wild ride of weird cravings, swollen feet and a growing belly in her new book, STRETCH MARKS. In this comic yet poignant novel about mothers and daughters, Stuart bravely tackles the issues of divorce, sex outside of marriage and single parenthood as granola-eating, sensible shoe–wearing Mia is forced to face her estranged relationship with her mother.

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship, by Sarah Zacharias Davis (Relationships)
Written by one of this generation’s most authentic voices, THE FRIENDS WE KEEP helps readers understand their need for friendship, what it means to be safe in a relationship, and how to embrace what a friend offers, whether meager or generous. Sarah writes with heart, intelligence, historical and cultural reference, and biblical insight; she gives readers wisdom to handle the challenges and mysteries of one of their most vital relationships.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 2009

2009-08-05T16:49:00.012-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of July.

The titles below are also mentioned in the FaithfulReader.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

VANISH by Tom Pawlik
GOD WILL DO THE REST by Catherine Galasso-Vigorito
DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL: IT'S A GREEN THING by Melody Carlson

Faithful Fiction
ANY MINUTE by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford (Fiction)
Sarah Harper is driven to achieve success no matter what the cost. She wants to do good and not hurt the people she loves --- especially her children and her husband, Joe --- but her desire to succeed in her career too often leaves little time for family. One cold, autumn afternoon, all of that changes when Sarah's car plunges off a bridge and into a river. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

NEVER THE BRIDE by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge (Romance)
When two funny and talented women team up to write a story that other witty females will enjoy, the result is NEVER THE BRIDE. Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge have delivered a delightful summer read as well as a thought-provoking challenge that is bound to reaffirm your trust in God. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

WHAT THE BAYOU SAW by Patti Lacy (Fiction)
A murky Louisiana bayou conceals a murderer consumed by wicked desires. Like a half-submerged gator, he waits patiently for his unsuspecting prey. Twelve-year-old Sally Flowers is too distracted by her thoughts to notice the presence of evil. What the bayou saw that day will change the course of people’s lives and rise up again in Sally nearly three decades later, when choosing the right path for the future means facing a head-on encounter with her past. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

RETURN POLICY by Michael Snyder (Fiction)
Three strangers --- Willy, Ozena and Shaq --- have all but lost their last shreds of hope amidst the challenges they face. With no plausible reason for their lives to cross paths, the trio comes together amidst a combination of unusual circumstances. Faith, love and friendship intertwine throughout RETURN POLICY to reveal that with God, there is always hope. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
LIVE YOUR JOY by Bonnie St. John (Christian Life/Inspirational)
Joy is something that comes from the inside out. It feels like a flowing grace, a feeling of goodness all around, a sense of well-being through good and bad. It is love, gratitude, faith and empowerment all wrapped together. Joy deepens our experiences. Bonnie St. John admits that she's not able to live her joy every minute of every day, but she does so now more often than she used to. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

DROPS LIKE STARS: A Few Thoughts on Creativity and Suffering, by Rob Bell
We plot. We plan. We assume things are going to go a certain way. And when they don’t, we find ourselves in a new place --- a place we haven’t been before, a place we never would have imagined on our own. DROPS LIKE STARS is an exploration of the complex relationship between suffering and creativity, driven by the belief that there is art in the agony. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

MENTOR LIKE JESUS by Regi Campbell, with Richard Chancy (Christian Living)
Desiring to see God widely embraced as more than a remote concept, entrepreneur Regi Campbell began a deeply successful mentoring program years ago that has become one of his greatest joys. MENTOR LIKE JESUS is Campbell’s revelation of what he now calls “next generation mentoring,” an exponentially rewarding process that is resulting in “lives changed, marriages saved, children dealt with in a more loving way.” Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

HOLY ROLLER: Finding Redemption and the Holy Ghost in a Forgotten Texas Church, by Julie Lyons (Religion/Spirituality)
As a crime reporter, Julie Lyons followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto, looking for a church where drug addicts were supernaturally healed. She got her front-page story and more: a church home, a spiritual transformation, and a book that’s a good read. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
PARENTING YOUR TEEN AND LOVING IT: Being the Mom Your Kid Needs, by Susie Davis (Parenting)
Cell phones and Facebook. Slammed doors and mood swings. Somehow, your sweet child changed into a baffling bunch of hormones you barely recognize. You love your teen but worry about being the mom you need to be. Susie Davis can help. She gives you the information you need to understand where your teen is emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Faithful Fifteen
Debbie Alsdorf
Debbie Alsdorf is an author, speaker and the founder of Design4Living Ministries. In this Faithful Fifteen interview, Alsdorf discusses her latest book, A DIFFERENT KIND OF WILD, and explains how women can apply her advice and insights to their spiritual and everyday lives. She also recounts her own rocky faith journey, names some of her personal and professional mentors, and shares the message she hopes readers will take away from her work.

Study Guides
THE JUSTICE GAME by Randy Singer (Legal Thriller)
After the target of an investigative report storms a Virginia Beach news studio, he executes one of the reporters on live television. Following the victim’s funeral, her family files a lawsuit against the gun company who manufactured the killer’s weapon of choice. As the lawyers for each side battle each other, they discover there are unseen players intent on controlling them both. For some, justice is a game. For others, it’s a matter of life and death.
- Click here to read more about THE JUSTICE GAME.
- Click here to read Randy Singer’s bio.

VALLEY OF THE SHADOW by Tom Pawlik (Psychological Thriller)
Jump In, Hang On

Conner fought his way through the woods. Tendrils of mist curled around his legs like serpents seeking to pull him to the ground. But he had to keep going. No ghostly whispers from the dark, save one. One single, moaning plea. “Help Me!” Don’t miss this sequel to the award-winning novel, VANISH.
- Click here to read more about VALLEY OF THE SHADOW.
- Click to read Tom Pawlik’s bio.

LOVE’S FIRST LIGHT by Jamie Carie (Historical Romance)
Christophé, the Count of St. Laurent, has lost his entire family to the blood-soaked French Revolution and must flee (Christian Living)to an ancient castle along the southern border of France to survive. But the medieval city of Carcassonne proves more than a hiding place. Here Christophé meets the beautiful widow Scarlett. Although their acquaintance begins brightly enough, when the Count learns that Scarlett is related to the man who murdered his family, he turns from love and chooses revenge.
- Click here to read a review of LOVE’S FIRST LIGHT.
- Click here to read Jamie Carie’s bio.

THE FRONTIERSMAN’S DAUGHTER by Laura Frantz (Historical Romance)
Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father’s ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family’s past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?
- Click here to read more about THE FRONTIERSMAN’S DAUGHTER.
- Click here to read Laura Frantz’s bio.
CERTAIN JEOPARDY by Captain Jeff Struecker, with Alton Gansky (Suspense)
Six American men live behind a protective façade, their real work hidden from neighbors and friends. Different in countless ways, they are intimately the same in one: at any moment their lives can be altered with a phone call. They are Special Ops.

Informed by the true combat experience of Captain Jeff Struecker and finessed by award-winning novelist Alton Gansky, CERTAIN JEOPARDY is an immersing and pulsating fictional account of what really happens at every level of a stealth engagement: the physical enemy encounter, the spiritual war fought within a soldier, and the emotional battles in families back at home.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 2009

2009-06-30T19:36:00.011-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of June.

Faithful Fiction
GHOSTWRITER by Travis Thrasher (Suspense)
Now a widower, author Dennis Shore is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he's stricken by a paralyzing case of writer's block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else's writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he's gotten away with it…until he's greeted by the true author of the stolen manuscript. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

A FLICKERING LIGHT: Portraits of the Heart, Book 1 by Jane Kirkpatrick (Historical Romance)
It was a time of economic hardship for many when even 14-year-old girls were expected to get jobs that would contribute to the family’s support. Jessie Gaebele was no exception. But little did she know how being apprenticed to FJ Bauer would ignite her passion not only for photography but for forbidden romance as well. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE SWEETGUM LADIES KNIT FOR LOVE by Beth Pattillo (Fiction)
Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently-wedded bliss, group leader Eugenie chooses “Great Love Stories in Literature” as the theme for the year’s reading list --- a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES by Marlo Schalesky (Fiction)
Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams --- marriage, children, a house by the sea…everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn’t plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes. Now, all that’s left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until…Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

Christian Living
THE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR CHRISTIANS: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life, by Charles R. Swindoll (Christian Life)
Written for all believers, THE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR CHRISTIANS captures the essentials of the Christian life in simple, inspiring terms. Clear biblical teaching and pastoral instruction encourages readers onto the Christian life they long for…and can have. It just takes a God-given desire for obedience and the practical applications this book teaches. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

RELEARNING JESUS: How Reading the Beatitudes One More Time Changed My Faith, by Matthew Paul Turner (Christian Life)
Join popular author Matthew Paul Turner on a spiritual journey to discover just who Jesus is. Filled with Turner's spot-on humor, incisive insights and no-holds-barred transparency, RELEARNING JESUS offers readers a fresh perspective on their faith and a reintroduction to their Saviour. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GOD: Dangerous Beliefs in the New Spiritual Openness, by R. Albert Mohler Jr. (Christian Living)
As biblical scholar, author, and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Mohler writes, “The entire structure of Christian truth is now under attack.” With wit and wisdom he tackles the most important aspects of these modern issues. In the age-old battle to preserve the foundations of faith, it's up to a new generation to confront and disarm the contemporary shams and fight for the truth. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

LIVING THE LORD’S PRAYER: The Way of the Disciple, by Albert Haase, OFM (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
Hidden in the Lord’s Prayer is a complete picture of our life with God. Albert Haase examines each line, to explore a deeper understanding of this teaching of Jesus and explain how it can shape us spiritually as we grow in Christ. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

Marriage and Family Life
LOVE IS A VERB: Stories of What Happens When Love Comes Alive, by Gary Chapman (Christian Life/Love & Marriage)
Rather than a typical marriage self-help book filled with lengthy explanations of principles and techniques, LOVE IS A VERB is a compilation of true stories displaying love in action. These stories --- written by everyday people --- go straight to the hearts of readers, who often say that illustrations are the most effective parts of a book. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

Author Talks
Patti Lacy
Patti Lacy is the author of two works of Christian fiction, WHAT THE BAYOU SAW and AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE. In this interview, Lacy discusses the inspiration behind her vivid and colorful settings, and describes the rewarding aspects of being a published writer. She also reveals what she likes to do during her downtime and shares details about her next book, tentatively titled MY NAME IS SHEBA.

Deborah Vogts
In this interview, Deborah Vogts discusses her inspiration behind SNOW MELTS IN SPRING --- the first installment of her Seasons of the Tallgrass series --- and explains the role faith plays in her writing. She also recounts her journey to becoming a published author and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her work.

Study Guides
THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN by Eva Marie Everson (Fiction)
Jo-Lynn Hunter is at a crossroads in life when her great-aunt Stella insists that she return home to restore the old family manse in sleepy Cottonwood, Georgia. Jo-Lynn longs to get her teeth into a noteworthy and satisfying project. And it’s the perfect excuse for some therapeutic time away from her husband.

But beneath the dust and the peeling wallpaper, things are not what they seem, and what Jo-Lynn doesn’t know about her family holds just as many surprises.
- Click here to read more about THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN.
- Click here to read Eva Marie Everson’s bio.

FORSAKEN by James David Jordan (Thriller)
What would it take for you to renounce your faith in Christ? Author James David Jordan confronts readers with this challenging question in his new book, FORSAKEN. A unique love story wrapped in an action thriller, FORSAKEN is the first of a two-book series featuring Taylor Pasbury, a beautiful but troubled former Secret Service agent hired by the world’s most famous televangelist after he receives terrorist threats.
- Click here to read more about FORSAKEN.
- Click here to read James David Jordan’s bio.

HALLIE’S HEART by Shelly Beach (Fiction)
Mona VanderMolen, an antique dealer in a small Michigan town, is trying to keep her business alive. As Mona faces the uncertainties of her own future, Hallie, Mona's 15-year-old niece, suddenly arrives on her doorstep. Guilt-ridden over her sister's drowning several years earlier, Hallie has run off to her aunt's cottage. As the two women work through their problems and learn to forgive, will an unfortunate accident tear them apart once again?

HALLIE’S HEART won a Christy Award in 2008.
- Click here to read more about HALLIE’S HEART.
- Click here to read an excerpt from HALLIE’S HEART.
- Click here to read Shelly Beach’s bio.

MORNINGSONG by Shelly Beach (Fiction)
In this highly-anticipated follow-up to the Christy Award-winning HALLIE’S HEART, a terrifying accident on the shores of Lake Michigan has shattered Mona’s life and left her with disabling injuries.

Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, trouble comes looking for Mona again. And trouble’s name is Hallie. A brewing family storm and Hallie’s hidden fears are the last thing Mona wants to deal with. But can she turn away her sister? Even as the dark clouds continue to roll in, a hope waits for both of them --- if only they can catch their breath long enough to find it.
- Click here to read more about MORNINGSONG.
- Click here to read an excerpt from MORNINGSONG.
- Click here to read Shelly Beach’s bio.

COME SUNDAY by Isla Morley (Fiction)
Abbe Deighton is a woman who has lost her bearings. Once a child of the African plains, she is now settled in Hawaii, married to a minister, and waging her battles in a hallway of monotony. There is the leaky roof, the chafing expectations of her husband’s congregation and the constant demands of motherhood. But in an instant, beginning with the skid of tires, Abbe’s battlefield is transformed when her three-year-old daughter is killed, triggering in Abbe a seismic grief that will cut a swath through the landscape of her life and her identity.

ESSIE IN PROGRESS by Marjorie Presten (Fiction)
Can Essie continue to juggle her job, her motherly duties, her impulsive husband and a forlorn father-in-law who has taken up residence in a dilapidated sailboat?

For every well-meaning, time-starved wife and mother, ESSIE IN PROGRESS is a clever foray into a life so harried and yet so familiar. Writing with a unique style and genuine Southern sensibility, author Marjorie Presten offers a stirring message about discovering and embracing life as it’s meant to be lived --- the life God wants for you.
- Click here to read more about ESSIE IN PROGRESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from ESSIE IN PROGRESS.
- Click here to read Marjorie Presten’s bio.

BERTIE’S WAR by Barbara Blakey (Fiction)
Bertie wants to be a good kid, but her fear keeps tripping her up and she finds herself tumbling into embarrassing, and sometimes dangerous, situations. By the time Bertie enters seventh grade in the fall of 1961, it seems like the whole world has gone crazy --- and taken Bertie along with it. As news of the Cuban Missile Crisis throws the nation into a panic, Bertie will be forced to confront her fears face-to-face, both at school and at home.
- Click here to read more about BERTIE’S WAR.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BERTIE’S WAR.
- Click here to read Barbara Blakey’s bio.

TALKING TO THE DEAD by Bonnie Grove (Fiction)
In this tender, quirky debut novel about embracing life, Bonnie Grove patiently walks readers through the depths and mysteries of extreme sorrow after the death of a loved one. As she takes an unflinching look at the mental health industry, Grove’s training in counseling and psychology brings realism and empathy to grief and mental breakdown. While Kate must confront her own loss to find the grace to go on, readers will be led to the God who is always willing and able to comfort hearts in pain.
- Click here to read more about TALKING TO THE DEAD.

About the Books
BREATHE: A Novel of Colorado - The Homeward Trilogy, Book 1 by Lisa T. Bergren (Historical Romance)
By the time Dominic and Moira St. Clair get their ailing sister Odessa to Colorado Springs in the winter of 1883, she is nearly dead. Seriously ailing for the past year from the consumption, their father has sent his only surviving children West to chase the cure.

Several days after her arrival, Odessa witnesses what she fears is the murder of miner Sam O’Toole, friend and neighbor to Bryce McAllan. As others near the O’Toole mine die, Odessa must choose between settling into love and solving the mystery, never dreaming she might do both.

CRITICAL CARE by Candace Calvert (Fiction)
“ER” move over… Candace Calvert’s new Medical Hope Opera series has arrived!

If you’re a fan of TV medical drama, a reader who enjoys charismatic characters, action, humor, romance --- with an encouraging message of hope --- CRITICAL CARE is for you. Think: “Grey’s Anatomy” finds its soul!
- Click here to read Candace Calvert’s bio.

YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING: Va-Va-Va Boom Series, Book 1 by Allison Bottke (Fiction)
In this first book of the Va-Va-Va Boom series, Susan Anderson owns and operates a hip hair salon on the Las Vegas strip, decorated with her collection of disco memorabilia. Now happily married, Susan is known for her business savvy, her fabulous vintage ensembles, her faith, her big heart --- and the impromptu disco dance numbers salon staff and clients join in when the spirit moves. If life is a dance, Susan’s mastered all the moves.

THE KING’S LEGACY: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages, by Jim Stovall (Fiction)
From the bestselling author of THE ULTIMATE GIFT, now a major motion picture, comes an ageless tale with a profound message: Sometimes wisdom is where you least expect it. This summer, Jim Stovall’s classic parable, THE KING’S LEGACY, will return in an updated, revised gift edition. Featuring an enhanced look and new illustrations, this simple, insightful story is perfect for readers of all ages.

WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST ABOUT CHRISTIANITY: Honest Reflections from an Open-Minded Christ Follower, by Ed Gungor (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
If you were to ask an atheist or skeptic what bothers him most about Christianity, chances are that person would have a list of issues to discuss. But what would happen if you were to pose that same question to a Christian --- or, better yet, an evangelical pastor? The answer might surprise you.

In WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST ABOUT CHRISTIANITY, Pastor Ed Gungor owns up to the valid criticism that affronts Christianity. Gungor maintains that having faith is not intellectual suicide and that mystery is an essential quality of the Christian belief.
- Click here to read Ed Gungor’s bio.

SCARED: A Novel on the Edge of the World, by Tom Davis (Fiction)
Once a celebrated and award-winning photojournalist, Stuart Daniels is reeling from debt, a broken marriage and crippling depression. The source of Stuart’s grief is his most famous photo, a snapshot of brutality in the dangerous Congo.

Stuart is given one last chance to redeem his career: A make-or-break assignment covering the AIDS crisis in a small African country. It is here that Stuart meets Adanna, a young orphan fighting for her life in a community ravaged by tragedy and disease. What seemed like a chance encounter will forever change their lives.

CROSSING THE LINES by Richard Doster (Historical Fiction)
In this much anticipated follow-up to SAFE AT HOME, family man Jack Hall wants nothing more than to be a respectable newspaper reporter, see a good baseball game now and again, love his wife and watch his son grow up in their middle-class, white community. Then he finds himself on the fault line where black meets white in the American South of the late 1950s. Once again, historic events sweep Jack --- and his idealistic son, Chris --- into harm's way. Will this be the collision that destroys his family forever?

Click here to read the full newsletter.

May 2009

2009-05-29T18:16:00.011-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of May.

Faithful Fiction
SISTERCHICKS IN WOODEN SHOES! by Robin Jones Gunn (Fiction)
A multi-tasking mama, Summer Finley has found ways to handle whatever life throws at her with grace and a grin. Until now, that is. An “abnormal” medical test result sends Summer into an emotional tailspin and prompts her to fulfill a life-long dream of “meeting” her best friend and pen pal since fourth grade, Noelle Van Zandt, face-to-face. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE: The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, Book 1 by Robin Lee Hatcher
(Historical Romance)
Beautiful and single, Guinevere Arlington knows her “place” in the early 20th century. She just refuses to stay there. Gwen loves her life in Idaho --- the mountains, the town, her independence. But when she runs for mayor --- and falls in love with her opponent --- Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

ROSE HOUSE by Tina Ann Forkner (Fiction)
Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Christian Living
A LIFETIME OF WISDOM: Embracing the Way God Heals You, by Joni Eareckson Tada (Christian Living)
At age 17, Joni Eareckson suffered an accident that left her a quadriplegic for life. Now, more than 40 years later, she looks back across her journey, speaking the wisdom of age and faith to her younger self and to all who have been angry with God, who pray for healing and who hope for answers. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk with People about Jesus, by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg (Christian Living)
Are you missing one of the most exhilarating and rewarding dimensions of the Christian life? Bestselling authors Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg use compelling and humorous stories from their own lives in a devotional-style book that paints an irresistible picture of what personal evangelism can be --- the fulfilling adventure of a lifetime! Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

THE PRINCIPLE OF THE PATH: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Andy Stanley (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
There is often a tension between where we want to end up in life and the path we choose to get there. We fail to see that having good intentions is never good enough. So how do we get from where we are to where we truly want to be? THE PRINCIPLE OF THE PATH is a road map to proper direction and discipline. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

LONGING FOR GOD: Seven Paths of Christian Devotion, by Richard J. Foster and Gayle D. Beebe (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Truly experiencing the love of God gives us a taste of His goodness and His love for us, but often those moments are fleeting. We get distracted by life. Our awareness and understanding fade while our longing to experience Him that way again increases. In these pages you can begin to fill that longing by developing your capacity to receive and respond to God's love. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

Marriage and Family LifeRAISING BOYS TO BE LIKE JESUS by Sharon Norris Elliott (Parenting)
RAISING BOYS TO BE LIKE JESUS is a persuasive self-improvement book that offers counsel and assistance to Christian parents who are raising sons. Sharon Norris Elliott explores many subjects, including early spiritual preparation, laying the foundations of biblical commitment, social temptations for Christian boys and young men, basic parenting techniques, and personal values. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

Author Talk
Elizabeth White
Elizabeth White is the author of such Christian romance titles as CONTROLLING INTEREST, FAIR GAME, the Texas Gatekeepers series, and the newly released TOUR DE FORCE. In this interview, White discusses what prompted her to center this latest novel on a character from a previous work, and describes how she was able to portray the world of professional ballet so accurately in the text. She also reveals her most and least favorite aspects of being a novelist, elaborates on the role her spirituality plays in her writing, and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her books. » Click here to read an interview and about the book.

Father’s Day Roundup
When a man becomes a father, he embarks on the most challenging adventure of his life. There is no rulebook or map demonstrating the effective ways to be a great dad. Yet, even without a manual, these men are the foundation on which we continue to build our own lives. So to celebrate Father’s Day, FaithfulReader.com has compiled a list of titles that not only focuses on the multifaceted role of “father,” but also includes the subjects that dads just love to read. These books are excellent gifts and a great way to tell your father he is appreciated.

Special Contest
SAINTS IN LIMBO Giveaway
We are celebrating the release of SAINTS IN LIMBO by River Jordan, a novel woven from elements of the supernatural and tangible touches of God’s redeeming grace, with a special contest. 45 readers will have the opportunity to each win one finished copy of SAINTS IN LIMBO, which is now available in stores.

SAINTS IN LIMBO (Fiction)
This Southern lyrical novel, threaded with redemptive and mystical elements, centers on widow Velma True, who believes her purposes are “dried up.” But when a stranger visits her rural home, the mysterious gift he leaves behind will trigger a chain of events that alters Velma and those she loves most. Will reliving the past stir up old regrets --- or awaken her hope for the future?

Authentic Amish Gift Basket Giveaway
We’re celebrating the release of A GIFT OF GRACE --- the first installment of Amy Clipston’s Kauffman Amish Bakery series --- with a special contest. Three readers will have the opportunity to each win an authentic Amish gift basket filled with homemade jam, apple butter, pure maple syrup, Shoofly Pie mix, Apple Crisp mix and a collection of Amish recipes, as well as a finished copy of A GIFT OF GRACE, which is now in stores.

A GIFT OF GRACE: Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, Book 1 by Amy Clipston (Fiction)
Rebecca Kauffman's tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her "English" sister and husband are killed. Instead of the beautiful family life she has dreamed of, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage and her faith in God.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A GIFT OF GRACE.
- Click here to read Amy Clipston's bio.

Study Guides
THE MOMENT BETWEEN by Nicole Baart (Fiction)
Abigail Bennett was completely in control of her life until tragedy suddenly pushed her to the brink of something she’s never experienced: obsession. Now, she’s given up everything to chase down the object of that obsession. His name is Tyler Kamp.

THE MOMENT BETWEEN is a complex novel about the emotional risks of relationships between a 30-year-old unmarried accountant looking to reinvent herself, her troubled sister and the man who becomes, for very different reasons, their shared obsession.
- Click here to read more about THE MOMENT BETWEEN.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE MOMENT BETWEEN.
- Click here to read Nicole Baart’s bio.

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE: PJ Sugar Series #1 by Susan May Warren (Romance)
PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:
After 10 years on the run... she needs a fresh start.
The last person she wants to see is her old flame... the reason she left town.
And... Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit murder.
Adventure... Humor... Poignant life lessons...
From award-winning author Susan May Warren, meet PJ Sugar, a woman who always hopes for the best but somehow falls short of her dreams...or does she?
- Click here to read more about NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.
- Click here to read Susan May Warren’s bio.

A PASSION DENIED: Daughters of Boston, Book 3 by Julie Lessman (Historical Romance)
Elizabeth O’Connor has been like the little sister John Brady always wanted, sharing his love of literature and his thirst for God. But in the throes of the reckless Roaring Twenties, Lizzie has grown up. Suddenly she wants more from the man who has been her friend since she was a child. When this shy little bookworm blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving John, she discovers that his past won’t let him return that love. But Lizzie refuses to give up --- until his shocking secrets push her away.
- Click here to read more about A PASSION DENIED.
- Click here to read Julie Lessman’s bio.

ENDURING LOVE: Sydney Cove Series, Book 3 by Bonnie Leon (Historical Romance)
It’s 1807 and Australia settlers John and Hannah Bradshaw have worked hard and long to make a good life for themselves at their sheep farm in New South Wales. But just when things are looking up, their world is turned upside down when an unexpected visitor appears in Sydney Town.

The suspenseful conclusion to the Sydney Cove series, ENDURING LOVE is a gripping story laced with the tender romance and hope that readers have come to expect from Bonnie Leon.
- Click here to read more about ENDURING LOVE.
- Click here to read Bonnie Leon’s bio.

JILLIAN DARE by Melanie M. Jeschke (Romance)
Thrilled to land a job as a nanny at a large country estate in the rolling foothills of Virginia, Jillian Dare is enthralled with the beauty of her new home. But just as Jillian begins to feel at home, she meets her handsome but moody employer, Ethan. In spite of herself, Jillian realizes she might be falling for her boss.

This contemporary story, inspired by the well-loved classic JANE EYRE, will capture your heart with its timeless romance and the mystery of love.
- Click here to read more about JILLIAN DARE.
- Click here to read Melanie M. Jeschke’s bio.

PARENTING YOUR TEEN AND LOVING IT: Being the Mom Your Kid Needs, by Susie Davis (Parenting)
Cell phones and Facebook. Slammed doors and mood swings. Somehow, your sweet child changed into a baffling bunch of hormones you barely recognize. You love your teen but worry about being the mom you need to be.

Susie Davis can help. She gives you the information you need to understand where your teen is emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually. With humor and transparency, this seasoned mother of teens answers your big questions.
- Click here to read more about PARENTING YOUR TEEN AND LOVING IT.

Features
BELOVED COUNTERFEIT: Fairweather Keys Series, Book 3 by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Historical Romance)
Batten down the hatches and get ready to be swept away by BELOVED COUNTERFEIT, the third book in the captivating Fairweather Keys series by bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo. Ruby O’Shea is determined to start a new life. When her heart is claimed by Micah Tate, it seems all her dreams are coming true. Until a villain resurfaces and her sins are revealed. Will she receive a pardon for past deeds? Or will her protector abandon her as she’s caught in the riptide of her own duplicity?
- Click here to read an excerpt from BELOVED COUNTERFEIT.
- Click here to read Kathleen Y'Barbo’s bio.

About the Books
GETTING IN SHAPE GOD’S WAY: 4 Keys to Making Any Diet or Fitness Plan Work, by Ron Kardashian (Health/Christian Living)
In his new book, GETTING IN SHAPE GOD’S WAY, author and fitness expert Ron Kardashian reveals the neglected, ancient secrets to making everything else --- proper nutrition, exercise and other healthy principles --- work. The amazing results of his integrated, holistic approach have made him a powerful voice for worldwide change among people of every age, religion and creed.
- Click here to read Ron Kardashian’s bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

April 2009

2009-04-30T12:54:00.003-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of April.

Also mentioned in the FaithfulReader.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE by Laura Hayden
BREACH OF TRUST by DiAnn Mills

Faithful Fiction
A HUNDRED YEARS OF HAPPINESS by Nicole Seitz (Fiction)
In the South Carolina Lowcountry, a young mother named Katherine Ann is struggling to help her tempestuous father by plunging into a world of secrets he never talks about. A fry cook named Lisa is trying desperately to reach her grieving Vietnamese mother who has never fully adjusted to life in the States. And somewhere far away, a lost soul named Ernest is drifting, treading water, searching for what he lost on a long-ago mountain. Reviewed by Michele Howe

ANGEL OF WRATH by Bill Myers (Thriller)
Thirteen-year-old Jazmin, her ex-Special Ops uncle Charlie, and former FBI agent Lisa are reunited in the second of the Voice of God series to stop an assassin driven to murder members of a megachurch led by Lisa's brother. This assassin has drawn in a coven of teens toying with satanic practices to support his efforts. The naive youth engage in ceremonies that appear to usher in the death of each of his victims. When their rituals open a portal into the spiritual realm, a terrifying and mysterious entity crosses over to our world. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

LAST MANGO IN TEXAS by Ray Blackston (Fiction)
Texas Tech student Kyle Mango is attending a fraternity party when he meets Gretchen, an artsy animal lover whose independent spirit immediately sparks his attention. But after a month of bliss, they suddenly find themselves in rough waters. When Kyle inherits four oil wells from his uncle, he sees his affluence as an opportunity to impress Gretchen. But just before he makes his move, Gretchen joins a group of campus activists in Alaska for the summer to clean oil from suffering birds. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

ACCORDING TO THEIR DEEDS by Paul Robertson (Mystery)
Charles Beale lives outside the shadow of Washington, D.C. Politics and power matter only when a client crosses the Potomac to visit his Alexandria Rare Books shop. But that all changes when a former client --- a man deeply connected in the Justice Department --- is found murdered after a break-in gone bad. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
HIS NAME IS JESUS: The Promise of God's Love Fulfilled, by Max Lucado (Religion/Inspirational)
In his latest book, Max Lucado takes readers on a guided tour through the Holy Land with inspired prose and enchanting graphics that bring to life the man whose name is Jesus. Perhaps the most prolific among contemporary Christian writers, Lucado describes the God-ness and the human-ness of Jesus simply and lovingly. HIS NAME IS JESUS demonstrates how God’s love for humanity once walked among His people in the body of His son, Jesus. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

FINDING GRACE: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life…and Finding it Again, by Donna VanLiere (Memoir)
FINDING GRACE is the powerful, often humorous, and deeply moving story of one woman’s journey of broken dreams. It is the story of how a painful legacy of the past is confronted and met with peace. This book is for anyone who has struggled to understand why our desires --- even the simplest ones --- are sometimes denied or who has questioned where God is when we need him most. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

SO BEAUTIFUL: Divine Design for Life and the Church, by Leonard Sweet (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
What is commonly known as DNA today was called "...so pretty!" when it was discovered years ago, and over the course of his ministry, author Leonard Sweet has discovered that this divine design also informs God's blueprint for the church. Here, he shares the woven strands that form the church: missional, relational and incarnational. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE SACREDNESS OF QUESTIONING EVERYTHING by David Dark (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
In this provocative, entertaining book, author David Dark writes, “The summons to sacred questioning, like a call to honesty, like a call to prayer, is a call to be true and to let the chips fall where they may.” Far from being a sign of cynicism or weakness, questions are not only positive but crucial for our health and well-being. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

Marriage and Family
STILL GOING IT ALONE: Mothering With Faith and Finesse When the Children Have Grown, by Michele Howe (Family/Women’s Issues)
STILL GOING IT ALONE is the second in a series of inspirational/self-help books by Michele Howe, released 10 years after the first volume. GOING IT ALONE explored the social topic of raising children effectively as a single mother, and STILL GOING IT ALONE continues to delve into single motherhood as well as the challenges of raising teenagers and adapting to life gracefully with adult children. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

Mother's Day Roundup
Whether you call her Mother, Madré or Mutter, she has been there from day one. She was the hand that guided your very first steps, the voice of authority during your tumultuous adolescence, and your confidante through the adult years. In celebration of these phenomenal women, Faithfulreader.com has compiled a number of books that highlight the “motherhood” experience --- from its joys and rewards to its pain and challenges. This roundup of both fiction and nonfiction titles will advise, inspire and undoubtedly entertain.

Study Guides
MY SON, JOHN by Kathi Macias (Fiction)
When Liz Peterson’s elderly mother is found murdered, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, are horrified beyond words. Their previously predictable, respectable lives seem to have vanished without a trace, as they struggle to make sense of a senseless act.

But what comes next rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother’s murder. As what’s left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons’ longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits.
- Click here to read more about MY SON, JOHN.

Features
THE 7 GREAT PRAYERS: For a Lifetime of Hope and Blessings, by Paul and Tracey McManus (Spiritual Growth/Prayer)
THE 7 GREAT PRAYERS has already touched the lives of people all around the world. Now it can do the same for you.

This powerful book guides you through seven simple yet life-changing prayers. These prayers are for all people and all faiths. Authors Paul and Tracey McManus show you how to overcome life’s challenges, get closer to God, and attract blessings into your life through the power of prayer.
- Click here to read the first five chapters of THE 7 GREAT PRAYERS.
- Click here to read Paul McManus’s bio.
- Click here to read Tracey McManus’s bio.

THE RELUCTANT COWGIRL: The McCord Sisters, Book 1 by Christine Lynxwiler (Romance)
Enjoy a front row seat as two reluctant lovers take center stage in award-winning author Christine Lynxwiler's latest riveting romance. New York actress Crystal McCord puts her career on hold to return home to Arkansas to help take care of her family's ranch. When she meets cowboy neighbor Jeremy Buchanan, sparks fly. But when Jeremy's never-before-mentioned family appears on the scene, he drops out of the picture. Will Crystal's country road home turn out to be a dead end? Is it time for a U-turn back to the Big Apple? Or will Jeremy manage to book her for an unlimited engagement?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE RELUCTANT COWGIRL.
- Click here to read Christine Lynxwiler’s bio.

CHASING CHARITY: Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 2 by Marcia Gruver (Historical Romance)
Fuel your love of romance in this mesmerizing sequel to Marcia Gruver's DIAMOND DUO. In this second book of the Texas Fortunes series, Charity Bloom is left stranded at the altar after her best friend takes off with her fiancé. How will she ever show her face in town again? After Buddy Pierce discovers oil on the Bloom property, he realizes the real treasure may be above ground --- in the form of Charity Bloom. Can he strike it rich in Charity? When her ex-fiance decides he wants her back, whom will Charity choose --- the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rogue?
- Click here to read an excerpt from CHASING CHARITY.
- Click here to read Marcia Gruver’s bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

March 2009

2009-03-30T14:42:00.022-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of March.

Also mentioned in the FaithfulReader.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE SHAPE OF MERCY by Susan Meissner
LOOK AGAIN by Lisa Scottoline

Faithful Fiction
THE PASSION OF MARY-MARGARET by Lisa Samson (Fiction)
When Mary-Margaret Fischer met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper's son, she was studying at a convent school on a small island off Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward him. After going their separate ways, Jude comes home --- but now he's bitter, dissolute and diseased. And Mary-Margaret receives a divine call that shakes her to the core, a call to give up her dreams for the troubled man who befriended her so long ago. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

BLOWN COVERAGE: A Riley Covington Thriller, by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn (Thriller)
Linebacker Riley Covington returns to another season of mini-camp for the Colorado Mustangs just as a wave of terrorist attacks begin to occur across the country. Sleeper cells are being awakened --- likely by the leader of the Cause, who has recently escaped from captivity and is coordinating attacks not only on America but also on Riley and his loved ones. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

NO PLACE FOR A LADY: Heart of the West Series, Book 1 by Maggie Brendan (Historical Romance)
Crystal Clark arrives in Colorado's Yampa Valley amid the splendor of a high country June in 1892. After the death of her father, Crystal is relieved to be leaving the troubles of her Georgia life behind to visit her aunt Kate's cattle ranch. Despite being raised as a proper Southern belle, Crystal is determined to hold her own in this wild land --- even if a certain handsome foreman doubts her abilities. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

Christian Living
LET GO: Live Free of the Burdens All Women Know, by Sheila Walsh (Christian Life)
In LET GO, bestselling author and speaker Sheila Walsh walks readers through the journey to freedom in Christ. Along the way, she tackles some of the toughest struggles that weigh women down, answering them with overwhelming truth, promise and hope. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

ENOUGH: Contentment in an Age of Excess, by Will Samson (Christian Life)
In ENOUGH, his latest wide-ranging, insightful book, Will Samson addresses the idea of finding contentment in an age of conspicuous consumption. With a casual, accessible writing style, he discusses consumerism, contentment as a Christian discipline and the notion of stewarding our resources. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

AS WE FORGIVE: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda, by Catherine Claire Larson (Current Events/Christian Life)
Can a country known for its radical brutality become a country known for an even more radical forgiveness? More than a decade after the 1994 genocide, the Rwandan government has released tens of thousands of murderers back into the communities they ravaged. Inspired by the award-winning film, this book explores the pain, the mystery and the hope through seven compelling stories as victims, orphans, widows and perpetrators journey toward reconciliation. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE GREAT EIGHT: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable) by Scott Hamilton with Ken Baker (Self-Help/Memoir)
“Everything I’ve learned about how to find happiness stems from what I learned through the repetition and discipline of perfecting my figure eights.” Olympic Gold figure skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton reveals eight fundamental secrets to finding the silver (and gold) lining no matter what life throws at you. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

THE MONKEY AND THE FISH: Liquid Leadership for a Third-Culture Church, by Dave Gibbons (Christian Church/Leadership)
THE MONKEY AND THE FISH decodes profound shifts and events taking place in the world today due to globalism, multiculturalism and technology, and introduces an original approach to ministry, church and leadership known as The Third Culture. The book title refers to an Eastern parable that will challenge you to reexamine fundamental assumptions of the evangelical movement. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

LOST AND FOUND: The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach Them, by Ed Stetzer, Richie Stanley and Jason Hayes (Religion & Spirituality)
Leading missiologist Ed Stetzer and his associates offer a detailed investigation of the four younger unchurched types. With a better understanding of their unique experiences, they clarify the importance each type places on community, depth of content, social responsibility and making cross-generational connections in relation to spiritual matters. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

Marriage and Family
PRAY BIG FOR YOUR CHILD: The Power of Praying God's Promises for Your Child's Life, by Will Davis Jr. (Parenting)
Talking to your kids is important. Talking to God about them is critical. PRAY BIG FOR YOUR CHILD is packed with relevant prayers to get you started, including specific prayers for both daughters and sons. It includes a powerful 31-day prayer guide and 12 around-the-clock reminders to help you pray for your child throughout the day. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE MARRIAGE TURNAROUND: How Thinking Differently About Your Relationship Can Change Everything, by Mitch Temple (Love & Marriage)
What if you were sitting in a room with all sorts of struggling couples, and you were one of them? What would it take to turn your marriage around in a short period of time? Mitch Temple says it would take a change of mind, of heart, and of practice, all of which could be done by two people willing to discard the old myths and put on the new truth. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Author Talk
Mary E. DeMuth
Mary E. DeMuth is the author of several fiction and nonfiction titles, including WISHING ON DANDELIONS, BUILDING THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY YOU NEVER HAD, ORDINARY MOM, EXTRAORDINARY GOD and the newly released DAISY CHAIN. In this interview, DeMuth recounts her journey to becoming a published author and motivational speaker, and names some of the people who have inspired her both personally and professionally. She also shares her favorite books and reveals what she hopes readers will take away from her work.

Study Guides
SHE’S IN A BETTER PLACE: Fairlawn Series #3 by Angela Hunt (Fiction)
Jennifer Graham is struggling to make ends meet while running the Fairlawn Funeral Home, raising two children and studying for her national board exam. Her work takes on a new dimension when Gerald Huffman, her assistant and mentor, reveals that he has a serious illness. When she learns that he and his daughter haven't spoken in years, Jen decides to help them reconcile...but things don't go exactly as she planned. Once again, the mortuary is a setting for lessons of laughter, love and life.
- Click here to read more about SHE’S IN A BETTER PLACE.
- Click here to read Angela Hunt’s bio.

MICHAL: The Wives of King David, Book 1 by Jill Eileen Smith (Historical Fiction)
The daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege --- but one that is haunted by her father’s unpredictable moods and competition from her beautiful older sister. As a girl, Michal quickly falls for the handsome young harpist David. But soon after their romance begins, David must flee for his life, leaving Michal at her father’s mercy in the prison that is King Saul’s palace.

Will Michal ever be reunited with David? Or is she doomed to remain separated from him forever?
- Click here to read more about MICHAL.
- Click here to read a review of MICHAL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from MICHAL.
- Click here to read Eileen Smith's bio.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE: America Series, Book 2 by Laura Hayden (Fiction)
Emily Benton has won the office of president, but as she waits to assume that office, her closest adviser, Kate Rosen, is plagued with doubts. As a Christian, Kate owes her allegiance to a higher power. When a scandal brings the president to the brink of disaster, Kate must weigh the bonds of loyalty and duty, ambition and submission, and find a path that leads to the greater glory of God.
- Click here to read more about RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
- Click here to read Laura Hayden’s bio.

BREACH OF TRUST: Call of Duty Series, Book 1 by DiAnn Mills (Romantic Suspense)
Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leader --- Daniel Keary --- whom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when Keary announces his candidacy for governor of her state, he comes after Paige to ensure that she won't ruin his bid for office.
- Click here to read more about BREACH OF TRUST.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BREACH OF TRUST.
- Click here to read DiAnn Mills’s bio.

WIND OF THE SPIRIT: The American Patriot Series, Book 3 by J. M. Hochstetler (Historical Romance)
This long-awaited third book of the acclaimed American Patriot Series once again sweeps readers into the tumultuous world of revolution. The story resumes with Elizabeth Howard scrambling for crucial intelligence General George Washington desperately needs to stop the British from capturing New York. Elizabeth’s assignment will lead her into the very maw of war at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, where disaster threatens to end the American rebellion.
- Click here to read more about WIND OF THE SPIRIT.

Features
A PROMISE FOR SPRING by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Historical Romance)
For Geoffrey Garrett, having his England-born fiancé Emmaline finally living on the sheep ranch he's built on the north fork of the Solomon River is a dream come true. But his beloved is not the free-spirited girl he remembers. In fact, she wishes to get out of Kansas as quickly as possible! Begging Emmaline to give prairie life a try, Geoffrey offers a compromise: If she promises to stay until spring, he'll pay her return fare if she decides to go back to her home country.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A PROMISE FOR SPRING.

A COUSIN’S PROMISE: Indiana Cousins, Book 1 by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Romance)
Willkumm to the lush and lavish Amish country where Wanda Brunstetter's new romantic series, Indiana Cousins, begins with A COUSIN’S PROMISE. Loraine Miller finds herself torn between the love of two good men --- Wayne Lambright who, crippled after a tragic accident, feels himself unworthy of her love; and Jake Beechy who, after having abandoned her to explore the English world, returns to renew their courtship. To which man will she pledge her love and loyalty --- for better or worse, until death they do part?
- Click here to read an excerpt from A COUSIN’S PROMISE.
- Click here to read Wanda E. Brunstetter’s bio.

JOURNEY TO THE WELL by Diana Wallis Taylor (Historical Fiction)
The story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well is one of hope, redemption and a life changed in an instant through a remarkable encounter. Jesus told her “everything she’d ever done,” but we are left to wonder at the circumstances that led her life on such a tragic path to begin with. Now from the creative mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes the full story of the woman at the well.

This well-researched portrayal of a woman’s life in the time of Jesus opens a window into a fascinating world.
- Click here to read an excerpt from JOURNEY TO THE WELL.
- Click here to read Diana Wallis Taylor’s bio.

About the Books
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT CHRISTIANITY: Working Through the Frustrations of Faith, by Jason T. Berggren (Religious Studies)
With complete honesty, author Jason T. Berggren walks readers through the common, damaging misconceptions Christians hold concerning everything from faith and prayer to the brutality of hell and the role of church in the life of a follower of Christ. This book explores many of the wrong expectations that have caused absolute frustration in Berggren’s own life and his own journey of faith and shares some good news: this sense of overwhelming dissatisfaction can actually serve as a catalyst for personal growth.
- Click here to read Jason T. Berggren’s bio.

2009 Easter Roundup
This Lenten season let FaithfulReader.com be part of your faith journey. Spiritually reconnect and recommit yourself to Christ and His teachings with the titles we have compiled. Be inspired by personal stories of devotion and challenged by new perceptions of the Bible. We are certain you will rediscover the joy and mystery of Easter with the turn of each page.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

February 2009

2009-02-27T15:40:00.003-05:00

The following reviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of February:

Faithful Fiction
TUCK: King Raven Trilogy, Book Three - The Legend Triumphs, by Stephen R. Lawhead (Historical Fiction)
Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking suspense and rousing battle scenes, Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful retelling of the Robin Hood legend reaches its stunning conclusion in TUCK. Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Lawhead's trilogy conjures up an ancient past while holding a mirror to contemporary realities. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

WHEN LOVE BLOOMS by Robin Lee Hatcher (Historical Romance)
When Emily Harris takes a job in the rugged high country of Idaho, she is about to discover that changing the heart of one man may be the destiny she has been in search of all her life. Bestselling author Robin Lee Hatcher writes about the true heroes and heroines of the American West, the everyday people who came and lived without fanfare. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

CRY IN THE NIGHT: A Rock Harbor Mystery, by Colleen Coble (Romantic Suspense)
A mysterious crying in the night leads search-and-rescue worker Bree Matthews and her dog Samson to an abandoned baby in the woods outside of Rock Harbor, Michigan. Quickly she begins a search for the mother --- presumably the woman reported missing just days earlier. While teams scour the wintery forests, Bree ferrets out clues about the woman. Everything Bree thought she knew about her life is turned upside down with the sound of a CRY IN THE NIGHT. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

DOUBLE MINDS by Terri Blackstock (Suspense)
Struggling to succeed in the Nashville music scene, talented singer/songwriter Parker James finds the competition fierce --- even deadly. A young woman’s murder, industry corruption and a menacing stalker draw Parker into danger and intrigue. Nothing is as it appears, and unraveling the truth challenges everything Parker believes about her talent, her future and her faith. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

Christian Living
DAYS OF DEEPENING FRIENDSHIP: For the Woman Who Wants Authentic Life With God, by Vinita Hampton Wright
Is it really possible to participate in a living, breathing friendship with God? Can a woman bring her true self to this encounter with the Divine without any fears or apologies? The answer, clearly revealed in DAYS OF DEEPENING FRIENDSHIP, is yes! Not only does God welcome a woman’s presence and invite her utmost honesty, but God desires that she bring the whole of her experience to this relationship. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

UNCOMMON: Finding Your Path to Significance, by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker (Self-Help)
Tony Dungy believes that his primary job as a coach is to build men worthy of being role models to a nation of boys who look up to them: Men of character, integrity and courage. Men with both confidence and humility. Men who know the value of family and faith as well as career. In a culture that defines success by the size of your salary or by the media frenzy surrounding you, Dungy offers valuable insights on achieving uncommon success and real significance. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT: The Power of Pentecost Every Day, by Henry and Melvin Blackaby (Christian Living/Spiritual Growth)
The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10). What can give Christians today the same impact? God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

BECOMING THE ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals, by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Christian Life/Prayer)
Activists Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove show how prayer and action must go together. Their exposition of key Bible passages provides concrete examples of how a life of prayer fuels social engagement and the work of justice. Phrases like "give us this day our daily bread" and "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" take on new meaning when applied to feeding the hungry or advocating for international debt relief. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

PRAYER POWER: 30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God, by Peter Lundell (Devotional)
Intensely practical and straightforward, PRAYER POWER helps you improve on 30 essential facets of prayer such as passion, routine, fasting, praying with others, listening to God, handling distractions and spiritual warfare. In each brief chapter you'll be inspired by stories of people whose lives of prayer give us powerful examples. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

LINKING ARMS, LINKING LIVES: How Urban-Suburban Partnerships Can Transform Communities, by Ronald J. Sider, John M. Perkins, Wayne L. Gordon and F. Albert Tizon (Christian Ministry/Social Justice)
Step across the urban-suburban divide and make a difference today. In LINKING ARMS, LINKING LIVES, four respected ministry leaders offer solutions that have already transformed communities and have potential to allow many more people to fulfill the biblical call to compassion and justice. Here they make a compelling case for how partnerships that cross the urban-suburban divide can minister to the poor. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Marriage and Family Life
FROM ANGER TO INTIMACY: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage, by Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham (Love & Marriage)
Did you know that spiritual, emotional, physical and relational exhaustion lead to anger? And unresolved anger leads to sin. All couples deal with anger, and how they respond can make all the difference in their relationship and in their lives. In FROM ANGER TO INTIMACY, Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham explore this often maligned and God-given emotion that unless dealt with can strip us of everything we love. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

FINDING YOUR CHILD’S WAY ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: Discovering Unique Strengths, Mastering Behavior Challenges, by Dr. Laura Hendrickson (Parenting)
Building on Dr. Laura Hendrickson’s medical background as well as her practical experience, FINDING YOUR CHILD’S WAY ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM presents autism spectrum disorders as a different developmental pathway rather than a disability. Dr. Hendrickson has seen that those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders can make significant contributions to their world. And as a parent of an autistic child, she is able to offer practical solutions to the problems parents face. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Author Talk
Lyn Cote
In this interview, award-winning inspirational romance author Lyn Cote discusses what prompted her to write her latest novel, THE DESIRES OF HER HEART, and describes her fascination with the rapidly changing history of Texas, where the book takes place. She also credits both C. S. Lewis and Charles Dickens as personal influences, reveals her weakness for homemade pie à la mode and shares the most rewarding aspect of being an author.

Special Contest and Feature
A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE: The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs by Robin Lee Hatcher
Beautiful and single, Guinevere Arlington knows her “place” in the early 20th century. She just refuses to stay there. Gwen loves her life in Idaho --- the mountains, the town, her independence. But when she runs for mayor --- and falls in love with her opponent --- Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price.
- Click here to read Robin Lee Hatcher’s bio.

Study Guides
EVE: A Novel of the First Woman, by Elissa Elliott (Historical Fiction)
It is the world’s oldest tale: the story of Eve, her husband, Adam, and the tragedy that would overcome her sons…. In this luminous debut novel, Elissa Elliott puts a powerful twist on biblical narrative, boldly reimagining Eve’s journey. At once intimate and universal, timely and timeless, this unique work of fiction blends biblical tradition with recorded history and dazzling storytelling. And as it does, Eve comes to life in a way religion and myth have never allowed --- in a novel that explores the very essence of love, motherhood, faith and humanity.
- Click here to read more about EVE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from EVE.
- Click here to read Elissa Elliott’s bio.

KISS ME IF YOU DARE: Patricia Amble Mysteries, Book Three by Nicole Young (Mystery)
On the run from a backwoods Michigan drug ring that wants her dead, Tish Amble finds herself in sunny California with an assumed identity and a mysterious benefactor. All she wants to do is lay low for a while, then return to her family --- including her almost-fiancé Brad. But her past soon catches up with her…

Full of fast-paced action and nail-biting suspense, KISS ME IF YOU DARE is the thrilling conclusion to the Patricia Amble Mysteries.
- Click here to read more about KISS ME IF YOU DARE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from KISS ME IF YOU DARE.
- Click here to read Nicole Young’s bio.

AGE BEFORE BEAUTY: Sister-to-Sister, Book 2 by Virginia Smith (Fiction)
Allie Harrod is ready for a new career. She doesn’t want to go back to full-time work and risk missing her baby’s first smile, but she does want to contribute to the family income and a home-based business seems like the perfect solution. Still, the challenges Allie faces seem to be rising as fast as her credit card balance.

A lighthearted story of family and finding focus, AGE BEFORE BEAUTY is the second book in the Sister-to-Sister series.
- Click here to read more about AGE BEFORE BEAUTY.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AGE BEFORE BEAUTY.
- Click here to read Virginia Smith’s bio.

AGAINST ALL ODDS: Heroes of Quantico Series, Book 1 by Irene Hannon (Romantic Suspense)
For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn’t making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father --- who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East --- she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real --- and escalating.
- Click here to read more about AGAINST ALL ODDS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AGAINST ALL ODDS.
- Click here to read Irene Hannon’s bio.

Features
THE RETURNING by Ann Tatlock (Fiction)
Andrea knew when she married John Sheldon that her love was not returned, but they both stayed in the marriage for their own reasons. Now John is returning home from a five-year stint in prison, and while Andrea wants him home, she knows his return will upset the life she and the children have adjusted to in his absence. But John is returning a different man, resulting in mixed emotions from his family. Can John and Andrea mend the rifts that have torn their family apart?
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE RETURNING.

GINGHAM MOUNTAIN: Lassoed in Texas, Book 3 by Mary Connealy (Historical Romance)
All aboard for a delightful, suspense-filled romance, where a Texan is torn between his attraction to a meddlesome schoolmarm and the charms of a designing dressmaker. When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, she's determined to keep him from committing her orphans to hard labor on his ranch. How far will she go to ensure their welfare? Grant is determined to provide a home for the two kids brought in by the orphan train. Can he keep his ragtag family together while steering clear of love and marriage?
- Click here to read an excerpt from GINGHAM MOUNTAIN.
- Click here to read Mary Connealy’s bio.

About the Books
CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS: The 21st Century, by Hank Hanegraaff (Church History)
In 1993, Hank Hanegraaff's award-winning CHRISTIANITY IN CRISIS alerted the world to the dangers of a cultic movement within Christianity that threatened to undermine the very foundation of biblical faith. But in the 21st century, there are new dangers --- new teachers who threaten to do more damage than the last.

In this intriguing follow-up to his critically acclaimed book, Hanegraaff revisits the topics he explored almost 20 years ago in the context of the 21st century and exposes darkness to light, pointing us back to a Christianity centered in Christ.
- Click here to read Hank Hanegraaff’s bio.

THE GOD I DON’T UNDERSTAND: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith, by Christopher J. H. Wright (Biblical Studies)
There are few who can truthfully say they have never had questions about things God has done and said. Even the most beloved and devoted theological scholars and believers throughout the ages have had questions for which they’ve never found satisfying, understandable answers.

So how can you have joyful, fulfilling faith where you find no answers to life’s most puzzling questions? Dr. Chris Wright’s revealing new book tackles this question and more.
- Click here to read a review of THE GOD I DON’T UNDERSTAND.
- Click here to read Christopher J. H. Wright’s bio.

FINDING GOD IN THE SHACK: Conversations on an Unforgettable Weekend, by Randal Rauser (Religious Studies)
Theologian and author Randal Rauser takes readers on a fascinating journey through the pages of THE SHACK, a story that has ignited the church’s interest in the Trinity. As Rauser explores the intricacies of the plot, he addresses many of the book’s complex and controversial issues. In the process, he explains why God the Father is revealed as an African-American woman, defends the book’s theology of the Trinity against charges of heresy and considers its provocative denial of a Trinitarian hierarchy.
- Click here to read Randal Rauser’s bio.

THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE: Why Your Teen Is at Risk and What Only You Can Do About It, by Jeffrey Dean (Parenting)
Every teen faces struggles, temptations, issues, fears and challenges. Teenagers desperately need their parents to stand beside them in this war --- yet even though they live under the same roof, many parents are blind to the depths of the daily struggle.

In his new book, THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE, author and popular youth speaker Jeffrey Dean challenges and equips parents to embrace their God-given roles in the battle for their teens’ well-being --- and for their very souls.
- Click here to read Jeffrey Dean’s bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

January 2009

2009-01-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

The following reviews and features are running on FaithfulReader.com for the month of January.

Faithful Fiction
SARAH'S PROMISE: Country Road Chronicles #4 by Leisha Kelly (Historical Romance)
SARAH'S PROMISE is the final book in Leisha Kelly's Country Road Chronicles, the story of Depression Era families and the struggles they face in an attempt to rebuild their lives. It's also a love story involving Sarah Wortham and Frank Hammond and the roadblocks to their relationship. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE ROSE CONSPIRACY by Craig Parshall (Legal Thriller)
Newly acquired pages from John Wilkes Booth’s diary prove deadly to the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution as he excitedly examines them late one night. The secretary is found dead in his office, but the mysterious pages have disappeared. Many groups and individuals would do anything to acquire the famous lost pages, but it is a beautiful sculptor who becomes the prime suspect. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

OUT OF HER HANDS by Megan DiMaria (Fiction)
Linda Revere’s grown children are poised to launch into life, and, like all parents, she only wants the best for them. She’s been praying for her children’s future spouses since they were small. Confident that her prayers will be answered, Linda isn’t prepared for the young woman her son brings home. Will Linda be able to trust that God is in control when the situation is out of her hands? Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

WIND DANCER by Jamie Carie (Historical Romance)
Raised in a British-held frontier town during the American Revolution, Isabelle Renoir is not like other women around her. A free spirit, she dances in the moonlight as a praise offering to God and is more at home fearlessly taking her long rifle and knife into the woods for adventure and inspiration. But Isabelle’s latest journey may be more than even her strength can handle when a huge storm throws her off course and into the path of rugged American spy Samuel Holt. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

A BEAUTIFUL FALL by Chris Coppernoll (Fiction)
At first glance, A BEAUTIFUL FALL appears to be that perennial staple of contemporary CBA fiction: the story of a successful young city woman who, in response to some emergency, temporarily returns to the small town where she grew up, only to discover her true home and the love of her life in the town she vowed she'd never see again. Thankfully, Chris Coppernoll handles this staple better than most. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Christian Living
REST: Living in Sabbath Simplicity, by Keri Wyatt Kent (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Many people are living in fear right now, thanks to the sinking economy, and they're spinning their wheels trying to stay afloat. A message about Sabbath simplicity may seem incongruous --- who can afford to rest in such dire times? --- but stepping away from the fray and taking time for ourselves may be just what we need right now. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE GREAT EMERGENCE: How Christianity is Changing and Why, by Phyllis Tickle (Religious Studies)
Rooted in the observation that massive transitions in the church happen about every 500 years, Phyllis Tickle shows readers that we live in such a time right now. Combining history, a look at the causes of social upheaval and current events, THE GREAT EMERGENCE shows readers what the Great Emergence in church and culture is, how it came to be, and where it is going. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

COME ALONG: The Journey into a More Intimate Faith, by Jane Rubietta (Christian Living)
Through 10 illuminating encounters, walk into Jesus’ life, love and delight! Laugh, grow and rest in Christ’s presence as you share these vivid meetings with the One who loves you more than life itself. With humor and spiritual depth, Jane Rubietta passionately draws you into the hope of a freeing relationship with Christ --- freedom from false expectations into the brilliance of being fully loved. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

REFUEL: An Uncomplicated Guide to Connecting with God, by Doug Fields (Christian Living)
If you’ve always struggled with the stereotypical “quiet time,” don’t give up hope. In REFUEL, Doug Fields, teaching pastor at Saddleback Community Church in Mission Viejo, California, offers an uncomplicated, practical way of recharging your spiritual batteries and getting to know God. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

THE ECHO WITHIN: Finding Your True Calling, by Robert Benson (Christian Living)
When one day a friend wondered if he was being called to a certain field of work, he asked Robert Benson, “Do you think I am?” THE ECHO WITHIN is Benson’s illuminating answer, a thoughtful, honest, profoundly affecting account of his own search and failings and eventual discovery of the Yes he describes --- what it is one truly is called to do and be. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT FEELING BAD?: Finding Purpose and a Path through Your Pain, by John C. Thomas and Gary Habermas (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Subtitled "Finding Purpose and a Path through Your Pain," WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT FEELING BAD? delivers on the implied promise in that subtitle. John C. Thomas and Gary Habermas, both professors at Liberty University in Virginia, offer a wealth of information and practical help to people who are suffering. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE TRYING HARDER by Alan Kraft (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Countless believers are pursuing spiritual growth, only to repeatedly find themselves spinning their wheels and making no progress. Many are driven to just try harder. Others feel a growing sense of failure and distance from God. What can we do when trying harder isn't working? Author and pastor Alan Kraft invites us to be still --- still enough to hear the twin melodies that comprise the good news of the gospel: brokenness and faith. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE GOD I DON’T UNDERSTAND: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith, by Christopher J. H. Wright (Biblical Studies)
If we are honest, we have to admit that there are many things we don’t understand about God, especially in the face of terrible suffering and evil. Christopher Wright offers reflections and encouragement from the Scriptures, so that those who are troubled by these tough questions can still sustain their faith. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

UNCENSORED GRACE: Stories of Hope from the Streets of Vegas, by Jud Wilhite with Bill Taaffe (Christian Living)
Jud Wilhite and Bill Taaffe introduce readers to card players, exotic dancers, a flying Elvis, an “American Idol” contestant and a beat cop turned hero, among others. Each has one thing in common --- at their moment of extreme need they encounter an extraordinary God. And the place they find Him is in an unusual church community that is gambling everything on a hope-filled message they call “uncensored grace.” Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

Marriage and Family Life
THE HEALING CHOICE: How to Move Beyond Betrayal, by Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen (Love and Marriage)
THE HEALING CHOICE is actually two books in one: Brenda Stoeker's account (with commentary from her husband, Fred) of the grief she experienced when her mother died of mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer, and Susan Allen's account of the betrayal she experienced when she discovered her husband's serial unfaithfulness. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

Interviews
Keri Wyatt Kent
Journalist and public speaker Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of several books, including GARDEN OF THE SOUL, LISTEN and OXYGEN. Her latest release, REST, expounds on the idea of the Sabbath, a topic she introduced in her 2005 publication, BREATHE. In this interview with FaithfulReader.com's Marcia Ford, Kent discusses the physical, spiritual and practical benefits of keeping Sabbath, and explains how to plan to do so amidst hectic work and personal schedules. She also describes how keeping the Sabbath can level social hierarchy, provides advice on incorporating play into days of rest, and shares details about her upcoming book, SIMPLE COMPASSION.

Study Guides
FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER by Jennifer Erin Valent (Historical Fiction)
Jessilyn Lassiter never knew that hatred could lurk in the human heart until the summer of 1932 when she turned 13. When her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as one of his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. As tensions mount in the small community, loyalties are tested and Jessilyn is forced to say good-bye to the carefree days of her youth.

FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest.
-- Click here to read more about FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER.
-- Click here to read Jennifer Erin Valent's bio.

PAPER ROSES: Texas Dreams Trilogy, Book 1 by Amanda Cabot (Historical Romance)
Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom, Austin Canfield, a man she has never met but whose letters have won her heart from afar. But there is one problem --- he has died.

As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother, Clay, struggles with his own muddled plans. But something between them is growing and neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit it.
-- Click here to read more about PAPER ROSES.
-- Click here to read Amanda Cabot's bio.

THE EDGE OF LIGHT: At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 1 by Ann Shorey (Historical Romance)
It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together and fend off some over-eager suitors.
-- Click here to read more about THE EDGE OF LIGHT.
-- Click here to read Ann Shorey's bio.

NO PLACE FOR A LADY: Heart of the West Series, Book 1 by Maggie Brendan
Crystal Clark arrives in Colorado's Yampa Valley amid the splendor of a high country June in 1892. After the death of her father, Crystal is relieved to be leaving the troubles of her Georgia life behind to visit her aunt Kate's cattle ranch. Despite being raised as a proper Southern belle, Crystal is determined to hold her own in this wild land --- even if a certain handsome foreman doubts her abilities.
-- Click here to read more about NO PLACE FOR A LADY.
-- Click here to read Maggie Brendan's bio.
(Historical Romance)
LOVING CEE CEE JOHNSON by Linda Leigh Hargrove (Fiction)
The sequel to THE MAKING OF ISAAC HUNT returns with a new character, Cee Cee Johnson, a reporter who lies about her identity. When given an assignment in her hometown, Pettigrew, Cee Cee comes face to face with the truth about herself, her father, and the love she so desperately needs. Join us on this roller coaster ride of emotions filled with suspense, as Cee Cee Johnson discovers the truth about her life.
-- Click here to read more about LOVING CEE CEE JOHNSON.

PRAYER POWER: 30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God, by Peter Lundell (Devotional)
Intensely practical and straightforward, PRAYER POWER helps you improve on 30 essential facets of prayer such as passion, routine, fasting, praying with others, listening to God, handling distractions and spiritual warfare. In each brief chapter you'll be inspired by stories of people whose lives of prayer give us powerful examples.

PRAYER POWER can be used as a month-long devotional, a prayer guide, or a reference for help in specific areas. Whether you're a new believer or think you've heard it all, this book's refreshing and honest insight will guide you to a deeper connection with God.
-- Click here to read more about PRAYER POWER.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from PRAYER POWER.
-- Click here to read Peter Lundell's bio.

ALL I NEED IS JESUS AND A GOOD PAIR OF JEANS: The Tired Supergirl's Search for Grace, by Susanna Foth Aughtmon (Christian Living)
Susanna Foth Aughtmon knows what it's like to be a tired supergirl, fighting the enemies of pride, worry, jealousy, busyness, loneliness, and many more. With humor and courage, she lays bare those times in her own life when she found it a challenge to live the life God wants for her. But even tired supergirls have a secret weapon: God's Truth.
-- Click here to read more about ALL I NEED IS JESUS AND A GOOD PAIR OF JEANS.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from ALL I NEED IS JESUS AND A GOOD PAIR OF JEANS.
-- Click here to read Susanna Foth Aughtmon's bio.

Features
THE RED SIREN: Charles Towne Belle Series, Book 1 by M. L. Tyndall (Historical Romance)
Faith Westcott is a lady by day and a pirate by night. Can she garner the riches she so desperately needs before her secret is revealed? Captain Dajon Waite is determined to catch the fiery redhead who has been pillaging the Carolina coast. When Faith invites his courtship, she hopes his infatuation will shield her true identity and keep other suitors at bay. Can the love of a godly captain win her heart, or will she be forced to marry Sir Wilhelm Carteret, a man obsessed with taking her to wife?
-- Click here to read an excerpt from THE RED SIREN.
-- Click here to read M. L. Tyndall's bio.

STAND-IN GROOM: Brides of Bonneterre, Book 1 by Kaye Dacus (Romance)
Get ready to attend the quirkiest wedding ever in this delightful romance by Kaye Dacus, a new voice in women's contemporary fiction. When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne first meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when she discovers he's a client, she knows planning his wedding will be no honeymoon. Can Anne remain professional while falling for the groom? Or will she risk her heart, her values, and her career in the midst of planning the wedding of the century?
-- Click here to read an excerpt from STAND-IN GROOM.
-- Click here to read Kaye Dacus's bio.

About the Books
MORE CHRISTIAN THAN AFRICAN-AMERICAN: And Other Ways Jesus Turned My Life Upside Down, by Kimberly Cash Tate (Memoir)
Author Kimberly Cash Tate offers a truthful, courageous account of the spiritual journey that completely transformed her sense of identity. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, she was raised in the comfort and security of a thriving black culture. After attending the University of Maryland and earning a law degree, she had every intention of enjoying a lucrative career in the comfortable blackness of D.C. Instead, Tate's world was shattered when the bear job market offered no jobs from D.C. firms. Ultimately, Tate found God --- and herself --- in the last place she would have chosen to go.
-- Click here to read Kimberly Cash Tate's bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

December 2008

2008-12-22T18:08:00.018-05:00

The following reviews and features are running FaithfulReader.com for the month of December.

Reviews
WHEN THE HEART CRIES: Sisters of the Quilt, Book 1 by Cindy Woodsmall (Fiction)
Move over, Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter. Cindy Woodsmall’s debut novel gets the Sisters of the Quilt series off to a promising start, with plenty of Amish intrigue, romance and tragedy. The author leaves plenty of loose ends dangling, so you will want to read the entire series. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

WHEN THE MORNING COMES: Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2 by Cindy Woodsmall (Fiction)
The second book in Cindy Woodsmall’s Sisters of the Quilt series picks up where WHEN THE HEART CRIES ended and offers the same intriguing blend of Amish-themed romance and misfortunes. Hannah Lapp flees to Ohio and finds estranged family, healing, her identity…and new love. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

WHEN THE SOUL MENDS: Sisters of the Quilt, Book 3 by Cindy Woodsmall (Fiction) After more than two years away from her Amish community, 20-year-old Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to face her family and estranged fiancé in Cindy Woodsmall’s intriguing third installment of love and forgiveness in the Sisters of the Quilt series. Will what she finds there change her life forever? Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

DARK PURSUIT by Brandilyn Collins (Suspense)
Kaitlan Sering’s estranged grandfather, novelist Darell Brooke, was the legendary King of Suspense --- until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Now she’s begging him to protect her from a real serial killer. Can his muddled mind devise a plan to catch the murderer? Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

SWEETWATER GAP by Denise Hunter (Romance)
When Josephine's family insists she come home to help with the harvest, the timing works. But her return isn't simple benevolence --- she plans to persuade them to sell the failing orchard. The new manager's presence is making it difficult. Grady MacKenzie takes an immediate disliking to Josephine and becomes outright cantankerous when she tries talking her family into selling. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

RHAPSODY IN RED: A Preston Barclay Mystery, by Donn Taylor (Mystery)
Mystery lovers, especially those who like their murders set in academia, will welcome Donn Taylor’s RHAPSODY IN RED, featuring a history professor with a penchant for getting into trouble. Preston Barclay is a recent widower who, with an attractive colleague, arrives first at a murder scene. The two must team up to discover the killer --- or be charged with the murder themselves. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

WAITING FOR DAYBREAK by Kathryn Cushman (Fiction)
When a young, dedicated pharmacist is used as a scapegoat in a wrongful death lawsuit, she moves headlong into a series of events that catapults her life from bad to worse. She continues to pray for strength, guidance and a miracle or two, but soon feels her requests are falling on deaf ears. How can she continue believing when even the new man in her life turns out to be a traitor? Reviewed by Susan Miura.

A CONSTANT HEART by Siri Mitchell (Historical Romance)
Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she has lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS: A Regency Inspirational Romance, by Linore Rose Burkard (Regency Romance)
In her debut novel of what she calls “spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul,” author Linore Rose Burkard tells the intriguing story of Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman caught between her love for a man who doesn’t share her faith and her resolution to marry only a fellow believer in Christ. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

THE LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE DEVOTIONAL: A Ninety-Day Adventure That Makes Love a Daily Habit , by Gary Chapman and Elisa Stanford (Devotional)
To become a person who consistently loves others, you first need to be a loving person. In this companion devotional to LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE, you’ll find inspiration for letting love guide the way you respond to others in every situation. The daily readings capture God’s wisdom and direction in practicing the seven traits of a loving person. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

ACEDIA & ME: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life , by Kathleen Norris (Memoir)
Kathleen Norris, the bestselling author of DAKOTA, brings her quiet wisdom to the problem of being unable to fully engage with life in ACEDIA & ME and illuminates it for a contemporary audience. She vulnerably traces her own journey with acedia, as well as explaining the history of acedia in literature and the church, and in light of theology and psychology. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

THE GREEN BIBLE: Understand the Bible's Powerful Message for the Earth, foreword by Desmond Tutu (Religion & Spirituality)
As it says in THE GREEN BIBLE, when Martin Luther was asked what he would do if Jesus was coming tomorrow, he responded, “Plant a tree.” It’s time for Christians to become good stewards of the beautiful world God has entrusted us with --- and THE GREEN BIBLE is a great resource to get started. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

WHY FAITH MAKES SENSE: Reasons You Can Believe God Is Real, by Will Davis Jr. (Christian Life)
Christians are often made to feel stupid, gullible, even irrational for their beliefs. WHY FAITH MAKES SENSE shows that believing isn't foolish at all. It counters common objections and encourages your faith by examining: why the Bible is a trustworthy source; six holes in the evolutionary theory; the problem with Humanism; how faith and reason fit together; and the undeniable evidence for God. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE RELATIONSHIP PRINCIPLES OF JESUS by Tom Holladay (Christian Living)
Nothing matters more than relationships --- and no one understands them better than Jesus. Based on an exhaustive study of what Jesus did and said about relationships, this book guides readers on a 40-day journey that will bring new health and richness to their marriages, families, friendships, and all the relationships in their lives. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

THE FIRSTBORN ADVANTAGE: Making Your Birth Order Work for You, by Dr. Kevin Leman (Self-Help)
Dr. Kevin Leman identifies the qualities of firstborns. But just because you're the firstborn child in your family doesn't mean you'll have a firstborn personality. Dr. Leman helps firstborns understand their natural advantages --- while becoming aware of their weaknesses and learning how to sidestep them --- for the highest level of personal success at home, at school, at work and in relationships. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

WHEN GOD BREAKS YOUR HEART: Choosing Hope in the Midst of Faith-Shattering Circumstances , by Ed Underwood (Christian Life)
Pastor Ed Underwood faced a challenge to his faith in the form of chronic leukemia. Though he prayed for and believed in God's healing, as the days slipped by and his pain became unbearable, Ed's heart was broken by a simple realization: The God who could do anything was not helping him. Yet a revelation from God's Word changed his heart and life forever. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

ASSAULTED BY JOY: The Redemption of a Cynic, by Stephen W. Simpson (Christian Living)
ASSAULTED BY JOY follows the growth and spiritual renewal of a self-proclaimed “jerk” who discovers the inescapable tension between joy and suffering. Each chapter recounts events --- from the suspenseful to the heartbreaking to the hysterical --- that teach lessons about God, life, love, marriage and the assaulting joy of being a new father. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

TELL IT SLANT: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus in His Stories and Prayers , by Eugene H. Peterson (Christian Living)
Consummate pastor and professor Eugene Peterson explores parables in Luke and Gospel prayers to show how Jesus used language when talking with His friends, His followers and His Father. What does it mean for us as we communicate with others and with God? Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

HOPEFUL PARENTING: Encouragement for Raising Kids Who Love God, by David Jeremiah (Parenting)
Parenting is far from easy. From first steps to first dates, parenthood is filled with unique challenges. Yet there is no greater joy than nurturing one of God's most precious gifts. New York Times bestselling author David Jeremiah presents a heartwarming look at adventures in parenting. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

Study Guides
THE FLOWER OF GRASS by James E. Robinson (Fiction)
John Allen had come home to say goodbye. But he was too late. Now faced with secrets and pain buried just beneath the surface, he begins to wonder if his homecoming was maybe a bad idea. Can he truly make amends with the people in his past? This powerful, romantic novel depicts a prodigal's return to a small town in Tennessee --- and the emotions he must face once there. An exquisitely written, passionate and thoughtful novel, this classic love story frames deeper themes of mortality and the passage of time, the true nature of faith and the delicate balance of human relationships.
-- Click here to read more about THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
-- Click here to read James E. Robinson's bio.

HAZARDOUS DUTY: Squeaky Clean Mysteries, Book 1 by Christy Barritt (Mystery)
On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire dropped out of school and started her own crime scene cleaning business. But when a routine cleaning job leads her to a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong person is in jail. And the owner of the weapon --- the real guilty party --- is willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet.
-- Click here to read more about HAZARDOUS DUTY.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from HAZARDOUS DUTY.
-- Click here to read Christy Barritt's bio.

SUSPICIOUS MINDS: Squeaky Clean Series, Book 2 by Christy Barritt (Mystery)
To pay off some bills, crime scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a job doing mold remediation. But her first day on the job, she uncovers a surprise in the crawlspace of a dilapidated home: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this? And what will happen when the ersatz Elvis's killer catches on to her investigations?
-- Click here to read more about SUSPICIOUS MINDS.
-- Click here to read an excerpt from SUSPICIOUS MINDS.
-- Click here to read Christy Barritt's bio.

About the Books
IT'S YOUR CALL!: 7 Sure Ways to Fulfill Your Life's Purpose, by Lawrence Powell (Spirituality)
Author Lawrence Powell outlines life-changing practical steps that will unlock the chains of self-doubt and insecurity that are keeping you separated from your dreams and set you free to live the life God called you to live. This excellent resource is filled with powerful insights that will help readers discover what God has planned for their lives and how to overcome those obstacles that are preventing them from moving forward out of inaction and lethargy into the loving embrace of a God who wants to reward them for their obedience to his call.
-- Click here to read Lawrence Powell's bio.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

November 2008

2008-12-02T16:52:00.001-05:00

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GABRIEL PHILLIPS by Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb (Fiction)
In a small Indiana town, a veteran cop gets a late-night call to an apartment complex where domestic disturbances are a common occurrence. This time, however, what he discovers inside will change his life forever. Reviewed by Susan Miura.

ONE PERFECT GIFT: A Culdee Creek Christmas, by Kathleen Morgan (Romance)
Prolific inspirational novelist Kathleen Morgan offers a light yet poignant seasonal romance for her fans in ONE PERFECT GIFT. Themes of new beginnings and the power of forgiveness carry the plot. Will there be another bride at Culdee Creek? Read on and find out. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

STEPPING INTO SUNLIGHT by Sharon Hinck (Fiction)
Victims of trauma, anxiety and phobias, as well as military spouses, will find hope and healing in STEPPING INTO SUNLIGHT. Penny Sullivan supports her husband’s career change from youth pastor to Navy chaplain. But when she is victimized in a convenience store, it sends her into a downward spiral just as her husband is deployed. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

O LITTLE TOWN by Don Reid (Fiction)
If you like the music of the Statler Brothers or the fiction of Debbie Macomber, you’ll be excited that Don Reid has made his first foray into fiction. The Grammy Award-winning songwriter pens a gentle inspiring story that will encourage readers who have challenges in their marriage, raising their children, or dealing with aging parents. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

MY MOTHER’S WISH: An American Christmas Carol, by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt (Fiction)
Plummeting economy? Grim global news? Here’s just the thing to get you into the holiday spirit. In MY MOTHER’S WISH, Jerry Camery-Hoggatt, a professor and professional storyteller, invites you to follow gentle renegade Ellie McKutcheon on a whimsical trip, in which she discovers the uniqueness and beauty of ordinary people, and that all roads lead to home. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

WHITE CHRISTMAS PIE by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Romance)
Amish-themed novels are hot, hot, hot, and Wanda E. Brunstetter, with more than two million copies of her books sold, is a familiar purveyor of the genre. In WHITE CHRISTMAS PIE, she bakes up sweet Amish romance and intrigue. Set in Middlebury, Indiana, her story explores themes of belonging, forgiveness and trust. And don’t miss the yummy pie recipe. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God, by Max Lucado (Christian Living)
Max Lucado is one of Christianity’s best-loved storytellers, and in CAST OF CHARACTERS he brings together Bible personalities from some of his bestselling books in a way that breathes new life into familiar stories. Each of the 22 men and women are chosen by Lucado to illustrate how God works through weakness to show His strength. Each has something to say to us today. Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

CALLED OUT OF DARKNESS: A Spiritual Confession, by Anne Rice (Memoir)
Anne Rice has written magnificent tales of otherworldly beings: novels that explore the realms of good and evil, love and alienation, pageantry and ritual, each a reflection of her own moral journey. Now, in CALLED OUT OF DARKNESS --- her first work of nonfiction --- she talks about her life as a Catholic. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

JESUS WANTS TO SAVE CHRISTIANS: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile, by Rob Bell and Don Golden (Christian Living)
Rob Bell is back. After his wildly popular debut, VELVET ELVIS, Bell tackled the unmentionables in SEX GOD. Now he has issued a manifesto in his latest effort, JESUS WANTS TO SAVE CHRISTIANS. Written with Don Golden, it claims to be a book of theology --- and it fulfills this promise by putting some of Bell’s take on God on display in an engaging way. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

ME, MYSELF, & I AM: A Unique Question and Answer Book: The Story of You and God, by Matthew Peters and Elisa Stanford (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
In Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Thus, as the title of this unique journal suggests, it expertly leads the reader to explore his or her own relationship with God. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

THE GREATEST WORDS EVER SPOKEN: Everything Jesus Said about You, Your Life, and Everything Else, by Steven K. Scott (Religion & Spirituality)
For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know His will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you’re desperate for His encouragement, comfort or wisdom, you can easily find the help you need. Reviewed by Margaret Oines.

FINDING CALCUTTA: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, by Mary Poplin (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
Lifelong educator Mary Poplin spent two months working as a volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity several years before Mother Teresa's death. In FINDING CALCUTTA, she offers an account of the nuns' ministry to the poor from the perspective of a fellow worker. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

SOUL REPAIR: Rebuilding Your Spiritual Life, by Jeff VanVonderen, and Dale and Juanita Ryan (Christian Living)
Many Christians believe they are not good enough, and never will be good enough, to have a meaningful relationship with God. If you fear that He is angry with you, or wonder if He loves you, here you’ll find help to discover --- and recover from --- a distorted image of God. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.

COMFORT FROM BEYOND: Real-Life Experiences of Hope in the Face of Loss, edited by Evelyn Bence (Inspiration)
In COMFORT FROM BEYOND, you will read deeply moving stories of those who have experienced joyous encouragement from loved ones who have passed on. These stories are powerful, mysterious and true. Our faith tells us that ultimately we will be reunited with those we love, but it never hurts to have a little reassurance. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES: True Stories of Joy and Wonder, from the editors of Guideposts (Inspiration)
Something special always happens at Christmas. It is a time for celebrating Christ's birth, for family and friends to get together, and for God's love and mercy to sweep over us all. In CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, readers will enjoy more than 35 true stories of the astonishing, often miraculous ways God works during this joyous season. Reviewed by Marcia Ford.

IDENTITY: Who You Are in Christ, by Eric Geiger (Christian Life/Spiritual Growth)
IDENTITY by young pastor Eric Geiger (co-author of the multi-awarded national bestseller SIMPLE CHURCH) helps Christians clearly understand who they really are as defined by various Scriptures and unpacks the practical response that goes along with each wonderfully dramatic, empowering and liberating truth. Reviewed by Michele Howe.

THE SMART GROOM’S ANSWER GUIDE: An Eye-Opening Look at Your First Year of Marriage, by Phillip J. Swihart, Ph.D. and Wilford Wooten, Ph.D. (Family & Relationships/Marriage)
Based on the popular COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MARRIAGE, this friendly resource will smooth the road whether you’ve been engaged for 10 minutes or married for 10 months. The experienced team of experts at Focus on the Family Ministries answers the questions a groom may have --- and many that he may not have discovered yet. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.

Max Lucado
With more than 65 million copies of his 50-plus books in print, Max Lucado is arguably the hottest Christian author around. The three-time Gold Medallion Award winner has been called “America’s Pastor” by the media for his gentle and popular grace-filled stories. He still preaches part-time at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas and publishes at least one new book each year. In this interview, FaithfulReader.com’s Cindy Crosby talks to Lucado about his latest title, CAST OF CHARACTERS, his plans for the future and the one addiction he still enjoys.

» Click here to read an interview and a review.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! As the Advent season approaches, we at FaithfulReader.com prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The books we’ve compiled in our special roundup will help you do this in a number of ways. In this feature, you’ll find fiction with an inspirational message, true stories of Christmas miracles, uplifting devotionals, picture books to share with children --- and even a guide to teas to suit the season. Our hope is that these titles will facilitate your Advent preparation and enrich your Christmas celebration. » Click here

HOME ANOTHER WAY by Christa Parrish (Fiction)
Sarah Graham is living life hard and fast --- and she is flat broke. When her estranged father dies, she travels to the tiny mountain hamlet of Jonah, New York, to claim her inheritance. Once there, however, she learns that her plans for the future --- and her memories of the past --- are about to change forever.

Christa Parrish's debut novel is a captivating story of a broken, isolated woman and the flawed, faithful people who help her forgive and find peace.

» Click here to see the study guide for HOME ANOTHER WAY.
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TUESDAY NIGHT AT THE BLUE MOON by Debbie Fuller Thomas (Fiction)
When Marty Winslow’s 13-year-old daughter dies of a devastating genetic disease, she discovers the truth --- her precious middle child had been switched at birth. After learning that her actual biological daughter was recently orphaned, she decides to fight for custody. Winning the court case would prove to be the easy part.

This still-grieving, single mom is torn between memories and realities. And she wants desperately for God to heal her family.

» Click here to see the study guide for TUESDAY NIGHT AT THE BLUE MOON.
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ONE HOLY NIGHT by J. M. Hochstetler (Fiction)
ONE HOLY NIGHT retells the Christmas story in a strikingly original way --- through the discovery of a baby abandoned in the manger of a church’s nativity scene. Destined to become a classic for all seasons, this book deals compassionately with the gritty issues of life --- war and violence, devastating illness, intergenerational and interracial conflict, addictions and broken relationships. This moving inspirational story will warm readers’ hearts with hope and joy long after they finish reading.

» Click here to see the study guide for ONE HOLY NIGHT.
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IT’S NOT ABOUT ME: Second Glances Series, Book 1 by Michelle Sutton (Romance)
Annie has it all. She is attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. But one night Annie’s safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart.

» Click here to see the study guide for IT’S NOT ABOUT ME.
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RHAPSODY IN RED by Donn Taylor (Mystery)
It certainly was a bad day to find a corpse on campus. So, recluse professor Preston Barclay and an outcast co-worker must form an unlikely alliance to stay ahead of the police, the college’s wary and incompetent administration, and whoever is trying to get away with murder. Or else they both might end up unemployed, behind bars or worse…

» Click here to see the study guide for RHAPSODY IN RED.
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BELOVED CAPTIVE: Fairweather Keys Series #2 by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Historical Romance)
Emilie Gayarre grew up in luxury, but when she left it all to help save two friends, she discovered her life was a lie. There is a stigma attached to her birth that could steal any hope for a happy future. She is content living in relative obscurity until the handsome young naval commander, Caleb Spencer, comes to her Florida key.

» Click here to read more about BELOVED CAPTIVE.
» Click here to read an excerpt from BELOVED CAPTIVE.
» Click here to read Kathleen Y’Barbo’s bio.

FORSAKEN by James David Jordan (Thriller)
What would it take for you to renounce your faith in Christ? Author James David Jordan confronts readers with this challenging question in his new book, FORSAKEN. A unique love story wrapped in an action thriller, FORSAKEN is the first of a two-book series featuring Taylor Pasbury, a beautiful but troubled former Secret Service agent hired by the world’s most famous televangelist after he receives terrorist threats.

» Click here to read more about FORSAKEN.
» Click here to read James David Jordan’s bio.

CHRISTMAS PROMISES: Heavenly Gifts for the Holiday Season, by LeAnn Weiss (Inspirational)
In her inspirational new book, CHRISTMAS PROMISES, author and speaker LeAnn Weiss encourages readers to embrace the deepest significance of the Christmas season, a time to celebrate the keeping of God’s greatest promise --- His Son, Emmanuel… God with us. Weiss believes that God’s enduring faithfulness shines all the brighter during the Christmas season.

» Click here to read more about CHRISTMAS PROMISES.
» Click here to read LeAnn Weiss’s bio.

GODLY LOVE: A Rose Planted in the Desert of Our Hearts, by Stephen G. Post (Spirituality)
Stephen G. Post has been researching and writing about topics such as unselfish love, compassionate care, kindness and altruism for over 30 years. In his new book, he educates readers in the ways of God’s unlimited love, inspiring them to embrace it and pass it on to others.

» Click here to read more about GODLY LOVE.
» Click here to read Stephen G. Post’s bio.

PURE GOLD: Embracing God's Grace, by Pam Davis (Spirituality)
PURE GOLD communicates through Scripture and engaging masterful storytelling the nature of God’s grace and how to receive it. Pam Davis offers practical examples and tips that will allow readers to “pan for spiritual gold” in their own lives. The book also includes both discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a collection of Bible studies perfect for either group or individual use.

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» Click here to read Pam Davis’s bio.

THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY: Releasing Your Family to God's Destiny, by Ann Dunagan (Christian Living)
In her new book, author, teacher and missionary Ann Dunagan shows parents how to combat the influences of the “Me Generation” by giving readers the tools to revolutionize their families into ones dedicated to fulfilling God’s will and potential, instead of their own. Packed with motivating missions stories, hymns and quotes, THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY is a quick resource tool with examples of missionary family heroes, ministry ideas, exciting prayer projects and even practical tips for international travel.

» Click here to read more about THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY.
» Click here to read Ann Dunagan’s bio.

GOD’S TRUTH ABOUT GENDER: Unraveling the Lies of Modern Human Sexuality, Behavior and Identity, by Dr. David E. James IV (Sexuality & Gender Studies)
In his new book, GOD’S TRUTH ABOUT GENDER, author and internist Dr. David E. James examines the ways in which dysfunction and cultural lies can alter our perception of what is normal, how we’re wired and what our roles are. This book is a biblically and scientifically informed resource for those who want to learn the truth about gender.

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» Click here to read David E. James IV’s bio.