Nonstop action, believable characters, and an intriguing plotline make False Witness a winner for fans of the Christian suspense genre.
Singer's characters are quirky from Jamie, the law student seeking justice after her mother's murder whose best friend is an adorable dog to Clark Shealy, a bail bondsman fighting for his wife's life. Clark increases his likeability throughout the book as he comes to know Christ.
My initial interest in this book was sparked by the topic of the Indian church and giving Dalit children an education. I was pleased that Singer is addressing this subject, although at times I felt it was inserted in the plot and I would have liked to have seen this subject covered more deeply in the novel. Maybe that's just because I have a personal interest in the topic.
This book has interesting twists throughout that are clearly designed to keep the reader turning pages and Singer succeeded in his goal.
I am glad to have a backlist of Singer's books to keep me occupied until his next release.
**Special thanks to B and B Media Group for providing a copy of this book for review.**
I apologize for the plethora of reviews coming to you at once. I would prefer to spread out the dates, however, I have an upcoming medical procedure this week and need to make sure all the links to my reviews are sent on in time.
The Fine Art of Insincerity is a deep, emotionally impacting read that spans a variety of themes.
Hunt's book is based around three sisters who couldn't be more different (or do they have more in common than they think?) who travel to beautiful St. Simon's island to "unload" their late grandmother's house and end up clearing out their own "baggage" in the process.
Grandmother George also had six other last names. Yet each of these sisters also faces monumental challenges in relationships.
Ginger struggles with her husband's infidelity, Rosemary struggles with suicidal thoughts, and Pennyroyal contemplates leaving her third husband.
It is a story of the facade of perfection and the pride of trying to hold it all together. Ultimately its about the relationship between two sisters who can't bear to be in each other's presence and the God who can reconcile them to each other. As the sisters embrace brokenness, God unveils His second chances.
Its also a novel about the grieving process not only for grandmother but over lost marriages, second chances. I highly recommend this book to all fans of women's fiction looking for a great summer read with emotional depth. Hunt has once again proven herself queen of women's fiction.
**Thanks to Glass Roads PR for sending a copy of this book in exchange for a review.**
I had been praying for the right Bible for a new reader and just days later received this book in the mail as part of the Crossway Books review program for homeschoolers. It is a great fit! In fact I have waited to write about this Bible for so long because it was not sitting in my review stack. My 6-year-old daughter brings it everywhere.
I received an ESV Study Bible for Christmas. I find it a great study resource and I appreciate the philosophy behind the translation of this particular Bible. I still love my King James Bible though.
Colorful pictures add interest, especially in the age bracket where there are many beginning readers. I agree with some bloggers that the intended age level of 5-8 may be low but this is a wonderful read-aloud Bible with great study features. At this age, it is great to read to your child and be present for any questions.
This is the closest I've seen to an in-depth study Bible for kids. I like the fact that this Bible asks key questions helping the child to gain a clearer understanding, another feature that is great for family Bible times.
There are tons of maps and a Bible dictionary included. Every book has a full page introduction. I also love the fact that this Bible includes memory verses for kids to focus on throughout the text.
In short this is a wonderful Bible to add to your collection, in my opinion, if you have children in the 5-10 age range.
Moseley's "faded photograph" cover caught my attention and her topic choice reeled me in. Cults have always been a topic of interest for me. I've often wondered what originally attracts cult members. Even more than that though I love the tale of a cult member who is set free through knowing the living Christ. I've enjoyed Irene Spencer and Susan Ray Schmidt's autobiographies among others.
Moseley does an excellent job at showcasing the emotions one might go through while leaving a cult. The plot line kept my interest. The characters of Jack and Miranda are realistically portrayed.
I personally didn't feel that I was dragged into the world of the book. I had trouble reconciling with Miranda beginning a romance at a time when she still has so many issues to work through with the cult. There were several times throughout the novel where I struggled with believability.
Moseley deserves kudos for creating characters that are likeable. I appreciate that she tackled subjects such as homeschooling and legalism that are not often addressed in CBA fiction. Overall, I guess I would label this read as "not for me" although it may just be for you.
**I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.**
I have been quite neglectful of this blog. Mainly due to getting caught up in the midst of my first year of homeschooling. I hope to set up a more regular blogging routine, but have discovered that blogging was edging out writing my own novel. Meanwhile, I've still been blogging at the Writer's Alley and posting the occasional review at Title Trakk.
I've been waiting to share this wonderful book with you. It is undoubtably one of my favorite reads of 2011. I read and loved this book way back in January. Here's my thoughts (as posted on Title Trakk).
Well-crafted historical detail, page-turning suspense and vividly portrayed characters make Wolves Among Us by Ginger Garrett a must-read.
I recently read an article in which an author claimed that "it kept me up all night" is the best compliment a reader can pay her novels. Garrett's novel remained bookmark free as I devoured page after page in a single sitting. And as a busy homeschool mom, there are not many books that can keep me up past bedtime.
Its 1538 in the Black Forest of Germany. I love reading books with unusual settings and time periods, so my interest was immediately captured. Every detail of the wolf-surrounded village was brought to life.
A double murder strikes up fears in this small medieval village. The sherriff is perplexed and engages the help of Father Stephan, the local priest. Father Stephan calls in an Inquisitor in order to find the dark roots of evil that stalk the town.
In a wave of fervor and panic, the murders are proclaimed to be the work of witches. Physical and spiritual wolves are on the prowl, as a frenzied hunt begins to find the culprit. The charismatic Inquisitor claims to be able to rid the town of evil but as his investigation continues further devastation is unleashed on the town.
Mia is the unloved wife of Sheriff Bjorn. She tries to be a good and faithful wife, remembering the words of a manuscript for women she helped her father print many years ago. She still remembers, too, the words of the man whose books her father printed. These words from Mr. Tyndale are kernels of truth that stay with her during her most painful times. It is these words that remind her to listen to another Voice, a Voice that distills the fear that runs rampant through the village.
Wolves Among Us is a novel of spiritual warfare and of the power of a mustard-seed faith. It is a tale of the horrendous evils inflicted on man and the power of the love of Christ to overcome them. Father Stephan's life shows the "deadness" of religion and later the overcoming life of trusting the power of Christ for salvation. Wolves Among Us shows the extraordinary courage of our forefathers in the faith.
Garrett has penned a book that is not an easy read. History is filled with tales of blood shed for freedom. For it was blood shed 2000 years ago on a Cross that first gave us life. Painfully realistic, there were times I was deeply disturbed by this read. Garrett goes beyond moving the reader on an emotional level and provides spiritual sustenance.
Wolves Among Us has quickly jumped to my favorites list and I eagerly await Garrett's next installment.
When I read about this book on My Friend Amy's blog, her review and the subject matter caught my attention.
The subtitle of Andrew Hime's book is The roots of fundamentalism in an American family.
What drew me to this book? I am a Bible-believing Christian, who takes the Bible very seriously and yes, literally. Now obviously, I know that there are parts of Revelation and so on that are symbolic and parts of the law that were cultural, like men growing their beards. But this is where I come from.
As for fundamentalism, well, to be honest I'm not very comfortable with the term. I suppose its because I believe most of America uses the word "fundamentalist" as almost a dirty word. Our family attends a Bible-believing church, we homeschool our children, and don't have cable TV...so I suppose we fit into some of the supposed "stereotypes" to this movement.
The part of the book I found most compelling was Himes' personal memories particularly relating to race and religion. His personal journey during the integration of the school system and how this shaped his young adult years lead to a decision to join the radical left and then later to try to reconcile justice and Christianity.
I wish he would have focused more closely on his own journey as it related to his family. I would have loved to have seen more memories shared of his parents and grandparents and what it was like to grow up as part of the Himes/Rice clan. Small memories were interspersed throughout but I suppose I had expected more about his personal pilgrimage.
Himes provides the reader with a fascinating slice of American history as it was lived by one family in the South and it was a treat to hear about Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and other well-known voices in evangelicalism. Although Himes and I probably don't see eye to eye on matters of theology (although I'm not entirely sure, as it is hard to ascertain his current beliefs, and perhaps that is what he intended) I enjoyed looking at a slice of history through his lens.
**Thank you to Andrew Himes and Chiara Press for providing a review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.**
Be sure to stop by Renee Ann's blog for GIVEAWAY of END OF THE SPEAR DVD. This movie is outstanding...see my review here.
Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Ed McCully initiated Operation Auca in autumn 1955. Five men sharing one common goal: to share the Gospel with the Waodani Indians in Ecuador.
In Through Gates of Splendor, Elisabeth Elliot, one of the widows, chronicles the saga of the five men by collecting their documents and journals.
The result is an impacting firsthand account of a saga that changed missions forever.
I loved this read from start to finish. It is definitely a five-star read and one I will pick up again and again. I not only enjoyed this book, but enjoyed two recent films and have enjoyed listening to sermons by Steve Saint and Mincaye (more on that later).
One of my favorite quotes is when Nate Saint says, "The old life of chasing things that are of a temporal sort seemed absolutely insane." (56)
I was inspired by how these men gave everything they had for the cause of Christ. Not only did they give it all up to the point of sacrificing their human lives forthe cause, but the sacrifices of their wives and children leaves me breathless.
The photos included in this book were black and white but captured raw emotion and realness...the amazement at going to the Island for the first time...the surprise of the Waodani women at having their pictures taken...the shock of the widows who were just told for the first time their husbands had been killed.
The simple form of this story is drama-free...it doesn't glamourize as we are so accustomed to seeing in news stories and TV today. It is told in the simple words of five men who love the Lord and are excited to be used by Him.
I am anxious to read more about Elisabeth Elliot's journey with the Waodani as she continues to minister after her young husband was speared to death. The Savage My Kinsmen is her continuing saga among the Waodani.
Shadow of the Almighty is the saga of Jim Elliot which I am giving away to one lucky commentor.
Some discussion questions to spark thought....
Feel free to participate even if you haven't read the book.
1) What was your general opinion of the book, if you read it? Do you like reading journals?
2) Of the five men, was there one whose story particularly resonated with you? What special characteristics did each man bring to the team?
3) Knowing God's will was of primary concern to each of the missionaries. In what ways did the missionaries discover God's will? When you are unsure of a decision how do you find God shows his will to you? Is it easy or hard for you to trust in His will?
4) Another theme in this book is rejoicing through suffering. The widows are quick to embrace God's will. Barbara Youderian says, "The Lord has closed our hearts to grief and hysteria and filled it with his perfect peace." (236) What did you think of the widows? Is there a time in your life where you have embraced suffering and found God's joy or have you seen this in the life of someone you know?
5) "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" is a famous quote by Jim Elliot. What does this statement mean to you?
6) Has this book affected your thinking on missions, suffering, or following God's call and seeking his direction?
The most exciting thing about this story is that God has continued to work behind the scenes through it all.
As shared in the movie The Grandfathers, Steve Saint and Mincaye (one of the men who killed his father) now travel the country sharing about God's love and forgiveness.
Here is the start of a six part video of a Chapel service given at Liberty University. It is well-worth watching in its entirety. I think for our "Americanized" culture sometimes its neat to hear the Gospel shared in a fresh way which Mincaye certainly does here.
GIVEAWAY:
I would like to bless a commenter with The Grandfathers DVD and another commenter with Jim Elliot's hardcover biography, Shadow of the Almighty.
Simply share your thoughts on one of the given questions and include your email in the question.
For extra points:
1) Become a follower (+1)
2) If you read the book (+2 entries)
3) Tweet about this giveaway (+1)
On May 6th I will draw names.
Oh and be sure to share in the comments if you have any ideas for our June read!
Christ-loving bookworm & homeschool mom of 2 stealing the rare quiet moments to pursue that all elusive writing dream. I also write book reviews for Title Trakk and The Historical Novel Society.
