The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn

I always enjoy Davis Bunn’s international “thrillers”  (in quotes because they’re not intense or suspenseful enough to be thrillers, but that’s the closest genre description I can think of. Perhaps international, religious intrigue is more accurate. ) I believe one of Bunn’s greatest giftings as an author is his ability to really create a sense of place, drawing the reader into the story not so much because she connects with the characters or the plot but because she is able to imagine herself in the setting.  The food, the smells, the sights- Bunn takes you there.  In the Patmos Deception you will vicariously travel to Greece and become truly hungry for Greek food and you’ll probably begin longing for an extended vacation there – I know I did.  Compared to other recent books by Bunn (The Lion of Babylon series in particular) this book develops the characters a lot better and gives you a far greater sense of connection to them.  You can actually visualize them and care about them to the extent that anyone cares about fictional characters.

As for the plot, it was interesting, but it was a bit convoluted, twisting here and there without building a great sense of momentum.  As the characters work to uncover an international smuggling ring involving Greek antiquities they spend plenty of time building friendships, eating really, really good food and boating.  They also exchange incidental lessons in Greek history and modern-day economical hardships.  Personally, I enjoyed all of that, I’m merely commenting on it because I think it did contribute to the sense that the story meanders a bit.   Finally, the Patmos Deception does contain a cliffhanger, and not one I expected since its about relationships as opposed to international intrigue, but it did produce the desired effect – I’ll be on the lookout for the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Vital Message. Brutal Presentation

“Dirty Faith” by David Nowell is the most convicting book I’ve read in a long time.  My concern is that it is so convicting, that rather than respond to the message, readers will run from it.  From topics like “mercenary” Christianity (hiring out professionals to do the job instead of getting our own hands dirty) to the idea that the church has become “proud, sensuous, selfish, luxurious and hollow-hearted” in its prosperity, it’s fair to say that this book makes for some tough reading.

The basic premise is that as Christians we’ve lost the main idea, and that is that we should be actively, personally showing love to “the least of these” (as opposed to throwing money at our local church building, our “professional Christians” and our myriad ‘churchy’ activities- or, to just doing nothing at all).  In this author’s view, “the least of these” are the thousands of children around the world who are orphaned, impoverished, imprisoned and destitute.  There are more self-professed Christians in the world than there are of these children, and if the world’s self-professed Christians actually acted personally to feed the poor, care for the sick, visit those in prison, and provide for the orphan, than the world would be a profoundly different place.  You can’t really argue that, can you?  The message is right, but the presentation may be too brutal and too extreme for many American readers (and that probably proves the point that American Christianity has got issues).

Basically, any excuse you might be tempted to offer for why you aren’t actively getting your hands dirty in service to others- particularly children- whether foster parenting, or supporting the foster parents in your community, or as a church being focused on any of the host of problems facing impoverished people-particularly children- outside America, is going to be called just that- an excuse.  And I guarantee you’re going to feel blasted to pieces for your excuses.  I know I did.  And if that totally turns you away from what David Nowell has to say, that’s too bad…because the message is so relevant and so vital.  The author is right- there’s a lot wrong with the way we “do” church in America and it is more than time that we start practicing dirty faith.  I’m just warning you, you’re going to have to be ready and willing to convicted, to be a solution-finder, a problem solver, and a changed person willing to live life differently if you dare to open this book.  Otherwise, it’s probably just going to make you feel bad…or mad…or both.  Probably both.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fast-food Reading

My review begins with the disclaimer that I don’t usually enjoy short stories because I find that there’s very little emotional or intellectual connection as there’s very rarely enough communicated on the part of the storyteller to create a sense of relationship with the recipient.  I chose to read and review this book because the subject interests me, but keep in mind that my bias against this genre undoubtedly shades my view of this book, which is a compilation of short stories depicting miracles and “heavenly encounters” (i.e., experiences for which there are no plausible, natural explanations).     The goal of this book is to encourage others of faith (or perhaps nudge those who are not believers) by parting the curtain, if you will, for a glimpse of the supernatural here on earth.  The skeptic is sure to remain skeptical, and the believer will likely be reminded of times in his life when he sensed that God was very clearly at work.

This book would be well placed in a waiting room, or somewhere similar, where someone could pick it up and read a story in a few minutes and then go on their way.  People who enjoy a book you can easily put down and come back to a month later (part-time readers) this one’s for you. This is not a compilation that will offer deep, reflective reading.  Think of it like fast-food, not a sit-down dinner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Is Love Worth the Risk of Pain and Loss? Review of “With Every Breath” by Elizabeth Camden

“…it takes a higher type of courage to fight a losing rather than a winning fight.”  A great novel is premised on a universal truth such as this.  These words were written by Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau, the man whose memoir inspired Elizabeth Camden’s latest book, “With Every Breath,” a novel that perfectly balances entertainment with historical and spiritual depth.  As with all of Ms. Camden’s novels, the characters in this book are relatable and dynamic, the dialogue is witty and the plot is well-developed and absorbing.  There’s a strong element of mystery and intrigue, as main character Dr. Kendall fights to find a cure for tuberculosis despite the costs-including his own health and relationships- while at the same time defending his reputation against an anonymously-led smear campaign that’s clearly meant to end his career.  The competitive nature of his relationship with the other main character, Kate Livingston, adds humor, romance and that ‘true-to-life’ element to this story when the two must decide if love is worth the risk of pain and loss and if faith is enough when there are no easy answers.  I took away from this book a deep appreciation for those in the medical field who sacrifice their time, their health and sometimes their lives in the quest for finding cures for others.  On that note, I also appreciate Elizabeth Camden as a truly gifted author whose work is always well-researched and historically accurate just as much as it is entertaining.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Review of “The Princess Within for Teens” by Serita Ann Jakes

“The Princess Within for Teens” by Serita Ann Jakes is intended to be interactive and in-touch with issues that today’s teen girls face. I believe it is most suitable for mid-range to older teens, based on my (mature) twelve year-old’s lack of interest in the book. She’s a prolific reader, but three chapters in she declared she’d read enough. Her synopsis was that the book is “confusing because it jumps around from one thing to another too much.”

When I read it I had to agree with her assessment; this book is busy. Each chapter begins with a brief segment of a `fairy tale’ that serves to tie the theme of the book together. Sometimes that story doesn’t seem to make much progress or have any real relevance though, its almost like its there because it has to be. Then there’s the recommended playlist for every chapter (not sure that some of the recommended songs are anything that most teens would listen to) as well as the quizzes (that didn’t always have a clear purpose other than to give the reader something to do), teaching sections, facts and statistics, journal entries and personal stories from young women, and finally a closing prompt urging the reader to seek God on a particular topic. A number of the journal entries and personal stories were difficult to follow in terms of relevance- this was also something my daughter pointed out. For instance, the author’s first journal entry begins by talking about the death of her brother but then veers off into her abusive relationship with her boyfriend without any clear reason for the change in direction. Anyway, the chapters are busy and not always cohesive, but I believe older teens could find the format generally engaging and interactive. I also think the material is relevant to, and cognizant of, the many issues that teen girls face today, and that the author’s tone will appeal to young women. She manages to advise and instruct without sounding too preachy. Ultimately, “The Princess Within” encourages young women to grow in the Lord, to live their faith in hard situations, and to love and accept themselves as precious in God’s sight. If you’re looking for a book that is founded on biblical teaching but written in such a way that it will engage a busy teen, this could be the one.I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

 

“Captured by Love” by Jody Hedlund: Strong on romance and historicity (and yes, that is a word!)

This historical romance deserves just about every cliché accolade you would ascribe to a good book of its genre.  The romance is about as intense as Christian story-telling is going to get, and the historical overview of life on Mackinac Island during the War of 1812 is fascinating.   I appreciated the author’s dedication to historicity, as it gave the plot a good sense of depth and realism.  Pierre and Angelique, the main characters in this novel, are well-developed, dynamic and witty.  Their characters grow through trial and hardship and the author challenges the reader’s spiritual growth from the framework of Pierre and Angelique’s choices to live with integrity and moral strength (or not) throughout the situations they face.

My only criticism- if you can call it that- is that at times this book felt like a sequel to another.  There were moments here and there when it seemed there was a back-story I was missing out on.  When I checked to see if that was the case I learned that this is book #3 in The Michigan Brides Collection, so perhaps I was missing a back-story, although it appears that the previous two books are not necessarily related to this one.  Nonetheless, I’ll be adding Jody Hedlund to my list of great authors to follow and I plan to read her other books.  “Captured by Love” gets my strong recommendation for those who enjoy reading historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Lighthearted and Entertaining Wild West Fiction

This third book in the “Trouble in Texas” series is meant to be a lighthearted and amusing read, with a dash of spiritual profundity thrown in.  Knowledge of the characters and the progression of the storyline in books one and two would definitely enhance the reader’s enjoyment of this book.  Entertainment, rather than accurate historical portrayal, is the primary goal, evidenced by scenes like Tina picketing the small-town saloon and inciting a spontaneous mud-wresting riot in the streets. The plot moves along quickly and doesn’t lack action, although the unique spiritual theme of this novel is developed through the thought life of Vince, whose anxiety about his mental health and his deliverance from that anxiety, teaches that we must trust every aspect of our future to the Lord. If you’ve read the first two books in the series you would enjoy this one.  If books loosely themed on the Wild West are a genre you enjoy, I’d recommend this series to you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Everything You Ever Wondered About Heaven

I was impressed with the readability of “50 Things You Need to Know About Heaven”   and its appeal to a broad audience: the curious non-Christian, the new Christian, and those who desire to expand their current understanding of what the Bible says about heaven. This book offers a succinct but thorough examination of this topic as Dr. John Hart offers simple, straightforward explanations of basic Christian doctrines like salvation, justification and imputed righteousness and then moves on to answer many common questions (and some not so common) that people ask about heaven.  For instance, where do we go the moment we die? What is the “new heaven and new earth?” What does the Bible mean when it talks about people who have died as “sleeping.”  What will our bodies be like in heaven? Will heaven be boring?  Do people in heaven know what’s happening on earth?

Overall, Dr. Hart sticks to interpretation and explanation of Scripture; however, he does make a few speculative assumptions here and there, such as his claim that in heaven there will be new instruments, new musical sounds, and limitless things to discover and learn.  I happen to agree with him- I’m only noting his departure from strict exegesis.

You may or may not agree with all Dr. Hart’s scriptural interpretations in this book; if you don’t, that’s great- you’ll find yourself challenged to study and re-examine your own views.  On the other hand, you may find that you learn something new, or discover greater depth about what is admittedly a mysterious subject.  I felt that I gained a lot from this book as I contemplated a number of topics I’d never given much thought to before and I’d recommend this book to others as a great starting place for a topical study about heaven.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

Brief, straightforward, and well-worth reading: Review of “Out of the Depths” by Edgar Harrell USMC

This brief memoir of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, written by survivor Edgar Harrell USMC, will appeal almost exclusively to history buffs. That’s unfortunate, because as far as WWII stories go, this very short account of one man’s survival against all odds would benefit any reader. Harrell’s experience encourages us to trust in God at all times, but also importantly, it keeps truth from being buried in the dust bin of history. In fact, Harrell’s account of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the ordeal of survival that followed are not the main focus of this book; rather, Harrell’s main emphasis seems to be on setting the story straight and fully exposing the political cover-up that followed the tragedy, in particular exonerating Captain McVay, who became the Navy’s scapegoat in the affair.
I enjoyed this book- fan of history that I am- and for the most part I appreciated the straightforward, matter-of-fact style of writing- it certainly made for easy reading. Harrell’s depiction of the three days he spent drifting in the Pacific Ocean, waiting for rescue while watching those around him die felt very detached and almost emotionless…yet, at some level I understand that emotional detachment might be the only way to write about and relive such a horrific experience.
I appreciated the inclusion of quotes and brief comments made by other survivors, as they added to the idea of this being more than one man’s story. I was sorry that my Kindle did not support or download the many pictures that were featured in this book as I would have liked to have seen them.
If your experience with historical non-fiction has been yawning, falling asleep, or giving up a few chapters into some thick, boring military tome then you may want to consider giving “Out of the Depths” a chance. This book is so short it would be hard not to finish it, and although it is somewhat dispassionate it is far from dry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Creative Take on a Familiar Theme: Review of “For Such a Time” by Kate Breslin

 

I enjoyed this book and particularly admired the author’s ability to portray a strong emotional and romantic tension between the main characters.  While the setting is a concentration camp during the Holocaust, “For Such a Time” is a romantic fiction that focuses on themes like loving one’s enemies, forgiveness, and the ability of people to change in response to their circumstances.  This book does not attempt a historically accurate portrayal of the horror of life in the concentration camp at Theresienstadt or of any actual events.

In some ways this story reads like any other fictional romance set during the Holocaust, and it evokes plotlines from all the major movies of this genre (think Schindler’s List, Defiance, and War and Remembrance).  The dramatic and highly unrealistic conclusion also lends a ‘movie-like’ feeling to this novel.  Generalizations like thoroughly evil camp guards and altruistic, longsuffering victims abound, giving you the strong sense of having read this story before.  This feeling of familiarity is compounded with the intentional parallel to the Biblical story of Esther.  Nonetheless, the author’s creativity really does come through in weaving an entertaining and well written- if unlikely story- so I think the best way I can summarize is by saying if you enjoy this genre then you’ll enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.