Book Review: God’s Daughter

19 Nov

finalkindlecovergd5One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to North America.

In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a voyage to North America.

But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself–and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart.

Almost five centuries before Columbus, Viking women sailed to North America with their husbands. God’s Daughter, Book One in the Vikings of the New World Saga, offers an expansive yet intimate look into the world of Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir–daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America.

This novel is based heavily on the Icelandic Sagas.

Excerpt

bistrodeterminedHeather Day Gilbert writes character-driven novels that go beyond the vows, capturing the triumphs and heartaches unique to married couples. A graduate of Bob Jones University, she’s been married to her sweet Yankee husband for over sixteen years. After ten years of homeschooling and six years of writing, she really doesn’t have many hobbies. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, she believes that bittersweet, generational stories are in her blood.

 

My Impressions:

A few weeks ago, Heather Day Gilbert approached me about reading/reviewing God’s Daughter. I had already downloaded the ebook on my Kindle, so this gave me a good excuse to dig into an historical novel that covers a time period I had no knowledge about. And at first I found the book slow-going. I had absolutely no frame of reference for the time period or setting (shame on me and my limited history education) and I found the Norse names hard to get used to. But . . . I soon became engrossed in the story of a legendary woman who was a strong Viking woman with healing powers, a definite feminine side and a love for the one true God. If you are looking for that something different historical novel, then check out God’s Daughter.

Casting by Ásmundur Sveinsson of a statue of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son in Laugarbrekka, Iceland

Casting by Ásmundur Sveinsson of a statue of Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir and her son in Laugarbrekka, Iceland

Gudrid’s story begins circa 1000 AD on the coast of eastern modern-day Canada with a group of Vikings looking for Eirik The Red’s Vinland. Gudrid must contend with Norse myths and ruthless gods, lusty and sometimes barbaric Vikings, a wild and untamed environment and threats from the indigenous peoples as well as fellow Icelanders/Greenlanders. The prologue gives the reader a point to begin as Gudrid is faced with the Norse culture that is so different from the grace and sacrifice taught by Christ. Gudrid also has to fight against her own passionate nature as she struggles with staying faithful to her husband and her God.

Heather does a good job of drawing her readers into a story that is so different from what we are used to. This is not a genteel Regency romance! The Vikings were rough people, but with a highly developed moral code based on strength, bravery and oftentimes revenge. The addition of Norse terms adds a level of authenticity to the book. It is also very well researched. When looking for more information about the time period, I found Heather was spot on. She includes her research subjects in an Afterword. Her website also provides some great additional information including a glossary and a family tree. Gritty with a realistic look at early Christianity among the people of Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, God’s Daughter is a recommended read for those wanting to expand their reading horizons.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I downloaded this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The Littlest Christmas Kitten

18 Nov

LittlestKittenIn this re-telling of the Christmas story, children can experience the excitement of the animals in the stable. Here a mother cat is searching frantically for her little lost kitten. Before the night is over there is the crying of a baby and angels singing the praises of the birth of a Savior. The night’s events leave a lasting effect on all the animals, especially the cats. It’s a refreshing approach to the Christmas story, with a strong, smooth plot, and yet teaches a beautiful lesson.

 

LeeCropped2Lee (Leona) Novy Jackson taught family and consumer sciences in Missouri and Wisconsin schools for many years. She is the author of the children’s Christmas book, The Littlest Christmas Kitten and two apple cookbooks, From the Apple Orchard — Recipes for Apple Lovers, and Apples, Apples Everywhere — Favorite Recipes from America’s Orchards. All three books have received outstanding awards.

Jackson received a B.S. degree in home economics education from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin and an M.S. degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri. After having taught family and consumer sciences (home economics) for over 25 years, she now enjoys writing and publishing about subjects pertaining to home and family.

My Impressions:

It is no secret that I am a big fan of cats. I have a new kitten who is into everything. Her middle school stage is in full force! So when offered a cat themed book to review, I always jump at the chance. The Littlest Christmas Kitten by Leona Novy Jackson and illustrated by Kelly Dupre would be a sweet addition to your family’s Christmas reading.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten is an attractive children’s book targeted towards children ages 4-7. It tells the story of a momma cat frantically looking for her lost kitten. The story takes place in a stable filled with animals many, many years ago. But this book isn’t just about a lost one found, it is also about the birth of Jesus and the wonder of that night over 2000 years ago. The story is simple and the beautiful wood block illustrations enhance the feeling of a story from old. And while there is no mention of cats in the Biblical narrative, it isn’t so hard to imagine a momma barn cat and her kittens being present at the birth of Christ.

While I liked the simple story of a kitten as a backdrop to the Nativity, I really loved the author’s additional information on the many symbols of Christmas included in the back of the book. This offers another opportunity for parents to talk about the real meaning of Christmas. There is even an entry on cats with very important info on what is good and not so good for the cat members of your family during the holiday season. As the wife of veterinarian, I believe this is invaluable for all pet owners.

So if you are looking for a book to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas as well as please your special little cat lover, then definitely check out The Littlest Christmas Kitten.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 4-7.

(Thanks to Book Crash for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The Christmas Cat

17 Nov

719665After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends–plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison’s job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

 

 

 

bio_photo5Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the True Colors series and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

 

My Impressions:

I am a sucker for cats. We have two cat members of our family, and I would probably have more if I didn’t have my husband’s restraining hand and my children’s threats of calling me the crazy cat lady. So Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas offering, The Christmas Cat, really appealed to me. What’s better than a warm Christmas story filled with cats?! A quick read, this book is perfect for cat lovers everywhere.

Garrison is at loose ends since returning to the U.S. following nine years in Uganda. A bit culture-shocked and recovering from malaria, Garrison knows he needs to find his way in his new life, but just can’t seem to find the place to belong. His grandmother’s unexpected death leaves him even more lost, until he has to fulfill her final wishes in finding adoptive homes for her beloved six cats.

The Christmas Cat didn’t have that rushed feeling you sometimes get with a novella. Carlson takes her time developing her characters allowing the reader to connect and care about them. Carlson uses a clever plot device — finding the cats homes using an extensive checklist  – to develop the theme of finding a true home and purpose for life. And if you are like Garrison, allergic and a bit phobic about cats, you just may end up wanting a cat friend for yourself after reading this book! Recommended for anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas read.

Recommended.

Audience: teens to adults.

(Thanks to Revell for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Where Treetops Glisten

15 Nov

426483The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime.

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas.

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?

Glisten-251

Tricia Goyer is the bestselling author of more than 45 books, including fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. A popular blogger, Goyer contributes to a number of homeschooling and Christian parenting sites. She and her husband, John, live in Little Rock, AR, and are the parents of six.

Cara Putman, the award-winning author of 19 books, including Shadowed by Grace, graduated high school at 16, graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. She is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University and also practices law. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Sarah Sundin is the author of six historical novels, including In Perfect Time (Revell, August 2014). Her novel On Distant Shores was a double finalist for the 2014 Golden Scroll Awards. Sarah lives in northern California with her husband and three children, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist.

 

My Impressions:

Three authors, three Christmases, three heartwarming and nostalgic stories to add warmth to your holiday reading — that’s what you get in Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman and Sarah Sundin. Various members of the Turner family of Lafayette, Indiana face the uncertainty of life in the face of war, both on the homefront and overseas. Through the voices of the three authors, a unique and cohesive story is created. Perfect reading for the cold nights leading up to Christmas.

The Turners of Lafayette, Indiana are a typical wartime family. The three adult children are making their way in life and trying to find the best way to serve their country. Fear, grief and broken hearts are tempered by faith, love and a hope for a future. Each novella in the collection is set during the Christmas season of the war years. The reader gets a glimpse of what it must have been like to live through rationing, Gold Star families and family members far away. All three novellas are good, but I especially connected with the characters in I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin.

Faith in God to make things new, to overcome our fears with love, to restore and redeem are significant themes in Where Treetops Glisten. The faith message flows naturally in the narratives, but is never preachy. Characters are easy to love and connect with. And the authors did a great job in making the war years and the Greatest Generation come to life. I recommend Where Treetops Glisten — sweet, warm and cozy with spiritual truth, it is a book you’ll savor. Added bonus: the cookie recipes at the back!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Waterbrook for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Gratitude Giveaway!

14 Nov

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer is hosting a Gratitude Giveaway November 15th through 30th. Bloggers are giving away books and bookish stuff to their readers. For a list of participants, click HERE.

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Just leave me a comment about what you are grateful for this year, and you will be entered to win a Surprise Box of Books — a little something for everyone! That’s it! Good luck!

Audiobook Review: Hallowe’en Party

13 Nov

UnknownAt a Hallowe’en party, Joyce—a hostile thirteen-year-old—boasts that she once witnessed a murder. When no one believes her, she storms off home. But within hours her body is found, still in the house, drowned in an apple-bobbing tub.

That night, Hercule Poirot is called in to find the “evil presence.” But first he must establish whether he is looking for a murderer or a double murderer.…

 

 

 

MV5BMTU3OTYzMzY4NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDIxOTIyOA@@._V1_SY317_CR8,0,214,317_AL_Born on September 15, 1890, in Torquay, England, Agatha Christie published her first novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, in 1920, and went on to become one of the most famous writers in history, with mysteries like Murder at the Vicarage, Partners in Crime and Sad Cypress. She sold billions of copies of her work, and was also a noted playwright and romance author. She died on January 12, 1976. Read more HERE.

 

My Impressions:

A few weeks ago my husband and I took a weekend road trip. Over the course of 4 days we traveled a total of 14 hours. I thought a good way to make the time go faster was to listen to an audiobook. Like a lot of things in our life together, our book likes are not always the same. But we both like a good mystery, so I chose Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie. In this novel, Hercule Poirot, now retired, is the sleuth.

The story opens in a small English village. A group of ladies, teenagers and children are gathered to decorate for a Halloween party to be held the next night. During the course of the activity, a young girl boasts that she has witnessed a murder. A famous mystery novelist is present, and Joyce is eager to impress her. But although Joyce is known to be a liar, often making up stories to make herself seem more important, a killer takes her assertion to heart. After a real murder occurs, Hercule Poirot is called in to get to the bottom of the case.

My husband and I had fun gathering clues right along with Poirot. We figured out just whodunit early on in the narration, but that didn’t spoil our enjoyment of the book. Motives were hard to decipher, so we needed Poirot’s help as well. The reader for this book did an outstanding job bringing all the characters to life. He did great voices for both the men and the women.

Perfect for our car trip, Hallowe’en Party is a good choice for those who like mysteries and need a little escape into the English countryside as well as the workings of the mind of Hercule Poirot.

Recommended.

Audience: teens to adults.

(I purchased the audiobook version from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: If You Follow Me

12 Nov

640790In the parish of Dunbridge, the news is out — Claire and Neil are engaged! And yet, almost before the celebrations have begun, Ben, the father of Claire’s son, appears back on the scene–keen to pick up where he and Claire left off.

As Neil reels in the face of Claire’s confusion, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy’s involvement in Ben’s reappearance . . .

However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. His mother, Iris, who has never hesitated to share her opinions, has just moved to be near him and Neil’s time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and just who will go with him?

 

rhodespamFor many years Pam Rhodes has presented the world’s number one religious television program, Songs of Praise. She writes for the Daily Mail’s Femail section, and is also a successful novelist, author of With Hearts and Hands and Voices and four other novels, as well as a number of other books.

 

My Impressions:

The Reverend Neil Fisher, curate in training, returns in the third book in Pam Rhodes Dunbridge Chronicles series, If You Follow Me. A little older and wiser, Neil is scrambling to take care of parish business after the departure of the rector. Facing both serious challenges and hilarious situations, Neil comes through in this satisfying end of the series.

Neil Fisher’s life is very busy. Filled with funerals, weddings, christenings, dual church services and a host of other church duties, Neil’s greatest challenges come when faced with the very real people in his congregation. If You Follow Me is a view of a small English village church not unlike Jan Karon’s Mitford series. However, there is more of an edge to Rhodes’ book. Neil must minister to people facing grief, loss and lack of hope. A young woman and her children are burned out of their home. A couple married for over 60 years face the ultimate loss of their lives. And a young man’s attempted suicide has a profound effect on his parents. But Rhodes does interject a lot of hilarity as well. You won’t want to miss the wedding complete with The Battle Hymn of The Republic as a congregational sing.

One thing to note is that If You Follow Me is British Christian fiction. The standards for that designation in England are different than here in the U.S. You will find some profanity and a more liberal view of inclusiveness of the church. The one thing that struck me the most was that Neil is engaged to a non-believer — and no one has a problem with that. (Well at least no one that matters.) I found it interesting that his own Bishop and his former rector find that his coming marriage to one who is not a Christian won’t really pose any problems for his ministry.

Despite the above exceptions, I generally liked If You Follow Me. You can read my reviews of books 1 and 2 by clicking on the following titles: Fisher of Men and Casting The Net.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Lion Hudson and Kregel for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Amazon has a 30% off coupon for those buying the series. Click HERE to redeem.

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Book Review: Snapshot

11 Nov

689544Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.

The Civil Rights Movement is less than a distant memory to Lisa Waldren—it is someone else’s memory altogether, passed on to her through the pages of history. Her life as a federal prosecutor in Boston feels utterly remote from the marches in the South that changed her father’s generation—and the entire nation—forever.

But the truth is, she was there.

When a photograph surfaces showing a blond, four-year-old Lisa playing with an African-American girl at a civil rights march in Fort Worth, Lisa is faced with a jarring revelation: the girls may have been the only witnesses who observed the killer of civil rights leader Benjamin Gray . . . and therefore the only ones who can exonerate the death row inmate falsely accused of the murder.

Soon, Lisa finds herself in the dangerous world her father had shielded her from as a child. After some searching, the Waldrens find the other little girl from the photo and, in the process, uncover conspiracy mere steps away from the likes of Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and J. Edgar Hoover.

 

568299Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.

Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.

Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.

Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.

She lives with her husband and two children in New York.

 

My Impressions:

Lis Wiehl has become a favorite author of my book club, By The Book. We love suspense, so we chose Snapshot for our November selection. Inspired by Wiehl’s father and a real-life snapshot of Wiehl as a child, this novel has all the elements for those who love suspense — fast-paced plot, smart and savvy characters, and conspiracies galore. It also has a tie to real events in our nation’s history. Perfect for history buffs and mystery/suspense fans.

Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren has had a strained relationship with her ex-FBI agent dad for years. When he calls with a plea to help him uncover the real killer of a Civil Rights activist from the 1960s, she is persuaded to join the case not just to bring justice to a man on death row, but to build some bridges. With the help of her father’s unconventional PI girlfriend, Lisa’s friend Drew and Molly the now grown up little girl from the long ago snapshot, the team uncovers long kept secrets and unearths the truth surrounding long lost friends.

I imagine that my book club will have lots to talk about when we meet at the end of the week. Snapshot is inspired by real events in Wiehl and her father’s past. There should be good discussion on the current state of race relations in the U.S. as well as what has or hasn’t changed from the mid-196os. We have a large age span in our group (from 30s to 90+), so it should be interesting to hear everyone’s insights. The plot of this novel should also satisfy those of us who like a good mystery. Although the bad actors are disclosed early on in the book, the reader is left guessing motivations. There are also a number of shadow characters that come to light at the end of the book. There are only brief references to faith in Snapshot. Only one character seems to really live her life for God and she is a minister. Her influence is big at the end and should elicit good discussion as well.

All in all, I liked Snapshot. In fact, it is probably my favorite by Wiehl to date. Have you read this one? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults

(I purchased this book for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Feast for Thieves

10 Nov

412130Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world’s freedom in World War II.

Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.

The town’s lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye’s new minister or end up in jail.

At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he’s taking over for a young female missionary who’s held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy’s past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult.

Rowdy’s a man used to solving problems one of two ways: with his rifle or with his fists. Will he be able to thwart his old friend’s evil schemes while remaining true to his new higher calling?

This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.

 

 

About-Marcus-photo-682x1024Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than 25 books.

Notable works include We Who Are Alive and Remain, a New York Times bestseller, A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/ Western Front books, and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War. Marcus’ debut historical novel, Feast For Thieves, released on September 1, 2014.

Born in Canada in 1968, Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical education and journalism from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s degree in practical theology and writing from Talbot Seminary at Biola University in Los Angeles, where he graduated with high honors.

Marcus lives with his wife and children in Washington State.

 

My Impressions:

Described as a neo-Western and WWII novel, I really had no expectations about Feast for Thieves, the debut historical novel by Marcus Brotherton. Ne0-Western? This was either going to be a book I loved or one I found boring. Well it is anything but boring! Filled with great characters and a twisting plot, I will recommend Feast for Thieves to anyone no matter their literary tastes.

Zearl “Rowdy” Slater has been drifting since his stint in prison following his discharge from the Army. It is 1946 and there aren’t many prospects for an ex-sniper and convict. So he turns to what at face value is a sure thing — robbing a bank with former cellmate, Crazy Ake. But Rowdy has trouble with sure things and soon finds himself serving as preacher to the rough and tumble west Texas town of Cut Eye.

Feast for Thieves has a lot going for it. First, Brotherton has created interesting, complex and definitely colorful characters. Rowdy is a preacher who knows nothing about being a Christian, let alone preaching. His first sermon involves the Creation and field dressing a squirrel. Bobbie Barker, missionary and daughter of the Sheriff, is a no-nonsence dreamer who spouts poetry and drives a jeep. Sheriff Barker loves the town of Cut Eye and sees its and Rowdy’s potential. Other characters, including Mert the church secretary and Cisco a grieving father, will grab your imagination and heart. Then there is the setting of Cut Eye in the years following WWII. Brotherton brings the west Texas landscape and the struggling town to life. The plot is twisting. You’ll never guess from one moment to the next just where Brotherton is taking Rowdy. At times laugh out loud funny and then poignant, Feast for Thieves will certainly keep you entertained and engaged. Told in Rowdy’s first person voice, the language is richly detailed. I loved the many colloquialisms and colorful descriptions. In describing her fiance, Bobbie says he is as upright and dependable as the color brown.

The best thing about this book has got to be the spiritual journey that Rowdy takes, from his Jacob wrestling struggle in the river to the fist fight in the mission church to the working out of his faith through fights at the local tavern and chopping firewood. Rowdy has grown so much and has so much to look forward to by the closing pages of the book. Will there be another Rowdy Slater book? I hope so.

A novel that grabbed me from the opening pages, I highly recommend Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton. This is one of the best books I have read all year.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Side Door Communication and River North for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional

7 Nov

366852This year, learn to listen for the voice of the One who loves you most. We know for sure that God speaks to His people. Throughout the pages of Scripture, time after time, He guides, instructs, corrects, inspires, encourages, and reveals. Inspired writers even call Him “the Word.” He has always been vocal, and He always will be.

But what does He say to you? How does He say it? How can you know when you’ve heard Him? In The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional, Chris Tiegreen will help you discover patterns and practices you can adopt to hear God better. Listening to God is a process, a journey, and an adventure. He promises that those who seek Him will be rewarded with His presence and His voice. And the words of the living God are powerful and life-changing.

 

ukraine8aaCHRIS TIEGREEN is the author of more than 50 books and discussion guides, as well as a collaborative/supporting writer on more than a dozen book projects. He has also written hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles ranging from cultural commentary to inspirational devotionals to features on ministry and international missions.

Chris is a seasoned photojournalist, a student of languages, a dabbler in art, an occasional pianist, a rabid-yet-reasonable college football fan, and a zealous traveler. He especially loves beaches and third-world adventures. In addition to writing/photography for periodicals and books, he has been a pastor, a missionary, and a university instructor in global issues. He currently works at Walk Thru the Bible and serves at Daystar Atlanta church. He and his family live in Atlanta, Ga.

Most of Chris’ focus in writing and speaking is challenging common assumptions that hinder a true relationship with God. He is passionate about authentic spirituality that transforms lives and meaningfully impacts society. One of his highest goals in life is to help people through words and images to re-envision God, themselves, and the world.

 

My Impressions:

I am impressed with Chris Tiegreen’s devotional collection, The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional: 365 Days of Communication with God. This book is full of scriptural truths, first hand experiences and expressions and a daily dose of something to mull over. Each selection I read struck a chord of truth with me. I often came away with a new insight and unique way of communicating with God. Personal and authentic, Tiegreen shares his views on achieving an intimate relationship with God and backs it up with sound Biblical thought. A bonus is that the book is a year long and each entry is dated — perfect for those, like me, that need a plan and structure in their quiet time.

If you are looking for a way to go a little deeper in your walk with God, then this devotional is for you. And this book would make a great Christmas gift too — a great way to start the New Year out right!

Highly Recommended.

(Thanks to Tyndale for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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