BELOVED ENEMY Battles of Destiny BULL RUN I

This captivating historical novel, written by Al Lacy, immediately snatches the reader into the war that separated a nation which divided their loyalties, but not their hearts.

Faithful to her family and the land of her birth, young Jenny Jordan covers for her father's Confederate spy missions.  But as she grows closer to handsome Union soldier Buck Brownell, Jenny finds herself torn between devotion to the South and her feelings for the man she is forbidden to love.

When I began reading the first chapter, I realized this wasn't the usual historical romance novel.  The author provides extensive detail into the first battles of the Civil War to the point that I'm now curious and want to research some of the information he provides.
Meanwhile, the heroine, Jenny Jordan, finds herself in a real dilemma when she falls in love with a Union officer while her father helps to establish a Confederate spy ring.  I would not have wanted to be in Jenny's position to face a decision of loyalty to her southern heritage or if she should follow her own feelings of love for someone she truly loves.
If you find the Civil War and it's many issues involved with this part of American history, I promise you a suspenseful book to read.

Al Lacy is an accomplished fiction author who has written over fifty historical novels and westerns.  I want to add that I found it quite interesting to learn that Mr. Lacy has upheld his standards for writing which are based on the Bible.  Since he has been writing for the Christian publisher of Questar Publishers and Multnomah Books, he has been blessed.  I'm glad to be introduced to a new author!

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review".

Chasing The Sun by Tracie Peterson

Hannah is desperate for help..
William is determined to regain his family's land...

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but also for the Texas ranch her father recently acquired. A marriage of convenience could ease her predicament... but is it the true desire of her heart?

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns home only to find out that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angered at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

I would want Hannah as my friend.  Her determination and the commitment to her family were strong messages as I read "Chasing The Sun", the first book of a new series, Land of the Lone Star. Basing the story in Texas, near the end of the Civil War, gave this Christian romance the ingredients that made it easy to read during my weekend.  I would recommend this book for readers looking for a historical adventure with value-based themes. 

THE AUTHOR

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site atwww.traciepeterson.com and her blog atwww.writespassage.blogspot.com.

Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy of this book by Bethany House Book Reviewers so that in return that I would give an unbiased review.

Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

My first impression of this small book was surprise.  I expected a large volume to review regarding "A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity" as I read Primal, the latest book by Mark Batterson.  


What would your faith look like if it were stripped down to the simplest elements possible? Storyteller and pastor Mark Batterson explores the four foundational principles of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion (heart), wonder (soul), curiosity (mind), and power (strength)---and supplies a new reformation beginning for your generation, your church, and your life!

Mark begins his story within the catacombs of ancient Rome while he and his wife were on vacation.  The following can quickly sum up what is the primal essence of Christianity:

    "As I tried to absorb the significance of where I was, I couldn't help but wonder if our generation has conveniently forgotten how inconvenient it can be to follow in the footsteps of Christ.  I couldn't help but wonder if we have diluted the truths of Christianity and settled for superficialities.  I couldn't help but wonder if we have accepted a form of Christianity that is more educated but less powerful, more civilized but less compassionate, more acceptable but less authentic than that which our spiritual ancestors practiced."

The four foundational principles are easily outlined and the heart, the soul, the mind and the strength are each defined with stories and scriptures.  

One of my favorite remarks in this book is, "We don't see the world as it is; we see the world as we are.  So wonder, or the lack thereof, simply reveals what is in our souls.  If our souls are full of wonder, then life is wonderful.  Why?  Because you see with your soul. And when you see with your soul, everything becomes a reflection of the glory of God."

If you are a Christian, I believe this book will renew your spirit to retain your soul.  If you are searching and questioning then I suggest reading this book.  One thing I like about Mark Batterson is his honesty and his encouragement to ask questions.

I give this book 5 stars for reminding us of the 4 basic principles of living we each need.

Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a free copy of this book to review.

Then Sings My Soul: The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith, Book 3

Long-awaited third installment has arrived!
It was an honor to review this special book for the simple reason that I love the great hymns.  Their stories have a depth that speaks to my soul.  Thank you, Robert Morgan, for continuing the series.

In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul.  This collection of the world's greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.

Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you've never heard, with lead-sheets included.

All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them. 

Morgan's conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God's music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.

I read this book in stages so I could digest the story of each hymn.  The book has a permanent place in my music library, as I teach piano and have had the privilege of singing and playing almost all of the hymns in this book throughout my lifetime.

Mr. Morgan's expanded stories of six hymns in Part 3 will bring a brighter appreciation for those songs.  Wait until you read more of the story behind "It Is Well With My Soul"!!!

Finally, I'd like to applaud the author's opinion of Why We Must Embrace Interwoven Worship.  I completely agree with his thoughts concerning how we will lose a heritage with a rich legacy of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have preceded us.  If you attend any church, and sing praise choruses or old hymns, please take the time to read his thoughts.  I would encourage all of us to extend an open mind to the new and the old songs of the church.

With that said, I recommend this book for all music lovers, so that you have a richer knowledge of an important element in music. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Fierce Beauty, by Kim Meeder

Choosing to Stand for What Matters Most is the topic Kim Meeder, author of "Fierce Beauty", shares with inspiring true stories from her own life of adventure, love, and loss.
Real beauty isn’t a look, it’s an action.

This is now one of my favorite books.  Why?  Kim has a way of writing that makes me feel as if she's sitting across the table from me and sharing each story she has written.

The story of sitting on the boulder "no matter how stable things in this life might seem nothing in this world is going to last - nothing" confirms that we each have a choice to make about our future with Christ.  No amount of beauty, popularity, power, wealth, or anything the world can supply can keep us from crumbling or prevent us from dying.  That's a pretty humbling statement.

Another chapter tells the story of the mama grizzly bear.  "Why do you think the Lord allowed us to be charged by a bear?" Kim asked her friends traveling with her through Yellowstone National Park.  Reflecting on their encounter, one of them replied, "I want to be just as ferocious as a charging bear toward anything that comes between me and God"  You'll want to read the entire story to understand how light and darkness cannot live in the same place. So true.

I hope you'll take time to read this book filled with well-told gems of true stories.

Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a free copy of this book to review.

TJ and the Time Stumblers "Switched!", by Bill Myers

Still on their quest to teach TJ Finkelstein the life lessons she’ll need to be a great world leader, 23rd-century goofballs Tuna and Herby are brewing up even more trouble for the new kid in Malibu. As the boys try to repair their futuristic gadgets, a little glitch in their Thought Broadcaster Pen lands TJ in the body of her nemesis, TV star Hesper Breakahart . . . and vice versa. And the plot thickens when Tuna and Herby decide to put TJ’s new look and superstar power to use.  There's plenty of lessons to be learned when the characters have a little trouble with forgiveness . . . a lesson that TJ realizes she might also need to learn as she walks a mile in Hesper’s shoes—and body!


I would recommend this fantasy fiction for kids interested in time-travel or unique inventions.  It might be helpful if you were looking for a discussion time on the topic of forgiveness in a light-hearted setting.  The story does switch back and forth with the characters quite often, so a young reader might be challenged to follow the plot.  I believe this book might be good for youth not quite ready for serious literature.
I received a complimentary copy of Switched! from Tyndale House Publisher for my honest opinion.

No, We Can't, by Robert Stearns

The world is shifting.  It is dissatisfied, baffled and craving transformation.  

Once I read that intro, I was curious.  The world we live in today is bombarded with news of coexistence, wars, peace, and opinions.  What should we believe?  Does anyone know the truth?  How can we trust any source to be accurate?  These are all questions that begin to have answers in this latest book I've read, by author, Robert Stearns.

The book, "No, We Can't, Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence", provides the reader with a comparative religious overview of a coming perilous culture clash.

My first impression as I began to read this book, was apprehension.  As I read further, I realized I need to be more informed about the three dominant world cultures and their value systems.  The presentation of each culture is quite detailed and factual.  Understanding how different belief systems and each culture's response to basic human needs was the major portion of this book.
After reading "No, We Can't, a believer of  Judeo-Christian beliefs and values will be able to respond to a world we thought would always stay the same.  That world is changing rapidly whether we like it or not.  Should you read this book?  Yes.  Should a believer of Islam or secularism read this book?  I think so.  Will we all be able to coexist?  After reading this book, probably not.  The age-old struggle for power and being in control hasn't changed.
One final thought.  I believe this book would be read by more people if it was titled, perhaps, "The Climax of Human Civilization", or "Coexistence Is A Myth".
"I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for this review."