Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers

The first book in the bestselling Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind 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, this young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.

This classic series has already inspired nearly 2 million readers, but both loyal fans and new readers will want this 20th anniversary edition of a Christian classic, which includes a foreword from the publisher, a letter from and Q & A with Francine Rivers, color map, an illustrated glossary, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.


As I began reading this 20th Anniversary Edition of A Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers, I became anxious at the vivid descriptions in the opening paragraph, 

"The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.  An oppressive, hot wind blew from the southeast, carrying with it the putrefying stench of decay."

My apprehension to continue reading a story that claims to be a classic was resolved by my commitment to give an honest review of this book for the publisher.
The book surprised me by it's story of life in the first century.  I believe the author has thoroughly researched  the background for the book.  Each chapter brought me closer to experiencing the sights and sounds and emotions of Hadassah and those living through Rome's persecution of Christians.

This special edition has the addition of the discussion questions which would make an interesting home-study with friends.

Even though I'm still not comfortable reading script with horrific details, this book deserves to be on any best seller list.  Understanding and experiencing what life must have been like for Christians in the very early years through this story helps me appreciate the perseverance of all those believers who have come before me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

To Love and Cherish "Bridal Veil Island"

 Escape to a Beautiful, Historic Island Resort

                            Bridal Veil Island, Georgia
                                             1898   


Melinda Colson has been waiting months for Evan, the assistant gamekeeper at the Bridal Veil Island resort, to propose. Without an offer of marriage, she must return to Cleveland with the family she works for as a lady's maid.

Evan isn't afraid of hard work, and he hopes to be promoted soon. He wants to marry Melinda--but not until he's sure he can support her and a family.

Letters strengthen their romance until a devastating storm strikes the island. With no word from Evan, Melinda knows she must journey back to Bridal Veil in search of her beloved.

But the hurricane isn't the last calamity to shake up Bridal Veil. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but still no offer of marriage comes her way. Has she given her heart to the wrong person? Will she ever find a man to love and cherish?

As I began reading this story, I could imagine myself in this beautiful resort off the Georgia coast.  Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have mastered their talents with helping me escape to another time and another place.  I was a bit frustrated with the story as far as Evan was concerned.  Instead of expressing his thoughts about his future and his feelings for Melinda, he kept them to himself.  Meanwhile, Melinda, with her "take charge" attitude, made up her mind to marry Evan, yet she gets the impression he doesn't have the same feelings for her.  I would recommend this book as light romance but with interesting historical aspects.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Against The Tide, by Elizabeth Camden

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy. 

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

This was my first book to read by author, Elizabeth Camden, and I was hooked right away as the heroine, Lydia Pallas, was left an orphan.  Against The Tide is set with a historical setting, the Office of Naval Intelligence, where Lydia uses her skills and knowledge of several languages to assist with translating.

The story interjects humor as Lydia, who prefers order, is challenged by those characters who enjoy teasing her.  Lydia always keeps her desk in particular order, eats the same foods, and her predictictable nature makes it a challenge when she is asked to help Alexander Banebridge stop the opium trade.

There is a dark side to the story with a very evil Professor and his control of so many lives.  The mystery and continuing relationship between Lydia and Alexander give the story action plus excitement.  I would definitely recommend this book.   The writing and imagery are well-done.  I would read more of Elizabeth Camden's novels as I found her dialogue and the plots keep my interest.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

From the Library of C.S. Lewis

Selections frrm Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey, compiled by James Stuart Bell with Anthony P. Dawson.

"To truly know Lewis, one must become familiar with the body of literature that marked his life.  Jim Bell and Tony Dawson give curious students of Lewis a glimpse of the books and authors that informed his life's work and kindled his imagination." - Jerry Root, coeditor of The Qutable C. S. Lewis and a C. S. Lewis scholar


About the Author
James Stuart Bell wrote his master’s thesis on C. S. Lewis, receiving his M. A. from University College Dublin, in Ireland. The owner of Whitestone Communications, the former executive editor of Moody Press, and director of religious publishing for Doubleday, Bell has authored several books, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Bible.

About the Book

C. S. Lewis was one of the most influential thinkers and writers of the twentieth century. But who influenced C. S. Lewis? What were the sources of his inspiration? Who were his spiritual mentors?

Drawn from Lewis’s personal library, annotations, and references from his writings, this book includes more than 200 selections from literary giants such as Dante, Augustine, and Chaucer, as well as more contemporary writers such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien, providing a vast array of inspiration from those who have shone forth as messengers of light in Lewis’s own thinking, writing, and spiritual growth.
In this treasury, you will…
· Glean wisdom on living a devout life from Andrew Murray and Brother Lawrence
· Tap into fantasy and imagination with William Wordsworth and Geoffrey Chaucer
· Ponder creation and poetry alongside Sir Walter Scott and Aristotle

My Thoughts

I like what Walter Hooper, Literary Advisor to the C. S. Lewis Estate, one of the world’s leading authorities on the life and works of C. S. Lewis, and the editor of dozens of Lewis’s works wrote about this book,  This is the perfect entrance to the world C. S. Lewis inhabited, and it arrives just when that world of books is under threat of extinction. Thanks to those who have given us such a gold mine.” 

That kind of expression made me want to read this book right now!

I found the writings of the many masters who influenced C.S. Lewis not as difficult as I first suspected. Growing up without the opportunity to read many of the 'old books' made me excited to review this valuable summary of so many pieces of literature. Each excerpt provides knowledge and inspiration. After reading even a short portion of the book quickly reveals why C.S. Lewis is one of the masters of literature.
I would recommend this book for students or someone wanting to discover short snippets of writings from long ago.

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

10 Christians Everyone Should Know

Lives of the Faithful & What They Mean To You, by John Perry, editor, is a biography lover's book.

Jane Austen, Sergeant York, Saint Patrick—What did they have in common?  “It would be almost impossible to imagine ten people more different from each other than these,” editor John Perry says. “This [is] the first truth of Christian living: anybody, anywhere can be a champion of the faith, an example and inspiration to all who follow.”

There’s no dry biography here, though. Each story teems with fresh insight. D. L. Moody did some of his most powerful evangelizing by befriending ragged street children in Chicago. William F. Buckley never delivered a sermon, yet a Christian worldview informed his erudite, witty, output in print and broadcasting. To compose her poems, Anne Bradstreet had to understand science, history, the Bible, and literature, not to mention the political scene in both Massachusetts and England. You’ll look with new eyes, also, on the lives of George Washington Carver, Jane Austen, Galileo, Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergeant York, John Bunyan, and Saint Patrick. You might think you know their stories . . . but you don’t. Not yet.

So after reading their stories, these 10 folks had a common thread - their faith in God.  The lessons learned in how they chose to live their lives may help you find the determination, the courage, the energy, to devote your life to living the way God needs you to live.  We need more books to share the simple, condensed stories of people that set the example of never giving up, of helping others before themselves, of making a positive difference wherever we live.
I did like this book and will recommend it to all ages.  I would also recommend this nifty little book for homeschool or study groups, or for anyone seeking encouragement in the Christian walk.
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.” 

Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day

I've wanted to read a simple, concise book to reference the many religions of the world.  Here is the opportunity to read a brief description of forty short readings, and I was able to absorb it quickly and update my understanding of the world's beliefs.

What religions are represented in your neighborhood, your workplace, and your children's school?  Things seem to be changing every day, and it can be hard to keep up.

In Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day, a cross-cultural expert and professor Garry Morgan explains the key beliefs, histories, and practices of more than twenty religions, including the familiar - Christianity, Judaism, Mormonism - and some of the lesser known - Baha'i, Sikhism, and New Age religions.

The book's format presents an easy-to-read description of a particular religion and includes "An Extra Minute" that I found interesting.
I recommend this book to all those who are curious about what others believe.  It would also be a useful tool for those who need a quick reference if you're teaching a Sunday School class, or leading a bible study.  I think the author's goal to always be respectful was achieved.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Fully Alive Lighten Up and Live - A Journey that Will Change Your Life

Be prepared to get up and get moving!

I first heard the name Ken Davis while listening to his daily radio spot, "Lighten Up And Live" - and his humorous stories remind us to not take life so seriously.
Now, the message he brings in Fully Alive is a real life-changer, if you decide to make that choice.
A fine speaker and author, Ken Davis, has presented a positive challenge for all of us, if you're in your 20's or your 80's, to overcome our fears, "function at the capacity we were created for in every area of life, and not squander what God has given each of us."

With that summary, let me share how this book has encouraged me with the hope that I can still accomplish the dreams I've had and that I can still explore and achieve new experiences.  At an age when many consider it time to "slow down" or "retire", I know that is not the case, especially when Ken Davis tells us he is 65 and he's going to continue climbing mountains, finishing triathlons, or building a tree house for his grandchildren.

There are more self-help books and articles on the market than I want to count,  so when Ken invites me to walk with him on a journey, along a road of heartache and adventure to a place he calls "the land of the living,"  and discover what may be missing in our lives, I promise you'll want to get up and get moving.

A poignant and entertaining storyteller, Davis points out the practical steps necessary to live this way – everything from lightening up to taking a quality of life assessment, to overcoming trials – while also revealing the power of Christ's resurrection available for each of us.

Ken offers to take care of ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.  So many books and speakers focus on one or two of these aspects of caring for ourselves.  This book covers it all, and it reads quickly.  In fact, I need to finish this review and get going - it's time for my hour of physical care.  

One final note.  Ken's book is one to read, give as a gift, and tell others how it gets you up out of your chair and moving.   I give this a full 5 stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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 [...] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Fully AliveFully Alive