Thursday, May 19, 2011


Men of the Word

By Nathan Busenitz
Harvest House
Retail Price: $13.99
Amazon Price: $11.07

What is God's calling for men? What character qualities does He value? What is biblical manhood, and how is it cultivated?

The answers to those all-important questions are found in the lives of men of the Bible-men like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, and Paul. Every one of them struggled with the same issues faced by men today-which makes them highly relevant role models that define what a real man is from God's perspective. Readers will discover that real men?

  • treasure God's Word
  • refuse to compromise
  • wait on the Lord
  • pray with boldness
  • lead with courage
  • reflect God's love
  • serve with humility
  • count the cost

This resource is both powerful and down-to-earth practical, providing much-needed clarity and encouragement on the essentials of biblical manhood. Men will find great fulfillment as they pursue all that God desires for them to be.

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READING ROOM REVIEWS

This is a tremendous book by the pastors of Grace Community Church, where John MacArthur has been the lead pastor for over 30 years. While he only writes the forward, a recommendation by MacArthur was enough to pique my interest. I'm really glad I read this book. Yes it was full of short biographies of great men in the Bible, but it didn't stop there. Each chapter had life lessons and plenty of application as each man that was written about represented a particular theme and character trait. While this is an excellent book for men to read, I, as a woman, enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend it.


Ella's Wish
By Jerry S. Ficher
Harvest House
Retail Price: $11.99
Amazon Price: $8.22

Ella Yoder has moved into her dream house. In the stillness of the great house, Ella ponders her options. How is she to survive on her own? How will she ever forget Aden? What is to become of her?

Two would-be suitors soon make their intentions known, but Ella is unsure of her own feelings. As she agrees to take care of Preacher Stutzman's three motherless girls, Ella's heart is touched by their love for her. Could their affection be the answer to Ella's quest? Can God speak through the love of a child?

Readers of Amish fiction will fall in love themselves with Ella Yoder and hope with her that she finds the love and happiness she seeks.

About this series: Readers of Amish fiction will delight in this second book in a series about young Ella Yoder as she copes with the loss of her true love. Author Jerry Eicher's sales now top more than 100,000.

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READING ROOM REVIEW

This is another wonderful Amish novel by author Jerry S. Ficher. This is the second book in the series that is well written and very touching. Ella is a character that is easy to like and your heart goes out to her as she struggles with her grief and tries to rebuild her life in a way that is unique to her own self, not what other necessarily want for her. This book engages you in the story and keeps you that way throughout the book.


Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels
By Mindy Starns Clark
Harvest House
Retail Price: $13.99
Amazon Price: $10.03

From award-winning author Mindy Starns Clark comes the fast-paced and inspirational Million Dollar Mystery series.

Attorney Callie Webber investigates nonprofit organizations for the J.O.S.H.U.A. Foundation and awards the best of them grants up to a million dollars. In each book of the series, A young widow, Callie finds strength in her faith in God and joy in her relationship with her employer, Tom.

In book number two of The Million Dollar Mystery series, Callie is working to provide quality professional clothes to women who can't afford to buy their own. She soon becomes involved with one young woman who is trying to come out of drug rehabilitation-just as she's charged with murder.

What appears to be a routine murder investigation in her hometown on the Chesapeake suddenly becomes complicated amid international intrigue, cutting-edge technology, and deadly deception. A string of heart-pounding events lands her disastrously in the hands of the killer, where Callie finds she has less than a moment for a whispered prayer. Will help arrive in time?

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READING ROOM REVIEWS

This was a wonderful book by prolific author Mindy Starns Clark. This was a good suspense novel with an element of romance, and both aspects kept me guessing until the end. The characters were very likeable and believable and the plot was intriguing. This story is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.


Faith
By Jennifer Haigh
Harper
Retail price $25.99
Amazon Price: $13.97


Book Description: .

In the spring of 2002, a perfect storm hits Boston: Trusted priests are accused of the worst possible betrayal. Faith explores the fallout for one devout family.

Estranged from her family, Sheila McGann returns home when her older brother, Art—a popular pastor—finds himself at the center of the maelstrom. Her strict mother is in a state of angry denial. Sheila’s younger brother, Mike, has convicted his brother in his heart. But most disturbing of all is Art himself, who dodges Sheila’s questions and refuses to defend himself.

As secrets begin to surface, Faith explores the corrosive consequences of one family’s history of silence—and the resilience it finds through forgiveness. A suspenseful tale of one woman’s quest for the truth, Faith is a haunting meditation on loyalty and family, doubt and belief. Elegantly crafted, sharply observed, this is Jennifer Haigh’s most ambitious novel to date.


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READING ROOM BOOK REVIEW

This is the best book I've read in a long time. It was well written, sensitively told family story about a devout Roman Catholic family with buried secrets. I could hardly put the book down and read it whenever I had a free moment. It was intelligent, thought provoking and a real page turner.

~Reviewed by Ann Jeanie K.

Monday, May 16, 2011


Following God One Yes at a Time

By Connie Cavanaugh
Harvest House
Retail Price $12.99
Amazon Price: $10.39

Book Description:

Everyone experiences dry times in their spiritual lives. Noted speaker Connie Cavanaugh offers a wealth of insights to help believers find Jesus? living water during desert times. Connie shares five obstacles that hinder faith and then provides action steps readers can take to reestablish a vibrant relationship with God so that?

  • when doubt strikes, they can use biblical truths to keep their faith strong.
  • when they feel out of touch, they'll know how to say yes to God and persevere.
  • when they feel inadequate, they can be sure God believes in them.
  • when they believe they've failed, they can be confident God will redeem their efforts.
  • when they slip from 'fearing God' to being afraid, they will know God loves them and will help them.

Offering strong encouragement, Following God One Yes at a Time gives readers what they need to triumph through Jesus Christ.

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READING ROOM REVIEW

This was a very practical book that spoke to my very soul. While it was convicting at times, it was also very humorous. The author had me laughing out loud at the escapades of her family. Cavanaugh's ability to share stories and then make such sound and practical spiritual application is truly amazing. This book is one you won't want to miss.

~Reviewed by Penny N.

Sort of Like a Rock Star


Sort of Like a Rock Star
By Matthew Quick
Little Brown for Young Readers
Retail Price: $8.99
Amazon Price: $5.99

Book Description:

Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism--and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope? With an oddball cast of characters, and a heartwarming, inspiring story, this novel unveils a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope.

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READING ROOM REVIEW


This is a fantastic book for teenage girls. It ran the gamut of emotions, taking you to the lowest of lows to the mountain tops. You will laugh and you will cry. And you will be surprised by all the twists and turns. The main character is a strong young woman, who endures much hardship, yet doesn't give up her dreams. She serves as a role model for young women everywhere. The book is beautifully written and the story is very touching. I highly recommend it.