Favorite Christian Books

The Scroll By Grant R. Jeffrey & Alton L. Gansky / WaterBrook Press Dr. David Chambers is a biblical archeologist of some fame and held in high regard by his peers. But what began as an effort to prove authenticity of the biblical narrative has become a burden. Angry at a father who was too busy to attend his mother’s death bed, and years later abandoned by the love of his life, Chambers has grown disenchanted, unbelieving and is ready to toss expertise aside to pursue a new field of study .That changes when his old mentor and one of the few men he respects calls and persuades him to make one more dig–one that would bring great wealth to everyone involved. Using his specialized knowledge in ancient tunnels beneath Jerusalem and the enigmatic message of the Copper Scroll, Chambers under takes what he assumes will be his last research trip in the Holy Land. What he discovers not only changes his life, but the thinking of the world. It also ushers in the End Times.

My Review: I’ve read several books by Alton Gansky and have thoroughly enjoyed them from beginning to end.  Unfortunately, this was not a book that grabbed me like his others. I don’t know if that came from team writing this book when his others were solo works. However, at times the story seemed to drag and I felt there were some loose ends when it was over. Lest you think the story was all bad it wasn’t. The cast of characters presented in this story offered a great deal. David Chambers was a true example of an ego mantic celebrity, at least in his own mind. He was more concerned about having things “his way” regardless of the effect his words and actions had on others.  His former fiancé, Amber, was a shining example of a steadfast belief in the truth. I think my favorite character was the head of security, Landau. A secular Jew that was tough as nails, actually tougher than nails with a no nonsense attitude.

Although a book I wasn’t crazy about, if you enjoy the idea of following Biblical archeology and learning about the historical artifacts then this might be a good pick for you. The basis for their search, the Copper Scroll, does indeed exist and it was interesting to learn about it. If you like end times stories and the idea of ways Biblical prophecy might be fulfilled then you may enjoy this story.

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

Maggie’s Journey, McKenna’s Daughters Series #1 By Lena Nelson Dooley / Realms When 18-year-old Margaret Lenora Caine learns that she’s adopted, she feels betrayed by her birth parents and by the wealthy family who raised her. When another secret robs Maggie of what’s left of her identity, she strikes out on her own to find her "real self." Will her long-time love, Charles, be able to help?

When I received an email from Lena Dooley about visiting FCB I was shocked! I’ve followed her blog and enjoyed her interviews and giveaways for a few years now. And she wanted to me on MY blog!!! I had never read one of Lena’s books since she seemed to write historical fiction which wasn’t my first choice in genres.  However, I was so honored to have Lena here that I thought it was time to try it out.  I’ll tell you more about that in the review later. For now, my interview with Lena.

Interview:

FCB: When you reach heaven, other than Jesus, what Biblical character are you most looking forward to meeting and why?

Lena: There are so many, it’s hard to decide. It would be either Queen Esther or Mary the mother of Jesus.

FCB: What would be the first question you would like to ask him/her?

Lena: With Esther, I’d want her first-person account of the events that led her to make the decision that could have cost her life. And with Mary, I’d want to ask her how she was able to withstand the gossip that had to surround her pregnancy.

FCB: When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up?

Lena: I don’t remember wanting to be anything but a wife and mother when I was a little girl.

FCB: What are your New Year’s Resolutions or goals as we start this new year?

Lena: I’m not much of a New Year’s Resolution person. I do plan to try to get closer to the Lord this year. And I must meet a couple of book deadlines as well.

FCB: We see a lot of advice out there for writers, but what advice would you give someone like me, who enjoys reading and writing reviews on a book? What makes a good review?

Lena: I do like for the reviewer to be honest. Too much flattery isn’t helpful. Neither is too much criticism. The reviewer should realize that there are so many different genres of books because readers like them. If a book isn’t to that reviewer’s taste, he or she should find things about the quality of the writing to compliment. And that person can couch any negative things in kinder words, instead of attacking authors or their subject matter.

As an author, I do like to know when the reviewer really "gets" what the author was trying to do with the story. But as an author, I know that not everyone will love the books I write.

And a reviewer should never, ever have any spoilers that reveal too much of the story.

Thank you so much Lena.

Ways to get to know more about Lena:

www.lenanelsondooley.com
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts – Official fan page
www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley
lenanelsondooley on Goodreads
lenandooley on Twitter

Lena’s Synopsis:  Near her eighteenth birthday, Margaret Lenora Caine finds a chest hidden in the attic containing proof that she was adopted. The daughter of wealthy merchants in Seattle, she feels betrayed both by her real parents and by the ones who raised her.

Maggie desires a place where she belongs. But her mother’s constant criticism and reminders that she doesn’t fit the mold of a young woman of their social standing have already created tension in their home. With the discovery of the family secret, all sense of her identity is lost.

When Maggie asks to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, her father agrees on the condition that she take her Aunt Georgia as a chaperone and his young partner, Charles Stanton, as protection on the journey. Will she discover who she really is and, more importantly, what truly matters most in life?

My Review: Being only the second historical fiction story I’ve ever read, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was drawn into the story. The author gives us a storyline that could be very realistic as you think about what life was like during the time of the wagon trains to the west. Even eighteen years later with train travel, it was a difficult and often dangerous time. The author articulates in an easy to read and follow manner that allowed me to feel like I was there experiencing the hardships.

Each character brings something to the story that allowed me to see myself. My first impression of Maggie was she was a spoiled little rich girl, which of course, she was, however, as the story develops so doe she. In her search for the truth about her real parents she learns the true meaning of family. Other characters reminded me of the dangers of passing judgment when we don’t have all the facts. (Ok, even when we have all the facts should we judge?) This story also teaches the importance of forgiveness.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read and is willing to step out of their norm.  I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review her book. I was under no obligation to give this review anything buy my honest opinion.

The Giveaway: Be sure to read the instructions otherwise you won’t have a chance to win.

1 copy of Maggie’s Journey (North America only)

Winner must find the answer to this question on my web site:

What scripture, given by Tommy Tyson at a retreat, did God use to tell me to become a professional writer?

The winner will be chosen on January 22, 2012 at 9:00PM PST.

The Wolf of Tebron, Gates of Heaven Series #1 By C.S. Lakin / Living Ink A young blacksmith must undertake a perilous journey to the four ends of the world to rescue his wife, who is held captive by the Moon. Along the way, he befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his human friend. A stirring allegory of God’s love in classic fairy tale tradition.

My Review: Although this is book one of the Gates of Heaven series, it is the third one I’ve read. This series is nice, in that you do not have to read them in the order they were release. Although, having read book two when Joran, our young blacksmith, returns a horse to Jareth, I perked up as he is one of the characters in book two. But he is merely mentioned and it doesn’t affect either story.

Once again as I read a fairy tale by this author I find myself transported into a land where a young man can mindspeak with animals. And although he was picked on his entire life he met a beautiful woman who became his wife. Joran’s wife, Charris, is away visiting family and Joran is troubled by nightmares. Joran soon learns his wife never arrived at her destination and he must begin a search to find her and the source of his nightmare. Early in his journey he encourages a wolf who is caught in a trap. He rescues the wolf, thus indebting the wolf to Joran as a traveling companion.

This story is imaginative, especially with Joran’s ability to mindspeak with animals. I found myself falling in love with the wolf who goes by the name Ruyah. His wisdom and sense of humor is both thought provoking and entertaining. This story also has some very touching moments that I found myself crying. Joran’s journey to rescue his wife is a journey many of us travel where we explore our hearts and learn how God wants us to live. But remember it is a fairy tale through and through.

If you have the opportunity to read any of this series by C.S. Lakin, I would encourage to read one. The author does a wonderful job painting pictures the places Joran and Ruyah travel. Her writing style flows nicely.

Disclaimer: The ebook that I actually read did come from the publisher, but before that I did purchase a copy of this book so I could read it.